When Mick Jagger, U2 & Fergie Collided for an Explosive ‘Gimme Shelter’

Madison Square Garden hosted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th-anniversary concerts in October 2009. The second evening offered numerous high-profile collaborations before closing act U2 delivered a particularly unexpected combination: Mick Jagger and Fergie joined the band for the Rolling Stones song “Gimme Shelter,” accompanied by will.i.am on keyboards.

Instead of closely duplicating the Stones’ 1969 recording, the group recast the song for the dimensions of an arena show. Backed by U2, Jagger traded vocal duties with Bono. Fergie then assumed the formidable passage associated with Merry Clayton’s performance on the original recording.

Fergie’s approach drew attention in reports from the time, especially for the power of her high notes. She performed the difficult part with confidence, while Jagger crossed the stage with his customary swagger. Later viewers also regarded Fergie’s contribution opposite Jagger as one of the elements that most clearly distinguished the collaboration.

Watch the full performance on page two