Martin Scorsese shares a deep and enduring connection with The Rolling Stones that transcends mere fandom.
The esteemed director once remarked, “My films would be unthinkable without them,” highlighting the essential role the band plays in his cinematic vision.
Although Scorsese didn’t grow up immersed in rock music, he developed a profound appreciation for the Stones after attending his first concert in 1970, when he was in his late 20s.
He noted, “It was a working-class, conservative background in my family, so we listened to AM radio. But FM was just beginning, with rock ‘n’ roll. So then I heard The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan.”
As with any cultural icon, musical preferences can evolve over time, making it unlikely for someone to maintain the same favorite song from youth into old age.
While Scorsese has repeatedly expressed admiration for The Rolling Stones, he has never publicly named a single song as his all-time favorite.
However, his films offer significant insights into his preferences, subtly reflecting his deep appreciation for the band.
Scorsese stands out as one of the few directors whose influence resonates in both the film and music industries.
His name commands respect in both realms, and he has long been associated with some of rock’s most iconic acts. His knack for creating compelling musical documentaries and concert films showcases his ability to capture the energy of live performances, blending the worlds of cinema and music seamlessly.
Scorsese has collaborated with music legends, including Bob Dylan, to bring the Rolling Thunder Revue to life and capture the final moments of The Band in The Last Waltz.
His contributions to music documentaries, such as Woodstock from 1970, arguably the greatest music documentary of all time, solidify the connection between Scorsese and the musical world.
Yet, it’s clear that the Stones hold a special place in his heart.
The director has woven numerous Rolling Stones tracks into his films, making it almost unusual to watch one of his movies without hearing the band’s music.
Among their tracks, one stands out as a recurring feature, hinting at his potential favorite: the haunting and foreboding “Gimme Shelter.”
This iconic song is often viewed as a farewell to the turbulent 1960s and perfectly aligns with Scorsese’s intense storytelling.
From the 1968 album Let It Bleed, “Gimme Shelter” remains as electrifying today as it was at its release. The song, often referred to as the final war cry of the 1960s, is forever linked with its incendiary refrain: “Rape! Murder! It’s just a shot away.” These lyrics resonate deeply with Scorsese’s cinematic themes.
Mick Jagger described the song as a response to the violent atmosphere of the era, emphasizing its roots in the tumultuous context of the Vietnam War. “It was a real nasty war, and people didn’t like it,” he said. “That’s a kind of end-of-the-world song, really. It’s apocalypse; the whole record’s like that.”
“Gimme Shelter” serves as a crucial element in several of Scorsese’s most iconic films. It enhances pivotal moments in Mean Streets, underscoring Harvey Keitel’s chaotic existence; in Goodfellas, it marks the unraveling of Henry Hill’s life; in Casino, it amplifies scenes of violence and betrayal; and in The Departed, it sets the tone for the film’s complex and violent narrative.
Having featured the song in four different films across three decades, it’s reasonable to conclude that Scorsese considers it one of the most impactful in his cinematic repertoire.
With so many Rolling Stones songs available, it seems likely that “Gimme Shelter” is a strong contender for Martin Scorsese’s favorite track by the legendary band.
