The band released their Swedish Grammi-winning debut album "Supershitty to the Max!" in 1996. Just before a tour opening for Kiss, the band recruited keyboardist and percussionist Anders Lindström (also known as Boba Fett or Boba) on a part-time basis; he would become a full-time member in 1999. After the album "Payin' the Dues" in 1998, Dregen left the band to return to Backyard Babies full-time, and Mattias Hellberg and Danne Andersson were recruited to complete the band's touring responsibilities. After the release of "Grande Rock", which featured additional guitar playing from both Lindström and Hellberg, Robert Dahlqvist was hired as a full-time lead guitarist in 1999. With the lineup now solidified, the band released three more studio albums and a cover album, with many EPs and limited-edition releases as well. The Hellacopters disbanded amicably in 2008 so the members could move on to other projects. Eight years later, the band reassembled in 2016, initially for an exclusive performance at Sweden Rock Festival to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of their award-winning debut album "Supershitty to the Max!".
In October 2021, the band announced that they had signed with the record label Nuclear Blast to release a new album in the spring of 2022. The album, "Eyes of Oblivion", was released on April 1, 2022.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hellacopters
Discography
Supershitty to the Max! (1996)
Payin' the Dues (1997)
Grande Rock (1999)
High Visibility (2000)
By the Grace of God (2002)
Rock & Roll Is Dead (2005)
Head Off (2008)
Eyes of Oblivion (2022)
Gimme Shelter
The Hellacopters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uhhhh, Uhhhh
Oh, a storm is threatning my every life today
I fi don't get no shelter, oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
Oh, children
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
See the fire is sweeping, our very street today
Feel the burn like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost its way
Oh, children
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
Oh, children
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
Oh, it's just a shot away
Baby, yeah
mmm, the floods is threatning, my very life today
Gimme, now gimme shelter, ho Lord, I'm gonna fade away
Oh, children
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
Oh, children
It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away
I tell you, love, sister, it's just a kiss away
it's just a kiss away
I tell you, love, sister, it's just a kiss away
kiss away, kiss away
Mmmm
Yeah, just a kiss away
mmm, yeah a saturday
I tell you, love, sister, it's just a kiss away
it's just a kiss away
It's just a kiss away, kiss away, kiss away
The Hellacopters' cover of "Gimme Shelter" is a bleak and intense rendition of the classic Rolling Stones song released in 1969. The song is infused with a sense of threat and danger, as it describes a storm threatening the singer's life, fire sweeping across the streets, and floods menacing his existence. The repeated refrain of "it's just a shot away" adds to the air of impending violence, while the promise that "love, sister, is just a kiss away" offers a glimmer of hope.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that they refer to the political and social turmoil of the late 1960s, a time of protests, civil rights struggles, and anti-war activism. The idea that danger is just around the corner, and that even love and peace are precarious, speaks to the anxiety and uncertainty of the era. The repeated use of the word "children" can also be interpreted as a call to unity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Another possible interpretation is that the song is about a personal struggle with addiction or mental illness. The storms, fires, and floods could represent the internal turmoil and chaos that the singer is experiencing, and the need for shelter or protection reflects a desire for safety and stability. The theme of love as a remedy could also point to the role of human connection and support in overcoming personal struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, a storm is threatning my every life today
The present situation is dire and disastrous for me, and if it continues, it may take away my life.
I fi don't get no shelter, oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away
If I don't get any protection or support from the situation at hand, I might suffer a grave or fatal outcome.
See the fire is sweeping, our very street today
The danger has now spread close to home, and is gradually consuming everything in its path.
Feel the burn like a red coal carpet, mad bull lost its way
The impact of the situation is agonizing and torturous like walking on a burning carpet, with aggressive and unforgiving chaos around.
mmm, the floods is threatning, my very life today
A different catastrophe is now imminent, and it poses a serious danger to my survival.
Gimme, now gimme shelter, ho Lord, I'm gonna fade away
I urgently need a safe space or protection from the ongoing danger, or else I am certain to face disastrous consequences.
I tell you, love, sister, it's just a kiss away
Despite the numerous challenges and suffering, there is still a chance to find love or comfort, and it's not too far out of reach.
It's just a kiss away, kiss away, kiss away
The small moments of love or joy, however fleeting, can offer a much-needed respite from the ongoing chaos and danger.
Writer(s): Mick Jagger, Keith Richards Copyright: Abkco Music Inc.
Contributed by Elizabeth N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ettnoll Bajen
Not only are the Copters one of the best rockband around,their covers were always excellent
simon trucker
There aren't many bands that could've added something extra to the greatest rock song of all time, but damn, the 'Copters did it!
Kim Maverick
good job Hellacopters !! love the cover
P*
They dedicated an entire career to enlighten and educate generations on where it all came from. And they never touched it without tremendous respect. Look at how they recorded and played w Scott Morgan (who is what is left of the Sonics Rendezvous Band). Just a love for the scene, released on vinyl. Like made to not...make no money. It is a tragedy we lost Robert. I cant grip that.
kevin fry
Saw Scott Morgan play last June,he's still got that great voice.
Ken Olson
Gary Rasmussen is still around.
Dave Anchovies
Suppershitty To The Max will always be my favorite...but they did plenty of covers and made them sound right in place with their own songs.
Sweden's almost best of the last few decades...unfortunately Henry Fiat's Open Sore have it locked down :)
Many great rock and roll bands have crept out of Sweden, though. These guys deserved more of an audience but they definitely weren't ignored in the USA
Altrn0
@Dave Anchovies band return 1 april 22 eyes of oblivion new album.
antonio berti
one of the great STONES songs in a great HELLACOPTERS version... enjoy !!!
Ximi_77
Wow....this is almost as good as the original!!!!