I was never a fan of the Rolling Stones’ documentary Gimme Shelter, but I forgot how gripping and realistic this scene of understandably self-absorbed musicians listening to a playback of their latest recording was. There may be no better scene of this sort captured on film or video—or at least that’s the claim this scene is making as it shuffles triumphantly around the squared circle, arms raised, proclaiming inevitable victory before the bell has rung on this Battle Royale!

Do you have a studio playback scene to top this one? It can be from a real rock film, a fictional one, or even your own experience. All challengers for the belt will be judged on soulful gazes, knowing nods, off-mic banter, cans, artful couch slouches, wise producers/engineers, gear porn, cool observers, band members singing or air-playing along to the music, studio tans, tracking beards, Oriental rugs, and so forth.

If I heard right, while listening to Black Flag‘s “Slip It In” on the drive into work, Henry Rollins introduces Greg Ginn‘s freakout solo and generally orgasmic fade out with the command to “Mount up!” You can hear it for yourself at the 5:15 mark of this video.

If there is a better vocal intro to a guitar solo than Henry Rollins’ command to “Mount up!” then this is the place to prove it!

Which vocal intro to an instrumental solo dares step inside the squared circle?

Lemmy Kilmister is featured in the current issue of Rolling Stone. The writer called him “rock and roll’s Zelig,” and I think the article laid out a pretty compelling case for him: He was Jimi Hendrix’s roadie; he gave Sid Vicious bass lessons; he attended some of The Beatles‘ Cavern Club shows. On top of all that, he’s Lemmy, for chrissake.

Is there anyone else who has a greater claim Rock and Roll Zelig? Please confine your answers to musicians. I don’t want this to turn into a catfight between Bebe Buell and Pamela Des Barres.