You guys are a treat! So darn adorable. Great song and great reaction! OK, now that we've gotten over the "Geddy bump", now we can "lead you to gold", as you so eloquently said! By the way, speaking of eloquence, tip of the hat to you, Eddie, for knowing about the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem, "Kubla Khan, or, A Vision in a Dream, A Fragment" (1797)! Yes, Neil Peart has said that there was a time when he obsessed over the Coleridge fragment and he brought the ideas into the sessions for the album "A Farewell to Kings" (1977). He wrote the lyrics based on Kubla Khan as well as Citizen Kane. So, yes, Rush are a mastermind trio, musicians par excellance (not to mention Neil's incredible lyric writing)! So what's next? The question is do you want to check out more EPIC or more of their popular, radio-friendly music? it's all great, as only Rush can do it, but some is more musically challenging (from the mid-to-late 70's, particularly) and some is more musically main-stream. For Epics, I would suggest their 1976 song "2112". It's a side-long concept piece set in the year 2112 and it's plenty EPIC! But, if you want to try out the more mainstream stuff, check out their song "Red Barchetta"! It's a great story-telling, Prog-Pop-Rock song that shows off their talents! Keep going!
Excellent information! i had no idea, but will certainly check out the poem. And to Eddie, I wasn't an Alvin & the Chipmunks fan until 35, despite their obvious musical talent and being one of the most influential bands ever, so I totally understand getting hung up on the voice. As a fan of drummers, may I suggest Kevin Haskins of Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, and Love & Rockets. Not broadly well known, but some of BIlly Corgan's biggest influences are lesser know bands like Bauhaus and The Jeaus & Mary Chain. You might recognize Go! by Tones on Tail, and So Alive by Love & Rockets, but I'd start with Sanity Assassin by Bauhaus. Headphones are highly recommended for the panning, layering, and special effects employed by this Haskins trio of super innovative bands, still ahead of their time. Just subbed for the great reactions from a super fun duo, but perhaps consider a Patreon :)
So few know the reference Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the unfinished poem that influenced Neil Peart's lyrics for this song, and even fewer know that the ruin that was once Xanadu is a real place on the Alph River in Northern China, and is a World Heritage Site. But Neil's use of it to rif on the misbegotten search for immortality is the best part of the lyrics - the protagonist discovers immortality and, at the same time discovers it is a hopeless prison, and he wishes for death. It makes the point that the bittersweet beauty of life is that it must end. As the 4th anniversary of Neil's passing approaches, i reflect on how much he is missed. Seeing people rediscover his music keeps him with us.
Especially this solo. This is one of Alex’s most awesome and moving solo, second only to his first solo in La Villa Strangiato. If someone paused in the middle of that solo there is no punishment harsh enough.
I remember listening to this as a kid over and over again to understand how much natural talent these guys had. My first introduction to them was Hemispheres. Another over and over with headphones!
Yeah, three geniuses, seven necks, and more instruments than you can count. Neil has an entire orchestral percussion section, Geddy plays bass, synths, pedals, six string guitar and sings, while Alex plays six and twelve string guitar and pedals. Never have three people done so much multi-tasking on stage live. Talent beyond all recognition!! Oh yeah, and they wrote all of this too.
Love watching people's facial expressions when they first watch this video it's as though they are seeing what real musicians are for the first time. 😊
Rush is deep rabbit hole... here are some piece that you don,t want to miss Tom Sawyer - original video The spirit of radio - animation video Working Man - Live in Cleveland The Garden - from Clockwork Angels tour So many more... Once you'll get hooked enough you'll be ready for 2112 a 20+ minutes masterpiece... if you do it someday I recommend the comic book version because it will help you to follow the story
If you want to hear Geddy's full vocal range, you need to react to the epic song 2112. You'll hear the harsh, high pitched sound of Geddy's voice in some parts of the song and a very mellow lower pitched sound in other parts of the song. It's a long song, but it is the song that saved Rush's career when the record company was getting ready to abandon them due to poor sales of their previous album. BTW, when I was younger I had a hard time with Geddy's voice too. I'm 57 now and I think his voice one of the greatest in the history of rock and roll. Definitely in the top 5. My favorite vocal performance by Geddy is on the song "The Camera Eye". Absolute banger of a song and Geddy's voice is amazing on it.
Rush ended up with over 170 songs, at least 20 of which are widely considered masterpieces. In Xanadu they demonstrate that while playing one of the most complex pieces of music every composed, they're so good that they can screw around on stage and still nail it, each of them playing at least three instruments. Truly amazing!
As it turns out, at the time of this performance, Neil was 29 and Geddy and Alex were both 28. So not exactly spring chickens. Mind you, as I turn 55 next week, I am frequently tinkering with my conceptions of young and old. By the way, just two years later, Modern Drummer Magazine inducted Neil Peart into its Hall of Fame (by far the youngest living drummer to receive the honour). He also holds the record for most covers for that magazine (10).
RUSH IS: Geddy Lee: Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson: Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus pedals Neil Peart: Drum kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, plywood, tympani
I second the headphones. For sure so you can hear everything but almost as important so there isn't audio bleed where we can hear two versions of audio in the reaction recording.
Geddy's voice is...unique, I could always understand when friends were like "I really dig the music but can't get into that dudes vocals" but he fits so well, and despite his vocal pitch, he really is a good vocalist, what he does is impressively difficult and he always has such a natural flow with all his instruments and vocals and the band overall, Rush are another "lightning in a bottle" type of group, the whole seems greater than the musicians themselves, and they are all damn good musicians individually, a perfect ensemble band. This song was a regular staple throughout their tours, them breaking out the double-neck guitars being a cool thing to anticipate, Alex dubbed his "the backbreak special"
One of their epics! Those are double neck guitars. I would recommend headphones and also please do not pause in the middle of a guitar solo. 😉 I would suggest Red Barchetta from the same concert Exit Stage Left Kudos for knowing the poem the song was based on! Cheers
RUSH IS: Geddy Lee: Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson: Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus pedals Neil Peart: Drum kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, triangles, plywood, tympani, and Symphonic Chimes
If you want to hear high-pitched Geddy, listen to "Anthem", "Fly By Night", "Something For Nothing", "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", "Cygnus X-1" and "Hempisheres: Cygnus X-1 Book 2". There are others, but those are the ones that jump to mind immediately.
Basically, any album from the early to mid 70’s, starting with the first, simply called “Rush”. They had a different drummer on that first one, and basically sounded like Led Zeppelin, IMO, voice and all. It was an influence. My wife still cannot abide Geddy’s voice. She thinks he sounds like an angry elf. At least she will admit that the music is good. And I’m sure she hasn’t listened to a lot of their later stuff. All men’s singing voices get lower as they age.
What's especially amazing about this song is that, despite being a 10min long one, when it was time to record for the album, they walked in the studio, played it & nailed it on the very first attempt. Madness! And at 14:31, the switch from top to bottom neck from Alex is so flawlessly smooth, so few people even notice it.
My personal favorites include 'scream out desperation.....BUT!!!' from No One at the Bridge, 'every soul a battlefield' from Hemispheres, Take Off, and Geddy's final real classic Geddy vocal in Battlescar. Honorable mention to his line in Tears are not Enough.
Its one song. This is progressive rock, it will progress from one sound/time signature to the next. They will use both necks on the guitar and the bass throughout the song. You will find they do nothing for "the looks", the double necks are needed, as there is no time to switch to another instrument when playing this song live. Neil has orchestral bells, also called tublar bells, along with chimes etc. Thanks for checking out more Rush, it is advanced listening but you will learn to appreciate whats going on in time. Also, are you listening to this on laptop speakers? I recomend good headphones, you are missing so much.
A couple of early songs when Geddy is pretty shrill with the voice, Fly By Night, and Anthem. For other songs to check out, my favorite by Rush is a 2 song volume from 2 different albums. Cygnus X-1 Book 1 The Voyage (Geddy gets his shriekiest at the end of this one), and Hempispheres, Cygnus X-1 Book 2. Almost 30 minutes of greatness.
Great reaction. Geddy’s voice is amazing from a sheer technical standpoint but it is definitely different. I didn’t care for his voice either when I first heard it in the late 1970s but as a young drummer I couldn’t help but be blown away by Neil’s playing, so I listened to a lot of their music, and eventually came to love and appreciate his incredible voice. Geddy is an absolute treasure; he’s one of the greatest bass players of all time who also manages to sing brilliantly, play keyboards and be all around humble and amazing human being. Check out side 1 of 2112 or anything/all of the Hemispheres, Permanent Waves Moving Pictures or Signals albums! It’s a deep rabbit hole👍🏻
@@-theeddieshow- A really good showcase of Geddy's earlier voice is probably 2112...I would recommend the version of the video that tells the animated story of the song. Be warned, it is one song in multiple parts and will take you on a major trip...you may want to partake of some THC before reacting. Another suggestion would be something off of Rush's first double live album All the World's a Stage...hereafter known as ATWAS...and I would suggest the version of Bytor and the Snow Dog from ATWAS. You will hear Rush letting it all hang out on that one...Geddy, Neil, and especially Alex were playing with absolutely no limits...Alex does an extended psychedelic solo that would send Hendrix on a trip...again, THC is recommended for listening.✌ P.S. You will only find an audio for stuff on ATWAS, with just the cover art, but you won't care...trust me. Oh, and not for nothing, the live version of the song In the End that immediately follows Bytor on ATWAS is absolutely incredible too...and really features Geddy's singing.
When the band started making serious music in the early 70's, no one wanted to sing, so Geddy agreed to do it, as his voice was very high but still pretty good. They were so young back then, and it took several years for Geddy's voice to mellow. Going into the 1990's and 2000's, Geddy's voice had become much richer. Geddy's voice was a perfect fit for the band, as their unique sound and high-tempo songs demanded a unique voice. 👍👍
I’ll be the guy in this comments section 😅 The guitar Geddy uses in this video is a double-necked Rickenbacker 4080/12. Bass on top 12 string on bottom. Everyone confuses it for a 6 string.
I would also mention selected cuts from All the World's a Stage, particularly "Anthem" -- spine-tingling stuff. Speaking of spines, the guitars have double necks, but I give props for a clever description as best you saw it. 🤘👍
Xanadu is off their 1977 album: A Farewell to Kings! 76-78 was RUSH’s PROPHETIC ROBES PERIOD! Watch their official videos from 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres albums! Very mystical!
Great reaction! If you were good tackling Xanadu - then you're ready for their 20+ minute epic 2112!! There you will hear what highs Geddy could get his vocals! For some, his voice is an acquired taste because it is on the higher register. Personally, I love it. Their 80's output saw him singing in a slightly lower register - I think it was partly for vocal health & longevity. Other musts: Subdivisions, By-Tor & The Snow Dog, Working Man, Limelight, Mystic Rhythms, Animate...
I was 14 in 1981. I'm 55 now and Rush is STILL my favorite band since 1974. You want some rockin Rush songs.....here are a few of my favs. "Closer to the heart"...."Working man"...." Cinderella man"....."Beneath between behind "..... "Anthem "....."Red sector A"
The guitars have two NECKS. You have to check out Rush's most well-known song Tom Sawyer. Also Limelight from the same album - Moving Pictures. Other great songs (as if they're all not great) are Closer to the Heart, Freewill, The Spirit of Radio, and their classic instrumental La Villa Strangiato. Alex's guitar solo in that is perfection.
Those are called "double neck" Guitars, they allow for the performer to change between a 12 string to 6 string (Alex) or (Geddy) to move between Bass and 6 String. I saw them every tour since the Hemispheres album, back when they came out barefoot and had white fury carpet on the stage. Xanadu as amazing as it sounds is something you have to be there to experience. The synths and Moog Taurus pedals create such fullness that you feel it all over your body and the floor actually rumbles.
People from my generation (I'm 61) knew all about double-neck guitars, synths and could name most of Neil's percussion instruments. We would sit and listen to albums with only the liner notes and our own thoughts - instead of crappy little ear buds and scrolling our phones the entire time. No offense to anyone intended!
Little correction here. Geddy's double neck are a bass and a 12 string guitar. The Rickenbaker 12 string headstock looks a lot like a 6 string, so it is easily mistaken. There is keys on the side but also in the back of the head.
@@alainrobillard4300 I stand corrected, it looked to me like 6 tuning heads, so I assumed he had a six string. I'm even more impressed because that means he was probably filling in for some of the more intricate arpeggios. I do see Geddy strumming some chords towards the end when Alex is memorizing us with his lead.
Xanadu is based upon Samuel Taylor Coleridge's, Kubla Khan an opium induced dream poem. Great recognition. At 15:57 there is a Neil Peart stick flip that always amazes me. Very quick and subtle without a missed beat (of course).😯
@@-theeddieshow-That was a fast response. I hadn't even fully edited my response. Nice to see you're into Rush. Spirit of Radio is a good video. Either the animated video and/or live in Toronto (Paint It Black intro) are excellent. I love the Rush 1974-1980 material. Geddy Lee's vocal range was more uninhibited in their early material.
His voice was higher earlier than this back when they first started...that's when people were really critical of his singing voice...his voice really tones down after this tour and next studio album. The really high pitch singing was in the early 70's to be heard over the loudness of their music.
"Now we're fans of Rush!" WELCOME TO THE RUSH FAMILY!!! So appreciate you guys and these Rush reactions! TOO FUN! Kayla, you said, "they're masters" before their intro even completed. Yes they are - they are modern-day Mozart's! Their musicality, complex arrangements, compositions, transitions, lyrics, ability to seamlessly weave in and out of time signatures - all from 3 guys! - PURE GENIUSES!! Appreciate you! On to your next reaction...
This is an amazing and complex song. Their 2112 album changed their entire future and they became a force in Rock. I would suggest Tom Sawyer, Fly By Night, Limelight.....as these are some of their most popular songs. Love live RUSH!!
Samuel Taylor Coolridge: based on his poem: Kubla Khan which drummer/lyricist Neil Peart changed to Xanadu. You may know another band called: IRON MAIDEN did of another one of his poems called: RYME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER!
True, just like Geddy going to the guitar on his two neck at the end of the song, and also playing the keys with his foot, while slapping the bass and singing.....if the drum set was closer, he would probably grab a stick and hit something on Neil´s set....I just do not know how he does it......I guess you can point it to highly developed "Hemispheres".......
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary
Spirit of Radio is a good listen or Working Man live in Cleveland is a must listen off their very first album. Getty's voice isn't so shrill but they show you differences and range of his singing. 🤘RUSH🤘Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦
The only problem with Rush is that there is no standard tune. They made a point of not repeating themselves and pushing themselves musically. What amuses and amazes me in equal quantities is how many people are discovering Rush through reaction videos like this. Rush fans have always known how incredibly talented they were/are, we just couldn’t understand why no one else saw it as well! For 3 people to have that much talent, be very close friends, and to set such high standards (Geddy and Alex have been friends since school) it’s like rock’s holy trinity!
I imagine when I hear Xanadu that Neil Peart is young again with his long hair and handlebar mustache smiling and saying: IVE ACHIEVED PARADISE…IVE REACHED XANADU!
If you want to hear Geddy's voice sounding really nice and not screechy in a really heartfelt song, listen to The Pass. The studio version. Or Second Nature from Hold Your Fire.
Kubla Khan. A poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Many aspects of the song were pulled directly from the poem. What Neil Peart added was the idea that while a person stayed in Xanadu, they were immortal. This song follows a man's journey to discover, then reside in Xanadu. Eventually, as our character spent a thousand years there, and realized the world he knew and all that he loved is dead and gone, he sees "the prison" that Xanadu actually is. None of the immortality story is in the poem although the poem does touch on some sort of despair. RIP Neil Peart. 💔
Great reaction. I was at the 1981 tour at the Philadelphia Spectrum. I was 20. I was lucky enough to see Rush 6 or 7 times in the late 70's through the early 90's. Every show was incredible.
This song is from their 1977 album, A Farewell to Kings. You keep saying how young they are... They only looked particularly young, they were already in their late twenties when they played this concert. The band had been active since 1968, this is from 1981... they were already veterans of their '70s era, by then! lol
1989's "The Pass" (with lyrics) will show you what made Rush a truly great band and outright save people's lives. It's also a much more subdued version of the band, with Geddy taking his pitch down and octave or so.
Hey guys! Liked your review. I've been a RUSH fan since High School (1980's). Been a bass / synth player ever since. I've also been in multiple RUSH tribute bands. This stuff is HARD to replicate!! One thing I'd like to add is you prob didn't notice but, both Geddy & Alex are playing floor keys. (If you watch their legs moving around). Basically a remote keyboard that you trigger with your foot connected to the synths via MIDI (musical digital interface). It's not easy!! Took me quite a while to get used to it. Playing bass and keys at the same time (with my foot!). Anyway... Now that I'm an old fart I stopped all that over exertion. By all means keep going down the RUSH rabbit hole!!
You my friends are why we watch reaction videos. Rush is a journey. I saw them 12 times and to hear you say how much you would like to see them gives me chills. i started in 1978. its corny but they did change my life. i barely understood any of the lyrics using word like recinante and cygnus x1. it made me pick up a book and read about their lyrics. i studied astronomy because of them. "Life is just a candle and a dream Must give it flame" Neil Peart
Samuel Coleridge I believe his name. Bonus points even knowing that poem. That's the first time I've seen a reactor actually know the poem! Iron Maiden did Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner by him. You two rock!
Xanadu - Live Exit stage left, One of the best, if not “the best” live performance ever. After you hear this, you have no words for what you just heard.
I brought my first RUSH album in 1977. What I love about being a musician as well as a lover of history are the stories behind the music. Geddy and Alex have been best buddies since grade school. If you watch this video, you will see them goof around and share a laugh. Geddy whispers in Alex's ear, they even lean against each other back to back...all while playing complex masterpieces like this. Says a lot about their friendship AND musicianship. Alex is the cut up...the goofball and jokester. Fun Fact: Saw an interview with Neil Peart where he said his mom asked him why looked so serious when he plays? He said, 'The is HARD mom!'
well this was the 1st tour I got to go see them as a freshman in hs my big brother took me after he turned me onto them by buying me 2 albums for my 13th birthday one was 2112 and the other was Elton john goodbye yellow brick road. Still love them both. Over the years have had the good luck to of seen Rush 21 times live and to alot I'm still a newbie lol. Glad you are giving the boys another listen its a deep but fun rabbit hole.
Hello, I saw this show live at the spectrum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The energy in that concert was off the charts. Almost like there was a divine presence and you can tell with the way it sounds. I went on to see 10 more tours and in my opinion they were all great but this was the best.
Alex is using a 12-string on the top with a 6-string on the bottom. Geddy is using a bass on the top with a guitar on the bottom. His guitar is only used at the end of the song. When his vocals start, he’s also playing keyboard pedals with his feet and playing bass. The lyrics are written by Neil. (RIP)
Nice reaction video. I just now came across your channel. You two could make a complete channel just about RUSH! For an early sample of Geddy's hi voice check out "Anthem" and you have to do a review of "2112" the studio version. If you loved "Xanadu" you'll also LOVE "2112"!! RUSH is one of my five top all time favorite bands since I first heard "Fly by Night" in 1975! You're both in for an epic musical journey! Enjoy the trip! 🤩
Appreciate you even looking! (Its a double neck guitar. 12 and 6 string. (Geddy's is double neck base combo also) please understand and appreciate the musicianship. it was very complicated at the time and there hasn't been anyone better since. Ever.
Thoroughly enjoyed this reaction guys, glad to see you kept on exploring Rush further! Xanadu is one of my all time favorites for sure. Actually discovered them from the bass subreddit around the time when the Ki$$ bassist, whatever his name was, told in an interview about "teaching" Geddy Lee the blues scale 😂 I had to find out what it was all about, and oh boy, was I in for a treat! 😎
My first concert was in 1982, the Signals tour from Rush. I was a 15 year old school band drummer and my life changed that night. I was lucky enough to see them 14 more times through the years.
I first heard Rush in the '70s, when "Working Man" was released. Geddy's voice was so different from anything I had heard at the time, I rejected them. Where I lived, there were very few options as far as radio stations go, so I wasn't really exposed to prog rock, and that was about the only Rush song that was ever played. Several years later, I'd occasionally hear songs such as "Tom Sawyer" and "Freewill", and I grudgingly admitted that I liked those songs. However, I couldn't bring myself to invest in an album, just because I liked one song, so it wasn't until I was nearly 60 years old that I discovered that I could buy a "greatest hits", .mp3 collection off of Amazon. I was blown away by songs that never got radio air time around here, such as "The Trees", and for the first time I heard the opening movements of "2112", "Overture" and "The Temples of Syrinx". Shortly after buying that album, I saw a video of their "Time Machine" tour in Cleveland (2011). At that point, Rush rocketed to the top of my list of greatest bands ever. Sadly, I missed an opportunity to see them during their final tour. Never seeing them live, will always be a great regret in my life. As for a "piercing" performance of Geddy's voice, Cygnus X-1, The Voyage will serve that up nicely. That song is the last one on the Farewell to Kings album, and should be quickly followed up with the 18 minute long Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres song, which was the first song on their following album, oddly enough titled "Hemispheres". If the Tubes allow it, there are comic book style videos of each, that include the lyrics. Hemispheres especially, is a story that's still very relevant in our current time.
Let's just say I've been a fan of Rush since long before you were born. It makes me so happy to see the younger generations fall into the rabbit hole that is Rush. You will NOT be disappointed. Welcome to the smallest symphonic orchestra known. RUSH.
‘Working Man’ Live in Cleveland is when they were a older. I feel Getty’s voice got better as he got older IMO,, I highly recommend Working Man Live In Cleveland.
My first Rush show was in 1981, definite recreational use happening at the time🤣 I've always been a fan since my first listen but I know many people who cant get past Geddy's vocals. His voice is unique for sure but I think people who aren't willing to give them a good listen are really missing out on some incredible talent. Awesome video guys!❤
Fun Story. A friend of mine introduced me to Geddy's tech and so in 2012 and 2015 I had the opportunity to visit him at the venue in the afternoon to gawk at the gear and hang out. At the Vancouver show in 2015 he showed me and a friend through all the various basses Geddy was using on the tour, with special attention to the black doubleneck Rickenbacker (even though it wasn't Geddy's original, that having been given to some museum). I asked if he was playing that one that night, but unfortunately the red one was in the rotation, as it was the next weekend in Vegas for the show I was going to. Minutes before the show in Vegas, I got a text from John, 'surprise in Xanadu.' I asked my friend what he thought it might be. "Kimonos...?" It WAS a surprise to see Geddy playing the black doubleneck; John texted after the show 'I switched out the red one because I know you and Tim wanted to see him play the black one.' "you can do that?!" 'I control everything' .... lol
I had the privilege of seeing them twice. Great shows! I have all their albums. Their catalog is amazing. With their great drummer Neil peart gone, I really miss them.
Ok so I’ll try and make this brief. I seen this show three days after it was recorded live in Montreal Quebec on March 27,1981. They did a show in Phoenix Arizona on April 4th 1981, I was at that show which was exactly the same as what you saw on the video. Their musical set was the same. Lighting, special effects…etc etc. In fact I remember that at that time the concert venues were still allowing animal seating. So no one that was on the floor of the arena had seats to sit in, everyone stood and rushed the stage. In fact it got so warm in the concert hall - and I was right up front standing directly in front of Alex Lifeson’s mic stand, that when Xanadu started and the dry ice fog began to roll of the stage, I can still remember how cool it felt it was like an air conditioner was blowing on me. I had gotten two tickets from my parents for my graduation present. I was graduating in less than a month from the date of that concert. Obviously I never forgot that night it has stuck with me for the past 42 years and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. You see Rush has never been a band that the cool kids liked. It was us nerds that really grabbed on to this band because they were so good, both melodically and technically proficient. Rush made us cool, so instead of feeling like outcast from our peers, we made our own class of people - “Rush Fans”! This band literally saved some of us because being a social outcast back then meant something entirely different. Many of us wanted to just “step through the looking glass” so to speak. But Rush was there, they saved us. That’s why we’re so passionate about them. When we lost Neil it was…heartbreak, and there’s no coming back from that, you just have to move on. Oh and by the way those things you were calling “sticks” is actually called “necks” so Geddy and Alex were playing “double neck” guitars.
Great reaction! I love watching people discover Rush. If you want to hear Geddy sing high and clear, the same album will give us Closer to The Heart. Enjoy the clarity and upper ranges of Geddy"s voice.
Hey, again, folks. If you'd like to experiance a Canadian performer who's vocal range is at the other end of the spectrum... Leonard Cohen "You Want it Darker" also very deep lyrics.
This song is my favorite version of the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. But surprisingly, it is not the only adaptation of this work I know. There was another written and released after this one by the band ELO, and this ELO song was covered by Olivia Newton John. Nobody has covered the Rush song because nobody other than Rush is talented enough to do it.
A lot of rush fans don't like Geddy's voice in various tunes, but those are just his pipes (you can hear when he talks that that;s how he'll sing): His musicianship and intonation are perfect; so it's just like not being faulted for not liking the sound of the clarinet anywhere and everywhere it might appear. But we can add, it's part of what makes them them ..... and he's on most people's shortlist for top ten bass players. : ) Also the three nicest guy in rock and roll. But sub goes to the : "It looks like they may not need you to be their fan ..." lmao
Oh.... You absolutely have to watch their induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Epic! THAT will fill in a lot of pieces for you guys. Subtle comments to jabs, but researching content from that will give you a wonderful appreciation.
![Rush ~ Xanadu ~ Exit Stage Left [1981] The Wolf HunterZ Reactions](/img/n.gif)
You guys are a treat! So darn adorable. Great song and great reaction! OK, now that we've gotten over the "Geddy bump", now we can "lead you to gold", as you so eloquently said! By the way, speaking of eloquence, tip of the hat to you, Eddie, for knowing about the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem, "Kubla Khan, or, A Vision in a Dream, A Fragment" (1797)! Yes, Neil Peart has said that there was a time when he obsessed over the Coleridge fragment and he brought the ideas into the sessions for the album "A Farewell to Kings" (1977). He wrote the lyrics based on Kubla Khan as well as Citizen Kane. So, yes, Rush are a mastermind trio, musicians par excellance (not to mention Neil's incredible lyric writing)! So what's next? The question is do you want to check out more EPIC or more of their popular, radio-friendly music? it's all great, as only Rush can do it, but some is more musically challenging (from the mid-to-late 70's, particularly) and some is more musically main-stream. For Epics, I would suggest their 1976 song "2112". It's a side-long concept piece set in the year 2112 and it's plenty EPIC! But, if you want to try out the more mainstream stuff, check out their song "Red Barchetta"! It's a great story-telling, Prog-Pop-Rock song that shows off their talents! Keep going!
Thanks for the comment, friend! And the suggestion! ❤
check out their live version of Working Man 2011 in Cleveland
Excellent information! i had no idea, but will certainly check out the poem. And to Eddie, I wasn't an Alvin & the Chipmunks fan until 35, despite their obvious musical talent and being one of the most influential bands ever, so I totally understand getting hung up on the voice.
As a fan of drummers, may I suggest Kevin Haskins of Bauhaus, Tones on Tail, and Love & Rockets. Not broadly well known, but some of BIlly Corgan's biggest influences are lesser know bands like Bauhaus and The Jeaus & Mary Chain.
You might recognize Go! by Tones on Tail, and So Alive by Love & Rockets, but I'd start with Sanity Assassin by Bauhaus. Headphones are highly recommended for the panning, layering, and special effects employed by this Haskins trio of super innovative bands, still ahead of their time. Just subbed for the great reactions from a super fun duo, but perhaps consider a Patreon :)
So few know the reference Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the unfinished poem that influenced Neil Peart's lyrics for this song, and even fewer know that the ruin that was once Xanadu is a real place on the Alph River in Northern China, and is a World Heritage Site. But Neil's use of it to rif on the misbegotten search for immortality is the best part of the lyrics - the protagonist discovers immortality and, at the same time discovers it is a hopeless prison, and he wishes for death. It makes the point that the bittersweet beauty of life is that it must end. As the 4th anniversary of Neil's passing approaches, i reflect on how much he is missed. Seeing people rediscover his music keeps him with us.
NEVER pause one of Alex's solos! As your homework assignment you must listen to this 100 times in a row with headphones.
😂
I came here just to say that! 🤦🏻♂️
Especially this solo. This is one of Alex’s most awesome and moving solo, second only to his first solo in La Villa Strangiato. If someone paused in the middle of that solo there is no punishment harsh enough.
I remember listening to this as a kid over and over again to understand how much natural talent these guys had. My first introduction to them was Hemispheres. Another over and over with headphones!
Yep.. NEVER!!
Yeah, three geniuses, seven necks, and more instruments than you can count. Neil has an entire orchestral percussion section, Geddy plays bass, synths, pedals, six string guitar and sings, while Alex plays six and twelve string guitar and pedals. Never have three people done so much multi-tasking on stage live. Talent beyond all recognition!! Oh yeah, and they wrote all of this too.
Wrote it all… besides the poem😉 Thanks for watching!
It's easy to miss, but Geddy is playing a bass and 12-string guitar. The other pegs point out the back of the headstock.
And where like in their early 20's
@Lance Williams Clever
Love watching people's facial expressions when they first watch this video it's as though they are seeing what real musicians are for the first time. 😊
Thanks for watching!
Rush is deep rabbit hole... here are some piece that you don,t want to miss
Tom Sawyer - original video
The spirit of radio - animation video
Working Man - Live in Cleveland
The Garden - from Clockwork Angels tour
So many more... Once you'll get hooked enough you'll be ready for 2112 a 20+ minutes masterpiece... if you do it someday I recommend the comic book version because it will help you to follow the story
We do love our comics! Thanks for watching!
Not the clockwork angels tour version of The garden please listen to the studio version. Geddy's voice is totally shot on their last tour.
I'd add in "Freewill" so they can hear Geddy's "normal" voice for most of the song, with his amazingly high vocal range in the middle of the song.
I second "the Spirit of Radio" and "2112", great stuff. Newer songs "Driven" and "Test for Echo" are bangers.
People either love Geddys voice or hate it.... I absolutely love it!
It works with Rush so well!
If you want to hear Geddy's full vocal range, you need to react to the epic song 2112. You'll hear the harsh, high pitched sound of Geddy's voice in some parts of the song and a very mellow lower pitched sound in other parts of the song. It's a long song, but it is the song that saved Rush's career when the record company was getting ready to abandon them due to poor sales of their previous album. BTW, when I was younger I had a hard time with Geddy's voice too. I'm 57 now and I think his voice one of the greatest in the history of rock and roll. Definitely in the top 5. My favorite vocal performance by Geddy is on the song "The Camera Eye". Absolute banger of a song and Geddy's voice is amazing on it.
Thanks for the info!
Rush ended up with over 170 songs, at least 20 of which are widely considered masterpieces. In Xanadu they demonstrate that while playing one of the most complex pieces of music every composed, they're so good that they can screw around on stage and still nail it, each of them playing at least three instruments. Truly amazing!
As it turns out, at the time of this performance, Neil was 29 and Geddy and Alex were both 28. So not exactly spring chickens. Mind you, as I turn 55 next week, I am frequently tinkering with my conceptions of young and old.
By the way, just two years later, Modern Drummer Magazine inducted Neil Peart into its Hall of Fame (by far the youngest living drummer to receive the honour). He also holds the record for most covers for that magazine (10).
He deserved it. Thanks for watching!
I did not know that, but not surprised. I deeply miss Neil, just hearing him speak his mind and and his perceptions of life itself is unmatched.
RUSH IS:
Geddy Lee: Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals
Alex Lifeson: Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus pedals
Neil Peart: Drum kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, plywood, tympani
Double-neck guitars.
Also, always use headphones.
And have the lyrics on hand.
I second the headphones. For sure so you can hear everything but almost as important so there isn't audio bleed where we can hear two versions of audio in the reaction recording.
And I thought I was doing a good thing by matching it up while editing.😞 Thanks for watching though!
@@-theeddieshow- You did great, it's just that these songs are so epic and Rush fans are so detail oriented we nitpick! Lol Do what makes you happy.
Geddy's voice is...unique, I could always understand when friends were like "I really dig the music but can't get into that dudes vocals" but he fits so well, and despite his vocal pitch, he really is a good vocalist, what he does is impressively difficult and he always has such a natural flow with all his instruments and vocals and the band overall, Rush are another "lightning in a bottle" type of group, the whole seems greater than the musicians themselves, and they are all damn good musicians individually, a perfect ensemble band. This song was a regular staple throughout their tours, them breaking out the double-neck guitars being a cool thing to anticipate, Alex dubbed his "the backbreak special"
Thanks for watching!
One of their epics! Those are double neck guitars. I would recommend headphones and also please do not pause in the middle of a guitar solo. 😉
I would suggest Red Barchetta from the same concert Exit Stage Left
Kudos for knowing the poem the song was based on!
Cheers
You’re suggestions have been heard. Thanks for watching!
Yeah, I can hear an echo from the speakers 🎧
Pausing during a solo is considered poor form
RUSH IS:
Geddy Lee: Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals
Alex Lifeson: Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus pedals
Neil Peart: Drum kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, triangles, plywood, tympani, and Symphonic Chimes
If you want to hear high-pitched Geddy, listen to "Anthem", "Fly By Night", "Something For Nothing", "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", "Cygnus X-1" and "Hempisheres: Cygnus X-1 Book 2". There are others, but those are the ones that jump to mind immediately.
Thanks for watching!
Bastille day
Basically, any album from the early to mid 70’s, starting with the first, simply called “Rush”. They had a different drummer on that first one, and basically sounded like Led Zeppelin, IMO, voice and all. It was an influence.
My wife still cannot abide Geddy’s voice. She thinks he sounds like an angry elf. At least she will admit that the music is good. And I’m sure she hasn’t listened to a lot of their later stuff. All men’s singing voices get lower as they age.
RUSH The greatest rock band that ever was or ever will be.
What's especially amazing about this song is that, despite being a 10min long one, when it was time to record for the album, they walked in the studio, played it & nailed it on the very first attempt. Madness!
And at 14:31, the switch from top to bottom neck from Alex is so flawlessly smooth, so few people even notice it.
We do now!
2112 has Geddy's best vocal performance IMO.
Thanks for commenting!
My personal favorites include 'scream out desperation.....BUT!!!' from No One at the Bridge, 'every soul a battlefield' from Hemispheres, Take Off, and Geddy's final real classic Geddy vocal in Battlescar.
Honorable mention to his line in Tears are not Enough.
Happy Birthday to Kayla! Have the gift of RUSH🎉
Thank you ☺️🥰🥰🥰
First rule for a reaction video : never stop it on a guitar solo ! Never ! ;-)
Right? I almost threw my phone across the room🤣
Sorry guys 😞
Its one song. This is progressive rock, it will progress from one sound/time signature to the next. They will use both necks on the guitar and the bass throughout the song. You will find they do nothing for "the looks", the double necks are needed, as there is no time to switch to another instrument when playing this song live. Neil has orchestral bells, also called tublar bells, along with chimes etc. Thanks for checking out more Rush, it is advanced listening but you will learn to appreciate whats going on in time. Also, are you listening to this on laptop speakers? I recomend good headphones, you are missing so much.
Still getting the sound issues worked out. Thanks for watching!
A couple of early songs when Geddy is pretty shrill with the voice, Fly By Night, and Anthem. For other songs to check out, my favorite by Rush is a 2 song volume from 2 different albums. Cygnus X-1 Book 1 The Voyage (Geddy gets his shriekiest at the end of this one), and Hempispheres, Cygnus X-1 Book 2. Almost 30 minutes of greatness.
Keep seeing Fly by Night pop up. Thanks for watching!
I'm in a tiny minority I guess but my favorite Rush song is the camera eye.
@wendymotogirl The Camera Eye is a good song, but personally, not a favorite.
Great reaction. Geddy’s voice is amazing from a sheer technical standpoint but it is definitely different. I didn’t care for his voice either when I first heard it in the late 1970s but as a young drummer I couldn’t help but be blown away by Neil’s playing, so I listened to a lot of their music, and eventually came to love and appreciate his incredible voice. Geddy is an absolute treasure; he’s one of the greatest bass players of all time who also manages to sing brilliantly, play keyboards and be all around humble and amazing human being.
Check out side 1 of 2112 or anything/all of the Hemispheres, Permanent Waves Moving Pictures or Signals albums! It’s a deep rabbit hole👍🏻
We’re in for the long haul!
@@-theeddieshow- A really good showcase of Geddy's earlier voice is probably 2112...I would recommend the version of the video that tells the animated story of the song. Be warned, it is one song in multiple parts and will take you on a major trip...you may want to partake of some THC before reacting. Another suggestion would be something off of Rush's first double live album All the World's a Stage...hereafter known as ATWAS...and I would suggest the version of Bytor and the Snow Dog from ATWAS. You will hear Rush letting it all hang out on that one...Geddy, Neil, and especially Alex were playing with absolutely no limits...Alex does an extended psychedelic solo that would send Hendrix on a trip...again, THC is recommended for listening.✌
P.S. You will only find an audio for stuff on ATWAS, with just the cover art, but you won't care...trust me. Oh, and not for nothing, the live version of the song In the End that immediately follows Bytor on ATWAS is absolutely incredible too...and really features Geddy's singing.
Welcome to the RUSH FAMILY! You both are Awesome! I had the Pleasure of seeing Rush 45 times! Looking forward to more of Your Spirited Rush reactions!
45, WOW! Thanks for watching!
When the band started making serious music in the early 70's, no one wanted to sing, so Geddy agreed to do it, as his voice was very high but still pretty good. They were so young back then, and it took several years for Geddy's voice to mellow. Going into the 1990's and 2000's, Geddy's voice had become much richer.
Geddy's voice was a perfect fit for the band, as their unique sound and high-tempo songs demanded a unique voice. 👍👍
I’ll be the guy in this comments section 😅 The guitar Geddy uses in this video is a double-necked Rickenbacker 4080/12. Bass on top 12 string on bottom. Everyone confuses it for a 6 string.
Specific! Thanks for watching!
I'm sure many have already said this, but if you want to hear Geddy's voice in all of its glory, buckle yourselves in and listen to 2112.
I would also mention selected cuts from All the World's a Stage, particularly "Anthem" -- spine-tingling stuff. Speaking of spines, the guitars have double necks, but I give props for a clever description as best you saw it. 🤘👍
We tried! 😂 Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching!
RUSH!!!(I suggest listening w lyrics on all songs) 2112 has a full spectrum of Geddy's vocals. peace
Thanks for the info!
Smashing Pumpkins guy is a massive Rush fan, by the way.
That tracks. Thanks for watching!
Xanadu is off their 1977 album: A Farewell to Kings! 76-78 was RUSH’s PROPHETIC ROBES PERIOD! Watch their official videos from 2112, A Farewell to Kings, and Hemispheres albums! Very mystical!
Great reaction! If you were good tackling Xanadu - then you're ready for their 20+ minute epic 2112!! There you will hear what highs Geddy could get his vocals! For some, his voice is an acquired taste because it is on the higher register. Personally, I love it. Their 80's output saw him singing in a slightly lower register - I think it was partly for vocal health & longevity.
Other musts: Subdivisions, By-Tor & The Snow Dog, Working Man, Limelight, Mystic Rhythms, Animate...
Thanks!
I was 14 in 1981. I'm 55 now and Rush is STILL my favorite band since 1974. You want some rockin Rush songs.....here are a few of my favs. "Closer to the heart"...."Working man"...." Cinderella man"....."Beneath between behind "..... "Anthem "....."Red sector A"
Thanks for the knowledge!
The guitars have two NECKS. You have to check out Rush's most well-known song Tom Sawyer. Also Limelight from the same album - Moving Pictures. Other great songs (as if they're all not great) are Closer to the Heart, Freewill, The Spirit of Radio, and their classic instrumental La Villa Strangiato. Alex's guitar solo in that is perfection.
I want to get to TS soon. Thanks for watching!
Necks...not spines. You should know something about this before trying to do a show like this
Those are called "double neck" Guitars, they allow for the performer to change between a 12 string to 6 string (Alex) or (Geddy) to move between Bass and 6 String. I saw them every tour since the Hemispheres album, back when they came out barefoot and had white fury carpet on the stage. Xanadu as amazing as it sounds is something you have to be there to experience. The synths and Moog Taurus pedals create such fullness that you feel it all over your body and the floor actually rumbles.
People from my generation (I'm 61) knew all about double-neck guitars, synths and could name most of Neil's percussion instruments. We would sit and listen to albums with only the liner notes and our own thoughts - instead of crappy little ear buds and scrolling our phones the entire time. No offense to anyone intended!
Little correction here. Geddy's double neck are a bass and a 12 string guitar. The Rickenbaker 12 string headstock looks a lot like a 6 string, so it is easily mistaken. There is keys on the side but also in the back of the head.
@@alainrobillard4300 I stand corrected, it looked to me like 6 tuning heads, so I assumed he had a six string. I'm even more impressed because that means he was probably filling in for some of the more intricate arpeggios. I do see Geddy strumming some chords towards the end when Alex is memorizing us with his lead.
"Imagine being there." I was. Not that specific show, but on that tour.
Lucky! Thanks for watching!
Xanadu is based upon Samuel Taylor Coleridge's, Kubla Khan an opium induced dream poem. Great recognition. At 15:57 there is a Neil Peart stick flip that always amazes me. Very quick and subtle without a missed beat (of course).😯
Opium! That was it!
@@-theeddieshow-That was a fast response. I hadn't even fully edited my response. Nice to see you're into Rush. Spirit of Radio is a good video. Either the animated video and/or live in Toronto (Paint It Black intro) are excellent. I love the Rush 1974-1980 material. Geddy Lee's vocal range was more uninhibited in their early material.
Headphones are a must for the real experience!!
His voice was higher earlier than this back when they first started...that's when people were really critical of his singing voice...his voice really tones down after this tour and next studio album. The really high pitch singing was in the early 70's to be heard over the loudness of their music.
That makes sense. Thanks for watching!
"Now we're fans of Rush!" WELCOME TO THE RUSH FAMILY!!! So appreciate you guys and these Rush reactions! TOO FUN! Kayla, you said, "they're masters" before their intro even completed. Yes they are - they are modern-day Mozart's! Their musicality, complex arrangements, compositions, transitions, lyrics, ability to seamlessly weave in and out of time signatures - all from 3 guys! - PURE GENIUSES!! Appreciate you! On to your next reaction...
🫶🏼
This is an amazing and complex song. Their 2112 album changed their entire future and they became a force in Rock. I would suggest Tom Sawyer, Fly By Night, Limelight.....as these are some of their most popular songs. Love live RUSH!!
Thanks for watching!
Samuel Taylor Coolridge: based on his poem: Kubla Khan which drummer/lyricist Neil Peart changed to Xanadu. You may know another band called: IRON MAIDEN did of another one of his poems called: RYME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER!
Thanks!
How come no one ever mentions when Alex switches from 12-6 strings.
It’s so cool
You just did! Thanks for watching!
David Heretic was the first reactor I know who caught the 12 to 6 transition. That was a couple years ago.
True, just like Geddy going to the guitar on his two neck at the end of the song, and also playing the keys with his foot, while slapping the bass and singing.....if the drum set was closer, he would probably grab a stick and hit something on Neil´s set....I just do not know how he does it......I guess you can point it to highly developed "Hemispheres".......
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR!
With heart felt admiration and sincerity!
Gary
Spirit of Radio is a good listen or Working Man live in Cleveland is a must listen off their very first album. Getty's voice isn't so shrill but they show you differences and range of his singing. 🤘RUSH🤘Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦
Oh Canada!
BOSS LEVEL DRUMSTICK THROW AND CATCH BY THE PROFESSOR!
You saw it!
The only problem with Rush is that there is no standard tune. They made a point of not repeating themselves and pushing themselves musically. What amuses and amazes me in equal quantities is how many people are discovering Rush through reaction videos like this. Rush fans have always known how incredibly talented they were/are, we just couldn’t understand why no one else saw it as well! For 3 people to have that much talent, be very close friends, and to set such high standards (Geddy and Alex have been friends since school) it’s like rock’s holy trinity!
Thanks for watching!
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!
I imagine when I hear Xanadu that Neil Peart is young again with his long hair and handlebar mustache smiling and saying: IVE ACHIEVED PARADISE…IVE REACHED XANADU!
If you want to hear Geddy's voice sounding really nice and not screechy in a really heartfelt song, listen to The Pass. The studio version. Or Second Nature from Hold Your Fire.
Thanks for the tip!
WELCOME TO #RUSHFAMILY.
Always listen to Rush with lyrics ok?
People tend to forget that music from this era is analog. No digital filters or auto tune. Pure talent and dedication.
Love your reaction and what a devine rabbit hole Alex,Geddy and Neil. ..a fan since 78. A must listen in this order... Hemispheres , then 2112 !!!!;;
Thanks for watching!
8 years before you were born . That’s so cool you are listening to them !!!
My first concert was 1976, 2112
Kubla Khan. A poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Many aspects of the song were pulled directly from the poem. What Neil Peart added was the idea that while a person stayed in Xanadu, they were immortal. This song follows a man's journey to discover, then reside in Xanadu. Eventually, as our character spent a thousand years there, and realized the world he knew and all that he loved is dead and gone, he sees "the prison" that Xanadu actually is. None of the immortality story is in the poem although the poem does touch on some sort of despair.
RIP Neil Peart. 💔
That’s literally amazing. Thanks for commenting!
RUSH: Making other bands say: WTF since 1974!
"They look so young" True, but they're into their second decade as a group at this point. They formed in 1968 (with Neil added a bit later).
Started early! Thanks for watching!
If my math is correct, this performance took place approximately 42 years ago. Wow!
Holy heck!
Phenomenal RUSH!! Saw them many times here in Canada 🇨🇦. Fantastic
3 musicians at the very Top of the talent tree!❤
Great reaction. I was at the 1981 tour at the Philadelphia Spectrum. I was 20. I was lucky enough to see Rush 6 or 7 times in the late 70's through the early 90's. Every show was incredible.
I believe it. Thanks for watching!
This song is from their 1977 album, A Farewell to Kings. You keep saying how young they are... They only looked particularly young, they were already in their late twenties when they played this concert. The band had been active since 1968, this is from 1981... they were already veterans of their '70s era, by then! lol
Good info. Thanks for watching!
1989's "The Pass" (with lyrics) will show you what made Rush a truly great band and outright save people's lives. It's also a much more subdued version of the band, with Geddy taking his pitch down and octave or so.
Thanks for watching!
Hey guys! Liked your review. I've been a RUSH fan since High School (1980's). Been a bass / synth player ever since. I've also been in multiple RUSH tribute bands. This stuff is HARD to replicate!! One thing I'd like to add is you prob didn't notice but, both Geddy & Alex are playing floor keys. (If you watch their legs moving around). Basically a remote keyboard that you trigger with your foot connected to the synths via MIDI (musical digital interface). It's not easy!! Took me quite a while to get used to it. Playing bass and keys at the same time (with my foot!). Anyway... Now that I'm an old fart I stopped all that over exertion. By all means keep going down the RUSH rabbit hole!!
Further proof these guys are talented. Thanks for watching!
You my friends are why we watch reaction videos. Rush is a journey. I saw them 12 times and to hear you say how much you would like to see them gives me chills. i started in 1978. its corny but they did change my life. i barely understood any of the lyrics using word like recinante and cygnus x1. it made me pick up a book and read about their lyrics. i studied astronomy because of them. "Life is just a candle and a dream Must give it flame" Neil Peart
Samuel Coleridge I believe his name. Bonus points even knowing that poem. That's the first time I've seen a reactor actually know the poem! Iron Maiden did Rhyme of The Ancient Mariner by him. You two rock!
Thanks so much!
Xanadu - Live Exit stage left, One of the best, if not “the best” live performance ever. After you hear this, you have no words for what you just heard.
Your where correct on on poem. Samuel Taylor Coleridge. "2112" the whole song is side 1. Sci-Fi space Opera for the high Geddy vocals
Thanks for watching!
I brought my first RUSH album in 1977. What I love about being a musician as well as a lover of history are the stories behind the music. Geddy and Alex have been best buddies since grade school. If you watch this video, you will see them goof around and share a laugh. Geddy whispers in Alex's ear, they even lean against each other back to back...all while playing complex masterpieces like this. Says a lot about their friendship AND musicianship. Alex is the cut up...the goofball and jokester. Fun Fact: Saw an interview with Neil Peart where he said his mom asked him why looked so serious when he plays? He said, 'The is HARD mom!'
Didn’t look easy! Thanks for watching!
well this was the 1st tour I got to go see them as a freshman in hs my big brother took me after he turned me onto them by buying me 2 albums for my 13th birthday one was 2112 and the other was Elton john goodbye yellow brick road. Still love them both. Over the years have had the good luck to of seen Rush 21 times live and to alot I'm still a newbie lol. Glad you are giving the boys another listen its a deep but fun rabbit hole.
LOVE Elton John, too!
Hello, I saw this show live at the spectrum in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The energy in that concert was off the charts. Almost like there was a divine presence and you can tell with the way it sounds. I went on to see 10 more tours and in my opinion they were all great but this was the best.
RUSH played my High School in 1973; in Toronto Ontario, Canada and I saw this exact concert in 1981 (plus many, many more)
Keep the Rush reactions coming! You guys are fucking cool! Love how you are always having a great time...
They are probably gonna be a mainstay now.Thanks for watching!
Headphones!! Always use headphones, not earbuds. Now, 2112(a long one), Working Man(live in Cleveland), La Villa Strangiato(official musid video)...
We will take that under advisement. Thanks for watching!
@@-theeddieshow- see edit
🤗 Ayyyyyye! 😊 I'm back for a rewatch! 😂 Kayla's earballs being blessed NEVER gets old! 😁🥰🐰
❤️❤️❤️
Alex is using a 12-string on the top with a 6-string on the bottom.
Geddy is using a bass on the top with a guitar on the bottom. His guitar is only used at the end of the song. When his vocals start, he’s also playing keyboard pedals with his feet and playing bass.
The lyrics are written by Neil. (RIP)
Nice reaction video. I just now came across your channel. You two could make a complete channel just about RUSH! For an early sample of Geddy's hi voice check out "Anthem" and you have to do a review of "2112" the studio version. If you loved "Xanadu" you'll also LOVE "2112"!! RUSH is one of my five top all time favorite bands since I first heard "Fly by Night" in 1975! You're both in for an epic musical journey! Enjoy the trip! 🤩
They have a MASSIVE discography.Thanks for watching!
Appreciate you even looking! (Its a double neck guitar. 12 and 6 string. (Geddy's is double neck base combo also) please understand and appreciate the musicianship. it was very complicated at the time and there hasn't been anyone better since. Ever.
❤️
They were 28 here. Best performance of this song. This entire concert aired on MTV snd I watched with such excitement. Love Rush. Miss them so much.
Back when MTV was good!
Thoroughly enjoyed this reaction guys, glad to see you kept on exploring Rush further! Xanadu is one of my all time favorites for sure. Actually discovered them from the bass subreddit around the time when the Ki$$ bassist, whatever his name was, told in an interview about "teaching" Geddy Lee the blues scale 😂 I had to find out what it was all about, and oh boy, was I in for a treat! 😎
My first concert was in 1982, the Signals tour from Rush. I was a 15 year old school band drummer and my life changed that night. I was lucky enough to see them 14 more times through the years.
Lucky!
This is Rush's second masterpiece.
Saw Rush 18 times ! Check out the rest of this concert !
Will do. Thanks for watching!
Got to see them 19 times always a stellar performance!
Rest in peace Professor...
19! Whoa. Thanks for watching!
Doubleneck guitars. Alex is playing a Gibson with 12 string and 6 string guitar, Geddy is playing a Rickenbacker 4 string bass and 12 string guitar.
Thanks for commenting!
I first heard Rush in the '70s, when "Working Man" was released. Geddy's voice was so different from anything I had heard at the time, I rejected them. Where I lived, there were very few options as far as radio stations go, so I wasn't really exposed to prog rock, and that was about the only Rush song that was ever played. Several years later, I'd occasionally hear songs such as "Tom Sawyer" and "Freewill", and I grudgingly admitted that I liked those songs. However, I couldn't bring myself to invest in an album, just because I liked one song, so it wasn't until I was nearly 60 years old that I discovered that I could buy a "greatest hits", .mp3 collection off of Amazon. I was blown away by songs that never got radio air time around here, such as "The Trees", and for the first time I heard the opening movements of "2112", "Overture" and "The Temples of Syrinx". Shortly after buying that album, I saw a video of their "Time Machine" tour in Cleveland (2011). At that point, Rush rocketed to the top of my list of greatest bands ever. Sadly, I missed an opportunity to see them during their final tour. Never seeing them live, will always be a great regret in my life.
As for a "piercing" performance of Geddy's voice, Cygnus X-1, The Voyage will serve that up nicely. That song is the last one on the Farewell to Kings album, and should be quickly followed up with the 18 minute long Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres song, which was the first song on their following album, oddly enough titled "Hemispheres". If the Tubes allow it, there are comic book style videos of each, that include the lyrics. Hemispheres especially, is a story that's still very relevant in our current time.
Thanks for the info!
Let's just say I've been a fan of Rush since long before you were born.
It makes me so happy to see the younger generations fall into the rabbit hole that is Rush. You will NOT be disappointed.
Welcome to the smallest symphonic orchestra known. RUSH.
Thanks for watching!
I remember seeing them live in the late 70s in Topeka Kansas..I was 13 and knew these guys was going to be epic 😅
Best band. So glad I got to see them 🇬🇧
Lucky!
My favorite band ever! Saw them 15 times before they hung it up. Also ... GO PACK GO!
GPG!
‘Working Man’ Live in Cleveland is when they were a older. I feel Getty’s voice got better as he got older IMO,, I highly recommend Working Man Live In Cleveland.
That one keeps coming up. Thanks for watching!
Seen Rush 5 times in concert starting in 79, was never disappointed.
My first Rush show was in 1981, definite recreational use happening at the time🤣 I've always been a fan since my first listen but I know many people who cant get past Geddy's vocals. His voice is unique for sure but I think people who aren't willing to give them a good listen are really missing out on some incredible talent. Awesome video guys!❤
Fun Story. A friend of mine introduced me to Geddy's tech and so in 2012 and 2015 I had the opportunity to visit him at the venue in the afternoon to gawk at the gear and hang out. At the Vancouver show in 2015 he showed me and a friend through all the various basses Geddy was using on the tour, with special attention to the black doubleneck Rickenbacker (even though it wasn't Geddy's original, that having been given to some museum). I asked if he was playing that one that night, but unfortunately the red one was in the rotation, as it was the next weekend in Vegas for the show I was going to.
Minutes before the show in Vegas, I got a text from John, 'surprise in Xanadu.' I asked my friend what he thought it might be. "Kimonos...?"
It WAS a surprise to see Geddy playing the black doubleneck; John texted after the show 'I switched out the red one because I know you and Tim wanted to see him play the black one.'
"you can do that?!"
'I control everything' .... lol
That’s AWESOME!
I had the privilege of seeing them twice. Great shows! I have all their albums. Their catalog is amazing. With their great drummer Neil peart gone, I really miss them.
Lucky!
Ok so I’ll try and make this brief. I seen this show three days after it was recorded live in Montreal Quebec on March 27,1981. They did a show in Phoenix Arizona on April 4th 1981, I was at that show which was exactly the same as what you saw on the video. Their musical set was the same. Lighting, special effects…etc etc. In fact I remember that at that time the concert venues were still allowing animal seating. So no one that was on the floor of the arena had seats to sit in, everyone stood and rushed the stage. In fact it got so warm in the concert hall - and I was right up front standing directly in front of Alex Lifeson’s mic stand, that when Xanadu started and the dry ice fog began to roll of the stage, I can still remember how cool it felt it was like an air conditioner was blowing on me. I had gotten two tickets from my parents for my graduation present. I was graduating in less than a month from the date of that concert. Obviously I never forgot that night it has stuck with me for the past 42 years and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. You see Rush has never been a band that the cool kids liked. It was us nerds that really grabbed on to this band because they were so good, both melodically and technically proficient. Rush made us cool, so instead of feeling like outcast from our peers, we made our own class of people - “Rush Fans”! This band literally saved some of us because being a social outcast back then meant something entirely different. Many of us wanted to just “step through the looking glass” so to speak. But Rush was there, they saved us. That’s why we’re so passionate about them. When we lost Neil it was…heartbreak, and there’s no coming back from that, you just have to move on. Oh and by the way those things you were calling “sticks” is actually called “necks” so Geddy and Alex were playing “double neck” guitars.
Excellent description of Rush fan base, we all feel the same, regrads from Mexico City
Great reaction!
I love watching people discover Rush.
If you want to hear Geddy sing high and clear, the same album will give us Closer to The Heart.
Enjoy the clarity and upper ranges of Geddy"s voice.
Thanks for the tip.
Hey, again, folks.
If you'd like to experiance a Canadian performer who's vocal range is at the other end of the spectrum... Leonard Cohen "You Want it Darker" also very deep lyrics.
Good idea!
RUSH: Neil was 29, Geddy 28, Alex 28
Thanks!
This song is my favorite version of the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. But surprisingly, it is not the only adaptation of this work I know. There was another written and released after this one by the band ELO, and this ELO song was covered by Olivia Newton John. Nobody has covered the Rush song because nobody other than Rush is talented enough to do it.
We should check out the ELO version. Thanks for watching!
I saw them in 77 and 78 while still at school. Stunning.
Thanks for watching!
A lot of rush fans don't like Geddy's voice in various tunes, but those are just his pipes (you can hear when he talks that that;s how he'll sing): His musicianship and intonation are perfect; so it's just like not being faulted for not liking the sound of the clarinet anywhere and everywhere it might appear. But we can add, it's part of what makes them them ..... and he's on most people's shortlist for top ten bass players. : ) Also the three nicest guy in rock and roll. But sub goes to the : "It looks like they may not need you to be their fan ..." lmao
That was hilarious! Thanks for watching!
Oh.... You absolutely have to watch their induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Epic! THAT will fill in a lot of pieces for you guys. Subtle comments to jabs, but researching content from that will give you a wonderful appreciation.