This song was a finger to their record company who didn't like their previous album and refused to promote it because they didn't like the musical direction the band was taking. The record company wanted more pop sounding radio friendly songs. This was Rush's answer, a 20 minute masterpiece. The record was a huge success when it came out in 1976 that the record company never bothered them again. Rush assumed control. Brilliant piece of music and a great reaction from you guys. Next Cygnus book 1 and book 2. 😉
I was fortunate to see this played live. I won front row ticks from my local radio station and my seats were directly in front of Geddy's mic. It was EPIC🤯
I was already a Rush fan when this album came out. I reemeber buying this on release day, going home and throwing it on my record player. I must have listened for hours that day. (So did the neighbors.) The fans are what drove Rush, never did they get big radio play, critics panned them thier whole career, but even at 40 years in, they filled stadiums. They didn't finish up like so many bands, playing small clubs and venues. I caught them on thier R30 and R40 tours and I and 20,000 freinds enjoyed every minute. The Rush Army is real.
I've heard this album hundreds of times over the years, it never really gets too far from my regular playlist but, only recently have I listened to it again with a focus on the vocals and they are just outstanding. The amount of different textures and different character that Geddy Lee covers on this album is nothing short of monumental there are moments that are so gentle as to break your heart, and moments of sheer aggression where he's just screaming his heart out and it's pretty amazing on top of an album that's already amazing
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!" 7 words repeated 3 times = 21 "We have assumed control!" 4 words repeated 3 times = 12 2112 is 9:12 PM - which is 3 minutes away as I'm typing this - in 24 hour format, and 9-12 (September 12) was Neil's birthday; and the cover of the above-mentioned Clockwork Angels album features a clock whose hands point to 9:12. If you'd like to see where they went next, I'd like to add my vote for Cygnus X-1. Cheers from Toronto! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Catching up, glad to see this one! :) What caught me was that this was the first song that the drummer played melody at times. Just blew me away, of course I loved the rest of it too. Alex, Geddy, ... As for what next. If you want to do another long track then the Fountain of Lamneth off Caress of Steel is where I would go. If you want to do some shorter works there are so many it's hard to pick. Anthem, Freewill, ... but if you want to hear side B of 2112 those are all good songs too but they are not long and they're interesting.
I bought this album when it came out when I was in junior high school and I played it so much. I love tons of Rush but this remains my absolute favorite Rush album. And don't overlook the songs on side B, several gems in a row and then they close out the album with a total banger but it still has this incredible positive message, Something For Nothing. I saw this back in the 70s in concert and it was every bit as good as the album. Just mind-blowing. They also played several of the other songs from the album.
Great reaction y’all!! I was one who thought y’all might be ready for this one! It’s always better to wait until you kinda “get RUSH” before you tackle this one! This is a fan made video, it does help with the story, but they get it wrong at the end. Our antagonist actually kills himself after his dream!! It’s then that the elder race comes back and bombs out the federation and the world is saved!! Other people have said how this was their big FU to the record company but it was also about people leaning on them to conform and they weren’t having it!! Oh, this was written in 1976, I don’t remember seeing the video until sometime in the late 90’s, but that could have a dream.. lol! They only played this entire song live 1 time. They usually broke it up and played Overture, and Temples. Sometimes Grand Finale! Anywho.. so glad y’all enjoyed! Keep em coming!! Be well and God bless… from Texas #istandwithisrael
The vinyl record was a work of art in itself. It had a high-tech artistic cover of their name and the album's name. The album folded open. The lyrics were printed inside, and preceding each lyric was a diary entry that gave further details beyond the lyrics. The whole first side of the vinyl record was 2112. Whereas their previous album failed after they attempted to write a side-long story (it was very rough around the edges and showed their inexperience), 2112 was their (what they thought would be) last-ditch attempt. They were sure it would be their last album and wanted it to be as good as possible. To date, it's probably their most passionate album. The passion bleeds out of the music and lyrics and singing. It became a classic and will remain so. It's also one of the first examples of early prog-metal.
Awesome, I didn't know this animated clip existed, thank you! BTW, just as a matter of splitting a hair in four at 3:26... It's not a "compilation", it's one whole song, structured as an orchestral symphony. And the reason of its existence (the full album), was contextual to the state of the industry, an ideological confrontation of Rush vs a plutocratic cultural hegemony from the music industry. That true side story, a "live or die" step stone for Rush, is as interesting as the song itself which evokes that confrontation. Although and unfortunately it didn't last beyond Rush itself, In the end, the public (us, who are mere economical agents for such industry - rather than human cultural agents by ourselves), we won.
GREAT reaction guys!! If you had the album, then you had the full story - all the liner notes/lyrics told the story - but this graphic representation is pure genius!! I honestly don't know if Rush requested this done, or if someone did it on their own and they just adopted it on their website - regardless - I'm glad it exists!! A 20+ minute song that just flies by...that's how much it grabs you and takes you along for the journey!! 2112 FOREVER! RIP Neil - thanks for your lyrical and drumming genius. And yes, they DO play this live! In 1997, Test For Echo tour...they played ALL of this - and it was EPIC! Mostly they just do Overture/Temples of Syrinx and sometimes with Finale...
With every new Rush reactor, I look forward to this one, but I'm glad you waited. I consider it easily one of the greatest prog epics ever created, but you wouldn't have truly appreciated it if you started with it. And I'm glad you chose this version, because it's a lot easier to follow the story. In fact, I enjoyed it for many years, before I really understood the story, just because it's so great musically. Once you understand that it's basically a metaphor (about the music industry), it's even cooler still! 👍🤘🤟
Saw them live many times and they played most of 2112 live in most of their concerts. It was a tremendous performance each time! Just last year Geddy and Alex played parts of it during the Hawkins tribute concerts, definitely check that out too see the absolute latest performance of 2112! Love all the Rush reactions and you should keep them going! Available Light is a tremendous song, as is Freewill (if you haven't done that one yet...can't remember)
Great reactions folks! Very funny together. Too cute. Welcome to the ranks! Just for REAL fun watch 2112 live Test For Echo Tour! Alexs guitar work and Geddys voice are awesome!
The Illustrator of this is an AMAZING artist! I'm glad I got to live a life with Neil and be saddened by his leaving us... Decades of love for the boys, They're family to me. Lerxst is such a MONSTER AXEMAN! This was Alex at his peak...Neil's voice in the end " ALL STARSHIPS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION..." ~ a tear...:(
As I mentioned someone down there in a reply note, the band caused this video to be created and released it through Rush's official TH-cam channel. It was released in 2016, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the album upon which it appeared as the title track.
The Foo Fighters did this the intro part when they inducted Rush into the Hall of Fame , Chad Smith the drummer for Red Hit Chilli peppers talked about how as a teen in Detroit he would play this over and over and learn the drum parts , He said every drummer needs to study Rush Pp
Here's the basic story behind 2112. Their management wanted them to do radio friendly songs. This was a protest. They said we're not doing this for you. We're doing it for us. So they made the first half of the record all one song (kinda) and gave them the finger and created this MASTERPIECE😎 This is the story of that battle. Neil Peart wrote all of the lyrics to Rush music. We lost our GOAT. He's playing for GOD now.😇 That was the last time I cried (Sorry Christine. When Stevie goes I'm going to lose it) 😭 I'm jealous because you have the cool earphones like I had with my old turntable in the day. Now all I have is my little computer speaker. This version that's cool with graphics telling the story, in the 1970s we were hit with both barrels with this, and only our imagination. " Listen to my music". "Hear what it can do". "Tere's something here as strong as life". "I know it will reach you." Thank you so much for making this GOAT enjoyable again.😎
FYI, at 22:34 the young man depicted playing the bass his Geddy Lee in is younger days, and the three guys at 22:48 are the guys in Rush, in case you didn't notice.
It was the good guys coming to save the day…..The elder race….to claim the home where they belong,, Great reaction it’s cool to see folks appreciate the level of talent that is Rush…I’ll send you some deep cuts to sample… The different stages of Rush through the years…..just off the beaten path
This was only played live in its entirety on the 2112 tour and on the Text for Echo tour. On other tours they played Overture, Temples of Syrinx,and Grand Finale. Appreciate your effort in taking on this long piece. For future reactions I would recommend Cygnus X-1 books I and II.
This was their big F U! to the record company. The company wanted them to make short and more radio friendly songs. Since their previous album didn't do well, this was possibly the last album for them. They decided to say, "Screw that!" If we're going out, we're going out on our terms. Needless to say, the record company wasn't happy, but the album was a huge hit! So the record company basically said, "we obviously don't get it?" So they pretty much left them alone after that, and the rest is history. Enjoyed your reaction! Take care ✌️
1984 was first printed and released in 1948. I read it in December 1983! However Neil Peart attributes to this song is Ayn Rand and her short novelette The Fountainhead a right wing author who escaped communist Russia to America in 1926 and wrote this philosophical book in 1943 pre-dating Orwell by about 5 years.
Super reaction! I got a huge kick out of listening to where you thought the song was headed as it went along, and I must say, you were really pretty close.😄 I think you should definitely watch the LIVE performance of "2112" from the 1997 concert from the Molson Center in Toronto, Canada. It's an amazing display of musicianship from 3 of the best musicians ever! Up next; "Finding My Way", (very early RUSH). ☮
When you watch the documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage (and you will... you must), you'll see the band members explaining the story behind the production of this song.
Rush song Working Man live in Cleveland. Natural Science live at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto Canada. Fantastic. Luv your reactions. Enjoy the ride. Grew up with Rush for 40 years a d got to see them live twice. Rush Is Timeless.
Yeah there was still a great deal of life left in those early songs in 1976, with Neil kind of putting in his adaptations of John Rutsy's previous drumming. As much as I appreciate the track listing and the great songs that are on the follow-up live album exit stage left.... all the world's a stage is still my favorite live Rush record for sheer intensity and remarkable performance
The only time that I saw Rush was in early 1980. Apparently the concert (FM Set List told me.) opened with 2112, at least most of it. (They left out a chapter or two.) All The World's A Stage was the first Rush album I purchased, way back when. Great album, loved Neil's drum solo on that one. Thx to K & E for the 2112 react.
Saw this live in 1976 as well. Still remember the yellow floor floodlights backlighting Geddy and Alex on the open. For me this was the start of 45 years with Rush.
Each time I hear 2112, now after Neil has passed away and they no longer tour... It's endearing yet heart-wrenching the depths of what they went through from their record company, to critics, to just wanting to be heard while enjoying what they created; knowing there really was a following from fans for their efforts. And often their biggest fans were whoever they opened for on tours, and their fans. It's truly remarkable. Thank you for alerting me to your reaction. It's fun watching you both piece together all the little nuances of Rush that you're picking up on. On a short note, often over the years people referred to Rush's music as anthems... I don't know, I still love referring to it as sophisticated rock and roll. Plain and simple I just love their music. Playing it there's never a dull moment (for long.)
Just saw this so sorry for the very late response... my favorite thing about this is how quite literally it is a telegram to the record label saying "you want radio friendly music? You ARE the priests of the temples of Syrinx."
They did play this live and it’s even better live. There are great rock n roll bands but only two that are literally experiences, Rush and Pink Floyd. They always take you to places you never thought possible listening to music.
For clarification....Neil Peart admitted that this was bad story telling. The people that appear at the end of the song and make the big announcement about 'assuming control' are, in fact, the good guys. They are the 'elder race' that is mentioned earlier in the song. He admitted that he didn't make it clear.
Speaking as someone who heard this when it was released, I like now knowing exactly what they were going for but at the time the slight lack of clarity was rather excellent. It meant we could all discuss it endlessly and then play it again to see which ideas worked best :-)
You two are my favorite Rush reactors.... Surprised it took so long to get to this song.... This is the first Rush song I ever heard.... Saw 53 shows after this including the final show at the Forum in LA.
Hemispheres could be next. It's their next epic, comparable to 2112 with another amazingly written story. Rush famously had their most difficult time recording that whole album and didn't ever play much of Hemispheres (the song) live because of that. Unlike 2112, which they played parts of it and even sometimes the whole song on almost every tour.
So, in the dream, as well as the final sequence, the three men you see standing together are Geddy, Alex and Neil. They represent the "Elder Race of Man". As outlr protagonist is shown in his vision, "They left out planets, long ago, the Elder Race still learn and grow. Their power grows with purpose strong to claim the home where they belong. Home to tear the Temples gown. Home to change." I've always assumed this is who has "assumed control" from the Solar Federation at the end. Rock on kids! 🤘 PS - 1977
Eddie, are you OK? I didn't hear you say "Slappin' da bass!". Did I miss it?😀 This is the first thing I ever heard by RUSH when it was released in 1976 and found my lifelong favorite band. I feel that the intros to this and Hemispheres are like classical overtures that incorporate the melodies we're about to experience. Thanks for letting us share in your journey.
It was 77 i think i was at a friends house and i heard his older bro playing All the World a Stage i got it the next few days And if i make to my 80s i will still be rocking Rush in my hearing aids I hate to say im not a big fan of their stuff after moving Pic though Its their early years that are burnt in my brain forever Peace to ya
Great reaction. Fun stuff. One of my favorite bands. Saw them five times over the course of 40 years. I wasn't going to say anything until you mentioned it. Yes there are live videos and recordings of them doing this in its entirety. Time to do a live reaction of the live video. So much more to of Rush and several other bands to do but have you ever heard Iron Maiden?. I saw them five times also. They are that good. Would love to see your reaction. Thanks. Keep up the great work.👍🖖💓🎶🍻🇨🇦
BTW, there's a fantastic video to watch, called the "Making of 2112 and Moving Pictures." Probably not something to react to, but definitely something to watch!!!
The next great example of storytelling by Rush you should definitely check is "Cygnus X-1 book II" from "Hemispheres" album! 1978 (2112 was in 1976). And it is also available in similar graphic novel form. Even more deep and phylosophical than this one, you'll love it, I guarantee that!
This is gonna be a bit long so bear? bare? with me! So I enjoyed watching you guys react to Rush, I even think I suggested you guys check out some 80's RUSH. But I lost you guys somewhere along the way. Imagine my surprise when I saw a react to "The Enemy Within"! Awesome.... I won't lose you guys again because I promptly subscribed. So while doing the dishes I usually run TH-cam videos to help pass the time, and while elbow deep in soap suds you guys drop a react to 2112! I won't go into the history of why they made that concept album, I'd be surprised if it wasn't in the comments already. I really enjoy watching your reacts to a band I fell in love with when the Roll The Bones album was released. I came late to the party too! The great thing about RUSH is, while they're may be an underlying style, their sound morphs a bit throughout the decades. As the band matures and grows so does their sound. I took that journey backwards from Roll the bones , while following their journey through each successive studio album. That was one of the reasons I asked you to react to an 80's Rush song. So you could see the style/sound morph. And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little bit further.... Along the lines of another RUSH concept album like 2112, I can't recommend Hemispheres enough! or How about some 90's rush. Specifically Heresy from Roll The Bones, and maybe there'll be a bit of relation and a bit more evolution of the band. Keep reacting and I'll keep watching!
It's weird, because the very first time I encountered 2112 and saw that it was 20 minutes long, I never even once thought "oh this is too long." My first thought was "holy shit a 20 minute RUSH song? I need to hear this."
Clockwork Angels is another whole album that tells a story (also a book by Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson). Would love to see an animated "video movie" of that album!
BTW, the 3 guys in the space ship at the end represented Geddy, Neil and Alex. How about newer Rush? You should check out The Garden live from the Clockwork Angels tour (has a string section as well). The song represents the life cycle and the importance of living in the present. It was from their last studio album in 2012. Very different from anything you have reacted to so far.
Check out "The Garden" - Clockwork Angels tour. One of the most beautiful/inciteful songs they ever made. For us Rush fans, also sad because it is their last song from their last album.
So, just a little info on the intro. An overture is a preview of the music to come. Little snippets of music of the songs within the whole. Musicals do this on the regular back in the 50s and 40s.
Yes, they played that song from the time of that first album, however they played an abbreviated version of it. They needed to scale back the length, at the time, because they were still doing Opening Band slots on the 2112 tour. By the end of the tour, of course, Rush was playing almost exclusively Main Act shows -- they were selling out theaters and arena's, because people were blown away by 2112! Awesome! Check out their live album "All the World's a Stage" to hear what that 2112 tour was like! That was when they first were blowing up and catching fire! Woo!
They played it in it’s entirety during the ‘96-97 Test for Echo tour. I was fortunate enough to see them. I just remember us being totally geeked that they played the whole thing.
I'm sure others will add to this but this whole song was in response to their record label threatening to drop them unless they started playing more "radio friendly" tunes. They figured it was inevitable so if they were going to go out, they were going out the way they wanted. Neil Peart assumed he'd be back to working at the farm equipment store after 2112 dropped. Instead, through total word of mouth, people LOVED it and it pretty much set the stage for Rush to do whatever the heck they wanted as far as the labels were concerned
Such a great masterpiece Rush has ever made! This was their way of saying "F you" to their record company, because their previous album to 2112, which was Caress of Steel, didn't do so well, mainly because their record company refused to promote that album. 2112 did so well after that, and their record company left them alone, and Rush had that creative freedom going on to make more epic songs, like Cygnus X-1 Book 1 on their album A Farewell to Kings, which immediately followed after the 2112 album, and Cygnus X-1 Book 2 on their Hemispheres album which followed immediately after A Farewell to Kings.
This album was a big middle finger to their recording studio who basically told them they were out of it. The album before was a bomb. The studio was going to drop them. So they decided to go out in a blaze of glory on their own terms. This was released. People went nuts. After this Rush was allowed to do whatever (mostly unheard of in the industry). This mentality of “we’re going to what we want to do set them apart from other bands. Legends were born.
You guys need to see them pull this off live! The only time they played 2112 in its entirety was during the Test for Echo tour so there is a solid version from 1997 that you should react to! I also think it’s Geddy’s best vocal performance of this song since the original. They played the whole song in a lower key to make it easier for Geddy to hit those higher notes but he delivers a great performance!
2112 was from 1976 and side 2 of this album is fantastic as well. Please react to Cygnus X-1 from the A Farewell to Kings album, also, The Necromancer from the Caress of Steel. Both these songs are definitely something to experience.
Watched an older Rush video y'all did earlier where Eddie said comment other singers with high pitched voices. You should try something from King Diamond.
The song can mean different things to different people but essentially it is the powerful versus the oppressed. Consider, this song was inspired by early Ayn Rand and that should give you some insight if you know who she is. The song doesn't explicitly tell you who won the battle. You can draw from hints to form your conclusion but nonetheless, it remains somewhat unsettled. My interpretation is that was done on purpose so that WE may decide how WE want it to end. In other words, Neil will tell us where we are. It's up to us to secure our future.
Nope, Eddie, you were in Neil Peart's space, not Geddy's!!! PS - As many others have indicated, your next two reactions should be to the following two songs: 1. Cygnus X-1, Book One, the Voyage (from 1976's Farewell to Kings album); and 2. Cygnus X-1, Book Two, from 1977's Hemispheres album). You're welcome!
PPS - Did you catch that? Rush released its album, 2112, in 1976, and....., it also released its album, A Farewell to Kings, in 1976! And they did it while relentlessly touring during that time!
This song was a finger to their record company who didn't like their previous album and refused to promote it because they didn't like the musical direction the band was taking. The record company wanted more pop sounding radio friendly songs. This was Rush's answer, a 20 minute masterpiece.
The record was a huge success when it came out in 1976 that the record company never bothered them again.
Rush assumed control.
Brilliant piece of music and a great reaction from you guys.
Next Cygnus book 1 and book 2. 😉
Spot on!
they specifically asked for shorter 3 min pop songs, and that was the result! 🤣Awesome I luv Rush
And the rest was history!!!
I’ve been listening to this since I was 15. At almost 60 I still love it…
Same here as well.
I was fortunate to see this played live. I won front row ticks from my local radio station and my seats were directly in front of Geddy's mic. It was EPIC🤯
You should give that station a shot out. What station was it?
Sure! It was 102.3 WBAB in Babylon NY, Long Island.
Very cool! I'm going to see Geddy Lee in Boston tomorrow night when he appears at the Orpheum Theater on his "My Effin' Life" spoken word book tour.
I was already a Rush fan when this album came out. I reemeber buying this on release day, going home and throwing it on my record player. I must have listened for hours that day. (So did the neighbors.)
The fans are what drove Rush, never did they get big radio play, critics panned them thier whole career, but even at 40 years in, they filled stadiums. They didn't finish up like so many bands, playing small clubs and venues. I caught them on thier R30 and R40 tours and I and 20,000 freinds enjoyed every minute. The Rush Army is real.
I've heard this album hundreds of times over the years, it never really gets too far from my regular playlist but, only recently have I listened to it again with a focus on the vocals and they are just outstanding. The amount of different textures and different character that Geddy Lee covers on this album is nothing short of monumental there are moments that are so gentle as to break your heart, and moments of sheer aggression where he's just screaming his heart out and it's pretty amazing on top of an album that's already amazing
The other side has some real gems on it too.
This came out in high school, before computers and cell phones, and was prophetic. They've always been visionary in music and lyrics.
“Listen to my music and hear what it can do. There’s something here as strong as life, I know it will reach you.” You’re goddamn right.🔥🤘🏻
I first heard this song/album in 1981 when I was 14 years old….it changed the way I listened to music. I have been obsessed with Rush since.🔥🤘🏻
"Attention all planets of the Solar Federation!"
7 words repeated 3 times = 21
"We have assumed control!"
4 words repeated 3 times = 12
2112 is 9:12 PM - which is 3 minutes away as I'm typing this - in 24 hour format, and 9-12 (September 12) was Neil's birthday; and the cover of the above-mentioned Clockwork Angels album features a clock whose hands point to 9:12. If you'd like to see where they went next, I'd like to add my vote for Cygnus X-1. Cheers from Toronto!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
Catching up, glad to see this one! :)
What caught me was that this was the first song that the drummer played melody at times. Just blew me away, of course I loved the rest of it too. Alex, Geddy, ...
As for what next. If you want to do another long track then the Fountain of Lamneth off Caress of Steel is where I would go. If you want to do some shorter works there are so many it's hard to pick. Anthem, Freewill, ... but if you want to hear side B of 2112 those are all good songs too but they are not long and they're interesting.
I bought this album when it came out when I was in junior high school and I played it so much. I love tons of Rush but this remains my absolute favorite Rush album. And don't overlook the songs on side B, several gems in a row and then they close out the album with a total banger but it still has this incredible positive message, Something For Nothing.
I saw this back in the 70s in concert and it was every bit as good as the album. Just mind-blowing. They also played several of the other songs from the album.
Great reaction y’all!! I was one who thought y’all might be ready for this one! It’s always better to wait until you kinda “get RUSH” before you tackle this one! This is a fan made video, it does help with the story, but they get it wrong at the end. Our antagonist actually kills himself after his dream!! It’s then that the elder race comes back and bombs out the federation and the world is saved!! Other people have said how this was their big FU to the record company but it was also about people leaning on them to conform and they weren’t having it!! Oh, this was written in 1976, I don’t remember seeing the video until sometime in the late 90’s, but that could have a dream.. lol! They only played this entire song live 1 time. They usually broke it up and played Overture, and Temples. Sometimes Grand Finale! Anywho.. so glad y’all enjoyed! Keep em coming!! Be well and God bless… from Texas #istandwithisrael
The vinyl record was a work of art in itself. It had a high-tech artistic cover of their name and the album's name. The album folded open. The lyrics were printed inside, and preceding each lyric was a diary entry that gave further details beyond the lyrics. The whole first side of the vinyl record was 2112. Whereas their previous album failed after they attempted to write a side-long story (it was very rough around the edges and showed their inexperience), 2112 was their (what they thought would be) last-ditch attempt. They were sure it would be their last album and wanted it to be as good as possible. To date, it's probably their most passionate album. The passion bleeds out of the music and lyrics and singing. It became a classic and will remain so. It's also one of the first examples of early prog-metal.
Awesome, I didn't know this animated clip existed, thank you! BTW, just as a matter of splitting a hair in four at 3:26... It's not a "compilation", it's one whole song, structured as an orchestral symphony. And the reason of its existence (the full album), was contextual to the state of the industry, an ideological confrontation of Rush vs a plutocratic cultural hegemony from the music industry. That true side story, a "live or die" step stone for Rush, is as interesting as the song itself which evokes that confrontation. Although and unfortunately it didn't last beyond Rush itself, In the end, the public (us, who are mere economical agents for such industry - rather than human cultural agents by ourselves), we won.
GREAT reaction guys!! If you had the album, then you had the full story - all the liner notes/lyrics told the story - but this graphic representation is pure genius!! I honestly don't know if Rush requested this done, or if someone did it on their own and they just adopted it on their website - regardless - I'm glad it exists!!
A 20+ minute song that just flies by...that's how much it grabs you and takes you along for the journey!! 2112 FOREVER! RIP Neil - thanks for your lyrical and drumming genius.
And yes, they DO play this live! In 1997, Test For Echo tour...they played ALL of this - and it was EPIC! Mostly they just do Overture/Temples of Syrinx and sometimes with Finale...
With every new Rush reactor, I look forward to this one, but I'm glad you waited. I consider it easily one of the greatest prog epics ever created, but you wouldn't have truly appreciated it if you started with it. And I'm glad you chose this version, because it's a lot easier to follow the story. In fact, I enjoyed it for many years, before I really understood the story, just because it's so great musically. Once you understand that it's basically a metaphor (about the music industry), it's even cooler still! 👍🤘🤟
Saw them live many times and they played most of 2112 live in most of their concerts. It was a tremendous performance each time! Just last year Geddy and Alex played parts of it during the Hawkins tribute concerts, definitely check that out too see the absolute latest performance of 2112!
Love all the Rush reactions and you should keep them going! Available Light is a tremendous song, as is Freewill (if you haven't done that one yet...can't remember)
Great reactions folks! Very funny together. Too cute. Welcome to the ranks! Just for REAL fun watch 2112 live Test For Echo Tour! Alexs guitar work and Geddys voice are awesome!
The Illustrator of this is an AMAZING artist! I'm glad I got to live a life with Neil and be saddened by his leaving us... Decades of love for the boys, They're family to me. Lerxst is such a MONSTER AXEMAN! This was Alex at his peak...Neil's voice in the end " ALL STARSHIPS OF THE SOLAR FEDERATION..." ~ a tear...:(
As I mentioned someone down there in a reply note, the band caused this video to be created and released it through Rush's official TH-cam channel.
It was released in 2016, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the album upon which it appeared as the title track.
The Foo Fighters did this the intro part when they inducted Rush into the Hall of Fame , Chad Smith the drummer for Red Hit Chilli peppers talked about how as a teen in Detroit he would play this over and over and learn the drum parts , He said every drummer needs to study Rush
Pp
Here's the basic story behind 2112. Their management wanted them to do radio friendly songs. This was a protest. They said we're not doing this for you.
We're doing it for us. So they made the first half of the record all one song (kinda) and gave them the finger and created this MASTERPIECE😎 This is the story of that battle.
Neil Peart wrote all of the lyrics to Rush music. We lost our GOAT. He's playing for GOD now.😇 That was the last time I cried (Sorry Christine. When Stevie goes I'm going to lose it) 😭
I'm jealous because you have the cool earphones like I had with my old turntable in the day. Now all I have is my little computer speaker. This version that's cool with graphics telling the story, in the 1970s we were hit with both barrels with this, and only our imagination.
" Listen to my music".
"Hear what it can do".
"Tere's something here as strong as life".
"I know it will reach you."
Thank you so much for making this GOAT enjoyable again.😎
FYI, at 22:34 the young man depicted playing the bass his Geddy Lee in is younger days, and the three guys at 22:48 are the guys in Rush, in case you didn't notice.
It was the good guys coming to save the day…..The elder race….to claim the home where they belong,,
Great reaction it’s cool to see folks appreciate the level of talent that is Rush…I’ll send you some deep cuts to sample…
The different stages of Rush through the years…..just off the beaten path
This was only played live in its entirety on the 2112 tour and on the Text for Echo tour. On other tours they played Overture, Temples of Syrinx,and Grand Finale. Appreciate your effort in taking on this long piece.
For future reactions I would recommend Cygnus X-1 books I and II.
OMG, are you listening to this without headphones?! Oh, the humanity!
I love watching you guys love Rush.
This was their big F U! to the record company. The company wanted them to make short and more radio friendly songs. Since their previous album didn't do well, this was possibly the last album for them. They decided to say, "Screw that!" If we're going out, we're going out on our terms. Needless to say, the record company wasn't happy, but the album was a huge hit! So the record company basically said, "we obviously don't get it?" So they pretty much left them alone after that, and the rest is history.
Enjoyed your reaction!
Take care ✌️
They told the priests to hit the bricks. Great story.
1984 was first printed and released in 1948. I read it in December 1983! However Neil Peart attributes to this song is Ayn Rand and her short novelette The Fountainhead a right wing author who escaped communist Russia to America in 1926 and wrote this philosophical book in 1943 pre-dating Orwell by about 5 years.
Super reaction! I got a huge kick out of listening to where you thought the song was headed as it went along, and I must say, you were really pretty close.😄 I think you should definitely watch the LIVE performance of "2112" from the 1997 concert from the Molson Center in Toronto, Canada. It's an amazing display of musicianship from 3 of the best musicians ever! Up next; "Finding My Way", (very early RUSH). ☮
When you watch the documentary, Beyond the Lighted Stage (and you will... you must), you'll see the band members explaining the story behind the production of this song.
Dayum Kayla……. I Love the whole Princess Kayla vibe!
Rush song Working Man live in Cleveland. Natural Science live at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto Canada. Fantastic.
Luv your reactions. Enjoy the ride.
Grew up with Rush for 40 years a d got to see them live twice.
Rush Is Timeless.
- Nobody expects RUSH "2112"! :) ...
- But when it come, THEY LOVE IT!
If you want to hear it live do the all the worlds a stage album. They absolutly kill it note for note live. 32:31
All the World's a Stage is one of my favorite live albums. They not only kill the songs, but they tweaked their older ones too. What a great album!
Yeah there was still a great deal of life left in those early songs in 1976, with Neil kind of putting in his adaptations of John Rutsy's previous drumming. As much as I appreciate the track listing and the great songs that are on the follow-up live album exit stage left.... all the world's a stage is still my favorite live Rush record for sheer intensity and remarkable performance
The only time that I saw Rush was in early 1980. Apparently the concert (FM Set List told me.) opened with 2112, at least most of it. (They left out a chapter or two.) All The World's A Stage was the first Rush album I purchased, way back when. Great album, loved Neil's drum solo on that one.
Thx to K & E for the 2112 react.
Amazing song, live in 1976 gives you chills when you see and hear Geddy screaming.
Saw this live in 1976 as well. Still remember the yellow floor floodlights backlighting Geddy and Alex on the open. For me this was the start of 45 years with Rush.
Each time I hear 2112, now after Neil has passed away and they no longer tour... It's endearing yet heart-wrenching the depths of what they went through from their record company, to critics, to just wanting to be heard while enjoying what they created; knowing there really was a following from fans for their efforts. And often their biggest fans were whoever they opened for on tours, and their fans. It's truly remarkable.
Thank you for alerting me to your reaction. It's fun watching you both piece together all the little nuances of Rush that you're picking up on.
On a short note, often over the years people referred to Rush's music as anthems... I don't know, I still love referring to it as sophisticated rock and roll. Plain and simple I just love their music. Playing it there's never a dull moment (for long.)
Just saw this so sorry for the very late response... my favorite thing about this is how quite literally it is a telegram to the record label saying "you want radio friendly music? You ARE the priests of the temples of Syrinx."
They did play this live and it’s even better live. There are great rock n roll bands but only two that are literally experiences, Rush and Pink Floyd. They always take you to places you never thought possible listening to music.
For clarification....Neil Peart admitted that this was bad story telling. The people that appear at the end of the song and make the big announcement about 'assuming control' are, in fact, the good guys. They are the 'elder race' that is mentioned earlier in the song. He admitted that he didn't make it clear.
Speaking as someone who heard this when it was released, I like now knowing exactly what they were going for but at the time the slight lack of clarity was rather excellent. It meant we could all discuss it endlessly and then play it again to see which ideas worked best :-)
You two are my favorite Rush reactors.... Surprised it took so long to get to this song.... This is the first Rush song I ever heard.... Saw 53 shows after this including the final show at the Forum in LA.
Bout time we did Rush again...TY
Dudes weren’t playing around with that song.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎤🎹
Hemispheres could be next. It's their next epic, comparable to 2112 with another amazingly written story. Rush famously had their most difficult time recording that whole album and didn't ever play much of Hemispheres (the song) live because of that. Unlike 2112, which they played parts of it and even sometimes the whole song on almost every tour.
My favorite song ever
So, in the dream, as well as the final sequence, the three men you see standing together are Geddy, Alex and Neil. They represent the "Elder Race of Man". As outlr protagonist is shown in his vision, "They left out planets, long ago, the Elder Race still learn and grow. Their power grows with purpose strong to claim the home where they belong. Home to tear the Temples gown. Home to change."
I've always assumed this is who has "assumed control" from the Solar Federation at the end.
Rock on kids! 🤘
PS - 1977
Eddie, are you OK? I didn't hear you say "Slappin' da bass!". Did I miss it?😀 This is the first thing I ever heard by RUSH when it was released in 1976 and found my lifelong favorite band. I feel that the intros to this and Hemispheres are like classical overtures that incorporate the melodies we're about to experience. Thanks for letting us share in your journey.
It was 77 i think i was at a friends house and i heard his older bro playing All the World a Stage i got it the next few days And if i make to my 80s i will still be rocking Rush in my hearing aids I hate to say im not a big fan of their stuff after moving Pic though Its their early years that are burnt in my brain forever Peace to ya
Simply Awsome Rock ass story! Mind blowing
Great reaction. Fun stuff. One of my favorite bands. Saw them five times over the course of 40 years. I wasn't going to say anything until you mentioned it. Yes there are live videos and recordings of them doing this in its entirety. Time to do a live reaction of the live video. So much more to of Rush and several other bands to do but have you ever heard Iron Maiden?. I saw them five times also. They are that good. Would love to see your reaction. Thanks. Keep up the great work.👍🖖💓🎶🍻🇨🇦
You two are my favourites.
Hemispheres next!
yes, they played a "shorter" version of 2112 in concert. Neal was a voracious reader and especially of the writings of Ayn Rand
BTW, there's a fantastic video to watch, called the "Making of 2112 and Moving Pictures." Probably not something to react to, but definitely something to watch!!!
Great video you two! You guys should totally react t the only time they did the entire song live in Toronto! Its a fun one! :)
The next great example of storytelling by Rush you should definitely check is "Cygnus X-1 book II" from "Hemispheres" album!
1978 (2112 was in 1976). And it is also available in similar graphic novel form. Even more deep and phylosophical than this one, you'll love it, I guarantee that!
This is gonna be a bit long so bear? bare? with me! So I enjoyed watching you guys react to Rush, I even think I suggested you guys check out some 80's RUSH. But I lost you guys somewhere along the way. Imagine my surprise when I saw a react to "The Enemy Within"! Awesome.... I won't lose you guys again because I promptly subscribed.
So while doing the dishes I usually run TH-cam videos to help pass the time, and while elbow deep in soap suds you guys drop a react to 2112! I won't go into the history of why they made that concept album, I'd be surprised if it wasn't in the comments already. I really enjoy watching your reacts to a band I fell in love with when the Roll The Bones album was released. I came late to the party too!
The great thing about RUSH is, while they're may be an underlying style, their sound morphs a bit throughout the decades. As the band matures and grows so does their sound. I took that journey backwards from Roll the bones , while following their journey through each successive studio album. That was one of the reasons I asked you to react to an 80's Rush song. So you could see the style/sound morph.
And if you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little bit further....
Along the lines of another RUSH concept album like 2112, I can't recommend Hemispheres enough!
or
How about some 90's rush. Specifically Heresy from Roll The Bones, and maybe there'll be a bit of relation and a bit more evolution of the band.
Keep reacting and I'll keep watching!
There is a video of them playing this live, & I actually saw them play this live when they were tour in the 70's.
That is actually Neil's voice at the end as the Voice of Authority/Doom. He also did the voice-over on Subdivisions...
This song is integral to my teenage years.
Seen them 4 times as a teenager best of the best seen them 4 more as an adult , I knew this album by heart at 13
I wish you would check out Chance by Savatage it's amazing
Amazing for a 3 piece band from Toronto. R.I.P, Neil.
It's weird, because the very first time I encountered 2112 and saw that it was 20 minutes long, I never even once thought "oh this is too long." My first thought was "holy shit a 20 minute RUSH song? I need to hear this."
The song is based on the writing of Ayn Rand..."Anthem" an eighth grade book...Read the album writings to find out more and/or read the book by Rand.
Clockwork Angels is another whole album that tells a story (also a book by Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson). Would love to see an animated "video movie" of that album!
BTW, the 3 guys in the space ship at the end represented Geddy, Neil and Alex. How about newer Rush? You should check out The Garden live from the Clockwork Angels tour (has a string section as well). The song represents the life cycle and the importance of living in the present. It was from their last studio album in 2012. Very different from anything you have reacted to so far.
You can also see Geddy, Alex and Neil in the dream as younger versions of themselves.
Now you know, why RUSH is called the best band in the galaxy.
Check out "The Garden" - Clockwork Angels tour. One of the most beautiful/inciteful songs they ever made. For us Rush fans, also sad because it is their last song from their last album.
So, just a little info on the intro. An overture is a preview of the music to come. Little snippets of music of the songs within the whole. Musicals do this on the regular back in the 50s and 40s.
Yes, they played that song from the time of that first album, however they played an abbreviated version of it. They needed to scale back the length, at the time, because they were still doing Opening Band slots on the 2112 tour. By the end of the tour, of course, Rush was playing almost exclusively Main Act shows -- they were selling out theaters and arena's, because people were blown away by 2112! Awesome! Check out their live album "All the World's a Stage" to hear what that 2112 tour was like! That was when they first were blowing up and catching fire! Woo!
They played it in it’s entirety during the ‘96-97 Test for Echo tour. I was fortunate enough to see them. I just remember us being totally geeked that they played the whole thing.
I'm sure others will add to this but this whole song was in response to their record label threatening to drop them unless they started playing more "radio friendly" tunes. They figured it was inevitable so if they were going to go out, they were going out the way they wanted. Neil Peart assumed he'd be back to working at the farm equipment store after 2112 dropped. Instead, through total word of mouth, people LOVED it and it pretty much set the stage for Rush to do whatever the heck they wanted as far as the labels were concerned
Thanks for reacting to this one guys. ❤
There was a couple of tours they played the entire suite, but often they would play Temples of Syrinx alone or in a medley
Watch RUSH'S Documentary - Beyond the Lighted Stage 😊
You guys do know that when you get your headsets, you’ll have to go back and review all the Rush cuts again. Especially this one.
Have you checked out "The Garden" yet? It's off of Rush's final album "Clockwork Angels".
Such a great masterpiece Rush has ever made! This was their way of saying "F you" to their record company, because their previous album to 2112, which was Caress of Steel, didn't do so well, mainly because their record company refused to promote that album.
2112 did so well after that, and their record company left them alone, and Rush had that creative freedom going on to make more epic songs, like Cygnus X-1 Book 1 on their album A Farewell to Kings, which immediately followed after the 2112 album, and Cygnus X-1 Book 2 on their Hemispheres album which followed immediately after A Farewell to Kings.
This when they took control artistically. After this album the record company had no say.
We have assumed control is a message to the record companies
🤗 Yaaaas!!!!!! 2112! 🎃 Happy Halloween guys! 🥰 #LiveLongandProsper 🖖🏿🐰
This album was a big middle finger to their recording studio who basically told them they were out of it. The album before was a bomb. The studio was going to drop them. So they decided to go out in a blaze of glory on their own terms. This was released. People went nuts. After this Rush was allowed to do whatever (mostly unheard of in the industry). This mentality of “we’re going to what we want to do set them apart from other bands. Legends were born.
Kayla & Eddie, you have got to listen/react to The Garden… Eddie may actually appreciate Geddy’s voice in that one.
You guys need to see them pull this off live! The only time they played 2112 in its entirety was during the Test for Echo tour so there is a solid version from 1997 that you should react to! I also think it’s Geddy’s best vocal performance of this song since the original. They played the whole song in a lower key to make it easier for Geddy to hit those higher notes but he delivers a great performance!
There is actually a older version of this entire song from the release of this album, when the boys are much younger.
AYN RAND 101.
Based on her book ANTHEM. A must read.
“Where do you go from here?” Straight to Cygnus X-1 (both books)!
I'm probably person 100x to say it, but yeah the song was created in 1976. You are right - way ahead of their time ;)
I'd say more "Rush Nation" than "Rush Army."
Love Kayla's fashion style, innocence & sexy at the same time 😊 2112 was meant to be a critique of the pop music industry…
2112 was from 1976 and side 2 of this album is fantastic as well. Please react to Cygnus X-1 from the A Farewell to Kings album, also, The Necromancer from the Caress of Steel. Both these songs are definitely something to experience.
Watch the Different Stages anniversary live set of this. They sounded amazing. Geddy was hitting the notes and there was a longer discovery section.
A Masterpiece. If you disagree you are WRONG!
Nice performance and reaction. 🖖❤
If you love Rush, as I do, you will love Nightwish! I recommend Ghost Love Score live at Wacken Open Air 2013! Enjoy!🤘🎸
Hemispheres side 1.
Watched an older Rush video y'all did earlier where Eddie said comment other singers with high pitched voices. You should try something from King Diamond.
the book 1984 was released in 1948 as an fyi
Now you must go to the other end. An Entire Album with Accompanying Novel and Graphic Novel. Clockwork Angels
The song can mean different things to different people but essentially it is the powerful versus the oppressed. Consider, this song was inspired by early Ayn Rand and that should give you some insight if you know who she is. The song doesn't explicitly tell you who won the battle. You can draw from hints to form your conclusion but nonetheless, it remains somewhat unsettled. My interpretation is that was done on purpose so that WE may decide how WE want it to end. In other words, Neil will tell us where we are. It's up to us to secure our future.
I get the Geddy reference, but Neil does almost all the writing for Rush. Obviously nothing from the debut album tho since he wasn't in the band yet
Have you did the video of the song Limelight
Nope, Eddie, you were in Neil Peart's space, not Geddy's!!!
PS - As many others have indicated, your next two reactions should be to the following two songs:
1. Cygnus X-1, Book One, the Voyage (from 1976's Farewell to Kings album); and
2. Cygnus X-1, Book Two, from 1977's Hemispheres album).
You're welcome!
PPS - Did you catch that? Rush released its album, 2112, in 1976, and....., it also released its album, A Farewell to Kings, in 1976! And they did it while relentlessly touring during that time!
The B side of this album has some real gems too...just sayn