Hey guys we had the video playing for us and I had the video overlayed for you guys but the video got blocked! So I had to paste the album art over our video overlay, sorry about that! Hope you enjoy the video! What Rush songs should we check out next?? 😁
I was getting worried because the video was blocked, but I'm glad you solved it. I'm also glad you did watch the video, so you saw the double neck guitars and drum kit with all kinds of percussion. If you want more rush songs, can you react to 2112. it is a 20 minute song and it is really great.
Rush fans are extremely welcoming of new fans, and us sitting out here watching you enjoy what we already love is just added pleasure. BTW, one reason Rush fans are so avid is that the three members - Geddy, Alex and Neil - are just solid human beings you'd love to have a meal with. Just guys who happen to be phenomenal at what they do...er, did. (Goes off to sob in the dark.)
@christi zaffaroni i met them on the Vapor Trails tour, Alex was so excited when I gave him and Geddy simple compliments that he lit up like a Christmas tree and blurted out thank you twice to the entire room. He made me feel like the rock star! He is so inspirational!
@christi zaffaroni giving Alex a dragon was even cooler...I designed a dragon doll(3 of them based on the r30 party dragon t-shirt) and scored front row tickets to Snakes and Arrows(I asked God for them...and bought them first day of public sale). During the blackout my husband at his first Rush concert threw the dragon on the stage...and he landed behind the barbies...Alex saw him during his solo in "One Little Victory" and gave us a polite thank you nod. Talk about being divinely blessed.
Cygnus X-1 Book 1: The Voyage and .... Cygnus X-1 Book 2: Hemispheres Post the videos however you see fit, but listen to these two songs back to back on the same day. This is imperative!
Book 1 is way overrated. They could have made a better song by using part 2 as a template for verses and added more lyrics. Too much self-indulgence and instrumently wanking IMO.
w/o Book 1, there is no Book 2 ... these friends from Toronto just did a cover of Cygnus X1 The Voyage... VARGA th-cam.com/video/VtPbwgMllmY/w-d-xo.html
Guys, this song, Xanadu, the version you hear on A Farewell To Kings, is TAKE ONE. The song is their first take in the studio. That take -- the first one -- was the version they released. I'm sure they did other takes but the ended using the first one. That is AMAZING. A song that elaborate and epic...they got on the first take. Gentlemen, I give you greatness. That's what Rush is.
The shit on the walls may have changed...but that's the exact same conversation I had in a dorm room 30 years ago with my soon to be best friend for life. Rush rules.
Don’t just check out the old stuff. Snakes and Arrows was a brilliant album (2nd to their last studio album). Mature songwriting, great music, great sounding record.
Yep, brooms bane, the trees, then Xanadu in a row they work perfectly together. Then after your done those three songs listen La Villa Strangieto ( last track )
I'm 59 and my first was when I was 15 and they opened for Blue Oyster Cult. Had never heard of them before. Next day I went and bought every album that they had out at the time. Been my favorite ever since.
As a Rush fan for 40 years and who has seen them dozens of time I agree. But get stuck into Floyd or Dream Theatre,( live at Budakon). DT get some getting used to as they are so complex but stick with them.
manhattenman- i agree!! i actually like the exit stage left version of xanadu better than the original, and yes,, that whole album is amazing and magical.
Great to see the next generation of Rush fans. I bought this vinyl in 78 and it blew me away. What about Marillion , Easter or some early 70's Yes. Take care lads. All the best from N. Yorkshire. England.
@@carystallings6068 well, for some reason, its very hard to get those big bands to play here in brazil, so when that happens, the bands always encounter the craziest fans/crowd that you can find in the world xD
Bro on the story at the end, you realize how lucky you were. What tour was it tho, and what venue? Without the coolness of your mom, you would never have experienced the most awesome, influential, and inspiring band of the last century. AND for the people sticking up for you, that’s what Rush family is all about-they we’re proud to see a youngster that devoted to seeing their band. Lyric in New World Man”He's old enough to know what's right But young enough not to choose it” He’s a new world man
I love these young lads!! I grew up with Rush being my favorite band, and have seen them play over twenty times since 1979.. The first time was Hemispheres ,and I was fifteen years old.. I remember mowing lawns as a kid just to buy record albums,and concert tickets.. In fact, my father, who was gonna drive me and my girlfriend to that first Rush show had passed away a month before.. So, we road a moped thirty miles to see that show.. Yep, and the tickets cost me $7.00 each, plus $8.00 for a shirt,and $4.00 for the tour book.. Oh, and $1.00 for a pack of smokes.. Yea, back then,nobody carded ya for cigarettes ,and they sold them at the venue..
The inspiration for this track is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge called Kubla Kahn one of my favorite. look it up, exceptional considering the time period
Guys, u mentioned growing up with Rush...... I grew up in the 70's..... my 2 favorite bands were QUEEN and RUSH...... I was lucky enough to hear their music when it 1st came out. Even to this day, noone compares to those two
Its been my experience that when there are two people reacting that you favor one over the other. Both of these young fellas are likable and listening to real music. Win win! Keep it up guys.....and yes I subbed!
Makes me happy to know that RUSH will live forever as long as there are young people discovering them and falling in love the way I did all those years ago. It's almost like hearing it for the first time when I see someone new listen.
Break your fast on honeydew? … Rush is solid gold …. try 2112 if you have not yet …. it's even better!!! I saw them Live 3 times back in the 80s early 90s …. awesome live. They did not break up, they retired. It was mainly because Neal Peart was having trouble performing to the high bar level he set for himself and would not do substandard performances. The live from RIO concert is one for the books !!!
Alex has some physical ailments as well, but it's mainly Neil I gather. Best to quit while you're ahead though. Eventually they would have gotten noticeably worse. it's inevitable.
The songs you have reacted to so far are:Xanadu, Tom Sawyer, Working Man and YYZ(??) Songs to react to are: YYZ Live in Rio Neil Peart Drum Solo - Rush Live in Frankfurt Anthem from Fly By Night Bastille Day from Caress of Steel 2112 and A Passage to Bangkok from 2112 Closer to the Heart from A Farewell to Kings (my favourite Rush pop song) La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres The spirit of Radio and FreeWill from Permanent Waves The Camera Eye from Moving Pictures Losing it (a wonderfully sad song) from Signals Red Sector A from Grace Under Pressure Marathon from Power Windows Leave That Thing Alone (It's All About That Bass) from Counterparts Last song to listen to RUSH - Best intro EVER!!!!!!!!!! on youtube
Awesome banter, guys. As a 52 year-old old school RUSH fan going back to 1977, it's really cool to see people your age listening and reacting to their genius. Alex, we have something in common: I too listened incessantly to Hemispheres when I was 12-13. We of course didn't have mobile music yet, really, so I used to put the vinyl on a little record player at night when I went to bed, and go to sleep with the tale of the Gods and men. Funny you mentioned you had a good vocab, as I also prided myself on learning a lot of better English from RUSH lyrics. First saw them in '85 in Phoenix on the Power Windows tour. Again in '90 on Presto tour. BTW, my first concert was age 11, 1977, KISS at the Forum in LA. Crazy first show for a young kid in the mid '70's! Cheers guys.
Farewell to kings, and I mean RUSH, I'm 54 and I've loved them since I was 14. When I heard that they were retiring, I was sad, but I understand, enjoy your lives boys, thanks for the memories.
You guys need to watch the live version of this from Exit Stage Left. Hearing it is one thing but, watching them pull this off live is something incredible!
3 of the most talented musicians ever and in one band. Both played double necks live to recreate the sounds for Xanadu and both Geddy and Alex play foot pedals too. Literally dozens of great Rush tunes still to do. They have over 40 years of music to choose from and very few poor songs. Question, What other band has one of the top 3 best drummers in the world who also happens to writes the lyrics but also has one of the best Bassists in the world and one of the top 10 best guitarists as well? RUSH! All 3 regularly make the top 10 best in their categories. Xanadu live is probably 10/10 for me. They add so much in and the high points are spot on.Gotta do the live version of this song from Exit Stage Left. Hope that helps!
@@bobm5600 Not sure what poll that was but those 2 aren't really in the same league. I like Eddie but he is nowhere near Lifeson. Lifeson's body of work is 2 to 3 times what Van Halen achieved in his career in terms of content and time, and as for influence on fellow guitarists the list is long. Eddie did make tapping his thing but he didn't invent it.Van Halen was an excellent guitarist and his Band was on top for 6-8 years, then had a few decent hit's with Hagar, Rush was pumping out great music for over 4 decades.
I agree with you 100% I think Lifeson is the best guitarist on the planet. I think people overlook him. I was just pointing out that I was impressed that he got voted that high considering we live in a world of idiots.
Right. The rhythm guitar you hear under Alex’s solo in the last section when this song was played live is Geddy on the 12-string neck, also playing Taurus pedals at the same time.
Both Geddy Lee (Bass) and Alex Leifson (Lead Guitar) play foot pedals. They trigger various effects not just keyboard. They are both playing double neck bass and guitar respectively. You should watch Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left concert footage. I saw them in Mobile Alabama Colosium back in the day 1980 for my 18th birthday.
I've been to 6 Rush concerts since I became a fan in my teens... I'm 56 now. Every one of those concerts were top-notch. Glad to see all the new young fans here on youtube.
Alex, your mom is a VERY wise lady - now THAT's proper parenting!! What a great reaction vid guys! You have conquered Pink Floyd, now it's time for the next mountain, and that is RUSH - the holy triumvirate from Toronto (just an hour outside of my hometown). No 3 guys that I'm aware of can make the sound they do. Their studio stuff is epic, their live is otherworldly. I've seen them 10 times, and each and every show, they have blown me away - not many groups can sound as good, if not better, than their studio output, and make the claim that they are playing everything live!! (they don't use backing tracks) Alex Lifeson (guitar god) utilizes bass foot pedals, whilst Geddy Lee is being the monster on bass, keyboards, vocals and bass pedals, and then there's The Professor, Mr. Neil Peart (thanks Alex for pronouncing his name right - many don't) - one of THE ultimate drum gods! Regretfully, Neil has pretty much retired - their final tour, he was plagued with tendinitis & some other ailments that made playing rather excruciating and as a consummate professional and perfectionist, he will not perform less than 100%. Alex as well has arthritis in his hands, so playing can be difficult. They have earned their rest! I wouldn't say they broke up, but permanent hiatus is pretty much the reality! I would recommend 2112 as the next foray into some EPIC Rush tunage. La Villa Strangiato, By-Tor & The Snow Dog, Natural Science, Subdivisions, Mystic Rhythms, A Passage To Bangkok, Something For Nothing, Red Barchetta, Limelight - are all quintessential songs that you MUST do, not necessarily in that order (but 2112 has to come next!) Enjoy the ride boys - this is a fun one!
Sadly, Rush is no more. But, they have not broken up, Neil retired. Alex and Geddy then said, this is it, Rush is us 3, nobody will ever replace Neil. It’s us 3 together or nothing. You have to understand the closeness of these 3 friend. Because this is what they are to begin with, 3 guys with a lot of respect for one another. Now, to better understand why Neil retired, Google will help you. But the bottom line is, he felt he could not perform to his standards anymore. And also, he wanted to enjoy his life with his new family, after the terrible lost he suffered with his late wife and daughter.
Neal Peart unfortunately stopped playing drums altogether due to physical limitations. Luckily I was privileged to see then live many times through the years.
This is their first rendition early on. Got to do the live version from Exit Stage Left. To watch them play is an added dimension of joy. Thanks for doing this! RUSH is top of the heap.
Yeah, your mom is the BEST! You guys weren't born when I heard this track, the first or last time. I really enjoyed listening to it, again, through your ears. You guys ROCK!
Great song & band. Yeah, Alex is kinda like the unsung hero of Rush, very talented & creative guitarist that deserves to be mentioned among the greats. I'll put my vote in for Natural Science for one of the next songs. Also, Granicus, a 70's band from Cleveland, Ohio put out one album in 1973 & then disappeared into obscurity. The vocalist, Woody Leffel sounds a bit like Geddy at times. Check them out in your spare time: (Granicus Granicus 1973 USA, Hard Rock, Heavy Psychedelic Rock)[557+ views]. There were quite a few one-and-done bands during the 70's, Warpig's self-titled debut from 1970 is another one, & Night Sun's Mournin' from '72 & so forth. There were some two-and-we're-through bands too. Warhorse only put out 2 albums, Hard Stuff only 2 & Truth and Janey only 2 as well. Truth and Janey's No Rest For The Wicked from '76 is a good album. Just keep in mind that a lot of these bands were pretty much the more obscure or underground bands of their time, especially when you consider the success of bands like Black Sabbath, Rush etc. Keep rockin' & headbangin,' there's so much for you to discover. \,,/_(-,-)_\,,/
I’ve seen Rush live many times. It was always money well spent. I really miss those guys but after 40+ years of entertaining us they have earned their retirement. Great reaction guys!
That album took a beating when it came out. I never understood why because I loved it. That little guitar solo on Bacchus Plateau is one of my favorites.
jr 55 Yeah, The Fountain Of Lamneth is a great song too. Neil’s drumming on didacts and narpets, however you say it, 😂 is incredible. That album is one of my favorites.
Man I wish I was you guys experiencing this for the first time. I was 16 and was into the Doors, Aerosmith, Etc.. And then my friend said I got something that will change your whole thought of music( Rush, Yes, ELP) It blew me away
Side note: twelve string guitars were in vogue in the 70s, but mainly were more for great theater, not functionality. They were heavier and harder on the back in concert. Functionally, there's not much difference. This is straight from Rik Emmett's stories from his live solo shows.
Man I'm so happy you guys listened to this! I listened to Rush off and on in high school, but when this came out it was THE Rush album for me. On this album you HAVE TO do a listen video for "Closer to the Heart". Different, shorter, INCREDIBLE lyrics and, of course, the musicianship!
Rush- blowing young minds for centuries to come! I saw my first Rush concert when I was 14, I was in the eighth grade. The next day I told my Mom that I wanted to take guitar lessons, and I was playing the guitar within a week. Changed my life forever. Someday there will be college courses offered on their music, if there isn't already.
Okay guys. Here's an added level of difficulty. When they play this song Live..Geddy and Alex use synthesizer foot pedals for some of the synthesizer in background. Also..when Geddy is playing the keyboards..he uses foot pedals to play the bass parts
He's playing (customised) Bass Pedals (such as a church organist would) with his feet. It enables him to play the bass parts (that would be recorded on Bass Guitar on the studio version whilst using his hands to play the keyboard parts) :) ... I've been listening to Rush since I was 11 years old in 1977/78 before I had played an instrument. Tracks like this are still brilliant now I'm 52 and I can play it. :) Great video
This is my first ever Rush song. I quite liked it, especially the little 'tinkley' section towards the end. Knowing it is just 3 guys is impressive. Great story, Alex...music is so powerful! (Again, think about doing some Alan Parsons Project; 'Turn of a Friendly Card' or 'I Robot'; they are masterpieces)
Great Reaction Guys, I also grew up with Rush here in the UK, Hemispheres Tour onwards, Bingley Hall preview gig of Permanent Waves .. absolutely fantastic !! Go for La Villa Strangiato Live from Pink Pop (or the Exit Stage Left version), ByTor and The Snowdog from All The Worlds A Stage and of course 2112 Live .. for me Rush were always created their best versions live. If you love Rush check out Starship Trooper too (studio version) by Yes .. a stunning guitar solo
So It sucks to say but RUSH is officially retired. Neil physically can't play the songs anymore. The physical toll it took on him almost had him quit a year earlier but Alex said he was getting carpel tunnel and didn't know if he would be able to play again either in 5 or so years. So Neil agreed to tour one last time for the R40 tour in what was about 25ish cities. My story on this tour is this... I hadn't seen RUSH in almost 20 years and I wanted to go but I really wanted a good seat. On a whim I had scorebig.com notify me of tickets if they became available for the 2nd to last ever Rush show at Irvine Meadows in Cali.. Two weeks b4 the concert a ticket for the 6th row came up for $120 and let me tell you I couldn't click buy it now fast enough. If you get a chance check out the TIME STAND Still dvd that 'chronicles' the story of Rush's final tour and how it came about. BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE is a great DVD to check out as well as it shows them as they started out and when they recruited Neil Peart and their touring life thru the 2000s. As for songs La Villa Strangiato is by their own admission one of their hardest songs to play and one of their best. I'm a big fan of RED BARCHETTA and some of the lesser known songs on Moving Pictures (the Camera eye, Vital signs) but others of note are The Trees, Subdivisions, Freewill, closer to the heart, fly by night, Anthem, Working Man, and 2112 overture.
Xanadu is an epic track. AND when they play it live... even more epic ^_^ I must say that 'A Farewell To Kings' is my favourite RUSH album. As Alex mentioned the 'mature' sound, yes it is. Bear in mind this is the follow up to '2112' which catapulted them to the big league. The sound is great and it's as if there's more than three in the band, which Alex touches on when you both discuss the instruments. Glad you both enjoyed it. It's good to listen through your ears as it were, because it was your first time for this track. I do recommend you check out Peter Gabriel era GENESIS too, because there is intricate music and excellent drumming which I think you'd both like. Albums such as 'Foxtrot' which has an epic 23 minute long journey, called 'Supper's Ready', which begins as a sort of love song and ends in the Apocalypse :-) Then sci-fi oriented 'Watcher of the Skies' which is also on the album. 'Selling England By The Pound' is a brilliant album too and features tracks such as 'Firth of Fifth' and 'Cinema show'. I'm sure you'd enjoy these. There's so much out there dudes :-)
We know they play perfectly in concert because we know every subtle note and beat. I'm amazed every time I hear them. RUSH, the maestros, thanks for the great tunes.
I took my stepson to see them live in Knoxville Tn in 2011. He was 11 yrs old. It totally changed his outlook on music. Now he is 19. Plays trumpet. Was drum major in high school. Now playing in junior college band while seeking a degree in music. And is doing well playing in the college jazz band as well.
1985's Manhattan Project is a great song for you guys to listen to. I have been a lifelong fan from the beginning of Rush. I live in San Antonio. When I was in middle and high school, the local radio station, KMAC/KISS played Rush from their early days. Rush was only known in Canada back then, but they became very popular in South Texas. They broke out big here and the boys traveled all the way to Texas to perform shows here. Two San Antonio DJs, Joe Anthony and Lou Roney are given credit on Rush's live album, All the World's a Stage. Thanks guys for reviewing and appreciating Rush.
So, in the 70's and 80's the 2 biggest bands in Ontario were Rush (who everyone knows) and Max Webster (a band not a guy) that is mostly unknown outside of Canada. One is an hour away and the other (Rush) 2 hours away from where I grew up. The reason I mention this is because they did a song together once. It isn't on any Rush album but it's on a Max Webster album. It's called "Battlescar" and it is possibly better than anything either band did on their own. I couldn't recommend it more. BTW Andy...its fairly long.
@@matthewboler9061 I can see how people would have that opinion. There are definitely people that appreciate the progressive Rush style more and the elite instrumentals. Max Webster is more straight forward Rock. I'm a fan of both bands but I tend to like the Max Webster style better. I also think Dubois and Mitchell are better overall song writers than the guys in Rush. Universal Juveniles is a killer album.
I stood about 15-20' in front of him at a concert and watched him fret the bass with his left hand, play keys with his right, play pedals with his feet and sing at the same time. Dude is an amazing master musician and the reason I play Bass. 🤘
It’s so cool to hear Andy’s story of his first Rush show. Here’s mine. We’re from the Detroit area, our tickets were for a show up in Port Huron, about 45 minutes drive north. It was May of ‘77, and they were touring the live album, All The World’s A Stage. We skipped school {I was 16yo at the time), and were up in Port Huron by noon, with most of the day to fuck around, nose about, and see if we might score an autograph or two, or just a chance meeting. We got neither. But we did sneak in the backstage door, and scurried up to a seat in the stands, and watched the soundcheck. Back then, Rush toured SO much, they did much of their writing on the road in soundchecks. They were actually writing Cinderella Man at that soundcheck. And from what i have heard from reliable sources, that show was the very first time they ever played Xanadu live. That show was opened by a fave band that you need to check out called Max Webster, who were labelmates, and toured together often until Max broke up in ‘80. In fact, and I’ll digress a bit here, but the very first song ever played at a rock concert at the famed (and brand new at the time)Joe Louis Arena was Check, by Max Webster. Fun fact, to know, and to tell! We snuck into a soundcheck again on the Hemispheres tour when it stopped in Saginaw, and again in Lansing. We got to see some of the writing Spirit of Radio, and Freewill as well. Andy, you need to listen to the All The World’s A Stage version of Working Man. Miles above the studio version, with Peart playing instead of John Rutsey. Plus there’s a great drum solo too! Win win! Fin Costello, the great Rolling Stone photographer took a great shot of the crowd at that first show in Port Huron. I’m there in the second row, with two of my friends. You can see it here: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/classic-fan-photos-20643/rush-6-208136/
Dude! You witnessed musical history sneaking into those sound checks. At my first Rush show, me and a friend left out early on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 1987, and drove about 4 hours to Charlotte. We got a room at the Days Inn just across the road from the old Charlotte Coliseum, later called Independence Arena. Rush was one of the last 3 events there, before the new Coliseum for the new Charlotte Hornets. (The huge digital scoreboard crashed to the floor overnight one night and the Hornets had to use Littlejohn at Clemson for a few weeks). But anyway, our motel was right beside a nicer and more expensive Holiday Inn. We were standing outside watching the pouring rain when we saw 2 guys exit one of the rooms at the Holiday Inn. You could tell one of them was still saying something to someone inside the room. One of them was tall with long stringy dark hair(and a big nose, lol). The other was shorter with blonde hair. I thought to myself it could have been Geddy and Alex. I mean, what are the odds? They could have been talking to Ray Daniels or some member of the road crew. There was a deep trench in between the 2 motels but there was a metal footbridge that went over it. It was pouring rain and we decided that it probably wasn't them and they would probably be gone or in another room by the time we got over there, so we stayed put. But I'll never know if it was them or not.
Long time Rush fan here, and for some reason whenever Freewill comes on the radio in my car, I get goosebumps and I feel the adrenaline kick in. And I've probably heard it a billion times. It's 3 musicians on full tilt. The Exit Stage Left (live) version is even more intense. Check it out!
I just wanted to add a little something here as you were wondering what percussion instruments Neil was using. If you watch the live recording from Exit Stage Left you will probably notice items like tubular bells, xylophone, triangles, wind chimes, cow bells, temple blocks, glockenspiel and a couple of other percussion instruments (I can’t recall right now) apart from his regular acoustic drum kit set up around that time.
I grew up on Rush. I have listened to them since 1976. I first heard "Working Man" and "Closer to the Heart" around that time in '76. Unfortunately I have never seen them in concert, for multiple reasons. But at different times in my life their music has touched me. The thing about Rush is that all of the guys are humble and down to earth. No pretentiousness, they play for the fans. And their fans have supported them for over 40 years. You need to sit down and listen to all of the "Moving Pictures" album. Excellent all the way. Then after that you need to listen to side 1 of 2112. After that you will be die hard Rush fans for life.
Im 19, Im glad I have people my age that had their parents get them hooked listening to Rush! Rock on guys! Always gotta love Rush! 🤘 I was 13 myself when I seen Rush for my first time, they just put on a jaw dropping show every time, hands down 🤘
I recall seeing them in 1981, IIRC, and they played this. When Neil hit those orchestra bells, it caused my teeth to rattle. An awesomely huge sound. Was very fortunate to have seen them the times I did.
Guys in 1979 went to see them in bingley hall uk...I nearly passed out..remember we had no internet or info on them just the album's..I nearly died .Will never forget it
allright!! i found some of my fellow rush family members here in this comment section....... RUSH LIVES!!! andy/alex- you see, there are a lot of rush geeks around, it's like a club or family,,, no matter what our differences are, we all come together for rush. put on some rush, and all the rush geeks come outta the woodwork, we all come together. welcome aboard, glad you could join us.
Saw Rush when I was 14 (1975) open for Nazareth. Seen them 19 times since then (all but 3 tours) where they didn't come to my hometown. Best live band ever!
This is the song that made me a Rush fan. I heard it on my dad's old cassette copy of this ablum on a road trip to a family reunion. I've been a fan since. This was just mesmerizing to 7-year-old me.
Yep, I loved this song for years. Then I heard the ESL version. Blew my mind to pieces. It's one thing hearing them play such a masterpiece. But to SEE the instruments used used, ESPECIALLY Geddy Lee's double bass, was crazy. He is the ultimate on-stage multi-tasker. Alex does a really smooth neck switch on his double-neck guitar mid-song that will give you goosebumps. The sound is tighter and more 'mature', almost like they made it better than before. The ESL version will blow you away, without a doubt. For a next Rush song, the version of 'La Villa Strangiato' that Rush posted on their own channel is so good. Alex does crazy things that you will not hear in the studio version. That's my recommendation
Brings back memories guys. Around this time I was also listening to a lot of YES. This was when their stuff was similar to YES and ELP. You probably would enjoy YES' "Roundabout". from the Fragile vinyl (1971).
Fragile is one of my favorite albums of all time. Definitely right up there with Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and A Farewell to Kings. Not much can beat that set of albums IMHO!!
Loved watching you guys react, as usual! Love your commentary afterwards! I totally agree that having the experience of the studio versions FIRST definitely IS the way to go. No disrespect intended, but just FYI......Neil Peart's last name is pronounced like Peer with a T.........PEERT.
Sadly you won't ever see them but you might get a chance to see Geddy and Alex...I'm pretty sure those two will keep making music...If you see Rush in Rio buy it..cheers from Oregon
Hey Guy's! Thanks again for the retro spec music. I'm the 61 year old guy that has commented, before. I was your age when I heard this music new. I like seeing you both hear it new in this 21 century. Rush music always told a story....Myself and my friend's partied to this stuff. I hope I can be a VIP at your both first concert. If you guy's are studying music like Boston did too.
Floyd/Zeppelin/Rush my all time top three bands!!! Nice to see you guys react to this song. Rush 2112, Cygnus X-1 Studio versions! Please and thank you. :)
Oh man just found you. I'm an old person. I became a Rush freak in 77 and saw them in September that year. I smashed the stage. UFO opened. Alex and Geddy cracked up at me and my friends with our homemade RUSH shirts. I remember then bringing home A Farewell to Kings when it came out, came home and cranked it up on my dad's amazing stereo. No one was home. It was pretty fucking life changing when Xanadu got going though.
Congratulations on starting your Rush journey, they have a huge body of work for you to explore and experience. If you want another 10 minutes or so song to hear, you should listen to The Camera Eye. From their Moving Pictures album. The syncopation between Geddy Lee and Neil Pert will be mind blowing. You notice in your Rush journey that bass isn’t just a rhythm instrument for setting the grove but, can also be a lead instrument with guitar accompaniment. I’ll have a look at your reaction to YYZ and leave a tidbit of information there regarding the complexity of the composition.
Hey guys we had the video playing for us and I had the video overlayed for you guys but the video got blocked! So I had to paste the album art over our video overlay, sorry about that! Hope you enjoy the video! What Rush songs should we check out next?? 😁
I was getting worried because the video was blocked, but I'm glad you solved it.
I'm also glad you did watch the video, so you saw the double neck guitars and drum kit with all kinds of percussion.
If you want more rush songs, can you react to 2112. it is a 20 minute song and it is really great.
Loved this reaction.
Red Barchetta is one of my favorites =P
10/10 for me guys forgot to vote.
BYTOR AND THE SNOWDOG pretty good.
Stay lucky stay safe Mike UK.
Oh I was expecting Olivia Newton John and ELO
Decent friend you have there! He is saving Exit Stage Left for you. Just do as he tolds!
*RUSH - The BEST sounding 3-man band....EVER!*
Attention people!!!! Rush is not for everyone, it's for those that know what's up.
Two bands who done most negative influence on american youth is Rush and Kiss.....StarWars and Marvel Rock
@EVENTHORIZON th-cam.com/video/Lw8eST6P45c/w-d-xo.html
@@Dr.Metallian Bull hockey.
Damir Tišma you don’t know anythinggggg about music
Oh. I know man. Tried and tested many times with many people
Rush fans are extremely welcoming of new fans, and us sitting out here watching you enjoy what we already love is just added pleasure. BTW, one reason Rush fans are so avid is that the three members - Geddy, Alex and Neil - are just solid human beings you'd love to have a meal with. Just guys who happen to be phenomenal at what they do...er, did. (Goes off to sob in the dark.)
Yes, as a tear rolls down my cheek.
Miss those boys.
@christi zaffaroni i met them on the Vapor Trails tour, Alex was so excited when I gave him and Geddy simple compliments that he lit up like a Christmas tree and blurted out thank you twice to the entire room. He made me feel like the rock star! He is so inspirational!
@christi zaffaroni giving Alex a dragon was even cooler...I designed a dragon doll(3 of them based on the r30 party dragon t-shirt) and scored front row tickets to Snakes and Arrows(I asked God for them...and bought them first day of public sale). During the blackout my husband at his first Rush concert threw the dragon on the stage...and he landed behind the barbies...Alex saw him during his solo in "One Little Victory" and gave us a polite thank you nod. Talk about being divinely blessed.
@christi zaffaroni yes it would...i am sure that they love all of the gifts...especially the handmade ones..they are artists!
Dont sob, Celebrate. They shared.
LA VILLA STRANGIATO dudes....really man, LA VILLA STRANGIATO!!!!
Cygnus X-1 Book 1: The Voyage
and ....
Cygnus X-1 Book 2: Hemispheres
Post the videos however you see fit, but listen to these two songs back to back on the same day. This is imperative!
Agreed. Some of the best music they ever made. I heartily endorse this post.
Book 2 is my favorite Rush song.
Book 1 is way overrated. They could have made a better song by using part 2 as a template for verses and added more lyrics. Too much self-indulgence and instrumently wanking IMO.
28 minutes of pure bliss!
w/o Book 1, there is no Book 2
... these friends from Toronto just did a cover of Cygnus X1 The Voyage... VARGA
th-cam.com/video/VtPbwgMllmY/w-d-xo.html
Guys, this song, Xanadu, the version you hear on A Farewell To Kings, is TAKE ONE. The song is their first take in the studio. That take -- the first one -- was the version they released. I'm sure they did other takes but the ended using the first one. That is AMAZING. A song that elaborate and epic...they got on the first take. Gentlemen, I give you greatness. That's what Rush is.
Check out Rush's "2112", the Title track is an entire album side, 20 minutes long!
The shit on the walls may have changed...but that's the exact same conversation I had in a dorm room 30 years ago with my soon to be best friend for life.
Rush rules.
Awesome! I had never heard Rush before! How did I miss them?? Thanks so much for introducing me to them... wow!
@juliact
Oh god check out Tom Sawyer!!!! The drums are amazing! 😁😁
@@andyandalex Actually I just have! Will be diving into their back catalogue now :)
Don’t just check out the old stuff. Snakes and Arrows was a brilliant album (2nd to their last studio album). Mature songwriting, great music, great sounding record.
It's a lifetime pursuit...Take it from someone still loving them since 76...:)...Caress of Steel and A Farewell to Kings is the purest of Rush...
godbluffvdgg Caress of Steel sucks ass.
Once you’ve listened to this, check out the live “Exit stage left” video. Seriously.
Yes, this recording is great, but ESL version is so tight and perfect.
And the live one won't get blocked...hasn't for others
Yep, brooms bane, the trees, then Xanadu in a row they work perfectly together. Then after your done those three songs listen La Villa Strangieto ( last track )
Also prefer the live version on Exit... as well. Especially when listened to with Broon's Bane and The Trees. Seamless and perfect!
They knocked it out of the park live. Flawless musicianship.
I'm 54, my first RUSH concert was in 1980, at varsity stadium for the farewell to kings tour, still my favorite of all time.
Probably the Permanent Waves tour...I know 39 years can make you forget a few things...I'm 54 too....lol
The A Farewell To Kings tour was in 1977, not 1980. I think is the Permanent Waves Tour or the Semispheres tour.
The kimono days..
I'm 59 and my first was when I was 15 and they opened for Blue Oyster Cult. Had never heard of them before. Next day I went and bought every album that they had out at the time. Been my favorite ever since.
Yes Farewell to Kings was 1977, Permanent Waves 1980, such a great band, definitely in my top 5 favorite bands of all time!
That songs still brings tears to my eyes. Incredible that people used to make rock music this good. What's gone wrong??
As a Rush fan for 40 years and who has seen them dozens of time I agree. But get stuck into Floyd or Dream Theatre,( live at Budakon). DT get some getting used to as they are so complex but stick with them.
I think it is because people don't read as much. Picking up books stimulates the imagination.
Good question
Glittering prizes and endless compromises......
It’s because they had their own record label with freedom to produce what they want, studios drive songs now, not the artists
EXIT STAGE LEFT - XANADU VERSION LIVE 1981 IS AMAZING AND MAGICAL
Absolutely killer performance
Agreed. 3 men that sound like 5 people performing live.
The ESL version is better than the studio version imo.
manhattenman- i agree!! i actually like the exit stage left version of xanadu better than the original, and yes,, that whole album is amazing and magical.
Holy shit! Life long Rush fan, just searched the live version, they were firing on all cylinders. Amazing performance!
Great to see the next generation of Rush fans. I bought this vinyl in 78 and it blew me away. What about Marillion , Easter or some early 70's Yes. Take care lads. All the best from N. Yorkshire. England.
try "YYZ"... Live in Rio.
It has NO lyrics, but the crowd sings along !!!
Craziest crowd I've ever seen.
I agree. Those are some rabid fans. I love their energy!
Why does Brazil love Rush so much ? I mean, I don't blame them but, those are some crazy fans!
@@carystallings6068 well, for some reason, its very hard to get those big bands to play here in brazil, so when that happens, the bands always encounter the craziest fans/crowd that you can find in the world xD
Bro on the story at the end, you realize how lucky you were. What tour was it tho, and what venue? Without the coolness of your mom, you would never have experienced the most awesome, influential, and inspiring band of the last century. AND for the people sticking up for you, that’s what Rush family is all about-they we’re proud to see a youngster that devoted to seeing their band. Lyric in New World Man”He's old enough to know what's right
But young enough not to choose it”
He’s a new world man
I love these young lads!! I grew up with Rush being my favorite band, and have seen them play over twenty times since 1979.. The first time was Hemispheres ,and I was fifteen years old.. I remember mowing lawns as a kid just to buy record albums,and concert tickets.. In fact, my father, who was gonna drive me and my girlfriend to that first Rush show had passed away a month before.. So, we road a moped thirty miles to see that show.. Yep, and the tickets cost me $7.00 each, plus $8.00 for a shirt,and $4.00 for the tour book.. Oh, and $1.00 for a pack of smokes.. Yea, back then,nobody carded ya for cigarettes ,and they sold them at the venue..
The inspiration for this track is a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge called Kubla Kahn one of my favorite. look it up, exceptional considering the time period
I found that poem in a book in my English class my senior year...and was blown away!
3 musicians. Take that in.
Long time Rush fan here. Warms the heart seeing younger dudes digging on Rush.
Just a glimpse of how amazing these guys were. Their concerts were an out-of-body experience and they played this song often.
You've taken your first step into a larger world. And it's freakin' AWESOME!!!
Makes me happy to see young people digging the prog rock! Keep going. There's so much good music from this time period.
I love the story telling in the prog rock, in a time before MTV, the visual was derived from the audio.
Guys, u mentioned growing up with Rush...... I grew up in the 70's..... my 2 favorite bands were QUEEN and RUSH...... I was lucky enough to hear their music when it 1st came out. Even to this day, noone compares to those two
Its been my experience that when there are two people reacting that you favor one over the other. Both of these young fellas are likable and listening to real music. Win win! Keep it up guys.....and yes I subbed!
@Doc G
Cheers man! 😁
Makes me happy to know that RUSH will live forever as long as there are young people discovering them and falling in love the way I did all those years ago. It's almost like hearing it for the first time when I see someone new listen.
It gives me hope for our future to see our next generation appreciating true musicians. The Canadian power trio is untouchable.
Break your fast on honeydew? … Rush is solid gold …. try 2112 if you have not yet …. it's even better!!! I saw them Live 3 times back in the 80s early 90s …. awesome live. They did not break up, they retired. It was mainly because Neal Peart was having trouble performing to the high bar level he set for himself and would not do substandard performances. The live from RIO concert is one for the books !!!
Alex has some physical ailments as well, but it's mainly Neil I gather. Best to quit while you're ahead though. Eventually they would have gotten noticeably worse. it's inevitable.
They would never break up. They retired on top and they deserve the rest.
The songs you have reacted to so far are:Xanadu, Tom Sawyer, Working Man and YYZ(??)
Songs to react to are:
YYZ Live in Rio
Neil Peart Drum Solo - Rush Live in Frankfurt
Anthem from Fly By Night
Bastille Day from Caress of Steel
2112 and A Passage to Bangkok from 2112
Closer to the Heart from A Farewell to Kings (my favourite Rush pop song)
La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres
The spirit of Radio and FreeWill from Permanent Waves
The Camera Eye from Moving Pictures
Losing it (a wonderfully sad song) from Signals
Red Sector A from Grace Under Pressure
Marathon from Power Windows
Leave That Thing Alone (It's All About That Bass) from Counterparts
Last song to listen to RUSH - Best intro EVER!!!!!!!!!! on youtube
Awesome banter, guys. As a 52 year-old old school RUSH fan going back to 1977, it's really cool to see people your age listening and reacting to their genius. Alex, we have something in common: I too listened incessantly to Hemispheres when I was 12-13. We of course didn't have mobile music yet, really, so I used to put the vinyl on a little record player at night when I went to bed, and go to sleep with the tale of the Gods and men. Funny you mentioned you had a good vocab, as I also prided myself on learning a lot of better English from RUSH lyrics. First saw them in '85 in Phoenix on the Power Windows tour. Again in '90 on Presto tour. BTW, my first concert was age 11, 1977, KISS at the Forum in LA. Crazy first show for a young kid in the mid '70's! Cheers guys.
Farewell to kings, and I mean RUSH, I'm 54 and I've loved them since I was 14. When I heard that they were retiring, I was sad, but I understand, enjoy your lives boys, thanks for the memories.
You guys need to watch the live version of this from Exit Stage Left. Hearing it is one thing but, watching them pull this off live is something incredible!
3 of the most talented musicians ever and in one band. Both played double necks live to recreate the sounds for Xanadu and both Geddy and Alex play foot pedals too. Literally dozens of great Rush tunes still to do. They have over 40 years of music to choose from and very few poor songs. Question, What other band has one of the top 3 best drummers in the world who also happens to writes the lyrics but also has one of the best Bassists in the world and one of the top 10 best guitarists as well? RUSH! All 3 regularly make the top 10 best in their categories. Xanadu live is probably 10/10 for me. They add so much in and the high points are spot on.Gotta do the live version of this song from Exit Stage Left. Hope that helps!
@Carey M
Sounds awesome thanks for the tips friend!
Lifeson came in 2nd in guitar player readers poll behind Van Halen
@@bobm5600 Not sure what poll that was but those 2 aren't really in the same league. I like Eddie but he is nowhere near Lifeson. Lifeson's body of work is 2 to 3 times what Van Halen achieved in his career in terms of content and time, and as for influence on fellow guitarists the list is long. Eddie did make tapping his thing but he didn't invent it.Van Halen was an excellent guitarist and his Band was on top for 6-8 years, then had a few decent hit's with Hagar, Rush was pumping out great music for over 4 decades.
I agree with you 100% I think Lifeson is the best guitarist on the planet. I think people overlook him. I was just pointing out that I was impressed that he got voted that high considering we live in a world of idiots.
Right. The rhythm guitar you hear under Alex’s solo in the last section when this song was played live is Geddy on the 12-string neck, also playing Taurus pedals at the same time.
The live version on Exit Stage Left is utterly amazing, far better than the studio version here.
A Farewell To KIngs - the best Rush album. Listen to all the other tracks too. Amazing.
Both Geddy Lee (Bass) and Alex Leifson (Lead Guitar) play foot pedals. They trigger various effects not just keyboard. They are both playing double neck bass and guitar respectively. You should watch Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left concert footage. I saw them in Mobile Alabama Colosium back in the day 1980 for my 18th birthday.
I've been to 6 Rush concerts since I became a fan in my teens... I'm 56 now. Every one of those concerts were top-notch.
Glad to see all the new young fans here on youtube.
It is my duty as a proud Canadian to upvote all Rush reactions. Good work!
Battlescar Reaction?
Alex, your mom is a VERY wise lady - now THAT's proper parenting!! What a great reaction vid guys! You have conquered Pink Floyd, now it's time for the next mountain, and that is RUSH - the holy triumvirate from Toronto (just an hour outside of my hometown). No 3 guys that I'm aware of can make the sound they do. Their studio stuff is epic, their live is otherworldly. I've seen them 10 times, and each and every show, they have blown me away - not many groups can sound as good, if not better, than their studio output, and make the claim that they are playing everything live!! (they don't use backing tracks) Alex Lifeson (guitar god) utilizes bass foot pedals, whilst Geddy Lee is being the monster on bass, keyboards, vocals and bass pedals, and then there's The Professor, Mr. Neil Peart (thanks Alex for pronouncing his name right - many don't) - one of THE ultimate drum gods! Regretfully, Neil has pretty much retired - their final tour, he was plagued with tendinitis & some other ailments that made playing rather excruciating and as a consummate professional and perfectionist, he will not perform less than 100%. Alex as well has arthritis in his hands, so playing can be difficult. They have earned their rest! I wouldn't say they broke up, but permanent hiatus is pretty much the reality! I would recommend 2112 as the next foray into some EPIC Rush tunage. La Villa Strangiato, By-Tor & The Snow Dog, Natural Science, Subdivisions, Mystic Rhythms, A Passage To Bangkok, Something For Nothing, Red Barchetta, Limelight - are all quintessential songs that you MUST do, not necessarily in that order (but 2112 has to come next!) Enjoy the ride boys - this is a fun one!
Sadly, Rush is no more. But, they have not broken up, Neil retired.
Alex and Geddy then said, this is it, Rush is us 3, nobody will ever replace Neil. It’s us 3 together or nothing.
You have to understand the closeness of these 3 friend. Because this is what they are to begin with, 3 guys with a lot of respect for one another.
Now, to better understand why Neil retired, Google will help you. But the bottom line is, he felt he could not perform to his standards anymore. And also, he wanted to enjoy his life with his new family, after the terrible lost he suffered with his late wife and daughter.
I am just thankful to have been alive during their tenure. Now, they belong to the ages.
A well deserved retirement. They're in their 60's, it's time to do for themselves, there's no need for more money for any of them.
One of the top drummers of all time
maxime lesperance- i 100% concur. we experienced greatness with rush in our lifetime. i feel lucky,,, and grateful.
Neal Peart unfortunately stopped playing drums altogether due to physical limitations. Luckily I was privileged to see then live many times through the years.
This is their first rendition early on. Got to do the live version from Exit Stage Left. To watch them play is an added dimension of joy. Thanks for doing this! RUSH is top of the heap.
you guys are awesome! I'm also a college student, I am becoming a Rush and Queen fan, this song was epic!!
SunsGettingRealLow awesome! What are you studying?
Alex From AndyReacts I'm studying mechanical engineering!
@SunsGettingRealLow
Hell yeah! Computer Engineering over here 😁
@@andyandalex Nice man, I'm thinking of going the mechatronics path!
What is Alex studying?
@SunsGettingRealLow
He’s doing Material Physics I think!
Yeah, your mom is the BEST!
You guys weren't born when I heard this track, the first or last time.
I really enjoyed listening to it, again, through your ears.
You guys ROCK!
The live version of this is even better. Glad to hear a shout out to Alex, amazing guitar player
Great song & band. Yeah, Alex is kinda like the unsung hero of Rush, very talented & creative guitarist that deserves to be mentioned among the greats. I'll put my vote in for Natural Science for one of the next songs. Also, Granicus, a 70's band from Cleveland, Ohio put out one album in 1973 & then disappeared into obscurity. The vocalist, Woody Leffel sounds a bit like Geddy at times. Check them out in your spare time: (Granicus Granicus 1973 USA, Hard Rock, Heavy Psychedelic Rock)[557+ views].
There were quite a few one-and-done bands during the 70's, Warpig's self-titled debut from 1970 is another one, & Night Sun's Mournin' from '72 & so forth. There were some two-and-we're-through bands too. Warhorse only put out 2 albums, Hard Stuff only 2 & Truth and Janey only 2 as well. Truth and Janey's No Rest For The Wicked from '76 is a good album. Just keep in mind that a lot of these bands were pretty much the more obscure or underground bands of their time, especially when you consider the success of bands like Black Sabbath, Rush etc. Keep rockin' & headbangin,' there's so much for you to discover. \,,/_(-,-)_\,,/
Alex has always been my favorite member of Rush.
I’ve seen Rush live many times. It was always money well spent. I really miss those guys but after 40+ years of entertaining us they have earned their retirement. Great reaction guys!
Rush - The Necromancer is such an underrated song by the band, would love to see you check it out
Well said ! One of my personal favorites. "Witch Hunt" as well !
That album took a beating when it came out. I never understood why because I loved it. That little guitar solo on Bacchus Plateau is one of my favorites.
jr 55 Yeah, The Fountain Of Lamneth is a great song too. Neil’s drumming on didacts and narpets, however you say it, 😂 is incredible. That album is one of my favorites.
By Tor and the Snow Dog from Fly By Night. Fantastic old school prog rock jam from Rush!!
Man I wish I was you guys experiencing this for the first time. I was 16 and was into the Doors, Aerosmith, Etc.. And then my friend said I got something that will change your whole thought of music( Rush, Yes, ELP) It blew me away
Side note: twelve string guitars were in vogue in the 70s, but mainly were more for great theater, not functionality. They were heavier and harder on the back in concert. Functionally, there's not much difference. This is straight from Rik Emmett's stories from his live solo shows.
Man I'm so happy you guys listened to this! I listened to Rush off and on in high school, but when this came out it was THE Rush album for me. On this album you HAVE TO do a listen video for "Closer to the Heart". Different, shorter, INCREDIBLE lyrics and, of course, the musicianship!
May as well spin Triumph's Fight the Good Fight while you're in the genre. Terrific lyrics, great build up to the song.
Rush- blowing young minds for centuries to come! I saw my first Rush concert when I was 14, I was in the eighth grade. The next day I told my Mom that I wanted to take guitar lessons, and I was playing the guitar within a week. Changed my life forever. Someday there will be college courses offered on their music, if there isn't already.
Okay guys. Here's an added level of difficulty. When they play this song Live..Geddy and Alex use synthesizer foot pedals for some of the synthesizer in background. Also..when Geddy is playing the keyboards..he uses foot pedals to play the bass parts
Check out “La Villa Strangiato” ! Great instrumental that’ll take you on a trip!
Yes!!! Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left. 🤯🤯🤯😱😱😱 talk about a power trio.
Your story was really cool! Rush fans are family. Whether we know each other or not, we're good to each other
He's playing (customised) Bass Pedals (such as a church organist would) with his feet. It enables him to play the bass parts (that would be recorded on Bass Guitar on the studio version whilst using his hands to play the keyboard parts) :) ... I've been listening to Rush since I was 11 years old in 1977/78 before I had played an instrument. Tracks like this are still brilliant now I'm 52 and I can play it. :) Great video
This is my first ever Rush song. I quite liked it, especially the little 'tinkley' section towards the end. Knowing it is just 3 guys is impressive. Great story, Alex...music is so powerful! (Again, think about doing some Alan Parsons Project; 'Turn of a Friendly Card' or 'I Robot'; they are masterpieces)
Great Reaction Guys, I also grew up with Rush here in the UK, Hemispheres Tour onwards, Bingley Hall preview gig of Permanent Waves .. absolutely fantastic !! Go for La Villa Strangiato Live from Pink Pop (or the Exit Stage Left version), ByTor and The Snowdog from All The Worlds A Stage and of course 2112 Live .. for me Rush were always created their best versions live. If you love Rush check out Starship Trooper too (studio version) by Yes .. a stunning guitar solo
Andy I just love your look of awe through the beginning parts of the video. You guys are awesome! Thanks for falling in love with Rush!
So It sucks to say but RUSH is officially retired. Neil physically can't play the songs anymore. The physical toll it took on him almost had him quit a year earlier but Alex said he was getting carpel tunnel and didn't know if he would be able to play again either in 5 or so years. So Neil agreed to tour one last time for the R40 tour in what was about 25ish cities. My story on this tour is this... I hadn't seen RUSH in almost 20 years and I wanted to go but I really wanted a good seat. On a whim I had scorebig.com notify me of tickets if they became available for the 2nd to last ever Rush show at Irvine Meadows in Cali.. Two weeks b4 the concert a ticket for the 6th row came up for $120 and let me tell you I couldn't click buy it now fast enough. If you get a chance check out the TIME STAND Still dvd that 'chronicles' the story of Rush's final tour and how it came about. BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE is a great DVD to check out as well as it shows them as they started out and when they recruited Neil Peart and their touring life thru the 2000s. As for songs La Villa Strangiato is by their own admission one of their hardest songs to play and one of their best. I'm a big fan of RED BARCHETTA and some of the lesser known songs on Moving Pictures (the Camera eye, Vital signs) but others of note are The Trees, Subdivisions, Freewill, closer to the heart, fly by night, Anthem, Working Man, and 2112 overture.
Xanadu is an epic track. AND when they play it live... even more epic ^_^ I must say that 'A Farewell To Kings' is my favourite RUSH album. As Alex mentioned the 'mature' sound, yes it is. Bear in mind this is the follow up to '2112' which catapulted them to the big league. The sound is great and it's as if there's more than three in the band, which Alex touches on when you both discuss the instruments. Glad you both enjoyed it. It's good to listen through your ears as it were, because it was your first time for this track. I do recommend you check out Peter Gabriel era GENESIS too, because there is intricate music and excellent drumming which I think you'd both like. Albums such as 'Foxtrot' which has an epic 23 minute long journey, called 'Supper's Ready', which begins as a sort of love song and ends in the Apocalypse :-) Then sci-fi oriented 'Watcher of the Skies' which is also on the album. 'Selling England By The Pound' is a brilliant album too and features tracks such as 'Firth of Fifth' and 'Cinema show'. I'm sure you'd enjoy these. There's so much out there dudes :-)
We know they play perfectly in concert because we know every subtle note and beat. I'm amazed every time I hear them.
RUSH, the maestros, thanks for the great tunes.
anything from permanent waves..particularly "Freewill". My first and favorite rush album
Totally agree
I took my stepson to see them live in Knoxville Tn in 2011. He was 11 yrs old. It totally changed his outlook on music. Now he is 19. Plays trumpet. Was drum major in high school. Now playing in junior college band while seeking a degree in music. And is doing well playing in the college jazz band as well.
🤓FLY BY NIGHT OR TREES !!!! Also love Freewill, Red Barchetta, Tom Sawyer, Working Man ...😛😛😛
1985's Manhattan Project is a great song for you guys to listen to. I have been a lifelong fan from the beginning of Rush. I live in San Antonio. When I was in middle and high school, the local radio station, KMAC/KISS played Rush from their early days. Rush was only known in Canada back then, but they became very popular in South Texas. They broke out big here and the boys traveled all the way to Texas to perform shows here. Two San Antonio DJs, Joe Anthony and Lou Roney are given credit on Rush's live album, All the World's a Stage.
Thanks guys for reviewing and appreciating Rush.
Definitely have to check out Rush - Subdivisions.
Don't worry about your videos going too long guys. Rush fans here love to ride along with your joy in discovering the greatness of this band.
So, in the 70's and 80's the 2 biggest bands in Ontario were Rush (who everyone knows) and Max Webster (a band not a guy) that is mostly unknown outside of Canada. One is an hour away and the other (Rush) 2 hours away from where I grew up. The reason I mention this is because they did a song together once. It isn't on any Rush album but it's on a Max Webster album. It's called "Battlescar" and it is possibly better than anything either band did on their own. I couldn't recommend it more. BTW Andy...its fairly long.
Well I think it's an ok song but definitely not better than most Rush songs in my opinion.
@@matthewboler9061 I can see how people would have that opinion. There are definitely people that appreciate the progressive Rush style more and the elite instrumentals. Max Webster is more straight forward Rock. I'm a fan of both bands but I tend to like the Max Webster style better. I also think Dubois and Mitchell are better overall song writers than the guys in Rush. Universal Juveniles is a killer album.
Geddy Lee plays bass, guitar, keyboard, pedals with his foot, and sings at the same time in one song. how amazing is that!?
@Jasper van Dijk
It’s truly breathtaking man! Gotta check out some live shows at some point FOR SURE!
And he does it effortlessly and perfectly. AND ENJOYS IT. That is beyond amazing.🤘🖖🎸🎹🎤
I stood about 15-20' in front of him at a concert and watched him fret the bass with his left hand, play keys with his right, play pedals with his feet and sing at the same time. Dude is an amazing master musician and the reason I play Bass. 🤘
never tire of the awesomeness of this BAND!!! EVERY ONE, GEDDY, ALEX and of course, NEIL!!! JUST MASTERFUL!!!
It’s so cool to hear Andy’s story of his first Rush show.
Here’s mine.
We’re from the Detroit area, our tickets were for a show up in Port Huron, about 45 minutes drive north. It was May of ‘77, and they were touring the live album, All The World’s A Stage. We skipped school {I was 16yo at the time), and were up in Port Huron by noon, with most of the day to fuck around, nose about, and see if we might score an autograph or two, or just a chance meeting. We got neither. But we did sneak in the backstage door, and scurried up to a seat in the stands, and watched the soundcheck. Back then, Rush toured SO much, they did much of their writing on the road in soundchecks. They were actually writing Cinderella Man at that soundcheck. And from what i have heard from reliable sources, that show was the very first time they ever played Xanadu live. That show was opened by a fave band that you need to check out called Max Webster, who were labelmates, and toured together often until Max broke up in ‘80. In fact, and I’ll digress a bit here, but the very first song ever played at a rock concert at the famed (and brand new at the time)Joe Louis Arena was Check, by Max Webster. Fun fact, to know, and to tell! We snuck into a soundcheck again on the Hemispheres tour when it stopped in Saginaw, and again in Lansing. We got to see some of the writing Spirit of Radio, and Freewill as well. Andy, you need to listen to the All The World’s A Stage version of Working Man. Miles above the studio version, with Peart playing instead of John Rutsey. Plus there’s a great drum solo too! Win win!
Fin Costello, the great Rolling Stone photographer took a great shot of the crowd at that first show in Port Huron. I’m there in the second row, with two of my friends. You can see it here: www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/classic-fan-photos-20643/rush-6-208136/
Dude! You witnessed musical history sneaking into those sound checks. At my first Rush show, me and a friend left out early on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 1987, and drove about 4 hours to Charlotte. We got a room at the Days Inn just across the road from the old Charlotte Coliseum, later called Independence Arena. Rush was one of the last 3 events there, before the new Coliseum for the new Charlotte Hornets. (The huge digital scoreboard crashed to the floor overnight one night and the Hornets had to use Littlejohn at Clemson for a few weeks). But anyway, our motel was right beside a nicer and more expensive Holiday Inn. We were standing outside watching the pouring rain when we saw 2 guys exit one of the rooms at the Holiday Inn. You could tell one of them was still saying something to someone inside the room. One of them was tall with long stringy dark hair(and a big nose, lol). The other was shorter with blonde hair. I thought to myself it could have been Geddy and Alex. I mean, what are the odds? They could have been talking to Ray Daniels or some member of the road crew. There was a deep trench in between the 2 motels but there was a metal footbridge that went over it. It was pouring rain and we decided that it probably wasn't them and they would probably be gone or in another room by the time we got over there, so we stayed put. But I'll never know if it was them or not.
Long time Rush fan here, and for some reason whenever Freewill comes on the radio in my car, I get goosebumps and I feel the adrenaline kick in. And I've probably heard it a billion times. It's 3 musicians on full tilt. The Exit Stage Left (live) version is even more intense. Check it out!
I just wanted to add a little something here as you were wondering what percussion instruments Neil was using. If you watch the live recording from Exit Stage Left you will probably notice items like tubular bells, xylophone, triangles, wind chimes, cow bells, temple blocks, glockenspiel and a couple of other percussion instruments (I can’t recall right now) apart from his regular acoustic drum kit set up around that time.
Xanadu was my favorite Rush song growing up in the late 70s\early 80s. I still love the synth that comes after Geddy Lee sings, "Xanadu...."
This is great...u r already hypnotic by 1;45..made my day ,cheers from the home of RUSH....Toronto, Canada
I grew up on Rush. I have listened to them since 1976. I first heard "Working Man" and "Closer to the Heart" around that time in '76. Unfortunately I have never seen them in concert, for multiple reasons. But at different times in my life their music has touched me. The thing about Rush is that all of the guys are humble and down to earth. No pretentiousness, they play for the fans. And their fans have supported them for over 40 years. You need to sit down and listen to all of the "Moving Pictures" album. Excellent all the way. Then after that you need to listen to side 1 of 2112. After that you will be die hard Rush fans for life.
Never seen them for multiple reasons? You must have about 40 reasons. Lol
Im 19, Im glad I have people my age that had their parents get them hooked listening to Rush! Rock on guys! Always gotta love Rush! 🤘
I was 13 myself when I seen Rush for my first time, they just put on a jaw dropping show every time, hands down 🤘
Andy’s mind blown! Loved watching your reaction with each layer.
I recall seeing them in 1981, IIRC, and they played this. When Neil hit those orchestra bells, it caused my teeth to rattle. An awesomely huge sound. Was very fortunate to have seen them the times I did.
Guys in 1979 went to see them in bingley hall uk...I nearly passed out..remember we had no internet or info on them just the album's..I nearly died .Will never forget it
allright!! i found some of my fellow rush family members here in this comment section....... RUSH LIVES!!!
andy/alex- you see, there are a lot of rush geeks around, it's like a club or family,,, no matter what our differences are, we all come together for rush. put on some rush, and all the rush geeks come outta the woodwork, we all come together. welcome aboard, glad you could join us.
This was the first Rush song I heard back in 1978 on a television show called Nightmoves hosted by Lee Simon,they soon became my favourite band.
I love your reviews guys! Very intelligent comments and observations. Best ive seen so far
Saw Rush when I was 14 (1975) open for Nazareth. Seen them 19 times since then (all but 3 tours) where they didn't come to my hometown. Best live band ever!
These guys pushed each other to reach newer heights, and, boy, did they! This song live is incredible.
This is the song that made me a Rush fan. I heard it on my dad's old cassette copy of this ablum on a road trip to a family reunion. I've been a fan since. This was just mesmerizing to 7-year-old me.
Yep, I loved this song for years. Then I heard the ESL version. Blew my mind to pieces. It's one thing hearing them play such a masterpiece. But to SEE the instruments used used, ESPECIALLY Geddy Lee's double bass, was crazy. He is the ultimate on-stage multi-tasker. Alex does a really smooth neck switch on his double-neck guitar mid-song that will give you goosebumps. The sound is tighter and more 'mature', almost like they made it better than before. The ESL version will blow you away, without a doubt. For a next Rush song, the version of 'La Villa Strangiato' that Rush posted on their own channel is so good. Alex does crazy things that you will not hear in the studio version. That's my recommendation
Brings back memories guys. Around this time I was also listening to a lot of YES. This was when their stuff was similar to YES and ELP. You probably would enjoy YES' "Roundabout". from the Fragile vinyl (1971).
I highly second Yes - Roundabout. It's an epic song beyond the amazing bassline from Chris Squire.
Fragile is one of my favorite albums of all time. Definitely right up there with Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and A Farewell to Kings. Not much can beat that set of albums IMHO!!
I love yes
Loved watching you guys react, as usual! Love your commentary afterwards! I totally agree that having the experience of the studio versions FIRST definitely IS the way to go.
No disrespect intended, but just FYI......Neil Peart's last name is pronounced like Peer with a T.........PEERT.
Sadly you won't ever see them but you might get a chance to see Geddy and Alex...I'm pretty sure those two will keep making music...If you see Rush in Rio buy it..cheers from Oregon
in 1978 i was 13 and Farewell to Kings was the first time i saw Rush and they had April Wine open for them in San Antonio, Texas.
Hey Guy's! Thanks again for the retro spec music. I'm the 61 year old guy that has commented, before. I was your age when I heard this music new. I like seeing you both hear it new in this 21 century. Rush music always told a story....Myself and my friend's partied to this stuff. I hope I can be a VIP at your both first concert. If you guy's are studying music like Boston did too.
Floyd/Zeppelin/Rush my all time top three bands!!! Nice to see you guys react to this song.
Rush 2112, Cygnus X-1 Studio versions! Please and thank you. :)
Add Yes and Jethro Tull to your 3, and those are my favorite 5!
Oh man just found you. I'm an old person. I became a Rush freak in 77 and saw them in September that year. I smashed the stage. UFO opened. Alex and Geddy cracked up at me and my friends with our homemade RUSH shirts.
I remember then bringing home A Farewell to Kings when it came out, came home and cranked it up on my dad's amazing stereo. No one was home. It was pretty fucking life changing when Xanadu got going though.
Great reaction!! I grew up in 80's and have seen Rush about 10 times. My son's name is Alex!!!
Congratulations on starting your Rush journey, they have a huge body of work for you to explore and experience. If you want another 10 minutes or so song to hear, you should listen to The Camera Eye. From their Moving Pictures album. The syncopation between Geddy Lee and Neil Pert will be mind blowing. You notice in your Rush journey that bass isn’t just a rhythm instrument for setting the grove but, can also be a lead instrument with guitar accompaniment.
I’ll have a look at your reaction to YYZ and leave a tidbit of information there regarding the complexity of the composition.