When I got my first drum set in 1982 it took me exactly one year JUST to be able to play Tom Sawyer all the way through, just ONCE, without making a serious mistake, and it was in the mid 1990s before I could play it on drums AND sing it at the same time with absolute confidence and not mess up and get everything right without worry. I used to sing and play this song in the video on piano. I can imitate Geddy perfectly except his older vocals which are too high. My favorite Rush song is Losing It. Pay close attention to the DYNAMICS that take place in that beauty like a STORM!!!
HAD TO ADD> Is the Universe conscious? Is the Universe alive? Well, we have 100% proof that it is....NEIL PEART playing 2112 and their last song "The Garden." Listen to it live. My GOD!
Rush used to open their concerts with the Spirit of Radio in complete darkness gradually waking up with the fog and lasers. It was awesome. This was '82-83.
Fifteen years ago my son was three years old and riding in the car with me when "Spirit Of Radio" came on. He sat there quietly listening for a few minutes while I drove, and then announced, "This is a really good band." He's been a die hard Rush fan ever since.
I'll tell you what impressed me about Geddy Lee in particular. I was walking to the subway through a tunnel under the Eatons Center in downtown Toronto in 1982 and saw Geddy playing with a busker, who was trying to make a few bucks. I knew who it was right away, even though he was wearing a hat and scarf and was not trying to draw attention to himself. I stood there a while and dropped some money into the open guitar case. I never let on I knew who he was. I was just a great experience for me.
I’m 51 and grew up knowing the hits, but ever since Neil’s unfortunate passing I’ve finally taken a deep dive and they’re an absolute favorite now. And I make a point of it to listen to “The Spirit of Radio” daily.
One thing you omitted to mention: the section of the song with the lyrics "The words of the profits are written on the studio walls, concert halls. Echo in the sounds ... of salesmen" is a direct nod to Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence": "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" and "echoed in the wells of silence", from two different verses. Even includes a pun on prophets vs. profits (clever Mr. Peart). The thing is, it's very apt, since both songs address the loss of heart and soul to some aspect of materialistic commercialist culture.
As a non-native English speaker, it took me a few years to realize these lyrics were, as you said, a nod to S&R's "Sounds of Silence". But once I did, I started looking for other similar clues in Peart's lyrics, and it didn't take me long to find that "Vitals Signs"'s "an ounce of perception, a pound of obscure" is a direct reference to Benjamin Franklin's "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". And from that moment onward, I was hooked. Early Peart lyrics were a bit too rooted in fantasy for my tastes (though the music was brilliant), but starting with "Permanent waves", he wrote more about current social issues that resonated much more with my adolescent self. What a lyricist!
@@randydivinski7529 - He said the line with a great deal of admiration expressed for Peart's lyrics (well deserved admiration IMO). What he did not do was mention the connection to the Simon and Garfunkel song. The lyrics are too close to be a coincidence. But they are also different enough to express Peart's point marvelously. For someone who notices the similarity, this invokes a kind of eerie overlay in the imagination of the vision of 1960s materialistic hopelessness from the S&G lyrics with the commercialist selling out that Rush was critiquing, as if the "neon gods" were still in force, still steamrolling over art and love some 20 years later.
And there you have it my Rush brethren and sistren! I'm a Rush fan for 44 years, went to 36 shows--and I never made that connection to Sound of Silence! There's always another layer to discover, even after thousands of times listening to a song. It's so obvious to me now, I don't know how I missed that one! Love y'all!
I'm 55 now. When I was a kid especially when I was a teenager in the early 1980s, there was no more exciting thing for me then calling my favorite radio station, requesting a song and hearing it being played. Rush in particular more than ANY other band helped me to get through my teenage years. I was so devastated to hear of Neil Pearts passing. It still makes me sad thinking about it right now. Thank you for featuring Rush on this episode.
Me Too.....😔...As I'm 56 Y.O.....Lucky Enough To See Them Live Close To A Dozen Times!......Tough AGE (Getting Into Late 50's) As It Seems As Though ALL Of My Heroes Are Leaving Us!.......Starting To Have A Feeling That 😢...Well...Ya Know!.....Life REALLY IS JUST A FLICKER IN TIME!........
My favorite lyric ever written in a rock and roll song. "One likes to believe in the freedom of music, but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity." Deep
Neil Peart is one of the greatest poets of all time. I can't explain how much a part of my life these guys were and still are to me. I'm born in '65, was about 9, 10 yrs of age when started listening to Rush. My brother is 7 yrs my elder and he would bring all this awesome music home and would listen to it with him. Every yr from 2112 on, I would look forward to Rush's next album. Everyone one is a journey. I still marvel and what they've created. Listening to Hemispheres is still mind blowing. A Farewell To Kings is nothing less than a masterpiece. Permanent Waves was when Rush showed the world, yea we can do this too. Even after Permanent Waves, with all the masterful music they have already written, they still weren't a household name...then came...well my modern day warrior friends, you know the rest
I grew up in Scarborough, where Alex, Geddy, and Neil grew up. They used to play at high school dances, and church halls when they were still in high school. They made enough money at the church halls, to buy themselves a burger and fries after the show. They moved on to bigger and bigger venues, like Maple Leaf Gardens and Exhibition Stadium in Toronto in the 70's. No matter where they go, or the accolades they receive, they're still 3 Canadian guys from Scarborough. Humble, genuine, and supremely talented. I was crushed when Neil died. It was just so sad, after losing his wife with cancer, and disappearing on his bike for a couple of years, we finally had him back, but not for long enough. Thank you so much for making such a great tribute to the band, and sharing your own favourite songs, lyrics, and musicianship. It makes the story that much better for their fans, to share our own memories. 🥁🎸🎹🎶🎵🎼
Future generations will discover the musical genius of RUSH. Three stellar musicians performing songs with lyrics that are light years beyond the usual drivel. This band is pure magic. A century from now, no one will know who Bieber was, but they'll definitely know who RUSH was, and Neil will forever be the benchmark for aspiring drummers.
The first time I heard “The Spirit of Radio” was in my car in Dallas driving to the Galleria. I was 18 and listening to Q102fm. The DJ came out of commercial and said this. “You’re listening to Q102, Texas best rock. This is Rush.” Lifeson’s guitar and Peart’s drums crashed through my car stereo. The hair on my arms stood up, chills shot through me. One thought popped in my head. Who are these guys, and how do they make so much awesome noise? Loved Rush ever since.
I’m from, Ft. Worth. The first time I heard S.O.R, was at the End of Summer Blowout. August of 1979, Cotton Bowl. The boys were finishing up the Hemispheres tour, and they played it for all the Rush faithful. I knew, from the opening licks, that this song was going to blow everyone away. I felt like I, along with 75,000 other concert goers, got a special treat, that others weren’t privy to. It’s one of my MANY great Rush memories.
Going through my 5th or 6th Rush revival at age 56. I can't get enough!!! Hearing the music in ways I never did before ... maybe understanding Neil's wisdom for the first time? Definitely appreciating that which a teenager can't, but also aware that I've lost some of the spunk that kid had 40 years ago. The trade offs we experience can be tough ... but the constant has always been the music. Thanks to Al, Geddy, and the Professor.
I was lucky enough to see them on their Moving Pictures tour. Their final encore, "This is a song from our new album Signals available soon. It's called Subdivisions." Dude, the place went off!
As a massive hockey fan from England, I’d waited a long time to go to Canada. So I planned a road trip to Canada, from Toronto to Quebec, we drove a rental with nothing but FM radio as the soundtrack and I will never forget when this song came on. Ever since, the song takes me back to that trip and that time. Neil would die less than a year later but the memories live on. A true masterpiece!
They were true professor's of Rock and Roll. The world will be much emptier without them. We still have their music which will last forever. I have ALL of Rush's music and although I love "Power Windows" the most, I never owned a Rush LP that was not played until it was worn out, then I purchased on CD. Now it's all on Flash Drive. If you really love Rush, the next time you play something of theirs TURN IT UP !!
Time goes buy so fast. I was just 11 when Signals came out and my older brother had just bought the tape, which I nicked. I can remember riding around the streets at night on my BMX in the fall of 82, listening to Subdivisions which I'd play over and over on my Walkman, even then I knew this band was special.
I turned 11 in ‘82 - I remember songs from Signals on the radio, what a great era of music, subdivisions & new world man. My first introduction to Rush. They peaked with Moving Pictures and Signals in my opinion was the last great album of the “classic” era of Rush. Those guys got me through high school, I suspect a lot of therapists were short for money back then, because kids could just slap on the earphones and hit play on their Sony Walkman whenever they needed to decompress.
Subdivisions is one of the best songs by Rush and is worth some deep thought about its messaging. Peer pressure is real and will drive people to do things they never would do alone.
@@craigparse1439 at the time, I felt they knew me and wrote that song for me. Little did I know how 10s of thousands of teenagers had the same feelings at the same time.
I was in Junior High when Signals came out also. Subdivisions spoke to me as I walked through the halls of school. After that song, I sought out all of Rush songs. I have been a fan to this day.
As much as I love this channel, this was one of the most difficult episodes to watch. I was introduced to Rush by MTV (remember them?) and the song "Subdivisions." That song described me and my life so well, as it did for many at the time. I was captivated and went all-in to research everything they released previously. When I first saw "2112" in my JHS library, I couldn't believe these were the same guys! Neil was my main influence as I studied percussion, and his loss hit me almost as hard as losing my dad. I'm so glad I have Neil's songs and books to help fill that void, especially the "Ghost Rider" memoir. Thank you Adam for helping to keep that spark alive.
That's a huge reason why Rush is such an awesome band. They hit on so many different topics. Even if you didn't agree with them on a philosophical level, they still handled the topics fairly and respectfully. And on a certain level, I get what you are saying when it comes to "Subdivisions." It really does describe how hard it is to fit in, if you even want to bother trying to fit in.
And "Subdivisions" didn't even hit the Billboard Hot 100. Baffling. It's one of the greatest songs of all time. And the video captures the lyrics so well.
@@mjeh1 Not top ten, and I don't get you wrong, but it IS still great in the same way that every single Rush song is great. The talent and mastery elevated their dross way above almost any rivals best efforts.And I AM aware that many of the bands I consider their rivals for the quality of their music are quite rightly revered for their timeless and almost perfecrt music, but I feel that Rush either equalled or surpassed them for the reason that they could equal or beat them with only three musicians, in the studio or more importantly live on stage. I can't name another three piece who could produce that level of music complexity.
I grew up in Niagara and have tons of parallels with Neil Peart. My dad used to bring his tractors to his dad's shop. I may have stood in that same shop while Neil was parts manager, pissed that my dad was taking so long talking with his. I got into Rush by accident, having missed the bus home from school and while waiting for my dad to pick me up, the janitors were playing Fly by Night on their ghettoblaster. I loved how it sounded, so I asked the guys and they told me it was Rush. Then when I heard Neil was a local guy and found the farm equipment connection, I dove right in and became a fan. Neil was so important to me. His book Ghost Rider helped me with my healing after my parents passed away just months apart from each other. He was a sterling example of a man and his life is a template for a life well lived.
Met my son for lunch today at his university and as we were leaving a college age kid probably around 20-21 was wearing a classic RUSH t shirt. Good music will live on forever and so will RUSH.
I was born & raised in Western New York State (1962-1985) In 1979 I started recording CFNY 101.2 FM !!! It was very difficult to get good reception, because the station signal was coming from Toronto, Canada! But during certain times, when I could get a steady signal, I would record to cassette some of the most progressive, & unconventional music. Songs that nobody, except pirate radio played on air. I believe that I still have a few cassettes to this day! I was a huge RUSH fan in the 70's. I attended at least 3 RUSH concerts. Another good story I have is about the time, in the middle of winter, some close guy friends of mine, went to a family cabin by Lake Erie! We smoke some weed & hash, ate some mushrooms & acid, than we listened to entire great albums of Rush, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, ELO! Best Trip Ever! Thanks for bringing back some good memories for me!
My RUSH story. I was looking through a box of records that my older sisters boyfriend had. Came across A Farewell to Kings. Thought, I have heard of RUSH(But never heard RUSH) and put it on my pathetic record player and was instantly amazed. Became a huge fan instantly. However being pre-internet(1982 or so) did not have access or knowledge of their other albums. One day after playing football with all the kids in the area, I mentioned to one guy, "hey I found this really cool band called RUSH''. He instantly went crazy and insisted that I come to his house. His bedroom was covered with RUSH posters and he had a tape of every one of their albums to date, and promptly made copies for me. We were instantly close friends after that. He and I went to my first RUSH concert together. (Power Windows 1986 in Dallas). I have never stopped listening to them in the 39+ years since then and did not miss a single tour after that(most I went to a few times especially R30 and every tour after that). Where are you Derrick Price, tried to find you but I guess you do not like social media(can't blame you?) Anyways ask my adult children, Neil and Alex what a fan I am. RIP Neil, you changed my life for the better. I know TLDNR.
Great story! I hope you're able to find your friend Derek I would still go on Facebook and try to find people that knew him to see if you can find him that would be great
Thank you for sharing your story!! I hope you found Derrick also! I always say Rush fans are the best fans. I know people say we are snobs, but it's really the opposite. A roommate reintroduced me to Rush in the mid-90s because I didn't like them (ex boyfriend was a huge fan, and liked to put hands on me, so I associated Rush with abuse). I remember the reintroduction like it was yesterday.. he put on Limelight (video), he explained everyone's role in the band, and what the song meant, particularly to Neil. I sat there wondering, who the he'll where's a blue jumpsuit, red socks, and white shoes? Lol. But I realized in those 3 minutes that what I thought Rush was, was so far off base that I was ashamed for not knowing better. That was almost 30 years ago now. Seen every tour since R30, with multiple shows for some tours, and with the old roommate that reintroduced me all those years ago. He's been my best friend ever since and I'm forever thankful that he sat me down and took the time to share his love of Rush with me because their music literally changed my life. We even made it to their last show, August 1, 2015. Best memoriez
All major power trios have a sound of their own and it’s so amazing. But Rush was just so unique. The only other band to come close is Triumph but even they have their own sound.
@@RFXLR Speaking of Triumph they were the first concert I went to. Triumph/Molly Hatchet at Ohio Expo Center Coliseum, Columbus, OH. 12/30/84. Thunder Seven Tour. Great show.
@@bigham1jb It was. I had floor seats on the left side of the stage 18 rows back. Gil Moore had the double bass drums and the sounds went right through you.
Hard to believe only three guys make that music. Loved them from first time I heard them as a teenager. Unique, & absolutely knew a Rush song when you heard one. Much love Rush
As a drummer for 45 years so far, Neil Peart is a true master of the instrument! Neil’s lyrics had a science fiction fantasy insight that was unique and excellent!
As one of the few female fans who has been following The Holy Trinity for decades (since the summer of '75), I remember seeing 'Permanent Waves' in a record store early in 1980 and bought it immediately! My roommates and I were planning a party that evening and we decided we would first listen to it then. We had a killer stereo system, so I proceeded to record it on a cassette tape. I turned the volume of the stereo off and simply used the meters on the cassette deck to ensure a good level on the tape. That night we were tripping on 'cid when the first notes of Alex's guitar blazed through the massive JBL speakers! "The Spirit of Radio" unleashed an sonic barrage that continued up and down through the next half dozen songs and 34+ minutes, finally ending with ocean waves sounds. An album masterpiece!! ✌🧡🧡🧡✌
I remember at the Clockwork Angels concert in WPB as I waited in the endless line to use the men’s room, looking over at the ladies’ room. No line, no one going in or coming out lol.
Also been listening to the Holy Trinity since '75 LoL! I was 9yrs old and my best friends older brother had the album and we would sit outside his room and would listen, simply amazing! Fast forward to senior year, high school English class, the teacher taught RUSH as poetry!! Not every one got it but those of us who did, well as you can imagine for a fan it was awesome!
I am so addicted to Rush’s music. I was so sad when I found out Neil Peart had passed. He will be forever remembered as the greatest drummer, but what an amazing story teller and writer!!
I’m 18 years old, with Rush being my favorite band since I was around 11 or 12. I had heard them a bit growing up around the house before then, but I started to listen more with the suggestion of my Dad and browsing TH-cam. Since that time I’ve never looked back, learning many Rush songs on guitar and buying numerous T-shirts, posters, and their entire discography on CD. They got me through some tough and isolating times in middle/high school, and continue to do so now in college. If only I could’ve gotten to see them live, especially in their prime back in the day. At least we can look back and listen to their legendary music and concerts. I remember hearing this song on the radio with my dad in his truck, with his stories reminiscing on how radio was back then (the switch from AM to FM) and how meaningful it was to his generation (class of ‘81). I hope one day to share my love for Rush with my future kid(s).
Awesome that you're a younger fan and want to pass it on! I introduced their music to my kids as well who are just a smidge older than you. IMO Rush was never out of prime.🙂
You mention that you would've loved to see Rush in their prime. Believe me, even during their last tour, Rush were still performing at their peak. Their musicianship remained unparalleled right down to their last concert date.
Exactly! Always in their prime! And you'll have so much fun learning those awesome guitar parts from the brilliant Alex Lifeson! Two of my favorites are The Trees and Emotion Detector. Lesser known songs but just try em! SO MUCH FUN!
Thank you for making this video. Born and raised in St Catharines, Rush is my home town band. Spending my summer nights in Lake Side Park. Growing up listening to 102.1. Being here and knowing of all the stories and tales of this experience that our parents experienced with Rush playing this highschool when they were kids. Rush is my fathers all time favorite band. But when I was a kid, he was very careful never to listen to them around me or to push them on me. He wanted me to find my own path when it came to music and what would form me. Imagine his surprise one day when I went to see him and said, "Hey dad, listen to this. I have been into this the last little while," And I popped in 2112. He almost cried. Rush has been a daily foundation of my music experience. Whether I'm working in the garage on my cars, or I'm at work. Rush is almost always playing in the background to make everything just a little better. My fondness of Rush has also helped me find what if what I would call, the current generation of epic story telling and outstanding musical compisition, Coheed and Cambria. Something in addition to note. Not only was Neil an amazing musician and author, but he was also selfless and willing to help anyone with no return. In St Catharines, you can do a six degrees to someone that Neil has helped in some way. Maybe they couldn't afford to take their kids to a soccer tournament. Out nowhere, there is a knock at the door. It's Neil, and a chq for whatever is needed for the kids to have a positive experience. And he wants nothing in return. Not a picture, not an article...nothing. Just...give the kids a good time. There are many examples of this. But he would never talk about them. People just called him, "Uncle Neil" Now, we have the Neil Peart Pavilion at Lake Side Park as a small way to honour him, and all his contributions to our city and life.
It was 1979 - I was 15. "You've never heard Rush have you?" My friend asked as he put side 2 of 'Hemispheres' on the stereo. 'Circumstances' ripped through the room like a demonic scream, splitting my brain, as I became possessed by the glorious chaos that was Rush. I've been a proud and blessed disciple ever since. ❤
This is the most comprehensive analysis of TSOR I’ve ever heard. And don’t feel guilty for absorbing, moving on, and reabsorbing. As true fans of music themselves, I’m sure Rush wouldn’t have it any other way. RIP Neil 😞.
I am a proud Buckeye and Ohio State alum who will say that it is a propos that the best marching band in the land did that. After all, Ohio State is the most well known school in the state, a state that Rush acknowledged first helped get them airplay outside of the Buffalo area in the US. In case you don’t know what I am talking about, placed prominently in the acknowledgements on the back of Rush’s debut album is a thank you to Donna Halper, a DJ at the time for WMMS in Cleveland, for, “ Getting the ball rolling “( Helping get Rush expanded airplay).
That is just a microcosm of what the Ohio State band can do. I am not just a resident of Ohio, I am an alumnus of OSU. I can tell you the fans recognize their greatness. It was a surreal experience the first time the band entered the stadium my freshman year, seeing the entire stadium stand up and go crazy. Remember, this is just for the band. One great artist honoring another was what happened when the OSU band did that tribute.
I"m a born and raised and still live here in Hamilton Ontario! Rush is from my neck of the woods in Canada. My second ever concert was at 17 in Hamilton, Ontario(Neil Peart's birthplace, same hospital as my wife was born in!) Oct 25, 1991at Copps Coliseum, the opening show of the Roll the Bones Tour. I had 5th row FLOOR right in front of Geddy! To say it was a transcendent experience, doesn't even come close! I still remember the smirk Geddy gave me when he caught my eye and me singing back every word along to songs that I was a toddler when they were written!(Rush officially started in 1974, the year I was born). It was was one of those " I can't believe this kid knows all the words to these songs" look! My high school years I had A Show of Hands, Presto, Roll the Bones and Chronicles on heavy rotation on my Sony Walkman! Oh and professor, that retreat was likely in North Ontario in the Muskoka region(my inlaws have a cottage up there we visit every summer) NOT western Ontario, called Windemere Resort. Of course being not far from my inaws cottage, I've made the pilgrimage there to see the likely house/cabin, where these musical heroes wrote a good chunk of the album Permanent Waves.
I was right there with you. Roll the Bones, Copps Coliseum, opening night of the tour, 4th Row, Geddy's side of center. I remember there were some technical probs in Force Ten and Geddy flubbed a line and sang, "tough times demand tough tarts" LOL Great show!
This has always been one of my favorite Rush tunes. Speaking of shared experiences - who remembers sitting in front of the radio with a tape recorder, waiting for a song to play so that you could record it? Of course, it sounded like crap once it was on tape, and I almost never caught the song at precisely the right moment to avoid the DJ's talking, but I didn't care.
Home taping was very popular in Britain in the eighties as the quality of radios improved. I used to have some great ( or so I thought) radio tapes. FM radio used to record reasonably well though you had to tune out the hiss which today would be considered intolerable. Recording the Top 40 countdown was exciting with all the tension created by the DJ in an era when the chat placings really mattered to those who listened!
First exposure to Rush was hearing Cygnus X-1 through a pair of Yamaha PA speakers at band camp in high school. We spent a week at Ball State University and set up the PA to just listen to tunes during our off hours. Unforgettable. You are right; listening to Rush now, my appreciation only deepens … and I thought it was already as deep as it could get. What a band! 3 maestros, the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again!
I saw the Moving Pictures tour as well. What an incredible experience that was!!! I remember it like it was yesterday, and it is one of my fondest memories. :)
Being a proud Hamiltonian it is great to hear mention of my hometown down to the escarpment reference. I actually heard the debut of the album on the Toronto station Chum FM. Back then the guys would be in studio describing the songs and what they were about live on air. They did this for multiple albums. Can you believe the anticipation you would feel back in those days. Thanks for an episode that really touched my heart.
Exsqueeze me? Hometown band? Neil was from St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie to be precise. Alex and Geddy were from Toronto. In fairness though, I think all of us who grew up in the Golden Horseshoe at that time ('70s/'80s) considered RUSH to be a hometown band.
Is the Universe conscious? Is the Universe alive? Well, we have 100% proof that it is....NEIL PEART playing 2112 and their last song "The Garden." Listen to it live. My GOD!
Rush played a huge roll in my childhood. I grew up in the 70's/80's and learned of Rush in 1979. I will forever be grateful for the band and Neil Peart. As for radio, I remember waiting for hours to record a particular song from the FM station and the DJ would always find a way to talk over the ending of the song. Radio has created incredible memories of my childhood and the song Spirit of the Radio, reminds me of a time of musical innocence.
Great and sincere video. My step mother was searching for a birthday gift for my 13th birthday. She wandered into a music store (remember Hastings?) where she asked the clerk "what music would a 13 year boy old enjoy". I got 'moving pictures' and 'signals' for my birthday... I've been a Rush super-fan ever since. YYZ melted my brain and "Losing it" melted my soul. My 25 year old son is twice the Rush fan as I am, so now it's generational too!
I like you have rediscovered Rush, after Neil's passing. I am gobsmacked at how good they really were/are. What was old is so new again. Thanks for this professor.
Including my own teenage sons, and especially the older, keyboard-playing one of the two; Loves 'Marathon', 'Jacob's Ladder' and 'Xanadu' (in their 'Exit...Stage Left' versions) 😀
It breaks my heart that these young people discovering Rush will never know the joy of seeing them live. They might get an idea by watching concert footage but they won't feel it in their bones - in their souls - the exuberance of a live Rush concert.
You finally did it!!!! Rush is the greatest band ever. The worlds smallest orchestra-they changed my life. Thank you Professor of rock for honoring the professor on the drums
When the drummer in your band is nicknamed The Professor, that, in my very humble opinion, is the Ultimate Achievement. I heard this song when it hit the air back then, on KMBQ 93.7 in northwest La. Since then, this is the one song by Rush that gets cranked to 11 IMMEDIATELY. Not many songs bring tears of joy to my eyes, but this one does. Every single time. Here they come now....
There just aren't words enough or time to sum up what this song, this band means to me -- more and more as I get older. I rediscovered them when in my 40s, and was stunned at home much their songs spoke to me after having lived a few decades. I remember the day my brother played me "Tom Sawyer" from this new record he bought, and I played him "Dog Eat Dog" by Adam and the Ants. Now I think my love of Rush far overshadows his! Neil Peart died two weeks before my husband last year. "I feel the way [he] would."
Took my son to the Rush Vapor Trails concert for his 16th birthday. It was a great experience for both of us. It was his first concert. And it was my first time seeing Rush live. He is still a Rush fan today.
One likes to believe in the freedom of music, one of my all time favorite Rush lyrics. Always reminds me of how the first cars we could afford as teenagers the cars almost always had AM only radios, so we would always upgrade the radio to AM/FM as soon as we had any cash, often over tires or a muffler, to hear the " freedom of music " on FM
Some of my favorites by any band, "...Shatters the illusion of integrity," and, "all this machinery making modern music can still be open hearted not to fully chart it is really just a question of your honesty, YEAH, your honesty!"
I discovered Rush out of an LP collection I had borrowed from a high school friend (yes! From back in the day when a friend would let you take all his collection put together over years…). Great albums, but the day I had to return them I couldn’t let go of the 2112. I paid it with half my belongings at the time (this was in Southamerica, at the time there was no easy access to this type of music). It changed my life and Rush has been with me ever since. Great episode professor! More Rush please
Good times! Thank that friend again! One of my favorite Rush videos is Rush YYZ Live in Rio. Hearing so many hardcore fans singing an instrumental... it moves the soul. Amazing!
Hah! That's exactly how I had discovered RUSH myself, in 1989! Only that it was their 'Grace Under Pressure' LP! I had already known them by name since '84 (when that album was released) but had no idea what they actually sounded like!? Hearing 'Distant Early Warning' alone for the the first time had me instantly hooked 😊
I knew about Rush, but only the little that was played on the radio. We had a Top 40 station that would play something more rock like about once an hour, so it was rare. I asked a friend's older brother if I could borrow Fleetwood Mac's Tusk to record a copy for myself. He gave me it, then handed me another album, 2112 and told me that this was what I should be listening to. I did listen to it then decided I had to get everything recorded by them.
That CFNY jingle has been in my iPod / iTunes collection for years - every once in a while when I have the playlist set to 'shuffle' it comes on and makes me smile. Reminds me of a time in late 1979 through to the mid-1980s when it was a huge part of my life. Thanks for digging that out @Prof!
That jingle reminds me of the one from 101.1 KLOL which has since sadly been changed to a latin rap format by the corporate owners. I still have a bumper sticker somwhere with the runaway radio on it from KLOL.
@@MsStaceySparkles too bad they are gone! I remember when I finally got my Rock and Roll Army card, Col. St. James left the station and the cards were no good anymore. lol
My favorite FM memory was on a cold December night in 1975. Our local album rock station played "And You and I" by Yes, then conducted a 10 second station identification. It was 11:30 pm and 36 degrees. The DJ then started a 30 minute track without introduction. I was captivated by this new-to-me track, thinking the artists seemed familiar sounding, but I couldn't place them. Back then we didn't have Google to search for the song and artist. It took me ten years and a chance selection of a tape to discover what I had heard only that one time on the radio. One day I went to visit a friend at his house. He said to go pick something out play on the stereo. I sifted through his box of tapes, finally settling on one that said Todd Rundgren on the label. Put the tape in and pressed Play. The opening riff blasted out and I blurted out "That's IT! THAT'S THE SONG!" It turned out to be "The Ikon". Now whenever I hear "And You and I", I have to follow it up with "The Ikon".
I first heard Rush in 1974. The local AOR station played "In The Mood" occasionally. I thought it was okay, but nothing all that special. A few weeks later, a promo spot for a Rush concert played and in it they played snippets of some of the songs from the debut album, including "What You're Doing" "Finding My Way" "Before And After" & "Working Man". Next day I went to my local music store and ordered the album. Simply fantastic.
@@donnahalper9110 Hi Donna. So thankful for your role in launching these guys here in the midwest. I've watched the Rush documentary many times. However, my local AOR station was WLAV out of Lansing, Michigan. I think the promo was for a show in Detroit or Windsor, Ontario.
@@erickbaumeister2970 Given that I'm the woman who discovered them (and their first 2 albums are dedicated to me), I wouldn't be a very good friend if I had lost interest in them, now would I? 😉 To this day, I remain in touch with them, and it's the honor of my life to have played even a small part in their success story.
"Shorter, more focused songs " lol! There are literally six songs on the album. Hell, you barely even notice "Jacob's ladder" or "Natural Science!" Still my favorite Rush album. Looking back now, it's so funny to think of how ridiculed I was for being a Rush fan! Knowing that I was absolutely right the whole time! My friends and family now realize this.
Shorter, more focused is funny, but true. Three of their four albums just previous to PW each had a song that took up a whole side (roughly twenty minutes for you Spotify kids). The other had two songs that were over ten minutes. The musical twists and turns and lyrical depth of those longer songs are the biggest reason Rush is my favorite band. But Permanent Waves is my favorite album of all time, even though the two songs you mention are “only” seven and a half and nine and a quarter minutes long lol. I remember a coworker thought I was a fool to pay full price for an album that had only four songs on it (Hemispheres). Never had a moment of regret.
@@robertkendall6660 Hemispheres was the first full album from Rush that I listened to. I borrowed a dubbed cassette from my friend. I thought Side 2 of the tape was also Rush but years later I found out it was Dark Side Of The Moon. I had started to doze off with my headphones on but got woken up with my heart pounding to the sound of clock alarms going off then soothed by the low notes of the _Time_ intro.
@@billkeithchannel my first Rush listen was Tom Sawyer on my brother's stereo. He liked songs with sound effects. I liked songs with thick, chunky, heavy, bass tones that still had crisp, bright enough high end, also distorted, powerful, and creative or technically interesting guitars, as well as thunderously powerful, fast, interesting, and skillfully played drums which are recorded well enough to sound like real drums in my room. I found a copy of Moving Pictures my brother rarely listened to, but what made me a lifetime Rush enthusiast was Exit Stage Left. Jaw meet floor.
@@Metalbass10000 _Tom Sawyer_ may have also been my first Rush song I ever heard on the radio. I think _Subdivisions_ was the next big song I would hear in rotation. Then the hilarious _Take Off_ hit the airwaves and I got that comedy album from the Columbia House Club. "Take off, you hoser."
So true-Spirit of Radio is one of those magical moments in Rock! I love Permanent waves, but then again, I love every flipping’ Rush album. I loved them at 7 years old listening to Farewell to Kings, and I love them now at 51! Rush Forever!!!
@@ProfessorofRock Well, I was blessed with a brother two years my Senior who loved them. We were latch key kids being raised by our Dad, and when we actually had a babysitter, she was a teenage rock and roll loving chick! My brother (because of Rush & Geddy) was gifted his first bass guitar when he was 9 or 10 because our Dad was a musician and really encouraged that. Our Pops dropped us off to see them on the Moving pictures tour-I was in 7th grade & my brother, a freshman. We were hardcore! They’ll be my favorite band until I’m dead, and I promise my brother is still the biggest Rush fan there ever was in The great beyond! ✌️ & Rush forever, All!
Tremendous tribute Professor! March 1st 1974 while I was in High School, that first album came out and I have been captivated by them ever since…..the soundtrack of my life. I also loved CFNY and I lived close to the station for 35 years in Brampton Ontario. The music of the 80s (DM, DD, TT, TFF, Cure, NO,Erasure, etc.) also the music of my life……but Rush will always hold a special place in my heart…..their induction to the HoF was spectacular and is must see TH-cam TV. Well done Professor ….and thank you.
About CHIC-FM, yep. 680 blazing watts of transmission power. My outdoor FM antenna would snag the signal coming out of #2 Ellen Street. That's six hundred eighty, PERIOD. Other than the Spirit of Radio, I don't really know RUSH at all, I was off on a Brit Rock tangent at the time. But, I have a ticket under glass with an autograph and a RUSH mirror. I know there was a lot of lifting (heavy lifting) like the _powerhouse_ motif, which is fine. I was more Lightfoot, McLaughlan and Heart. I miss Pete Griffin. Dave Haydu still works at the Seein' Tower.
Saw Rush 17 times in concert. Hearing Tom Sawyer on the radio for the first time as a drummer was my life changing moment in music. I was in 9th grade. A year later I saw the Signals tour and never missed a Rush tour after that.
There’s a picture at the beginning of this video that says Plymouth Michigan 1977 welcomes Rush. That picture strikes a huge memory chord in more ways than one. In 1977 I was a senior at the high school in Plymouth Michigan and also a disc jockey on the school radio station WSDP and I first heard this band. That started my experience with this great band but I was unable to see them live until 2018 in one of the very last concerts in Las Vegas Nevada. I’m so glad to have experienced this great band over all these years.
My favorite Neil quote is, "What is the most excellent thing I can do today?". Crazy to think Neil took further drum lessons in his 40's to continue mastering his craft. Master student indeed. Great episode.
@@freesk8 That flirtation ended with the 1970s. When Selena was born he started to grow up and get outside of his own head and his naive ideas. If you read his interview with NME from the _Farewell to Kings_ tour he's full of contradictions and spewing poorly constructed arguments littered with logical fallacies, much as you might expect of a 25 year-old with a high school education who had spent the last 4 years working non-stop. That was his "dark tunnel" period.
In the early 1980s. I had high school friends that were hardcore Rush fans. Rush was their favorite rock band. They got me into Rush's music and I enjoyed it too and bought some of their albums. While Tom Sawyer is probably their most famous song, The Spirit Of Radio has always been my favorite song of theirs. Like most of their songs, it really takes you on a great musical journey.
@@Augfordpdoggie Excellent song! Everyone I knew who had Permanent Waves, there was a skip at the exact same place in Natural Science. Can't remember where it was. I felt blessed that my copy didn't have it. What an amazing song to find after buying the album as it was never played on the radio.
This song hits the nail on the head and I miss the adventure of FM radio, where they now only play singles, just like the old AM top 40 radio stations did, back in the day. Nice to also hear the old jingle of CFNY too.
"The Holy Trinity" - Rush. Very apropos. I remember discovering these guys as a suicidally depressed teenager in high school about when Moving Pictures came out. I listened and was blown away like the rest of their fans. I was a musician myself - still am - and I had never thought what they were doing was even possible. They always will be a major influence that galvanized my writing and inspired me to go into songwriting myself. I am so grateful they gave us all they did and expanded the rock vocabulary as amazingly far as they did. Not only can music inspire us and make us feel, it can also make us THINK. What a revelation. I eventually found that the depression was chemical and I had to change how I thought and just get into the habit of constantly thinking and questioning. Thanks to Neil (RIP), Geddy and Alex. I owe them big time and still work to pay it forward.
Prof, this is one of your best, most touching and insightful vids...I first saw Rush play at my high school (yep I am that old and that Canadian!)...was a huge fan of their 70's material. Felt a bit abandoned by their move in Permanent Waves. Ironically I listened to "NY" all the time and it took me away into New Wave too. Embraced them again in the 90's and really started to love the 80's albums. Actually once played some pickup hockey back in the day with Geddy and Alex - how Canadian is that! Thanks for what you do and keep up the good work.
The first time I found out Rush was 3 piece band I was mind blown. It was just not possible to me, that 3 people could make such rich intricate music. My first experience with Rush's music came when I friend of mine played Tom Sawyer for me. I became a fan since then.
Subdivisions to me is the single best song of all time. I never get tired of it. The lyrics, musical score, harmony, synthesizers, - Lee’s sublime vocals will last for eternity. To me it’s Mozart’s 5th wrapped into one perfect song.
This is my absolutely my favorite Rush song of all time. My brother's is Red Barchetta. I just love how you can see the different musical influences, and how it feels like you are changing the radio station, as the music changes throughout the song.
In the late 70s I lived in Toronto within few blocks of where Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson went to high school and where Rush got their start. I didn't know them and didn't know their music. It was only during the pandemic, when I was 70, that I was really introduced to their music through TH-cam reactions. My regret is great but my joy is greater as I have been baptized into the Rush world. Three consummate musicians who were incredibly unaffected by their fame (listen to Limelight). Neil was an introvert and struggled greatly with the "glad handing" part of the business. His lyric in Limelight "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" so clearly defined his space. The sound they produced from only three performers can easily blow you away but the perfection and diversity of their compositions is for me the mountaintop of Rock. Thank you for your recognition of a much deserving group.
More Rush content! An all time favorite band. I first heard them in 1987 or so when Force Ten was getting radio play. I know that's not one of their most beloved tracks, but it was enough to convince me to find out more about them. My conversion into a "Huge Fan (tm)" was getting Signals and hearing those intro keyboard notes for Subdivisions (which to me is their greatest track of all). And while Peart gets all the credit due, I still think Geddy Lee is the most ridiculously talented musician around. Think of what he is doing live: singing, playing bass, using bass pedals with his feet, and playing keyboards. All while washing machines do his laundry behind him. I'm also perhaps one of the few fans who prefers their 80s output over any other era. Signals is largely the reason for that. And insofar as Permanent Waves goes, "Natural science" is one of their finest "epic" tracks.
I wish more people in the world could view your posts about Rush. Your in-depth knowledge of them as not just master musicians but as people and their history is 2nd to no one. As a 64 yr old life long fan, I sit here with tears in my eyes every time I watch one of your Rush posts because of what this group meant and still means to my life, of course the TOO early passing of Neil doesn't help. It's an absolute sin the music world didn't give these guys the credit they deserve mainly because they don't know or "the voice". THANK YOU for these Rush posts. They are not only informative but fun...and yes, emotional as well. RIP PROFESSOR PEART
I saw them six times live, and Spirit of Radio was the song that hooked me too, and when I took lessons, it was one of the first complete songs I learned. My first show was after Grace Under Pressure, shortly after I got my drivers license. I still listen to Rush regularly, and don't see that changing as long as I draw breath.
FM was the staple of the 70's/80's...glued to it like my life depended on it! I love Rush for their staying true to themselves and their fans. I loved Neil's epic drumming...and miss him so much!❤ Always fascinating...thank you Professor!
“Spirit of Radio” was one of those very few songs that I know exactly where I was when I first heard it on the radio. That opening immediately caught my attention. And while I already had some Rush albums, _Permanent Waves_ was the album that cemented me as a Rush fan. I was blessed to see Rush on that tour’s second stage, when the band debuted some of its upcoming classics on the soon-to-be released _Moving Pictures_. My son and I had the chance to see the band together on the Time Machine Tour-along with a lot of other dads and sons. Thanks, Rush.
My aunt was a senior in hs, and I was in 9th grade- 1977 I lived with my grandparents, who had adopted her. I had heard the band name Rush here and there, written on notebooks, mostly. On impulse, I bought 2112, never having heard one note. This was the disco era, and the hard rock lineup was thin. I dropped the needle in my grandparents' hifi, and I was caught up like it was the Rapture. It's been 45 years, and I am still caught up every time by the musicianship and lyricism of this transcendent trio. Thank you, Grandma Dee, for allowing me to play Rush at high volume on your stereo with you there. She would be 101 today. Thank you Rush for being prominent in the soundtrack of my life.
Great video! Many of the comments mirror my own memories of listening to Rush....... in awe of their musicianship, lyrics and sound. I'm so glad that both of my kids are fans too. Sadly, they will never see them live but I take solace in the fact that they will pass this wonderful music down to their children....it will live on. Too many cherished memories with the backdrop of Rush's wonderful music. This video really hit home. Thanks to both professors. R.I.P. Neil "the Professor" Peart. ✌🏽🥁🇨🇦
Undeniably, one of the best bands of all time! Spirit of radio is one of my favorite songs as well. Geddy, Alex and Neil (RIP) are all great musicians and class acts. Neil...a BRILLIANT lyricist and drummer. With his mesmerizing lyrics and the phenomenal performances of all three, Rush has left a timeless body of work for the world to enjoy forever.
Back in the 80's, I was aware of Rush from my friends playing their music, but I wasn't really tuned into them until one lazy Saturday afternoon watching videos and Subdivisions came on... I was mesmerized and hooked! Even to this day hearing any Rush song feels like hearing it for the first time, there's always something in there that you hadn't heard before.
That's my story as well. Just as I entered HS, that Summer when I worked FM Rock was my first new friend. I listened to AM mostly and Jazz. Jazz Fusion and caught my ear. My parents and older siblings played AM. I am 8 years younger then them. MTV launched in HS and now I'm seeing Rock T-shirts and magazines galore. RUSH, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal were everywhere. My best friend's cousin visited while we hang out.Turned out he had been listening to RUSH for years. We listened to radio before band practice and "Limelight" came on. I later watched MTV and there it was. I bought their album and the floodgates opened. They were the Rock band that showed superior musicianship with a killer rhythm section and vocals. I discovered early Genesis Yes, and others soon after. Their 1981 concert was my first. I stood out as one of tiny few Black guys at the show. I was unphased because as a musician, I listened to everything. It still remains as one of my all time favourite concerts.
I feel like Subdivisions needs its own Professor of Rock episode. I can't even describe how much it moved me when I first got Signals. Over 30 year later, it still resounds with me.
@@johnchedsey1306 Better yet John... how awesome would it be if the Prof made full length documentaries ? I envision a series where each 60 to 90 minute episode focuses one band in particularly.
"For the words of the prophets are written on the studio walls" & "Echoes with the sound of salesmen" are both a nod to the lyrics from "Sounds of silence" by Simon & Garfunkel.
2112 was the Rush album that did it for me and the gang I hung around with at that time, everyone singing, playing air guitar, and drums still brings a smile to my face. We'd listen to that song as loud as the old stereo would go, actually hearing something new in the song we had missed. Priceless memories.
Every time I finish watching your videos, I sit back and ask myself, "How did I watch a this guy do a monologue about a band /song for 20 minutes without ever thinking about clicking away from it?" Awesome job!!! You truly are The Professor of Rock!
It took Overwhelming Fan Demand to get them in it was over 85%, Yes a Travesty of the Hof is run by a bunch Music snobs who don't know s#@t about good music!
It was so awesome when they finally got in. As soon as Jan Wenner said “From Toronto…” the crowd roared for about five minutes solid. It was such a validation. We always knew they were good and there it was.
I listened to this song at recess in 8th grade. A friend brought the album to school and convinced our music teacher, a 57 year old grandma, to play it for us. I will never forget the look on her face when she heard it, she loved it! So did I as did my friends.
I discovered Rush in 1975, I’ve been a fan ever since and over the years saw 30 shows. You are absolutely right in your assessment. Growing up near Philly WMMR always played Rush but few others did. This song was an anthem to musicians, we embraced the idea of music that was pure and not watered down by a label. Few bands ever did that.
Truly the most underrated band of all time. In my opinion they were a thinking mans rock band. You learned to pay attention to the lyrics to what was being sung. The stories the arrangement. Amazing.
It was a nice tribute to the 📻 station that broke them by Rush. The catalog # of Permanent Waves was 1021 - The call letters Of CFNY. The great Closer To The ❤ should have been their breakthrough but The Spirit Of Radio was a worthy hit. I discovered Yes & Pink Floyd via FM 📻 & that led to Rush , Peter Gabriel/ Genesis & many others. 😎
Actually, it was WMMS in Cleveland that was instrumental in "breaking" the band and getting them an international recording contract. CFNY hardly ever played Rush unless it was a cover by some other band. Spirit of Radio by The Catherine Wheel for instance... (they left out the difficult parts of the song because they couldn't play them. LOL) CFNY was a pretty good station though. They had zero love for Rush, however.
Truly one of the Professor’s best reports. Kudos for his tribute to another “Professor “, the late great Neil Peart. Sadly, I became amazed at Peart’s greatness in all forms only after his death from brain cancer last year.
Alex, Geddy and Neil have been my constant companions since 1976. Now 47 years later, they're old friends, faithful and true. Looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better gang of guys to have formed the soundtrack of my life.
I have my brother to thank for introducing me to Rush. He had just bought this album when it came out, and being the little brother, I was always raiding his record collection when he was out with his friends. I saw Rush live for the first time in September of 1980. I was a Freshman in high school and they knocked Led Zeppelin and Skynyrd out of the top spot in my lineup of best band. I saw them a total of 11x over a 40-year period. Such a big part of the soundtrack of my life.
Funny that I FOUND them because I was in my depressed teenaged years. More than his drumming, it was Peart's lyrics that hooked me. "All of us get lost in the darkness, Dreamers learn to steer by the stars"
Amen. Nerds of the world felt understood by Rush. I wasn't depressed but I relied on my books and music to keep me from feeling lonely. Rush spoke to my fantasy and SciFi inner nerd.
I was introduced to 'Rush' about 1 year earlier and had 'A Farwell to Kings' already in my collection. To this day it is still my favorite album by them.
@professorofrock. , Saw Rush twice and Queen once. For a young man living far below poverty level, these concerts gave me hope and joy. Today, I'm a wealthy man and I just melt inside when listening to these two bands. JOY!
Great work professor! Yes, Rush is undeniably in a class of their own. Their music, even though rock, is so different than any other band. Great stuff every album.
I just saw Primus on their "Tribute to Kings" tour where they perform Rush's Farewell to Kings in it's entirety. While I appreciate the tribute, it made me realize how I would never see Rush live again... It's just not the same.
Les Claypool is a great bassist in his own right. It is two bad he auditioned both times Metallica had bass auditions and didn’t get picked. Still, I see Metallica’s point. Style wise he would not have been a good fit.
@@craighenry2351 to be fair, he auditioned only after Cliff died, more as a friend to Kirk. He wouldn’t have been a good fit for Metallica and everyone knew it. Metallica needed a punching bag that they could beat up and make a scapegoat out of, and Les certainly would not have fit that role. He was way over qualified as well.
I first saw Rush on MTV with their song Distant Early Warning in the summer of ‘84. I was 13. But really didn’t become a big fan until I was 21 with their Roll the Bones album. First heard Spirit of Radio, when I rented their concert video from the Grace Under Pressure tour. It began with the Three Stooges intro and then went into Spirit of Radio. I was so amazed by them. They were better live than their records. Can’t really say that about every band.
My favorite song of all time. When I was 8 or 9 years old my sister would play this song for me when we got home from school. My brother had hundreds of albums but this was the one. As I got older I always thought of myself as a drummer. With Neil Peart at the center of my drum world I found myself in a band. We called ourselves reel Big fish. We played a ton of shows in Southern California and my dream was to play like Neil. We were some of the fortunate few who got a play on the big stage. In the early 90s we were a part of a fun time in music. Ourselves along with No Doubt, Sublime, Save Ferris the Aquabats, suburban rhythm and many more were part of an incredible music scene in southern California. Well, Sublime and No Doubt were signed and got on the radio and so did we. It was always my goal to inspire somebody like Rush and Neil do for me. I had the pleasure of seeing Rush's third to last show at the MGM grand with my wife at the time, my oldest son and his wife. Two of my best friends and their significant others. We had tickets at the back of the arena but God decided we had other seats waiting for us and we were moved about ten rows from "Stage Left" right above Geddy Lee. We were about forty five feet from the Neils time machine and had my arm around my son while he pounded out his solo. Thanks for the memories.
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Listen to the song (last song) from their last album, live, called The Garden. WOW! So pretty and meaningful!
When I got my first drum set in 1982 it took me exactly one year JUST to be able to play Tom Sawyer all the way through, just ONCE, without making a serious mistake, and it was in the mid 1990s before I could play it on drums AND sing it at the same time with absolute confidence and not mess up and get everything right without worry. I used to sing and play this song in the video on piano. I can imitate Geddy perfectly except his older vocals which are too high. My favorite Rush song is Losing It. Pay close attention to the DYNAMICS that take place in that beauty like a STORM!!!
HAD TO ADD> Is the Universe conscious? Is the Universe alive? Well, we have 100% proof that it is....NEIL PEART playing 2112 and their last song "The Garden." Listen to it live. My GOD!
The Oracles of Rock For Sure! With Their Soul Stirring Performances That Literally Will Endure Throughout All Time and Eternity!
Rush used to open their concerts with the Spirit of Radio in complete darkness gradually waking up with the fog and lasers. It was awesome. This was '82-83.
Rush is like an old friend, you don't see them all the time but when you do it's always great.
Perfect description!
Perfect analysis there
Perfectly stated, aye!
Fifteen years ago my son was three years old and riding in the car with me when "Spirit Of Radio" came on. He sat there quietly listening for a few minutes while I drove, and then announced, "This is a really good band." He's been a die hard Rush fan ever since.
LOL. Good for both of you! Can't start them too young.
Well, hell, if that's not Dad of the Year-worthy, I don't know what is.
That's awesome
My son was a baby in the car seat and he would flex his fingers in the air with spirit of the radio.
I would love to see that kids reaction to YYZ
I'll tell you what impressed me about Geddy Lee in particular. I was walking to the subway through a tunnel under the Eatons Center in downtown Toronto in 1982 and saw Geddy playing with a busker, who was trying to make a few bucks. I knew who it was right away, even though he was wearing a hat and scarf and was not trying to draw attention to himself. I stood there a while and dropped some money into the open guitar case. I never let on I knew who he was. I was just a great experience for me.
Omg. I wonder what happened to all his money? I didn't realize he was that down on his luck.
@@kathrynowens3324 Nope. He wasn't. He was just helping a guy out.
What an awesome guy! Great story, thanks so much for sharing it!
That’s epic dude!
Woww what a Story!👍
I’m 51 and grew up knowing the hits, but ever since Neil’s unfortunate passing I’ve finally taken a deep dive and they’re an absolute favorite now. And I make a point of it to listen to “The Spirit of Radio” daily.
The opening riff is my ringtone.
That is a great idea.
Same.
One thing you omitted to mention: the section of the song with the lyrics "The words of the profits are written on the studio walls, concert halls. Echo in the sounds ... of salesmen"
is a direct nod to Simon and Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence": "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" and "echoed in the wells of silence", from two different verses. Even includes a pun on prophets vs. profits (clever Mr. Peart).
The thing is, it's very apt, since both songs address the loss of heart and soul to some aspect of materialistic commercialist culture.
As a non-native English speaker, it took me a few years to realize these lyrics were, as you said, a nod to S&R's "Sounds of Silence". But once I did, I started looking for other similar clues in Peart's lyrics, and it didn't take me long to find that "Vitals Signs"'s "an ounce of perception, a pound of obscure" is a direct reference to Benjamin Franklin's "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". And from that moment onward, I was hooked.
Early Peart lyrics were a bit too rooted in fantasy for my tastes (though the music was brilliant), but starting with "Permanent waves", he wrote more about current social issues that resonated much more with my adolescent self. What a lyricist!
He didn't omit it: 11:36
@@randydivinski7529 - He said the line with a great deal of admiration expressed for Peart's lyrics (well deserved admiration IMO).
What he did not do was mention the connection to the Simon and Garfunkel song. The lyrics are too close to be a coincidence.
But they are also different enough to express Peart's point marvelously.
For someone who notices the similarity, this invokes a kind of eerie overlay in the imagination of the vision of 1960s materialistic hopelessness from the S&G lyrics with the commercialist selling out that Rush was critiquing, as if the "neon gods" were still in force, still steamrolling over art and love some 20 years later.
Finally! Someone else noticed!
And there you have it my Rush brethren and sistren! I'm a Rush fan for 44 years, went to 36 shows--and I never made that connection to Sound of Silence! There's always another layer to discover, even after thousands of times listening to a song. It's so obvious to me now, I don't know how I missed that one! Love y'all!
I'm 55 now. When I was a kid especially when I was a teenager in the early 1980s, there was no more exciting thing for me then calling my favorite radio station, requesting a song and hearing it being played. Rush in particular more than ANY other band helped me to get through my teenage years. I was so devastated to hear of Neil Pearts passing. It still makes me sad thinking about it right now. Thank you for featuring Rush on this episode.
I'm with you, brother
Me Too.....😔...As I'm 56 Y.O.....Lucky Enough To See Them Live Close To A Dozen Times!......Tough AGE (Getting Into Late 50's) As It Seems As Though ALL Of My Heroes Are Leaving Us!.......Starting To Have A Feeling That 😢...Well...Ya Know!.....Life REALLY IS JUST A FLICKER IN TIME!........
Oh yeah. What a time to be alive when you could request a song then hear it. So exciting. It kept me glued to the radio.
My favorite lyric ever written in a rock and roll song.
"One likes to believe in the freedom of music, but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity."
Deep
Very….well said
"And the words of the (prophets/profits) written on the studio walls."
“Quick to judge
Quick to anger
Slow to understand
Ignorance and prejudice
And fear, walk hand in hand”
The most endangered species,
The honest man
Will still survive annihilation
Forming a world
State of integrity
Sensitive, open, and strong
Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt
That’s far too fleet…
Neil Peart is one of the greatest poets of all time. I can't explain how much a part of my life these guys were and still are to me. I'm born in '65, was about 9, 10 yrs of age when started listening to Rush. My brother is 7 yrs my elder and he would bring all this awesome music home and would listen to it with him. Every yr from 2112 on, I would look forward to Rush's next album. Everyone one is a journey. I still marvel and what they've created. Listening to Hemispheres is still mind blowing. A Farewell To Kings is nothing less than a masterpiece. Permanent Waves was when Rush showed the world, yea we can do this too. Even after Permanent Waves, with all the masterful music they have already written, they still weren't a household name...then came...well my modern day warrior friends, you know the rest
I grew up in Scarborough, where Alex, Geddy, and Neil grew up. They used to play at high school dances, and church halls when they were still in high school. They made enough money at the church halls, to buy themselves a burger and fries after the show. They moved on to bigger and bigger venues, like Maple Leaf Gardens and Exhibition Stadium in Toronto in the 70's. No matter where they go, or the accolades they receive, they're still 3 Canadian guys from Scarborough. Humble, genuine, and supremely talented. I was crushed when Neil died. It was just so sad, after losing his wife with cancer, and disappearing on his bike for a couple of years, we finally had him back, but not for long enough. Thank you so much for making such a great tribute to the band, and sharing your own favourite songs, lyrics, and musicianship. It makes the story that much better for their fans, to share our own memories. 🥁🎸🎹🎶🎵🎼
One of Neil's greatest lines " I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend."
Introvert anthem
Future generations will discover the musical genius of RUSH. Three stellar musicians performing songs with lyrics that are light years beyond the usual drivel. This band is pure magic. A century from now, no one will know who Bieber was, but they'll definitely know who RUSH was, and Neil will forever be the benchmark for aspiring drummers.
Well said!💪
So it's 2 yrs later and no one gives a rats hind end about anyone named bieber. But Rush is still in regular rotation.
The first time I heard “The Spirit of Radio” was in my car in Dallas driving to the Galleria. I was 18 and listening to Q102fm. The DJ came out of commercial and said this. “You’re listening to Q102, Texas best rock. This is Rush.” Lifeson’s guitar and Peart’s drums crashed through my car stereo. The hair on my arms stood up, chills shot through me. One thought popped in my head. Who are these guys, and how do they make so much awesome noise? Loved Rush ever since.
I’m from, Ft. Worth. The first time I heard S.O.R, was at the End of Summer Blowout. August of 1979, Cotton Bowl. The boys were finishing up the Hemispheres tour, and they played it for all the Rush faithful. I knew, from the opening licks, that this song was going to blow everyone away. I felt like I, along with 75,000 other concert goers, got a special treat, that others weren’t privy to. It’s one of my MANY great Rush memories.
Well said!
Q102 Blood Drive!!!
And was the DJ Redbeard?
That's why their called RUSH because it is! lol
Going through my 5th or 6th Rush revival at age 56. I can't get enough!!! Hearing the music in ways I never did before ... maybe understanding Neil's wisdom for the first time? Definitely appreciating that which a teenager can't, but also aware that I've lost some of the spunk that kid had 40 years ago. The trade offs we experience can be tough ... but the constant has always been the music. Thanks to Al, Geddy, and the Professor.
I'm still not over Neil's death. He is the only "celebrity" for whose death I shed tears 😭. Just writing this is making me tear up.
I was lucky enough to see them on their Moving Pictures tour. Their final encore, "This is a song from our new album Signals available soon. It's called Subdivisions." Dude, the place went off!
I remember and Subdivisions became my favorite song.
That must've been incredible.
As a massive hockey fan from England, I’d waited a long time to go to Canada. So I planned a road trip to Canada, from Toronto to Quebec, we drove a rental with nothing but FM radio as the soundtrack and I will never forget when this song came on. Ever since, the song takes me back to that trip and that time. Neil would die less than a year later but the memories live on. A true masterpiece!
Rush was a class act. Nobody made music in such detail for so long. Rush is incredible.
You got that right!😁
They were true professor's of Rock and Roll. The world will be much emptier without them. We still have their music which will last forever. I have ALL of Rush's music and although I love "Power Windows" the most, I never owned a Rush LP that was not played until it was worn out, then I purchased on CD. Now it's all on Flash Drive. If you really love Rush, the next time you play something of theirs TURN IT UP !!
@@jumpercable20 I always do [turn it up]. I can't help it!
Rush just plain deserves respect, whether you like their music or not. They became a success on their own terms.
Amen to all the above.
Time goes buy so fast. I was just 11 when Signals came out and my older brother had just bought the tape, which I nicked. I can remember riding around the streets at night on my BMX in the fall of 82, listening to Subdivisions which I'd play over and over on my Walkman, even then I knew this band was special.
I turned 11 in ‘82 - I remember songs from Signals on the radio, what a great era of music, subdivisions & new world man. My first introduction to Rush. They peaked with Moving Pictures and Signals in my opinion was the last great album of the “classic” era of Rush. Those guys got me through high school, I suspect a lot of therapists were short for money back then, because kids could just slap on the earphones and hit play on their Sony Walkman whenever they needed to decompress.
Rush and BMX, dang the early 80's were great!
Subdivisions is one of the best songs by Rush and is worth some deep thought about its messaging. Peer pressure is real and will drive people to do things they never would do alone.
@@craigparse1439 at the time, I felt they knew me and wrote that song for me. Little did I know how 10s of thousands of teenagers had the same feelings at the same time.
I was in Junior High when Signals came out also. Subdivisions spoke to me as I walked through the halls of school. After that song, I sought out all of Rush songs. I have been a fan to this day.
As much as I love this channel, this was one of the most difficult episodes to watch. I was introduced to Rush by MTV (remember them?) and the song "Subdivisions." That song described me and my life so well, as it did for many at the time. I was captivated and went all-in to research everything they released previously. When I first saw "2112" in my JHS library, I couldn't believe these were the same guys! Neil was my main influence as I studied percussion, and his loss hit me almost as hard as losing my dad. I'm so glad I have Neil's songs and books to help fill that void, especially the "Ghost Rider" memoir.
Thank you Adam for helping to keep that spark alive.
That's a huge reason why Rush is such an awesome band. They hit on so many different topics. Even if you didn't agree with them on a philosophical level, they still handled the topics fairly and respectfully.
And on a certain level, I get what you are saying when it comes to "Subdivisions." It really does describe how hard it is to fit in, if you even want to bother trying to fit in.
And "Subdivisions" didn't even hit the Billboard Hot 100. Baffling. It's one of the greatest songs of all time. And the video captures the lyrics so well.
Subdivisions isn't even top ten in the Rush catalog let alone all time greats. Don't get me wrong, it's a good song but hardly one of their best.
@@mjeh1 Not top ten, and I don't get you wrong, but it IS still great in the same way that every single Rush song is great. The talent and mastery elevated their dross way above almost any rivals best efforts.And I AM aware that many of the bands I consider their rivals for the quality of their music are quite rightly revered for their timeless and almost perfecrt music, but I feel that Rush either equalled or surpassed them for the reason that they could equal or beat them with only three musicians, in the studio or more importantly live on stage. I can't name another three piece who could produce that level of music complexity.
@@Moondog-wc4vm They are in my top 3 all time.
I grew up in Niagara and have tons of parallels with Neil Peart. My dad used to bring his tractors to his dad's shop. I may have stood in that same shop while Neil was parts manager, pissed that my dad was taking so long talking with his. I got into Rush by accident, having missed the bus home from school and while waiting for my dad to pick me up, the janitors were playing Fly by Night on their ghettoblaster. I loved how it sounded, so I asked the guys and they told me it was Rush. Then when I heard Neil was a local guy and found the farm equipment connection, I dove right in and became a fan. Neil was so important to me. His book Ghost Rider helped me with my healing after my parents passed away just months apart from each other. He was a sterling example of a man and his life is a template for a life well lived.
Met my son for lunch today at his university and as we were leaving a college age kid probably around 20-21 was wearing a classic RUSH t shirt. Good music will live on forever and so will RUSH.
I was born & raised in Western New York State (1962-1985) In 1979 I started recording CFNY 101.2 FM !!! It was very difficult to get good reception, because the station signal was coming from Toronto, Canada! But during certain times, when I could get a steady signal, I would record
to cassette some of the most progressive,
& unconventional music. Songs that nobody, except pirate radio played on air.
I believe that I still have a few cassettes to this day!
I was a huge RUSH fan in the 70's. I attended at least 3 RUSH concerts.
Another good story I have is about the time,
in the middle of winter, some close guy friends of mine, went to a family cabin by Lake Erie! We smoke some weed & hash,
ate some mushrooms & acid, than we listened to entire great albums of Rush, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, ELO!
Best Trip Ever!
Thanks for bringing back some good memories for me!
My RUSH story. I was looking through a box of records that my older sisters boyfriend had. Came across A Farewell to Kings. Thought, I have heard of RUSH(But never heard RUSH) and put it on my pathetic record player and was instantly amazed. Became a huge fan instantly. However being pre-internet(1982 or so) did not have access or knowledge of their other albums. One day after playing football with all the kids in the area, I mentioned to one guy, "hey I found this really cool band called RUSH''. He instantly went crazy and insisted that I come to his house. His bedroom was covered with RUSH posters and he had a tape of every one of their albums to date, and promptly made copies for me. We were instantly close friends after that. He and I went to my first RUSH concert together. (Power Windows 1986 in Dallas). I have never stopped listening to them in the 39+ years since then and did not miss a single tour after that(most I went to a few times especially R30 and every tour after that). Where are you Derrick Price, tried to find you but I guess you do not like social media(can't blame you?) Anyways ask my adult children, Neil and Alex what a fan I am. RIP Neil, you changed my life for the better. I know TLDNR.
I love that story
A Farewell to Kings is an amazing album.
@@HotRod12667 My favorite, for sure!
Great story! I hope you're able to find your friend Derek I would still go on Facebook and try to find people that knew him to see if you can find him that would be great
Thank you for sharing your story!! I hope you found Derrick also! I always say Rush fans are the best fans. I know people say we are snobs, but it's really the opposite. A roommate reintroduced me to Rush in the mid-90s because I didn't like them (ex boyfriend was a huge fan, and liked to put hands on me, so I associated Rush with abuse). I remember the reintroduction like it was yesterday.. he put on Limelight (video), he explained everyone's role in the band, and what the song meant, particularly to Neil. I sat there wondering, who the he'll where's a blue jumpsuit, red socks, and white shoes? Lol. But I realized in those 3 minutes that what I thought Rush was, was so far off base that I was ashamed for not knowing better. That was almost 30 years ago now. Seen every tour since R30, with multiple shows for some tours, and with the old roommate that reintroduced me all those years ago. He's been my best friend ever since and I'm forever thankful that he sat me down and took the time to share his love of Rush with me because their music literally changed my life. We even made it to their last show, August 1, 2015. Best memoriez
This is a great way to start a Saturday! Rush will never be equaled. They are in a class of their own.
All major power trios have a sound of their own and it’s so amazing. But Rush was just so unique. The only other band to come close is Triumph but even they have their own sound.
@@RFXLR Speaking of Triumph they were the first concert I went to. Triumph/Molly Hatchet at Ohio Expo Center Coliseum, Columbus, OH. 12/30/84. Thunder Seven Tour. Great show.
@@DDKaraokeOutlaw great band! Another one that should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
@@DDKaraokeOutlaw that had to be an awesome show! Those were two of my favorites.
@@bigham1jb It was. I had floor seats on the left side of the stage 18 rows back. Gil Moore had the double bass drums and the sounds went right through you.
Hard to believe only three guys make that music. Loved them from first time I heard them as a teenager. Unique, & absolutely knew a Rush song when you heard one. Much love Rush
As a drummer for 45 years so far, Neil Peart is a true master of the instrument! Neil’s lyrics had a science fiction fantasy insight that was unique and excellent!
As one of the few female fans who has been following The Holy Trinity for decades (since the summer of '75), I remember seeing 'Permanent Waves' in a record store early in 1980 and bought it immediately! My roommates and I were planning a party that evening and we decided we would first listen to it then. We had a killer stereo system, so I proceeded to record it on a cassette tape. I turned the volume of the stereo off and simply used the meters on the cassette deck to ensure a good level on the tape.
That night we were tripping on 'cid when the first notes of Alex's guitar blazed through the massive JBL speakers! "The Spirit of Radio" unleashed an sonic barrage that continued up and down through the next half dozen songs and 34+ minutes, finally ending with ocean waves sounds. An album masterpiece!! ✌🧡🧡🧡✌
I still listen to 15 of their albums on cassette every couple of weeks in my shop. It's amazing these tapes still play.
I love you mystery woman.
I remember at the Clockwork Angels concert in WPB as I waited in the endless line to use the men’s room, looking over at the ladies’ room. No line, no one going in or coming out lol.
@@steve_the_designer I saw the CA tour in Chicago in 2012 and Milwaukee in 2013. No bathroom issues ever!! 🤣😉
Also been listening to the Holy Trinity since '75 LoL! I was 9yrs old and my best friends older brother had the album and we would sit outside his room and would listen, simply amazing! Fast forward to senior year, high school English class, the teacher taught RUSH as poetry!! Not every one got it but those of us who did, well as you can imagine for a fan it was awesome!
I am so addicted to Rush’s music. I was so sad when I found out Neil Peart had passed. He will be forever remembered as the greatest drummer, but what an amazing story teller and writer!!
I’m 18 years old, with Rush being my favorite band since I was around 11 or 12. I had heard them a bit growing up around the house before then, but I started to listen more with the suggestion of my Dad and browsing TH-cam. Since that time I’ve never looked back, learning many Rush songs on guitar and buying numerous T-shirts, posters, and their entire discography on CD. They got me through some tough and isolating times in middle/high school, and continue to do so now in college. If only I could’ve gotten to see them live, especially in their prime back in the day. At least we can look back and listen to their legendary music and concerts. I remember hearing this song on the radio with my dad in his truck, with his stories reminiscing on how radio was back then (the switch from AM to FM) and how meaningful it was to his generation (class of ‘81). I hope one day to share my love for Rush with my future kid(s).
Awesome that you're a younger fan and want to pass it on! I introduced their music to my kids as well who are just a smidge older than you. IMO Rush was never out of prime.🙂
Oh sweet! That’s very true, they were basically always in their prime.
That's rare, you've got blessed, to get into Rush so young. It's gonna make your life better, I truly believe that.
You mention that you would've loved to see Rush in their prime. Believe me, even during their last tour, Rush were still performing at their peak. Their musicianship remained unparalleled right down to their last concert date.
Exactly! Always in their prime! And you'll have so much fun learning those awesome guitar parts from the brilliant Alex Lifeson! Two of my favorites are The Trees and Emotion Detector. Lesser known songs but just try em! SO MUCH FUN!
Thank you for making this video.
Born and raised in St Catharines, Rush is my home town band.
Spending my summer nights in Lake Side Park. Growing up listening to 102.1. Being here and knowing of all the stories and tales of this experience that our parents experienced with Rush playing this highschool when they were kids.
Rush is my fathers all time favorite band. But when I was a kid, he was very careful never to listen to them around me or to push them on me. He wanted me to find my own path when it came to music and what would form me.
Imagine his surprise one day when I went to see him and said, "Hey dad, listen to this. I have been into this the last little while," And I popped in 2112. He almost cried.
Rush has been a daily foundation of my music experience. Whether I'm working in the garage on my cars, or I'm at work. Rush is almost always playing in the background to make everything just a little better.
My fondness of Rush has also helped me find what if what I would call, the current generation of epic story telling and outstanding musical compisition, Coheed and Cambria.
Something in addition to note. Not only was Neil an amazing musician and author, but he was also selfless and willing to help anyone with no return. In St Catharines, you can do a six degrees to someone that Neil has helped in some way. Maybe they couldn't afford to take their kids to a soccer tournament. Out nowhere, there is a knock at the door. It's Neil, and a chq for whatever is needed for the kids to have a positive experience. And he wants nothing in return. Not a picture, not an article...nothing. Just...give the kids a good time. There are many examples of this. But he would never talk about them. People just called him, "Uncle Neil"
Now, we have the Neil Peart Pavilion at Lake Side Park as a small way to honour him, and all his contributions to our city and life.
It was 1979 - I was 15.
"You've never heard Rush have you?" My friend asked as he put side 2 of 'Hemispheres' on the stereo. 'Circumstances' ripped through the room like a demonic scream, splitting my brain, as I became possessed by the glorious chaos that was Rush.
I've been a proud and blessed disciple ever since. ❤
This is the most comprehensive analysis of TSOR I’ve ever heard. And don’t feel guilty for absorbing, moving on, and reabsorbing. As true fans of music themselves, I’m sure Rush wouldn’t have it any other way. RIP Neil 😞.
I am here for Rush. Your timing is impeccable Professor. Did you see the Ohio State halftime show with the marching band performing a tribute to RUSH?
it was good, esp the neil tribute, drum kit and motorcycle
I am a proud Buckeye and Ohio State alum who will say that it is a propos that the best marching band in the land did that. After all, Ohio State is the most well known school in the state, a state that Rush acknowledged first helped get them airplay outside of the Buffalo area in the US. In case you don’t know what I am talking about, placed prominently in the acknowledgements on the back of Rush’s debut album is a thank you to Donna Halper, a DJ at the time for WMMS in Cleveland, for, “ Getting the ball rolling “( Helping get Rush expanded airplay).
@@craighenry2351 well said!
Dam, would have loved to see that!
That is just a microcosm of what the Ohio State band can do. I am not just a resident of Ohio, I am an alumnus of OSU. I can tell you the fans recognize their greatness. It was a surreal experience the first time the band entered the stadium my freshman year, seeing the entire stadium stand up and go crazy. Remember, this is just for the band. One great artist honoring another was what happened when the OSU band did that tribute.
I"m a born and raised and still live here in Hamilton Ontario! Rush is from my neck of the woods in Canada. My second ever concert was at 17 in Hamilton, Ontario(Neil Peart's birthplace, same hospital as my wife was born in!) Oct 25, 1991at Copps Coliseum, the opening show of the Roll the Bones Tour. I had 5th row FLOOR right in front of Geddy! To say it was a transcendent experience, doesn't even come close! I still remember the smirk Geddy gave me when he caught my eye and me singing back every word along to songs that I was a toddler when they were written!(Rush officially started in 1974, the year I was born). It was was one of those " I can't believe this kid knows all the words to these songs" look! My high school years I had A Show of Hands, Presto, Roll the Bones and Chronicles on heavy rotation on my Sony Walkman!
Oh and professor, that retreat was likely in North Ontario in the Muskoka region(my inlaws have a cottage up there we visit every summer) NOT western Ontario, called Windemere Resort. Of course being not far from my inaws cottage, I've made the pilgrimage there to see the likely house/cabin, where these musical heroes wrote a good chunk of the album Permanent Waves.
So to sum up your essay, you’re from Ontario and you love Rush. Nice!
Peace!
Power Windows at Copps was my first concert in ‘86. They played at The Kee in Bala near our cottage too but it’s a bar and I was too young
I was right there with you. Roll the Bones, Copps Coliseum, opening night of the tour, 4th Row, Geddy's side of center. I remember there were some technical probs in Force Ten and Geddy flubbed a line and sang, "tough times demand tough tarts" LOL Great show!
This has always been one of my favorite Rush tunes. Speaking of shared experiences - who remembers sitting in front of the radio with a tape recorder, waiting for a song to play so that you could record it? Of course, it sounded like crap once it was on tape, and I almost never caught the song at precisely the right moment to avoid the DJ's talking, but I didn't care.
Home taping was very popular in Britain in the eighties as the quality of radios improved. I used to have some great ( or so I thought) radio tapes. FM radio used to record reasonably well though you had to tune out the hiss which today would be considered intolerable. Recording the Top 40 countdown was exciting with all the tension created by the DJ in an era when the chat placings really mattered to those who listened!
Been there, did a bunch of that! Blank cassettes were so important to me in those days that they were specifically included in my budget!
First exposure to Rush was hearing Cygnus X-1 through a pair of Yamaha PA speakers at band camp in high school. We spent a week at Ball State University and set up the PA to just listen to tunes during our off hours. Unforgettable. You are right; listening to Rush now, my appreciation only deepens … and I thought it was already as deep as it could get. What a band! 3 maestros, the likes of which we are unlikely to ever see again!
I saw the Moving Pictures tour… wow 40 years ago - and I’ve been a fanatical fan ever since. I even met Geddy once!
How did u meet ged?
I saw Rush’s Moving Pictures show in Vancouver Canada. Awesome performance.
I saw the Moving Pictures tour as well. What an incredible experience that was!!! I remember it like it was yesterday, and it is one of my fondest memories. :)
Being a proud Hamiltonian it is great to hear mention of my hometown down to the escarpment reference. I actually heard the debut of the album on the Toronto station Chum FM. Back then the guys would be in studio describing the songs and what they were about live on air. They did this for multiple albums. Can you believe the anticipation you would feel back in those days. Thanks for an episode that really touched my heart.
Not very often we get mentioned for anything unless its Steel or Mob elated
Exsqueeze me? Hometown band? Neil was from St. Catharines, Port Dalhousie to be precise. Alex and Geddy were from Toronto. In fairness though, I think all of us who grew up in the Golden Horseshoe at that time ('70s/'80s) considered RUSH to be a hometown band.
@@terryomalley1974 I said mention of my hometown not that anyone was from it. Even though Neil was born in Hamilton at St Joseph's hospital
@@mladenbasic1 I stand corrected. My apologies. I didn't know Neil was born in Hamilton.
@@terryomalley1974 I got the dark side of a Rush track as my city was home to the killers mentioned in verse 2 of nobody's hero.
My favorite band. As much as I miss Neil, I feel blessed to have seen them perform live many times over the years...
Very cool!
Is the Universe conscious? Is the Universe alive? Well, we have 100% proof that it is....NEIL PEART playing 2112 and their last song "The Garden." Listen to it live. My GOD!
@@baneverything5580 I saw it live, which was even better.
Rush played a huge roll in my childhood. I grew up in the 70's/80's and learned of Rush in 1979. I will forever be grateful for the band and Neil Peart. As for radio, I remember waiting for hours to record a particular song from the FM station and the DJ would always find a way to talk over the ending of the song. Radio has created incredible memories of my childhood and the song Spirit of the Radio, reminds me of a time of musical innocence.
Great and sincere video. My step mother was searching for a birthday gift for my 13th birthday. She wandered into a music store (remember Hastings?) where she asked the clerk "what music would a 13 year boy old enjoy". I got 'moving pictures' and 'signals' for my birthday... I've been a Rush super-fan ever since. YYZ melted my brain and "Losing it" melted my soul. My 25 year old son is twice the Rush fan as I am, so now it's generational too!
I like you have rediscovered Rush, after Neil's passing. I am gobsmacked at how good they really were/are. What was old is so new again. Thanks for this professor.
Lots of young people seem to be discovering Rush nowadays and a majority of them are astounded such intricate music came from only three guys.
Probably since most of today's music pale in comparison to what we had. Many reactors are blown away by the quality of the earlier music.
Including my own teenage sons, and especially the older, keyboard-playing one of the two; Loves 'Marathon', 'Jacob's Ladder' and 'Xanadu' (in their 'Exit...Stage Left' versions) 😀
And the fact they could recreate the studio sounds onstage live. I mean, I still can't believe they pull that off so deftly
@@mightyV444 those boys have great taste in music!
It breaks my heart that these young people discovering Rush will never know the joy of seeing them live. They might get an idea by watching concert footage but they won't feel it in their bones - in their souls - the exuberance of a live Rush concert.
You finally did it!!!! Rush is the greatest band ever. The worlds smallest orchestra-they changed my life. Thank you Professor of rock for honoring the professor on the drums
For sure! More to come!
@@ProfessorofRock neil peart saved my life literally
The world’s smallest orchestra is Sufjan Stevens. He’s truly a 1 man orchestra with all the instruments he can play.
I concur. "Mind boggingly perfect", indeed...
When the drummer in your band is nicknamed The Professor, that, in my very humble opinion, is the Ultimate Achievement.
I heard this song when it hit the air back then, on KMBQ 93.7 in northwest La. Since then, this is the one song by Rush that gets cranked to 11 IMMEDIATELY. Not many songs bring tears of joy to my eyes, but this one does. Every single time. Here they come now....
There just aren't words enough or time to sum up what this song, this band means to me -- more and more as I get older. I rediscovered them when in my 40s, and was stunned at home much their songs spoke to me after having lived a few decades. I remember the day my brother played me "Tom Sawyer" from this new record he bought, and I played him "Dog Eat Dog" by Adam and the Ants. Now I think my love of Rush far overshadows his! Neil Peart died two weeks before my husband last year. "I feel the way [he] would."
Took my son to the Rush Vapor Trails concert for his 16th birthday. It was a great experience for both of us. It was his first concert. And it was my first time seeing Rush live. He is still a Rush fan today.
One likes to believe in the freedom of music, one of my all time favorite Rush lyrics. Always reminds me of how the first cars we could afford as teenagers the cars almost always had AM only radios, so we would always upgrade the radio to AM/FM as soon as we had any cash, often over tires or a muffler, to hear the " freedom of music " on FM
Oh so true...my first car was a 71 Galaxie with AM.....at 16 and several months later my step dad had a family friend put in a AM/FM radio.
Some of my favorites by any band, "...Shatters the illusion of integrity," and, "all this machinery making modern music can still be open hearted not to fully chart it is really just a question of your honesty, YEAH, your honesty!"
"Freedom Music"
I'm sure Peart does it propositaly 🤣
I discovered Rush out of an LP collection I had borrowed from a high school friend (yes! From back in the day when a friend would let you take all his collection put together over years…). Great albums, but the day I had to return them I couldn’t let go of the 2112. I paid it with half my belongings at the time (this was in Southamerica, at the time there was no easy access to this type of music). It changed my life and Rush has been with me ever since. Great episode professor! More Rush please
Good times! Thank that friend again! One of my favorite Rush videos is Rush YYZ Live in Rio. Hearing so many hardcore fans singing an instrumental... it moves the soul. Amazing!
Hah! That's exactly how I had discovered RUSH myself, in 1989! Only that it was their 'Grace Under Pressure' LP! I had already known them by name since '84 (when that album was released) but had no idea what they actually sounded like!? Hearing 'Distant Early Warning' alone for the the first time had me instantly hooked 😊
I knew about Rush, but only the little that was played on the radio. We had a Top 40 station that would play something more rock like about once an hour, so it was rare.
I asked a friend's older brother if I could borrow Fleetwood Mac's Tusk to record a copy for myself. He gave me it, then handed me another album, 2112 and told me that this was what I should be listening to. I did listen to it then decided I had to get everything recorded by them.
@@christopherconard2831 that 2112! One of a kind
@@perosa99 Same for me brother, borrowed the 2112 album from a buddy and that was the beginning of my long journey with Rush.
That CFNY jingle has been in my iPod / iTunes collection for years - every once in a while when I have the playlist set to 'shuffle' it comes on and makes me smile. Reminds me of a time in late 1979 through to the mid-1980s when it was a huge part of my life. Thanks for digging that out @Prof!
Ahhh yes living in Scarberia I remember well
Hey Glen! Im a big fan , say Hi to Jules
That jingle reminds me of the one from 101.1 KLOL which has since sadly been changed to a latin rap format by the corporate owners. I still have a bumper sticker somwhere with the runaway radio on it from KLOL.
@@kd5you1 I remember KLOL!!!
@@MsStaceySparkles too bad they are gone! I remember when I finally got my Rock and Roll Army card, Col. St. James left the station and the cards were no good anymore. lol
My favorite FM memory was on a cold December night in 1975. Our local album rock station played "And You and I" by Yes, then conducted a 10 second station identification. It was 11:30 pm and 36 degrees. The DJ then started a 30 minute track without introduction. I was captivated by this new-to-me track, thinking the artists seemed familiar sounding, but I couldn't place them. Back then we didn't have Google to search for the song and artist. It took me ten years and a chance selection of a tape to discover what I had heard only that one time on the radio. One day I went to visit a friend at his house. He said to go pick something out play on the stereo. I sifted through his box of tapes, finally settling on one that said Todd Rundgren on the label. Put the tape in and pressed Play. The opening riff blasted out and I blurted out "That's IT! THAT'S THE SONG!" It turned out to be "The Ikon". Now whenever I hear "And You and I", I have to follow it up with "The Ikon".
What a journey! Great story.😊
I first heard Rush in 1974. The local AOR station played "In The Mood" occasionally. I thought it was okay, but nothing all that special. A few weeks later, a promo spot for a Rush concert played and in it they played snippets of some of the songs from the debut album, including "What You're Doing" "Finding My Way" "Before And After" & "Working Man". Next day I went to my local music store and ordered the album. Simply fantastic.
That local station was WMMS, and the person who first got them played was me. So glad you are still a fan!
@@donnahalper9110 We will forever be grateful, Donna. Nice to know you're still alive & kickin even after all this Covid mess. Rock on, lady.
@@donnahalper9110 Hi Donna. So thankful for your role in launching these guys here in the midwest. I've watched the Rush documentary many times. However, my local AOR station was WLAV out of Lansing, Michigan. I think the promo was for a show in Detroit or Windsor, Ontario.
@@erickbaumeister2970 Given that I'm the woman who discovered them (and their first 2 albums are dedicated to me), I wouldn't be a very good friend if I had lost interest in them, now would I? 😉 To this day, I remain in touch with them, and it's the honor of my life to have played even a small part in their success story.
"Shorter, more focused songs " lol! There are literally six songs on the album. Hell, you barely even notice "Jacob's ladder" or "Natural Science!" Still my favorite Rush album. Looking back now, it's so funny to think of how ridiculed I was for being a Rush fan! Knowing that I was absolutely right the whole time! My friends and family now realize this.
Shorter, more focused is funny, but true. Three of their four albums just previous to PW each had a song that took up a whole side (roughly twenty minutes for you Spotify kids). The other had two songs that were over ten minutes. The musical twists and turns and lyrical depth of those longer songs are the biggest reason Rush is my favorite band. But Permanent Waves is my favorite album of all time, even though the two songs you mention are “only” seven and a half and nine and a quarter minutes long lol.
I remember a coworker thought I was a fool to pay full price for an album that had only four songs on it (Hemispheres). Never had a moment of regret.
Waves was always my fave album also.
@@robertkendall6660 Hemispheres was the first full album from Rush that I listened to. I borrowed a dubbed cassette from my friend. I thought Side 2 of the tape was also Rush but years later I found out it was Dark Side Of The Moon. I had started to doze off with my headphones on but got woken up with my heart pounding to the sound of clock alarms going off then soothed by the low notes of the _Time_ intro.
@@billkeithchannel my first Rush listen was Tom Sawyer on my brother's stereo. He liked songs with sound effects. I liked songs with thick, chunky, heavy, bass tones that still had crisp, bright enough high end, also distorted, powerful, and creative or technically interesting guitars, as well as thunderously powerful, fast, interesting, and skillfully played drums which are recorded well enough to sound like real drums in my room. I found a copy of Moving Pictures my brother rarely listened to, but what made me a lifetime Rush enthusiast was Exit Stage Left. Jaw meet floor.
@@Metalbass10000 _Tom Sawyer_ may have also been my first Rush song I ever heard on the radio. I think _Subdivisions_ was the next big song I would hear in rotation. Then the hilarious _Take Off_ hit the airwaves and I got that comedy album from the Columbia House Club. "Take off, you hoser."
So true-Spirit of Radio is one of those magical moments in Rock! I love Permanent waves, but then again, I love every flipping’ Rush album. I loved them at 7 years old listening to Farewell to Kings, and I love them now at 51! Rush Forever!!!
You're the bomb! 7 year old RUSH fan! YEs!
@@ProfessorofRock Well, I was blessed with a brother two years my Senior who loved them. We were latch key kids being raised by our Dad, and when we actually had a babysitter, she was a teenage rock and roll loving chick! My brother (because of Rush & Geddy) was gifted his first bass guitar when he was 9 or 10 because our Dad was a musician and really encouraged that. Our Pops dropped us off to see them on the Moving pictures tour-I was in 7th grade & my brother, a freshman. We were hardcore! They’ll be my favorite band until I’m dead, and I promise my brother is still the biggest Rush fan there ever was in The great beyond! ✌️ & Rush forever, All!
Nice a good looking gal who loves Rush....
Tremendous tribute Professor! March 1st 1974 while I was in High School, that first album came out and I have been captivated by them ever since…..the soundtrack of my life. I also loved CFNY and I lived close to the station for 35 years in Brampton Ontario. The music of the 80s (DM, DD, TT, TFF, Cure, NO,Erasure, etc.) also the music of my life……but Rush will always hold a special place in my heart…..their induction to the HoF was spectacular and is must see TH-cam TV. Well done Professor ….and thank you.
About CHIC-FM, yep. 680 blazing watts of transmission power. My outdoor FM antenna would snag the signal coming out of #2 Ellen Street. That's six hundred eighty, PERIOD. Other than the Spirit of Radio, I don't really know RUSH at all, I was off on a Brit Rock tangent at the time. But, I have a ticket under glass with an autograph and a RUSH mirror. I know there was a lot of lifting (heavy lifting) like the _powerhouse_ motif, which is fine. I was more Lightfoot, McLaughlan and Heart. I miss Pete Griffin. Dave Haydu still works at the Seein' Tower.
Saw Rush 17 times in concert. Hearing Tom Sawyer on the radio for the first time as a drummer was my life changing moment in music. I was in 9th grade. A year later I saw the Signals tour and never missed a Rush tour after that.
There’s a picture at the beginning of this video that says Plymouth Michigan 1977 welcomes Rush. That picture strikes a huge memory chord in more ways than one. In 1977 I was a senior at the high school in Plymouth Michigan and also a disc jockey on the school radio station WSDP and I first heard this band. That started my experience with this great band but I was unable to see them live until 2018 in one of the very last concerts in Las Vegas Nevada. I’m so glad to have experienced this great band over all these years.
Wow, wish I could've been there! Was hoping I could get to LV for them that year.
Sudden death of a loved one had me changing my plans.
💕RIP NP
My favorite Neil quote is, "What is the most excellent thing I can do today?".
Crazy to think Neil took further drum lessons in his 40's to continue mastering his craft. Master student indeed.
Great episode.
That's exactly why Rush relates to Ayn Rand.
@@freesk8 That flirtation ended with the 1970s. When Selena was born he started to grow up and get outside of his own head and his naive ideas. If you read his interview with NME from the _Farewell to Kings_ tour he's full of contradictions and spewing poorly constructed arguments littered with logical fallacies, much as you might expect of a 25 year-old with a high school education who had spent the last 4 years working non-stop. That was his "dark tunnel" period.
In the early 1980s. I had high school friends that were hardcore Rush fans. Rush was their favorite rock band. They got me into Rush's music and I enjoyed it too and bought some of their albums. While Tom Sawyer is probably their most famous song, The Spirit Of Radio has always been my favorite song of theirs. Like most of their songs, it really takes you on a great musical journey.
As a rush fan of 35 years my fave is natural science
To me, the chunk of 'Jacobs Bladder' - 'The Trees' - 'Xanadu' - 'Freewill' on their 'Exit...Stage Left' live album is their best recorded moments 😊
For me it’s Subdivisions... I still have that one on my Daily playlist on Spotify.
@@Augfordpdoggie
Excellent song!
Everyone I knew who had Permanent Waves, there was a skip at the exact same place in Natural Science. Can't remember where it was. I felt blessed that my copy didn't have it.
What an amazing song to find after buying the album as it was never played on the radio.
@@mightyV444 Awesome album! Xanadu on Exit Stage Left is better than the studio version!
This song hits the nail on the head and I miss the adventure of FM radio, where they now only play singles, just like the old AM top 40 radio stations did, back in the day. Nice to also hear the old jingle of CFNY too.
"The Holy Trinity" - Rush. Very apropos. I remember discovering these guys as a suicidally depressed teenager in high school about when Moving Pictures came out. I listened and was blown away like the rest of their fans. I was a musician myself - still am - and I had never thought what they were doing was even possible. They always will be a major influence that galvanized my writing and inspired me to go into songwriting myself. I am so grateful they gave us all they did and expanded the rock vocabulary as amazingly far as they did. Not only can music inspire us and make us feel, it can also make us THINK. What a revelation. I eventually found that the depression was chemical and I had to change how I thought and just get into the habit of constantly thinking and questioning. Thanks to Neil (RIP), Geddy and Alex. I owe them big time and still work to pay it forward.
Prof, this is one of your best, most touching and insightful vids...I first saw Rush play at my high school (yep I am that old and that Canadian!)...was a huge fan of their 70's material. Felt a bit abandoned by their move in Permanent Waves. Ironically I listened to "NY" all the time and it took me away into New Wave too. Embraced them again in the 90's and really started to love the 80's albums. Actually once played some pickup hockey back in the day with Geddy and Alex - how Canadian is that! Thanks for what you do and keep up the good work.
The first time I found out Rush was 3 piece band I was mind blown. It was just not possible to me, that 3 people could make such rich intricate music.
My first experience with Rush's music came when I friend of mine played Tom Sawyer for me.
I became a fan since then.
Subdivisions to me is the single best song of all time. I never get tired of it. The lyrics, musical score, harmony, synthesizers, - Lee’s sublime vocals will last for eternity.
To me it’s Mozart’s 5th wrapped into one perfect song.
Definitely in the running for most underrated song of all time.
This was the song that allowed me to shift with Rush's more synth based sound, as I've always preferred the early hard rock sound.
Mozart's 5th?😗
This is my absolutely my favorite Rush song of all time. My brother's is Red Barchetta. I just love how you can see the different musical influences, and how it feels like you are changing the radio station, as the music changes throughout the song.
In the late 70s I lived in Toronto within few blocks of where Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson went to high school and where Rush got their start. I didn't know them and didn't know their music. It was only during the pandemic, when I was 70, that I was really introduced to their music through TH-cam reactions.
My regret is great but my joy is greater as I have been baptized into the Rush world. Three consummate musicians who were incredibly unaffected by their fame (listen to Limelight). Neil was an introvert and struggled greatly with the "glad handing" part of the business. His lyric in Limelight "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" so clearly defined his space.
The sound they produced from only three performers can easily blow you away but the perfection and diversity of their compositions is for me the mountaintop of Rock. Thank you for your recognition of a much deserving group.
It was cool to listen to this the day after my daughter, a high school senior, painted Rush lyrics on her school parking space with a RIP for Neil
More Rush content! An all time favorite band. I first heard them in 1987 or so when Force Ten was getting radio play. I know that's not one of their most beloved tracks, but it was enough to convince me to find out more about them. My conversion into a "Huge Fan (tm)" was getting Signals and hearing those intro keyboard notes for Subdivisions (which to me is their greatest track of all). And while Peart gets all the credit due, I still think Geddy Lee is the most ridiculously talented musician around. Think of what he is doing live: singing, playing bass, using bass pedals with his feet, and playing keyboards. All while washing machines do his laundry behind him. I'm also perhaps one of the few fans who prefers their 80s output over any other era. Signals is largely the reason for that. And insofar as Permanent Waves goes, "Natural science" is one of their finest "epic" tracks.
Thank you Professor, both of you, this was long overdue!
I wish more people in the world could view your posts about Rush. Your in-depth knowledge of them as not just master musicians but as people and their history is 2nd to no one. As a 64 yr old life long fan, I sit here with tears in my eyes every time I watch one of your Rush posts because of what this group meant and still means to my life, of course the TOO early passing of Neil doesn't help. It's an absolute sin the music world didn't give these guys the credit they deserve mainly because they don't know or "the voice". THANK YOU for these Rush posts. They are not only informative but fun...and yes, emotional as well. RIP PROFESSOR PEART
I saw them six times live, and Spirit of Radio was the song that hooked me too, and when I took lessons, it was one of the first complete songs I learned. My first show was after Grace Under Pressure, shortly after I got my drivers license. I still listen to Rush regularly, and don't see that changing as long as I draw breath.
Seen them 28 times,every one of them was a great show!! They were simply incredible live!!
FM was the staple of the 70's/80's...glued to it like my life depended on it! I love Rush for their staying true to themselves and their fans. I loved Neil's epic drumming...and miss him so much!❤ Always fascinating...thank you Professor!
“Spirit of Radio” was one of those very few songs that I know exactly where I was when I first heard it on the radio. That opening immediately caught my attention. And while I already had some Rush albums, _Permanent Waves_ was the album that cemented me as a Rush fan. I was blessed to see Rush on that tour’s second stage, when the band debuted some of its upcoming classics on the soon-to-be released _Moving Pictures_. My son and I had the chance to see the band together on the Time Machine Tour-along with a lot of other dads and sons. Thanks, Rush.
My aunt was a senior in hs, and I was in 9th grade- 1977
I lived with my grandparents, who had adopted her.
I had heard the band name Rush here and there, written on notebooks, mostly.
On impulse, I bought 2112, never having heard one note.
This was the disco era, and the hard rock lineup was thin. I dropped the needle in my grandparents' hifi, and I was caught up like it was the Rapture.
It's been 45 years, and I am still caught up every time by the musicianship and lyricism of this transcendent trio.
Thank you, Grandma Dee, for allowing me to play Rush at high volume on your stereo with you there.
She would be 101 today.
Thank you Rush for being prominent in the soundtrack of my life.
Great video! Many of the comments mirror my own memories of listening to Rush....... in awe of their musicianship, lyrics and sound.
I'm so glad that both of my kids are fans too.
Sadly, they will never see them live but I take solace in the fact that they will pass this wonderful music down to their children....it will live on.
Too many cherished memories with the backdrop of Rush's wonderful music.
This video really hit home. Thanks to both professors.
R.I.P. Neil "the Professor" Peart.
✌🏽🥁🇨🇦
Undeniably, one of the best bands of all time! Spirit of radio is one of my favorite songs as well. Geddy, Alex and Neil (RIP) are all great musicians and class acts. Neil...a BRILLIANT lyricist and drummer. With his mesmerizing lyrics and the phenomenal performances of all three, Rush has left a timeless body of work for the world to enjoy forever.
Back in the 80's, I was aware of Rush from my friends playing their music, but I wasn't really tuned into them until one lazy Saturday afternoon watching videos and Subdivisions came on... I was mesmerized and hooked! Even to this day hearing any Rush song feels like hearing it for the first time, there's always something in there that you hadn't heard before.
In the basement bars
In the backs of cars
That's my story as well. Just as I entered HS, that Summer when I worked FM Rock was my first new friend. I listened to AM mostly and Jazz. Jazz Fusion and caught my ear. My parents and older siblings played AM. I am 8 years younger then them. MTV launched in HS and now I'm seeing Rock T-shirts and magazines galore. RUSH, Hard Rock, and Heavy Metal were everywhere. My best friend's cousin visited while we hang out.Turned out he had been listening to RUSH for years. We listened to radio before band practice and "Limelight" came on. I later watched MTV and there it was. I bought their album and the floodgates opened. They were the Rock band that showed superior musicianship with a killer rhythm section and vocals. I discovered early Genesis Yes, and others soon after. Their 1981 concert was my first. I stood out as one of tiny few Black guys at the show. I was unphased because as a musician, I listened to everything. It still remains as one of my all time favourite concerts.
I feel like Subdivisions needs its own Professor of Rock episode. I can't even describe how much it moved me when I first got Signals. Over 30 year later, it still resounds with me.
@@johnchedsey1306 Better yet John... how awesome would it be if the Prof made full length documentaries ? I envision a series where each 60 to 90 minute episode focuses one band in particularly.
@@johnchedsey1306 Absolutely agree 100%.
"For the words of the prophets are written on the studio walls" & "Echoes with the sound of salesmen" are both a nod to the lyrics from "Sounds of silence" by Simon & Garfunkel.
“Shatter the illusion of Integrity”……Lol?…..That phrase in a rock song? Lol….Pure Genius! ❤❤❤RUSH GALAXY❤❤❤!
2112 was the Rush album that did it for me and the gang I hung around with at that time, everyone singing, playing air guitar, and drums still brings a smile to my face. We'd listen to that song as loud as the old stereo would go, actually hearing something new in the song we had missed. Priceless memories.
Every time I finish watching your videos, I sit back and ask myself, "How did I watch a this guy do a monologue about a band /song for 20 minutes without ever thinking about clicking away from it?" Awesome job!!! You truly are The Professor of Rock!
Well done.
"Somewhere out of a memory,
Of lighted streets on quiet nights"
Rush… finally got into the HoF, a tragedy that they didn’t receive it sooner as they are the epitome of what a rock and roll band should be.
Agreed. I think they were the biggest snub of all time when they weren't in.
@@ProfessorofRock Pat Benatar and the Guess Who, IMO is now the biggest snub.
It took Overwhelming Fan Demand to get them in it was over 85%, Yes a Travesty of the Hof is run by a bunch Music snobs who don't know s#@t about good music!
@@XILOVEGHOSTANDWARRIORCATSX this.
It was so awesome when they finally got in. As soon as Jan Wenner said “From Toronto…” the crowd roared for about five minutes solid. It was such a validation. We always knew they were good and there it was.
I listened to this song at recess in 8th grade. A friend brought the album to school and convinced our music teacher, a 57 year old grandma, to play it for us. I will never forget the look on her face when she heard it, she loved it! So did I as did my friends.
I discovered Rush in 1975, I’ve been a fan ever since and over the years saw 30 shows. You are absolutely right in your assessment. Growing up near Philly WMMR always played Rush but few others did. This song was an anthem to musicians, we embraced the idea of music that was pure and not watered down by a label. Few bands ever did that.
Truly the most underrated band of all time. In my opinion they were a thinking mans rock band. You learned to pay attention to the lyrics to what was being sung. The stories the arrangement. Amazing.
It was a nice tribute to the 📻 station that broke them by Rush. The catalog # of Permanent Waves was 1021 - The call letters Of CFNY. The great Closer To The ❤ should have been their breakthrough but The Spirit Of Radio was a worthy hit. I discovered Yes & Pink Floyd via FM 📻 & that led to Rush , Peter Gabriel/ Genesis & many others. 😎
Very cool!
Actually, it was WMMS in Cleveland that was instrumental in "breaking" the band and getting them an international recording contract. CFNY hardly ever played Rush unless it was a cover by some other band. Spirit of Radio by The Catherine Wheel for instance... (they left out the difficult parts of the song because they couldn't play them. LOL) CFNY was a pretty good station though. They had zero love for Rush, however.
Truly one of the Professor’s best reports. Kudos for his tribute to another “Professor “, the late great Neil Peart. Sadly, I became amazed at Peart’s greatness in all forms only after his death from brain cancer last year.
Go watch Rush in Rio, live mind blowing
Neil Peart was the only "celebrity" that upon his passing, I cried like a baby over the loss of an era in music history...
Alex, Geddy and Neil have been my constant companions since 1976. Now 47 years later, they're old friends, faithful and true. Looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better gang of guys to have formed the soundtrack of my life.
I have my brother to thank for introducing me to Rush. He had just bought this album when it came out, and being the little brother, I was always raiding his record collection when he was out with his friends. I saw Rush live for the first time in September of 1980. I was a Freshman in high school and they knocked Led Zeppelin and Skynyrd out of the top spot in my lineup of best band. I saw them a total of 11x over a 40-year period. Such a big part of the soundtrack of my life.
Funny that I FOUND them because I was in my depressed teenaged years. More than his drumming, it was Peart's lyrics that hooked me. "All of us get lost in the darkness, Dreamers learn to steer by the stars"
I’m still sort of in those years. I had a break from them but they’re back. Their lyrics and music helped me them and still help me now. Aloha.
Amen. Nerds of the world felt understood by Rush. I wasn't depressed but I relied on my books and music to keep me from feeling lonely. Rush spoke to my fantasy and SciFi inner nerd.
The Pass ♫
Rush was the greatest then, now and forever. Rest In Peace Neil Peart.....
I was introduced to 'Rush' about 1 year earlier and had 'A Farwell to Kings' already in my collection. To this day it is still my favorite album by them.
@professorofrock. , Saw Rush twice and Queen once. For a young man living far below poverty level, these concerts gave me hope and joy. Today, I'm a wealthy man and I just melt inside when listening to these two bands. JOY!
My favorite band. Have every CD, such an awesome band
Great work professor! Yes, Rush is undeniably in a class of their own. Their music, even though rock, is so different than any other band. Great stuff every album.
I just saw Primus on their "Tribute to Kings" tour where they perform Rush's Farewell to Kings in it's entirety. While I appreciate the tribute, it made me realize how I would never see Rush live again... It's just not the same.
Les Claypool is a great bassist in his own right. It is two bad he auditioned both times Metallica had bass auditions and didn’t get picked. Still, I see Metallica’s point. Style wise he would not have been a good fit.
@@craighenry2351 to be fair, he auditioned only after Cliff died, more as a friend to Kirk. He wouldn’t have been a good fit for Metallica and everyone knew it. Metallica needed a punching bag that they could beat up and make a scapegoat out of, and Les certainly would not have fit that role. He was way over qualified as well.
I never got to see them.
Whoever told them Nebraska is a good place to play during corn planting is a friggin idiot.
Man Milwaukeea show keeps getting postponed
I got to see them once right around 1989 +- a year and it is still the best live show I have ever seen.
I first saw Rush on MTV with their song Distant Early Warning in the summer of ‘84. I was 13. But really didn’t become a big fan until I was 21 with their Roll the Bones album. First heard Spirit of Radio, when I rented their concert video from the Grace Under Pressure tour. It began with the Three Stooges intro and then went into Spirit of Radio. I was so amazed by them. They were better live than their records. Can’t really say that about every band.
My favorite song of all time. When I was 8 or 9 years old my sister would play this song for me when we got home from school. My brother had hundreds of albums but this was the one. As I got older I always thought of myself as a drummer. With Neil Peart at the center of my drum world I found myself in a band. We called ourselves reel Big fish. We played a ton of shows in Southern California and my dream was to play like Neil. We were some of the fortunate few who got a play on the big stage. In the early 90s we were a part of a fun time in music. Ourselves along with No Doubt, Sublime, Save Ferris the Aquabats, suburban rhythm and many more were part of an incredible music scene in southern California. Well, Sublime and No Doubt were signed and got on the radio and so did we. It was always my goal to inspire somebody like Rush and Neil do for me. I had the pleasure of seeing Rush's third to last show at the MGM grand with my wife at the time, my oldest son and his wife. Two of my best friends and their significant others. We had tickets at the back of the arena but God decided we had other seats waiting for us and we were moved about ten rows from "Stage Left" right above Geddy Lee. We were about forty five feet from the Neils time machine and had my arm around my son while he pounded out his solo. Thanks for the memories.