One of the things that really helps Geddy Lee maintain this oft magical voice of his is that he regularly dines on Honeydew and drinks the Milk Of Paradise.
Geddy has never tried to be anyone other than himself. he sings the way he sings and was never influenced to sound like someone else. it's one of the reasons Rush was so successful.
most great singers stay in their wheelhouse and geddy is just singing within his abilities. he's never had the abilities of mercury or perry or halford or axl rose
The way this is shot doesn't show it super well, but there parts of this song where he's singing, absolutely shredding on the bass, AND playing a keyboard with his feet, all at the same time. All 3 of the members of this band were just mind bogglingly good musicians
If he wasn’t playing with arguably the greatest drummer (all due respect to Bonzo and ginger Baker) and greatest bass player (all due respect to Chris squire and Jaco) in rock history his talent might pop a bit more. I’m not sure what’s in the water up there in Tononto but my word…
If there's one thing about Geddy, it's that his voice is both unique and perfect for the music of Rush. Because of some people's dislike of his pitch, he's never really gotten credit for being the excellent vocalist he is. Thanks for reacting to him!
I was front row at one of Rush's and watched Geddy Lee play the bass with one hand, keyboard with the other hand and sing, all at the same time and never missed a beat. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
The thing that always amazes me about Geddy is how easy he makes it all look. He's sooo fluid between instruments and singing and he doesn't compromise on any of it. His bass riffs are insane!!!!!! It's fair if some people don't like his voice, but you can't deny the skill it takes to do what he does.
Oh?! 💞🎶🎧 Rush is one of Canada's musical treasures. So happy that Beth covered Geddy. If anyone gets bitten, I do highly suggest exploring biographies on the members of Rush. Their history and life experiences act as enlightening glimpses of what their parents as well as these musicians have been through and which had fuelled their artistry and integrity. 🌺
Close to finishing the Ghost Rider by Mr. Peart and the story doesn't get much more tragic unfortunately. His writing skills are... well award winning.
Geddy sings with a Canadian accent. I love his voice, always have. They played my Toronto high school with original drummer John Rutsey. I went to see them for free or for a small cover charge in Toronto bars before their first album came out. I paid to see them open for other bands at Maple Leaf Gardens. Their slow but steady ascent to the top levels of rock, and the ability to maintain their success (even through the very rough 90's years when drummer Neil Peart's daughter and wife died in quick succession) makes them unique. They never sold out musically, they quit with the same dignity they carried themselves with for 40+ years. I grew up in the same area as Geddy and Alex, but was 5 years younger than them. They didn't take fame seriously, but they took their craft seriously.
That's cool, but I definitely think fame was a motivation for them though. When they were young they definitely wanted to be rock stars. Also, they started in the 70s, when excess was pretty much synonymous with rock music. They didn't just want to be good. They wanted to be good, playing to thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people at a time.
Hard to believe they formed in 1968 , the Beatles were still a band , but the band we love geddy, Neil, and Alex came together in 1974 , i was an immediate fan and their live shows are a masterpiece, my favorite album is 2112 , talk about 3 musicians at the top of their craft , i still can't believe Neil is gone , his drum solos at live shows were a sight to behold, rip Neil peart
Arguably the best Rock bassist of all time, singing in odd/compound meter into the female range while shredding the bass and switching instruments. Live.
Chris Squire and Geddy will forever be my favorite bass players. Their ability to play complex lines while singing and playing keyboards (in Chris's case only foot pedals) always blows me away.
@@mattphillips538 When I first heard On The Silent Wings Of Freedom by Yes, Chris's bass on that song was unlike anything I had ever heard. The same thing happened with Geddy for me on La Villa Strangiato. Both are (were RIP Chris) incredible in their own unique ways.
"It's even high for me." Listen to the vocals after the instrumental trio in "Freewill." These three are a case study in how to make a band work. They brought individual excellence into the studio and left chest-thumping egos outside.
My brother and his friends were the same way growing up. They were such perfectionists that they never ended up doing any gigs. Just played for hours into the night on the weekends in "the fort" at our house. They were all amazing but never thought they were good enough to gig.
Beth I know my Rush and this is the era when they were young on fire🔥and at their best.I had the joy of seeing this live it was an amazing sight to behold.🎶😁👍
Love me some Rush. This live version is incredibly faithful to the studio version. Amazing how Geddy can do vocals, bass, and keyboards live. I'd be curious to see a reaction to a really early performance, where his voice is even higher.
I'm so excited that you chose to react to another Rush song 😄❤️ Should you choose to do another, I hope you will do The Garden. I would like you to see where Geddy ended up in the end with his voice and this song I feel is perfect for showcasing how his vocal quality didn't really suffer much (except for range 😉) towards the end. Thank you, you are so much fun, Beth 🥰🤘
"I think 80s Geddy Lee is... Top Notch." Couldn't agree more, I saw them live multiple times in each decade, and the 80s were indeed the height of his sorcerous powers.
I was lucky enough to see Rush live three times. Absolutely jaw-dropping performances each time! I could never quite grasp how it was just three guys on stage making the music they did.
Thank you for breaking down the song as a voice coach. You didn't go out there and just start hating on RUSH or Geddy's voice. We (RUSH) fans can take criticism but won't stand for any bashing just because. We are fierce and loyal! The legend lives on!
Love this song! Reminds me of my sweet brother in heaven. Neil Peart was his favorite drummer. He could play this on his set. I loved watching him play. Rush rocks!
They are all GOATs, individually and as a band. Geddy singing, playing bass and keyboards. Also one of my favorite quotes ever: "He knows changes aren't permanent, but change is"
Thanks for giving Geddy consideration. Your honesty is appreciated. There is a maturity in your analysis. You are actually able to distill wisdom from listening to a vocal performance. Roar! As I think you have said before, his voice is like Marmite: either you love it or hate it. And I know so many people who love it: including me.
I remember a interview with Geddy from the early 1980’s where he talks about having to wear a lot of hats and especially when playing their songs live. He does all the vocals, he plays bass and keyboards sometimes all 3 at once and he quit smoking, stopped eating dairy products and stopped talking a lot when they were touring to help maintain & improve his voice. All 3 of them were always giving us fans 110%. No matter if it was on the album’s or onstage playing live. They kept that quality throughout their 42 years together. RUSH was & still is a “class act”!!
Don't forget to note that this is a three person band, and that Geddy is also a world class electric bassist, and alternates with playing a keyboard synth in the same song, and that Alex and Neil are also both world class musicians in their own right.
i don't know why people insist on putting Alex at "world class". i mean, sure, he's the guitarist for rush who came up with some great riffs. but there are 100 better players than alex.
@@RobertMJohnson Because he is. Even if you only think he's top 200, that's world class. You won't find any slouches in the best couple of hundred in the world, and you won't find a lot of space between number 75 and number 175. Personally, I can't think of 50 that I think are better. Your opinion may differ.
Eddie Van Halen was once asked how it felt to be the best rock guitarist. He said “I don’t know. Ask Alex Lifeson.” This speaks to the esteem with which all three of these incredible musicians were held by their peers. The induction of Rush into he RnR hall of fame is worth a watch. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters do it. You can see the reverence for these guys from other musicians.
@@RobertMJohnson oh thank god your Sharing your opinion on every comment. How could I form my own opinion without referencing yours first? As we all know, no one could ever reasonably disagree with you.
I absolutely agree with your comment at the end that Geddy Lee is immensely illustrative of the fact that what works for one person may not work for another and that embracing our particular strengths is what works best. I've listened to Rush for years off and on, and when I'm not thinking of them, I think nasal voice = bad. But he proves it can work and just not be an issue, because I quite enjoy his voice. Because he made it work for him and his anatomy and embraced his unique abilities, he sounds fantastic. While nasality bothers me with many people speaking or singing, it just doesn't with him. Thanks for another great analysis and keep it up!
TH-cam just recommended that I [re-]watch this video [yet again], so I was happy to oblige. When you ventured the probability that Lee was/is a perfectionist, I was reminded of Lee's 2023 memoir, My Effin' Life. Based on what is written in that excellent memoir, I can happily report that you nailed that one on the [effin'] head.
All three members of Rush were unique. Each excelled in their uniqueness. Geddy never tried to sound like anyone else and I doubt anyone really tried to sound like Geddy. In a way, it completes that uniqueness.
Geddy placed his voice to cut through the mix, particularly on older works. If you hear him speak (many interviews available), he is not "squeaky" when he speaks. If you look at Neil's same-song performances year-on-year, the strength and force is always there; the toll that playing took on his body was very real!
You nailed it when you said Geddy's voice works fine for this music style. To me his vocals were always an essential ingredient to making Rush's sound.. The song Freewill from this same concert really showcases Geddy's range.
The music style does make a big difference in the vocalist 'fitting in'. Two other examples would be Ozzy Osbourne and Les Claypool. Two vocal styles that only work with the music they play. I remember when I first heard Rush, I hated the vocals, because 'he sounds like a damn elf!' (actual quote). Once I started listening more, he really grew on me, until the band became one of my favorites of all time.
@@illegal_space_alien Wait, Geddy isn't an elf? lol It was sort of the same deal with how I perceived Stevie Nicks voice when I was younger. For a long time I'd have to change the station if a Fleetwood Mac song came on the radio (not all, just her on lead vocals). Just too cringey for me. But oddly enough she grew on me over the years too. Funny how we can adapt to things over time.
He's one of the few who has really worked with letting his voice find its own place as he ages. I enjoy his style as much now as I did when he was doing what Rolling Stone called a chipmunk on acid back in the 70s.
If there's one word to describe Geddy Lee, I think it's "confident." He's always been kind of different, but always seems totally comfortable in his performance. He knows what he's doing. Sidenote: 2112 was my first "real album." I wore that thing out and I still love it.
I feel like their last album really encompassed the evolution of Geddy as a singer. Some of his vocal lines are really moving and honed, compared to their early records where you can tell he just kind of did whatever he could. I highly recommend the closing track, The Garden because it really defines a lot of what you discuss in this video, Beth. I don't think there will be another singer like him.
I was just playing some Rush on guitar today , check out “ The Trees” by them ,Neil wrote the lyrics going through Washington state , my home turf , I love all your content Beth , your voice is amazing and you have such a beautiful smile ❤️
I saw Rush before they ever had a recording contract (early to mid 70's).....they did club tours across Southern Michigan heading towards Illinois angling back around Lake Eire, returning to Toronto......Geddy and Alex were great guys, interacting with audiences between sets.....my favorite song from them is "Limelight"
Only got to see Rush once, April 2011, but so glad and grateful I did. First heard them as a kid around 1980 or so. One of the best nights of my life....these guys were simply awe-inspiring.
You had to be there live, in person. Power trios are the best. Nowhere to hide. You're all up front. Mr. Peart was also into creative switching triggers. He's not playing guitar, it's bass , keyboard plus Taurus pedals, also bass pedals. There is more going on here than most people understand. They did not allow any sound or fill to be added by the mixing board techs. Truly great in all respects. I'll miss never being able to see this magic live again.
Great choice to review. Geddy is so impressive in his bass playing and his ability to play bass and sing and play keyboard and bass pedals with his foot simultaneously is like defying the limits of what people believe is possible for a musician. Alex Lifeson doesn't get the proper recognition he deserves for his guitar work at all. The three of them do make an unbelievably full and tight sound together. Thank you Beth for another great song review/analysis.
Geddy's voice grew on me over time. I regret never seeing them live during the 80's when his voice was at it's peak. It's scary that this live recording sounds bang on the studio recording.
I have a mate that I turned onto Rush back in the early '80s. They were (and still are) one of my favorite bands and I had 2112 and MP that I used to play all the time. He had some, let's call them "mental issues" and suffered from horrible depression. He recently told me that me turning him onto Rush probably saved his life. He would listen to those two albums in the middle of the night and they got him through some very dark times. Those are the 2 most "spiritual" albums that I know of.
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For me Rush are a perfect example of develop you while having an understanding of the craft! Rush never claimed to be perfect, they often claimed to be constantly rehearsing, constantly learning, constantly developing. It showed in their music!
This was THE tour to see them on. The setlist is a perfect blend of all their albums to this point (minus Caress of Steel). The 40th anniversary release of Moving Pictures contains the full show from Toronto and it's bloody amazing.
I grew up in Toronto, listening to Rush all my life. first album I ever purchased myself was hemispheres on red vinyl when I was 7. I understand Geddy's voice isn't for everyone, and that's fair enough, to each their own. Really appreciate the review and espescially the summation that even things that "shouldn't " work, do work for some people and his voice is perfect within the context of the band. Would love to hear more Rush vocal analysis of even earlier recirdings of his voice, from the 70s. Thank you!
Before I start 1st off Neal Peart you're truly missed. Your sound, soul and spirit lives on as you have left your mark here on earth. Now play those drums for the angels and rest in peace when needed......I've seen these guy 3 times and have listen to them whenever possible via radio, tape, cd, ect..... these guy are awesome and got talents that only a few can just wish and dream of. From the 1st time I heard them in the late 70s Getty Lee sounds as the same then as he does now, if not better. Thanks for all thos years of entertainment and they will continue on ....... Thomas Y. ....... Texas born/Tom Sawyer proud!!!
Oh I have just a love of Canadian Bands and musicians and vocalists. The musicianship here is so great. Only 3 musicians producing so much sound. This is more reminiscent of an eight piece band. Geddy Lee carried 100% of the vocal load and did it well. No one sounds like him, and no group sounds like Rush. So good.
check out Rush's performance at Sarstock (also known as Toronto Rocks) in 2003 . This was a concert in support of Toronto tourism after the SARS outbreak in the city and was organized by the Rolling Stones. In addition to the Stones, performers included Rush, ACDC, the Tea Party, Guess Who, and yes, even Justin Timberlake 😆
All the years I have heard Rush....and still I can notice something I had not noticed before..... A sound, a way something is played, a detail, a key or note I hadn't realized they were in or using. A meaning or different interpretation of a phrase from a lyric or song..... I think this is part of the appeal of the band called Rush....despite not being everyone's genre... And really, they did it without appearing to make a deal of it or fuss about it. They did it the way they wanted to.....making their skills appear effortless. I would not have had a better band to grow up with and shape how I view things....from music to integrity to politic.............. RIP Mr. Peart
Having seen Rush live for both the Time Machine tour as well as Clockwork Angels tour, they are for sure some of best shows I've ever seen. It was amazing seeing just what they could do in a live performance with just 3 members.
I was lucky enough to meet Alex Lifeson when I lived in Toronto. I mean he is really just the definition of "your average really nice guy" . He was just having a pint with a friend and it was quiet pub, but ya know...just sitting at a table with a friend enjoying his day, like we mere mortals will do . Anyways, his mate got up , and while I wasn't drunk I had a few glasses of courage and couldn't pass up the chance to say "Hi , I'm Paul, big fan, , just wanted to say that...blah blah blah" Seems he had had more than a few. "Oh thanks. Hey I'm Alex. Nice to meet you too." Then he got a little bit red in the face " Oh yeah...I guess you know my name." and just burst out laughing I mean I didn't want to be a big fan boy, but who could resist saying hello. He invited me to sit at their table.....guess he noticed I was just sitting their reading. So yeah. Kind of a nice dude. Of course I stayed for one (didn't want to interupt, but rude to refuse) and OK, turned into two. But the dude is HILARIOUS. And I'm pretty good with a joke. I had to ask. "So Geddy plays three instruments and you only play guitar, I just assume he gets paid more than you right?" He....quick as can be "Wait? I'm supposed to be getting paid?" . Only celerity of any note I have ever met, but that's fine with me. Nice to end on a high note.
Beth. It seems in addition to the voice you appreciate the musicality. You really should watch an entire concert of theirs. Something early to mid 90’s. Great combination of old and new styles. His voice is unusual. He loves odd time signatures. All three of them are pretty amazing musicians. There’s nothing like seeing them in concert. Especially when you consider this music is being made by three people. It’s like being a member of the worlds biggest yet most exclusive club.
I'm a big believer that a band needs to be able to perform live as well as being studio artists. But please, please, react to studio versions, as they're well mixed and they're the versions we know.
Beth if you weren't impressed enough with Geddy, he also switches back and forth playing the keyboard parts while singing AND playing bass parts from a programmable pedal system on the floor below keyboards... they're ALL musical geniuses.
I only saw Rush live in concert once in the early 80's, but the amazing thing was that they sounded almost exactly like their studio album. Other bands there is something special about the live experience and the showmanship, but the sound doesn't have the quality, it is a different experience. Rush weren't fantastic showmen, they relied on lighting, not showmanship, but when each of them are playing so many instruments it makes sense. They are all about playing the music as well as possible. Also kind of interesting to hear Geddy Lee on some of the Bob and Doug McKenzie comedy albums from back in the early 80's when he does a theme song for them and an interview.
Geddy has always said that with Peart's lyrics and flow he pretty much had to learn the bass parts well enough to become automatic so he can concentrate on singing.
As soon as I saw the thumb-nail I was eager to hear your explanation of Geddy's voice. His voice is so unique it's hard to compare it with any others. "Tom Sawyer" is one of those songs that will get stuck in my head at times. But I will be the first to admit that with other songs Geddy's voice can be just a bit "too much". IMHO
One of the things that really helps Geddy Lee maintain this oft magical voice of his is that he regularly dines on Honeydew and drinks the Milk Of Paradise.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻!!!
And walks the caves of ice .. lol
@MCV M but they only stop for the best.
True!
Fair point. Also, as of more recently, he gets around, by stoking the fire on big steel wheels, steering the airship right across the stars
“The drums are so good”
- Every Rush song.
I miss Neil Peart so much :(
🐐
Bad drumming on a Rush tune would break the universe
Yes miss him so so much such a magical musician
Geddy has never tried to be anyone other than himself. he sings the way he sings and was never influenced to sound like someone else. it's one of the reasons Rush was so successful.
also the main reason they are unlistenable to me
@@soulsurfseeker I can respect that. Hopefully, it will grow on you and not keep you away for too long.
@@soulsurfseeker Your loss
most great singers stay in their wheelhouse and geddy is just singing within his abilities. he's never had the abilities of mercury or perry or halford or axl rose
@@soulsurfseeker Lol. And yet here you are listening to him……..?????
The way this is shot doesn't show it super well, but there parts of this song where he's singing, absolutely shredding on the bass, AND playing a keyboard with his feet, all at the same time. All 3 of the members of this band were just mind bogglingly good musicians
i wouldn't put Lifeson at "mind boggingly good" but he is good for sure.
@@RobertMJohnson most of their contemporaries say they are all mind bogglingly good.
@@RobertMJohnson Lifeson is criminally under rated.
Their "Show of Hands" live videos show him playing keys and bass pedals a lot. It's truly astonishing.
If he wasn’t playing with arguably the greatest drummer (all due respect to Bonzo and ginger Baker) and greatest bass player (all due respect to Chris squire and Jaco) in rock history his talent might pop a bit more. I’m not sure what’s in the water up there in Tononto but my word…
3 people in a live performance. Beth: "There is so much going on." Everyone: "That is why Rush is so amazing."
If there's one thing about Geddy, it's that his voice is both unique and perfect for the music of Rush. Because of some people's dislike of his pitch, he's never really gotten credit for being the excellent vocalist he is. Thanks for reacting to him!
Are you sure you mean “pitch” here?
I was front row at one of Rush's and watched Geddy Lee play the bass with one hand, keyboard with the other hand and sing, all at the same time and never missed a beat. It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
Which song has that??
Why, you think he's not talented enough to do it?
@@robertbrandon9733 No I just never caught that detail when I saw them live and was curious
@@mattphillips538, I’m guessing end of Tom Sawyer, or a there’s a section of Xanadu that could lend itself to that.
Countdown has a couple points where he does that too.
The thing that always amazes me about Geddy is how easy he makes it all look. He's sooo fluid between instruments and singing and he doesn't compromise on any of it. His bass riffs are insane!!!!!! It's fair if some people don't like his voice, but you can't deny the skill it takes to do what he does.
Oh?! 💞🎶🎧 Rush is one of Canada's musical treasures. So happy that Beth covered Geddy. If anyone gets bitten, I do highly suggest exploring biographies on the members of Rush. Their history and life experiences act as enlightening glimpses of what their parents as well as these musicians have been through and which had fuelled their artistry and integrity. 🌺
Joni and Neil Y and that left out band Triumph.
Close to finishing the Ghost Rider by Mr. Peart and the story doesn't get much more tragic unfortunately. His writing skills are... well award winning.
The fact that Geddy is playing bass, keys, and handling vocals here is insane.
Geddy sings with a Canadian accent. I love his voice, always have. They played my Toronto high school with original drummer John Rutsey. I went to see them for free or for a small cover charge in Toronto bars before their first album came out. I paid to see them open for other bands at Maple Leaf Gardens. Their slow but steady ascent to the top levels of rock, and the ability to maintain their success (even through the very rough 90's years when drummer Neil Peart's daughter and wife died in quick succession) makes them unique. They never sold out musically, they quit with the same dignity they carried themselves with for 40+ years. I grew up in the same area as Geddy and Alex, but was 5 years younger than them. They didn't take fame seriously, but they took their craft seriously.
I totally agree with you
Exactly
Well said.
That's cool, but I definitely think fame was a motivation for them though. When they were young they definitely wanted to be rock stars. Also, they started in the 70s, when excess was pretty much synonymous with rock music. They didn't just want to be good. They wanted to be good, playing to thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people at a time.
The songs "Freewill", "Middletown Dreams" and "Ghost of a Chance" have such great vocal performances!
Available Light is also a great vocal performance
New World Man, is another good vocal performance.
Meant to include, Resist! Oops
Also, their last song, The Garden
Love middletown great song
Ghost of a Chance is Geddy's best work on vocals and Alex's most melancholic and delicate solo.
Hard to believe they formed in 1968 , the Beatles were still a band , but the band we love geddy, Neil, and Alex came together in 1974 , i was an immediate fan and their live shows are a masterpiece, my favorite album is 2112 , talk about 3 musicians at the top of their craft , i still can't believe Neil is gone , his drum solos at live shows were a sight to behold, rip Neil peart
I know how you feel I discovered Rush in 84-85 from friends in their garage band.
Since then Im slways listening to their music
Best live band I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen many. I wasn’t even that big a fan till I saw them live. It was truly amazing.
Arguably the best Rock bassist of all time, singing in odd/compound meter into the female range while shredding the bass and switching instruments. Live.
Chris Squire and Geddy will forever be my favorite bass players. Their ability to play complex lines while singing and playing keyboards (in Chris's case only foot pedals) always blows me away.
@@nickavenoso7851 After discovering Rush, Roundabout immediately started sounding like the founding documents of a revolution to me.
@@mattphillips538 When I first heard On The Silent Wings Of Freedom by Yes, Chris's bass on that song was unlike anything I had ever heard. The same thing happened with Geddy for me on La Villa Strangiato. Both are (were RIP Chris) incredible in their own unique ways.
@@nickavenoso7851 throw Les Claypool into that list as well. Primus' style isn't for everyone, but no one can argue the man slaps.
@@nerrickk9024 I love Les’ playing. Primus is personally not my style, but I can’t argue with you and say that he isn’t a great bass player.
He's my favourite vocalist of all-time. I love his unique almost witch-like voice. The audio quality is much better in the studio version.
RIP Neil Peart, one of the best drummers of all time.
"It's even high for me."
Listen to the vocals after the instrumental trio in "Freewill."
These three are a case study in how to make a band work. They brought individual excellence into the studio and left chest-thumping egos outside.
I think that all three of them were perfectionists. They would practice like crazy to perfect their performances.
My brother and his friends were the same way growing up. They were such perfectionists that they never ended up doing any gigs. Just played for hours into the night on the weekends in "the fort" at our house. They were all amazing but never thought they were good enough to gig.
Rush literally practiced to prepare for rehearsal sessions.
@@Bass17yl uh... That's what you're supposed to do... Never show up for rehearsal without having practiced, bruh.
@@jamcam9 You know that, and I know that. Most “guys in a band” don’t know that.
I agree with you. An interview with Neil I heard once he said he strives to make every strike 100% perfect every time.
Beth I know my Rush and this is the era when they were young on fire🔥and at their best.I had the joy of seeing this live it was an amazing sight to behold.🎶😁👍
Love me some Rush. This live version is incredibly faithful to the studio version. Amazing how Geddy can do vocals, bass, and keyboards live.
I'd be curious to see a reaction to a really early performance, where his voice is even higher.
You mean like this Gem from 1976.😀th-cam.com/video/x_mcl5Zg3Zw/w-d-xo.html
Agree. I’d love to see a reaction to Circumstances or 2112.
I really think Geddy would appreciate this vocal review from a qualified and truly gifted vocal teacher...🤗🎵🎶🎼
Magic as ever. Thanks Beth fir featuring Geddy totally unique and with a vocal identity all to himself. Never bettered.
I'm so excited that you chose to react to another Rush song 😄❤️ Should you choose to do another, I hope you will do The Garden. I would like you to see where Geddy ended up in the end with his voice and this song I feel is perfect for showcasing how his vocal quality didn't really suffer much (except for range 😉) towards the end. Thank you, you are so much fun, Beth 🥰🤘
One of my favorite classic/progressive rock songs of all time! 🥁🎸🎹
"I think 80s Geddy Lee is... Top Notch."
Couldn't agree more, I saw them live multiple times in each decade, and the 80s were indeed the height of his sorcerous powers.
I was lucky enough to see Rush live three times. Absolutely jaw-dropping performances each time! I could never quite grasp how it was just three guys on stage making the music they did.
Thank you for breaking down the song as a voice coach. You didn't go out there and just start hating on RUSH or Geddy's voice. We (RUSH) fans can take criticism but won't stand for any bashing just because. We are fierce and loyal! The legend lives on!
Love this song! Reminds me of my sweet brother in heaven. Neil Peart was his favorite drummer. He could play this on his set. I loved watching him play. Rush rocks!
Another amazing thing about Geddy's singing is that he's playing the base guitar and synthesizer pedals at the same time!
They are all GOATs, individually and as a band. Geddy singing, playing bass and keyboards. Also one of my favorite quotes ever: "He knows changes aren't permanent, but change is"
Thanks for giving Geddy consideration. Your honesty is appreciated. There is a maturity in your analysis. You are actually able to distill wisdom from listening to a vocal performance. Roar! As I think you have said before, his voice is like Marmite: either you love it or hate it. And I know so many people who love it: including me.
No interruption ads! I watched the whole thing for once.
I’ve seen rush many times in the 80’s and early 90’s they are godly thanks for the review. Splendid! 👍
I love RUSH....I saw them 3 times in concert.
You could pick any Rush song, and, teach an entire music theory class on it.
As someone else suggested Cygnus X1 would be an awesome song for Beth to react to. Geddy's last note.🤯
I remember a interview with Geddy from the early 1980’s where he talks about having to wear a lot of hats and especially when playing their songs live.
He does all the vocals, he plays bass and keyboards sometimes all 3 at once and he quit smoking, stopped eating dairy products and stopped talking a lot when they were touring to help maintain & improve his voice.
All 3 of them were always giving us fans 110%. No matter if it was on the album’s or onstage playing live.
They kept that quality throughout their 42 years together. RUSH was & still is a “class act”!!
Phil Collins talked about his time drumming on a Robert Plant tour when he didn't have to stay in his hotel room all day to protect his voice.
Don't forget to note that this is a three person band, and that Geddy is also a world class electric bassist, and alternates with playing a keyboard synth in the same song, and that Alex and Neil are also both world class musicians in their own right.
RIP Neil
i don't know why people insist on putting Alex at "world class". i mean, sure, he's the guitarist for rush who came up with some great riffs. but there are 100 better players than alex.
@@RobertMJohnson Because he is. Even if you only think he's top 200, that's world class. You won't find any slouches in the best couple of hundred in the world, and you won't find a lot of space between number 75 and number 175. Personally, I can't think of 50 that I think are better. Your opinion may differ.
Eddie Van Halen was once asked how it felt to be the best rock guitarist. He said “I don’t know. Ask Alex Lifeson.”
This speaks to the esteem with which all three of these incredible musicians were held by their peers.
The induction of Rush into he RnR hall of fame is worth a watch. Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters do it. You can see the reverence for these guys from other musicians.
@@RobertMJohnson oh thank god your Sharing your opinion on every comment. How could I form my own opinion without referencing yours first? As we all know, no one could ever reasonably disagree with you.
A wonderful reaction! Rush were an amazing band and Geddy’s voice is so unique. Thx 😊
1981Rush Moving Pictures tour. I attended. My first Rush concert. Tom Sawyer on Moving Pictures album had just been released.
I absolutely agree with your comment at the end that Geddy Lee is immensely illustrative of the fact that what works for one person may not work for another and that embracing our particular strengths is what works best. I've listened to Rush for years off and on, and when I'm not thinking of them, I think nasal voice = bad. But he proves it can work and just not be an issue, because I quite enjoy his voice. Because he made it work for him and his anatomy and embraced his unique abilities, he sounds fantastic. While nasality bothers me with many people speaking or singing, it just doesn't with him.
Thanks for another great analysis and keep it up!
Cause he doesn't have the greatest natural ability, but knows music and singing as much as anyone.
Enjoyed your vocal review.You really dug deep.This is potentially the best review I seen.Thank you🥰ROCK!
TH-cam just recommended that I [re-]watch this video [yet again], so I was happy to oblige.
When you ventured the probability that Lee was/is a perfectionist, I was reminded of Lee's 2023 memoir, My Effin' Life.
Based on what is written in that excellent memoir, I can happily report that you nailed that one on the [effin'] head.
I love RUSH, and this was one of my favourite tracks! Thankyou for reacting to it!
All three members of Rush were unique. Each excelled in their uniqueness. Geddy never tried to sound like anyone else and I doubt anyone really tried to sound like Geddy. In a way, it completes that uniqueness.
Geddy placed his voice to cut through the mix, particularly on older works. If you hear him speak (many interviews available), he is not "squeaky" when he speaks.
If you look at Neil's same-song performances year-on-year, the strength and force is always there; the toll that playing took on his body was very real!
You nailed it when you said Geddy's voice works fine for this music style. To me his vocals were always an essential ingredient to making Rush's sound.. The song Freewill from this same concert really showcases Geddy's range.
The music style does make a big difference in the vocalist 'fitting in'. Two other examples would be Ozzy Osbourne and Les Claypool. Two vocal styles that only work with the music they play. I remember when I first heard Rush, I hated the vocals, because 'he sounds like a damn elf!' (actual quote). Once I started listening more, he really grew on me, until the band became one of my favorites of all time.
@@illegal_space_alien Wait, Geddy isn't an elf? lol
It was sort of the same deal with how I perceived Stevie Nicks voice when I was younger. For a long time I'd have to change the station if a Fleetwood Mac song came on the radio (not all, just her on lead vocals). Just too cringey for me. But oddly enough she grew on me over the years too.
Funny how we can adapt to things over time.
He's one of the few who has really worked with letting his voice find its own place as he ages. I enjoy his style as much now as I did when he was doing what Rolling Stone called a chipmunk on acid back in the 70s.
If there's one word to describe Geddy Lee, I think it's "confident." He's always been kind of different, but always seems totally comfortable in his performance. He knows what he's doing. Sidenote: 2112 was my first "real album." I wore that thing out and I still love it.
I feel like their last album really encompassed the evolution of Geddy as a singer. Some of his vocal lines are really moving and honed, compared to their early records where you can tell he just kind of did whatever he could. I highly recommend the closing track, The Garden because it really defines a lot of what you discuss in this video, Beth. I don't think there will be another singer like him.
I was just playing some Rush on guitar today , check out “ The Trees” by them ,Neil wrote the lyrics going through Washington state , my home turf , I love all your content Beth , your voice is amazing and you have such a beautiful smile ❤️
I have adored this song since it came out! Thanks so much for your review!
I saw Rush before they ever had a recording contract (early to mid 70's).....they did club tours across Southern Michigan heading towards Illinois angling back around Lake Eire, returning to Toronto......Geddy and Alex were great guys, interacting with audiences between sets.....my favorite song from them is "Limelight"
Only got to see Rush once, April 2011, but so glad and grateful I did. First heard them as a kid around 1980 or so. One of the best nights of my life....these guys were simply awe-inspiring.
You had to be there live, in person. Power trios are the best. Nowhere to hide. You're all up front. Mr. Peart was also into creative switching triggers. He's not playing guitar, it's bass , keyboard plus Taurus pedals, also bass pedals. There is more going on here than most people understand.
They did not allow any sound or fill to be added by the mixing board techs. Truly great in all respects. I'll miss never being able to see this magic live again.
Great choice to review. Geddy is so impressive in his bass playing and his ability to play bass and sing and play keyboard and bass pedals with his foot simultaneously is like defying the limits of what people believe is possible for a musician. Alex Lifeson doesn't get the proper recognition he deserves for his guitar work at all. The three of them do make an unbelievably full and tight sound together. Thank you Beth for another great song review/analysis.
I saw a Rush concert years ago and I think they are from another planet..
Incredible band!!!
Being a long time Rush enthusiast I appreciate this video, well done! From 🇨🇦
I just finished watchin their concert in Cleveland from 2011 - great video if you can catch it 👍
@@davidmurphy8236 the last time I saw them was Sept.2012 Saskatoon, Sk 🇨🇦 They were perfect!
On several "top 10" lists of Bassist, Guitarist, and Drummers, you will find these three gentlemen. One of my favorite bands of all time.
Geddy's voice grew on me over time. I regret never seeing them live during the 80's when his voice was at it's peak. It's scary that this live recording sounds bang on the studio recording.
I have a mate that I turned onto Rush back in the early '80s. They were (and still are) one of my favorite bands and I had 2112 and MP that I used to play all the time. He had some, let's call them "mental issues" and suffered from horrible depression. He recently told me that me turning him onto Rush probably saved his life. He would listen to those two albums in the middle of the night and they got him through some very dark times. Those are the 2 most "spiritual" albums that I know of.
Geddy is truly UNIQUE not in most critics list of Top vocalists but any rock from knows Geddy when we hear him. ICONS
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You should check out BRAD DELP on the first BOSTON album -
For me Rush are a perfect example of develop you while having an understanding of the craft! Rush never claimed to be perfect, they often claimed to be constantly rehearsing, constantly learning, constantly developing. It showed in their music!
Geddy is amazing live. Singing, playing bass, playing keyboards and bass pedals. He also plays rhythm guitar on Xanadu.
And he’s just a good dude.
This was THE tour to see them on. The setlist is a perfect blend of all their albums to this point (minus Caress of Steel). The 40th anniversary release of Moving Pictures contains the full show from Toronto and it's bloody amazing.
I grew up in Toronto, listening to Rush all my life. first album I ever purchased myself was hemispheres on red vinyl when I was 7. I understand Geddy's voice isn't for everyone, and that's fair enough, to each their own. Really appreciate the review and espescially the summation that even things that "shouldn't " work, do work for some people and his voice is perfect within the context of the band. Would love to hear more Rush vocal analysis of even earlier recirdings of his voice, from the 70s. Thank you!
Hi Beth. Thanks for a great reaction.🌹🌹☘☘ Rush is one of my favourite bands! R.I.P. Neil Peart. A great drummer!!
I love her enthusiasm when she explains things
Very nice...happy to see you cover the singer of such a legendary band 😊😊😊😊
Before I start 1st off Neal Peart you're truly missed. Your sound, soul and spirit lives on as you have left your mark here on earth. Now play those drums for the angels and rest in peace when needed......I've seen these guy 3 times and have listen to them whenever possible via radio, tape, cd, ect..... these guy are awesome and got talents that only a few can just wish and dream of. From the 1st time I heard them in the late 70s Getty Lee sounds as the same then as he does now, if not better. Thanks for all thos years of entertainment and they will continue on ....... Thomas Y. ....... Texas born/Tom Sawyer proud!!!
I think a lot of people don't like geddy the first time they hear him but once they sit down and listen to a couple of songs then they get hooked.
All right. It’s Saturday night, I have no date, a 2 liter bottle of Shasta, and my all Rush mixtape. Let’s rock.
Love to hear you do the studio version and do just the counts! Love to know all the time changes!
I saw them on this tour. The musicianship these 3 had was mind boggling. You would have sworn there were 20 people playing instead of 3.
Thanks for the reaction. Rush is amazing!
Def in the conversation for best 3 piece of all time.
Oh I have just a love of Canadian Bands and musicians and vocalists. The musicianship here is so great. Only 3 musicians producing so much sound. This is more reminiscent of an eight piece band. Geddy Lee carried 100% of the vocal load and did it well. No one sounds like him, and no group sounds like Rush. So good.
Musically Rush was an exclamation point. Geddy's voice was/is a huge part of that.
check out Rush's performance at Sarstock (also known as Toronto Rocks) in 2003 . This was a concert in support of Toronto tourism after the SARS outbreak in the city and was organized by the Rolling Stones. In addition to the Stones, performers included Rush, ACDC, the Tea Party, Guess Who, and yes, even Justin Timberlake 😆
Many didn't like his voice, but I did and just found it so interesting and unique, like the band itself. No one sounded like them.
Awesome! Hope someday you’ll listen to him in Cygnus X1, his singing is insane there
All the years I have heard Rush....and still I can notice something I had not noticed before..... A sound, a way something is played, a detail, a key or note I hadn't realized they were in or using. A meaning or different interpretation of a phrase from a lyric or song..... I think this is part of the appeal of the band called Rush....despite not being everyone's genre... And really, they did it without appearing to make a deal of it or fuss about it. They did it the way they wanted to.....making their skills appear effortless. I would not have had a better band to grow up with and shape how I view things....from music to integrity to politic.............. RIP Mr. Peart
So much going on fantastically that was greatest reaction EVERR.
Sings, plays bass and keyboards ... at the same time. Geddy Lee is one of the most underrated bass players.
Love them. Oh Canada.
Having seen Rush live for both the Time Machine tour as well as Clockwork Angels tour, they are for sure some of best shows I've ever seen. It was amazing seeing just what they could do in a live performance with just 3 members.
No autotune back then, Beth!! People can hate Geddy's voice, but he never hit a bad note in any of the 20+ performances I attended!
Rush is the greatest band of all time. RIP Professor.
One of my top bands. I enjoyed you enjoying Rush.
I was lucky enough to meet Alex Lifeson when I lived in Toronto. I mean he is really just the definition of "your average really nice guy" . He was just having a pint with a friend and it was quiet pub, but ya know...just sitting at a table with a friend enjoying his day, like we mere mortals will do . Anyways, his mate got up , and while I wasn't drunk I had a few glasses of courage and couldn't pass up the chance to say "Hi , I'm Paul, big fan, , just wanted to say that...blah blah blah"
Seems he had had more than a few. "Oh thanks. Hey I'm Alex. Nice to meet you too." Then he got a little bit red in the face " Oh yeah...I guess you know my name." and just burst out laughing
I mean I didn't want to be a big fan boy, but who could resist saying hello. He invited me to sit at their table.....guess he noticed I was just sitting their reading. So yeah. Kind of a nice dude. Of course I stayed for one (didn't want to interupt, but rude to refuse) and OK, turned into two. But the dude is HILARIOUS.
And I'm pretty good with a joke. I had to ask. "So Geddy plays three instruments and you only play guitar, I just assume he gets paid more than you right?" He....quick as can be "Wait? I'm supposed to be getting paid?" .
Only celerity of any note I have ever met, but that's fine with me. Nice to end on a high note.
Beth. It seems in addition to the voice you appreciate the musicality. You really should watch an entire concert of theirs. Something early to mid 90’s. Great combination of old and new styles.
His voice is unusual. He loves odd time signatures. All three of them are pretty amazing musicians. There’s nothing like seeing them in concert. Especially when you consider this music is being made by three people. It’s like being a member of the worlds biggest yet most exclusive club.
I'm a big believer that a band needs to be able to perform live as well as being studio artists. But please, please, react to studio versions, as they're well mixed and they're the versions we know.
Beth if you weren't impressed enough with Geddy, he also switches back and forth playing the keyboard parts while singing AND playing bass parts from a programmable pedal system on the floor below keyboards... they're ALL musical geniuses.
I only saw Rush live in concert once in the early 80's, but the amazing thing was that they sounded almost exactly like their studio album. Other bands there is something special about the live experience and the showmanship, but the sound doesn't have the quality, it is a different experience. Rush weren't fantastic showmen, they relied on lighting, not showmanship, but when each of them are playing so many instruments it makes sense. They are all about playing the music as well as possible.
Also kind of interesting to hear Geddy Lee on some of the Bob and Doug McKenzie comedy albums from back in the early 80's when he does a theme song for them and an interview.
take off to the great white north......take off, it's a beauty way to go great song
Glad I got to see them live once (Time Machine tour, 2011). They put on a great show.
They worked hard to not do anything in the studio that they could not replicate live with just the three of them. These guys were amazing people.
I'm not a huge Rush fan but there's no arguing just how incredibly talented these 3 guys are.
Geddy has always said that with Peart's lyrics and flow he pretty much had to learn the bass parts well enough to become automatic so he can concentrate on singing.
As soon as I saw the thumb-nail I was eager to hear your explanation of Geddy's voice. His voice is so unique it's hard to compare it with any others. "Tom Sawyer" is one of those songs that will get stuck in my head at times. But I will be the first to admit that with other songs Geddy's voice can be just a bit "too much". IMHO