Classical Composer Reacts to Xanadu (Rush) Live in 1981 | The Daily Doug (Episode 62)

[@jimduffy8601]

When I was 13. my Dad came into my room and sat and listened to this tune with me. I desperately wanted him to understand why i loved Rush so much. I didn't want him to think all I listened to was stoner music. It meant more to me than that. I didn't know why.....it just did. He sat quietly and listened to this and explained what recapitulation of theme was in music and how they used it. He thought it was very good. Very smart. These were musicians that must care about their composition. He came from a jazz and classical music lovers background but would give any melody a try. Flash forward 30 years and I'm riding to the Rush R30 show with my wife and 17 year old daughter. It was to be my daughters first live rock show of any kind. This tune is playing on the car stereo. I was so nervous that she wouldn't get it. What I loved so much. The music written with such care for the composition. I looked in the rear view mirror and she was singing every word. She knew all the key changes....all the drum fills. I was amazed that she paid that much attention to this music she'd heard blasting occasionally in the house and car while growing up. I spent 3 blissful hours sharing my 13 year old rock fan with my teenage daughter. We had a ball. Air guitar, air drumming with thousands of other Dads and Moms....and their kids too. I bought her all the concert swag. If only for one night I got to share that joy with her. To me, a highlight of my life. I'm 57 now. Unfortunately she's gone too soon. Somewhere with my Dad and Neil Peart I hope. Discussing recapitulating theme in musical composition and laughing about her dorky dads air drumming skills. Apologies in advance for the ramble. I guess sometimes memories flash by and I have nowhere to articulate them. Long live RUSH!

[@ddevice4914]

Very touching comment.

[@oreally8605]

You deserve a like for such a good story

[@HeidiMontross]

Lovely moments. Thank you for sharing with us about your daughter.

[@odochartaighofodonegal9815]

Good on you dad for forging those memories - they are etched into the fabric of time and RUSH is a thread. Sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing.

[@metalpractor5150]

Sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing those moments.

[@Odel555q]

He's not "the drummer", he's not "the percussionist" - he's "the Professor".

[@noxema2000]

BAM BAM

[@JonesStreetMusic]

And, the Professor was a composer in his own right as well. Still can't believe he's gone, but am so grateful for the many gifts he gave us through his music, his writing, and - in spite of his shyness and just wanting to be "a guy on a bike" - through sometimes sharing snippets of himself with us through documentaries and interviews.

[@stersnevet77]

And the 'Gov.' "more gov"

[@deke76]

Beat me to it

[@Muck006]

He is the guy with ALL the drums ... and "stick played instruments". It was something like 350 drums/instruments in a later setup IIRC.

[@TritoneChris]

The purpose of a double neck guitar: 1. It looks badass 2. In this case, Alex Lifeson has a 12 string on top and 6 string on bottom....the 12 string has a different "shimmery" sound that makes open chords sound fuller. 3. It looks badass 4. You can have different tunings on each neck...for instance top neck tuned to regular 440 and bottom neck tuned to an open tuning like DADGAD 5. Did anyone notice how badass it looks? 6. You use one neck for open string ringing while playing other stuff on the other neck...basically 2 guitars at once. 7. Volume and Tone pots can be set differently for each which could give you radically different sounds without having to change guitars 8. It looks badass

[@whippoorwill910]

Did you say it looks badass?

[@TritoneChris]

@@whippoorwill910 Don't put words in my mouth LMAO

[@winter_silhouette]

I think you forgot that it looks badass.

[@TritoneChris]

@@winter_silhouette My bad, thanks for the reminder! I knew I was going to forget something about it.

[@davidthomas1467]

It looks badass

[@dougdavidson3260]

Alex and Geddy walk out with doublenecks, you see Neil's collection of percussion and fog begins to roll. At this point you definitely know, "this shit is going to get real".

[@felsinferguson1125]

Doug, m'friend, lemme give you a free clue: Neil Peart *IS* a percussion section all by himself. The reason for both necks is simple: They ALL use EVERYTHING they've got. Geddy plays bass. He plays rhythm guitar. He plays pedals. He plays keys. He triggers effects. He sings. Alex plays 6 and 12 string guitars. And acoustic guitars (6 or 12) And mandolin, And pedals. And triggers sequencers and effects. Neil plays EVERYTHING you see in that set. And adds triggering samples and sequencers as needed. They're a 3 man band that plays like a 9 (or more) piece. And if you compare live versus studio versions of their songs, you'll find that their live performances are close to being a note-for-note match for the studio version. They were the best there's been, and the best there ever will be. Out of their 40 year catalog, you'll be hard-pressed to find more than 3-4 "clinkers" - They're top-shelf all the way.

[@billcaffy]

Absolutely! For Doug, Alex's double neck is a 12-string and a 6 string. Right at 10:22 you can see him switch from the 12 to the 6.

[@rushfanjames2112]

Neil’s kit is by far my favorite out of all his others 🤩

[@ironweedstudios]

Geddy's dbl neck is a 4 string bass/6 string guitar. So much fun to watch and listen to...right?!

[@zwiastunburzy7188]

One of the minute minority of bands that not only can reproduce live their studio recordings, but actually sound better live. I'm so glad we had them while we did, even though I never got to see them in concert (they never made it to Australia, unfortunately), I'm forever grateful for the music they gave us. RIP Neil Peart.

[@JayRenn]

It's not shown clearly in the video, but at the end, during the lighter section with all the percussion sounds, Geddy is playing the melody on the six-string neck.

[@rushman4173]

I'm a Brit and a massive Rush fan, I'm 56 now and to me and many people rush are the greatest rock band that ever lived. R.I.P. Neil.

[@roddyferguson8765]

Same here min 😊

[@roddyferguson8765]

@James Hodson 🤣🤣😍 wee toon Park bairns boots in the trees

[@roddyferguson8765]

@James Hodson aye indeed

[@roddyferguson8765]

@James Hodson am in Fife Scotland min

[@roddyferguson8765]

And the men who hold pint glasses must be the ones who drink 🍻

[@richardberman8527]

"Is the drummer playing orchestral bells?" Welcome to Rush, Doug.

[@daniel_bonatto]

And the bassist is playing the keyboards, with his foot

[@BRIANJAMESGIBB]

:)

[@mycroft16]

If it can be percussed, Neil played it. Mastered it. Then took it further.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

The guy can tell all chord changes and time signatures on the spot. Fuck him

[@trainguy1017]

Even at the R40 show, they played with this level of intensity for almost 3 hours. We're so fortunate to have walked the earth with 3 of the most talented musicians to ever take the stage.

[@anthonybeaver37]

I was there in Raleigh and it still is one of the most memorable rock shows I've ever been to. Got to take my wife and two teenage boys to show them what real musicians looked and played like! To this day they are all fans of Rush.

[@Jangocat]

Yep, saw that tour, they were as great as when I saw them in the late 80's.

[@gillrowley7264]

I am so, so glad I got to see the R40 show. Clockwork Angels was amazing.

[@dnt5volvo]

luvin that chris.. just how i feel.

[@robertchesky277]

As I said in an earlier post, my son, 15 at the time, and already a Rush fan and great drummer, came with me to R40 and was blown away, by the band, and Peart. Great father/son moment, I had seen them 15 (or so) times since the Farewell to Kings tour. Best live band ever, (son agrees,) so sad that the magic will never happen again. Such is life...

[@lpucci]

Geddy Lee is one of the most underrated musicians off all time --- what he can pull off in concert with just two hands and two feet while singing is nothing short of mind-blowing

[@asagoldsmith3328]

2 hands, feet and nose*

[@dhogsette]

This song was the first Rush song I ever heard. My brother got me into Rush when I was in the 8th grade with this very song, and the live version to boot. Then, in high school, my English teacher passed out these fat Norton Anthologies of English literature and had us read Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan." As I was reading, I came across, dining on honey dew, milk of paradise, caves of ice, palace of Xanadu, etc., and I was like, wait a minute...this is Rush's "Xanadu." I informed my teacher, Mr. Painter, who promptly corrected me and said that Rush's "Xanadu" is like Coleridge's "Kubla Khan." LOL. He asked me to bring the album in, and during the next class period, we listened to the song and analyzed it in relation to Coleridge's poem. Mr. Painter noted that the opening instrumental intro follows the same tonal qualities of the three main sections of the poem. Cool! Because of this experience, I continued studying the Romantic poets and eventually got my PhD in English literature, writing a dissertation on Coleridge's poetry. Love Rush! Thank you for your musical analysis!

[@thijsvandenhout6279]

Great story!

[@redspice55]

That was fantastic! I remember once eons ago, a teacher in high school brought in a Pink Floyd album and played it. I don't remember what it was but early Pink Floyd. I thought, this isn't music, it's just instrumentation. Don't care for it. Well...10 years or so later, I started buying Pink Floyd albums. The Wall, Wish You Were Here & DSOTM are my favourites.

[@lisagulick4144]

Now, _that_ is a great teacher! Me, I had to do it the hard way. I heard the Rush song, then randomly found out that "Xanadu" was from Coleridge, and since our high school didn't teach us that depth of poetry (Emily Dickinson was the most esoteric poet we covered), I had to hit the local library and browse every poetry collection they had before I found "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge! What impresses me most about the Rush interpretation is how they highlight the danger of such a place. The peril is inherent in the poem, but Rush put a name to it: Immortality without change, which is not really life at all.

[@rh5563]

👍👍👍

[@jameswarnecke2483]

I turned my comm. Coll. Humanities teacher on to Hemispheres. Wrote my paper In reference to it. Got an A+. Renaissance stuff.

[@annettereynolds1995]

"He's playing orchestral bells" Mate, that's Neil Peart, he plays everything....

[@steveakhurst7845]

Yep

[@nigeldepledge3790]

All the percussions!

[@sting64az]

The one and only "Professor" Neil Peart....

[@alarmfannh]

First time I read the credits on Moving Pictures I saw that Neil even played plywood!

[@Is..4110]

Not anymore,,, unfortunately...

[@petebateman143]

The long running joke when watching Rush live "Where are the other three guys hiding?"

[@stevegreen7706]

I thought the long-running joke about Rush concerts was "damn, still no girls!"

[@zgs12212012]

@@stevegreen7706 You’re both right! Lol

[@petebateman143]

@@stevegreen7706 xD and that one...

[@halcyon289]

I saw this tour. I was convinced they were miming :)

[@LyonHall1]

"Lies lies lies" "What you talkin about man?" "There's eight people in this band. Ya'll got a sweat shop or something underneath the stage"

[@SgtPUSMC]

Q: Is the drummer playing a... A: Yes

[@thecratho]

Best response ever.

[@z044408]

Lol

[@michaelt3308]

😂😂😂

[@Terry_Sieving]

Probably.

[@williamroark]

Awesome comment!!

[@amexemoor443]

Lifeson doesn’t get the respect he deserves and it’s a damn shame!!

[@chiefjayhox]

The most underrated guitarist of all time...He stands on his head every song

[@clowncarqingdao]

@@chiefjayhox Actually, he's not at all underrated. The truth is he's in masterclass. Neil and Alex are better though. That's the quality of the band.

[@wassamattau860]

I AGREE!!!

[@markhaus2830]

@@reliantncc1864 It's all great, but guitar is the main thing for me.

[@lisellesloan3191]

Lifeson for life--in every sense! I could hear his genius from the first listening, and it takes a lot to impress me!

[@leftymadrid]

Rush is simply jaw dropping, when I listen to the tightness and quality of their music, it transports me elsewhere. I'm a musician myself, and guitarist. And it amazes me "still" after all these years what those three musicians did together on a stage!!! Once in a life time band, no one can come close to what these wonderful musicians shared with us...

[@negtype13]

Yep and this fuckin guy, who admits he can't even sing and play piano at the same time, calls it straight forward and uncomplicated. :::smfh:::

[@alwaysopen7970]

Starting with "Finding my way".

[@orange70383]

Check out Alex at 10:22 where he switches from the 12 to 6 string in between the beat, and to think in this whole song there's no added sound track, no cheating. At one point Geddy is singing, playing keyboards and working the bass pedals at his feet. Towards the end of the song you can see Geddy is on the bottom neck which is a 6 string guitar and he's supplying some rhythm while Alex is playing his guitar part. These are seriously dedicated highly skilled professionals.

[@johnstlawrence5246]

That's when he kicks in the distortion. Only a madman plays a 12-string through distortion (cf. the band Space Opera).

[@kdiamond]

Glad you recognized Alex's solo. He's the king of tasteful solos. That's why he's underrated, he's not showy, he does exactly what the song needs and his solos add some of the most extraordinary textures (see: Limelight).

[@mc12358]

If Lerxst is king of tasteful soloing, David Gilmour is god of it. Alex Lifeson was inspired in many ways by Gilmour and PF. I am a big fan of both Rush and PF.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@mc12358 yeah the two best , Alex takes #1 spot in my book though. Take care.

[@michaelb.42112]

Alex serves the song, not his ego, which is the hardest thing to do.

[@XanAxDdu]

i totally agree with you since i buyed rush on cd, it was a rush, 4 cd in a Week i was folgorated

[@itzel1735]

RUSH - “La Villa Strangiato” (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence) Instrumental I. Buenas Noches, Mein Froinds! (0:00-0:26) II. To sleep, perchance to dream... (0:27-1:59) III. Strangiato Theme (2:00-3:15) IV. A Lerxst in Wonderland (3:16-5:48) V. Monsters! (5:49-6:09) VI: The Ghost of the Aragon (6:10-6:44) VII. Danforth and Pape (6:45-7:25) VIII. The Waltz of the Shreves (7:26-7:51) IX. Never turn your back on a Monster! (7:52-8:02) X. Monsters! (Reprise) (8:03-8:16) XI. Strangiato Theme (Reprise) (8:17-9:20) XII. A Farewell to Things (9:20-9:35)

[@daveybreedlove8650]

Huge rush fan la villa is by far best instrumental song. So awesome

[@pasit1738]

This! From the same Exit Stage...Left live album.

[@frankgrimes1512]

Best guitar solo ever

[@LizInTheB]

I second this! Great, great instrumental piece!

[@flapjackson6077]

A great choice!

[@evilrslade]

Three absolute masters, greater than the sum of the parts. Immense, phenomenal, unmatched.

[@jefflindgren1862]

The day will come when historians and musicians alike will come to the inevitable conclusion that Rush was the greatest rock band in history. If you watch this live version and tears don't come to your eyes or at the very least, goosebumps breakout on your arms, you're not alive.

[@ADSisson]

prolly the best version of Xanadu. goose bumps. simply amazing that these guys did all of that BEFORE they used sequencers. RIP Professor. You are missed

[@waveoflight]

I dont think Doug really got what Xanadu is on this listen. Perhaps in time he was able to understand them, but not on this listen.

[@alwaysopen7970]

They will be though of as are Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Genius.

[@25newrush]

Definite tears of absolute amazement that three musicians of their talent were put on this earth together and I was lucky enough to be here at the same time

[@Axe_Slinger]

Neil Peart(RIP), the drummer, wrote all their lyrics and was an absolute poet!

[@a.p.5906]

RUSH is quoted saying that they are THE WORLD'S SMALLEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

[@richardsmead7352]

Fucking A, I concur

[@Squirrelconga]

That's good stuff there!

[@g.reynolds5610]

I'm stealing that quote...

[@Ark1j]

It's always a Musical feast with these guys. Didactics & narpets, man.

[@johnnyfiveo]

don't forget geddy, the bassist is playing moog taurus pedals with his feet at 7:38 as well as playing bass and singing :) great video man, look forward to hearing more from you.

[@denniss4765]

I was just going to say that very thing. :-)

[@sulley722]

Actually, during the guitar solo, Geddy is playing bass line with feet on pedals and carrying the rhythm guitar on his double. Remember, Geddy's instrument was bass on top and 6-string guitar on bottom.

[@johntunnell2969]

I believe that's a Rickenbacker Bass.

[@MikeKiker]

@@sulley722 12-string actually, but he did also have the Bass & 6 string double neck as well. The 4080 & 4080-12 I believe was Rickenbacker's designations for those instruments.

[@mikey29211]

@@MikeKiker I have a 4080/6 the most unwieldly instrument but it's just cool especially playing through Ampeg amps with the Sansamp Geddy Lee 2112

[@leeschaeffer3209]

Even after 50 years, Rush is still the most underrated band ever.

[@Greg-lo1tl]

This music may be old, but it never gets old.

[@MegaCurtisimo]

Like a good bottle of liquor/wine. Only gets better as it ages.

[@thebarf9235]

"It kind of sounds like the 80s, doesn't it?" No. It sounds like forever.

[@eventhorizon2218]

So true, over analyzed!

[@Jangocat]

No joke, they sounded like future music when this was released.

[@SOContraMundum]

Actually 70's anyways

[@thebarf9235]

@@Jangocat Agree. They used the same instruments everyone else was using during that era but the way they integrated them into their unique compositional style made them timeless.

[@Ark1j]

Some moments in time are simply.......timeless.

[@Cagentire]

Doug just chilling talking about key changes while Neil is straight murdering those drums. RIP LEGEND.

[@pandora2go]

He's not only playing the bass, the keyboard and singing he's playing the base synthesizer notes with his feed aswell. It's insane.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Moog Taurus pedal bass

[@Doug.Helvering]

It's an incredible display of musicianship.

[@ericvonsteuben7898]

Don't want to slight Alex, because he plays them with his feet as well...

[@romanfernandez3008]

I’ve always been curious to get a classical composer’s perspective on Rush, particularly this song. I think their music is conducive to a classical ensemble performance, although the instances I’ve seen of that have been, I hate to say it, but mediocre. In the hands of a great conductor, I can only imagine what a composition like Xanadu might sound like. Another track that may peek your interest is La Villa Strangiato (either the studio version from their album, Hemispheres, or the live promo performance from 1979) as others have probably already commented here. But also, Jacob’s Ladder, also from Exit Stage Left or the studio version from their album, Permanent Waves, although there is no video for that one.

[@katskillz]

Doug is correct though that this song is actually very simple in its basic elements, its really about how they execute their parts and how they seam disparate sections together. But yeah the harmonic structures behind it is nothing particularly interesting except for Alex (guitarist) signature suspended chords arpeggiated, which defined the Rush sound as much as anything. This band's growing into richer songwriting as far as chord progressions and harmony really got interesting in their mid to late 80s albums, although a lot of people write off that period because of the heavy synthesizer role.

[@bettersteps]

Alex and Geddy walking on stage both holding a double-neck had to have been the greatest sight ever. Legendary.

[@OrdinaryDude]

No other band can ever like Rush because those three guys do SO MUCH more than guitar, bass, and drums. The reason for the double neck guitars is so they can augment each other in areas while they are doing something different. Alex has both a six and twelve string on his because he switches back and forth. Geddy has a six string/bass combo so he can help out Alex when he does that. He also handles the keyboards and pedals. And Neil... Well he writes almost everything and plays drums like a demigod. They aren't just a rock band, they are serious music professionals. I think I heard Geddy call themselves "Nerds". Haha.

[@mightyV444]

To me, this performance has 'Nerds' written all over it! 😄 The two double-neck guitars alone are nerdy as! 😁 I love it! 🤩 Easily my most-watched music clip on YT 😊 By the way, that is a 12-string guitar on Geddy's instrument, not a 6-string. And Alex too plays pedal synths, during the 7/8 part after the intro and also when it repeats towards the end 🙂

[@christopbutto]

One of the best days in high school in the 80's was when we studied the poetry of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. We listened to Xanadu by Rush and Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Iron Maiden. Awesome day!

[@geraldwalker4322]

We did too, mate. And indeed, it was an Awesome day!

[@basildog007]

This song is clearly the reason why Dream Theater exists today.

[@danmorrissey5725]

don't blame rush for that

[@markcamp1]

@@danmorrissey5725 Hahahahahaha

[@johnnymb100]

Dream Theater still exits?

[@antoniocarlin5026]

Jajajaja Dream Theater is a Joke...!! and DT dies when Portnoy left the band...!

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

Unfortunately

[@mattcartwright8272]

Doug: "How long is this intro? We're two and half minutes in". Rick Wakeman: "Hold my beer!".

[@drummadave]

Chick Corea: "Mine too"

[@davidhaley1440]

Don't forget Keith.

[@thebarf9235]

Yeah and he was very dismissive of that intro too. It's one of Rush's finest moments, imo.

[@jaeden2806]

I couldn't even imagine being there and experiencing it, amazing

[@Rock_Canadian]

Alex "Lerxst" Lifeson on guitar is extremely underrated. His brilliance really shines in your previously reviewed "La Villa Strangiato", as well as hos solos in Limelight, Freewill and Kid Gloves. His performance shines also in YYZ, named for the three character code for Toronto's (their hometown) Lester B. Pearson Airport. Looking forward to your sharing more Rush discoveries, Thoufg I know nothing about music, my reactions were as animated as yours, when I first heard (experienced), Rush's numerous masterpieces. Thank you for your fresh, honest assessment of Xanadu and LVS.

[@Plisko1]

"Is that drummer playing orchestral bells?" OMG that is the funniest innocent question I have heard about Rush in a long time...lol. To drummers everywhere, the late great Neil Peart is like...1 part Thor, 2 parts Socrates and one part Shakespeare. He is sorely missed. Welcome to Rush... musicians music.

[@paulmulryne8405]

I’m no musician - can’t play a note on anything, don’t understand time signatures... despite this, I’ve loved Rush since I first heard them at 14 years of age 33 years ago. Their music just sounds cool af and that’s good enough for me.

[@ricardocastillo5485]

I saw the title of this and was like "ooooo...uh-oh. Be careful, us Rush fans are rabidly protective", but you did great.

[@u.v.s.5583]

Yeah, there is a fine line between "WOOOW" and "Simplistic chord progression, the drummer is doing sort of ok, singer sings too high, the guitar player is not that technical. Basically just a band with tons of instruments."

[@oreally8605]

ROFL True.

[@JonesStreetMusic]

haha. Truth. Fan since the late 70's/early 80's. And I'm often annoyed at reviews because they so often fail to grasp the composition of the piece. Like the story behind YYZ (Alex was actually flying the plane when Neil and Ged picked up on the cool rhythm of the airport call in Morse code)... and how the song covers the hustle and bustle of travel, then the waiting around (and more hustle-bustle, and more waiting around), and the emotions of reunions and saying good-byes, and the exotic places to which one may be headed. I think Doug did a pretty good job here. He got that they make a huge sound for 3 guys, and they did it live. This 'rabid' Rush fan cringed a little over the bit about not having available to them in 1981 the types of stuff they'd have available today, because they STILL did their own stuff. No click tracks on stage. They made it all happen. I would love a review of YYX by Doug, and see if he picks up on all that stuff never mind the notes it's in.

[@Katehowe3010]

@@u.v.s.5583 Ha! What utter rot.

[@barbarabowman4533]

@@Katehowe3010 Actually, these are Neil's words describing the different parts of YYZ.

[@mixedmeter]

RIP Neil Peart, one of the greatest drummers of all time.

[@Alixxusa]

The.

[@mixedmeter]

End

[@TurkShowFan]

One of the greatest??...THE greatest!!!

[@mixedmeter]

@@TurkShowFan Neil was one of my first influences when I got into drumming (1977). Since then, I have discovered a LOT of drummers of similar qualities and some that are better in terms of chops. Research...

[@billbyrd5150]

I love how you just cannonballed into the deep end of the prog rock/metal pool! You’re the Rick Beato of reaction videos. Keep up the great work, Doug!

[@MortimerJones99]

This song is a perfect example of Rush's constant effort to compensate for being a 3 piece act by having each member fill out the sound space as much as possible

[@Keith_KC8TCQ]

on the Alex's guitar, one is a 6 string, one is a 12 string. On Geddy's bass one is a 4 string bass, the other neck is a 12 string guitar

[@guslakis]

Beat me to it!

[@asicerik]

And note Geddy starts playing his guitar at around 15:20. You also did not notice both Alex and Geddy have pedals too! That deep bass comes from Geddy's pedals

[@1RungAtATime]

The bottom one on Geddy's double neck is a 6-string.

[@rattan3793]

@@1RungAtATime Nope, it's a 12 string. See Geddy's book of bass page 385. It's well documented.

[@alainrobillard4300]

@@1RungAtATime The headstock of the Rickenbaker 12 string guitar can easily be mistaken for a 6 string.

[@rydelvandyke9470]

I saw RUSH 6 times and always from 6th row, center stage. The most impressive thing I've ever seen was Geddy Lee playing the keyboards with one hand, plucking a drone note on his bass, playing the foot pedals with his foot and singing all at the same time.

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

I so wish I could see them live. unfortunately I'm only a teenager as of now and was a child when they did their R40 tour. RIP Neil

[@cygnux]

Yep, I saw that also. You can also see him do it on "A Show of Hands".

[@cristibanciu6705]

this is a work of a genius!

[@nightshift8249]

Don’t forget moving the mic stand w his nose. Maybe the most iconic move.

[@AsadAli-jc5tg]

I think he was Satanist.

[@jasonanalco542]

Neil's drum set was a cathedral to percussion and he was the Pope. RIP Professor

[@RA57727]

Well crafted words to describe the Professor - RIP .

[@keithmyers6121]

Exactly, WELL SAID...

[@albinlundberg5583]

I picked up playing bass 2 years ago. 6 months ago i started taking lessons. 2 days ago my teacher liked the fact ,that I really enjoy RUSH, so much he told me we where gonna start learning what youre doing. When my dad saw the album cover of what I was playing while doing the dishes he immediately fell face first onto memory lane and requested i started the album over. Thanks to the awesomeness of my teacher, the spirit of my father and the genious of this band Ive never felt more inspired in my short life of 19 years. Ive never felt so inspired to create and to choose to really follow my own opinions and interests. Thank you rush for all you do and have done. Rest in piece Neil.

[@mightyV444]

Awesome, Albin! 😀👍 With such great inspiration, you'll be enjoying to play bass for many more years to come 😊 Let's wish Neil to rest in _peace_ , though! 😉😁

[@PattiL1221]

It's especially amazing when you consider Geddy Lee is not only an incredible singer, but also a mind-blowing bass player (none better, IMO) and keyboardist. Not to mention the talent of Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson. Such sound from a three-person rock band. Over forty years later and still powerful enough to cause goosebumps.

[@robgas7507]

Ok, it’s official. You did Rush and you are stuck with me as a fan.

[@Nopeandnope3861]

Especially when he’s telling you what the notes are that Neil (especially Neil) is playing on the tubular bells

[@michaelb.42112]

Doug won me over. He is the real deal. He shouts out the notes and instruments and tells us Geddy's vocal pitch is perfect and effortless. Doug KNOWS his shit, and RUSH is the top of the mountain. The Xanadu...

[@sfranger50]

the chemistry between geddy and alex is incredible; friends since gradeschool ... and then they found neil ... what a fortuitous event ... it was meant to be

[@jsmctch]

A devine plan is the only explanation

[@axchisler]

Fortuitous indeed, especially after that control freak Rutzy. Hmm, wonder what he's doing these days...

[@eccehomer8182]

H to O... No flow without the other.

[@eccehomer8182]

@@axchisler Sadly, he's been pushing up the daisy for the last 13 years.

[@axchisler]

@@eccehomer8182 Mmm that's a bummer, I guess there will be no reunion...

[@fredgarvin716]

I'm 52 years old and Rush has been a huge part of my life since 7th grade. It mystifies me how there are people around my age who have very little knowledge of Rush. I feel sad that they missed out.

[@DavidSmith-wr6vj]

Could he just be down playing his RUSH knowledge?

[@brettallgoodtunes9483]

Eh, screw em. Leaves more beer for us 😂

[@tonymarkey6525]

Right with you. I’m 57 and they were bloody awesome. This track still gives me goosebumps

[@Snowdog070]

For me it was Grade 8 but then I'm a little older. Saw them on the Hemispheres tour when Max opened. Max played my high school the night before they opened for RUSH on that tour. My first Rush show was in Buffalo in the US. I would have been in Grade 11 at the time. A few of my buddies and I slipped across the border to see them.

[@darrelljourdan3687]

My thought exactly... I can't believe that anyone that has been involved with music in the past 50 years hasn't had an opinion or at least listened (critically) to RUSH. KZbin makes money for people making videos that people watch... we all watched this, but I do question the authenticity. In the end... I'll listen to RUSH any way that I can. RIP, Professor.

[@rickcibik1313]

I really enjoyed watching the video and your comments. I don't know who you are, but I sure know who they are. Thanks for doing this Doug. I'm inspired. I play drums, and played Xanadu in my band in 1980, over 40 years ago. Rest in peace Neil. You were the heart of Rush.

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

how effortlessly they ROCK in odd time...been a RUSH fan since just before this concert was filmed...i was 13 then...I'm still a RUSH fan and always will be. RIP Neil Peart, may Geddy and Alex continue to live long and prosper.

[@SteveMicAndTheHoldTights]

When I was 14 I had piano lessons and bought a catalog of Rush songs for piano. I learned how to play Fly By Night and my 70 year old piano teacher was shocked that how rich and complex Rush's compositions were.

[@The66Leadfoot]

I grew up listening to KISS but when I bought home Fly By Night and put it on, my dad walked in, and instead of saying "turn it down", he said "that's more like it", and carried on with his day.

[@gwaptiva]

The late great Neil Peart. The only time I've seen that amount of percussion was at a concert of the Rotterdam Philharmonic playing the 1812 Overture...

[@mmasque2052]

Neil never did figure out how to add cannons to his kit, did he?

[@PaulGAckerman]

rush, the world's smallest symphonic orchestra.

[@mightyV444]

I was watching the Dan Rather interview with Geddy only about an hour ago, and this was mentioned there also

[@gregorycorcoran2985]

Doug; to answer your question about the double necked guitar and bass. Each neck is a seperate instrument. Look closely and you'll see that on the guitar the top neck is a 12 string and the bottom is a six string. Additionally, the bass has a four string upper and a six string lower. It allows the player to have access to the fullness of sound on the extra strings and the precision of the fewer strings. On the bass, it allows Getty to have access to a much wider range. All of this is achiived without the need to switch instruments, which would otherwise be required. Also, note that Getty has an organ keyboard on the floor, under the synthesizer, that he plays with his foot. Efficiencies. That's how three guys sound like a band of eight or more. Just inspiring to me when I was studying using in high school. Their willingness to constantly challenge themselves as musicians drove me to do the same in all aspects.

[@rattan3793]

Geddy's doubleneck here is a 4 string bass on top and 12 string guitar on the bottom.

[@gw4434]

First of all I want to thank Doug for his open minded approach and humble quality for his videos. Declining to listen to some horror bands and still have a great positive thing to say is very hard for a classical composer. As a professional classical musician myself I understand how difficult it is to accept any other form since nothing gives the same mind buggling feel like classical music. YET RUSH is a totally different story. Three amazing musicians grow together during years becoming not only one but also developing as true composers. Never surrender to popular clichés of rock they never stop to excel, move up, do better, but most of all they bring such extraordinary music one forget instruments or details and hear only beautiful music, so melodic, rich, elegant, polyphonic, coherent! So many influences yet no one sounds like them. Even their fans are different. Choosing an album is simply impossible. They will probably accompany me the next forty years not shied by the great composers past and present

[@christophermoffett3762]

AND, the PROFESSOR, considered the greatest rock drummer ever, WROTE ALL THE LYRICS ALSO!!!

[@scott4482]

Yes, you'd probably enjoy La Villa Strangiato. The official music video is played live but in an empty theater. If you prefer to just listen, the cut from the album Hemispheres is exceptional. BTW , it's an instrumental, in 11 movements.

[@stevecorreia9589]

Triple thumbs up here!!!

[@The66Leadfoot]

One of my favorites! I've been a RUSH freak for over 40 years and have always known how good Neil Peart was, but recently i watched a youtube video with isolated drums for LVS, and it was awe inspiring. I had no idea how busy Neil was with the rest of the band playing. It should be required listening for any RUSH or drumming fans.

[@guaporeturns9472]

This song takes me on a journey , every time. Best band ever.

[@alana9832]

Bravo very well put!And there lyrics tell you the story!

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@alana9832 exactly

[@michaelwoods9005]

I miss these guys so much. They were one of my first musical memories as a child and they've been with me through thick and thin ever since. God bless you, boys:) and RIP Professor.

[@mzmadmike]

Alex has a Gibson EDS 1275 12 string/6 string double. Geddy is using a Rickenbacker 4080/12 bass and 12 string. He plays lead outro on 12 string while Alex plays the complicated rhythm. He also had a white 4080/6 string that he used for A Passage to Bangkok where he played rhythm guitar and bass pedals. The synth stack is: Oberheim OB-1 Oberheim OB-X Oberheim OB-8 Moog Taurus Bass Pedals (2) - interfaced with the OB-8 Moog Mini-Moog Roland MC-8 Digital Sequencer

[@sgtmajorbuzz]

Wait until you see Geddy play bass with his left hand, synth with his right, the Moog pedal with his foot and sing at the same time.

[@Antman-cy8ch]

Alex play Moog Taurus pedals to here.

[@sgtmajorbuzz]

@@geneharland Sorry, but I saw it.....so....not sorry

[@horscategorie]

The Professor - may he rest in peace.

[@mycroft16]

You are exactly the right kind of person to react to RUSH. They absolutely put that level of thought, care, and dedication into the composition. Yes the long intro is very much a part of the story. Neil, the drummer (percussionist) is an incredibly well read person and writes their lyrics. He has a mastery of words that few bands can match. Each of them is a monstrously talented musician. And there isn't an ounce of ego between them. They work together so flawlessly. Like Mozart, not a single note wasted or skipped. Exactly what the song needs. And they did this for decades. Growing, changing, expanding, exploring. But never giving less than 150% on every single song.

[@dannygeit]

Rush has so many incredible songs, but Xanadu has always been the most impressive for me. The whole band is at absolute peak performance, Geddy with the vocals two-instrument play, Alex with the 18-string, and Neil with that amazing percussion, plus the lyrics so beautifully crafted from Coleridge's poem. It's a true epic.

[@diegopeart]

Xanadu is the definition of "epic". Playing the drums in a Rush tribute band, I am taken aback by the amount of work Neil put into this tune. Percussion used to detail the mood all around different sections of the song. Just one of the reasons Rush is my favorite band of all time.

[@SnerkleBurger]

"I think I'm gonna go listen to some more Rush ..." Yep ... like the rest of us always do when we hear Rush. :D

[@katelynneshouse2834]

The song was actually recorded in 1977 for the album, A Farewell to Kings

[@briansmith9151]

I've watched a ton of reactions to this song, and this one was the best by far. You were very thoughtful in the way you deconstructed the music down to the keys they were playing in. It was almost like a music lesson. I'd love to hear you break down La Villa Strangiato.

[@cBadArsBiker1579]

Rush was always on another level of musicianship. These guys sound better than five member bands with three, highly skilled musicians.

[@1969bones69]

Geddy Lee has a 750 cfm double pumper for a nose. He can sing to the heavens and not break a sweat :)P Love me some Rush, one of the most talented bands in the last 50 years. Easy. RIP N, Peart. We miss you.

[@FerrickOxhide]

Yeah, he throws his stick up, doesn't look for it, and catches it just in time to use it when needed. He'll do that all nite and never miss. I've seen him live myself.

[@zachsmith3]

They are so in-sync with each other and the friendship bond is so strong! RUSH FOREVER!!!

[@blasterman789]

Peart was simply on a different plane the rest of us. What an incredible, uncompromising musician he was. He also makes a white polo look pretty cool.

[@riveralph3687]

"Is the drummer playing orchestral bells?" Neil: "Oh, you mean it's Tuesday."

[@gregb8565]

This was a three piece band Doug. Foot pedals on the bass and synthesizers - many hands - being a musician in those days they are actually 70's synthesizers - he has a guitar and a bass on the double neck - it's one thing to watch and talk and react , and another to play - :)

[@LearnToRefine]

7:45 Geddy simultaneously plays bass, sings and triggers synth pedals with his feet. Sometimes you just have to stay Busy!

[@Zorn2Largent]

Just dropped in to make the same point. He’s raving about Geddy singing and playing keys and I’m like “Dude, he’s also playing bass with his feet!”

[@TUKUMZ]

@@Zorn2Largent also moves the mic with his nose

[@Snowdog070]

I remember back in the late 70's - early 80's when CHUM-FM 104.5 in Toronto was a rock station. They would interview the band for each album premiere and go track by track with Ged, Alex and Neil in studio commenting before each track was played. In one interview Geddy was introduced by the DJ as "Geddy, how many instruments can I play at once, Lee"

[@leehanson1416]

Try "La Villa strangiato" or"YYZ" from Rush.

[@acepharmer]

I was about to say both of those as well!

[@richardnanian6075]

The live performance of "YYZ" in Rio is a personal favorite. Rush sounds as great live as in the studio (with the exception of Geddy struggling to hit a few notes as he aged, which doesn't matter in an instrumental), and that crowd is amazing. Tens of thousands of people singing along with an instrumental is something I never thought I'd see.

[@leolovell6218]

He has perfect pitch that's how he's able to pick out the cord structures what a great guy reviewing this

[@_fantasticscenes]

Dudes legit stumped. Picking apart some of the most skilled, complex, original music of all time.

[@philduoos2961]

Doug is calling out the various notes and progressions. At this point I'm pretty sure that Alex couldn't read music, and I'm not sure that Geddy did either. They just knew what sounded good. Even in later years Alex is talking about some song in an interview and does the note on his guitar and says something like "What is that- an E sharp I think?".

[@mhudsonc.2625]

Fun to see a composer get into the band I fell in love with when I was 12, let’s just say now I’m looking at retirement, RIP Neal, you are missed & thanks for all the great shows.

[@jimcurt99]

Saw this live back then- last year of high school- was AMAZING

[@mightyV444]

Lucky you, James! 😀

[@stevendorsey4554]

Geddy literally carries around the heavy ass Rich double neck (bass on top, 6 string on the bottom), just to strum the big ending on the 6 string.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

Actually, as I just learned, it's a 12 string. Apparently six of the tuning pegs face the back of the neck.

[@mightyV444]

@@OriginalMergatroid - That's correct, it's a 12-string at the bottom. And he switches from bass to 12-string when Alex starts his solo and first strums chords and later plays the same melody Neil plays on the glockenspiel; Too bad you can't really tell from the video because the camera stays on Alex during most of the ending.

[@aprilvoecks5877]

"It's a long tune" It's obvious he hasn't seen 2112 if he thinks this is long...

[@markcamp1]

Pfft, it was only 66% of the album side. :)

[@bradleyburns1959]

But he did listen and react to LVS....nearly 20 minutes of virtuosity.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

jajajajajaja hes not hear "A pleasent shade of grey" from Fates Warning.... 60 minutes from awesome pinkfloyrian prog!!

[@squidly2112]

It's been almost a year now Doug, and I am back once again to watch your reaction and review of this song. Never gets old. Thanks Doug! .. wishing you and your family a fantastic 2022 !!!

[@MaxPlaid]

Three of the greatest musicians of all time, all playing with taste, all in the same band - what a time to be alive!

[@crimsonretriever]

Alex Lifeson is using a 12-string/6-string largely using the 12-string in the rhythm parts. Geddy on the other hand has a bass guitar/12-string double neck. At around 14:00, Alex switches to his lower 6-string neck to play the solo while Geddy switches to the lower 12-string neck and covers the rhythm guitar part while playing simple drone bass notes on the Moog Taurus pedals. As you rightly pointed out with Neil's drumkit and percussion zone (glockenspiel too!), multi-necked guitars and synths, these three guys are covering a LOT of sonic territory over this song. Never ceases to amaze. Great reaction video BTW - subscribed!!

[@jaybrown4526]

This is what happens when you put three virtuosos in the same room together!!

[@u.v.s.5583]

Well, this only happens if you are lucky.

[@mattgarcia9687]

The Aristocrats also!!!

[@erikkroll2154]

You say it sounds like the 80's. This song was from the 70's.

[@ericsauder3247]

I saw them play this in 1981 at the St. Louis Arena. What a show!

[@rubbersole79]

Every since Neil passed, I nearly weep when I watch his mastery. Thank you universe.

[@firestorm755]

Rush filled a unique spot in the music world. You won't see a band like this again. I was lucky to see them 2 or 3 times over the years. Last time was the time machine tour in London. So many good tracks to choose from. Pick a handful from the moving pictures album and you won't go wrong.

[@mistralwinds4715]

Don't forget he's also playing the high pitched Moog sounds with his feet with Taurus Bass pedals.

[@newdistbear]

For a "classical" review, he knows his keys, seems to have perfect pitch, knows his timing, but then states the composition was not really that difficult. As a former bass player, and sometimes lead singer, its probably more difficult to do both than other instruments due to the fact you play in time with the drummer but same notes as the rest of the band, staying in Key. To sing on top of that albiet with a different rhythm sometimes than the beat is extremely difficult. Just remember, he said this composition, with a drummer, guitar player and bassist sounds like six or seven people. Neil Peart, the "Maestro" is also the percussionist. Geddy Lee, the bassist, also plays bass pedals, keyboards, guitar and bass, AND sings. Alex Lifeson, the rhythm and lead guitarist, I also like to think of him as the Texturist with some of the things he plays. Now, go back and listed to the keys, the changes, the difficulty of what they are doing, much less how it sounds and remember, THEY ARE ONLY THREE PEOPLE!!!. You can take ANY three musicians of one's choice, put them together, and they probably could do what these three do, but will never sound like six to seven people. THAT'S why they are one of the best bands EVER!!

[@deepeddyrecords5933]

Well said!

[@markb7067]

Always such a pleasure to hear a master piece from master musicians. Thanks for the reaction and comments!

[@dalemartell8639]

If you could hit it with a drumstick, Neil could make magic from it. RIP Professor.

[@MrWilander88]

He's not just any drummer, He's 'Neil Peart" the glorious.

[@URTonemanclan]

10:20 -->>> 10:23 Why they are double neck guitars and why Alex Lifeson is so great... the transitions from instrument to instrument!

[@johnhalfpenny1]

Omg. I saw this tour. First time I saw them. Holy crap. At their PRIME. Almost all of Rush’s songs are words by Neil Peart.(drummer) His nickname is “The Professor”. A very well read man. Arguably the best drummer to walk the earth. My favorite band ever next to Electric Light Orchestra.

[@bradleyburns1959]

The Professor was the most "musical" drummer ever and Xanadu demonstrated that immense talent beyond measure. I miss him every time I listen to Rush. Which is every day.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

Great video. Interesting take on things, Doug! Welcome to Rush nation. No better three man band has ever graced a stage. Truly when Giants walked the earth.