College Students' First Time Hearing - 2112 | Rush Reaction

[@andyandalex]

This song was honestly a masterpiece, there’s no other way to describe it, well done Rush, they prove time and time again that they are nothing less than world class musicians. Amazing! Have a great day friends! 😁🔥🤟🏻

[@user-nb2xs3ss1g]

Andy & Alex agreed, it is a masterpiece, and Lifeson was masterful in Discovery playing the role of someone who picked up a guitar for the first time. Love that section. You guys are awesome and its so cool you appreciate the bands I grew up with so long long ago (Rush being my all time favorite). Curious, what are some of your favorite bands, newer bands that you grew up on? Thanks

[@efakter1]

Andy & Alex Every time there was a musical change, you two clowns got that “ I just pumped the neighbors cat” look on your faces. Frighin priceless! 2112 is a masterpiece. Awesome hearing it. Been a while for me. Keep up the good work. Your reactions are entertaining to say the least. Dont forget to do PainKiller by Judas Priest. Looking forward to that one. 👊🏻 ✌🏻 out!

[@cadanrichards2615]

Do this on patreon Andy & Alex React to King Crimson Starless one of their best songs ever that rivals 21st century schizoid man. Theres 2 versions of it on youtube a live version with 5 million views or the studio version which has nearly 3 million i dont care which one u do their both fantastic hope u enjoy them

[@iltonwhite]

@@efakter1 No need to label these lads as clowns mate! It's great to see young un's appreciating the finest era for music.

[@6point8esspcee68]

Closer to the Heart.

[@ericslover2499]

Record company: We need to hear some catchier radio tunes or we're dropping you. Rush: How about a rock opera about a dystopian future where music is forbidden?

[@andrewpetik2034]

The perfect genius that is RUSH!

[@terrims8733]

Coheed & Cambria gave it a go... so does Muse... even Snow Patrol.

[@michaelmayo2489]

Oh yeah and we're going to make it 20 minutes that good with you guys

[@lidlett9883]

Actually that was latter. At this time Rush was simple word of mouth. They had no air time in 79 . Spirit of Radio was Rush's 🖕🖕 reply to what was becoming Corpotation controlled music.

[@ericslover2499]

@@lidlett9883 The record company gave them one more album to get their sales going and they recorded 2112 and hid what they were working on from the label only unveiling it as a finished work too late to be squashed.

[@ericghint]

Alex Lifeson is probably the most underrated guitar player of all time. fight me.

[@clarkanderson6178]

He is definitely the most underrated. no fight

[@jeankutzer1556]

Him and Terry Kath. Same generation.

[@santonucci]

If they fight you, they gotta fight me too fam

[@johncolletti7549]

Tommy Bolin more underrated

[@tazmankb26]

word

[@Tonysmithmusic]

Once broke up with a girlfriend in the 70s. Only thing i wanted back was my 2112 LP.

[@biffmalibu9488]

Word.

[@LouisGedo]

Spoken like a true Rush fan.....I love it!

[@davidpeters44]

The one with the infamous "centerfold."

[@mikewagner7041]

Holy shit just blew my mind didnt think about it that way

[@zzremington]

amen brother, priorities!

[@scottboyle4596]

Kids today, including mine, just don’t understand what music releases meant then. You would buy a record. Play it from the first track. This was the entire first side of the album. The first time we heard it was bringing it home. Opening the plastic, looking at the art, the lyrics, and then putting it on the player. Such a different time. So pure.

[@USGrant-rr2by]

Yes, did that. But...with KISS albums!!! Didn't get into RUSH until my 50s!! Always labeled them...pu**ies. Of course they are not. They're great. I had a tough life.

[@gazwheeldon5952]

Definitely 🌍💚🌏

[@1thothamon]

Amen brother

[@edanielgreen]

Yep. The '70s were my teenage and early adulthood years. Never to be forgotten. 🤗

[@devinangola3458]

First, I'm not mocking you guys....Buuut just watching you two bob and weave your heads in your own little world whilst listening is most entertaining! Hehehe! I'm a old dude and used to get high and listen to this with my buds when it first came out in grade 8, I probably looked/acted just like you when listening. You're old souls bros, keep rocking it! Peace

[@andyandalex]

@Devin Angola Haha can’t help it! The song rocks too hard! Cheers! 🔥

[@rklewis2]

Yep. That's how we listened to music back in them days. So much great stuff to listen to, too!

[@jimbo4110]

@@rklewis2 Not just then. That's how I still listen at 59.

[@rklewis2]

@@jimbo4110 indeed. Right there with you!

[@ranchochihuahua]

I just got through telling my friends that this was us in high school. :)

[@lisagray569]

It surely brings happiness to me to witness young ones who truly appreciate 'real' music by the maestros of my generation.👍

[@briansloan8199]

Actually brought a tear to my eye seeing youngsters getting it.

[@2013_Shox]

As much as i love alot of older music there is plenty of new amazing music that is overlooked by the older generations because of stigma or refusal to try new things.

[@lisagray569]

Yes indeed - there's some great talent today!

[@leddygee1896]

@@2013_Shox I like TesseracT & Skyharbor and I'm 58!!😁

[@jr-xs9tf]

Unexpected validation for us old farts.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

Record company - "give us something radio friendly". Rush - "Here you go."

[@MichaelCescato]

Lol. Aaaaaand how!

[@jeffcharlton9660]

Possibly the greatest F*ck you in human history lol

[@crusheverything4449]

Jeff Charlton - For sure! Since then, Rush had complete creative control of their incredible art.

[@LouisGedo]

BOOOOOOOM

[@chrisbooth5573]

.....never to be heard on the radio until 30 years later

[@MrUndersolo]

They actually put this album on a stamp in Canada. So proud to be from the land of Rush!!

[@Dragonblaster1]

I’m from the UK, and we’re both in the Commonwealth. So I feel some kinship, too.

[@FUBAR1986]

@@Dragonblaster1 All the Commonwealth countries I consider my brothers and sisters ….. these are the countries that as Americans we will defend with our blood sweat and treasure… ☮️❤️🙏🌏🌎🌍🇺🇸❤️☮️

[@worldmumble1612]

i love watching people listen to Rush for the first time. They either don't 'get it', or they're instantly hooked. I was instantly hooked. That was back in 1983. still my favourite band of all time and one that i seriously cannot get bored of. If you put any of their albums on repeat, I would not get to a point where you say, alright, that's enough, turn it off now. Rush are the holy trinity in flesh

[@michael7324]

Im the same. I find myself just getting deeper and deeper into the music.

[@Ritaholden1]

I have honestly never seen anyone listen to Rush and not like them.

[@gnrtradepro]

Hey guys, "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation" 7 words 3 times is 21. "We have assumed control" 4 words 3 times is 12. Just because they could.

[@andyandalex]

@Ausgamer5171 Woowowowow holy shit

[@TheRQpaints]

@@andyandalex How Canadian "We have assumed control" very polite. If they were from the USA it would have been "We have taken control"!!!

[@andyandalex]

@The RQ Haha pretty much

[@basedsalty6970]

Someday I'm going to read the book

[@johnnelson3869]

Also, one riff Alex plays is a riff from 1812 William Tell Overture. Neil was / is anti-socialism. Much of their work follows the philosophy of Ayn Rand. Do yourselves a favor and listen to the instrumental LA Villa Strangiato from their album Hemispheres.

[@Branmuffin7]

Yes I did spend my Sunday watching two dudes bop their heads to the awesomeness that is Rush 🤘🏼

[@Don19762]

😅

[@mikethornhill2481]

Me to.

[@ryanr5319]

I am doing the exact same thing a year later. Wondering why at 12:22 am. Sorta "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry" by Whitman. This is now exorcised. 🙂 Be well where when or never that this finds.

[@sarahmoore6197]

Guilty!

[@sulufest]

LOLZ 😂 YES!!

[@JaDem148]

Yep. 2112 was more or less Rush"s middle finger to the music industry. It put them on the map forever with a reputation for never compromising to anybody. Okay, you guys have earned your Rush t-shirts to wear during your video intros..👍

[@SirManfly]

and i'm still spinning my original vinyl LP of 2112 that i bought in 1977 to this day!

[@kevincrowe1872]

I'm a great Rush fan I'm now 54 and still every time I hear a track I get goose bumps and a little smile on my face, greatest band ever..

[@KAISERSIGMAX3]

Almost moved to tears every time I listen to "Discovery". It is a song that exalts the LOVE FOR THE ELECTRIC GUITAR and its infinite power. I face it as the soundtrack for my musical discovery.... Beginners even get a basic tuning instruction for free.... I remember at the age of 6 to 7 learning to tune my first guitar and listening to this. It is a very deep and precious memory. Thank you, mom, for introducing me to these masterpieces.

[@donovanemery597]

Alex used a borrowed Fender Stratocaster on "Discovery"

[@chrisb3738]

Mercury records wanted short radio hit songs. So Rush gave them a 20 minute song that was the entire side 1. The ultimate prog nerd rock album.

[@Randsurfer]

Even better. Mercury threatened them this was their last album if they didn't toe the line and make radio pop. This album was not only a "fuck you" to the label, but it also crushed it in sales and set Rush up for the rest of their incredible career.

[@bobespirit2112]

The record company never bothered them the rest of their career; just took what Rush delivered them and distributed it. Because of the word-of-mouth success of this song and album, Rush was completely free to make whatever music they wanted to the rest of their 40 year run. Not many artists have that total freedom.

[@benselectionforcasting4172]

And the Ultimate Middle Finger to Mercury Records.

[@sardjentpepper8897]

And the whole storyline of 2112 is poignant to the core

[@johndublyoo8675]

Not the first time a band dedicated the whole side of an album to one track, Pink Floyd's Echoes on the Meddle album 1971. Nevertheless, 2112 is a brilliant album and track and holds a special place alongside the rest of my Rush collection from '76 onwards, only managed to see them live once but WOW!!!

[@mng7096]

All us old guys are doing the air drum fills for you.

[@youtoo2233]

Yep, I was just about to say that

[@markhammons01]

amine

[@n5iln]

Not all of us...some of us are rocking the air bass.

[@RacketMan21]

OH HELLL YES

[@mikewagner7041]

Every single time bro only 29 but was a drummer since 4th grade

[@kennethtesso7540]

Awesome reaction video I'm 59 years old this takes me back to being a teenager I saw 5 Rush concerts 2112 is my favorite album thanks so much

[@MarkandSandieInMotion]

My fave part is when Geddy is singing after the dream, how he can't go on after what he's seen! That is the most powerful and emotional moment of any song I've ever heard.

[@clintmcallister1647]

That part makes my hair stand on end every time. I just listened to it and still have goosebumps.

[@rusmazza]

Absolutely true! Hardly anyone knows it, but that is epic!!!!!!

[@joemendoza4643]

I grew up in the 70s and I remember in school all the kids were writing "2112" everywhere and I, being a good catholic boy never knew what it was about. Then one day I discovered pot after school at a girls house(parents not there of course) and she played this record for me....I was never the same.

[@joemendoza4643]

Pot...and the song vibe. The girl was the bonus package!

[@duaneelliott2327]

Funny I was a Christian till age 17. Had friends who were rush friends but they never forced Rush on me. Listened to All the world's stage on my own after highschool and 2112 on All the world's a stage blew me away( before listened to 80's mtv stuff). Then came the 2112 studio version, A farewell to kings and Hemispheres. I like king crimson before rush but i only like the fripp, wetton and bruford version now.

[@Dongle22222]

Yeah listening to this song high is a life changer

[@tomkelly1442]

Did you marry her???

[@danielkarner1410]

Remember we listened to LP's back then. That meant when a song ended (and the next one sucked), we had to get up, walk over to the record player, lift the needle up carefully, and move on to what ever you were going to listen to next. Try doing that every five minutes when you're high as a skunk, planted deep into a beanbag chair, without knocking over and spilling the bong water. Rush got us! Also, music and song were invented for epic storytelling. Rush let the stories dictate the song lengths. Ten studio-recorded songs over nine minutes long. That's why we are so loyal- they earned it.

[@gordonslater7433]

Haaaa so true

[@gerib4234]

So very well said!

[@coffeemachtspass]

They earned it. That is the best description of Rush’s impact and appeal. I’ll never forget my brother coming home with Moving Pictures. Age 10, my mind was blown.

[@richardgibson656]

OMFGD, that's so true..fuck I'm old

[@vikkiwhite6243]

Yep you just summed up my teenage years haha!

[@btpiercy845]

RUSH ...never a lovey dovey song, no drugs profanity or sexual inuendo. Nothing but class ... Deep thought, philosophy and interesting themes and fun stories. Just class music from class fellas . All virtuoso musicians. Best Rock band of all in my book! Spent a lot of time with their music as a youth and seems like even more in my elder years thanks to Pandora! Thanks for the vid.

[@Jeffrey.Seelman]

Well said.

[@Roland2307]

“Passage to Bangkok” “In the mood” they’re not total angels!

[@diamondchief724]

Had to chew on Peart's Ayn Rand(?..who cares) deterministic bs in the lyrics. Certainly not something as a 13 yr old, getting this album when first issued, I cared about. Maiden and Rush not in HOF? Ri gd diculous.

[@floorticket]

"In the backs of cars", that's some sexual innuendo right thar. They're the best Canadian rock band, no doubt. But I'd put Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Beatles before Rush. Maybe ahead of the Rolling Stones.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Peart said that "Red Barchetta" was a metaphor for sex

[@Bloodewing]

As someone who was 16 when this album was released, let me answer your question about how we felt. It blew our freaking minds. I was already a Rush fan, but before this they were still thought of as an arena type band more or less, with just hints now and again of the prog masters they would become. 2112 was the turning point, and exactly as you said, where Neil's writing really took off and the band said "This is who we are". Far too long to get airplay but I promise you there was not a 70's metal head that did not hear this song.

[@alheno5423]

Bloodewing absolutely! I remember just being like whaaaattt?!?!?! Again!! And just playing it over and over and air drumming and air guitaring the shit out of every song and smoking pot and playing it for friends and watching them freak out ! But I can actually see that it’s even more amazing than I realized at the time. Amazing

[@slapnutz1]

I had it on 8 track. Played it for hours trying to play along.

[@7thkansascav468]

I was lucky our local rock FM station played it all the time.

[@michael7324]

@@alheno5423 Everything you said was true. It still brings me back.

[@scottshields113]

The first time I played this album, I played Overture at least ten times before continuing. Freaking blew my mind is right

[@chosenone76]

I’d never heard of or heard this song before so when I heard Alex say it was 20 minutes long I didn’t plan on listening to the whole thing but once I started it, i got sucked in by the astounding music and wound up watching the whole video. FIRE 🔥

[@Tralman1965]

I never thought that I would set through a 25 minute video watching 2 guys jam but here I am! In my opinion 2112 is the greatest rock album ever!

[@andyandalex]

@Tralman1965 Haha hell yeah man, that’s how we do it, Cheers bud! 🔥

[@Matt..G]

I felt like I was listening to 2112 again for the first time. Thanks guys!

[@Largeagegaplove]

Who the hell voted this down...you must be one of the priests of Syrinx!

[@rogeriopenna9014]

Maybe is a Rush purist who got angry they talked to each other during the song, subtracting from the atemporal orgasmic experience that is to listen to 2112.

[@surfeit5910]

Or a Rush fan who thinks "Better the pride that resides, in a citizen of the world" makes for better lyrics, than this Ayn Randian BS Peart was obsessed with in his 20's.

[@independenceltd.]

A snowflake.

[@staycehill2649]

Trolls 🙄

[@biffmalibu9488]

Somebody looking for the latest Justin Bieber vid...

[@rdsjr64]

Nice to see the newer generation truly respecting the talent of 3 guys who always gave 150% to their fans for over 40 years, they did it on their terms without help from mainstream American media or critics, but we knew....we knew they were the real deal and after sold out arenas around the world and gold and platinum albums so does the rest of the world......js

[@Dragonblaster1]

As for the final lyrics, “Attention, all planets of the Solar Federation”: 7 words, repeated three times, equals 21. “We have assumed control”: 4 words, repeated three times, equals 12. 2112.

[@conjunctionfunctions]

Right on boys! I think your ready for La Villa Strangiato now.

[@tomthumb1741]

Nobody is ever ready for La Villa Strangiato but you just have to grab on to something and hold on!!!

[@sheilathompson3792]

Most definitely!

[@duaneelliott2327]

I think Cygnus x1 book 2 ( Hemispheres ) is better than 2112. Striagiato is a good selection too ( one of the best rock instrumentals ever done) .

[@greenseasun]

Caress of Steel side 1 all the way.

[@zenstain]

God, I am openly jealous of the two of you hearing this for the first time. You have *so* much on this level to explore. You lucky bastards.

[@LeChaunce]

So. The year was 1981, I was a senior in high school, I'm listening to one of the album oriented rock stations while working on homework, and they announce that in the next hour they're going to play side one of 2112 uncut. I call my buddy who is a Rush fanatic (to this day), tell him it's coming up, and he says, "But you've heard it before, right?" "No," I said. "You kept telling me to wait." "You're not listening to this over the radio," he says. "I'm coming to get you, you are listening to this on my stereo, with the album, so you can read the story and the lyrics." The story? So he picks me up, we head over to his house, he sets me down in the center of his bedroom where the acoustics are the best, hands me the album cover, and has me read along to the text because, yes, there is a story, and there are narrative paragraphs in between each set of lyrics. That's how I experienced 2112 for the first time. Now that you've listened, you should seek out the "official" video on Rush's official KZbin channel -- it has a semi-animated "comic book" style telling of the story, with all the original text and lyrics from the original album cover.

[@LeChaunce]

He is -- still one of my best friends. We caught that last tour together in St. Louis in 2015.

[@duaneelliott2327]

I have marvel comics The Defenders Volume 1 Issue 45 - titled " Divided We Duel" . open up the comic book first page in a box is the words " with special thanks to Alex , Geddy and Neil" . This is the true 2112 comic book- it is based on the the concept of 2112 and used with permission by the band.

[@wadebowenfan6743]

Best comment ever 😃

[@romancturner]

Mine was a very similar story. The WHOLE experience the first time I listened.

[@roosdad1]

The Applesauce Project So, I was a drummer in high school then. The goal among US was to play what Neil Peart played. So this comes out,.....and......well, my poor Mom.

[@thegorn68]

Yes! You busted your 2112 Cherries there boys. You were brave to film it. Now, listen to Side 2 for some great individual tracks.

[@bobespirit2112]

thegorn68 Totally agree, great stuff on side two; especially Bangkok, of course.

[@playguitar247]

agreed

[@liamgorden2479]

Twilight zone is one of my favorite songs

[@fitzymcfitzface3389]

Something for nothing is still my favorite Rush song. The lyrics are really inspirational and the music just kicks you in the ass.

[@VegasX900]

The song will still be Rockin in 2112!

[@VersinKettorix]

I'm not so sure. Music is supposed to be forbidden around that time.

[@jamesraleigh4299]

Boys... This is 1976 !!!!!!! It was mind blowing then, and still is today!!!!

[@blackfender100]

Best Rush album in my opinion.Been listening to this since it came out .never gets old to me.

[@hazelbakerm]

One of the greatest pieces of music ever composed!

[@j.c.a2872]

oh you guys are getting deep into it now....check out "Anthem", By-Tor and the Snowdogs, The Trees. A Farewell to Kings.... so many great songs to choose from....

[@dunkilos3632]

Anthem on KZbin has the Volume I crave and need!

[@j.c.a2872]

@@dunkilos3632 you bet, probably my favorite early rush song, Geddy Lee's vocals are unmatched !!!

[@j.c.a2872]

Fuck it, I have to go listen to Anthem now.....lol

[@godbluffvdgg]

Don't forget Fountain Of Lamneth or Cygnus X1 or Cinderella Man or Hemispheres or Manhattan Project or Subdivisions or .......:)

[@dadof4813]

I’d also be interested in what they think of The Trees given today’s political climate.

[@thomasleblanc4228]

I always imagined 'Logan's Run' when playing this record.

[@stephenjones6030]

Listen to every song on "A Farewell to Kings" (you're welcome)

[@mudshark5393]

My favourite part is Soliloquy, when he wakes up after the dream. "The sleep is still in my eyes, the dream is still in my head". Love the lyrics, and the shift to the louder part with the solo.

[@johndef5075]

Alex Lifeson amazing❤

[@alexfromandyandalex8032]

John DeF sooo good!!

[@alexsaucedo8032]

GUITAR GOD. ALEX LIFESON 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@KamalaToe]

#LEGEND

[@jr-xs9tf]

Some of the most searing guitar ever laid down, right here!

[@jbasti227]

Sad to see he usually gets overlooked on favor of Geddy and Neil. Alex is amazing too.

[@LouisGedo]

18:57 The moment you realize you've discovered why Rush is loved by so many people around the world

[@Dragonblaster1]

Thank you for not constantly pausing this _tour de force_, guys. I have had this masterpiece on vinyl LP, cassette tape, CD and now available to stream. At the age of 60, this still makes my pulse pound.

[@JasonMarshMusic]

The second side has "A Passage to Bangkok", one of the better tunes about smoking dope ever written.

[@jwatson6359]

We've been smoking Lebanon, peruse Columbian Fields, The natives of Afghanistan give a sample of their yeild, Sweet Jamaican Pipe Dreams, Golden Acapulco Nights etc.......

[@JasonMarshMusic]

@@jwatson6359 The live version off of Exit...Stage Left is vastly superior to the studio version.

[@Mottleydude1]

Ironic too as they didn’t smoke weed.

[@gold98gtp]

@@Mottleydude1 Actually, they did when they were younger - no cocaine, heroin etc, but they did enjoy some smoke.

[@KAH5371]

Real head phones are a MUST when listening to this song! What an awesome song! LOVE me some RUSH!!

[@imrandytoo]

No, loudspeakers, towers 100 watts a side at least almost to 10 as 10 always seems to distort a little. Had a sansui amp 200 watts aside back in 70s and 80s and harmen karden amp now 100 a side but seems to perform like the older more powerful amps when you can feel the gut wrenching lows and power of drums and guitars on your body. Thats how all rock and roll should be listened to. sorry, kind of ranted.

[@crusheverything4449]

imrandytoo - No problem, man - it was a good rant.

[@PhelpsyTattoo]

Absolutely. Only way to experience it. Well. Maybe basement . Black lights. Seeds and stems 70s weed .

[@jeffreymccutchan8630]

EXACTLY THE REACTION I EXPECTED!!! I LOVE YOU TWO.... YOU BRING JOY INTO MY OTHERWISE DULL AND BORING EXISTENCE.

[@andyandalex]

@Jeffrey McCutchan Well damn! Glad you enjoyed the video!!! 😂🔥😁🤟🏻

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Really? this does it? Time to get a life.

[@bobcarn]

Oh, and yes, it's technically an opera. It was the full first side of the album. The album was a bi-fold and opened up to the lyrics. Preceding the lyrics for each section was written story that were excerpts of the protagonist's diary, setting the story for that part. The 2nd side of the album is sometimes overlooked, but the whole second side is VERY good. A Passage to Bangkok is a solid rocker, Twilight Zone is incredibly fun and whimsical, Lessons is another good rocker, Tears is melancholic and moody and quite good, and Something For Nothing is a GREAT powerful closing song.

[@juliemanarin4127]

Yes I love Twighlight Zone

[@kevint4327]

Let me just say how it warms my heart to see you two enjoy and discover what I found in 8th grade......... 36 years ago. This is the purity of three masterful musicians having a great time together, never really in a massive hurry to get anywhere and in bed by 10pm every night. I found them in roughly 1980 and my teen years were 110% enlightened. Yes I'm 51 and I still listen to these songs over and over on the way to work. I'd give anything to hear them again for the first time like you two are.

[@zzremington]

The thing I love about Rush is they started a bit like a poor man’s Zeppelin and then grew, record by record into this wonderful, iconic band and established their own identify , An amazing band.

[@rickbrasseaux1676]

Hell yes! If you dig this, check out their followup masterpiece Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres. My all-time favorite album from them. OH! Also, whether you react or not, check out their song Natural Science. It's 9 minutes of seriously epic proportions. From Alex Lifeson: "Once we had the guitar track down, we stuck a speaker cabinet outside-this was up at the studio in Morin Heights, Quebec-and we recorded the natural echo off the mountains in combination with the sound of splashing water and Geddy's voice. We didn't use any sort of synthetic echo on the water track."

[@kevinporter861]

Hemispheres is an absolute masterpiece, my favorite by far.

[@EchoesDaBear]

In the words of Dave Grohl when Rush got inducted to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame "FINALLY!!" You guys have reached the pinnacle of Rush finding their voice - Welcome dear friends!! You are indeed correct, after the poor selling venture of Caress of Steel, & their subsequent tour called 'Down the Tubes Tour', our Holy Trinity from Toronto felt they had one final chance to make their statement. Of course the record label was pressuring them to produce something radio friendly, a singles hit to burgeon sales, so what did they do, they made this 20 minute EPIC and BLEW OUR MINDS!! And we are forever indebted to them for taking this risk and showing us what they could do! First time I heard this, my reaction was much like yours - I was transported. My favourite parts are the opening drum and space motif all the way to the 'Attention all planets of the Solar Federation' - so basically, the entire song!! (I will admit, the Temples of Syrinx section after Overture will always be my primo favourite because it just RAWKS and Geddy's voice is just beyond awesome & powerful!) Please, please do the entire second half of the album (2112 was side 1) - you will not be disappointed! It showcased a complete summary of what Rush could do - from the epic masterpiece that was 2112, to two amazing rockers in A Passage To Bangkok & Something For Nothing, two mid-tempo, almost introspective songs in The Twilight Zone & Lessons, and then one very tender, almost ballad type song (yes, you heard right - ballad!) in Tears. This album proved to the world that Rush was here, and here to stay!! Thanks gents! Rarely have I clicked a link so fast (I think the other was for Echoes - what can I say, I love the epics!) - "We have assumed control..."

[@AMCmachine]

"And the meek shall inherit the Earth..." At which point Alex, Geddy and Neil proceed to level same.

[@andrewpetik2034]

NIIIIIIIIISSSSCCCHHHE!

[@garyking6519]

@@andrewpetik2034 what he said!

[@TacomaPaul]

At about 7:47... That's how I learned to tune a guitar... with harmonics. Then met Alex in '76 at a small record store North Tacoma, and I thanked him for that ! Can't remember what I said, but I made him laugh so hard ! YEARS later met Alex again, said same "joke" or whatever...Tacoma Dome... and have been backstage since the 90s until last show here. Damn funny band. All of them !

[@kylelooper2156]

At that time, radio play was everything, and there's not a single on 2112. The radio was full of the BeeGees and Saturday Night Fever. People played 2112 for their friends, and then their friends bought it played it for other friends. That's how the word spread. My buddy's sister played this for me, and I bought it the next day. Then I bought Fly By Night, and I eventually bought Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and Signals. I bought other Rush albums (like Test for Echo and Roll the Bones), but those were the ones I owned on vinyl.

[@ploppill34]

Believe it or not the unedited version of this song lasts for 7 days

[@dakotaslim]

7 days well spent.

[@Q247247]

LOL

[@joeherrjr]

Same as a cricket match!

[@ynsimha7663]

@@joeherrjr Not really. Most are one dayers or T20s

[@bws1971]

You're almost right. It lasts 6 days. On the seventh day, Rush rested.

[@AudiophileTubes]

RUSH '2112'... one of rock's enduring masterpieces! Thanks for reacting to this.

[@clemlowes2112]

"We have assumed control" is drummer Neil Peart's voice.

[@mikewagner7041]

RIP Neil have fun jamming with Bonzo up there in the clouds

[@sunsgettingreallow8318]

Mike Wagner I wonder what the stairway was like...

[@srd0901]

It was Alex. Next!

[@kevinpolito1529]

A few years back, Rush guest-starred on the NBC series Chicago Fire. The episode title was 2112.

[@trustinyourselfllc9083]

My favorite part is when he discovers the guitar and learns to play it.

[@williamneumann6622]

Especially since it was out of tune when discovered

[@juliemanarin4127]

Mine too

[@williamneumann6622]

@@juliemanarin4127 Was great...huh?

[@cmbestkey8114]

Mine is the soliloquy

[@davidwindham5804]

Love it. They should call you the Rockin Bobble Heads! You remind me of myself back in the mid to late 70s.

[@FreeMTrider]

Like Kirk Hammett has said...along with many others....Rush takes you on a journey.

[@canejax3093]

Gene Simmons said What's Rush like ? Rush is Rush.

[@cacho2112]

Now Rush's first 20 minute epic, Fountain of Lamneth. Totally underrated parent album, Caress of Steel. 2112 is amazing but without Lamneth, there would be no 2112. Rush made the music they wanted, not what some record company wanted. Every second as masterful as possible to make a masterpiece song. Excellent reaction. Thanks guys. Rock on!

[@alexfromandyandalex8032]

Ooo that would be a great one I will put it on the list!

[@slipstreammonkey]

@@alexfromandyandalex8032 Caress of Steel is not Geddy's favorite because they were smoking so much dope....but die hard fans will disagree, it is there first steering heavily away from 3 minute rockers into lengthy stories with many more moods.

[@grahameglinton5424]

Yes, but it was a wonderful test run. Lamneth was big adventure and even bigger 'L' plates. 2112 refined their longer compositions into something else... love it.

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

Guys, if you're interested Enoma have reacted to almost all of Caress of Steel at this point. Not yet done Lakeside Park and I think I'm Going Bald. They've done 60+ Rush songs. Most have been quite in-depth too.

[@spicy321]

I would love to see a reaction of Fountain! Some parts of it equal 2112 in greatness.

[@Mottleydude1]

I can tell you what it was like since I was there. It revolutionary. Nobody had heard anything like it. An Epic story told in song and accompanied by music that was a merging of prog rock and metal. The amazing thing was word got around by word of mouth purely. It got no radio play whatsoever. Back then to stay on top of the Rock scene you had to buy albums and go to concerts or you wouldn’t have a clue cause they just didn’t play Rock on the radio cause the older generations hated it. So in 75 someone would tell you after a concert “Hey you gotta listen to this new song by Rush called 2112. More often it was a buddy who came over with the album and say “Let’s warm up the bong. You gotta hear this shit”. Our reaction listening to it the first time was pretty much like yours “Wow, Holy Shit”. I feel bad for you two that you never got to see Rush live as, hard as it may be to believe, they were far better in concert. I’ve never seen any Rock Band that could draw that energy out of a crowd. I must have lost 10# of sweat the first time I saw them. I didn’t sit for a minute. No one did. Just pure energy the whole show.

[@zatoichi1]

I first heard this song when I was in college in the nineties and I imagined the kids in the seventies must have been blown away when they threw it on the Hi-Fi turntable for the first time. So congratulations guys, you are the third generation of college kids to enjoy this masterpiece. I was fortunate to see this at a 3-D laser show at a planetarium. They really need to bring back laser shows!

[@yettiman2817]

Love watching you guys be Bobbleheads. and I love knowing whats coming up waiting for your look of " wtf just happened "

[@alexfromandyandalex8032]

Yetti Man someone should make bobble heads of us 😂

[@bostonwhofan]

You NEED to react to Rush performing this in Rio!!! One of the greatest live performances ever! If you thought the crowd at Live Aid was great during the Queen set, the crowd participation at the Rush gig in Rio is off the charts! Also, one of my favorite Rush songs is Red Barchetta - it's got a riff that will blow you away!

[@alloccasionsgiftwrapping4767]

When this came out....everyone was blown away! That is when RUSH found their way into our hearts.....

[@TacomaPaul]

I saw Rush at 3 months with Neil Peart drums. Then KISS at the Paramount !

[@lucyforrester2633]

HEY ANDY AND ALEX!! This album (actually it was an 8-track tape) was played over and over and over when we were cruisin' around in our cars getting stoned in high school. And every time they came here to San Antonio, everybody went to see them. I still have my Backstage Passes from October 22nd and 23rd, 1977. Six feet away from Alex on both nights. Man, could he make that guitar sing! And of course, Geddy was doing SO MUCH on that stage...singing and playing that bass like nobody else! And what can be said about Neil? Sheer perfection...powerhouse on his drums!!! Believe me, once you've seen RUSH like that...you NEVER want to go back to the audience! Now, listen guys, you have to stay where you are (and even go backwards to their first few albums)! The flip side of 2112 is just as good and, actually, go back to their first LP and do FINDING MY WAY and BEFORE AND AFTER. Andy, I think you already reviewed WORKING MAN but ALEX needs to hear the vocals of Geddy on their first LP, Fly By NIGHT LP, and Bastille Day and Lakeside Park from Caress Of Steel. This is their best work, really. Also, Andy, I loved your IMMEDIATE reaction...."HOLY SHIT!" This is the way my friends and I felt in high school when we first heard it, and it immediately became the predominant soundtrack of our marihuana driven lives! RUSH was so cool...so immediately after their first LP....and those of us who recognized their greatness then, in the 1970's, was ultimately proven by RUSH over the next four decades!

[@charleymaysjr4177]

Nothing like Great 70's bands and music Rush Floyd Zeppelin Sabbath what an awesome time that was timeless!!👍🤟🔥🔥😎

[@johnkilmartin8292]

I so enjoy hearing this song for the first time over and over (for 43 years) with both of you...and you both make it special (again). Truly a classic. You understand what us "Rush nerds" heard back in the 70's and 80's that connected us to them and formed a WEIRD bond with them in our formative years. Thanks for the reaction. Keep up the great song selection!

[@sabbster1157]

MASTERPIECE ….This shows that during the time of this. musicians were at their best. No BS. you had to plug in and play. Great watching this and you guys. Had goose bumps, tears and laughs. Bravo

[@scottboyle4596]

Every kid (including me) who took up drums in the 80s was trying to imitate Neil Peart. I had this playing through my headphones every day after school for six years. Legendary.

[@flapjackson6077]

That was me as well, my brother! Neil was the standard I set for myself, and it definitely made me a better drummer. Not that I ever mastered many Rush songs, but it’s how I learned odd time signatures not fully realizing how much I was learning until years later. I can’t sit down and play a whole album like 40 years ago. One song is about my limit, and I’m always barely keeping up! Lol. But I still gravitate to bands like Tool for the wacky time signatures. Now, we’re just a couple of old farts talking about the good old days! LOL!

[@scottboyle4596]

@@flapjackson6077 Yep. I’m 50 now and my bass foot is a lot slower than it used to be

[@flapjackson6077]

@@scottboyle4596 Lmao! Well I’m 60 and my foot is even slower! 🤙

[@davidchambliss5909]

Recommended: From Caress of Steel - Fountain of Lamneth... The epic album-side symphony before 2112 ;)

[@AudioAtmos]

This was a treat to see two people listen for the first the time. The fact that you’re younger guys is a treat also. I’m 54 and RUSH was the first concert I ever saw when I was 14 in 1979. Of course I was blown away. I had been messing a bit with guitar, but seeing this band at that age is what made me become a serious guitarist and musician. It’s hard to pin down my favorite part, but the “Soliloquy” is great. The lyrical content building slowly to the guitar solo and then BANG into the Overture. It’s a perfect climax. Yes, you’re correct 2112 was pretty much their make or break album. What’s cool, instead of playing it safe and following the corporate dips they went all in and produced a masterpiece. This was the first side. Which was smart. It hits you square in the face right off. There’s some cool songs on side two too!! Thanks for posting.👍🏼

[@essenegnostic8711]

I went to see Rush with this guy from the UK. He did not know much about them. There was this one particular number they did that was absolutely hypnotic. After the tune this british guy looked at me all mesmerized and said .... " That was fookin brilliant ".

[@V7avalon]

The best part for me was seeing them on stage in 1976 😎 at age 16. Second best part was standing in line for 2 days to get 2nd row seats. Geddy held up my younger brothers RUSH banner on stage. Neil Peart gave a new meaning to zildgian drums during Passage to Bangkok and Workjng Man.

[@godbluffvdgg]

You're lucky! They didn't come to the philly area till 77 and they played at a small theater ( Tower theater); with Tom Petty...:)...We loved them here too...But; they didn't get to the Spectrum till 81! I saw them a month before I went in the service in 81 at 21......We're the same age, and still love them right? :)...To think of all the shit we've been through since then eh?...:) ...Heath to you and yours!

[@V7avalon]

@@godbluffvdgg I was lucky and got to see them yearly with their timely releases. A farewell to kings, hemispheres, the spirit of radio, moving pictures and signals. After those albums life got pretty mundane but yes I'm forever a RUSH fanatic ever since their self titled RUSH album was released in 1974.🤘

[@toddstevens13]

You weren't at the Triple Rush show were you in 76? BullRush with Neal on drums, Rush with Rutsey on drums,, and Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush Headlining

[@V7avalon]

@@toddstevens13 no. I think it was Ted Nugent they opened for.

[@toddstevens13]

@@V7avalon Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@sregormot513]

I have to get my daily 2112 fix with you my friends. I’m a Super Fan, of your channel and of course the Band!... Tom from Chicago.

[@bassnhockey]

This song is pure musical art. A masterpiece that is untouchable for what it is. Lyrically genius (seriously read the lyrics while listening), thunderous and unmatched drums, world class bass riffs, smooth yet unpredictable transitions, and magical guitar playing that truly showed Alex’s range as a guitarist.

[@STILL-KICKIN]

“There’s something here that’s as strong as life, I know that it will reach you...”

[@HutchStefano]

Adding to the other comments about seeing youth experience this song, this music, was really awesome! I grew up listening to Rush, having probably been to a dozen concerts over their career. Rush are artists, pure and simple. Hard to find coming together such incredible bass, guitar, and drum work in one group, and their lyrics, mostly the result of Peart’s genius, are some of the most thoughtful in the industry. Anyways, I really enjoyed the video, guys! Nice job! 👍 up. ✌️

[@bradhornbuckle993]

What I would do to be able to go back & hear this for the first time

[@karldixon2704]

And know what we know now

[@nickbowyer7812]

I was hooked as a Rush fan back In about 1975/6 when I listened to Caress of Steel and Fly by Night. I couldn’t believe three guys could produce such great music and write amazing and intricate stories. I did wonder how much was produced in the studio but nothing at all is lost in live performances. Great musicians and RIP the late and truly great Neil Peary, not just a brilliant drummer but a whole orchestral percussion section on his own!

[@gingergilmorehorner1433]

RIP the professor 😪

[@marceldagenais1893]

Remember seeing them on this tour at the aud. in buffalo with Max Webster and Uriah heep what a ride!

[@ericpain]

I'm surprised that there was no bong being passed back and forth! GREAT song!

[@cinnamonbabkaha]

Passage to Bangkok is the first track on the other side. 😉

[@futurewavecs]

This music could be performed by the three of them. Yes, 3. 3 people make this wall of sound. Pretty incredible.

[@sergeh7465]

I cry everytime I hear this song, the lyrics move me so much

[@mastertonalbernathy2905]

for a lot of 70's kids - KISS - got us out of AM Radio fluff... then - In Toronto at least, - I won't speak for Canada.., it was Rush that broke us into FM Radio and Pink Floyd Etc.... - they opened the door...

[@fenderrlee]

there reaction is no different from when we heard it then... perfect

[@ssPeto]

How did it feel back then? For me it was life changing. It was one of of the primary influences that led me into the music business which I did for quite a few years. The lyrics are epic and deserve a sit-down to study them out. The message contained is more applicable today than it was then.

[@alexfromandyandalex8032]

Who else RUSHed over when they saw the title 😏🤘🏽

[@andyandalex]

@Alex From Andy And Alex LOL

[@juliemanarin4127]

Me!

[@kwenchrishendriks6427]

Thank you for this superb reaction. 2112 is complex, gigantic, amazing and belongs up there as one of the best songs ever, yes ever made, if you ask me. The build-up, tempo changes, singing. Well you heard it. It's all there. The song is somewhat old, but has done the test of time and still is GREAT !!! I don't want to hurt anyones feelings, but Andy and Alex, if you want to hear some of these complex, beautifull modern music, listen to the band Ahab from Germany, the song is called The Isle. Just a tip. Excelent funeral-doom !!! Once again thanks and you are always welcome at our place when you ever would come to the Netherlands. We could go and see some good festivals or concerts, and have a drink or two...three...four !!! Cheers, Chris

[@veritassempre]

So happy you guys are getting a chance to appreciate a masterpiece. This was the music of my youth and still listen to it at age 56. Rock On !!!

[@lauracontino269]

Im so glad you guys can experience and appreciate this music that I love! I was fortunate enough to see Rush in concert twice and I'm still enthralled by them.

[@davidwindham5804]

You guys are true joy to watch. They should call you both the Rockin Bobble Heads. You remind me of myself back in the mid 70s, discovering new music like this can only happen once. Rock on!

[@davidbailey6397]

Rush was told by record executives to make a radio friendly album after Caress of Steel flopped. So they responded with the most radio unfriendly album ever made and never looked back since.Yes, the song is a metaphor against record execs in the music industry.

[@markruehrmund45]

When my wife and i started dating i told her we couldn't be a couple until she listened to 2112 with me..lol..it was a transcendent album that laid the foundation for all the great Rush albums that followed.

[@jeffreywheeler2467]

It was awesome to see two of your generation make that journey! I have seen other reactions but to watch your facial expressions during and to hear your genuine appreciation afterwards was so gratifying. In 1981 I took that journey with Rush for the first time and many many times after. Having already been hooked by Spirit of the Radio and Tom Sawyer, I traded a brand new never opened Lover Boy album for this old scratched album. I was a young drummer and RUSH became my favorite band and still are today. No One matches them No one! Keep trying Dream Theater! Thanks again for the reaction it meant alot to me. God Bless you Neil Peart your drumming and lyrics always inspire me.

[@irishkelly654]

1976 people...we had great music...