Did Rush Predicted the Future? - 2112 [FULL REACTION & ANALYSIS]

[@jhc2093]

Heard it front to back hundreds if not literally a thousand times over these past 45 years, and it’s still the same masterpiece it always was!

[@mrbickity]

Also don't forget these guys were 23 at the time they wrote this. Amazing!

[@EchoesDaBear]

GREAT reaction Sohum - and excellent & insightful analysis!! Have I listened to this before?! Through & through hundreds, if not thousands of times! I can feel every note, the rise and fall of the dynamics, and sing along (and air drum), with fervour, to every brilliant word (and beat)! And yes, I've read those liner notes plenty of times (you should too to really get the whole story! This is Rush's unapologetic 'middle finger' to the record company that wanted them to make radio friendly singles & eschew their creativity for sales & success...they said no! Who do you think the Priests are?! As a result of this rebellion, they made a prog masterpiece (tho whole album!) whose overwhelming success allowed Rush to maintain their integrity & creative independence henceforth...they stuck to their guns & it worked! Listen to this while driving...or whenever...you will grow to learn it all and LOVE it! Cheers from Canada, eh!! The land of RUSH!

[@debbieplato5107]

Rush did a number of longer songs in the 70's. This song was a finger to their record label who didn't like their prog direction and did not promote their previous album. They were told to do shorter more radio friendly pop songs Rush kept their integrity and said if this was their last album they would go out their own way. 2112 was a huge success and they assumed control. At the end the elders do come back and destroy the temples and the priests who were the bad guys. Some of Rush's other longer songs. The Fountain of Lamneth The Necromancer Cygnus X1 the voyage off A Farewell to Kings and the continuation of the story Cygnus X1 Hemispheres off of Hemispheres. Dream Theatre like a number of other bands were influenced by Rush Female Rush fan here! Cheers

[@rickschlosser6793]

I bought this on vinyl on 1982 and replaced it about 6 months later because I wore the album out!

[@cpmf2112]

The Federation were the bad guys, you had the right interpretation. This was Rush's response when they were told to make shorter and more radio friendly songs or else, they said screw it and they would go out they way they wanted to with a long middle finger to the authorities.

[@kentgreer1079]

Explanation of 2112. At the end, the conquerors say "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation." three times. Seven words, three times equals 21 words. Then the voice says, "We have assumed control" three times. Four words, three times equals 12. Thus the title of the song is pronounced "21 12". Also the notes at the beginning indicated that the Solar Federation has existed for some time, perhaps as long as two thousand one hundred twelve years.

[@RayEvans-j1q]

There are no time perimeters in Prog Rock! Dream Theatre and many other future rockers saw Twenty-one Twelve as a blue print to their careers!

[@dsum4563]

I’ve listened to this song hundreds of times…always amazing. I know you’re trying to associate this with other artists…but most that you mention see RUSH as the masters. Without Rush you wouldn’t have those artists Rush paved the way for them. BTW…Geddy is on the bass. Just listen to each movement and then comment once the movement is complete. Best to listen without the visuals…that’s how most of us experienced 2112. Keep up your Rush exploration.

[@byronness7385]

The song is of a dystopian world after the destruction of earth, an the federation controlled everything, until the elder race returns an destroys the temples and frees them all from tyranny… The elder race was 3 musicians (Geddy, Alex and Neil) Song came out before the release of star wars and was Rush’s F U to the record label who said it would be their last album if they didn’t do 3-4 min radio friendly songs… Needless to say it cemented Rush’s standing as a band who was gonna do exactly what they wanted an create the music they wanted too 🤘🔥🤘

[@robertbishop1926]

Rush in my opinion was one of the pioneers of progressive rock. Many prog rock bands were inspired by them. The time signatures are insane. I have listened to this complete track probably 1000 times. One of my favorite rock bands of all time. I subscribed to your channel because I like your commentary and I am excited to watch you go down the Rush rabbit hole. I would recommend not stopping so much to speak. Let it it play longer and pick your spots to comment. Good luck with your channel!

[@scottwood5515]

don't read .....listen. When you hear it the first time it just takes you. Yes, i have every note and nuance memorized.

[@IDriveAnAudi]

I hear that! Also the cartoons that I know did not exist in 1976, or I would have seen them when I bought the record. 😊

[@philhunter9134]

I agree.

[@davidrodenkirk5561]

Started listening to this album when i was 14 . I am now 62 and have listened to this countless times. It still moves me every time.😎

[@benazoop]

This is a rush masterpiece as is most of their music. Been listening since their inception always liked them still do. I am a woman who loves rush, go figure, lol. To your earlier question of do we know each of the notes, ya pretty much. Music back in the day had no videos we had to actually use our imaginations and our interpretations. We just let go, leaned back and let the music move you.

[@leddygee1896]

Unbeknownst to me, I was invited to join a listening party in my friends car during lunch at the High School parking lot, circa 1976. I had never smoked, or heard of weed, but everyone else in the car was smoking it, so it was a hot box situation. I guess y'all know the 8-track that was playing in the car... My introduction to Rush. I was 15 at the time, and not even the mighty Zeppelin had impressed me like this. Maybe it was the weed, or Neil Peart's God Level drumming, who knows. I had loved Zeppelin since 1970 when my older brother turned me on to them, But 2112 was on another level altogether... I still love Zeppelin, that hasn't changed😁😁😁

[@donalddavid3431]

My 1st experience with Rush was 15 yrs old as well back in 1982. Went to a sleep over at my buddies and he got me high. Then he pulled out "A Farewell to Kings" on vinyl. I remember looking at the album cover under a black light while we jammed out to the entire album. A super fan was born that day. Probably a month or two later I heard 2112. My all time favorite song in all of Rock!! Btw, Zeppelin/Floyd/Rush and Tull are my top 4 favorite groups, lol.

[@gregsteele806]

Syrinx was a siren of Greek mythology. Her body was transformed into the reed which was used to make Pan's flute. Pan used the flute to beguile the minds of men. In modern times, a Syrinx is a cyst or growth upon the upper spinal chord which can, (amongst other things) dull the senses.

[@ChrisJones-cs2zd]

"Have you listened to this multiple times,...." Oh god, if you are my age, DON'T DO THE MATH!

[@Farawaynow]

twenty-one twelve came out one year prior to star wars.

[@BlackGuardXIII]

I thought so.

[@cozmicpfunk]

I heard this in 6th grade 1976! It was late summer, and there was a lot of great music on the radio at that time. We heard this in full on the record in a living with with the stereo turned up along with all of the 70's mood enhancements (incense, lava lamps, black lights...) I call it the Star Wars musical warm up! It was truly mind blowing. Still in my top favorites. There was nothing like having a custom made musical soundtrack for your childhood that stands the test of time. I feel for the younger generations that don't have the visceral experience with the radio, the record etc. It was a simpler culture that was innocent and allowed a mind (Brain) to take in the information without the pressure of devices all around thinking for you and telling you what you want to hear. The music did predict the future, that is a very eerie and strange reality to see now. Maybe the Temples and the priests were the metaphor for the record companies/business and producers. Thank you for sharing, this is a monumental record and a social statement for the time :)

[@mark-be9mq]

This song, in general, was an honest answer to their label telling them to make radio hits for this, last album on their deal or get dropped after the previous one didn't chart. They decided to stick to the creative arc they were on at the time & "make their own music" and stand or fall on those merits even if it was likely to be their last. The songs theme was to be follow an honest path in the face of opposition. The song resonated very well w/their young audience, sold millions. From then on they had no interference, from the label, who accepted what they produced & Rush rewarded them with over 40 million in album sales.

[@sarastromseth-troy3323]

Haha Geddy was there at the beginning, too (playing those complicated bass lines!). :) That said, I love this song; it's probably their most epic; a middle finger to the powers-that-be in the music industry who wanted them to write shorter, more radio-friendly songs. I love how all of the movements have their own character and personality, while still tying the story together. For a future reaction, I suggest the instrumental 'The Main Monkey Business' live from the R40 tour.

[@kben036]

"We miss you Geddy" as Geddy is tearing it up on the bass...😅

[@TMichael66]

"A syrinx is a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord (syringomyelia) or brain stem (syringobulbia). Predisposing factors include craniocervical junction abnormalities, previous spinal cord trauma, and spinal cord tumors." Also: "In classical Greek mythology, Syrinx /ˈsɪrɪŋks/ (Greek Σύριγξ) was an Arcadian nymph and a follower of Artemis, known for her chastity. Being pursued by Pan, she fled into the river Ladon, and at her own request was metamorphosed into a reed from which Pan then made his panpipes." Food for thought. Hmm!

[@cpmf2112]

This is one of their masterpieces 😁

[@riveralph3687]

Soliloquy and the end of Presentation when Alex melts everyone's face with the solo that represents the Priests' rejection are my faves. Grand Finale is pretty awesome when the Elder race returns to crush the Federation and Priests.

[@JeromeDukes]

In the end the Elder Race comes to save the day. Remember in the lyrics it states the Elder Race left our planet long ago. The way I understand the lyrics is that out of the ashes a dystopian society was built by the Priests. I assume the Elder Race lost the war and left the planet/solar federation. There's a movie called "Extinction" that has a similar story. There is also a play called "We Will Rock You" music by Queen, in essence is a play that mirror the 2112 story.

[@sirsuse]

I know this masterpiece inside out and proud of it. 😊

[@gudidit4750]

The band threw this album out there knowing that this isn't what the music federation was hoping for to keep them alive. It's as if they left the ending like a cliffhanger pending resullts of how it will be received. In the end, Rush rose victorious and they have assumed control. These guys got big balls!

[@PilloryClinton]

Check out the song Hemispheres. It’s an epic tale of the gods of love and logic battling for control of humanity. It also took up an entire side of the album.

[@donhadfield2835]

A couple additional bits... Neil did the "We have assumed control" voiceover and while the comic/video presentation ended on a happy note for the protagonist with him living on and the temples destroyed, it is pretty clear that was not was intended with the lyrics as it is ambiguous but much darker.

[@gold98gtp]

Heard Neil in an interview talking about this video and he was PISSED about the ending, he dies before the elder race return.

[@bobcarn]

Actually, Dream Theater was approaching Rush territory. 2112 is a rock classic. Rush was always good, but were a new band and it was this album and piece that put them up in the big league. In my opinion, this is probably the most emotional piece they wrote. The graphic comic presentation was added MUCH later and implies the protagonist lived for the return of the elders. The way the music is presented, the protagonist kills himself shortly before the fall of the Federation. What replaced them is ambiguous. It could be the elder race returning, or maybe another regime.

[@kentgreer1079]

The crew of the spacecraft are Geddy, Alex and Neil in the comic.

[@gold98gtp]

Remember this album was released a year before star wars.

[@atman4733]

This is based on a book Neil read by Ayrn Rand called the foutain

[@wtritt5818]

Its actually named Anthem

[@MitchRosenberg-x7v]

I think it was Anthem by Ayn Rand .... a story about a dystopian future and a man who rebelled against it

[@freddiejupiter442]

Rush's ages: 26,25, and 23 when writing this masterpiece. They essentially told the record execs farg you concerning stifling their creativity and rode that sense of integrity for 40 or so years after, and into eternity.

[@riveralph3687]

23 (Neil) and 22 (Ged and Al) in 1975 when they wrote it. Even more amazing they created this Opus at that tender age.

[@oldguykeith9439]

Most people refer to this as 21 12 and it is exactly 21 minuets 12 seconds long. There is actually a comic book type video for it which sort of explains it better.

[@terrymoss758]

Discovery, it’s fun to cover!

[@jewel_laughs]

Priests = Record Execs; Solar Federation = Music Industry; RUSH = the creatives; the average = music fans; Alex, Neil and Geddy destroy the temple and win the battle to make their own music. There are other facets and layers related to Ayn Rand, but basically this song is all about RUSH giving the middle finger to their record label that demanded a top 40 radio-friendly tune. Star Man = the individual standing against the Federation.

[@aspackblaze3583]

For the record, this came out before Star Wars :)

[@mdu2112]

We know each note of almost every song.

[@freefall8243]

They way I’ve always understood this song is that the Elder Race that he dreams of, returns to liberate humanity. In the song it doesn’t say how, only that they have assumed control. This video was created decades after the song was written, and I’m not certain Neil Peart had any input on it (he was the lyricist).

[@devingalloway2708]

21-12 is what I eased listening to the first time i smoked weed. No worries I haven't touched weed sense 2003 😂

[@compnnburns8831]

It's a rock symphony so not really a case of choosing a favourite part you need to appreciate it as a whole piece of work

[@jewel_laughs]

Yes, heard several hundred times. Know every nuance.

[@matthewhoag2609]

The text at the start of each movement was in the liner notes cf the original album, along with the lyrics.

[@glenngunnis6642]

Since you checked out Rush 2112, you need to check out Ayreon The Day That The World Breaks Down. From the Ayreon album The Source.🤘🎸

[@chalfo]

Overtures are a 'summery' of the whole piece (usually) so contain bits from all movements. There's foreshadowing in the bombs dropping and even the protagonist looking on the ruined Temples at the end of Overture. But... here's my standard explanation (copied and pasted frm elsewhere) Whilst most will tell you that it's an F.U from Rush to the Record label (telling them to be more commecial) it's actually a full analogy of this situation (very meta). I may not be exactly correct about absolutely everything but this is what makes sense to me: Protagonist represents Rush The Priests represent the Record Label/Music industry The guitar represents Rush's music (ideas/creations) The Elders respresent Tradtion/Wisdom/the ideals (i.e. how it should be - common sense "left the world long ago") In the song the protagonist k*lls himself but in the animation he lives - why? When in the process of writing the song... Rush were sure they were commiting professional su*cide with this and that they were ABOUT TO have a huge fight with the record label over it (Grand Finale having no lyrics until closing). The Animation,on the other hand, was done to celebrate their 40th anniversary, so of course, by then, it was known that Rush prospered and didn't d*e, so the protagonist lived on. The Elders returning to conquer the Priests was obviously their hope at that time, that the ideals would win out.

[@BlackGuardXIII]

The final scene has a 7 word line repeated 3 times (21), then a 4 word line repeated 3 times (12). I don’t think that was by chance. 🙏👍

[@Sohum]

That’s an insane catch wow

[@BlackGuardXIII]

@ thanks, I thought so too. Someone else pointed it out to me. Keep up the great work!

[@Sohum]

thank you i will!

[@terrymoss758]

I wouldn’t say Star Wars, watch the movie Logan’s Run.

[@compnnburns8831]

This album was made 1975/1976 Star Wars first film was not released until the end of May 1977 so the reference to 'Federation' is coincidental my friend. More likely to be a nod to the USSR/communist Russian regime from whence Ayn Rand (Fountain Head novelette author, acknowledged as an influence by NP in the album notes) escaped to the US in the 1920's.

[@matthewhoag2609]

Look at it like a tragedy. Our protagonist had a vision of life on the planets of the elder race, but lost all hope. He couldn’t hold on long enough for the elder race to return. The Temples fell, but not before many dreams were squashed.

[@Safe-Cracker]

the elder race came back, as announced, to reclaim the world and at the end they claim that the temple has been teared down

[@k-popplayinklown5473]

I listened to this in its entirety at least 2112 times in my lifetime At least

[@mfo5939]

I know this song like it was multiplication tables....

[@mdu2112]

Soliloquy is where it's at for me.

[@apctest8359]

To answer a question you asked at the beginning, I've probably listened to this over a thousand times. There isn't one note that isn't familiar. Also, you are right to be confused. Clearly the Federation was bad but it's intentionally left ambiguous how things with work under the "new" control

[@robertbalash8117]

The overture and the temples of Syrnix were released as a single that was my favriote but the rest is cool to listen to once in a while the songs on the other side are hreat to.

[@chrisredlich7075]

Yes I do.

[@Michael-rm8xl]

2 things… - the name of the album isn’t pronounced “2112” it’s “twenty one twelve”!! - it’s should be noted that Neil was heavily influenced at this time by Ayn Rand! The funny thing about about this album is that side 1 is what you listened to but then side 2 are just 4 good rock songs that have nothing to do with side 1😂 I was 12 years old when this album was released and NEVER get tired of it. There are so many Rush songs were Neil appears to predict the future🤔

[@toddashton9696]

Oh boy can't wait to see this reaction! Thanks William I have heard this around 100 times, but always find nuances to keep me interested. Unfortunately, you did not spend time reading / absorbing the introductory paragraphs that give you the context to where the story begins. Just an opportunity for a future listen.

[@compnnburns8831]

Maybe read The Fountainhead a short novel to give you the background info you seek

[@ChadHuisinga]

I enjoy Rush. Progressive rock at its 70’s finest I’m not sure they knew what the fuck they were singing about! The song is an elegant swish of thoughtful nothingness.

[@heyskipj]

Wait a second… I thought you were coming to liberate us?

[@donovanemery597]

Cygnus X-1 Book 2: Hemispheres and The Fountain Of Lamneth are nearly 20 minutes long

[@RaymondBCrisp]

I remember seeing a lot of reviewers describe Alex Lifeson as a great technical guitarist, whose playing style lacked soul. I was like, wtf are you talking about. Listen to 2112 and get back to me, cause you're so off base it's not even funny. Well, I'll get off my soapbox now. Anyway, congrats, now you've listened to Rush's magnum opus. They have a lot more epic long songs like this. FYI, at the end of the song, it's the Elder Race that has returned from their journeys around the galaxy, and it was they that assumed control. They were who you saw depart Earth in the beginning, before the apocalypse and the rise of the Federation.

[@1234tori]

great reaction - (please insert the subtitiles)

[@rickbriefs8712]

Dude, we all love your reactions! Allow me to make 2 comments; ALL the bands you mentioned were almost CERTAINLY influenced by Rush! Especially Dream Theater. Even non- metal musicians and bands list Rush as an at least early influence. Also, on a much more minor note, those bombers resemble the B-2 Spirit or the new B-21 Raider not the old B-52…

[@74900kdw]

You know what helps with listening to something for the first time? Less talking and more listening.

[@donalddavid3431]

Great Reaction!! You grabbed onto the jist of it for the most part on your 1st listen. I'd recommend shutting your eyes and just rock out to the whole song by yourself. You are doing yourself a disservice otherwise. 😊

[@gatekeeperTWA]

thanks for sharing ... my favorite song/album from rush ... namaste from canada ... r0ck 0n ... \m/ ... temples=bad federation = good, music is coming back

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

This had to be the most frustrating reaction to this masterpiece.

[@mdu2112]

Did Rush PREDICT...

[@donmcewan8807]

Multiple times...1000s

[@IDriveAnAudi]

The cartoons should be turned off because they weren’t there to see when the album came out. My first listen was in the back of a friend’s car around 1976 or so while high as hell. Maybe just read the lyrics and disregard whatever crap some person came up with for illustrations 40 years of more later. Sure someone put a lot of work into it but it detracts from the music and personal fantasy created in your head imho. 😊

[@freefall8243]

I feel the same way, I spent 30 years with an imagined idea of what this world was. Then this video came out, as well done as it is, it doesn’t quite fit with the world I imagined… but it has started to replace it.

[@kevindohn6776]

The good guys came back at the end, (not sure where they were, lol ) to conquer the priests, but it was too late for our guitarist hero, he already killed himself, not everything about the cartoon makes sense.

[@listenup7284]

Neils lyrics only got better and better after this album imo.. some people listen to this and get turned off but they became so much better and various after the sci-fi stuff. Freewill, vital signs is an absolute must.

[@oldguykeith9439]

Sorry, wrote that before I watched.

[@jbusley]

Saw this tour live. Just sayin

[@dab_family9405]

Geddy plays guitar at times, not sure what songs.

[@georgelinardos7538]

It’s pronounced “twenty one twelve”

[@philhunter9134]

Twenty-one twelve.

[@mattbaker5757]

I can see how the comic book like video, which was made for the 40th anniversary of 2112 with a remastered release might remind you of Star Wars, etc., because the artist did it so long after the fact. But 2112, song, story and all predates Star Wars (well, Star Wars was in production, but not near release), so if any part of the stories that seem similar (Star Wars vs 2112) are merely coincidental. Or, both were influenced by the same previous source material. Neither could have copied from the other as they were being created completely separate and unaware of the other. And any similarities you see, referring to other bands/groups is them taking their lead from Rush, the Godfathers of Prog Metal. In all this they were the first. Unfortunately you spent so much time during the video trying to explain to yourself what was taking place, that you missed the plot within the lyrics and narration you read where it was being explained! Of course originally, the narration text didn't exist within the original album, only the lyrics. So those of us who first heard 2112 pre-anniversary video, were left trying to decipher the meaning of the story from only the lyrics. But you kept interrupting the song, and talking over it that you missed all the explanation of the plot you were looking for! Shut up and listen! You remind me of the annoying person in the theatre constantly asking questions just before or right as the answer to their question is revealed and annoy others due to impatience, or cause themselves to miss exactly what they were looking for! Just watch the thing over again off-camera and focus.

[@Buds1own]

please listen more??? geesh... ♥ 1st Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

[@davidwiebe8207]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJvFZqaOf5mWpa8 Now that you witnessed the animated version watch them perform the entire 7 parts live. you will be impressed.

[@caryd67]

Lifetime Rush fan here: I could never stand Alex’s guitar tone on this album. Is it just me? Please tell me it’s not just me…. Listen, I’m no engineer, but for me, the mids in the final mix are out of control. I do appreciate the album because of the artistic freedom it allowed them for the rest of their lives, but I’ve never really enjoyed 2112 sonically. Alex sounds so dry, and they didn’t give him any sterio separation! All his solos sit right in the middle. Neil’s drums sound over-dampened and flat.

[@robertbalash8117]

try listening to the 24k gold remastered cd version the songs have a different tone or sound to them

[@BrakRulesAll]

Too........ many............pauses. Would flow much better if you just comment over the music.

[@rickmcaulay929]

This guy ruined this. Just before oracle the most incredible solo , guitar and he comments on a cartoon face and picture. The best people to do these type of analytical approaches is to explain how the music correlates with the words and meaning of song.

[@PaulCascioli]

You talk too much