Drum Teacher Reacts: NEIL PEART | Rush - 'The Spirit Of Radio' | (2021 Reaction)

[@SeanVedell]

Here’s the inside scoop. Neil wrote this tune about a Toronto (Brampton, actually) radio station called CFNY 102.1 FM. They called themselves The Spirit Of Radio as they were a very early alternative music station. They played whatever they wanted and pissed off the record companies doing it. Neil was a fan of their rebel stance and wrote about it. When the album came out they couldn’t talk about the connection because their manager was afraid that no other station would play the song. A justifiable concern. But they paid one more small nod to CFNY by engraving 102.1 on the inner edge of side one of the early vinyl releases. Now my connection. I ended up working at CFNY for a bit and got to play this song. Playing The Spirit Of Radio ON The Spirit Of Radio was an honour and I’ll never stop telling that story. What a privilege.

[@skoon002]

That is awesome. When I saw the animated version of this song they released for the 40th anniversary of PW I saw they called out specific DJ's and included CFNY-FM but I never knew why.

[@SeanVedell]

@@skoon002 David Marsden, the first DJ in that video (he makes two appearances at different ages), was the driving force behind that station and it was his masterpiece as a program director and announcer. Part of the reason why he’s one of the few announcers inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Working for him in ‘84 and now calling him an old friend is very special. My connections to this song are numerous, varied and deep. Being a very small part of the thing that inspired this music seems impossible to me but it happened somehow and I’m blessed that it did.

[@SeanVedell]

@@skoon002 Here’s David explaining the story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJi8hYmlapt8rKM

[@lvgelfling72]

Never stop telling that story! Very cool! Thanks for shating!

[@SeanVedell]

@@lvgelfling72 Thanks! I’ve been telling it for 37 years. I hope to be telling it for another 37 or so. One of my most cherished memories.

[@iKvetch558]

OK, Rush fam...who else raised their hand to suggest Red Barchetta as soon as he mentioned this being a good driving song? 🙋‍♂️😜💯😁

[@cityhonors1]

🙋🏿‍♀️ totally and 😚 giggled hysterically as I know it will eventually happen. 🤦🏿‍♀️ If we ever get a "real Rush Week". 😂 Sorry, couldn't help myself. 🍿🐰

[@timrobinson9192]

🤘💯💯💯

[@kengregory6026]

all day long :)

[@jeffdempsey6478]

YES!

[@josevillescazjr.493]

Red Barchetta no doubt about it! Just imagining seeing it live in my mind, still gives me chills when I saw them perform it back in the day! Rush simply rules! 🤘😎🤘

[@STILL-KICKIN]

“Undemanding contact in your happy solitude”... Only an introvert could write or truly relate to that brilliant lyric! RIP professor 💔 🤘🏻

[@jimmyvallee2261]

I’ve been a major Rush fan for . . . Wow . . . About 40 years. It’s so wonderful to see someone so musically knowledgeable- yet new - to the band. I’m very much enjoying your reactions!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I really appreciate the info and passion guys. Apologies if I don't get time to reply to everyone. I read the comments though :)

[@mvunit3]

Someone said this somewhere, probably on folks that were doing a reaction video (who weren't musicians), who were talking about all the "changes" in the song, and I could NEVER have said it better; "Each change and different musical styles that come-in, is like changing the radio dial trying to find something that speaks to you" . . . :). I'll add, including the "Radio Frequency" imitations on Alex's guitar that give you the mechanical sense of "Radio". Neil loved world music and the band adored "The Police" so they were always on the pulse of popular music (and Neil ended-up befriending Stuart Copland). Btw - maybe on your own listening, I think you will REALLY dig tracks from _Signals_ called "Digital Man" (my favorite on it, and Peart really expanding his chops) and "The Weapon", then on the previous album _Moving Pictures,_ the closer, "Vital Signs". Awesome tracks! My story with the song . . . THIS track was the 1st Rush song I EVER heard as a 16-17 year old that was just getting into Progressive Rock. But, I used to "whistle" tunes in the shower, make-up songs with various abrupt changes (which I had no idea what that was called). When I heard this track for the 1st time, 1. it reminded me of what I was trying to do. 2. It was like 4 songs in one, I couldn't wrap my head around that yet (and it became an AOR/FM Radio HIT!), as I never heard anything like that, except delving into Yes at the time, but this was more direct, abrupt, heavier. It was WAY over my head, eventually it was the track "Freewill" that sealed the deal for this album. But it was the next album "Moving Pictures" that I got it . . . I became a Rush fan, and after "Exit... Stage Left" (their 2nd live album) and then "Signals", I went backwards in their catalogue and re-discovered the "Permanent Waves" album. And Freewill, "Jacobs Ladder", and "Natural Science" became my favorite tracks. Yup, Rush was pretty prophetic with what happened to radio, quite a lot of bands talked about that subject, but it was in 2002, that "Porcupine Tree" released the album "In Absentia", and what continued to happen to Rock music and the by-gone days of AOR, called; "The Sound of Muzak", one of my all time faves from the band, and the excellent drumming of "Gavin Harrison". Those 2 songs (and Kansas "Mainstream") hit the nail on the head. You said; "This is absolute driving music!". Now you need to hear the track from Moving Pictures "Red Barchetta", one of their last _Sci-Fi_ lyrics that was based from a story/article that Peart read in the magazine "Road & Track" called; "A Nice Morning Drive": www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19731100roadandtrack.htm But in the case of the Rush track, instead of a MGB (which my Father once owned up till I was 6 years old), Peart changed it to his fave fantasy car, the very rare "Ferrari 166MM Barchetta" (more in the link). - Its always a good time enjoying Rush with you and your fans Andrew.

[@SeanVedell]

No apologies needed, mate. I'll add my request for the best car song ever. Right up there with The Beach Boys and Queen. Please do a reaction to Red Barchetta. Here's a fantastic version from their R30 tour. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5fNg6V8bsh7Y5o Thanks for considering it.

[@d00med74]

⏳

[@garylagstrom3864]

RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary

[@joeday4293]

One of the best parts of seeing a live Rush show was when they played this song and got to the "and concert halls" line, and the entire crowd would go bananas right on cue.

[@chriskangeter8993]

And the house lights always lit up the crowd as well...

[@joeday4293]

@@chriskangeter8993 And the 2112 overture: ba-da-dada-da-dada - HEY!

[@chriskangeter8993]

@@joeday4293 I'm sooòo glad I got to see their last few tours...first one was Permanent Waves tour...then Clockwork Angels twice, and R40. It broke my heart when I got the news about Neil.

[@joeday4293]

@@chriskangeter8993 I cried like an old lady.

[@chriskangeter8993]

@@joeday4293 Agreed! I still have struggles watching videos of interviews, etc. Aside from an amazing musician, he was a true, down to earth, decent human being. Check out his books, if you haven't already...

[@jimtatro6550]

This was the first song I ever heard from Rush in 1980 as a 12 year old drummer, 41 years later and they are still my favorite band of all time.

[@emcsquare5045]

First RUSH I'd ever heard was 2112, I was 11 years old and up until then I lived on a diet of KISS and Cheap Trick, hearing that album was the moment I demanded more form music.

[@GT-mq1dx]

I was 14 and this was my first hear from Rush, I went down the Rush rabbit hole soon thereafter , working my way back from Permanent Waves. I got into drumming because of Neil and later switched to guitar because of Alex. 😎

[@chalfo]

It's both a dig at the music industry (coming off their previous issues with record label pushing for them to be more commercial) but also a celebration of those radio stations that resisted and continue to resist the urge to chase the ad money and to just play music that deserves to be heard. I'd suggest Bravado, Neil was particularly proud of the progression of the drum part through it. Don't know if there's an isolated track available but there's a nice YT video on Hudson Music with snippets in and interview with Neil, or there's a drum cam version posted from a guy called Eric from Neil's "Taking Centre Stage" DVD

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

There is almost always subtext. And humour. Poor Geddy having to sing all the multi syllabic words that were in Neil’s lyrics. I always think of the start of this song as the clock radio suddenly blasting you awake in the morning and then carrying you through the drive to work. In my case, I borrowed my dad’s 1968 Dodge Polara 500 convertible (maroon with black), for the first 3 months of my first full time job in the early ‘80s. It was mostly highway commute, so I was kicking it, with the radio cranked, the top down and the A/C on. It was a boxy behemoth and on a good day, got 10 mpg. But it was lovely. Back to RUSH. They played this with a “Paint it Black” intro at The Rolling Stones organized SARStock benefit concert in Toronto in 2003. It was preceeded by a video of the oompa band RASH on the 2010 Time Machine tour. 🤣 And from the 2004 tour, “Spirit” follows the “R30 Overture". It’s an almost 7 minute medley that opened the show with excerpts of six songs from seven different albums. “Finding My Way" (‘74), “Anthem" (early ‘75), “Bastille Day" (late ‘75), “A Passage to Bangkok" (‘76), “Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage” (‘77) “Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres" (‘78) You are going to enjoy the isolated drums.

[@winstonhewett6679]

Greatest Into Ever!!!

[@iRenegade164]

Right on, Andrew! I'm delighted you're getting into the lyrics of the person who's had as much influence on who I've become as my parents, Frank Zappa, and George Carlin....*Neil. Peart.* The best way to honor his legacy is to understand his POETRY as much as his PERCUSSION (and his prose, as he's authored several books). As you dive deeper, you'll find there's a LOT behind what's influenced every song. For The Spirit Of Radio, the opening riff sounds like spinning your old-school radio knob to find a station, and there's music from every genre...new wave, heavy metal, punk, folk, and so on. The Raga segments are a tip of the hat to The Sound of Silence (and Bob Marley). For "sub-text," you REALLY need to go to 2112 (twenty-one twelve), which was their big F&CK YOU to their record company and earned them their freedom to write whatever they wanted from there on....... You've got a LONG journey ahead, but I have faith you'll see it through!

[@Tech-tipsntricks]

Thing that gets me is for all these classics they were in their 20’s, this is really 6 years in and they were like 27

[@ericpayne9091]

I realized the other day that they were just slightly younger than me when they recorded Hemispheres. Made me wonder what the hell I'm doing with my life lol

[@kenmolinaro]

The song was inspired by the slogan of the Toronto radio station CFNY-FM. The shifting tones of the song are meant to represent what you get when you turn the dial of a radio from one station to another.

[@APthefirst]

All the transitions were supposed to give the feeling of going up and down the radio dial, changing channels to get different types of music

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Oh wow! I never thought of that Aaron!!!

[@cityhonors1]

Real hands turning a dial sounds way different than clicking the next button on a remote. 😳 Not sure today's generation could handle AM static. Eventually we got FM (No static at all) 😏 ijs 😂🐰

[@bostonwhofan]

@@cityhonors1 I remember when we used to have to do that with the TV also. You literally had to turn the TV dial knob to the correct spot in order to get a clear picture. A little too far to the right or the left and you got a fuzzy picture.

[@cityhonors1]

@@bostonwhofan 😒 only if you had enough tinfoil on your hanger antenna. 🤦🏿‍♀️ I am super old.....

[@purpleraventd3]

@@bostonwhofan or bang on the side of the tv.

[@brettking1014]

The lyrics are both a celebration and a critical take on modern music. The lyrics in the reggae section are a nod to Simon and Garfunkel ‘sound of silence.’

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks Brett!

[@deanmathieson735]

Agreed. One minor point - the lyrics are actually the “words of the profits”, not “prophets” as in this video. That’s an important distinction, given what the song is about.

[@slyfoxx2973]

I've seen Rush so many times that I actually saw Neil make a mistake! Swear to God I did and Neil knew it too. Did the full head in the hands "oh boy did I F up" raised his sicks and gave a three tick count and them boys was back in buidnezz! Best F up ever did see. The professor was human after all!

[@cityhonors1]

😒 It's been rumored..... 🐰

[@kevdeckie]

Andrew, funny that you should call this driving music. Very appropriate. However, you should check out their song, "Red Barchetta" from the "Moving Pictures" album. It is more driving music.

[@davegilbertson4907]

Struth!

[@winstonhewett6679]

Litteraly!

[@cavatti15]

Neil and Stewart Copeland were friends. He also admitted in some interviews about listening to The Police at that time. Two amazing guys and drummers! Neil is my favorite and Copeland would be easily top 5

[@martinhall3510]

welcome to the Rush family Andrew once you get hooked on Rush you will become a fanatic like millions of us around the world.The greatest rock band to ever walk on earth.I am so jealous of you just starting your journey with the band there are so many great songs for you to hear for the 1st time i wish i was starting from the beginning again love and respect from the uk.

[@garylagstrom3864]

RUSH IS: Geddy Lee: Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson: Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus pedals Neil Peart: Drum kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, crotales, cowbells, triangles, plywood, tympani, and Symphonic Chimes

[@jeffking7112]

Possibly my favorite Rush song ever, although, being a HUGE fan for 40 years I have a lot of favorites.

[@rusbell2981]

Hey Andrew, i want to thank you for all your videos. Rush was my family's favorite band and I was lucky enough to see them with my entire family before they passed, it was one of the best nights of my life. Bravado is my favorite song of all time and it always makes me think of them when I hear it. The lyrics are so deep. My father passed away 6 years ago and last night my mother passed away after a long battle with major health issues. Sadly I dont have the funds to request you to do a video on it but maybe in your free time outside of the channel you could give it a listen and read the lyrics in honor of my mother Michelle. Thank you again for all the amazing content!

[@revdmcspumcsb]

What I love about this song is that it's a feel good driving song as you mention comment at the same time it's a commentary about the music industry. In fact there is one word that was wrong in the lyric video... The word prophets should have been profits... "For the words of the profits, Are written on the studio wall, Concert hall - Echoes with the sounds… Of salesmen.” It's a twist on Simon and Garfunkel's The sound of silence where 'profits, concert halls... and salesmen' replace 'prophets, subway walls and silence' "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls And whispered in the sound of silence" S.G.

[@RB-YWGLGA]

Andrew, you’re spot on about this song sounding like a departure for Rush. They embarked on Permanent Waves (the album title itself a statement of belief in continuous evolution, growth and defying genre “boxes”) following the prog masterpiece that almost broke them (Hemispheres). The opening track, The Spirit of Radio, marked their first effort to compress all they had learned into a more succinct, accessible form. You’ve noted before how RUSH can make complexity so listenable on radio... this is where it started!

[@joeday4293]

"Permanent Waves" established a new direction for Rush, and "Moving Pictures" went so hard in that direction, it set a new high-water mark for what rock and roll could be.

[@hugovachon5515]

Yes... Every Rush fan drive with this song. Perfect for when you drive in to work, gets you pumped. This song always put a smile on my face and a beat in my soul. This Montreal life long Rush fan salutes everyone out there.

[@chriskangeter8993]

Mr Rooney, I've been watching your RUSH videos, and your reactions to, what I think, is the GOAT of all drummers. In case no one has mentioned it yet, Neil's earlier kits included all tge acoustic percussion instruments that were later replaced with samples. See his mid 70s kit. Also, during his solos, he has small triggers placed throughout the kit to trigger the horns...he also triggers other sounds in certain songs throughout the show. There are also small fans placed throughout the kit to keep his hands from sweating. I have been a Rush fan since 1978, (13), and proud of my younger self for realizing how great those 3 guys are/were. There are alot of DVD available of the band, their shows, and Neil Peart instructional videos. They are all fantastic as are Neil's books. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying their material in the great down under, and looking forward to more of your Rush reaction videos! Great show!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Plenty more Rush on the way Chris. Thanks for the info Brother!

[@Ashley-jp4nn]

As much as it’s a criticism of the commercial music industry, I think it also celebrates the undying spirit of True music that exists in every genre.

[@bryanedmonds5943]

Totally drove to this at full volume in the 69 impala with 250 watts of loud neighbor pissing off cassette joy. Air drumming and nearly running off the road. Yes, I listened to this when it came out! Then went to the concert. Live, stoned, and happy.

[@CHRISTISLORD77]

Rush was constantly evolving and learning… always!❤️❤️❤️

[@chrishodges8246]

@Andrew Rooney drums Just came across your channel and have binge watched all your Rush videos today. Love seeing your reactions and facial expressions. Reminds me of the first time I heard them over 35 years ago. There are so many great tracks when you get to what would be the "B" side stuff. For me it's especially on "Moving Pictures and Subdivisions". I would also strongly suggest watching the documentaries that have been done about Rush. I suggest the "Rush in Rio" which focuses on the time they spent in Brazil and some of the hurdles they had to deal with while there, from rain to partially losing electricity... And then there is the enormous crowds they played to while in Brazil. They are just epic.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I will definitely get to those docos at some point Chris!

[@garylagstrom3864]

The Spirit of Radio is also the realities that the record company puts on an artist to make a HIT SONG….Their like the hits the hits I don’t hear any hits make hit songs or radio won’t play you! The talent’s manager feels that pressure too that he or she are sandwiched in between the Artist and the record company to make hits and keep them coming!

[@garysteinert8040]

Picture millions of kids, all they have too fall asleep too is AM radio. Those same kids... us, learned life in a car, changing that AM radio station. Magic at our finger tips.

[@cityhonors1]

"Almost" free! 😏 Darn commercials! 🐰

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

Wow! This song introduce me to Rush, back in the 80's One of the best! Another great react!

[@dansharpe9465]

Hey Andrew , just found ur channel. Not a drummer but a huge Rush and Neil fan. I gotta say, I have been listening to this song for 40 years and yes in car driving to the Jersey Shore to go see a bar band. Seeing the lyrics has given it a whole new meaning!! My advice, grab ur fav bourbon or bottle of beer and crank Limelight……life changing!!! Going to follow ur channel….Rock ON!!! D.R.

[@sbondoc564]

You were spot on about the Raggae infusion. They were fans of The Police during that time period.

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

And Neil and Stewart Copeland became friends. Even though in the early days of The Police, RUSH was the enemy. Copeland said he attended Neil’s last birthday party. (This story warms my heart)

[@joeday4293]

Neil kept his ears wide open for his entire career, and reggae and new wave definitely found their way in there in the late 70s/80s. You don't have to listen to hard to hear a lot of Andy Summers in Alex Lifeson's playing, either.

[@cityhonors1]

@@joeday4293 Not to mention Dave Wakeling & Ranking Roger from The English Beat were huge fans & friends as well. 🍿🐰

[@mightyV444]

@@joeday4293 - My very first Rush experience (in '89) was their 'Grace Under Pressure' album, and one of my first thoughts during 'Distant Early Warning' was, "Sounds quite a bit like The Police!", and especially the guitars 😀 I love both bands 🙂

[@brianfisher6165]

I was 19 and driving around LA in my ‘65 Chevelle convertible (always with the top down) listing to this when it came out!!!👍🎵👌🎶✌️🎼😁

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Right on Brian!

[@THOR6471]

I used to listen to that song every morning on my way to work. It always put me in a good mood!

[@Jeremy-mc2ut]

Ironically one of the most radio friendly songs they ever recorded.

[@tiffanygonzalez-no-excuses1967]

I skated the streets listening to this at full speed. It’s an amazing feeling.

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

Hi Andrew. I’m here for this. Thanks.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome, thank you!

[@rickhaddad7261]

To funny! Whenever I go on a long road trip. This is the first song I play 😆 The last part before the reggae beat drops is supposed to simulate the old days of using the radio dial to go through the radio stations to find a song you like. Every time I hear that it reminds me of driving my mom crazy looking for a song on the old car radio😆 Take care ✌

[@jimtatro6550]

Headlong Flight from the Clockwork Angels album is a must

[@saganworshipper6062]

Every day for my senior year in high school my friend would pick me up for school in his Iroc-Z Camaro and THIS is the song that we listened to on our way to school (1992). So, yes, this is an AWESOME driving song. You nailed it! We can also put Red Barchetta in this conversation as well. Another awesome band to listen to while driving is BOSTON. Thanks! Now let me go hit that subscribe button!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

THANK YOU!

[@jeffreyolenick4132]

This song is literally perfect. I gain new things to appreciate about it every time I listen to it, which has been hundreds, if not thousands.

[@tedalfred9516]

I was definitely out on the road t-tops off on my Camaro Z28. I was a freshman in High School in 1977... this song came out in 1979-80 and I was driving everywhere jamming to Rush back then. I'd become a fan in 1976 after hearing 2112.

[@winstonhewett6679]

I saw Rush live 6 times. The first time in Jonesboro Arkansas, my hometown, in 1974! They were the second act before Ted Nugent, headlining the show! Diamond Rio was the opening act. Pre 2112, but still a great concert! Saw them twice in LR, AR, which the second time was in Robinson Auditorium as the headline act after Max Webster, then UFO, then Rush. I think this is the tour they played the whole side of 2112, start to finish. This is also the time when they really started expanding their onstage musical expansion, with Geddy playing some keyboards. Still was one of my top 5 concerts EVER! I then moved to TX and saw them 3 times in the early 80's. I have seen Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Yes, Black Sabbath, Bowie, Joe Walsh, and many others, but Rush is still one of my favorite all time bands!!!

[@patrob66]

Neil Peart, ”More Than Words” ❤️🥁 Even more!!

[@lyleaustin2112]

The fact that you mentioned Reggae and The Police as someone hearing the song for the first time is WILD because Neil was a self-proclaimed HUGE fan of The Police and reggae music, especially around this time. Great ear, Andy!

[@rickdavis6404]

Many, many, many miles listening to The Spirit of Radio!

[@tenchmagic]

Loved this Andrew 👍👍 Aside from being The Professor , Neil was a clever and very insightful lyricist. First verse...'magic music makes your morning mood' is a clever piece of alliterative writing. A nod to the advertising and jingle writers of the day . Loads more nuggets like this. He took the time for those that would appreciate it. A much missed man ;-)

[@jamespatterson1847]

Great review: I LOOOOVE this song. Geddy, Neal, and Alex: thank you all for soooo many great great songs

[@johngardnergraphics]

This song never fails to give me goosebumps.

[@smilerpink]

Already a big Rush fan, I bought this album on cassette the day it came out. Popped it in my car tape deck and drove off for more errands. Within a minute, I pulled over and stopped to give listening my undivided attention. Next. Level. Shit. Blown away.

[@grahamthetraveller]

The way I read this track is going to work the same time every morning and you have your favourite station and the same dj's and over time it starts to feel quite personal you start to feel a connection with them like a distant friend and over time your radio becomes a part of your morning ritual

[@dianaa9826]

Neil Peart (RIP, Professor) is considered to be the GREATEST drummer of all time !!! A true legend ! Rush an insanely talented band with only three members, each masters of their craft.. Cheers from a die-hard Rush fan.........

[@13chigrl]

A lot of people say John Bonham was the better drummer. I don’t necessarily agree, just throwing it out there ☺️

[@mjk0117]

I grew up in the same part of town where Rush is from. I remember my high school classmates losing their minds over how great Rush was live at Maple Leaf Gardens the previous night. This was in 1982. It was amazing to watch a local band achieve greatness. When I listen to Rush I hear a bit of Yes, Led Zeppelin and The Who. Really enjoy your content.

[@johnlindsay9227]

This is my "turn up the volume to 11" song when I hear it played on the radio!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

YES JOHN!

[@cjtramm8]

Most amazing show live. Saw them in 1990s. Fabulous

[@GenXDaddyO]

Yes, raging against the “music machine” is a common theme in earlier Rush tunes. The entire A side of 2112 is a big middle finger to the record execs who wanted shorter, more radio-friendly songs from Rush. Ironically, they went on to write many of those, The Spirit of Radio among them. This was one of their most widely played songs, and yeah definitely what we used to call a “driver”.

[@kivimik]

The difference is that Rush would write shorter songs on their own terms, not what some A & R person wants.

[@purpleraventd3]

I got here after watching your reaction to Paulina Villareal of The Warning who by the way has said Neil Peart is her biggest influence. I was surprised by the fact that Rush was new to you. Looks like you have recently found at least two rabbit holes, one obviously a little deeper!! Cool reaction. Neil was great at lyric writing aside from being one of the best ever behind the kit.

[@zombimusprime9882]

Thank you Thomas for educating those of us who haven't experienced the FULL Rush expose. I can't even understand how good this band was

[@Rocenante]

Started high school in a wee Scottish town and nobody had ever heard of rush.... Needles to say these guys got me through those wasted years

[@robgas7507]

Wish you could have experienced them live. Neil co wrote a book Clockwork Angels with Kevin J Anderson. The book and Rush album clockwork angels are really something to check out. You are in good hands with Rush fans

[@kenlowe-ca]

102.1 CFNY The Edge just outside of Toronto *was* a New Music Indie radio station that is referenced in the video.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks for the info!

[@evilvolts]

The song that set Rush for good was when the music industry said do it our way or no more albums they wanted radio friendly songs so Rush answered with their over 20 minute masterpiece 2112 the song has 7 parts 2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx/Discovery/Presentation/Oracle: The Dream/ Siloloquy/ Grand Finale about a dystopian future where the priests ruled the land and decided what things and music were allowable.

[@kellingc]

I love the video Rush produced last year. It pays tribute to the DJs thatbplayed their music and got them noticed to the public. It also has a tribute to Neil at the end. A classy thing.

[@vibin_psilocybin]

This song changed my life, no lie, when I was 12. I was obsessed with them for 12 years after that. So fucking good. This might have been the first song I ever looked up on KZbin! If not the first, it was among the first.

[@gregcampwriter]

This song is also connected to Rush's rise to success. It was independently minded local radio stations that got the word out about the band and built their popularity when the record label wanted them to go in a more pop direction.

[@chrismayer2468]

Three of the most talented musicians you will ever see on stage at one time.RUSH ✌️

[@MrBruinman86]

Great video, once again. As a Rush fan for over 40 years, I love seeing them get recognition. In familiarizing yourself with other popular Rush songs, Might I suggest "Anthem" or "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" from Fly By Night (1975).

[@ajcoopa]

I love everything about this song, but I think it's Neil's ride work that hypes me the most for it.

[@LeviRamsey]

Neil has written about a partial inspiration for this song being doing radio interviews while on tour opening up for bands that were bigger (at the time) and on at least one occasion the singer for the other band answered a question with something like "well, it's been a while since we've had any new product on the market"... that definitely inspired the "not so coldly charted" section.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Spot in again Andrew, it's about pure music v commercial compromise and lack of integrity, they were one of the few successful bands that did their own thing for arts sake without interference from the business world, great analysis again

[@michaelbiglin1466]

hit the nail right on the head, Andrew. Neil was really digging The Police at that time -- he talks about it in Beyond the Lighted Stage -- so you picked up Police/Reggae influence perfectly. And, of course, later in life, Neil and Stew Copeland became best buddies. Copeland has spoken about their bond/relationship several times. and as people have said below -- yes, this is a great driving song ... but nothing better than Red Barchetta (and Neil was a big classic car nut; compiled a tremendous vintage car collection in his latter years) if you haven't listened to Permanent Waves (which this song is Track 1) and the follow-up, the legendary Moving Pictures, yet ... just do it; and you'll be hooked on the Toronto boys FOR LIFE. Trust me.

[@joeday4293]

I've been waiting for the movie version of "Red Barchetta" for 40 years now.

[@MrMfoltz26]

Driving between Arizona and California, this is the Jam

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Nice Michael!

[@andrewenglish3810]

Spirit Of Radio used to be what they called 102.1 FM in Toronto which is were Neil got the title and some of the lyrics too.

[@mikaelandersson3255]

The symth era by Rush is so epic awesome. React to the albums "Power Windows", "Signals" and "Grace Under Pressure". These are epic songs, with epic lyrics, drum tracks, and the sound will blown you away. For gods sake, react asap! RIP Neil "The Professor" Peart!

[@ElDuderino716]

I blew out the speakers in my ‘78 Nova when I was a kid cranking this tune. Then I upgraded to the highest watt speakers I could find and then blew out the receiver. Lol. I was told to “TURN IT DOWN!” all the time because the proper volume for this song is “Eleven”.

[@MarcRitchie]

If you haven't already seen Beyond the Lighted Stage (Netflix), I highly recommend it. The documentary focuses in great detail, how close to failing they came, and their sheer determination to succeed on their own terms as musicians. As fans, we are truly fortunate they prevailed.

[@anthonywilson7681]

another one of my favs, The Camera Eye. tour de force of the talent of all three

[@michaelfridayable]

The first time I ever heard this tune was in a car. Mom was driving. She became a Rush fan that day.

[@michaelw.carter8729]

“For the words of the profits were written on the studio wall” is the actual lyric which makes makes much more sense in context.

[@johnhaley5593]

The Police were the inspiration, according to interviews with Neil.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Wind in My Hair.....shifting and drifting....Mechanical Music.......Adrenaline Surge Well Weathered Leather, Hot Metal and Oil, the Scented Country Air. Sunlight on Chrome, the Blur of the Labdscape, Every Nerve Aware! Ya that's what I thought of when I heard this song!😊

[@mightyV444]

It's not only quarter notes on the bass drum; He's also playing the glockenspiel during that bit! 😄 And a reaction video of 'Jacob's Ladder' from the 'Exit...Stage Left' live album would be cool 🙂

[@loganbruin]

I love how he pronounces "lyrics" like "Lerxst." ;o)

[@tarekadelman6062]

That’s cuz we’re “Hemispheres” apart. 😉

[@historyhastheanswer3757]

Dude as a member of the rush family..and welcome, the MOST IMPORTANT part is...no matter the rush song...read the lyrics. These are life tools Neil writes about. I was driving to this all the time! LYRICS there are 2 ways to appreciate Neil. As a drummer and as a poet.

[@bobsacamano5334]

Glad you got to see the lyrics here.

[@Operator713]

Permanent Waves was basically the first album that released in 1980. This was the first track on the album. The 1980s and its music would come to define my generation and I always thought of this song as the opening number to my high school years. It has always been my favorite song by Rush, despite the fact that other songs could be considered 'better.' Other commenters have already pointed out that it is specifically an indictment of the radio "establishment" rather than the music industry as a whole. But two things always stand out with this song. First, Neal's ridiculously awesome use (overuse?) of the ride cymbal. And second that piano that comes in for a few measures before the ending.

[@kevind3986]

I'm 17 years years old. My sister is driving dads' red pickup and this song comes on … "though it's just a memory, some memories last forever"

[@iwatchyoutube9610]

I enjoy it 98% more when there's video of the drummer playing.

[@sheilavasquez4426]

I grew up with Rush ❤️

[@bonscotty67]

Watch an interview with Neil explaining how he must perform this live. It's pretty amazing. Impeccable timing without a "click".

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sounds awesome Scott!

[@CygnusKC]

I scrolled down but didn't see anyone mention some of the best tongue-in-cheek writing done by Neil... The lyrics during the reggae-style breakdown are a twist on Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence". The lyric video misses one of the best twists, too: The original song says "the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and tenement halls", and Neil turns "prophets" into PROFITS in the album lyrics, but the video misses this little joke. The "tenement halls" becomes "CONCERT HALL" and the innocence in music is lost when the "sound of silence" becomes the sound of "SALESMEN". So... how many hardcore Rush fans just now learned that? lol. It was right there in front of us all along, but it may have been missed because of the killer musicianship!

[@lperr02000]

Just a heads up, if you listen in the background when Neil is playing the 1/4 notes on the bass drum, he's also playing the xylophone for a part of it.

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Check out "Red Barchetta" lyrics! You won't be sorry! Another great vid Andrew. Keep 'em coming.

[@steveandme63]

Even better when you know the lyrics are based an a sci-fi short story. A future with limited personal vehicles and robots monitoring the roadways.

[@thomaswilkerson9961]

1980, 16 yrs old. Me and my MGB-GT on the rural twistys' of central Virginia.

[@garya7893]

2112 is a must and my favorite that will give a sample of there early stuff The Fountain of Lamneth They really are special

[@SeanVedell]

2112 absolutely but don’t make him do The Fountain. That whole album is like they’re figuring out what not to do on 2112. Caress of Steel was a figuring it out album that was perfected on 2112. 2112 stands up all these years later. Only Lakeside Park off Caress Of Steel is still listenable now. I’ve been living with those albums for forty years so I get a say.

[@mightyV444]

@@SeanVedell - I haven't heard 'Caress Of Steel' (yet?), also because of others' reactions to it. But I was also thinking, "Well, it's got 'Lakeside Park' on it, so it can't be *that* bad!?" 😄 I like the live version on 'All The World's A Stage' in particular. That's also the oldest Rush album I have, and then everything up to 'Vapor Trails' 🙂

[@SeanVedell]

@@mightyV444 Lakeside Park is really the only track worth listening to and I adore Rush.

[@CHRISTISLORD77]

Neil was into history and mythology… you’ll hear that in he lyrics… Also. PERMANENT WAVES album!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@danreed5171]

A. Roon-thats ur new handle- you gotta start playing some of most most unique drum playing around,,,,,,,.....Larry Mullen Jr. of U2.......if u haven't already, try Sunday Bloody Sunday

[@michaelturner6469]

Thanks Thomas!