FIRST TIME EVER HEARING RUSH "THE SPIRIT OF RADIO" REACTION | Asia and BJ

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

It's fitting to play a version with the stones Paint it Black as the intro. RIP Charlie Watts, RIP Neil Peart.

[@arnoldcox9128]

The 2 greats are playing drums in heaven I'm sure

[@omicron2018]

Alex SHREDS the solo in this!

[@raymondreid4987]

Trouble is this is before Charlie Watts passing. But still somehow they found one with this is kind of weird right?

[@civildiscourse2000]

@@raymondreid4987 Yup. First time I've seen this myself. It may be accidental but it certainly is bittersweet.

[@ShuSkiIntl]

The Paint it Black into: this was from the SARS concert in 2003, the Stones headlined.

[@paulheather2398]

The show was at Downsview Park in Toronto in 2003. The Rolling Stones were the headline act, and the crowd was 485,000 strong. I was there, the show lasted 11 hours.

[@Nextchapternomads223]

It was a great day

[@buisyman]

Did you ever get the chance to visit the bathroom? lol

[@Critical_Thinker858]

it was a benefit concert to raise money to help fight SARS COVID-03 outbreak that hit Canada real hard that year, correct?

[@CanadianBrewingChannel]

@@Critical_Thinker858 . It was to let the world know we had gotten over Sars and were open for business. It was the cousin virus that we are fighting now. That's why scientists call it Sars-Covid 2.

[@quincee3376]

@@Critical_Thinker858 yes. They had AC/DC there and Justin Timberlake. Lol. They were throwing water bottles at Justin Timberlake.

[@scottmatzeder9162]

Oh my...your journey into Rush is going to be as mind altering and Pink Floyd. Just remember this is a 3 man band.... Neil "the Professor" truely is the very best drummer that has ever lived!

[@arnoldcox9128]

R.I.P to the professor

[@squamishfish]

And the lyric writer

[@josecontreras1202]

Siiii!!!!!🤘🤘

[@toddbrady8540]

Welcome to the world of RUSH, I've been a fan since day one and still discover little intracacies in their music and lyrics, GREATEST BAND EVER, Check out Xanadu live next, Guarantee your minds will explode 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦 R. I. P. Professor Alas Rush don't perform anymore.

[@toddbrady8540]

@@squamishfish and the lyricist, indeed👍

[@odochartaighofodonegal9815]

400-500,000 people, depending on who you ask. Concert took place at Downsview Park in N. Toronto- it was a benefit concert in 2003 after the SARS outbreak ( Covid's cousin), the idea coming from the Rolling Stones who wanted to kickstart Toronto's economy.

[@rickcain4736]

Yeah it was an all day show with many bands but the top 3 headliners were legends Rush, AC/DC and The Rolling Stones....R.I.P. Neil Peart, Malcolm Young and Charlie Watts...

[@markmeister2444]

Yeah the Dr. Death Fauci, the Dems and the CCP team thought it was a good time to do a sequel to Sars just so you didn't forget they were still on the job!

[@brandonhatcher2530]

What does your comment have too with rush?

[@civildiscourse2000]

@@markmeister2444 Cheezewhiz H. Kraft man, this isn't the place.

[@evensteven164]

I believe it was also a free concert

[@richardoberlander930]

This was in CANADA! The drummer actually wrote all their lyrics, for the bass player to sing! ANOYHER GREAT REACTION by ASIA & BJ!!!!!

[@scottmatzeder9162]

Geddy, Alex and Neil are true masters of their craft.

[@rubbersole79]

Soon to be masters in the craft of brewing beer!

[@RaymondBCrisp]

The best of the best...

[@eventhorizon2218]

@@rubbersole79 Can't wait to buy some of that new 'RUSH Canadian Golden Ale!' Good on you RUSH, always amazing us!

[@Leogoth68]

You know the crowd is hyped when the song is an instrumental but they make up their own lyrics. YYZ live in Rio!

[@vicprovost2561]

Yes, Rush, many choices to sample from this brilliant band Try Working Man, Canada and the 2112 suite, the last is 20 minutes of one of the finest Audio experiences you will ever have! They will blow your minds. All time legends at work, Rock On. 🎸

[@Leogoth68]

Red Barchetta along side Entre Nous are two of my favorite Rush songs and I'm with you on that. Highly under rated.

[@johnryan2288]

@Rhonda Allan it was HELLA appreciated! ....and still under appreciated at the same time. 😂😂 One of my all time favs

[@88wildcat]

I don't know how many reaction videos to this clip I've watched but I would say only about ten percent of them ever notice the clothes dryers on the stage. Great to see someone notice them. It's basically a band gag because Geddy wirelessly hooks up his bass to the house P.A. so he doesn't have the stack of amps behind him like Alex has. They thought the stage looked out of balance so they always put something humorous on his side to even things out. Sometimes it's washers and dryers, sometime rotisserie chicken bakers, sometimes vending machines, there's always something out of the normal on that spot of the stage.

[@mcwalton6721]

Alex's stacks are actually empty cabinets as he's going through the PA also.

[@Guy_Fawkes_News]

SARS Festival 2003. Toronto. Rush, AC-DC, and the Rolling Stones. Rush put a little Paint It Black in the intro as a tip of the hat to the headliners. RIP Neil Peart and Charlie Watts. Two icons of the drums.

[@williamgallucci9913]

The three of these master rockers are incredible doesn't get any better

[@s.mcpherson6354]

There's only a few bands where every member is a genius. Queen, Led Zeppelin, and Rush are many people's number one examples of musical excellence. I vote for Xanadu live for your next Rush excursion.

[@Frostrazor]

Dream Theater is another band of geniuses.

[@ronaldmorgan7632]

And Yes, one of their major influences.

[@vicprovost2561]

Don't forget The Who, the original band of course. Good choices all! 🎸

[@s.mcpherson6354]

Agreed, and quite fitting. The first three suggested additions were the next three I thought of too, although for me Dream Theatre gets in there with an asterisk. The other five managed to compose and play as well, but on top of being very famous, they managed to not sacrifice any genius and yet they attained megastardom. There are more geniuses in music. But that genius versus popular money thing had to be quite the balancing act that was likely easier for both Dream Theatre and Rush, because they could rely on their musical geek audiences. Almost everyone in their audiences were other musicians. The others needed lots of hits. However we got it, we all get to listen to a lot of fantastic music thanks to all of the noted musicians.

[@kevenrowe2958]

The Beatles

[@stratcat3216]

"Glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity" well said Neil Peart.. more true than ever today.

[@Metal_Head_Mark]

The song they were playing at the very beginning was "Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones. I think the Stones were headlining that festival because at the very end of the video you could see their logo on top of the stage. Also, the festival must have been in Toronto because he said it was their home town and that is where Rush is from. Rush has a ton of great songs. I hope you react to more.

[@Leogoth68]

The announcer also introduces AC/DC as the next act at the very end.

[@Metal_Head_Mark]

@@Leogoth68 Yes he did. Man what a concert to be at. Stones, AC/DC, and Rush? Holy crap. That's an amazing line up.

[@chesterlestrange7725]

If I remember correctly this was at sars stock lol. A big benefit concert that Toronto put on to raise money for sars research.

[@rickcain4736]

@@chesterlestrange7725 I think it was more about kickstarting Toronto's economy which was majorly affected by the SARS situation...it was a percursor to what is going on now with Covid only on a global scale...

[@chesterlestrange7725]

@@rickcain4736 ah ok, I remembered it had something to do with sars lol

[@jefffowler2587]

First or second best rock drummer of all time and just one of the most talented 3 peice bands ever

[@mmyles65]

This band are masters of time signature changes.

[@waynekurz1456]

the Stones were the headliners in the land of Rush! 99% of that crowd were there to see Rush!!!! The Best! RIP Professor! Do check out the studio version of The spirit of radio, on Permant Waves! Gr8! You Two Rock!!!!

[@JeromeDukes]

This is the SARS concert in Toronto my hometown as well and yes, I was at the concert. The reason for the concerts was to let the world know Toronto was safe and free from the SARS virus (form of covid). The main attraction at the concert was the Rolling Stones. On the video you just watched, Rush is doing a tribute song "Painted Black" in honor of the Rolling Stones, before they break into their hit song "Spirit of Radio". In regards to the transition from rock to reggae, that's supposed to emulate a person changing the radio dial to another station. Whenever you listen to a Rush song, the lyrics are a big part of their image. Neil Peart (the drummer), is the main lyricist and he's written some of the greatest lyrics in Rock history.

[@lenstgelais7376]

Such a sound for only 3 musicians just wow they are all masters musicians and definitely the best drummer of all and the best baseman of all times 😁👌

[@jkbezo1]

That drummer from Rush has always been a bad ass! RIP. He just passed not too long ago.

[@vonbass1300]

"One likes to believe in the freedom of music, but glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity" - the lyrics of Rush are next level

[@barbarafrazier3242]

100% agree…… many people miss the lyrical content….. “Begin the day with a friendly voice A companion unobtrusive Plays that song that's so elusive And the magic music makes your morning mood” ……. He’s literally talking about listening to the radio, the friendly voice is a DJ and the song playing sets your mood for the morning. I love Rush so much!!!

[@bryankeck5560]

I was fortunate enough to see Rush several times in my lifetime especially early Rush. I started listening to Rush in 1974. My all-time favorite band!!! I turned my grandson's on to Rush I still have all those CDs in my car I listen to them frequently. Neil Peart greatest drummer of All Time. Geddy Lee very difficult to sing and play the bass like he does!!! The most talented bass player of all time Alex what can you say absolutely fantastic!!! I suggest you guys react to Xanadu live 1981 it'll be well worth your while.

[@debbieplato5107]

Three master musicians from Toronto Canada. Check out Working Man live in Cleveland and YYZ live in Rio. Unfortunately Neil Peart the drummer passed away from brain cancer in January of 2020 so Rush are no longer together. Their last concert was 2015. Neil was starting to really feel the effects of drumming for 40 years and then battled brain cancer for three years before he passed.

[@garysexton8840]

My favorite band after Jethro Tull and unfortunately for me I only got to see them twice. 1980 and 2002. Both memorable performances. And I am catching up with their live performances thanks to You Tube which has many of the concerts that I have missed. They are the best progressive rock trio ever and it will be for a long time to come! How do you beat that? Keep on reviewing their music and videos ! Also consider the catalog of Tull, for they are a unique band and like Rush they are one of a kind

[@debbieplato5107]

@@garysexton8840 Yes, Jethro Tull is another of my favourite bands

[@berniemargolis4288]

Those transitions between the stylistic changes simulate the sound we used to hear when we would flip between radio stations using an analog dial back in the day. They're musically communicating that the spirit of radio encompasses multiple styles without explicitly saying so in their lyrics. It's pure genius.

[@playbassken]

The dryers on stage were a funny story. Geddy Lee (bassist/lead singer/keyboardist) plays directly through the sound system because he likes the sound he gets from nothing more than going direct whereas Alex Lifeson (guitarist/backing vocals/keys) had these stacks of guitar amps on his side of the stage. He told Geddy he had to have something up there to balance out the show, so this was his humorous way of doing that. Each dryer had t-shirts for each of the three band members that they tossed out to fans during the show. Best group in the galaxy!

[@steve841]

You two are a riot. At least you appreciate real musical talent…Rush.

[@kenwallis9722]

If you both love genius musical transitions that still maintain a seamless flow through a song, you have found probably the best progressive rock band there is for it. Three master musicians, top of their craft, making a huge wall of sound. Hope you continue to explore over 40 years of Rush music. :)

[@petedepledge519]

The dryers were Geddys answer to the stack of amps that Alex had behind him.

[@somecallmetim2112]

At some point, Geddy decided to pipe his bass and synths through the house speaker system, eliminating the need for a massive amp stack behind him. He asked the roadies to fill the empty space, so they put in popcorn machines, dryers, and all kinds of shit, but the dryers stuck over the years and have become sort of a trademark on Rush stages.

[@DeaconBlues117]

@@somecallmetim2112 I liked the rotisserie machines. A roadie came out every so often to baste the chickens. :D

[@TheBlaster54]

Three elite master class musicians, song writers and composers that produced master works of music.

[@tlb139]

Welcome to the Rush rabbit hole....the best thing Canada has ever produced.

[@emcsquared8681]

Well, and Norm McDonald.

[@MattKrogmeier]

Canada's most important export...followed closely by Letterkenny.

[@fuzzybits410]

They have the best Ryans.

[@RB-YWGLGA]

Ummm, Poutine?

[@tlb139]

@@emcsquared8681 I stand corrected

[@mikecheck7480]

Fun fact: this song was about local hometown Toronto radio station CFNY 102.1 who Played indie music in the early ‘80’s....this video is from the Toronto “SARS fest” in 2003 when we finally beat SARS back then...the Rolling Stones were the headliners

[@revdmcspumcsb]

Rush loved to have fun. The singer/bassist/keyboards was best friends with the lead guitarist since high school. The singer, Geddy Lee decided to run all his instruments through the house mix and got rid of his huge amp stacks behind him. The lead guitar, Alex Lifeson, still wanted his wall of Marshall Amps behind him so Geddy decided to replace his amp stack with washing machines, dryers, giant chicken rotisseries and other things to balance the stage and poke fun at his best friend. The stage hands would do their laundry, baste the chickens, make popcorn etc... during the 3 hour concerts. If you liked this live performance you'll be amazed at YYZ, live in Rio. The crowd is 100x more hyped than this one.

[@workingman6681]

Best 3 piece band of all time! Enjoy the RUSH rabbit hole. Looking forward to this journey! Yes, yes and yes to everything you both said!!👍👍

[@emcsquared8681]

RUSH is one of the masters of prog rock, most all of their songs have amazing tempo changes, and lyrically they’re just incredible, should check out the lyric video to this song, but also check out their songs “free will”, “Tom Sawyer” and “Bastille Day”

[@philstone2627]

Rush rabbit hole is deep and wonderful.dive in.great reaction guys.Asia ,you are absolutely beautiful,

[@billtaylor3382]

This was in Ontario Canada, Where the band grew up!

[@evematice6104]

You definitely have to do Rush 2112. It's the whole first side of the 2112 album. It's a classic masterpiece. It's long ( 20:33) but so worth it.

[@showmesomethingnew2678]

That’s Paint it Black by The Rolling Stones that they started playing at the beginning. Brilliant, really, the way they used it to lead into their actual song.

[@DFitz-bk7dj]

It's Toronto Canada!! Some of the best concerts I have seen. Rush was Amazing live

[@jonathanlindsey463]

when they played this song live at the rock-n-roll hall of fame induction ceremony it was amazing.. flavor flav is in the front row going crazy and when the crowd gets going he looks like he is looking for a place to hide they r so loud haha

[@markrobertdevison1227]

I saw RUSH almost 20 times and every one of those shows were perfect.

[@markirby762]

Loved that you enjoyed this .check out YYZ by Rush. Live in Rio.

[@danielfowler9459]

This is one deeeeep rabbit hole. This band did top notch music for 45 years and almost never stopped writing.

[@crazydale1000]

The drummer was named Neail Peart. He passed away last year. He was known as the professor. I saw them 4 times.Every show was incredible.

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

Before this concert Rush knew the legend Charlie Watts, that sadly passed away yesterday (rip). And in the beginning of this song they played a piece of "Paint it Black" from Rolling Stones

[@thorzzz1z]

Stop. You are making my head hurt. Please don't write if you have no clue.

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

@@thorzzz1z about what?

[@RoarOfWolverine]

Geddy Lee, bassist and singer and keyboard player, used to have huge stacks of Ampeg SVT amplifiers on his side of the stage in the 1970s-1980s, but he began plugging directly into the main mixer, using amp simulator and processors in the 1990s. At that point, his side of the stage was empty, so he decided to fill it first with commercial dryers that had special T-shirts that you could only get from those dryers. At a point during the concert, Geddy and Alex would toss those collector T-shirts into the crowd. Later, he began using commercial rotisserie ovens, complete with chickens rotating inside. Then on one tour he had commercial vending machines, fully stocked with snacks and sodas. I first saw Rush live on their Permanent Waves tour, 1980, and it was the best concert I had ever seen, so I never missed a tour after that. On the Permanent Waves tour, he had the huge amp stacks, but I saw him at every concert he had some other crazy stuff filling the stage behind him. This concert was a festival and it was in Toronto, Canada, their home town, so the crowd was fierce for them. They are Canada’s pride and joy. Probably Canada’s greatest export. You haven’t started to see all the brilliance of Rush. You should check out instrumentals like, La Villa Strangiato, YYZ, or some of their epic story telling like 2112 or Xanadu, both considered Rush masterpiece’s. The musicianship of those songs will blow you away. Unfortunately, no one will ever see Rush live again. Drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, passed away in early 2021 and the other two have sworn they would never tour as Rush without Neil, considered by many (especially drummers) as the greatest drummer in rock music. Neil has been called “your favorite drummers drummer”, which is true. Every famous drummer has sighted Neil as a major influence and one of their favorite drummers.

[@mylesdevine9513]

You like time signature changes? Rush is your band!!!!!! And the lyrics are incredible!!!!!!!! Check out Freewill, working Man live in Cleveland

[@glennk5434]

Listen to the studio version ..also listen to Limelight and Subdivisions!

[@jonathanlindsey463]

the beautiful thing about watching a band perform at the rock hall of fame ceremony is the crowd is all other musicians... it is amazing to watch

[@dennislinehan6548]

Rush was/is that huge of a band to pull that kind of a crowd , All on their own .

[@stevenutbrown6783]

Some brilliant musicians from Canada right there. Enjoy your Rush journey. I'm on for the ride!

[@byronness6082]

Welcome to the RUSH rabbit hole!! 40yrs making insane music, by far an away one of the most influential progressive rock bands in history, an quite possibly one of the best bands EVER 😎 their lyrics are so deep, their songs so full of seamless transitions and wicked grooves, an how the **** does a 3 piece band sound like an orchestra!! This is how… best drummer in the world (RIP), the best bassist in the world and probably the most underrated and under appreciated lead guitarist in the world… RUSH ROCKS

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Geniuses these three, have seen them live- first in 1978. RIP Neil Peart❤️ Check out the album Moving Pictures- in its entirety please. 🤘😎❤️

[@darkjedi447]

RUSH is my favorite group all time , along with Led Zeppelin. I have all their albums and have seen them in concert 4 times and they are what ROCK is all about!! Makes me so proud to be Canadian 🇨🇦. Please do more RUSH reactions. I would love to see you react to Neil Peart's drum solo (R.I.P..) it will blow your mind. BTW - I was at a couple of their concerts with the washing machines, and later in the concert they open the dryer and take out some RUSH shorts and throw them into the crowd....freakin magical moments!!! Keep smiling 🤘 🙂

[@robinhood2008]

They mentioned being in their home town and they are from Canada. Rush was a Canadian rock band formed in Toronto in 1968 by Alex Lifeson (guitars, composer), John Rutsey (drums, percussion, lyricist), and Jeff Jones, who was immediately replaced by Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards, composer). After its formation the band went through several lineup configurations before arriving at its classic power trio lineup with the addition of Neil Peart in July 1974, who replaced Rutsey four months after the release of their self-titled debut album. This lineup remained intact for the remainder of the band's career.

[@danielfowler9459]

THE most polished musical group (regardless of genre) of their time.... and Rock and Roll's high watermark. Period.

[@vikingboats]

This is in Toronto Canada. The whole crowd is only there to see this one band! Love your reactions and welcome to the Rush Army! Greatest most loyal fans in the world!

[@RaymondBCrisp]

This was from the 'Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto' concert in Toronto, Canada. It was a HUGE event, with an attendance estimated between 450,000 and 500,000 (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molson_Canadian_Rocks_for_Toronto). There were many top notch bands playing, including the Rolling Stones, hence the 'Paint it Black' intro to Rush's own classic, The Spirit of Radio.

[@chesterlestrange7725]

Sars stock was a blast lol

[@jimmygallant4778]

Cool the way they opened, playing a Rolling Stone song “Paint it Black”. Lucky to see them live on two occasions, and believe me they hit note for note perfectly!

[@josephbishop3590]

A three man band making some of the best music ever imagined! Thanks guys! Neill Peart AKA The Professor on drums, Alex Lifeson on guitar and Gedde Lee on bass, keys and vocals makes up the mind altering RUSH! Such a deep, wide and varied catalog...you have found the honey pot! You guys are in for a ride! Their tribute to the medium (Radio) as the vehicle that gave them access to the millions they adore and adore them! Talk about 'changes' and you're talking about Neill Peart...a thousand different rythyms and never a 4/4! Neill was also the primary lyricist but never a vocalist...an enigma within a riddle! A talented, gifted and generous master of his craft! I believe he elevated the drums from a rythym device to an instrument of color, vibrance and dimension that redefined the role of percussion. He is sorely missed and much like the late Eddie Van Halen truly transcended their chosen medium and made them LEGENDS! We're lucky to have shared their gifts. RIP

[@olddrillsgt.461]

Niel Peart RIP best drummer ever. check out Working Man by RUSH.

[@aq_cbg_spartan2184]

Shout out Canada so much talent comes of here

[@AppStateSpanky]

The opening riff of this is "Painted Black" by The Rolling Stones. This song is all about the radio and what it had become at that time. So they opened up with a song from the radio in the 60's.

[@carlbusque1856]

This was at a special concert for SARS where the whole day was filled with music to say that Toronto and Canada was safe… there were many bands, some English and some French language since it was a federal sponsored event. Among the big names there was Rush, AC/DC and Rolling Stones, hence the beginning…

[@ScottT248]

If you want to see a crowd reaction, try Working Man live in Cleveland or YYZ live from Brazil.

[@Ms.GreenJeans]

I LOVE Alex lifeson's multiple Trailor Park Boy appearances. Rush ROCKS! Rush fills that crowd all by itself!

[@drew65sep]

I've seen Rush more than any other band or artist over the years...they were always good for playin some kind of medley of other hit songs, or some of their own, that'd lead into one of their better known hits. NEVER did they disappoint playing "live." Like KISS, Rush's shows were a "spectacle." Worth the price of admission just to see their stage shows.

[@2869may]

RusH is composed of 3 compulsive perfectionist, and genuine good people that do not have any the ego trips that have lead to the demise of many successful bands. Truly GREAT musicians that are also truly great friends.... Resulting in some of the cleanest, tightest most amazing music ever made.

[@crhu319]

"Spirit of Radio" is about the Toronto indy station CFNY, which defied the categories applied to FM radio at the time to just play "new music" period, a wider variety than any other station in the market. Rush appreciated this and wrote for it.

[@davidcohen1424]

This was in Toronto, Canada for the SARS festival. The band you just saw was Rush who is actually from Toronto. And was the opening act of the festival The band that went on next was AC/DC And the headlining band was the Rolling Stones.

[@ritchmoore1442]

This concert had many names.... Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto was a benefit rock concert that was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on July 30, 2003. It was also known as "Toronto Rocks", "Stars 4 SARS", "SARSStock", "SARSfest", "SARS-a-palooza", the "SARS concert", or, more descriptively, "The Rolling Stones SARS Benefit Concert".

[@imacmanx8562]

This was the 2003 Toronto Rocks/SARs relief concert, and estimated 450-500,000 people. Largest in N. America history. RIP Neil & Charlie.

[@melaniejordan1199]

Best drummer EVER! RIP, Neil. :( And complex lyrics, another one-of-a-kind voice. My favorite line: But glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity! I highly recommend Working Man!

[@larrydavis3270]

Guys welcome to the world of RUSH! These 3 guys: Geddy Lee (bass,vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and the G.O.A.T. (drummer, lyricist) Neil Peart R.I.P. were like no other band. They sold out shows for 40+ years with very little radio airplay and press hype. They are 3 musical genius'. Please react to more RUSH! Pick any song and you won't be disappointed.

[@Frostrazor]

All hail to the world's greatest rock drummer evah! RIP brother Neil. Rush is a "progressive-rock" band (usually called prog-rock). In earlier clips I talked about how "rock" bands play their songs usually on a standard 4/4 time signature. Prog-rock usually eschews these standards and makes more wholly complicated songs with varying time signatures, change-up in style, mood etc as you witnessed. Their songs are more about overall composition and style and really illustrated a different type of genius in song-writing. Rush ad Pink Floyd are the best ever at these kinds of epic compositions in their music. And seeing as though Rush was only a 3 member band - Geddy Lee (the singer) was also a badass bass guitarist, AND the keyboardist as well a song-writer. It really showcases this band's legendary status.

[@johnthompson3522]

That was awesome. The intro playing “Paint it Black” was a great bonus.

[@gp3646]

This was summer of 2003. Downsview park, north end of Toronto. "SARS" concert. They were one of many bands that formed the line up that day, including ACDC and the Rolling Stones. I was on a building (Subway and bus station complex) to the side of the stage , across the street. The park, is part of a decommissioned military base and air field.

[@hubbsllc]

About the clothes dryers: after playing in front of amps already for decades, Geddy switched to going direct into a preamp/simulator rig but he felt weird being up there with no structures behind him, hence the dryers. Occasionally stagehands will come out and put quarters in them to keep them running. Later on there would be vending machines and a chicken rotisserie. The band is really psyched here. Not only that it's their hometown of Toronto and a skillion people, but usually Rush doesn't play shows in the daytime so this is a rare opportunity for them to actually see everybody out there.

[@brianforce3010]

From what I heard, a music critic once said RUSH'S music was as exciting as watching clothes drying. So they ran with it. And Geddy does use the PA system, but first through a quality small amp first. Like a 100w Orange brand amp. Just like how David Gilmore does.

[@CanadianBrewingChannel]

There was 500 000 people at this festival. More than Woodstock. This was at Sarstock July 2003 after Toronto narrowly avoided an epidemic with Sars - Covid 1.

[@brigid4815]

Rush is from Canada so it had to be a large concert in Canada per the opening line. Subdivisions is an awesome tune. Neil Peart RIP a legendary drummer, lyricist, poet and writer. Look up the rush documentary on Netflix on rush.

[@Kitkat-lc7ip]

I was there, that was the after SARS concert to welcome everybody back to Toronto, Ontario. Canada.. Rush and AC/DC where the best that day !! RIP Neil Pearl. 500,000k people

[@jkbezo1]

This must have been up in Canada, jaja. They love Rush! They are from Canada.

[@charlesfitzgerald9631]

Just incredible 3 humans create such bombastic music !

[@alphajava761]

Reggae started showing up in a lot of popular music in the 1970s. Keith Richards (Rolling Stones guitarist) fell in love with reggae and Jamaica buying a place there in the 1970s and still lives there today part-time. Thats why Richards started looking like a punk rock pirate in the 1970s lol. RIP Charlie Watts.

[@ronknox3376]

The variety of sounds and transitions are to represent the various styles of music. Neil passed away last year (drummer) so there won't be anymore "Rush" concerts. But you may see more of Geddy and Alex on other projects. This was the SARS festival and the site was Downsview Airport (former military airport) in Toronto. After Rush AC/SC took the stage and then The Rolling Stones.

[@mdunawaym]

As a fan from their first live album, All the World's a Stage, I just think they are one of the ultimate feel good bands. The music kills it, their fun personalities came out in their shows (as the dryers displayed), and the guys were lifetime best friends, and it showed. RIP Neil Peart.

[@nobodyimportant6851]

I was there, it was at a former Canadian military airport base turned into a park in Toronto. HOT day, almost half a million strong in attendance. After Rush, AC/DC came on, then the Rolling Stones wrapped it up.

[@kevinrylance7861]

So happy I got to see this band and so many more in the 80's 🤘🤘🤘🤘 for $12.00 ( class of "85" ) Big hair, MTV, and Video Games!!🤪🤘🤘🤠🍻

[@MarcoBosma]

Masters of transitions, masters of their instruments, power trio, crazy bass, crazy guitar, crazy drums, best lyrics ever

[@peterhorbacz3058]

The concert was at Downsview Park Toronto Ontario Canada. Over 500'000 people. The Rolling Stones headlined. Rush best band ever from Toronto ☺️

[@brianforgie7724]

i was fortunate too be at this concert in Toronto in 2003. Must have been half a million people there. Great show headlined by The Rolling Stones. ACDC Rush Sass Jordan and a whole whack of others played that day. Rush playing for their home crowd. This was too help the city get over the SARS virus outbreak. Held at an airport in Toronto. A good time was had by all

[@dinohollywood7864]

Please do the lyric video. The lyrics to this song are very important.

[@jmilandry5544]

You are in for a treat by jumping down the Rush rabbit hole! Be prepared for glorious soundscapes, tingling eargasims, and thoughtful prose!

[@philipkuriger3420]

The intro is a tribute to the Rolling Stones "Paint it Black" another awesome group and song. It's a stadium concert in their home town in Canada.

[@mariobargonetti6037]

When you both smiled at 10:04, it made me smile bc I did the same thing when I was 5 at the end. My Dad passed away in January and Rush was his favorite, I'm so glad to see new ears on it. Y'all are awesome! Keep it up!

[@davidhutchinson5233]

All this machinery making modern music Can still be open-hearted Not so coldly charted, it's really just a question of your honesty Yeah, your honesty One likes to believe in the freedom of music But glittering prizes and endless compromises Shatter the illusion of integrity, yeah

[@Huddle_House56]

Fitting they open with a stones song. RIP Charlie Watts and Neil Peart. 2 of the most important rock drummers.

[@827dusty]

The opening couple of minutes was a tribute to "The Rolling Stones" who were touring with Rush. The song they played is called "Paint it Black," That was a "Stones" hit way back in 1964! And they were still going strong in their mid 70s. Their Drummer "Charlie Watts" actually died yesterday, at age 80. I guess Rock and Roll really does keep you young.

[@jonathanlindsey463]

also, i am certain this was not a festival, this was a Rush concert in their hometown, the last stop on their tour, always home for that “or as close as u can”... they r considered the best band ever from canada, so they had a massive following

[@catladygoddess]

Neil Peart is considered one of the best drummers who have picked up the sticks. RIP Professor. 🙏🏻 The masters of Prog Rock!! 🇨🇦

[@Frostrazor]

to which I counter - not one of. Just simply the best evah.

[@catladygoddess]

@@Frostrazor I completely agree but the Bonham fans get upset. 😉