First Time Hearing | Rush - Xanadu Exit Stage Left 1981 (Live) Reaction

[@dannychase1787]

The greatest live performance ever by a band ever. This is a masterpiece! The multitasking is insane. This will be talked about 100 years from now. RIP Neil. Miss you.

[@edgarpacifico3421]

BAR NONE!

[@alekhidell]

And most people new to the band, or to this performance probably have no idea what they’re witnessing because the cameras didn’t show the foot pedal work. Unless I’ve missed something, Alex effectively plays 3 instruments, Geddy plays 5, and sings, and Neil played the percussion section of a small orchestra. Yet for decades the only people who truly understood just how talented these three were was the army of dedicated air drummers.

[@dannychase1787]

100%. If you are a musician you have to appreciate the technical ability of all of these guys. I am a drummer and watching Neil just blows my mind in this video. His limb independence is unmatched. The time and dedication it takes to play an instrument at this level is unimaginable. It truly shows the drive and will to become the best he could be….leaving nothing on the table. I have so much respect not only for Neil but all of them. They are truly musicians musicians and are widely considered the best of the best in the industry. RIP Neil

[@Matty0923]

Couldn't agree more!!

[@philstone3859]

I don’t even know how many times I saw this live! 🤯

[@48mastadon]

Fun Fact: Both Alex and Geddy are also playing synthesizer foot pedals in parts of this song that you might not have even been aware of. Yeah...They are even more amazing than you thought.

[@tomhill9445]

I love how you can see how much Geddy and Alex love playing together. Truly best of friends. This is back when Neals kit was over the top cool !

[@philstone3859]

The smile, the head nod, yup another RUSH fan. Welcome brother, you are in for A RIDE!

[@SomeoneElse-gv4pk]

3 people with complete mastery of multiple instruments. There are no accolades that are strong enough for this group. RIP, professor.

[@FrenchieQc]

Rush is the best 6-man band crammed into only 3 bodies. The music created by all these guys on the stage is absolutely unreal.

[@Fred-vy1hm]

My favorite video on KZbin and the cool thing is you can watch it 100 times and still pick up things you missed. This is the greatest live performance from the greatest band that ever graced this planet. 😊

[@iKvetch558]

Have you checked out the remastered version of this made by stickhits? If you have not yet, see it now. LOL

[@ShawnZagar]

Three of the most talented musicians to ever grace a stage! They could bring it unlike any other bands with more members. Loved the fact that they did it the way they wanted, never giving in to commercialism. No worries about critics, magazines or top 40 hits. Just have fun and work hard. The best band ever!!!! A true inspiration for me and many! RUSH FOREVER!!!!

[@Johnny67557]

Welcome to the endless rabbit hole!! I saw RUSH 13 times. Every time awesome.

[@leehammel691]

That move Alex makes at about 8:15 in the video from the 12-string to the 6-string, so smooth it’s easy to miss.

[@philf4086]

Alex is the pro's pro.

[@mightyV444]

I'd never noticed that switch when watching the DVD, only after I'd started watching reaction videos 😅 So far, only 3 such people noticed it (out of well over 10) 😁 It's one of my favourite moments of that awesome performance, and also Alex and Geddy pushing each other and _still_ playing that riff perfectly 😊

[@FrenchieQc]

And at 12:06, Geddy carefully tweaks his keyboard twice.. to play a single note, but by god, that note _needed_ to be played at this exact spot.

[@michaelzilkowsky2936]

@@FrenchieQc the bad thing about this Alex remix is that he totally buried that keyboard note, which almost ruins the entire song. I don't know what the hell he was thinking..... that note was obviously important enough to have the camera pointed right at the keyboard when Geddy played the note. At least on the VHS version, original mix, it is the was it was intended to be.

[@geraldhartley]

Not only is he switching from 12 string to 6, he flips TWO switches with his right hand with lightning speed at the same time. Watch the original video in .25 speed to fully appreciate it.

[@k_spats]

Loved your commentary! ❤️ We're still with you! We *all* have goosebumps 46 years later! 🔥

[@scottgarner7410]

It was in the summer before high school. I rode the bus to the record store to buy my first album. Searching the albums, I came across Rush 2112! Took it home and played the entire album, over and over and over! RUSH WAS A BLESSING

[@jaycameronford]

Alex is one of the most under rated guitar players on the planet!

[@lisaharrison1031]

You think YOU have goosebumps? Every time they played this live on their tours my goosebumps would get goosebumps!!! Yeah……..it’s just that awesome!! Love your reaction. MORE RUSH!!!

[@robertmckinnon7245]

As a Rush fan since I was 11years old, I am now 58..a live Rush show was only when you went to see them,when this live show came out, I watched it over and over, and yes,it was a v.h.s tape..to see these 3 genius musicians play live,just sent me to the next level of a fan..I saw they play live 4 times,absolutely mind blowing..we miss you Professor..check out Geddys new book tour..My Effin life..

[@randythuesdee9399]

Rush, An has been a staple of my rock journey since 1981. I took it all in while in college. An QOUTSTANDING Band!!!

[@Matty0923]

Glad you gave Alex his props. He is an absolute beast on the guitar and soo soooo soooooo underrated!!

[@MrGb1965]

Those rhythmic tom hits after 8:59 are the coolest. Thanks for sharing

[@mightyV444]

This was fun to watch, and good on ya for giving Alex some extra praise! 😊👍 The moment where he switches from the 12-string to 6-string superfast is one of my favourite ones in this amazing performance 🤩 And he too plays a moog Taurus (foot pedal) synth here, like Geddy 😊 The only issue I've always had with that particular clip is the cameras almost completely ignoring the fact towards the end that Geddy is playing the 12-string half of his double-neck and that it's also too low in the sound mix. Season's greetings from NZ! 🎅🌲

[@johntrickey7182]

Glad you had this reaction. I'm 58, this was real special when I was 13. They're one of a kind. Rip NP❤

[@philstone3859]

One of the coolest videos of all time! Tremendous song! RUSH!

[@philstone3859]

This is as Classic RUSH as you can get! Powerful stuff! Live in concert? Forget about it! Ha Ha! Badass!!

[@matthewhoag2609]

Can you believe three dudes can put out that much sound? And you can tell they’re having so much fun. Even when Geddy started using a lot of synths that rooted him behind the keys, there’s usually a point in their songs where they drop out and he can join Alex out front and center for a jam. Been with ya since the start of your Rush journey Stan, and your excitement never gets old! Cheers!

[@behindenemylines9033]

A masterful performance by 3 virtuosos.

[@philstone3859]

They really delivered, really hard to beat. Just an unbelievable catalog. The concerts? I can’t even begin to describe how cool it was. I really wish more people got to experience it. Just a phenomenal live band! Super tight, super clean, super accurate and super loud! RUSH Night was always very special. It was a whole separate scene. No dummies in a RUSH crowd, so that’s the first thing you noticed, the people at the show. We were an automatic family at the concerts, we knew what was coming and there was a definite vibe, a big buzz of anticipation going through the crowd. It was a special scene unlike any other show. It was RUSH!

[@danbaranowski8580]

Alex is underrated, no doubt. There is space in the composition for each member to shine. All of the complicated work individually fits together. It's like 3 solos that form a song. Keep on going Stan! For a deeper dive: Something For Nothing Cinderella Man Lakeside Park Bastille Day A Passage To Bangkok Manhattan Project Time Stand Still Caravan Headlong Flight The Garden Between Sun & Moon Nobody's Hero Cold Fire Distant Early Warning Afterimage Kid Gloves The Enemy Within Between The Wheels Open Secrets The Camera Eye Jacob's Ladder Natural Science Entre Nous Different Strings Middletown Dreams Superconductor Show Don't Tell Dreamline Bravado Roll The Bones You Bet Your Life New World Man Far Cry Malignant Narcissism Test For Echo Driven One Little Victory Earthshine Nocturne

[@Fred-vy1hm]

Countdown Vital Signs Leave That Thing Alone Where's My Thing Animate Red Sector A The Pass Working Man Cygnus X-1 book's l and ll The Fountain Of Lamneth Fly By Night Different Strings Bytor And The Snowdog Circumstances The Big Money Turn The Page The Analog Kid The Digital Man Subdivisions Witch Hunt Limelight Freewill Losing It La Villa Strangiato The Necromancer Closer To The Heart Anthem And so many more I can't remember them all off the top of my head. The greatest band ever, or will ever be. 😊

[@batman1169]

yes! at 28 great guitar work!!

[@tinalinge2782]

Great list! I'd add Tears from 2112. So soft and gentle in the midst of that rock and roll extravaganza!!! ✌️💕🎶

[@64bdchaney]

At 64 yrs old, I was lucky enough to see Rush for the first time during this 1981 tour. They payed Xanadu to the tee as you see this video. A grand masterpiece of rock/prog music by 3 men who are at their peak in my opinion. What's amazing to watch is the pure brotherhood, joy and craftsmanship each member contributes to their music. As a Rush geek, I cannot ever get tired of hearing/watching this video and I tell anyone who has never heard of Rush, I will send them this video to see the talent Geddy, Alex and Neil play.

[@scottbaxtrom4324]

You got to review Working Man live in Cleveland. Luv your reactions. Enjoy the ride. Seen Rush a few times over the years and grew up with them over the last 40 years.

[@squamishfish]

What Alex does to make him great he does not put in unnecessary licks he fits in exactly with Neil And Geddy , And hen his time comes to solo it’s not just fast guitar licks it’s always memorable guitar parts

[@dannychase1787]

I envy you. I have watched that concert over and over. Even though I was blessed to see them 3 times…..If I could only have had 1 concert to see it would have been Exit Stage Left. This is Rush at their finest. I wish I could have been there with you to witness it. Must surely be a great memory for you!

[@ryanmcmahon7421]

I bought the cassette version of Exit Stage Left when I was 17, a long time ago, basically because it contained the two Rush songs I was familiar with from the radio. What a life-changing experience. I had no idea what most of the songs were about, but the energy and complexity of the music grabbed me right away. There are bands who can write a catchy song, but aren’t remarkable musicians, and there are musicians who can play really well, but can’t write a memorable song. Rush had the rare ability to do both.

[@kennethhickey8241]

Love seeing you take the Rush ride. Some more live you might want to check out is Working man in Cleveland, La Villa Strangiato, YYZ in Rio just to name a few. Keep rockin Stan.

[@pauladriano8300]

One other great song,,, Jacobs Ladder... R40's

[@cityhonors1]

Cool Beans! 🤗 Glad you got around to this Rush video! 🥰🐰

[@romankoltun5935]

Hi Stan. It gives me goosebumps to see someone discover the greatness of my favourite band. They have so so many other great songs that its really difficult for me to pick and choose 3 songs that you should react to next. How about La villa Strangiato, Working Man Live in cleveland and Jacobs Ladder studio version.

[@Indybowhntr]

This live version of Xanadu, is just 1 example of a live performance that in my opinion, is better than the studio version.

[@jimc4737]

Seen every live show since hemispheres , yes I'm old. They are awesome live. Love seeing new fans. Keep on keeping on.

[@reneelyons6836]

Love this!! Your smile is great!!

[@lindasalaki9404]

What a Masterpiece 👏👏👏 Loved it ❤ ☮️

[@MauriceCalis]

Your video could have been longer, hahaha! I’m serious, it’s so great to see how much this affected you at various parts of the performance, and I would have stuck with you longer if you had more thoughts to share about it. It blows me away as well, and there is so much emotion on top of proficiency in every aspect of the song. Geddy and Alex back to back is the best. Dying to know what they are saying to each other after that. If it’s like my gigs, I’d be like, “WHAT, I can’t hear you right now”….LOL. Thanks for posting. I watch a Xanadu reaction every time one get’s posted. Love to see how people are affected by this amazing work of art.

[@sarastromseth-troy3323]

I always like seeing people react to this song! You mention how you liked seeing Alex and Geddy back-to-back with their double-necked guitars. Those two guys met at age 13 and have been best friends ever since, and it's amazing that both rose to fame as band mates, as well. If you want to see the friendship between all three of them, I suggest reacting to the video 'Dinner with Rush.' All three are filmed having dinner together (with lots of wine) and hilarity ensues!

[@lewisbernstein4272]

It is so much fun to see you get blown away by every single Rush song you've reacted to. I have three suggestions - from early, mid and late career. Early career - Closer to the Heart (from A Farewell to Kings). Mid-career - Cut to the Chase (from Counterparts) and late career Headlong Flight (and you might have done that one, then I'd pick Caravan next).

[@tinalinge2782]

Oh how i love watching people react to RUSH playing live!!! Gets me giddy!!! Three masters of music most excellent and creative and smart!!! My 15 year old self and my friends were mind blown when we first heard Rush!!! 2112 was epic!!! The Whole Album!!! Again, so glad i existed in the same time frame as this magnificent band and many others!!!

[@JoeWilger]

Seeing Geddy makes me giddy. "Gets me giddy"

[@PromLesbian]

Stan , check out Neil Peart - Cottontail drum solo

[@NoneYaBidness762]

Pure talent. RIP professor. 😢

[@patrigilligan2112]

Check out performances from their first live album, "All The World's A Stage!!"

[@johnstreetz4831]

I saw this show live.

[@nodrush80]

🔥🚒

[@motodork]

Every sound you hear is being played live. No backing tracks.

[@antoniocunha8772]

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

If you've not spun the studio version of this one, give it a shot. :) There's so much more you can hear that this live version misses.

[@Roddrummer]

The world's smallest ever symphony orchestra....

[@RayEvans-j1q]

Check out Working Man! Live in Cleveland!

[@k_spats]

*RUSH RULES!!!* 💜💫✌🏼🎵 HI Stan!!! Merry Christmas! 🎅 🌲🔔 🛷 🎀 ❄️ 🎁 ☃️ 🦌 🥁

[@Lifewithstan2020]

Hey!!!! I’ve miss you

[@k_spats]

@@Lifewithstan2020 Awww... I check in regularly! Hope all is well! My birthday was yesterday! 55!!! Woo Hoo! 🎉

[@Lifewithstan2020]

Happy birthday!!!🎁🎊

[@smlinsuranceagency]

RUSH 2112

[@SilverFox-qr1ci]

All Rush fans know this phrase..."back to back with the double necks"

[@AlexRubbo]

Have you done 'Working Man' Liive in Cleveland. Great reaction BTW.

[@ginamarandino6451]

Have you heard far cry, driven and test for echo? Three gems from the 90's.

[@chefdeth7993]

I still wonder what the great classical composers would think of this epic.

[@andypetersen5523]

New to your channel. Check out YYZ live in Rio