Geddy Lee on FIRE! Bass Teacher REACTS to RUSH "Leave That Thing Alone" | Time Machine Live 2011

[@cvn6555]

It's no mystery. All three of these guys saw themselves as professional musicians rather than "rock stars". It showed in their art, their conduct and their personal lives. All three were perfectionists, always trying to get better, always refusing to compromise on less than their very best. All three had time. Neil studied with Gruber, not to get more technically proficient, but to get more feel, better pocket. He was already incredibly accurate, a human metronome, but he was trying to find a way to let the instrument breathe, come alive, rather than just be in perfect time. And, yes, it is amazing that one can be at the top of their craft and still desire to improve. Easily one of the things I have always admired the most about this band. That and their respect for the music, their fans, themselves and each other. No other band will ever achieve all of this.

[@MichaelMoore-nx5ue]

“Goes together, like peanut butter and jelly” Perfect

[@snap1966]

58 And I feel the same way.

[@cityhonors1]

😒 I'm 59 and I 🤗 still wanna be Geddy when I grow up! 😁🥰🐰

[@clockworkangel4026]

Same!! (54, though). Lol

[@RafaelLima-hg8kz]

Same, but with 41. I Stiller have a little time

[@truaxvideos]

Same, but 56

[@PushSueAside]

The fact that we still want to be our heroes “when we grow up” Means we’ll never grow up! and you know what that means??? There’s still a Chance you’ll be Geddy Lee when you grow up!

[@AnalogKidd2]

I’m 61, been playing bass for over 45 years. I could live to 100 and still not be even close to Geddy! LOL

[@countroshculla]

As a long time Rush fan, I never thought of it that way. Alex as Peanut butter, Geddy a Jelly and Neil as the bread.

[@volkerjansen3901]

Countparts may not be the most popular Rush album, but it is an absolute gem! It actually came out exactly 30 years ago! Maybe I love it because it was my first Rush album. I still listen to it all the time and think it is one of the best sounding records of all time. Geddy's sound on that album is absolutely monstrous.

[@Yyz1971]

YES! I boutht this album as soon as it hit the store, went straight home, sat in the floor and listened to this entire album in one go!

[@kirtfulcher6288]

It has some really good, rocking songs! Some of the basslines (Animate, Alien Shore) are just killer!

[@mlhbrx96]

Counterparts is an amazing album! Cut to the Chase, Double Agent, Nobody's Hero....and the breakdown lyrics of Everyday Glory are some of the best lyric Neil's ever written! Add Geddy's singing, and slays me every time!

[@twainwagoner2953]

It is a gem!! One of my favorite songs on the album is “Alien Shore” That song is absolutely incredible. The bridge section is phenomenal !!!

[@svartmetall]

The drum sound's awesome, too - I remember the first time I heard 'Animate' come out of my then-brand-new Technics hi-fi rig, I couldn't believe just how damn good the production was.

[@twainwagoner2953]

“Leave that thing alone” in response to the instrumental on the preceding album Roll the Bones. Called “Where’s my thing?” And they were having trouble naming the instrumental. And Alex said we (you) better come up with a name! Or I’m going to name it “Gangster of Boats” part IV!!

[@dkruitz]

I got met meet Gaddy on 3 seperate occasions, and each was with more fans around, and he was just as genuine and sincere each and every time. A class act.

[@Yyz1971]

That is awesome to hear. Usually meeting your heroes is monumental let down, but always hearing how gracious uncle Geddy acts is wonderful.

[@darrenobayashi6528]

Geddy developed his "flamenco guitar" style as a way to play quick notes because of tendonitis in his forearm, made it hard to move his index and middle fingers fast enough. The better he got at it, the more he incorporated it into his playing. Now it is just so smooth, you cannot even hear a difference in how he is picking.

[@chrisklecker]

This might be the best version of this song! Geddy is practically soloing the whole song.

[@steveschaff4620]

'Oh my GOD! What a MONSTER!!' Yeah... That's about how I describe 'THE GOAT' Geddy Lee!

[@mikedellinger872]

You should hear "Malignant Narcissism". Another masterclass.

[@nicholasvinen]

He plays a fretless bass in that one!

[@ElevenBcuz]

@@nicholasvinenand he STILL finds a way to make it bark hard.

[@funkydozer]

I have barely listened to Rush since my big brother died in 2015, he introduced them to me when we were teenagers and I regret every day that I never thanked him. They were the exclusive soundtrack to my life, and then they were gone too. So much loss leaves a vacuum inside that can never be filled again, but little gems like Ged’s solo at the end of this video sparkle like diamonds of sun on the water.

[@davecole2561]

How beautifully written. I like and admire lots of artists and bands, but Rush get me right there every time. Closer to the heart, some would say.

[@MajrScales]

Long time Rush fan and 30+ year professional bassist here .. Geddy's rhythmic style, especially his embracing of a flamenco style (using his finger, or what he calls his "naughty bastard") really developed during his time in the 90's touring with Les Claypool and Primus. Les does a similar thing and Geddy incorporated it into his style. Those two are both some of my favs and I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when those two just sat in a room with basses for the first time. A great episode of Geddy's recent interview show was with Les Claypool. So cool . and both are such great guys! Great video! Thanks for highlighting great bassists with your channel!

[@moderusprime]

Where's My Thing is probably the epitome of instrumental Rush.

[@josephkushnir1376]

So glad you did this version Mark, it showcases what an absolute monster of a master bass player Geddy is. You need to check out the live version of Where's My Thing ( another 'thing" instrumental) it has the that same type of elevation in his playing. God bless and thanks for starting my morning off really well.

[@ajcoopa]

Second this. Where's My Thing is my personal favourite Rush instrumental.

[@spunbearing]

That bass solo at the end is extra play, you don't hear it like that on the album. So awesome, they are all true masters and have a chemistry unmatched by any other band.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

So in 2010-11 on this TM tour, they brought this tune back after letting it rest for a tour or two and decided to incorporate the extended bass solo for the finish. It appears on Counterparts from 1993. Then next tour on Clockwork Angels they brought back ‘Where’s My Thing’(also a instrumental)from Roll The Bones 1991, which was ONLY played live on that one tour, and put the bass solo at the beginning of it and then it led into the song so perfectly.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤Check that one out from Clockwork Angels live, it’s full title on the Blu-ray is “Where’s My Thing/Here It Is.”

[@deanjones9082]

Rush was one of those bands like Led Zeppelin Queen Yes, Judas Priest, UFO, The Scorpions, Pink Floyd, Kansas, The Who, Van Halen that's when you knew you're witnessing greatness, Rush was that way, they always were just one of the greatest live bands to ever exist. If a person only liked one Rush song before the concert, seeing them live is going to make want to buy their entire back catalog, Yeah they were that good. When you saw a live band like Rush, it's sticks with You for the rest of Your life. I saw them first in 1986 in Sacramento Cal Expo Amphitheater. Here the Tours I saw Power Windows tour 86' Presto tour Twice 90' Sacramento at Cal Expo & The Original Arco Arena Counterparts tour 93 (New) but no longer Existing Arco Arena Test for Echo tour 96' same venue Vapor Trails tour 02' Sleep Train Amphitheater Chico Ca R40 tour 15' Moda Center Portland OR I'm glad I never regretted seeing this band live, when they came to town, it was showtime Thank You to Alex, Neil, Geddy "Canadian Devastation" RushFanForLife God Rest The Professor & all the fun You gave Us through the years🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🎶🎶🎶🎵🎵🎶🎶🎵😎

[@Rennsport-Media]

What did you expect? Three masters of their craft making magic together! RUSH 🙌🏼

[@Aephyn64]

I met Geddy Lee with my mother when I was very young and knew I enjoyed how Rush sounded, but now that I'm older and absolutely love bass I know Geddy had a massive part in what I love about the instrument. I sincerely wish I could meet him again and thank him for inspiring this passion in me, there are aspects of playing and listening to bass that even today I have to pause for a moment and think "well no wonder I play/enjoy this sound, that's how Geddy plays". Music is never a competition to me, but if it were, Geddy Lee would win. Greatest bassist of all time in my opinion. Thanks for covering this performance, it's phenomenal!

[@flashpeter625]

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were absolutely priceless at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute last year. Played 3 songs, with Dave Grohl, Chad Smith and Danny Carey on drums. This was my favourite part of the 6-hour show.

[@TwoandaHater]

I am here for more Geddy! (Hope you do like Marathon or something where he is singing hard vocals and crazy bass at the same time).

[@JonNogo]

also vote for Marathon Live show of hands

[@JoannaGalacticTutor]

true - their chemistry is bar none - no other like them and I appreciate your expertise - my kids play guitar and I am constantly sending them RUSH - they never had internet - how kids learn today - they simply jammed - practiced

[@charlesbarbarotta2892]

Geddy is an absolute legend.🤘

[@availablelight999]

This whole record is magic just like every rush record....rest in peace Neil. Love you and miss you

[@RoarOfWolverine]

On this Time Machine tour they had major attention to detail, stuff that few people without binoculars would ever see. Every boom cymbals stand on Neil’s drum Kit has some sort of steam punk looking gauge on the round part of the boom. Alex has a crowd of Barbie dolls behind his pedal board, all holding up signs for Alex, like groupies. I only know about them because I watched a video where his guitar tech was interviewed and he pointed them out and said that it was part of his job, on top of all of the guitar gear he has to have ready for the show. He has to set them all up in a particular way that Alex wants his groupies set up. There are tons of tiny details most of us never see. I only know about the boom stand steam punk gauges because of the video about Neil’s tech where he pointed out all of the details. Anyone who went to the Time Machine tour also know that all of Neil’s symbols have an image of gear teeth, so the overhead camera shot makes it look like his cymbals are a bunch of gears from above. They show these overhead views on the large screen behind them. At that time, they had the largest flat screen that was portable. At least that’s what his tech said. Neil’s toms are also inlayed with emblems from every studio album they ever made, his drum set had tons of details all over it for this tour.

[@dannyc9784]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing I do remember seeing the "groupies" lol

[@brendantoungate8287]

I just listened to Counterparts for the first time this week, and I'm sad it took me so long. It's a fantastic album! It sounds like they were being influenced by Soundgarden at the time, which absolutely suits a band with a sick rhythm section and beautiful guitar work. Meaning, perfect with Rush.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

One of the secrets to Geddy’s tone has to do with how hard he attacks those strings. His dynamics on those strings gives it a tone that no processors or strings can get you if you aren’t going to pluck those strings like they owe you money. I’ve heard a lot of guys play every note correct, have the right strings, have a signature Geddy Jazz bass and the same Sans processor, but can’t capture his tone because they can’t beat those strings like a they slapped your mother.

[@rickwood]

That really is like 90% of it. And you can hear its effect on his tone throughout all of his equipment changes. From the P-Bass to the Rick to the Jazz Bass and even the Steinberger and the Wal which sounded thinner to me but still had that attack of him laying into it.

[@cvn6555]

"Slappin da bass, mon"

[@snakepitguy]

you said it all! That'"s also why Roger Patterson was so great too!

[@tommypaddack]

Geddy's flamenco finger strum is an accessory to the way he plays through the strings. Think of it as an upstrum to his downstrum as he attacks the string. Very cool and efficient way to get a second hit on the string without having to lift and attack the string again.

[@nathanreiter6908]

I was listening to "Leave that Thing" Alone on the Counter Parts album release almost daily for two years after it's release. It just rocked me out and kept my spirts up in Fall of 1993 during dark times for me.

[@Flesharrower]

Christ...2011, that hurts man, seems like yesterday...

[@Fallokoch]

Ayooo. More Rush love! You already know how much this band means to me. Every time we have met that’s where our conversations have gone!

[@LNCRHRT-vh7kp]

Had the pleasure of seeing Rush over 10 times thanks to my mom ❤ Time Machine tour is my all-time favorite. So so proud the fans voted for this song "Leave That Thing Alone" an epic example of what they do together

[@mr.s.r.baxleyo.p.8481]

Very cool! Got to take my son to R40 and it really meant everything to pass on the torch in a way. I’m sure your mom and you had a great bond. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrRyguy2112]

Love this live version simply because Ged just goes off near the end! Alex has his solos in the songs, and of course Neil is a monster on the drums with his own solo during live shows, but I wish Geddy would have done just a 1 or 2 minute bass solo of his own.

[@TS4hundo]

One of my favorite Rush tunes!

[@norwegianblue2017]

I saw the actual Counterparts tour live and still consider it one of their best concerts.

[@grattonland]

4:52 You didn't even comment on the chef on stage. 😂

[@presp4386]

What a great musician this bass player is. Looking forward to more videos.

[@AtomizedSound]

Dang, I love Rush. There’s lots of videos out there on his tone though and how he achieves it, especially with his jazz bass he uses. He has his YYZ pedals too that gets his exact tone you can dial in he endorses. His technique is showy but effective after all his years of Playing

[@arieswar4770]

I love the fact that your able to pick out detailed nuance of RUSH ;-)

[@MrRezRising]

That demonstration of Geddy's attack was awesome! That's exactly how Neil plays. Loud. Very loud. I was behind him by about twenty feet one time and watched Subdiv and it was like a god was pounding the drums (then I got chased out and back to my seat). Geddy and he obviously share a viewpoint.

[@jonathanroberts8981]

Read once about drummers who used the same cymbals their whole careers - and Neil going through three sets on ONE TOUR.

[@MrRezRising]

@@jonathanroberts8981 ikr! I still have my ride from 1987, the center hole is getting oval. All crashes are destroyed tho.

[@anthonywilson7681]

Geddy is a monster on this one, and Neil with that traditional grip right in the middle of everything!! Malignant Narcissism, is another one that features Geddy!

[@Mitch_Feral]

Counterparts is my favorite album, the best synthesis of their early power, and their maturing sensibilities.

[@Mitch_Feral]

Also, I love Rush reaction videos, bc unlike every other band, their live performances are never lower quality than their studio tracks - and are sometimes meaningfully better.

[@ewm416]

I live in Toronto and was even at Lee's house as a kid. But it was only this passionate review that turned me into a fan. Thanks for the great video. I am about t get my first bass so this is really helpful to hear what is happening.

[@jenniferlucas3540]

Working Man from this same show really shows the way Alex & Geddy can play off each other and remain so in tune with each other.

[@dominich.9745]

Have to do Digital Man such a killer bass line.

[@countroshculla]

Geddy has been my fav bas player for decades now. I just love his lines & riffs.

[@stevectg2601]

I read that Geddy had an accident as a kid where he cut the end of his finger. As it healed the finger toughened up, especially at the finger nail. It has allowed him to play with that gritty sound.

[@RushFanatic87]

He picked up the percussive picking from his time with Les Claypool. He uses a combination of both hands to both open/choke a note and make the little rhythmic picking sounds.

[@gold98gtp]

Another you would like is Where's my thing? from the 1991 Roll The Bones album. I reommend the live version from their Clockwork Angels tour for their last studio album, Neil does a short solo in the middle then they all finish the tune. That version is called Where s My Thing?/ Here It Is!. Of course their first instrumental from Hemispheres in 1978, La Villa Strangiato - there's actually a lyric video for it since it's a 12 part tune.

[@FreddyVanHalen5150]

Honestly, the Rush In Rio dvd has the best version of this song (and a lot of their songs) the sound of everything is so crisp and perfect. Geddy is a monster.

[@geftiler2112]

Too bad the sound quality is terrible on Rush in Rio.... absolutely horrible.

[@FreddyVanHalen5150]

Couldn’t disagree more. I have the original dvd release and it’s incredible. Blows away anything released since in my opinion.

[@allanellis5827]

Omg. That was soo good! I had a huge smile watching Geddy work that bass. Awesome!

[@Untrainedpilot1]

Man I'm glad you did this. I've never heard this song before. I had the same reaction as you... "F@#!". Loved it. Definently ending up on repeat for a bit.

[@GEDDY37]

My friend thanks for geeking out on Rush, I’m 58 and would geek out on Rush any opportunity I get. LTTA live is one of my favourite Rush videos, Alex in Analog Kid live also very special

[@bluesdudebassist]

I love this because how you react to music is what’s going on in my brain too, but you articulate it so well. Thank you for all your great content.

[@andrewball1898]

"You can HEAR that they are friends...you really can" Yep....😊

[@chivobass]

Omg lol I absolutely love watching bass players react to this. I've been watching this rush video for over 10 years. When you said oh my God what a monster I almost shit my pants laughing.

[@jpcad7954]

You should take a look at Closer to the heart 1998 different stages. Really good bass work.

[@paulfromt.o.7384]

The pedals Ged and Alex play are Taurus pedals. The outro Ged solo's is a framework and varies a bit show to show. Best rock bassist ever. Lots of great ones throughout the years but Geddy (and the entire band) were all focused on being great musicians ahead of image, explosions and over the top live stage props.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Absolutely LOVE your videos...especially were Rush is involved! Counterparts was the album this track came from, and it was my first Rush album proper (I had the Chronicles compilation 2CD set as my first intro to Rush - and what a great intro it was). This song IMMEDIATELY stuck out as something special! I've always been drawn to the rhythm section of bands, and here is one of the best tandems in rock history! The entire group's sense of dynamics is what has amazed me for over 30 years. Their instrumentals have such a way of showcasing each member's talents, be it YYZ, La Villa, this one...such perfection is musicianship! Thanks for this. Cheers!

[@cancaodoimaginario]

Great react, so fun and cool to watch. Rush is such a classy and melodic band within their rock style, it's very nice to see a react that links to that. Hello from Brazil.

[@DocAmitay]

I have watched so many reaction videos pertaining to one of my favourite bands, and everyone mentions the bass-master, Geddy, of course. But you took it to a level that he and his mastery deserve. Thank you!

[@kennyplay5982]

Counterpart was released 10/19, 1993 30 yrs ago

[@caryd67]

I’m pretty sure “that flicking thing” was a combination of Geddy losing a nail on his picking hand and it grew back extra thick, and his friendship with Les Claypool, who influenced him.

[@jonathanbatchelor5032]

Such an incredible song…. Don’t know what else to say.. The sounds that come out of their instruments, amaze me. SMH. Love this

[@francisedwards4069]

I've loved this track since day 1 and so glad that someone has reacted to it. I'm now subscribed to your channel

[@gold98gtp]

I belive they are Moog Taurus pedals, he has played them since they were introduced in 1975. Another great short (just over 2 min) instrumental is malignant narcissism from the 2007 Snakes and Arrows album, on that tour it was the intro to a drum solo,

[@susanndiaye2180]

He is an totally master - it's "sick" how amazing he is ❤ Love him and he looks so cool when he play 💕

[@mzmadmike]

That finger sweep is almost a flamenco sweep.

[@edgarpacifico3421]

Amazing!

[@apolamperouge6013]

...and you hit the nail right on the head. we are NEVER going to see this kind of chemistry ever again. once in a lifetime? no, more like once in an eon

[@Manic_Drone_Idiom]

Analog Kid is my favorite Rush bass line. But if I had to pick an overall favorite Rush song, it'd be By-Tor And The Snowdog....

[@Raellives]

I dont know a thing about music theology, how to play an instrument or read a note, but I know what I like to listen to. Love it when musicians stand in awe of each other. Makes you appreciate all that You love.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Nice, thanks for stopping by and watching!! Appreciate you 🙏🏼

[@garysanders3193]

Leave that thing alone is on Counterparts. I love this album, it was recorded with Kevin Shirley, or however you spell his name

[@bradoliver9324]

Geddy's "flicking" technique is pretty similar to flamenco style on classical guitar. It's not terribly common on bass, but there are definitely some players who have brought that to the instrument.

[@PatrickPowers2112]

Geddy is why I started playing bass when I was 12 years old and why I still love thumping. He has so much style and skill. Then to sing and play keyboard with his feet all at the same time. He still just blows my mind. I really hope that he and Alex find a handful of guest drummers to take back out on the road while they're still able. (Alex has some arthritis) Neil inspired almost every great drummer working today. I'm sure they wouldn't have to search too hard to find a few to come jam with them. Nobody could replace Neil. That's why I would imagine it more fitting to find a few.

[@ginamarandino6451]

I am so happy you saw this because this is one of his best bass solos and I've loved it for years. 😂 And watching your face melted off was just priceless😂🤣 if you have not seen it yet please check out driven, but you have to watch it live

[@grahamkort4908]

I'm late in the game, but I remember Geddy talking about his right hand technique in an interview with Fender when he released his signature bass. I don't remember much, but I do remember him mentioning that the raking technique you're looking at around 11:30 was inspired by Les Claypool when they toured with Primus in the early 2000s, and he uses it when he wants to get a little extra power. If I find the link I'll post it!

[@lisaharrison1031]

A few more RUSH instrumentals bc for you to check out are: Where’s My Thing live on the Clockwork Angels tour The Main Monkey Business and Malignant Narcissism from Snakes and Arrows live. Great reaction. RUSH fanatic for 45 years!! MORE GEDDY MORE RUSH.

[@doyledonehoo9735]

Nice perspective on a video I must have seen a hundred times. A work of bass genius. Thank you.

[@LowEndUniversity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debbieplato5107]

Great song, very funky. Coun terparts is one of my favourite Rush albums. ❤ Cheers

[@cdrbroda]

Geddy é incrivel!

[@hansfredin5812]

Geddy Lee must have listen to John Entwistle for influence. I like my string action low like type of the other side of the frets. John once said in an intervju.😂

[@joebarrera9741]

Thanx for all you're Reactions from Steve Harris to Geddy Lee

[@nickwaynick6886]

Wow! What a great academic critique of my favorite band!

[@Fallokoch]

Gonna follow up on my first comment. The Geddy flicking technique is something I’ve been working on for 15 years. He absolutely demolishes those strings! And yes. It’s similar to using a pick on multiple strings and percussively muting them with his left hand! I’ve found recently that splitting my signal and running my higher frequencies through an Orange style guitar amp then running my lows through an Ampeg style bass amp. There are rundowns of his rig that support the split. Rush in Rio has my absolute favorite version of his bass tone. Something super saturated in gain, but does not lose control of the mids/lows.

[@andreaknibbs9328]

Damn someone finally did this one - one of my faves from Rush!

[@rickthestiks9240]

ha,ha,ha !!! what a monster,,,,,,,love it, ,,, bass master is the word,,,🤘🤘🤘

[@danbardos3498]

With great bands likes Rush; the best performances are always the live performances.

[@Pladderkasse]

My favorite Geddy moments on record, is the bass/drum interplay during the brakes in "Show Me Don't Tell Me" from Presto.

[@rattan3793]

The bass riff at 4:47 - play on the A & D strings A B C E-po-D B-ho-C F (repeat), then it drops a string and you play the same pattern on the E & A strings.

[@hammer11638]

I am not a musician, just someone who appreciates the work of Rush and everything that they have generated. That said, I would recommend listening to Headlong Flight, Driven, and One Little Victory are great songs from there later material. Some of their best songs.

[@pazz6708]

Good God Geddy goes off. RUSH fan 4 life and beyond...

[@stefanodegerome5586]

13:35 That lick is just something else. Feels like some really fast triplets or something. Dayum.

[@johnnynephrite6147]

This album is full of bass lines you can munch on.

[@martypaxton7668]

Some bass players make your hair stand on end often ..Geddy fulfills that need . To hear something exceptionally played .the whole band .Amazing .

[@kirtfulcher6288]

Counterparts has some killer basslines!

[@DaveBeard24]

Legends of RUSH!!!!

[@PrizeWinningPig]

Highly recommend Counterparts and also Test For Echo albums, if your not familiar with that era.

[@KarenThomas763]

Yep, Geddy is A God of Bass. Thanks for the floating thumb technique. I'm self taught, and I needed that advice! Low end university, indeed!