RUSH - Red Sector A | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION

[@NicknLex]

Hi everyone, we wanted to post a heartfelt apology for being joyful during the song and express that after having read the lyrics, we felt terrible and realize it must be disturbing to watch us having a good time. We considered taking the video down, but we feel with the comments we’ve received thus far, most of you have been very understanding and empathetic to the fact that we didn’t know what we were getting into. Thank you to all of those who took the time to let us know the meaning of the song and for your support. As you may notice in this and our other videos, we don’t look at the lyrics while listening because, especially for me (Lex), it can be very distracting. One of the reasons we created this reaction project was to help me learn to focus more on the music, rather than lyrics. Many have told us what a master-lyricist Neil was, so we are trying to find a way to incorporate them, especially to prevent something like this from happening again. We hope you know that our intention was not to offend or mean any disrespect and that our reaction would have been entirely different had we been reading the lyrics. We send everyone peace, Nick and Lex.

[@graybri]

It was an authentic reaction to what you were hearing at the time. Nothing to apologize for. It is usually worth examining the lyrics for Rush. Neil is a great writer. Maybe after reacting to the music, cut away and read the lyrics, come back and share your thoughts. In this case, knowing the lyrics does change how the song sounds. IMO

[@NicknLex]

@@graybri thank you so much for your understanding and support. :) - Lex

[@Jaybird-zl9ve]

I don't think anyone will take your reaction that way. I doubt that on a first listen, many people would be able to zero in on the meaning of this song. Keep your reactions honest and don't worry about the politics of correctness. Honest is much more important!

[@rrgoudie]

Northing to worry about. We all go crazy and are happy when they play it at the concert too. For crying out loud, they gave the song a dance beat so it's easy to get sucked into that. :)

[@SylviusTheMad]

It's a great song, and musically it's actually quite triumphant - as it should be, because the storyteller DID survive those tragic events.

[@coffeemachtspass]

Geddy’s parents met in a Nazi concentration camp. He said that growing up with his mother’s stories of her harrowing experiences had a huge impact on him. Neil wrote the lyrics by taking elements of those stories. It’s a haunting song. Alex’s solo has stuck with me for all of these years; it moves somewhere between painful and beautiful.

[@sethcashman1011]

Yes, their story was pretty miraculous. What are the odds that he would find her after they were separated - and that they would both survive the ordeal. Truly amazing.

[@Buds1own]

Amen.

[@SurvivorBri]

Unbelievable story. His parents are heroes.

[@tadpetrie3464]

Your descripition of it moving somewhere between painful and beautiful is spot on! I've been trying to describe it to people for years, but I have never said it as well as you did!

[@coffeemachtspass]

@@tadpetrie3464 Thanks. For my twelfth birthday, I got my first stereo system and Grace Under Pressure, which was their latest album. I’ve been a fan through most of their musical explorations, but that album is somehow my Rush: brooding and slightly more jaded than Signals. Obviously I’ve been thinking about this for a few decades. Ha ha ha.

[@allghilliedup21]

"I hear the sound of gunfire at the prison gates Are the liberators here, do I hope or do I fear?" Incredibly powerful line.

[@NoneYaBidness762]

Incredibly so. The Professor was brilliant

[@QuikVidGuy]

@@NoneYaBidness762 I thought Peart was the Professor, cause of his percussion section

[@NoneYaBidness762]

@@QuikVidGuy He was. He also wrote the lyrics.

[@iamredoctober]

The song is about the Holocaust. Geddy's parents are Holocaust survivors of WWII. There was a great interview somewhere on KZbin with Geddy Lee about his parent's story. Once you know the story behind the lyrics, you don't hear the song the same way.

[@foobman]

Without being explicit, these lyrics are one of the most chilling reminders of what horrors man is capable of. Especially the line about the mother, the attempt to help her even when it probably feels futile, gets me every time. The lyrics is one of the reasons I think this song ranks as one of Rush's best. And that's coming from a guy who normally doesn't pay much attention to lyrics.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

“I clutch the wire fence until my fingers bleed”. Gets me ever time. It brings flashes of memories seeing the Jewish prisoners throw themselves against the electric fence wire because death was better than the horrors the nazis had in store for them. Talk about hate?

[@michaelcalvert7363]

The lyrics and the emotional way Geddy sings this are the real highlights here so poignant and obvioysly written in tribute to Geddys mum who survived Auswich

[@leehanson1416]

Incredibly sad song. Geddy's parents were holocaust survivors.

[@dallassukerkin6878]

How on earth they made the song so affecting and emotional with such 'bright' musical sounds is amazing. He could so easily written it as a dirge and it would not have hit so hard. Even today, when I have heard it thousands of times, it still sparks tears at the corners of my eyes.

[@davecole2561]

It's memorable and remarkable. Of cours it is: it's Rush. This goes very deep, particularly for Geddy as already commented. Such a shame I couldn't join you last night for Beyond the lighted stage. I was asleep here in the UK! I had hoped that watching it would really deepen your respect and admiration for them. Did it?

[@sethcashman1011]

@@dallassukerkin6878 well, the minor keys certainly help. But yeah, definitely know what you mean...

[@chadbennett7873]

Thank you for making that point - it's sometimes lost on new fans.

[@QuikVidGuy]

@@dallassukerkin6878 Disco was made for blues, the best ones are tragic: Red Sector A, Another Brick 2, Stayin' Alive (yes that's sad, read the lyrics)

[@fryman1812]

It is safe to say that these three musicians were constantly trying to better themselves as players, enlarge the sound of the power trio, and become the worlds smallest orchestra. So, when you jump around the albums, you are hearing all the different vibes. And yes the chimes and gong that were behind the drum kit were replaced by the electric drums on this album. We appreciate your efforts to put these videos out. Thank you

[@clare4191]

I urge you to listen to ‘The Pass’ from the album Presto and also ‘The Analog Kid’ from the album Signals.... you’ll love them, I promise. Thank you for your enthusiasm for Rush.... welcome aboard! 😄

[@frankbarnwell____]

I will add, Totem, from Test for Echo. Poppy philosophy

[@garysteinert8040]

The Pass is incredible

[@MrGlenspace]

I would say listen to “ nobody’s hero.”

[@billforster1010]

The Big Money is still relevant in a big way. Neil is transitioning from a story teller to a social commentator on this record.

[@Rendclaw]

I honestly believe that Neil was both since the 70s, with songs like Beneath, Between and Behind. That was a rather scathing commentary on us Americans.

[@michaelkeller6223]

How fearless do you have to be to write a song like this?

[@rdkLakota]

I love the visual that this dog gives “ ragged lines of ragged grey” and “ don’t feel the hunger, to weak to cry”.

[@sethcashman1011]

“Between The Wheels,” also on this album, would be another great one for you both to take a listen to.

[@LawrenceWhitaker]

Between the Wheels is stunning. That and Kid Gloves.

[@johntuohy4507]

I agree with Seth. Alex lays down an amazing guitar solo while Neil and Geddy are jamming on an incredible rhythm section! You’ll love it!

[@andrewneal8320]

Afterimage and enemy within are great choices too

[@brendantoungate8287]

Just about everything on Grace Under Pressure is a great listen. Top 5 RUSH album for me.

[@rushman4173]

It's so great to see the next generation fall in love with the the band that changed my life so much as a kid. I'm 56 know and I got into Rush in 81 at collage, saw them the fallen year and rest in history. Try Eathshine off of vapour trails.

[@Raven-wy9ps]

Red Sector A was written by Neil Peart for Geddy and as tribute to Geddy's parents who fled the German Concentration Camps. I believe Geddy's Father passed away when Geddy was 12. Red Sector A is one of my alltime favorites. Other great GREAT tunes you should do a reaction to: Subdivisions- Signals album Losing it- Signals Album Manhattan Project- Power Windows

[@olynshytles1674]

Losing It, from the Signals album, is another amazing song. You guys are doing a great job! Keep up the good work.

[@sethcashman1011]

Agreed - on all counts. “Losing It” kind stands on its own in the Rush catalog. Some of Neil’s best lyrics. Very difficult subject to write about.

[@michaelcalvert7363]

Great song Olyn.Deep lyrics and amazing solo.Love this song guys thanks for it Geddys vocals are so powerful.Can I suggest 7 brilliant songs from the early years the so underrated Here Again the dazzling Working Man the dark foreboding The Necromancer and the amazing drum fill and solo break in By Tor and the snow Dog and from 80s era another bouncy tune Manhattan Project and the wonderful Territories and Middleton Dreams.Welcome to the Rush journey you havent even scratched the surface yet.Wait till you hear the live stuff!

[@phiby123]

Losing it, is a masterpiece

[@davidnelson6874]

I had the feeling that Losing It would have a lot of staying power. I love the live version they did with Ben Mink on electric violin.

[@petert.9448]

One of my al time favourites!

[@johannsebastianb4ss]

Red sector A is a great song for introduce the second decade of Rush, but backing in the first one, I would recommend my favourite Rush song ever: Xanadu, it's really proggy, it's long but it's really fun to listen to, and a fun fact about this song, they record it in only one take, so that talks a lot about the talent of this three masters ;)

[@nealbarrus9140]

I'll second Xanadu, I've probably listened to it over 1,000 tomes, it's a great shower timer, about 12 minutes depending on which version you play.

[@davecole2561]

Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left in 1981, on the back of The Trees, is compulsory viewing: simply extraordinary 🤩!

[@rushtabconvideo]

Once they start doing live concert video reactions, “Xanadu” from their live Exit Stage Left concert is a must-do-first Rush reaction. Studio version just doesn’t quite compare, I feel.

[@Tannhauser62]

Another vote here for the Exit Stage Left version of Xanadu. Loads of fun. Generally, I agree with the idea of studio version first, but I think in this case you could probably dive straight in.

[@davecole2561]

@@Tannhauser62 they could... and should!

[@chalfo]

Perfectly fine reaction so don't fret .... however, now that you know what it's about you'll probably hear that there's a slightly different mood underneath. You'll hear the synth as a siren, Neil's drilled drum fills as gunfire or some of the toms as shells etc. It's one of my favourites because it is deep but they still managed to make it entertaining whilst being respectful.

[@johngeyer2081]

Rush is the soundtrack of my life for over 40 years, since I was in elementary school (now 54). It is so wonderful to see you discovering this treasure. Musically, no other band comes even close. Lyrically, there is so much meaningful observation of life. Others here have mentioned Losing It (Signals) and The Pass (Presto). I look forward to your reactions of those brilliant songs -- and to the whole Rush catalog (You really can't go wrong!)

[@NicknLex]

JOIN US TODAY FOR OUR FIRST LIVE STREAM! We'll be watching Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage all together! Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/laavcohsqrVmpc0 3/6/21 @ 6pm MST (8pm EST)

[@truckn]

*Greetings, So many Rush songs to chose from but I'm going to suggest that when you want to be touched lyrically, Listen to LOSING IT off the Signals album. To me and I suspect many other RUSH fans musically there songs speak volumes just as the words in the songs do. Thanks for doing these. Be well.* 👍😎

[@toddwalker4301]

Yes....a second for Losing It. The most poignant, touching song they have ever done. The electric violin is amazing!

[@bencausey]

Losing Has the greatest 11/8 groove in all of music.

[@bhill170167]

La villa La Strangiato is my favorite instramental song of all time. I used to have Grace under Pressure on Cassette tape. Rush is my favorite band, period. Distant Early Warning is another good one off the album.

[@vincentroe9935]

Love Your reactions and Your Love for Music! You guys are so Nice and just Awesome! Thank You for being here! Wishing You all the Best!

[@dannyobradovic1261]

This is beautiful to see a husband and wife doing these reactions. I am living vicariously through you guys! Much love from RUSH's hometown. 😀

[@LawrenceWhitaker]

Rush's lyrics are always important, but here you have some of Neil's most powerful, given the horrific subject matter and Geddy's parents' own experience of the holocaust. This is one track that always chills me.

[@philliptukia8307]

This was when Rush used more synth starting from their prior album, Signals. I enjoyed Grace and Power Windows afterward. This song was a homage to Getty's parents who were Holocaust survivors. Thanks for jumping into the Rush rabbit hole. You two are awesome!

[@GT-mq1dx]

Alex’s guitar work is eerie and ethereal in this composition. I always loved the musicianship of all three on this tune but especially Alex’s big harmonic chords. I went and saw this concert at the Oakland Coliseum when they toured the album. Glad to say that I was there.

[@Frozenghost2112]

Fantastic. Losing It is a great lyrical tune. Have a listen. Much meaning being a musician for many years & dealing now with things don’t quite work like they used to.

[@ResilientOne2112]

Rush kept adapting continuously to the times they were in, nice reaction again! The lyrics to this song are truly amazing as usual I'm patient, as long as you're reacting to ANY Rush, I'll wait for my favs, all good!

[@surfeit5910]

BTW - you need to throw in the towel and watch them live. This song is INTENSE when you see them play it on stage (and no, Geddy is not playing a bass, he's entirely on keyboards for this one). I "liked" Rush for a while, but it wasn't until I WATCHED them perform La Villa Strangiato live, than my jaw dropped and I decided to dedicate my guitar playing to learning to play like Alex. If you do listen to studio versions, then listening to a "lyrics on the screen" version is almost essential, as it makes it 100 times easier to see and hear what's being sung... so certain certain songs about the Holocaust, for instance, don't fly under your radar ;)

[@NH2112]

Rush live sounds the same or better than studio Rush, a lot of times they make it MORE complex live. Jacob’s Ladder from Exit Stage Left is a good example, Neil’s drumming in the final segment is crazy.

[@rush2112flyer]

Its so Cool to see guys Discovering RUSH !!! Best band of ALL TIME. Your natural reactions are so pure.

[@johns1364]

Great pick, guys!! This is a classic from 80s era RUSH... Nick, yes those drums are definitely 80s sounding... Neil began experimenting with Simmons electronic drum trigger pads on this album. A lot of RUSH fans know that these lyrics are about Geddy Lee's parents experience in Nazi death camps in WW2. They were survivors of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen. The guys purposely made the lyrics sound a bit vague, since it's a pretty heavy subject. FYI, the name was reportedly from a place at the NASA space center, but Neil said in one of his books, that it was the seating area in the Toronto Blue Jays baseball stadium where Geddy used to have season tickets. Geddy is a huge baseball fan.. Hope you guys feel better soon.. Keep up the good work!

[@johns1364]

@@APthefirst You are totally right... making edit now.

[@Snowdogkh]

No matter what era Rush you listen to they fit the times and they were doing what nobody else was doing. They completely stood out on their own. WAY ahead of the curve... That is what makes Rush so freaking amazing. They always did their own thing and they did it damn good.....every time

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

No 2 albums the same

[@Jelsick]

I bought Grace Under Pressure when it came out in the spring of 1984 at Musicland in the mall. It was the first Rush record I ever bought. I still have it, as well as the remastered vinyl. Great memories, great album. I would suggest Afterimage from the same album, a tribute to a friend who was killed in a wreck.

[@SuperGitfiddle]

Picked mine up at Turtles. Day of release.

[@toddmadden9777]

Need to do Grace under pressure full-album review...45 mins. Life changing...

[@jasonshort1437]

Few things make me as happy as seeing people discover (and liking) this band

[@Rendclaw]

I love how you guys communicate during the song.

[@MrBeblis]

Always listen to their lyrics, close your eyes and it will play like a movie. That is a sign of a poet and master writer.

[@PROGROCK-tr9hw]

Check out Xanadu (Exit stage left version)video

[@MarcoBosma]

Yeah for sure, this one is epic

[@pfern]

Nice reactions. Welcome to the Rush family! My first Rush album was A Farewell to Kings, bought new in 1977 and I immediately wanted to learn how to play bass. I first saw them in Seattle in 1980 touring Permanent Waves. Natural Science, played live, was quite a treat. I still play bass, and still consider Rush as my favorite band of all. It's so nice to see your generation so enthusiastic and sincere in your appreciation of this music. Thank you.

[@beanad68]

I’m totally in love with your passion and love of music. The emotional responses you all get speaks so much about you ... thank you for everything you do. Keep up the great work.

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and support! Really means a lot! :) - Lex

[@garrymatthews5192]

I just love watching you listen to Rush. Your expressions appear so heartfelt! Keep it up

[@raymondrochajr9621]

I appreciate you listening to the studio recordings first before the live version. And with Rush they rarely change the studio version of their songs when they are performing live anyway. Thanks for sharing!

[@MarkoStatues]

"Sickness to Insanity - Prayer to Profanity" Epic Lyrics...

[@sealiferr]

I grew up about 3 miles east of Alex Lifeson. I use to see a 14-15 year old Alex riding his bicycle with a guitar strapped to his back while Getty would be riding on the handlebars and on a busy street to boot! Off to some after school gig I guess. Who knew 10 years later we would have Rush...destiny I suppose!

[@NicknLex]

WOW! That is SO COOL! Thank you so much for sharing; must feel great having that in your memory bank! :) - Lex

[@sealiferr]

@@NicknLex A few memories over the decades.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

And they still live near each other and stayed close all these years. Their friendship is what allowed them to work amazingly well together for so many decades.

[@jimhetz]

So glad you both are enjoying your introduction to the Rush universe. Great reviews you two! You both really appreciate the musicianship and the lyric writing.You have just touched the surface of what Rush has to offer. Their music has been the soundtrack to my life. I had previously mentioned “The Garden” which is the last song of their last ever studio album. This song encapsulates what life is about for us as individuals. They have so many songs that really speak to you as the listener. I would also recommend “Entre Nous”, “Tears”, “Madrigal”, “The Sphere”, “The Pass”, “Nobody’s Hero”, “Afterimage”, “Losing It”, “Different Strings”, “Analog Kid”, “Resist”, “How It Is”, “Half The World”

[@bobdelp2023]

40 YEARS YOU GUYS!!! :) 74-2014, 20 ALBUMS! :) YEAH I MEAN THEY WERE COMPLETELYYYY UNREAL AND INSANELYYYY BEAUTIFULLLLL!

[@bobsacamano5334]

Keep listening to rush! They have so many great songs.

[@sickerman88]

I've seen other reaction videos before but I really love you guys, the reactions your having brings me back to my younger years when my friends and I heard this amazing music ourselves for the first time! It brings me great joy to see you guys loving the most favorite band of mine for life

[@petert.9448]

You're GREAT! I'm a RUSH fan and IQ fan, seen them many times live! keep making these great videos!!!

[@jamesp2719]

Goosebumps every time i hear this song

[@roncalvert7988]

I Love watching you two, its a GENUINE reaction to the songs of my favourite band of 40 years. The most UNIQUE and greatest band. Tight, at point, musically spectacular as individuals and as a threesome. Neils Lyrics are awesome with influence from Geddy and Alex. I look forward to more. Try Subdivisions from My fave Album 1982. Great Synths and beautiful drum. Alex awesome of course. Thank you for the appreciation of the greatest band.

[@Marteeenxurl]

Yes guys!! This song grooves grace under pressure is phenomenal!!

[@jaymann2112]

Fun stuff. Can’t wait for more RUSH!! 🥁🙏🏻

[@thegman8968]

Hi NicknLex! Guys, don't sweat not getting the lyrics on your first listen. The music these guys produce is mind blowing enough! But once you do get to the meaning of these songs, your appreciation of this band will only grow stronger! FEEL BETTER SOON!! ☮☮☮.

[@Jeannified]

So refreshing to see young people appreciation g great rock music!

[@user-nb2xs3ss1g]

“I clutch the wire fence until my fingers bleed, a wound that will not heal, a heart that cannot feel…”. Gets me emotional every time I hear it. Little tidbit. Geddy puts down his bass for this song in concert. Just keyboards.

[@paulstewart6203]

Great reactions, you two are going to love this album, also 'power windows' two of their best albums. I saw Rush from 1981 every time until '92 in St Louis. Keep On Rocking. 👍

[@victorfuentes8749]

Hijole, cuando canta Geddy, "Don't feel the hunger, too weak to cry..." Se siente el dolor en su voz.

[@GenXDaddyO]

Looking forward to your livestream! You caught the feel of this song. It’s about Geddy’s parents’ experiences during their time in Nazi concentration camps.

[@billmclean2995]

Lucky to see them 5 times in Toronto each show was amazing and great

[@marcthomas8502]

Agreed, with Rush it's another level to realize the lyricism on top of the musicianship. A beautiful tribute to Geddy's parents. In the 80's Neil became much more focused in his lyrics which is why this period resonates with me the most.

[@rcdolphin714]

I watch a lot of Rush reaction videos, but I think yours are the best. It’s like having my friends listen to Rush for the first time. You went down a rabbit hole that will endear yourselves to Rush like the rest of us. Keep them coming,

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your support, we LOVE sharing this with you! :) - Lex

[@johngardner4096]

One of the things that I love about Rush is that they try to bring a new sound with each release. Their first commercial smash was MOVING PICTURES, so they took a deliberate left turn with SIGNALS, instead of doing MOVING PICTURES II.

[@briancarr4607]

Love you guys you are such a warm friendly couple

[@scottshields113]

The thing I loved about Rush, they were unpredictable in what they would drop on an album. Grace Under Pressure came out in 84 and the ten year professional anniversary of the band. If you listened to their first album with Neil (Fly By Night) then this. Sonically you would think it was two different bands.

[@davecole2561]

Absolutely. And friends and colleagues still oversimplify maddeningly, saying "Oh that's prog rock" or whatever. No it isn't: it was all only ever Rush, who could turn their many musical and lyrical talents to whatever they wanted. Fearless and uncompromising.

[@scottshields113]

@@davecole2561 Exactly. You can't pigeon hole this band into one thing. Sure they took their early hard rock approach delved into prog territory, but then hey let's get into some post punk and new wave in their own signature stamp on it. Back to harder rock in 90's and more metal influence at the end (which is where they started to begin with) The band wasn't afraid to experiment with anything. In terms of that, probably the most progressive rock band in many genres of music. But hey I'm biased to Rush lol

[@dorarie3167]

I’m a Rush fan, and I hope this journey into one band takes you into the works of other great bands as well. Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Genesis, The Who, Queen...the list is long. Also, please don’t apologize for anything. Your efforts and content are bringing us pleasure. We should be thanking you. Do your reactions the way you want to, and don’t worry about complaints or negative comments. Your channel is for you, and we viewers either respond or we don’t. Music appreciation has no place for pettiness or negativity. Hope your dog is doing well and your eye infection clears up quickly. Thanks again. 🙏🏽👍🏽🤘🏼

[@chuckhutton5087]

The greatness of Neil Peart’s songwriting is on full display here. This song is Neil’s attempt to honor Geddy’s parents, who survived Nazi captors during WW II.

[@Redlefty]

Love you’re insight and honesty with the songs. Keep up the good work.

[@NicknLex]

Thank you SO much for your kind words and support! 😊 - Lex

[@riveralph3687]

It is a lovely sounding and brilliantly composed song, despite its heavy lyrical theme. No worries about feeling joy at the melodies and energy; love your reactions!

[@surfeit5910]

I dunno. Technically, you can say many Rush albums are concept albums even without telling a story. Most of them have a theme, for this one all the songs are about trauma and turmoil, with underlying Cold War themes. Roll the Bones is about luck and chance, Counterparts is about human gender and personalities.

[@taitgielow3506]

Really enjoying your Rush journey! Nice guitars, Nick! Alex Lifeson is such a virtuoso. Love to hear more of your thoughts as a musician. Great channel!

[@StarNate2112]

This is my personal favorite Rush album! It's crazy how different this album is and it's only two albums after "Moving Pictures." A lot of people don't like it because it's too "pop" but it has some of their darkest lyrics and just shows me that they always make the music they want to! If you want another 80's Rush classic check out "The Big Money" and "Mission!"

[@plantgeek]

Thank you for another great reaction! I hope you all heal up well, and soon.

[@johnmason8841]

Nik n Lex, no need for apologies. I love your stream, I love your upbeat happiness. You had no idea, so no need to worry. I feel very close to this song, as I am a Canadian Veteran who spent many years in Germany, and had the unfortunate opportunity to visit Bergen-Belsen, the concentration camp that Geddy’s Mother had been imprisoned in. It was the most horrific experience I ever went through, but also a very eye opening and educational experience. It literally changed my life.

[@pitchfork78ify]

The title name for "Red Sector A" was inspired by the name of the seating section Geddy, Alex, and Neil sat in when watching the launch of the first space shuttle "Columbia" They also wrote a song about that event on their Signals album called "Countdown"

[@timmurphy3977]

Welcome to the Rush Army. I am a 42 year veteran. Enjoy the journey!!!

[@mightyV444]

When I first heard this song (in '89), it reminded me A LOT of the band SAGA, another Canadian band and who've always been quite successful in Germany, Nick's and also my own country of origin (I'm in NZ now). And 'Grace Under Pressure' had been my very first Rush impression then, when a good friend of mine had lent me his LP to check out, among a bagful of others, and already the opener 'Distant Early Warning' then got me hooked to the band straight away 😊

[@channelsikasep4827]

Marathon is a must hear.. it's going to be always on my playlist for forever i guess...

[@jimtatro6550]

Lyrically, this is probably the darkest song in the Rush catalog, it was a staple in their live show for years.

[@ecort5859]

Gracias. Truly a dark and sad song, another lyrical masterpiece from Neil. Thank you for the reaction. ❤ From deep south Texas. Hasta la proxima.

[@joenewman6939]

Everyone of there songs is a story. Just wanted to say you guys do a great job reacting to video's you need a raise lol thanks for taking the time to do this for all of us

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

Between the Wheels is my fav from Grace Under Pressure, But Red Lenses is cool because its kind of funny. 2nd fav from P/G is Kid Gloves

[@stevekocinski6812]

Also I can't believe you reacted to this song. Of the 160-some odd Rush studio songs this ranks in my top 5. LOVE THIS SONG!

[@babylonsister118]

Distant Early Warning was my favorite song from this album. I hope to see it! LOVE watching and listening to you guys and I watch a LOT of reaction videos but I am really enjoying you guys!

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Y’all feel Rush music! It’s great seeing how you react to my favorites. Next should be Xanadu for a long, proggy one, or Force Ten, for another ‘80s song from the 3 Amigos canadienses.

[@eddiebruce8944]

another awesome chapter in Rush's book of life and you guys just read it ! thanks you guys

[@cristallecromey2663]

Such a unique song and lyrics. I've heard this song live. Some Rush song needed Synth and this one. Neil amazing lyrist. "The Pass" is a great song. "No Body's Hero" "Body Electric" "Subdivisions" "Witch Hunt" My personal favorite "Grand Design" on Power Windows album. I've been a Rush fan since July 1978 and had the amazing experience of see Rush play live 5 times. RIP Neil Professor. Nick & Lex I hope you're feeling better.

[@dpoprojectsniagara]

Awesome. Great to see how much you love Rush.

[@chrislovett56]

Grace under pressure was my first Rush album and my favorite, also was my first Rush concert I saw them on that tour

[@jaycalandra4066]

Love your videos I,m 66 and it’s great watching you enjoy music I’ve loved try camel great band lady fantasy great song as for newer prog comedy of errors fanfare for the heart

[@michaelmontalvo5757]

Definitely hear U2's Edge as an influence on Alex's playing in this song. In addition to Geddy's parents being holocaust survivors, I also feel Elie Wiesel's influence from his iconic and powerful book: "Night."

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Yeah..or even more Paul Reynolds(flock of seagulls)in my opinion !

[@martinhall3510]

Class song from another masterpiece of a album.

[@rushrules81]

I love watching your Rush journey specifically the route. It's not the typical route and you aren't going for all the big hits at once you are spreading it out, and not doing live versions (as a first take) is smart IMO. Plus this gives me twice as many chances to stare at Lex😉. Probably already been said, but for this song the lyric "are we the last ones left alive, are we the only human beings to survive" is what the holocaust survivors actually asked when they were rescued. Geddy's Mom and Dad were two of them.

[@NicknLex]

Thank you so much for your support and kind compliment. :) We have loved sharing this with everyone. Thank you so much for being one to shed some light on the lyrics; in this case I truly wish we would have had them pulled up. Sending peace, Lex

[@GunsmithSid]

I’ve never seen anyone smile and giggle at this song... Glad you like it I guess.

[@paulthornley4149]

Rush is simply amazing...great reaction. If you are interested in checking out another insanely talented group try listening to Band Maid...they are best live but do have a lot of music videos too! Looking forward to more Rush and hopefully Band Maid.

[@sethcashman1011]

Another enduring favorite. “Lifeson Chords” all over this one. Some of his finest - and certainly most emotive - work with the band. Geddy communicates Neil’s thoughts so plaintively here (and no wonder). And Neil’s use of the Simmons electronic toms is not only tasteful, but it actually somehow enhances the mood of the piece. Would love to hear what you guys think of “Afterimage,” “The Pass,” and/or “Vital Signs.” The former two became very significant for Neil in later years.

[@ruperterskin2117]

Love Rush... Cool that y'all diggin' them too!

[@necromancer6897]

You are truly going down the rush rabbit hole and your wife could never look bad she is gorgeous!!!!

[@joesixpack8305]

Quick note if it hasn't already been mentioned. This is Rush's only song about the Holocaust. Ged made one other Holocaust song on his solo album called Grace to Grace. Beautiful song.

[@chrisrivers6845]

The trees The trees The trees !!!! its a must on hemisperes.