Rappers React To RUSH "2112"!!!

[@jenniferjohnson319]

Now imagine being 15 years old, with headphones on, stoned listening to this. Life was good!!!

[@jeffreygreer]

or 16 frying on acid seeing it live

[@PhillipManganaro]

I did both my bros ✌🏼🙏🏽🤘🏽

[@kevinmurphy65]

Yes it was...

[@jamiecarr886]

jen, we were born in the wrong era ngl :D

[@sickerman88]

seeing them live high was the true experience lol

[@txmale1977]

2112 was my first Rush album. My father, who passed Feb 9th of last year, introduced me to them and they blew my mind. RIP Neil Peart THE GOAT OF DRUMMERS!

[@ringonor4298]

"There's something here thats strong as life, I know that it will reach you ". The lyrical genius of Neil Peart. Sooo good.

[@TOM-dg9wq]

Quick story: I'm 66 and I remember my first job was a stocker for a shoe store. First day on the job, I walked down into the basement where we unloaded the truck. In the basement on the wall was a giant Rush 2112 poster. Knew very little about them at that point. A few years later I was managing one of those stores in a mall when some dude came walking past the entrance to the store with Tom Sawyer blasting on the huge jam box he was balancing on his shoulder. I got tickets for their next tour...that was 1981. I never missed another tour. I took girlfriends, my brother, my buddies, my 1st wife, my 2nd wife and eventually my 3 kids when they got old enough and they are still fans. Didn't really appreciate 2112 until the last few years and every time I hear it, it gets better. 'Between the Wheels' is a deep cut favorite of mine. 'The Garden' is becoming their anthem, but with Rush, there is little that you cannot love! Peace!

[@yyz2go2112]

Between the Wheels hell yeah man badass Jam

[@papasmurf5925]

My first concert. Farewell to Kings tour. I had the privilege of seeing 2112 played in it's entirety. RIP Professor. You are Sorely Missed.

[@ChuckHickl]

About 8 years behind you and although I was introduced to Rush by listening to Working Man on a drive between Corpus Christi and Galveston in the early 80s and have been a fan since. That being said, I was a fan of the music and never really payed attention to lyrics. Although I have listened to this song dozens of times, I had neve familiarized myself with all the lyrics of this song until this listen and I truly had no idea he was portraying multiple characters. This has been happening fairly often now that I am watching reaction vides and typically take the time to research along with watching. Good stuff and it is bringing back a lot of good music memories! Oh, and congrats on making it thru 2, I was done after 1.

[@Ace96x10]

Rush 1980 was my first Concert, and it is still the best show I ever saw to this day. "Between the wheels" is one of the 2 best tunes on Grace for sure. I stopped listening to them after 1987, but their first 9 Lp's are just fantastic, one of a kind Lp's indeed.

[@wintermoondardar1277]

I saw Rush 7 times and I love Between The Wheels. It's so deep.

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

Alex Lifeson is never mentioned enough when it comes to inspirational guitarists, greatest guitarists, and it should be known that all three of these gentlemen are one of the most inspirational musicians in the world.

[@trainguy1017]

THE most under rated guitarist in the business!

[@DarthDookie69]

Alex is the awesomest

[@jasonouellette2436]

They're the 3 GOATS BAAÀ! None!

[@Paul-hl8yg]

Alex is a guitar god!

[@ELoon-xn9ro]

Alex lifeson is one of My greatest idol.. same as Randy rhoads

[@k_spats]

This album is so special to me; it changed my life. Just picture an 8 year old girl... Sitting on her purple carpet (my whole room was purple) with huge headphones on and this 8-track in the stereo. 🎧 My brother had the album, so, I was reading the lyrics along while listening. (I must've listened to it 100x that first weekend.) It moved me so much that I *made* my mother listen - while I explained what it meant. From that moment on, whenever Rush was playing (which was regularly), she'd say, "Oh, that's Rush!" 😊 Best mommy in the world! 💯 She passed in November 2016 at 85 years old. 🙏🏻 I miss her, every day. #RushRules #RushOn 💜💫✌🏼🎵

[@MrMikefromvegas]

I know this is a year late, but I'm so very sorry for your loss.

[@guaporeturns9472]

😊

[@guaporeturns9472]

Best band on earth

[@johnpelfrey2425]

Awesome it's a great album

[@johnpelfrey2425]

Been playing bass for 45 years because of this

[@debbieplato5107]

This song is a finger to the record label. The label didn't like the previous album and the direction it was going and demanded that they do shorter more "radio friendly " songs. Rush said NO and did not give up their integrity. 2112 was so huge with the fans that after it's release and success the record label just let them do what they wanted. Although Geddy sings this amazingly it was Neil Peart that wrote the lyrics as he was the main lyrist for the band. Alex Lifeson's guitar playing on this blows you away! It is a true masterpiece. I would suggest The Fountain of Lamneth next for another amazing story telling song by them. Cheers

[@mvellis3863]

Or "The Necromancer"

[@debbieplato5107]

@@mvellis3863 Yes!

[@ericwagner1824]

Or maybe even Cygnus X-1 Book 1 The Voyage or Book 2 Hemispheres. By-Tor and the Snow Dog is another must.

[@debbieplato5107]

@@ericwagner1824 Yes!!

[@youtoo2233]

Yeah the previous album Caress of Steel was great but didn't have a radio hit so the record label threatened to drop them, Rush still didn't go for hits but continued to do what they wanted and albums sold anyway

[@jefflee6459]

This old man thank you for breaking this down to a newer generation

[@leidabraito-jones8546]

Excellent and expected reaction. Imagine being an 11yr old girl in 1976, listening to this epic music and trying to compare other music to it. I couldn’t nothing compared. They were and always will be the soundtrack of my life.

[@Hollywood6IX]

We could not imagine

[@andrewpetik2034]

The 1970s AM and FM radio airwaves were a veritable cornucopia of musical styles and genres and some great bands and artists that refused to be pigeonholed! We were spoiled.....

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

@@andrewpetik2034 yes, we were.

[@imacpctunez7272]

RUSH will break you :P

[@imacpctunez7272]

CONFORM or BE CAST OUT !

[@carnut1965]

I love watching new RUSH fans enjoy music that I have enjoyed for nearly fifty years. RIP Neal Peart.

[@spacejaime]

These guys reacted so positively, I'm thoroughly surprised. 67 y/o here. Listening to RUSH since the beginning. 2112 is my all-time favorite RUSH masterpiece.

[@christopherroman4320]

I know. So sad.

[@jonathanspahn7308]

Now, try to imagine this. Rush have played this entire suite of songs live in concert as if right off the album. Their talent is unmatched, possibly the greatest rock band ever! 🤘

[@zzz7zzz9]

yup. so glad i got to see it.

[@stevelennox8575]

That old man who is always smiling? He's seen Rush perform this many times live ......

[@marksfarmcraft1888]

Rush was my favourite band back in high school in the 70s. My cousin and I saw them live every time they came through Seatttle, including this one. Yes, in concert it sounded exactly like them album. They are LEGEND!

[@dougphelps6917]

I can... I've seen it done.

[@stevevalkos6308]

I don't have to imagine it either. Oh if we could have truly appreciated the good old days when we actually lived them!

[@michellewhaley3489]

Attention all planets of the solar federation= 7 words said 3 times= 21 We have assumed control= 4 words said 3 times=12 2112- only Rush can weave such puzzles into their music. Pure genius. Thank you Neil Peart and RIP

[@louisclark5675]

Not to mention that 21:12 in Military time = 9:12 9/12 = September 12, which just happens to be Neil Peart Birthday!!! the Genius of these guys was multi-level.

[@leddygee1896]

2113... The Next Chapter.

[@stevepower9801]

So glad you guys finally got round to this one. It's an absolute masterpiece and after many years of listening to it, it still never fails to blow my mind!

[@godafallenworldandplanes66]

I agree. I've listed to this for decades and every time I listen to it, I still get goosebumps.

[@thomasmehle5737]

Awesome album 👌

[@tomperugini189]

I'm from Toronto..been a rush fan since I was 10..I'm 55 now..saw rush 8 times..i was at the back to back rush shows fir the 20th anniversary of 2112...phenomenal

[@lookmanohands1966]

Rush wasn't a huge success before 2112 but did have a loyal following. The record company said they wanted more pop single style rock to boost sales and less progressive complicated crap. Rush answered that call with this. They gambled and we fucking loved it. Great FU to the record company and pop rock.

[@kenmolinaro]

And it was so successful the label never tried to tell them what to do again.

[@Reno_Slim]

The record companies finally got their wish in the 80s.

[@maureenwagg5305]

You didn't grow up in Toronto or Scarborough Ontario, clearly. Rush was always huge.

[@mikereiss4216]

2112 wasn't even a huge success when it first came out (at least not in the commercial sense). It was always more of a cult success. However, it was big enough and critically acclaimed enough to get the ball rolling.

[@michellewhaley3489]

I love the backstory of 2112.

[@michaelmorris8051]

Lifelong fan since I purchased their self-titled debut album in July 1974. Saw them front row center stage at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City on 1/15/1977 on their All The World's A Stage tour when they were touring 2112. I was 16. In the 70's EVERY concert was General Admission. 1st come 1st served. You arrive hours early before anyone else & SPRINT LIKE HELL to the stage. Every concert I saw in the 70's I was front row center stage. And I saw a LOT of bands. The greatest of them all was seeing 2112 being performed (as far as I was concerned) just for me. Right in front of me. 2112 is a MASTERPIECE that will NEVER be duplicated...

[@leddygee1896]

I was also 16 at that time, But I didn't get to see Rush until late summer 1978 in Northern California W/ Pat Travers opening... Hemispheres tour!

[@markshaffer6447]

FYI, while he sang the words Geddy did not write them, that was The Professor

[@chadbennett7873]

Neil was the prophet, if anybody, but I was thinking the same thing. As a writer, Neil has been a huge influence on me. He's simply brilliant, and I attribute that to the fact that he was a voracious reader.

[@catssuck4165]

It's based on a book by Ayn Rand called The Fountainhead. If you can find the liner notes from the album. It explains this.

[@EPIzen24]

It was based on Anthem actually

[@garywaterman814]

NOW IVE SEEN IT! I knew i was absorbed into the Rush Cult like 40yrs ago. (Im 51). Ive just never gotten to witness what it looks like when someone else gets sucked in. Well, now ive seen it! Lol Welcome aboard. We have plenty of room. Glad you could join us. Lol Rush is like their own Genre pigeon holed as Rock because there was no other place to put them. All 3 members are top notch musicians and composers and lyricists. This is what happens when 3 very smart, thoughtful and conscientious musicians with no ego get together for about 5 decades. They have lived much of their lives connected in 1 way or another even during their break. 1 of the best groups of all time.

[@jeffreycherep8264]

I think Alex's lead in "Soliloquy" is one of his best. So emotional.

[@garya7893]

Everything they did before the 80s to me was there best

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

absolutely wonderful!

[@mikeslojkowski5735]

Alex's solo in Presentation is one of the best face melters of all time.

[@Dooklawz]

absolutely! This album is untouchable for what it gives us...it's brilliant. For me, the ultimate goosebump giver is that triumphant guitar charge in Discovery.....gets me every time!

[@ronponce8238]

Definitely my favorite part of this song. Solo is a close second to LaVilla’ for me.

[@6point8esspcee68]

Imagine hearing this for the first time at 14 years old.......I was blown away. Spent the next 5 years learning it on guitar.

[@Barnes466]

Awesome man!!!!! That is great you are a guitarist! Personally, I am about to hit 52 years young lol and wanted to play guitar at a very young age of around 10 years old but was forced into piano like oh man it was bad lol. Both myself and brother were forced to take lessons in piano until we planted a rather large rubber spider under our teachers key cover :P It took me another 6 years to get to the point where I could afford an electric guitar, after that I was hooked. I spent 25 years chasing Iron Maiden in all of their songs, among many other great bands, I got to the point where I can actually play along with my favs in real time. Be well on your journey of music!!!

[@2869may]

I was 14 too.... My buddy was SO excited to show it to me...

[@lisaharrison1031]

THOSE ARE OUR BOYYZ!!! I miss them so much. Been a fan since I was 15. I am now 63. One of the original “RUSH CHICKS”!! Also married to a RUSH GUY!! ❤️🤘

[@bobsacamano2948]

Alex Lifeson is one of the greatest guitarists I have ever heard.

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🐐

[@joe1972]

@@winstonlane708 agree he's the greatest. I laughed when I read Rolling Stone's list of 100 greatest guitarists and found Alex ranked 98th... lower than Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Kurt Cobain and Bruce Springsteen lol. What a joke. 🤣

[@winstonlane708]

@@joe1972 Joe and Bob … Amen 🙏🏾 🙏🏽🙏

[@JeanPaillard-to1hx]

@bobsacamano2948 We often hear how Alex Lifeson is underrated. Well, that's no big deal. We Rush fans most certainly don't underrate Alex. We all know how GREAT he is. He is certainly way up in the charts of those who REALLY know something about EPIC music. To those who THINK they do and don't, who cares.

[@DaveHeesen]

the ONLY reason Alex isnt recognised as one of the greatist of all time is because he is in a band with Geddy and Niel ...sometimes I wonder if when they got finished and listened to the finished product if they were as impressed with it as the rest of us@@winstonlane708

[@WhatHaveIMade]

14:58 Smokey's face when he figured out what the subject was in Discovery elevated this to one of the best 2112 reactions ever. I'm glad that you guys watched a lyric video as it's a lot to follow for a first time listen and the impact of the song is greatly diminished without them.

[@kato0828]

Loved that look.

[@mycroft16]

Not only is this one of the most incredibly pieces of music ever... they also wrote a damn solid sci-fi post-apocalyptic story as well, worth of Ray Bradbury or Isaac Asimov. I love the bit where the guy picks up the guitar and you can hear him plucking at it, chaotically, slowly, haltingly, then forming sloppy chords, building to melodies, and more confidant. Alex is a damn genius... and this was EARLY on in their careers. He was already this damn good. My favorite part is Discovery. The whole thing is Alex "learning" to play guitar. There's dissonant chords and mistakes and really a lack of confidence early and it builds. the chords find harmony. There is a melody. The volume builds... it's just magical. it's art. He's painting with music and it's just a joy. Plus the words "See how it sings like a sad heart / and joyously screams out it's pain." Jesus that's good.

[@mvellis3863]

After Rush released their 1975 album "Caress of Steel" (which is a killer album) their label threatened to drop them due to low record sales. Even though they toured with Kiss that year, they called it their "down the tubes" tour because they thought they were about finished. The record label gave them one more chance to record an album, on the condition that they focus on hit single songs and told them not to do any more long conceptual pieces. When they got into the studio, they gave the company the proverbial middle finger and instead decided to go down in flames with an epic conceptual piece of music. To the record company's surprise, it was a huge hit and launched them into stardom. I saw Rush in 1976 when they first toured 2112 (and many times after that in the late 70's) and they just blew everyone away. I still consider 2112 to be their supreme masterpiece.

[@cjonesufc]

And they never again had to take direction from any label. Though they worked with a number of great producers they had full control of the actual songs

[@filipusfontanus]

I don't think I would call it their "supreme masterpiece". Certainly one of the highlights of their catalog, I will definitely give you that. But the song still shows some of the lyrical and musical naïveté that, on one side, made Rush throw caution to the wind, yet on the other side demonstrates they had not yet matured enough to show what they were truly capable of. In terms of epic pomposity, they would outdo themselves a couple of years later with Hemispheres, my own personal favorite. But in terms of balance between musicality and technical proficiency, Permanent Waves showcased their ability to condense all their talents into shorter, punchier yet musically complex songs (Spirit of Radio and Freewill are true masterpieces, lyrically, musically and emotionally). That evolution would culminate with Moving Pictures, although I have always found that album just slightly over-produced. I'm nitpicking, of course... but isn't that what all of us Rush fans do? :P

[@el.aye.bee.4477]

Which is to say that RUSH did what we in the Black community would get our asses whupped for as kids, they showed their proverbial ass! LMAO!

[@garymunroe1500]

I was fortunate enough to see this live on their tour. I was already a fan but this cemented it for me!

[@jasonouellette2436]

@@garymunroe1500 Dude , I was ecstatic when I heard they were going to play it in its entirety when I was in Boston

[@Chessindio777]

Great reaction again! I'm a 66-year-old man who run the the back country roads with this cassette in, at night, as a teenager 😳 being high transformed this album to the next level. Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" was another masterpiece

[@clintwood9472]

Excellent reaction fellas. I first heard this song, and this album, when I was 19 years old, walking through the desert, on cassette with a Sony Walkman, during Operation Desert Storm. Totally blew my mind, and just completely changed the way I saw the world, the military and my role in all of it.

[@smokeyrameriz478]

Great comment

[@bhurzumii4315]

Heh. I had an identical moment during Desert Storm (well, we called it "OP GRANBY") listening to "Echoes" by Pink Floyd for the first time. It damn near fried my brain...

[@clintwood9472]

@@bhurzumii4315 Kudos to you, my British friend. I was deployed with the 4th TFW and there was a squadron of British F3 Tornadoes with us. Those crazy pilots would buzz us out on the flightline at what seemed like 10 feet off the ground. It's one of my favorite memories of that time.

[@bhurzumii4315]

@@clintwood9472 Ah, I was 7 Armoured Brigade, tank gunner, only 19 years old. Was crazy times, not all good but I'm glad I was there. Didn't really see any American troops but plenty of fast-air and a few bursts of grid-square-removal at night :)

[@clintwood9472]

@@bhurzumii4315 Glad you made it out safe brother.

[@Danandrea919]

I'm 58 and got to see Rush in concert 5 or 6 times. I LOVE watching young people experience what we did when we were y'alls age. 😊

[@WakefieldTolbert]

58 here as well. The classics are eternal.

[@jhc2093]

This record changed my life.

[@michaelschroeck2254]

Record? What’s a record??!! 🤣🤣❤️❤️ that’s like saying this 8-track saved my life!!! Rush fans are the best!!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️

[@tonybmw5785]

46 years on and this still sounds as good as it did the first time I heard it as a spotty teen. Rush soundtracked of my life and at near enough sixty they still do!

[@larryC1070]

One of the highlights of my life was getting to see this performed live in 1976. Still gives me goosebumps 45 years later.

[@paulgarcia1566]

Thats awesome. I saw every Rush tour from Signals to Clockwork Angles, except Grace Under Pressure.

[@Snowdogkh]

They pulled it back out on their 1998 Test for Echo tour in its entirety including the Oracle which they did not do in 1976. I made it a point to see as many of those shows that I possibly afford. Ended up being 16 on that tour. Most that albums recorded in Tinley Park Illinois which is my hometown so I was fortunate to be at that show as well. Fucking Epic! I couldn't believe they pulled it back out....in full. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!

[@MegaAlan54321]

@@Snowdogkh i saw that tour in Dallas on my birthday...the 24th of May. I was hoping they'd play Lakeside Park in honor of the date. But alas, I had to settle for 2112. How cool were Rush? They started 2112 at exactly 9:12 PM.

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

I saw them live 3 times. The first being right after Moving Pictures came out. Wish I kept the ticket stubs and concert jerseys but no. I have nothing to show for it.

[@lttlredvette]

I love watching people listening to this for the first time...😂

[@davidpope5250]

Gives me goose bumps every single time I hear this and I’m 60 years old and have been a Rush fan since day one. Have you any idea how many times that is that I’ve listened to this? God Damn!

[@01four1_rockband]

Although Iv'e listened to this a thousand times it felt like my first time again, great reaction and understanding of the track. Awesome work dudes !!

[@edanielgreen]

I'll never forget bringing this home from the record store, on the day it finally showed up in our wee Saskatchewan town after its release. I'd been a fan since the first obscure album by these fellow Canucks came out while I was in high school, and I especially couldn't get enough of the immediately previous album, Caress of Steel. After unwrapping 2112 from the plastic, my buds and I goggled and giggled over the sleeve and folding album cover, inside and out, trying to absorb and figure out everything in there all at once (all the extra background narrative/story), but soon it was time. I set this precious new purchase respectfully down onto my, for those days, fairly high-end turntable, dusted it with highly evaporative de-static roller/fluid, and oh-so-gently let the needle settle down onto the vinyl (Careful! Don't scratch it!) I then unpaused the RECORD button on my cassette deck (ALWAYS record the first playing, before scratches and pops and skips mar the vinyl). The four of us sat back, not knowing what to expect. Our minds were, naturally, completely blown away. As the song ended, I, at that moment, knew for a fact that Rush is elite, among the best ever, and we had not only just listened to an opus that will outlive us, we were unbelievably fortuitous to be among the first humans ever to hear something that will endure, and, until society collapses, shall forevermore be revered. 🥴🤘🤓🤩 And here it is, almost a half century later. I do believe Rush has finally ascended to where they merit: To be, among the curious global masses of hungry music lovers, one of the most studied, appreciated, and enjoyed artists to arise out of the late 20th century; and always shall be. Thus, I absolutely loved your reaction, dudes! You get the greatness. 🤭 Cheers! 🍻😁

[@coffeemachtspass]

Loved your story. Here’s mine. My older brother went to visit our uncle for a few weeks in Kansas City. He came back wide-eyed about his first rock concert (Moving Pictures tour). He scraped together enough money to buy two albums: 2112 and Staying Alive! (Not kidding) I read and re-read every liner note and tried to figure out if Geddy was a man or woman. My 8-year-old ears and eyes gave me ambiguous evidence on that. But it was the drumming that caught me first. Then it was the story. I kept hoping to find a nearby waterfall with hidden treasures. Then I could be heroic and not just the chubby little brother who they didn’t want to include in the games. Of course, life happens and my brothers and I have done well. But this song is pure emotion to me. I can still see the label in my mind, feel the jacket in my hand, and the growl of Alex’s guitar still sounds like audio perfection.

[@dgp9627]

That's awesome! We discovered Rush when A Farewell To Kings was released. Oh. My. God. Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, 2112, Moving Pictures...we had the best music. A rock band with the heart and soul of a poet. The anticipation of each new release, playing the record over and over, learning every word, every beat of Neil's drums, every guitar, bass, and keyboard part...what a time we had.

[@maryannturton9830]

Awesome memory! I remember the first time I listened to 2112 in 6th grade.Took me on a journey then,and continues to till this day!👊

[@ryanmcadams1737]

Just a classic

[@luismangiaterra1031]

8 track tape 70s AMC Hornet 6 cylinder, green, a friend's car. Smoking weed.

[@mikewatts1533]

There are Rush songs that almost demand that you dim the lights, partake in some herbs, and lean back and enjoy the trip. This song is definitely one of them. Thanks

[@hrothgar64]

That 'whooosssshhhhh' at the beginning and the raging climax still gives me goosebumps after all these years. The band were still only in their early-mid 20's when they made this. And during this, you said 'they don't make music like this anymore'. You're right. Another epic you should check out is Supper's Ready by Genesis. It is still an astonishing piece of music, almost 50 years after it's original release.

[@troyottosen8722]

Howabout Three piece triumph, and also April wine? Great bands !

[@troyottosen8722]

@@d.a.w.975 yes sir they did!😉👍

[@markmitera4521]

Thank you for ignoring the KZbin algorithm and reacting to the whole song. Instant subscribe!!

[@scottcampbell2707]

Their previous albums hadn't sold well and their record label gave them one more chance. They wanted them to make something more commercial, with shorter, more repetitive songs. So they came out with this.

[@Thom1212]

Imagine hearing this as a ten-year-old. My brother just came home from the record store and put this on the record player. He sat me down and said "Hillbilly, you gotta hear this...". The music started and I opened the double-album cover and read every square inch of it. I needed a dictionary for the big words! My brother would have his friends over to listen to it in the basement with the door closed. I used to hear this all the time! You can't get memories like that back.

[@Machinist1755]

You were very lucky. I was in my teens when I found this epic masterpiece.

[@tiffanykennedy8397]

I took a shower, brushed my teeth and put on my makeup and that song was still going. 😂

[@Hollywood6IX]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kristaspecht]

Haha! 😆

[@triphophoney2981]

LMAO 🤣

[@oilrules4302]

Never brush your teeth while rush is playing young lady!😁

[@WakefieldTolbert]

Lol

[@bkshields76]

63 year old dude here that has heard ALL of the music, but seldom pay much attention to the lyrics. Took a couple of rappers to make me listen! In retrospect, I think the genius of Neil was prophesying the arrival of Artificial Intelligence which, well before 2112, will have changed our world to who knows what.... Good job dudes.

[@matthewhoag2609]

You guys can now see why Alex won your competition- that solo in Soliloquy was pure emotion, utter despair, loss of all hope. He made that thing wail and moan. As you said - the music paints such a vivid picture. So glad you guys did this one!!!

[@daft_stuff]

👆👆

[@Smartie1]

I saw him play that live on the test for echo tour at the Los Angeles forum during that solo I’m not Alex even knew where he was ( nor probably cared for that matter ) Insane - that full 2112 performance

[@matthewhoag2609]

@@Smartie1 nice! I saw the ToE tour in Grand Rapids, MI. Such a treat to hear the whole piece performed!

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

Your reaction is EXACTLY what we thought when we heard it in 1976. Dudes if you pimp out your rides, you triple track Temples and roll thru the streets shattering windows

[@katherineortega6442]

Rush has been the soundtrack of my life for 40+ years💯🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@darthkronical3390]

There is a professional cover band called "Classic Albums Live" - they pick a classic rock album and perform it in its entirety, note for note. There is a couple of core members, and they fill the rest of the band up with specific players based on which album they are covering. When they did 2112, they needed multiple drummers to be able to hit all the notes.

[@neilpratt5937]

This song shaped my world view. Suppression of freedom, expression and thought should never be how a society is run. This was a clear shot to the record company and an overall vision of how the band felt about freedom and individuality. A f#cking masterpiece!

[@davestark2015]

Sixty two years old and I love Rush. Makes me a proud Canadian 😊

[@ten4thebguy]

Absolutely one the greatest songs written and arranged! Thank god Rush flipped the record execs off and decided to “do what WE want”! ❤️

[@jamesjams5085]

I genuinely enjoyed watching you too react to the soundtrack of my childhood. This and pink Floyd the wall, are possibly the best records ever made.

[@johnbelcher2323]

So grateful I got to see this performed in concert!

[@Hollywood6IX]

Soooo jealous

[@kevinmoore3761]

You guys took me back 45 years ago. Cracked the seal of this. Lit a jay with my bro Stan and went slack jawed. Thanks!

[@timneale5657]

THE best reaction to this I've ever seen. You guys are the first one's I've seen to get the whole work! Kudo's Gents, my hat is off to you. Thank you for a great reaction to a epic work!

[@sdfotodude]

Imagine hearing this as a teenager in 1976 My musical choices changed forever.

[@JeromeDukes]

Prior to the lyrics of finding the guitar in a cave by the river, Alex tries to emulate the discovery by playing random notes and harmonics, slowly leaning to play and make sense of the guitar. Hollywood is spot on with how the music, (especially the guitar) reflects the different moods in the story. You will also notice Geddy sings in two voices, one for the priests and one for the protagonist. I would also suggest watching the cartoon illustration created for this song on YT. The vid does a good job of helping the listener clearly understand the lyrics. BTW, just want to point out Geddy is the singer, Neil is the lyricist and therefore wrote the story.

[@Dooklawz]

oh yes indeed....the animated story that goes with this is absolutely incredible...it explains everything to a tee and leaves no room for misinterpretation.... I wish the guys would have or could have watched that .... it's amazing

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

I have so much more I want to blab here and I'm trying to restrain myself as best I can. Sorry for the second comment but, this was my first Rush record I ever heard at 12 years old...? Something like that and it absolutely floored me I mean come on... I had obviously never heard anything like this and I was A Rush fan for life after that. Just a couple things real quick, thank you guys for covering this Landmark record so glad that you enjoyed it, on a production level this is so forward-thinking that to me it still doesn't really sound like an album recorded in the 1970s. The tones are so natural and vibrant and expressive... It doesn't sound like the giant River mess of the 1980s or the Nirvana dry kind of in your face recordings of the 1990s... You know what I mean? Many decades are time-stamped with the period in which they were recorded but this particular record I think is timeless. The tones are perfect for the songs, given the limited effects of available of the time they are Tastefully used and forward the story. The band plays with an intensity that is just unmatched in the current Euro. Lastly, I'm really glad you guys covered this because you are very prominent in the reaction community and whenever I see something covered by you guys invariably it ends up on many many more channels so that means This brilliant record is going to get a lot more exposure. One more thing, and then I will shut up. You guys do it to yourself to see the rush beyond the lighted stage documentary I think it's on prime or Netflix, and especially the credits sequence were the band is out having dinner together reflecting on their 40-plus years together at that point... It's so amazing to see how much love these guys had for each other. Truly truly heartwarming. Cheers

[@mendyrckz76]

This epic Masterpiece Was Released April, 1 1976 four Months Before I was Born. If Anyone Who Has No Knowledge Of This Epic Work Of Art And Cares To Read Further here is a quick Breakdown... 2112 remains the band's second-highest-selling album (behind Moving Pictures) with more than 3 million copies sold in the United States. It is listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, a 40th Anniversary Edition was released in 2016 with previously unreleased material, included on the album performances by artists including Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Billy Talent, Steven Wilson, and Alice in Chains. The album was written in approximately six months. The studio was fitted with a 24-track machine manufactured by Studer. The seven-part track is based on a story by Peart, the band's primary lyricist, who credits "the genius of Ayn Rand" in the album's liner notes. Rand, a Russian-born, Jewish-American novelist, and inventor of the philosophy of Objectivism, wrote the 1937 dystopian fictional novella Anthem, the plot of which bears several similarities to 2112. All members read the book. And Peart added the credit to avoid any legal action. "2112" tells a story set in the city of Megadon in 2112, "where individualism and creativity are outlawed with the population controlled by a cabal of malevolent Priests who reside in the Temples of Syrinx". A galaxy-wide war resulted in the planets forcefully joining the Solar Federation (symbolized by the "Red Star"). By 2112, the world is controlled by the priests who take orders from giant banks of computers inside the temple. Music is unknown in this world absent of creativity and individuality, but in "Discovery", a nameless man finds a beaten guitar inside a cave and rediscovers the lost art of music. In "Presentation", the man takes the guitar to the priests at the temple, who say, "Yes, we know, it's nothing new; it's just a waste of time", and then proceed angrily to destroy it and banish him. Next, in "Oracle: The Dream", the man dreams of a new planet, established at the same time as the Solar Federation, where creative people live. He awakens, depressed that music is part of such a civilization and that he can never be part of it, and kills himself, in "Soliloquy", originally titled "Soliloquy of the Soul". Another planetary war begins in "Grand Finale", originally named "Denouement", resulting in the ambiguous spoken ending: "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation: We have assumed control". Peart described the ending as a "double surprise ... a real Hitchcock killer" "Overture" contains the lyric "And the meek shall inherit the earth", a reference to the Biblical passages Book of Psalms 37:11 and Matthew 5:5 This Will Remain On My List Of Top Favorites Forever.

[@philstone3859]

They even have a song called Anthem.

[@Randsurfer]

The thing I like about the phrase "And the meek shall inherit the earth" is it makes you think, what kind of earth remains if only the meek inherit it?

[@mendyrckz76]

@@Randsurfer Who Knows, it is definitely a Valid Question my friend. I'd Love To See Hollywood & Smokey Talk About It in a Podcast. One Of These Days.

[@Teresa-ih4sn]

Seen them five times and could do more! Fantastic!❤

[@michaelhorner1170]

Bravo guys! Best 2112 reaction on the tube…

[@darronhuggins4788]

Ok this song brings back so many memories. The greatest was my 16th BD i had a party about 30 to 40 friends in my parents basement. Now i had the loudest stereo you have ever heard about 1000 WATTS with 4 JBL STUDIO MONITORS SPEAKERS WITH 16 INCH WHOOFERS 10 INCH MIDS AND SUPER TRITTERS, LOUDER THAN ANY CONCERT U EVER HEAD, WE WERE PRETTY F- UP AND I PUT ON MY FAVORITE BAND RUSH ALBUM 2112 AND CRANKED IT TO 10 IT TOOK ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO CLEAR MY BASEMENT EXCEPT ABOUT 8 OF MY BEST BUD'S THAT WERE USED TO IT. BUT I PLAYED THE WHOLE ALBUM, WE LAUGHED OR ASSES OFF WHILE 30 PEOPLE WERE STANDING IN MY BACKYARD IT WAS 1 OF MY CRAZYEST BD. Friends said they could hear the music 2 blocks away. And i broke 5 of my moms pictures up stairs from the vibrations of the music, she wasn't happy. But 2112 is still 1 of my favorite RUSH ALBUMS . O and then came HEMISPHERES, PERMANENT WAVES AND MOVING PICTURES what a great time for ROCK N ROLL. GREAT REACTIONS PEASE.

[@zfgdun]

That look on Smo Dog's face when he realizes it's a guitar! LMAO! You guys are great, this is fun watching you hear great music for the first time! Yes just close your eyes and take it in.

[@graysonberry]

15 years old at the Summit (now the Joel Osteen church lol) on 3 hits of triple dipped 3D acid, for my first Rush concert…”Presto tour”. During this song they shut off the lights during the chorus, and flipped them on during each crescendo, with the entire arena raising their fists in unison….blew my face off lol was convinced Neil Peart was an android

[@adrathemetaloutlaw754]

This is one of the best musical releases ever. Glad to live at a time when Rush put out music greatness

[@ericfaley9019]

I stumbled across you two on KZbin. I saw that you two were doing a reaction video to Rush 2112. A mind blowing masterpiece. I was 14 when this came out. My buddies and I had our minds blown out when we first listened to it. There music style has changed to fit the times. There quality and musicianship have stayed top notch. I was thoroughly entertained watching you two have your minds blown by the masters.

[@timshelton8535]

Whenever a new Rush album came out I would joke with my high school friends.. grab an encyclopedia, a dictionary and a 12 pack. Let’s listen to this bad boy!

[@robertboston7872]

Lol

[@brgorham68]

Amen!

[@loadedorygun]

Neil wrote this as a direct analogue to their experience, with them as the heroes and the record labels as the priests. I think Neil was a little embarrassed later by the framing of themselves as the bringers of beauty and world improvement, but even as a literal concept the discovery segment is so magical. The balls it took to spend time “learning the guitar,” complete with bum notes at the beginning, in a song! They really had zero fucks to give and this is all them, overdramatic warts and all. Man could they play.

[@Randsurfer]

This is a very much an adaptation of Ayn Rand's Novella "Anthem" turned into a Rock Opera. There is a dedication to Ayn Rand on the Album.. I've never heard Neil say it was analogous to their conflicts with the Record Label. All I've heard them say about the label is: "They told us no more progressive concept albums, so we gave them the biggest possible progressive concept album".

[@tomperugini189]

Been a rush fan for over 40 years..I love your reactions guy's..awesome..keep digging into RUSH

[@majones501]

I’m glad you enjoyed that so much, reminds me of every single time I have heard it since 1977 (my 8-track days), when I was 17! Even with this listening. It just hits me to my core every time. I love a lot of the great musicians and bands since back then, and have been blessed to see many of them, including Rush in 1981. Each time I hear the greatest songs of those other groups I always wonder how I can ever choose which is my favorite, so many are great. But every time I hear 2112 it completely blows me away, and I know that I can pick my number one favorite. Neil Peart was such a genius at songwriting, as well as the drums. They are all genius musicians, but it was his songwriting that sent them over the top into rock god level. 2112 is, as you said, EPIC!!! And while they do a great job performing this live, there is nothing like the multi-layered production that was done in this album. The live versions are great for other reasons; the charismatic energy and emotive jamming from each of the three genius musicians.

[@chrisspringer2744]

Great reaction, Guys! You were spot on about the story-most people can’t focus on both the lyrics and music on first listen because it’s just all too much, as George Harrison said. Anyway, yeah that’s such a masterpiece and such a ballsy move for a young band on the cusp of being dropped by their label. The gamble paid because this album made them. Geddy Lee said not too long ago that he thought this, not Tom Sawyer or Limelight, Spirit of Radio, etc. would be the song/album they’d ultimately be remembered for.

[@fd1930]

I went back for another look and just noticed I hadn't commented earlier. So I hope you see this. What a fantastic reaction to an incredible piece of music! Kinda reminded me of my first time hearing it. Smokey's usually pretty chilled , but along with his Bob Marley eyes :-) you could see he was really absorbed by it. Hollywood, much more animated and enjoying it every bit as much. I must've heard this album 10,000 times, and I ain't finished yet. Rush - collectively and individually, the best 3 piece rock band there has ever been. Thanks for watching!

[@overtheedgeministries6141]

Agreed!

[@deborahbrown8431]

You two are my favorite Rush reactors. It is just so much fun watching you both be amazed by this band. Amazing that they wrote this when they were 23 years old. So looking forward to you hearing Natural Science and By-tor. Also props for reviewing Crown Lands. Those guys are great. Hope more people look into them.😍😍

[@mirandarights5566]

When I warm up on the driving range before playing golf I play this song not on headphones but on my little speaker....not a person complains😊

[@philstone3859]

I guess it would be funny to see a bunch of fifty something year olds singing this back word for word. Most of us have had this memorized for decades. Ha Ha! We cool like that! Plus, once you hear it, it stays in your head forever! 😁👍🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@maryannturton9830]

FACTS,PHIL,FACTS!👊

[@maryannturton9830]

We are on Jeopardy,I'll take Rush lyrics for a 1,000...😉

[@philstone3859]

@@maryannturton9830, we would mop the floor with them.

[@kellsinpdx]

This is some amazing song writing, both lyrically and musically.

[@johnnelson3869]

Sonic art! I remember hearing this for the 1st time in 1977. The only other piece of music I "felt" like this was Eruption by Van Halen. That only 3 guys conceived and performed this is mind-blowing.

[@nascarnut2448]

Love your reactions to RUSH..I have been a fan of RUSH since 1974..really appreciate your comments of not only a great band but the musicianship of Geddy , Alex and Neil..you dudes rock.

[@JF-kv1gm]

You guys just made my week....seeing your faces at the end. What a trip! Hugs from Italy

[@alan98bert]

Record company guy to Rush, "Could you guys be more radio-friendly like Bad Company" Neil Peart's answer, "2112"!

[@hoopsmccann639]

woke up with a lingering headache and sinus pressure from covid, watched this reaction while drinking tea and eating ramen, and now i feel FANTASTIC! thanks, guys!

[@vinceviselli3805]

Thanks Guys this is my all time favorite song

[@jr-xs9tf]

3 of the greatest musicians to ever drop the hammer. And maybe my favorite percussion album .

[@kennelson6055]

One of the best reactions I've ever heard.

[@kristaspecht]

You guys totally went on a musical trip...you can totally see that through the song and right after it finishes! Love it!!! I also like the song "the trees" by rush.. It's hella kool!

[@kengregory6026]

I can add no more to what has already been said really...awesome ..and great reaction guys..your enthusiasm for this is fantastic

[@veevamm3642]

Im 9 mins into this reaction and bawling my eyes off...... This song and album is such a MASTERPIECE. I was 14 when I first heard this and WOWZERS! 🤯🙌🧠

[@DarthDookie69]

It’s taking me back to how I felt when I binged this album when I was 13 and learning guitar. I’m bawling too

[@Ciaoboy9999]

You guys had the perfect reaction to this! Rush carried me through my teen years, and this story has always been one of their best!! Thanks guys!!

[@archgeneral509]

Finally. It's happened. Do more of their epics. Fountain of Lamneth, Cygnus X-1 Books 1 & 2. You won't regret it.

[@commknightj]

Heard this at a friend's house while gaming (yep, I'm a nerd). I was 15 in 1976 when this came out. Went out the next day and bought it. Played it for HOURS! Been a Rush fan ever since. Love your Rush reactions. Now imagine a 3 hour show, with a 20 minute break in the middle. That's a standard Rush performance... And yes, you are physically, mentally, and emotionally wrung out when it is done. But, you still want MORE. I was lucky enough to do this 4 times in my life, the last time with my son ( his first concert). I only wish you guys had the experience of Rush live.

[@suicyco4life666]

This is what happens when the best drummer of all time joins up with one of the best bass players of all time and a great guitarist... In my opinion it is one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. Glad you guys gave it a go... 🤘✌

[@Land-Shark]

As of February, 2022, the evil Red Star in the song has become the evil Red Maple Leaf, and the capitol building in Ottowa is now the Temples of Syrinx.

[@tinalinge2782]

Imagine a 14 year old purchasing this album for the first time in 1976 and bringing it home and putting it on the record player and hearing it for the first time. Reading the lyrics off of the album as it played. That was me. At a time when the music heard on the radio was pretty poppy. It was mind blowing! I wish I could go back in time to re-experience just how I felt. What an amazing time it was. 🙂 Loved your reaction. There is an animated video out there of this song. You should check it out. Also check their live version out. These guys are all masters. Lyrics were inspired by novels written by Ayn Rand.

[@maryannturton9830]

I can imagine it,because I was 12 when I got this album!👍

[@davidcamp6710]

I was 11, when my sister bought it for me, as a birthday gift. Fricken blew my mind.

[@kevinroberts361]

Yep, I was 14 in 1976 !!!

[@silenthunterart5111]

That was my experience but I was a 15 yr old Canadian girl. In concert live - it changes you forever. Growing up in Toronto, they were part of my youth. Brilliant band

[@gcapps100]

This might possibly be the best reaction video I've ever seen. You guys felt it, you just let it go and i love the expression from both of you. Great job guys.

[@ericaabbott2938]

Such a great reaction!!!

[@swcoder]

You did this on my birthday, and I've been watching you recently, you got a new subscriber. Hard to get reactors to do this because it's really a whole album. A favorite of mine.

[@Hollywood6IX]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY 🎂 🥳 🎉

[@mycroft16]

Label: yeah, we're gonna need you boys to give us some more short radio playable songs on the next one, okay? RUSH: Fuck you. Here's a 21 minute whole side 7 part epic sci-fi story. Suck it.

[@markmiller3101]

About time boys! We have been telling you about this one LOL! So glad you got around to it!

[@jamesstevens4795]

I was in high school when this came out and we had never heard any shit like this before….drop a tab throw this on the turntable and take a journey

[@joeseconi250]

Thank you so much for doing this amazing song. I wore out so many copies of this album when I was in my teens. Seeing you guys hearing it for the first time brought me back to my first time. I was lucky enough to see them perform this live, and believe me when I say it was even better than the album. Its a rare thing when you can put on headphones close your eyes and go on a journey, Rush does this often, and thats why I love there music so much. Thank you again for a great reaction to an epic song. Peace my friends

[@davidbailey6397]

They played this entire song ,including the acoustic part,on their Test for Echo tour in 1996. It was absolutely fantastic.

[@Smartie1]

I saw that at the forum in Los Angeles Maybe the singularly best thing I have seen rush play ( and I’ve seen them like 12 times ) Alex sweated bent somehow pulled those solos out of himself ( I was maybe 8 rows away) Unreal unreal

[@Deplorable0698]

Nailed it Smoke !!The future then is so relevant today!!