What Makes this Song Great? "Limelight" RUSH

In this episode of "What Makes this Song Great? Ep.63" we explore the music of the Canadian band RUSH. Rush was a Canadian rock band consisting of Geddy Lee (bass, vocals, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitars), and Neil Peart (drums, percussion). Rush is known for its musicianship, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy.
💫 The Beato Ultimate Bundle - $99 FOR ALL OF My Courses: ⇢ rickbeato.com/
📘- The Beato Book Interactive - $99.00 value
🎸 - Beato Beginner Guitar - $159.00 value
👂- The Beato Ear Training Program - $99.00 value
🎸- The Quick Lessons Pro Guitar Course - $79.00 value
… all for just $99.00
Get it here: rickbeato.com/
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Farren Mahjoor
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri

[@thatcanadian6698]

You need to set up an interview show with Geddy Lee or Alex Lifeson (or both). That would be a fascinating interview.

[@Skippy2Ton]

Please do this!

[@mixxndj]

I just thought the same thing… do it!!!

[@johnkeller5163]

Rick could interview in time if he flew to Toronto. Actually, I think Alex would be open to a video interview with some notice to schedule time between several music obligations made with several bands. Geddy would probably be available with notice when he travels in support of his upcoming memoir book.

[@ldhorricks]

yes please do....

[@ATELIERFABRICA]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!

[@jeffkirtland5927]

You could spend every episode on Rush and life would be complete.

[@svenhoek]

Absolutely

[@DonaldKHowatt]

Jeff Kirtland amen!

[@BluesCast]

I'm good with that

[@ShaunaMarieSings]

Yes - yes - yes!!! 💗💗💗

[@MikeXCSkier]

Agreed 100%!

[@InmyHumbleOpiniontube]

That guitar solo is probably one of the best most clear and flowing pieces of music ever written and performed in the history of rock and music

[@terrencedeagle4429]

It's just sensational.

[@thutch2353]

Beato: Me: more!

[@uzivatel56]

MORE!!!

[@UnboundOdysseus]

MOAR !!!!

[@Mike_Jones68]

Ahah! Yep i was thinking this exact thought. Greatest breakdown. Rick is truly an amazing individual for sure

[@scazxr]

Even a reflective music analyst like Rick cannot resist the power of AIR DRUMMING when Neil Peart is rolling.

[@jennieb3177]

Love this.

[@daveruble5150]

AND stank face air bass for Geddy.

[@frankshailes3205]

It's a universal law. You're right.

[@TheCocoaDaddy]

So true!!!!

[@alanlucas501]

All three members of Rush are just out of this universe. Rush is a musicians band.

[@jeffreycohen6188]

I think they are the most talented rock band ever, in terms of raw musical talent

[@thewal1ofsleep]

@@jeffreycohen6188 One of the best. Genesis and Yes (in the 70's) are right there with them.

[@jeffreycohen6188]

@@thewal1ofsleep and, of course, Zeppelin

[@agentorange3417]

I saw the Moving Pictures tour. There's that show, and then every other show I've seen in my life. Full versions of 2112 and By-Tor. It changed after that. That was an Alice in Wonderland rock show.

[@alanlucas501]

@@thewal1ofsleep Now you're talking. Another two of my favourite bands along with Pink Floyd. I love the Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era of Genesis.👍🏻👍🏻

[@madnessbydesign1415]

So many 'technical' players lose the art. With RUSH, every note is technically perfect, yet the technique is always in service of the artistry. Beautiful...

[@Tavat]

Exactly! I always felt like Rush was “playing philosophy” at times. Couldn’t pinpoint why, but it’s that Apollonian/ Dionysian contrast I think.

[@Phill2112]

@@Tavat Rush is philosophy!

[@LindaRTatum]

Rush Fans get it !

[@edcollins9377]

Ricky B can play anything Alex or Geddy can play! I bet he could even outplay Neil on the drums! He's Ricky Beato!

[@red149]

So true ! It all became about who’s faster , who’s more complex , who’s more precise instead of who can write good songs !

[@bullseyecanada]

Fun fact: I worked with producer Terry Brown in the early 2000s and picked his brain about his past productions. Rush was calling Le Studio in Quebec home for many albums - including Moving Pictures. The routine for working there was that Rush, Brown, and the studio engineer would pull in on a Friday, set up all the gear - drums, amps, et al - and before calling it a night and breaking for supper to discuss the weekend's production timeline, they'd do a full band run-through to line-check all the microphones and make sure they would be ready to start recording fresh in the morning. Out of habit from dozens of other album productions, Brown would also run tape and capture the warm up. Rush ran through "Limelight." The warm-up take is the one you hear here. It's the finished version of the song - sans vocals, solo, and keyboards....which were added later in the album process. PS - The IS Terry Brown singing back-ups in "Limelight." He has done vocals on many albums with his artists including Klaatu's "Calling Occupants" and "Sub-Rosa Subway."

[@j_moonchild]

Thank you for this great info!

[@StenSturesKanal]

What I love about Rush is that you never think: "This is a weird time signature." Only when you start analyzing the song you notice it.

[@curt300s]

e x a c t l y.

[@c64wood23]

Someone said (and it may have been Rick) that a band is really, really, really good if they can do time changes so seamlessly that you don't even notice they're there.

[@fgs2732]

Manuel Löv your right. This band is for musicians

[@bruceford8128]

I can't remember the number of times someone has said a Rush song had odd timing and my first reaction was what are you talking about. Then I put my musician hat on, and I hear it. Can't think of another band where the song just gets better when you start to break it down.

[@johndef5075]

Unless you are playing drums trying to count through that middle section😂

[@JH-qy8no]

Rush: your favorite band's favorite band. Your guitar teacher's guitar lesson.

[@rickrudd3017]

Your musician's favorite band

[@smacksound]

"Let me talk about Alex Lifeson's chord vocabulary for a second" makes my heart get big and fat. Love Alex so much for finding all the perfect chords and all the perfect places to play (and NOT) among the baddest rhythm section ever. I love the love for Alex. And I'm a drummer. Thank you, Rick.

[@rubemevangelista3868]

I second everything, fellow drummer

[@madnessbydesign1415]

3rd drummer here. Also agree with you... :)

[@cvn6555]

Alex is the most underrated guitarist in rock music. I think it is the lack of idiotic behavior, no drunken escapades, no flashy nonsense that he never got respect. It certainly was never his musical ability.

[@davidmcinnis8979]

Bass player here, and I agree completely!

[@markb3614]

Not a drummer…. but just when I think I can’t love and appreciate a song any more, especially a Rush song, Rick does a WMTSG episode on it! 🤘

[@micolfortuna2527]

As a proud Canadian, and lucky enough to see Rush 13 times starting in 1976, I thank you for this.

[@gibson617ajg]

Signals. Twice. Hold Your Fire. Twice Roll The Bones. Twice *Vapor Trails R30 Snakes. Twice Time Machine Clockwork Angels R40 *The only time I saw them in a different country. Staples Centre LA.

[@threeeightsixeight]

my dad and i were gonna see them for my first time and his 10th i wanna say, unfortunately this was right as neil was getting sick, truly unlucky.

[@eezyrider65]

Damn, I'm just a proud American living in Indiana, and I saw RUSH 27 times!!😁 Every tour starting with SIGNALS, and Snakes and Arrows 4 times, Time Machine Tour 3 times, Clockwork Angels 4 times, and R40 3 times!!🤪

[@saucerfullofzepp4203]

Dude, canada has some of the most underrated bands - MOXY, TRIUMPH, APRIL WINE!!!

[@edcollins9377]

@@eezyrider65 Just 27 times! lol I saw them 9 times, but the last truly great Rush show I was privy to was "Grace Under Pressure". I saw them on their 2112 tour, Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, Presto, and Counterparts. The last time I saw them was on the Snakes and Arrows tour. (I went to that show because I wanted to see them one final time.). The first 6 Rush shows I saw were simply amazing. The last 3 times I saw them they were good, but I slowly began to loose interest in their new music when Power Windows was released. But even after Power Windows, I was still a big fan of the band and continued to buy all their albums for another 10+ years. However, I definitely lost interest in the band after Test for Echo As a friend once said, "the band was at its best when Terry Brown was at the helm."

[@BushcraftingBogan]

I’ll break it down. There are 3 items that make this song great: 1. Geddy Lee 2 Alex Lifeson 3. Neil Peart :)

[@terellison]

Yep!

[@motomike71]

4. Terry Brown

[@RocketScientist68]

Absolutely. I may try to argue the actual order, but that is only a minor argument.

[@CesarNoelQ]

Id put Peart #1

[@Uneedhelp91]

I think the order could be arranged anyway and it would still be great, those men have talent and mastering of music.

[@pczrvp]

Your technical expertise is outstanding but the joy you have talking about these songs is infectious.

[@GregoryHoy]

I was laughing with glee on some of his remarks. Like "Yeah! Right?"

[@jeffreywilliamson4863]

I don't even understand what the heck he's talking about and I still enjoy watching his vids.

[@tonyd6852]

Rick is like a kid on Christmas morning unboxing this song. His enthusiasm is so contagious.

[@starman714]

that's what i love most about his channel, it's like that friend from school who brings you in his room and shows you all the cool stuff he's been figuring out, getting all smiley and "listen, listen!" - Ricks a fan's fan :)

[@colinjrob]

Indeed. Totally infectious. I had to share it with my brother who loves Rush too and infact bought the Moving Pictures album when it was originally released. I loved this song and Rick's unboxing and showing us the various tracks within has elevated my appreciation even further than I thought possible. Love it, love it, love it!

[@darkalman]

I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend The irony of this song was that Neil wrote it about his struggles with fame and success, only to have this song and album catapult them to legendary status.

[@shoogerkane]

that's not irony.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

@@shoogerkane i’d say it’s the definition of irony?

[@shoogerkane]

@@Boleskinebeatz I thought that if he's already acknowledging his fame and success, that it doesn't fit, but I suppose if the song catapults them into a even more success, I suppose you're right.

[@edtrembicki-guy993]

I agree this was the catapult, but "Spirit of Radio" and "Freewiil" from the previous album opened the door to FM airplay and a wider audience

[@guitarz99]

seen them live twice and Alex’s guitar is so fat it carrys the low end even more than the bass, its awesome

[@ekuryluk]

The ultimate Easter Egg would’ve been making the length of this video 21:12

[@anngallifrey]

exactly how my mind works

[@kirtb9784]

Ed Kuryluk oh my god he missed it by 1 sec, almost like a grace note

[@hustler3of4culture3]

Anagram it.

[@parttroll1]

Lol! Brilliant comment!

[@wolfsilver6304]

@@anngallifrey THAT'S THE FIRST THING I WROTE WHEN I SAW THE LENGTH OF THE VIDEO! (Great minds think alike)

[@GodsTruthMinistries]

Alex Lifeson is possibly the most underrated guitarist of all time...

[@DudeinatorMC]

Tfw when you have an iconic drummer and bassist and get left in the shadows

[@jasonkeith9317]

Not underrated amongst his peers.

[@ahtoka7008]

Take out the word possibly

[@JSG4dFan]

I’ll see your Alex Lifeson and raise you one Terry Kath.

[@billthebutcher4435]

Martin Barre, Mick Ronson, Terry Kath and yes, Alex Lifeson.

[@webexpertcharlie]

How about a shout out to Neil Peart’s deeply personal lyrics about the challenges of dealing with fame?

[@JoshuaTootell]

The introverts dilemma; stay hidden and happy, or be your best and figure out how to survive?

[@benbryson6598]

Agree. As a lifelong rush fan I've always said this song is his most personal, this represents him to me. The life of an introverted celebrity. If anyone else had talked about it it was nowhere more clear than here

[@joshuajordan8574]

Great lyrics. Beato tends to emphasize the music. We see the big picture. Rush were masters of the artwork of Progressive Rock.

[@donwandling1478]

Not only about the challenges of dealing with fame...but this song seems to me to be a rebuke of "the limelight", a universal dream for those who wish to seem (important, popular, whatever...), those who wish to really "be" (important, popular, whatever...) have to put aside all of the trappings of the desire to be there, and just be in the moment with whoever they are with at the time... speaks volumes to our "smartphone/social media/wanna-be famous" generation of today. Just imho..

[@webexpertcharlie]

@@donwandling1478 I believe the lyric is "for those who wish to see". Not sure if that changes the meaning. With regards to "those who wish to be", I think your analysis is spot on.

[@noellegillies2874]

Many can't appreciate Geddy's singing but here Rick points out his greatness.

[@BigBri550]

Geddy isn't a good singer now that he's old. But back in the day, he was fantastic.

[@patrickcampion7966]

@@BigBri550 So? The same could be said for many singers who've grown into old(er) age. The discussion at hand is a track he laid vocals down on over 40 years ago, so why the need to talk about his voice today?

[@BigBri550]

@@patrickcampion7966 I referred to Geddy's voice today because it has only been a few years since Rush was touring. They played great right up to the end, but Ged's singing disappointed me. It's a far fall from grace for a guy whose voice i envied.

[@tylerjones954]

@@BigBri550 Hahaha yeah man but he got old. Listen to Temples of Syrinx and tell me there's any 70 year old out there who could do that. I do think they may have benefited from bringing on a touring vocalist and leaving Geddy to bass and keys, but I can also understand why they would have wanted to remain a trio. A Rush without Geddy Lee singing isn't really Rush. Also. I can't speak to the quality of actual live performances since I sadly was never able to go, but many of the live recordings on KZbin, mostly those released by non-Rush organizations like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, have been badly botched by production teams trying to hastily overcorrect his vocals in post.

[@BigBri550]

@tylerjones954 It's also different when you're famous: McCartney and Starr make me cringe now when I hear them, but people still buy tickets to see them, right? It was the same with Rush. A nobody like me hears his voice faltering, and he says it's time to hang it up. No big deal. But Grace Slick and Linda Ronstadt were rare examples of singers who realized they just didn't have it anymore and called it quits.

[@josecuervo1747]

I’ve listened to this song 10k times over 38 years and never noticed the undistorted guitar part or the Terry Brown vocal. Nice work.

[@GeoffBosco]

Same...well fewer years for me.

[@gilbertnorum4366]

I know! Right? And the song stills giving me the chills everytime I listen to it

[@badventist-petite]

Yeah, that was a total mind f*ck for me too! And I have heard this song hundreds of times! Long live Rick Beato! 🙌🏾🤘🏾

[@bubbaconda]

Same! Rick is awesome!

[@throwabrick]

or that vocal harmony!

[@CommieCrab]

Alex Lifeson is definitely the most under appreciated guitarist of all time.

[@spamsingles5948]

agreed. Geddy and Neil are great but they get a lot more appreciation than Alex

[@RobertBelcher]

People often give me strange looks when I answer "Alex Lifeson without a doubt", when asked "Who is your favorite rock guitarist". I've been a huge fan of his since age 15 when I first picked up a guitar.

[@tmn1231]

“Hendrix makes you say, ‘I wish I could that.’ Alex makes you say, ‘I wish I thought of that.’” He’s in my top 5 (really top 2).

[@kai326]

Have you even heard of Terry Kath or Steve Lukather? Those two don't get NEARLY enough recognition compared to Lifeson

[@pitpride1220]

His style of playing is quite difficult. I've only seen a couple guitar players who could mimic it properly. Not aware of any that have that chord vocabulary,sense of space and serve the song properly. A lot of his lead work is almost impossible to reproduce. Like the solo in this piece. It's so emotive. It's ethereal yet rooted in complex human emotion.

[@GoddyLee]

This guy is a musical genius. The way he analyzes and explains everything is superb but the thing I enjoy the most is how much he loves doing what he does best.

[@myronstewart9085]

I remember sitting in my dads van and telling him you need to listen to this band. It was Hemispheres and I let him listen to “Trees” and “La Villa Strangiato” he liked it but I was obsessed with it playing it over and over until I learned it. That was 1978 and I was 15yrs. Miss those days. When Neal passed I cried hard. It was like losing a close friend. One of the greatest bands ever. 3 of the most talented musicians in the world. And Neal the G.O.A.T. The galaxy knows.

[@cygnustsp]

I remember my dad telling me, as i was listening to Freewill "this sounds like pseudo acid rock".. when neil died i was living with mom and dad going thru a bad divorce.. they were jehovah's witnesses, and i had been expelled but they never shunned me.. dad had alzheimers and dementia but he could always understand me. I remember going camping in maybe 1982 and blasting 2112. I used to also blast it when doing my paperroute. Dad died a month ago.. life is strange. I'm almost 50 now but still feel kind of like it's 1982 and I'm still blasting Rush while life is good.

[@cvn6555]

Yeah, my dad was not into rock music at all and would have hated Rush. I share your sentiment about Neil's passing. First time in my life I shed tears over the loss of someone I had never met. hate that we will never hear them play again.

[@sludgedisciple]

Neil's death hit me hard as well. I cried.... and I ain't afraid to admit it. I was lucky enough to see Rush live 4 times. One of those times I brought my daughter who was a teenager at the time. I'm really glad I did that. So she could see one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@alacritouscrier7315]

I love how Rick besides being a gifted teacher is also a genuine fan. It makes his videos that much more enjoyable.

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

Yes. You love how Rick, besides being a genuine fan, is a gifted teacher... because most of the "fans" with whom we share the enthusiasm really have no clue - they just know they like it; But here we get the musical comeraderie.

[@gansosmansos]

Rick is a god. How else could he play every instrument to the point of duplicating a track live? AND have access to all these master recordings?

[@justupostear3571]

The air drumming says it all.

[@nbt3663]

@@justupostear3571 lol!! I commented on another video that Rick is the only guy that can air play anything he wants. Cuz he can actually play anything he wants.

[@bertgetner9397]

Absolutely. I love his expressions and animation. That's what makes it so good!

[@TheRealJasonHowell]

The fact that you can take 8 minutes to JUST talk about the intro is a testament to the songwriting, musicianship and producing on the track.

[@davidbaines7330]

Jason Howell I used to use the opening drum roll to set xover points and sub levels in car stereo systems back in the day. You could tell it was right when the weight of the kick sounded strong but natural. It Never let me down.

[@gergrogers7385]

Not to mention the acumen of the reviewer himself...thanks, Rick!

[@coplandjason]

Fantastic! My introduction to Rush was in 1981 when I swapped Jethro Tull's Broadsword and the Beast with a friend for his copy of Moving Pictures. The very first Rush song I heard was Tom Sawyer; that and Limelight became a couple of my favourites from Rush. Still listening to Rush, 40 something years later. Recently I walked past my son's room and guess what music he was listening to? Yep, Rush, Limelight. My work here is done!

[@PapaRich]

You can tell Rick really loves Rush to the core of his soul by the look on his face when he’s playing Geddy’s bass lines and Neil’s kick ass drumming at the end of the video. Rush. You either get it or you don’t and it’s clear Rick gets it. Great analysis and another awesome breakdown. You could probably do 10 more Rush breakdowns and each of them would be as thrilling. I love the look on your face as you peel back the layers and reveal the intricate details and play along. You are so talented. Keep going!!

[@franklinslamo]

"That's why we're still talking about Rush." Amen brother.

[@Jack-ur4in]

Yeh ... that’s a right on bro 😎..

[@mdleavitt]

That's why we're still talking about Rush. (they don't block)

[@rodrigozamo]

They embrace and send swag to people that make covers

[@TaxPayingContributor]

Underrated musictionators to be sure. Can't let computers do All the stuff.

[@mvunit3]

They love their fans. HUGE respect.

[@rodrigozamo]

@@mvunit3 indeed, they truly appreciate the "without you we would be nothing." Which is something a lot of artists that make it often forget because they made it and don't belong to the 99% of bands that have never made it. Alex and Geddy loved to do the meet and greets and you can stop them in the street and they are cool to chat with you and give you a picture. Neil is more private and timid to do that, fair enough and perfectly respectable.

[@shawngillogly6873]

Remember the insert from "Rush in Rio"? Neil talks about they didn't know Rush *had* 300,000 fans in Brazil. "We must have had a lot of pirated albums." And he isn't even being bitter about saying it. :P Another reason they're an amazing band: They live their ideals.

[@jfotschuk9927]

Anybody else get goosebumps from Alex's solo?

[@terrencedeagle4429]

My favorite solo

[@joe1972]

Yes

[@lainebennett8363]

Oh man, I’m soo obsessed with Rush!!! Thank you for this review! Didn’t think I could love this song more...❤️🔥

[@ccynthianathompson1835]

OBsessed! Me too! Love RUSH💚!

[@russellbantin8468]

Number, please ;-)

[@mikemckelvey4738]

Rick - we need another Rush song review, in memoriam of Neil Peart.

[@blue-tb2fd]

I vote The Camera Eye. Or Subdivisions. Or Leave That Thing Alone. Or The Garden. Or any other Rush song. haha

[@daveteece3520]

@@blue-tb2fd Seriously considering The Garden at my funeral, just gets me!

[@redryder1146]

Yes spirit of radio please !!!!!!

[@Lucasblazdrums]

La villa stragiato, spirit of radio, xanadu...

[@noimpostura]

Subdivisions, please.

[@thanesgames9685]

Have I listened to this song at least a thousand times? Yes. Did I hear a bunch of new stuff today? Absolutely. Thank you so much.

[@bill_automated1226]

Exactly

[@xuamox]

Yes, more episodes on Rush. "Working Man" or "Tom Sawyer" would be great!

[@scottdaunhauer2453]

Bingo. Rick's Best Yet!!!

[@fgs2732]

That’s the thing about Rush. I’ve been listening to the entire Permanent Waves album since it dropped in 1980 and I hear things differently every time. Amazing band that will be missed. RIP Neil Peart and Geddy Lee’s mother.

[@drewrobertson3301]

@@fgs2732 And Glenn Peart

[@jaegervand2112]

Actually; Alex´s work through the 80s were mindblowing and I hope it will be rediscovered by more people in the future. Big Money, Analog Kid, Marathon, Mission, Open Secrets, Turn The Page and many more - imho the guitar work is way beyond what Alex did in the 70s/early 80s. Much more sophisticated, more unique, lush and gorgeous.

[@davecole2561]

Spot on. A shame that certain fans simply dismiss Rush post Moving Pictures as having too many synths. You can't please everyone. Some of their greatest work is between 82 and 90 in my humble opinion. Signals, for example, still moves me greatly, 40 years on.

[@loosetube5417]

Absolutely! Listen to the solo in Between The Wheels off of Grace Under Pressure. Absolutely one of the most emotional and heart wrenching musical pieces I've ever heard.

[@jayceneal5273]

dont forget mystic rhythms!

[@loosetube5417]

@@jayceneal5273 capture my heart, carry them awayyyyyy

[@charleshope8856]

Turn the Page, an underrated masterpiece!

[@oskarcasanova5723]

And do not forget the lyrics… lines like “I can’t pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend” … such a great Lyricist was Neil…

[@amargnwalkr]

Alex Lifeson, the most underrated guitarist of all time. Truly, one of the greatest ever.

[@DoktorDamage]

My fave guitarist of all time !!! Love Big Al !!! :)

[@jonbbaca5580]

I agree he's incredible, but I don't think he's that underrated. Most advanced guitarists worship him

[@RH-xs8gz]

I second that! Soooo underrated.

[@schmantzy2]

No doubt

[@schmantzy2]

Met him. What a nice man

[@CARDINAL701]

That band consists of three of the best musicians on this planet. Period.

[@terellison]

True story. You could build a band around any one of them...put the three of them together and you end up with a legend!

[@cvn6555]

The key was that they never strayed from that. They always tried to improve but never took shortcuts. They also never got stupid and acted like fools. They approached it with the seriousness that a classical musician would. And that has made all the difference.

[@johnthelesserofthethirdoft863]

@@carlosclaptrix Let's agree they are great. And when you get Great Musicians together you get... Rush...Tool etc ..

[@DB-pi3fs]

@@cvn6555 fools like DAVE GROLL as example. Rush stayed their course and stayed true to their art. "ART AS EXPRESSION, NOT AS MARKET CAMPAIGNS

[@jeremydarden3914]

D B yeah but you know Grohl doesn’t believe that about what he creates. Of course he wants to get paid, but I hate thinking of him and his band as sell outs. I’m hardly a fan of FF, but Dave always seems passionate about what he’s doing when I see him in interviews or on Sound City. Hek I don’t know, I’ve been wrong 6 1/2 times to date and this could make 7 1/2. We just will never know his heart. Thank goodness.

[@Word77787]

Back in that time I was in a punk band, and when we heard a band in our neighborhood who could play Rush and The Police note for note, I was like, guys I don't think that we're going to win the battle of the bands 😮😁💯

[@Sublight77]

This is fantastic. Man I miss them being an active band, Neil of course. So special. There will never be another, theyre like musical wizards from another world...

[@Luthiart]

Those of us who were around when Moving Pictures came out tend to take this song for granted, but it's an excellent example of complex songwriting that doesn't SOUND complex, and it's a master class in emotive guitar solo composition.

[@joshuacervenkamusic327]

@Jeffrey Olson They probably just felt it when they played/jammed. Especially when you have a drummer that loves to explore mixing meters, and having that desire to push themselves. Plus, having the chemistry they had, something magical will happen.

[@igmusicandflying]

I don't, man. I picked up guitar when I heard Jimmy Page's solo in Whole Lotta Love. I switched to bass when I heard Moving Pictures and although there's great bass on all these songs, Limelight is one of the ones that kicked be right between the ears. Also the bass in "The Camera Eye" just slays me, especially during Alex's solo, where he's just all over the place but still right in the pocket and then brings it back to the primary riff at the end. I don't play 5% as well as Ged, but he's been without a doubt my greatest musical inspiration.

[@jimgardner5129]

I'm embarrassed to say I can put the first three songs of this monumental album on an endless loop and never feel the need for further exploration. Maybe now's the time. Thank you, Rick.

[@calvinmendoza7911]

Rush has this uncanny ability to incorporate odd time signatures in their music and still make it sound normal.

[@solitude208]

Rush and Soundgarden

[@theonlyrobot]

Good point! Tool kind of hits you on the nose with it.

[@swampt.6898]

I believe Lifeson is usually the culprit, Peart and Lee have the talent to accommodate his ideas and the 3 have the chemistry needed to make it sound natural

[@blueskyalive]

This had been my least favorite song on the album because it sounded too "normal" and straight forward to me compared to the others. But after watching this video. Mind blown.

[@Bhaadi]

This. They sound very... (I'm sorry)... radio-friendly in the way they make their music sound catchy and groovy and relatively easily accessible, and then only afterwards one realizes "wait what, this song actually went mostly in 5 and 7 and some odd bars here and there"

[@coldfire2812]

Love to listen to somebody as intelligent and gifted as you explain Rush's ability to produce this level of music. Rush fan for 40 years here. Well done.

[@davidhogenmiller248]

In 20 minutes you completely validated my opinion that the 70's and bleed over into the 80's was the pinnacle of rock and pop music. Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video. And the Xanadu tease was amazing. I had no idea that one motion on a guitar could make those sounds.

[@markdecker2112]

You can't fake the smile this guy has on his face at the end of the video. a true fan

[@sir601]

I can fake a comment

[@maxlove8894]

Rick has been a lifelong fan of Rush. He was deeply upset I think at Neil death

[@chasgorman1086]

I love how Rick just gets caught up in a song he’s describing , and just geeks out. It’s so cool.

[@jackspickphone6656]

His facial expressions when he plays Geddy's bass intro, etc, really make this cool. You're right on the geek out part. Great to watch.

[@scottcooper4923]

So correct, and humble, Rick is real.

[@scottcooper4923]

Passion is rife.

[@frontsidegrind]

Agree! The more excited he gets the more excited I get!

[@david57strat]

Unquestionably my favorite Rush song of all time - and maybe one of my Top Ten favorite rock tunes of all time. What an amazing deconstruct on this masterpiece of a tune, Rick. Superb content and insight - as always. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@Joelster-og4pf]

All members of Rush are underrated…. Alex Lifeson Geddy Lee Neil Peart The holy trinity of Canada 🇨🇦

[@chantalmassicotte3934]

Holy crap...this man is so freaking talented. Could listen to him all day talking about music.

[@punkasspunkasspunk]

Wish he would dissect songs daily... and wish we could isolate instruments/vocals like this.

[@srpdesigns]

The language that musicians use always blows me away... Just how they convey their thoughts through music and understanding it so completely.

[@scotey]

His knowledge of the music is surpassed only by his appreciation of it. Amazing video.

[@chrisstarr5841]

The best part about Rick is not how he breaks down the songs, which is incredible, but how you can see and feel his absolute love for the music. Really evident on More Than a Feeling; he looks like every teen in 1976 hearing Boston for the first time and thinking “Fuck me!” 😎🤘🏻🍺

[@EvilSean62]

I have done , one of my erstwhile students has eschewed playing in favour of watching rick ( yes you sausage fingers ) ... if you find this ...paul ... i`ll buy you a beer

[@jonburkitt4152]

THIS kind of content is what KZbin is for. So awesome to hear these songs pulled apart like this. You think they're amazing just listening to them as is, but then someone like Rick takes your hand and leads you through it all step by step and that song you loved is somehow made even better.

[@jpackel]

Great comment. I'd go so far as to say this is what the INTERNET and TECHNOLOGY are for! To allow communities of like-minded people to form and create meaning and joy.

[@dkbrn1b.737]

Especially love the last few minutes when Rick is air drumming... Just like a kid in a candy store!

[@cyberprompt]

perfectly said

[@yesorlando05]

Couldn't agree more!!!

[@cvn6555]

Very well said. I always knew that their music was challenging and complex but it's much more than I ever imagined. This was great content and what youtube should be.

[@crown1993]

This is the BEST breakdown I've ever heard of my favorite Rush song. Rick is so smart and approaches it from both a traditional and modern analysis. Total NERDNESS! 🧐 🤓 🤩 🤘

[@Heywood.Jablome]

Geddy playing LEAD BASS constantly! Never any lazy thumping around in the background. BEST bassist EVER!!!

[@blackcreekmusic783]

Geddy is out doing a book tour you should try getting him for an interview

[@rickpalechuk4411]

I second the motion

[@billforster1010]

Brian Russ can I like this post a thousand times?

[@madmanmoon4038]

YES.

[@rundoetx]

There' a good Geddy interview on AXTV with Dan Rather. Check it out. The show is Called The Big Interview. Great series.

[@mosin9105]

Brian Russ Yes, please!

[@dantreview4698]

Rick your face and enthusiasm at the end: "WHO DOES ENDINGS LIKE THAT?! COME ON!" makes this entire video worthwhile. Rock on, brother.

[@korzonas]

We had a few endings like that in our originals (band: slimBINGO). We called them “big cheese whiz endings.”

[@onetrickpony4179]

Neil Peart's drum kits always had such a deep, layered tone.

[@tracewingo9910]

I can see you share the same love and passion for RUSH, their musicianship, and their music, as I do. Ever since I was a young bass player (I began playing at age 13 in 1980) RUSH has INTRIGUED me, with how three musicians could make a song sound so full, so busy, so intricate. They truly are the greatest PHENOMENON of my generation.

[@Cre8tvMG]

I love how you have the track cranked enough that you have to shout over it. That’s respecting the song the way it should be played. 😂

[@lancekeltner7]

This song. This band. Limelight is always #1 on my Rush playlist.

[@maness2112]

This song will live forever.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

lancekeltner7 yes...master of words and rhythm. RIP Neil Peart

[@michaelmcvey1442]

Rick has the unbeatable combination of knowledge and enthusiasm.

[@user-dd8lh3xs7b]

Rush will never die and neither will Rick's brilliant analytical videos.

[@VegasDM]

"That's why we are still talking about Rush"

[@jonathanwright8802]

Alex was never an introvert! Neil definitely was (and is), and Geddy is def not an introvert either.

[@crkmt]

I saw them on this tour in Knoxville, TN in November of 1981. The warmup act, Riot, couldn't play because their lead singer had laryngitis, so Rush agreed to do an extra long show. It had to be 3 ½ hours long. I didn't want it to end. Still the best concert I ever saw.

[@beauwallbridge5490]

I've never heard a band who can move more seamlessly through different time signatures without compromising the feel of the song. They were masters.

[@jcb3393]

The time signature changes alone are crazy. (And this - along with "Spirit of Radio" - is often derided as a simplistic song.) Just wow!

[@bertpaquin1817]

What is amazing about Rush's use of odd time signatures is that they play them so smoothly, you don't even notice it's an odd time signature! It's almost like they wanted to see how much they could mess around with the timing without anyone catching on.

[@andrewhadfield5619]

"I cant pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" is the most honest lyrical phrase Ive ever heard. Chills me each time, favorite Alex solo too.

[@jeffreycohen6188]

totally Neil

[@g.moeller308]

Insufficient tact

[@chrisneenan]

Neil is so smart, I mean come on, the lyrics, the absolute perfect time of his strikes. Listen to him every single day!

[@chrisneenan]

How lucky are we! Every single time we hear these guys, It's like the first time. I drive my wife crazy, she'll never understand!

[@JoshuaTootell]

I'm so glad that when I introduced my ex to Rush with Counterparts when we first met in the 90's that she became an instant fan. Made the next 20 years easier @@chrisneenan 🤣

[@chaosk1964]

One of my favorite lines in all of music: I can't pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend..."

[@cvn6555]

It's rare that a back story to a song makes it better but hearing why Neil wrote that song and how he felt about fame definitely makes the song deeper and carry more for me.

[@matthewedwards6025]

That was one part which wasn't discussed: the quality of the lyrics. Not some bubble-gum love story crap, these lyrics were deep and philosophical. Another reason Rush endures.

[@SundaysChild1966]

.. the music of my youth, appreciated even more in my old age! RIP Neil ..

[@gmund317]

"Only Rush can do those sort of things". Exactly!

[@multoc]

From Alex's guitar tech who i texted: "Yikes, almost 30 years. Here goes, probably the black Strat. later named Pork Flapsocaster had a Bill Lawrence L500 in the bridge (nicknamed the Motley Crue Pickup by Skip). The Marshall combos with 70 watt Celestions. Model 4104. Lerxst had discovered Loft by then. The Chorus was the 450. Probably their delay along with the Boss Space Echo. MXR distortion. Howard Roberts Fusion also. We had EVERYTHING when we recorded so it’s tough to say what made it to tape, but this is close."

[@bootlegnjack]

You the man that’s great .... the MXR Distortion wow ..., wow

[@shaunrodgers3727]

That was a black prs Ps I screwed up it was a strat but I will keep this so no one else will make the mistake I made.

[@msmoniz]

@Shaun Rodgers Nope, not a chance. Alex didn't start to use PRS guitars until 90/91. His whammy guitars back in the 80's were initially Fender Strats he had modded with a humbucker and Floyd Rose bridges, then in the late mid 80's a Canadian brand of "super strats" call Signature Guitars. You can see those Signature guitars in the live concert movie A Show of Hands from 1989.

[@RogerBaxterYWGNYC]

Not to be confused with his aptly-named “Hentor Sportcaster” played on Grace Under Pressure. 😁

[@zbyszekolko3998]

What is 450 chorus? Wasn't he using Boss CE1? 4104 was equipped with McKenzie speaker, wasn't it?

[@CARDINAL701]

'''...All the world's indeed a stage and we are merely players, performers and portrayers, each another's audience outside the gilded cage ".............R I P Neil.

[@discomfort5760]

"Someone set a bad example Made surrender seem all right The act of a noble warrior Who lost the will to fight" -The Pass (By Neil, ofc) I'm really, really sad. RIP, my favorite lyricist.

[@limelighter1]

CARDINAL701 that is Shakespeare

[@keydobutkrak]

With acknowledgement to the late great Billy Shakespeare

[@kadesoutherland3648]

just seeing how happy this man is listening to my favorite band gives me so much joy

[@morganhale3434]

Mr. Beato this series of what makes this song great just makes me love Rock music even more.

[@braindamage_eclipse]

"that's why we're still talking about Rush." The isolated solo is pure sorcery. I can't believe how lucky I was to hear them perform live twice, back in the era before the camera phone panopticon.

[@geoffstrickler]

I saw them live 3 times. Signals tour, Hold Your Fire tour, and Vapor Trails (I think, might have been Test for Echo)

[@lindapryor3747]

Thank goodness for us that never had the money and travel arrangements to see them live that we have these beautiful videos.

[@francisouellette5938]

I saw Rush live for the distant early warning tour with Marillion as opening band. Still have goosebumps just thinking about it. These were the best of times for me.

[@sourcecode5273]

same for me.

[@foto21]

I saw them twice back in the old days, too. Wish I could've appreciated it like I do now. I still liked it, but we were spoiled in those days.

[@reedeux7818]

Limelight is one of those rare songs that, whether you're a musician or a listener, you re-fall in love with every time you hear it. You can listen to this song a hundred times, and still discover something that you've never noticed before.

[@yanrenthungmurry7270]

My god my simple mind cant comprehend the complexity of this song so underated

[@kennethames7252]

There is a book called RUSH Tribute Mereley Players written by Robert Telleria, which is the ultimate Rush nerd handbook. In Chapter 3 'Instruments' the book lists the Guitars and Gear used on Moving Pictures. The Guitar on Limelight was his Black Stratocaster (maple neck). Studio Amps: Hiwatts, and also two Marshall 4140 combo amps were used. Effects: new effects included Advanced Audio digital delays, Roland RE-101 and 201 digital delays, an MXR M-104 Distortion +, and an MXR M-133 Micro-amp preamp. Even though I am a drummer, I hope this helps! Love the channel.

[@ModernDayWarrior2112]

Anyone who puts down Geddy’s voice never really listened. He has an incredible voice.

[@WertheimConsulting]

True statement.

[@MemyselfandI001]

They say most females don't like it. That's why it's mostly dudes at their concerts.

[@PaulisInclusion]

ModernDayWarrior2112 its an extremely recognizable voice, like ozzy’s. When it comes to geddy’s voice, you either love it or you hate it.

[@andyball8379]

I'm sorry, but while Geddy's voice is pitch-wise accurate, his tonal quality just doesn't appeal to me. To me it sounds tinny and nasally, which I'll concede is weird, because Sting's voice has a similar tonal quality, and I find his vocals ok. Matter of taste, I guess.

[@ldchappell1]

Geddy's voice was an acquired taste for me. I really didn't like it much in the first couple of years.

[@debivanderwaahl4718]

Neal died today. Damn. Just damn. More brilliant than I ever knew. And I knew....RIP, Neal

[@roxannemoser]

He actually died Tuesday Jan 7

[@logandarklighter]

Roxanne Moser Most likely to give the family - and Alex and Geddy and their families - a chance to grieve in private for a while before the world came crashing in. A class move. And just what Neil would want, most likely.

[@ichhasseamerika]

What?? Neal Peart? Noooooo!

[@bohergoy]

Its not Neal, Its Neil

[@billpeart]

@@bohergoy Kneel Pert

[@harrywj]

Seriously Rick, you need to interview Alex and Geddy. Do more RUSH!

[@michaelrchan]

I don't know how Alex and Neil and Geddy can make a "something" so complete. But they kept doing it over and over. And over.

[@larryc8834]

"Rush was a Canadian rock band" … Quite possibly the most depressing thing I have read in years...never stopped to consider they would cease to be in my lifetime.

[@gotsteem]

Yes, that is true however.. They WERE in our lifetime. I have fond memories of Rush in several different venues including the small, 10,000 seat Swing Auditorium in San Bernardino, CA which ironically enough was destroyed by a twin engine airplane crashing into it on.. Fvcking September 11th in 1981. Go figure..

[@anthonywright1961]

And I saw them at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto in the 70's! Amazing shows!

[@MehYam2112]

INTERVIEW GEDDY - he's on a promotional book tour for his "Big Book of Bass", this would be a great excuse to have a chat with him. EDIT: is there *anything* better than Rick air drumming to Neil Peart. You've peaked, KZbin, it's all downhill from here. LOVE this.

[@ryplay08]

Fun fact: The solo for “Limelight” is Alex’s favourite solo out of all is solos

[@tomstegall1346]

They’re timing is absolutely impeccable

[@MatthewHarmon]

Rick: Part of why your channel is such a success is because we love to see how much YOU love the subject matter. Never was this so clear as in this video. Your smirks and smiles after listening to an iconic guitar phrase speak volumes to people who grew up loving this music.

[@paultrussy4243]

Hear here! 👍

[@jackspickphone6656]

Well said Matthew

[@tuckerrobbins9592]

His love for music is so contagious

[@shermanpeabody5512]

Rick reminds me, pleasantly, of my father, who was a huge classical music fan. Dad would make us sit and listen to segments of his own version of What Makes This Symphony Great. I had to explain to my geometry teacher that my homework was not done because my dad made me watch Leonard Bernstein conduct The NewNew York philharmonic of Beethoven’s IX symphony!

[@La_sagne]

the jon anderson interview was Rick fanboying really hard and it was fantastic

[@97irishflyer]

I love Rick's energy and enthusiasm. Right at the end, I was chuckling, thinking "He is such a music nerd, air drumming the outro." Only to realize I was unconsciously doing the same thing..lol. THATS why RUSH is still talked about, you are compelled to play along without knowing you are doing it.

[@micheltanaka2420]

Beato is one of the few people who actually does analysis of the song, instead of spending 90% of the video just swooning about how AWESOME and TALENTED the artists are.

[@Paiadakine]

Like those idiotic “reaction” videos.

[@micheltanaka2420]

@@Paiadakine oooof, those are terrible indeed! :(

[@morganhale3434]

Limelight is my favorite Rush song, and I didn't think it was that complicated of a song by Rush's standards, but your breakdown was amazing, and I am rethinking at the moment my preconceptions of Limelight. To me Limelight was probably the most pop tune that Rush had done, now maybe not.

[@33AndAThirdRPM]

February 14, 1974 I saw RUSH play at my High School in Belle River, Ontario, Canada. On that night he was playing his Gibson ES335 through a 100 watt Hiwatt head and full stack. I was sitting on the gym floor front row. The back up bands were Edward Bear and New Potatoes . That night when I got home I grabbed my guitar and tried to bang out 'Working Man' as I remembered Alex playing it. They also played again in Belle River almost a year later to the day at the Community Centre Arena on February 13, 1975 and the back up band was Rose.

[@patriciameyer7401]

Wow, Rose used to play at several clubs in my area near Rochester, NY, back in the 70's. They were fantastic and had a very strong following.

[@jenmccolley285]

what an amazing story!

[@jennieb3177]

Thank you for sharing this amazing story! Such detail!

[@jimjewell7649]

Belle River resident here..both my boys went to BR high as well..even they know this story, and appreciate it !! i am a huge rush fan as well..

[@zendisciple3737]

Whatever happened to Edward Bear and New Potatoes?

[@Jhovas]

All I want in my life is Rick counting Dance of Eternity

[@metalhos]

not sure if Rick is into Guitar Clown Fiesta

[@stevesorrell9835]

I'd watch that! 👍🏻

[@JungleScene]

@@metalhos he likes john petruccis playing so im sure he at least appreciates the peak song/feature song of SFAM

[@Esse9.]

...and analyze the harmony!

[@McNuttyDad]

Rick, this is very first time I listen to one of your sessions on KZbin. I must say it was a half hour well spent! Your analysis was absolutely spot on, and you made it so interesting to your audience. Your musical expertise comes shining through in your highly educational and entertaining videos. Just want to thank you man for blessing us with your insights . You have added yet another fan!

[@RomanskyJr]

Alex Lifeson: One of the most underrated guitar players of all time. Never got the individual attention and the accolades that he deserved..

[@debvalle7466]

It’s funny that this is one of my least favorite Rush tunes and yet I gain extra appreciation for it watching this. Who’s awesome? Rick Beato’s awesome!

[@franklingauthier-parker7253]

Yeah, Rush is in my top 5 favorite bands and I always thought Limelight was a weaker track off Moving Pictures, but it's great to watch Rick strip it all down

[@Whovian1029]

Wow, really? Limelight has always been one of my top 10 Rush songs. What is it you don't like about it?

[@LuizSilva-ls2rb]

It was the last song of moving pictures that i obsessed about, but it is just as great as the others, you'll get there hopefully

[@throwabrick]

I know how you feel. I am a huge Clash fan, but thought I was sick to DEATH of "Should I Stay or Should I Go" because I had heard the usual recording sooooo many times. Then I saw the faux-doc movie Rude Boy where they have the entire song being played live and I suddenly was right back in there and couldn't believe I never knew how good it really was. All it takes is one little thing to change in your mind and suddenly everything is different.

[@KayleeCee]

Rick's videos have given me a lot of appreciation for songs that I've felt kind of meh about. Not in this case because I'm a huge Rush fan, but his videos are awesome at breaking down the individual parts and pointing out things that I hadn't noticed before.

[@fiacchi]

I literally cry when I listen to Rush for all their emotional style of playing. Just three great musicians who truly believe on themselves! Wow!

[@rhugh02]

I thought maybe I was the only one Rush could bring to tears. Welcome to the club. Lol 😂

[@kelson108]

Life is not fair . Neil is gone and yet all the kardashians live.

[@mathijsbastiaansen5394]

Imagine if they had 4 players...

[@greglivo]

That's "the magic music making your morning mood". :)

[@arturozilli217]

One more from Italy!

[@brandonmaddox4862]

Watching videos like this brings me back to why I love rush

[@augustusbetucius1572]

"Rush was a Canadian rock band consisting of..." was, past tense. Damn, I still can't get over the idea they are gone.

[@thenightfly1602]

They are still among us AND we have their music.

[@johnmcclure4983]

Augustus Betucius 😢

[@2112jonr]

They'll always be there. Music this good will never die.

[@marklittle8805]

Not gone, just retired...and sooner or later we all succumb to father time

[@ChadWorthman]

Mark Little that comment was prophetic...

[@steveacevedo820]

Rush was a band with unbelievable chemistry and your reaction to Neil Peart's drumming "Wow" says it all.

[@EngineeredChannel]

Steve Acevedo, Neil is the GOAT of drummers!

[@RCAvhstape]

And since you brought it up, Chemistry is also a great Rush song, a deep cut from the Signals album.

[@norvinzor]

This song just makes you feel Happy! If Im going to introduce a RUSH song to someone, it would be Limelight

[@billmurphy9921]

greatest testament to Rush's prowess - Rick saying, "That's why we're still talking about Rush".

[@markbayer1683]

When Rick talks about Alex Lifeson's chord vocabulary (starting at 9:33), this is where Rick's music theory knowledge is really brought to bear on analyzing one of rock's most creative guitar players. Very few rock guitarists were playing like that in the late 70's and early 80's, as Rick mentions, and it's one element of what made Rush different and special and a little magical for many of us, I think. Those chord choices made them sound like nobody else in rock at the time (along with all the other stuff that set them apart). This is right in Rick's wheelhouse re: his ability to explain and analyze and *appreciate*. (I'm a drummer, by the way, so you know who I was attracted to in this band, at least initially). Alex was always a little under the radar, but this kind of analysis really helps to explain their coolness and "magic", to some degree. Thanks Rick!

[@skepticalfaith5201]

It kinda shows how Alex didn’t know music theory, he just played what sounded right and left it to guys like Rick to figure out what to call them.

[@jackspickphone6656]

You said that well enough for me to get a better understanding of why RUSH is so awesome. And why Rick Beato videos appeal to me.

[@Darylvb]

I agree. It’s all about what sounds good.

[@jonbbaca5580]

Rush is one of those rare bands where they would not be anything without any one of their members. Neil Peart was totally essential. Love for fellow drummers, and how they can be essential elements to special bands

[@jonbbaca5580]

@David Roberts that's what a true power trio is all about. Cream, the Police etc. Each piece is essential. I wouldn't call Primus a true power trio since they've put out great stuff with multiple drummers and guitarists (for example)