Rush A Farewell To Kings Reaction! PART 1 Musician Listens First Time

My reaction to Rush's album, A Farewell To Kings! Part 1.
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[@rockodilechannel3509]

Farewell to Kings could have been written about today's times. If we don't pay attention to who's in charge, our leaders inevitably turn into kings who end up beating down the multitudes and scoffing at the wise in order to hold on to power.

[@jimhardiman3836]

You talking about Trump?

[@paradigmsend8007]

No he's talking about all politicians stop acting like a cult member. Ones know better than the next.

[@camc5483]

I've expressed this same sentiment in a post or 2. The more the things change, the more they stay the same?

[@bobcarn]

This is not only one of my favorite albums from them, but A Farewell to Kings is also one of my favorite songs. I watch them perform this album when it was released, and it's what made me become a life--long fan. I love this song because it has amazing bass and music, but also amazing lyrics. If you listen to the lyrics, it sounds like it could have been written today instead of back in the 70s.

[@cpmf2112]

It is based on Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, famous for being unfinished when Coleridge was reputedly interrupted by a man from Porlock

[@gritter2112]

This is my favorite Rush song all time! This song could fit many different eras. I find it fits the last 6 years in americas history quite well.

[@DionysusAlS]

A Farewell to Kings was when Rush transcended to a level of musicianship that few reach, and they rode that wave for the next 4 seminal albums.

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

It was my first proper intro to Rush, so I will always have a soft spot for it. I had heard Finding My Way previously without knowing who they were at the time.

[@spikeboots5133]

DionysusAIS...........Exactly.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

I have always rated Farewell to Kings alongside Hemispheres, Permanent Waves & 2112. Some of the most powerful & beautiful guitar notes ever played, were by Alex Lifeson on this album. All three performing as great as ever, producing this stunning album.

[@seano2112]

Bringing back great memories of listening to this album back in the late 70s. We go to each others houses and just play it over and over again - I miss reading every letter on the album cover - then re-reading it !

[@squidly2112]

One of my favorite albums .. I just love older RUSH .. amazing music!

[@deborahbrown8431]

This was recorded in Wales outside in the morning. The birds were singing and they left them in. Love it!

[@craigmanning467]

Really? I did not know that. Awesome! First time I heard this song on a good sound system, I went to my bedroom window and looked for the chirping birds. 😁

[@Vlasko60]

I would need evidence of that.

[@tommysipes4509]

I've loved rush since 1974 thank you Rush

[@debbieplato5107]

Xanadu was based on a poem based on finding a mystical place where one would find immortality. Off hand I can't remember who wrote it. This song is about a man who finds this place and becomes immortal but it doesn't work out so well. The old saying be careful what you wish for you just might get it. Cheers

[@charrid56maclean]

Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote Kubla kahn. It's an interesting rabbit hole in which to spend some time cuz Coleridge wrote Kubla Kahn supposedly under the influence of drugs was interrupted during said writing then couldn't find a way back into the poem.

[@markstromberg1148]

Xanadu is a real place - the pleasure palace of Kublai Khan located in northern China. Its ruin is a declared world heritage site. The "story" of "Xanadu" - the ancient book from which Neil "took a clue" - is the unfinished poem "Kubla Khan" by Samuel Taylor Colridge. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan/A stately pleasure dome decree:/Where Alph, the sacred river, ran./Through caverns measureless to man./Down to a sunless sea." The point of the story Neil tells, however, is different; it is about the ill-fated yearning for immortality, and how if one were to achieve immortality it would become its own form of hell. In effect, Neil posits that what makes life worth living is that it is NOT interminable but that it ends, and if ever immortality were truly achieved, as the protagonist in the song declares, he would want to be free of it. This is all the more poignant now that Neil is no longer with us.

[@geraldgonzalezjr7358]

Well said my friend...

[@towerofthemoon]

immortality would become its own form of hell - deep take!

[@johncampbell756]

The opening was recorded "live" in the studio courtyard. Neil's percussion was on one side with a mic while Geddy was on te other with keys snd s mic. for the stereo panning of Alex' classical guitar, he walked back and forth while playing. Xanadu is a mythical place. The lyrics are largely taken from a poem "In Xanadu Did Khubla Khan" by Coleridge. They didn't own half of these instruments 6 months prior and already mastered them.

[@rockodilechannel3509]

Xanadu is like that 3rd Indiana Jones movie with the Holy Grail. You get so obsessed about finding that taboo thing. But when you find it, you realize you've gone too far and there's no going back. After finally tasting the honeydew you're eternally trapped in the caves of ice.

[@MrHoolign]

Boom! this

[@thegman8968]

IMO, this side of the album rivals "2112" and "Hemispheres"! Geddy never sounded better than on this album, and the blending of the synth and percussion is pure magic! Thanks so much for this! Oh, BTW, the inspiration for "XANADU" comes from a poem by the poet Samuel Coleridge called, "Kubla Khan", which he wrote after coming out of an opiate induced dream! No kidding! 😉🤘🎵

[@fords_nothere_100]

I literally just posted the Coleridge reference and then saw you already caught it. Good one. Oh, and I often complain that no one reads anymore. Thanks for proving me wrong. 😉

[@thegman8968]

@@fords_nothere_100 You are very welcome my friend!🤘

[@fogzax]

I'd forgotten how good it is!

[@marcoscamargo7763]

A Farewell to Kings foi o meu segundo álbum do Rush a ser ouvido (depois de Caress Of Steel) e foi uma enorme surpresa. Somente o Rush poderia variar tantos andamentos e criar canções fantásticas e letras muito inspiradas com sonoridades únicas. Esses dois álbuns, para mim, são os primeiros marcos em minha vida. O Rush foi um amor à primeira ouvida. Obrigado Criador, por eles terem existido nesta vida. ✨💫🌟 🇧🇷

[@Ontariosound]

As a Toronto child, this album is in my DNA.

[@johnvrabec9747]

Caress of Steel, 2112, A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres are my favorite Rush studio albums. The growth across these was crazy. Of course, as musicians and creators, they always pushed their limits and tried new things, but IMO, this was their best and most enjoyable to me.

[@kben036]

Peart always wrote lyrics based on his favorite authors at that time. He read some Kipling musings on an old story by Coleridge called Kubla Khan. Xanadu is loosely based on those works, but basically concerns itself with the themes of immortality. While searching for everlasting life, we soon learn that it’s more of a curse than a blessing. Great stuff.

[@DissAeon]

The ending of Xanadu is glorious, an ode to music...

[@guitarmike6757]

Alex Lifeson was way ahead of his time with whammy bar technique very very creative not just dive bombs he worked into his phrasing so interesting

[@johnglynhughes4239]

Alex was a huge admirer of the legendary Allan Holdsworth who undoubtedly influenced his whammy bar technique. The solo from 'Limelight' exemplifies this ..

[@jewel_laughs]

In my top 3 Rush albums

[@Vincent-fo7xp]

I saw this tour in the seventies they played the entire album

[@richarddoyle3420]

Great intro. Doesn't highlight, the mystery is like an onion. Peel back the layers, showcase your skills. 🙌 Groove. Repeat. Awesome!!!

[@scottwilson1592]

Hello John, Rush fan in my 44th year as my fav band. Truly enjoy your channel. Subject of my comment: Thank U for reacting to entire sides of Rush music..the songs usually have a nice flow as we progress thru an album. They worked very hard considering that as the desired effect. Congrats on 2000+ subscribers. Suggestion for a Rush documentary , not as a reaction, but for your personal experience to hear their story..."Beyond the lighted stage". I'm sure you'd enjoy it. It also goes into the events that led them to search for a "new drummer"😀🎶

[@mdu2112]

John, see Rick Beato explain why Xanadu is so great. I'm convinced.

[@jonprice3337]

Great re-action. I can see you get it, especially after you did Caress Of Steel. Nice to see!

[@camc5483]

In my top 3 of favorite Rush songs

[@lisaharrison1031]

EPIC!!! We refer to it as “XANADUUUUUUU!! Hah!! We really do. 🤘🤘

[@toddherklotz5970]

The narrator of the song is seeking immortality writhing the pleasure dome

[@peteranundsson9189]

It was Recorded at Rockfeld Studios in Wales England!

[@BigC.]

My first Rush concert in 1977 at age 14. Farewell to Kings tour with UFO opening. My Sister came thru with 1st row orchestra pit, what a show. One I have cherished for 45 years.

[@camc5483]

Weird. Our 1st Rush concerts were at age 14 (mine in '79, my 1st show ever), with our sisters scoring the tix, and when they still had an opening act (PatTravers). We must be related! Kidding, of course. I'll never forget how loud it was...

[@BigC.]

@@camc5483 - saw that tour as well with Pat Travers opening up. First time I saw Tommy Aldridge, and during his solo he played with his hands.

[@camc5483]

@@BigC. hah! Blew my mind! What a drum clinic for a kid that was into drums

[@camc5483]

@@BigC. forgot to point out that we have the same initials lol

[@RushfanUK]

Correction to your opening statements, the Album was recorded around June of 1977 and released in September 1977, they also played their first ever live dates in the UK at this time, I saw them for the first time on this short tour and was forever hooked.

[@WiseGuy5674]

He’s an astronaut traveling through dimensions. The black hole, Cygnus X1 will take him into Hemispheres next.😎

[@youtoo2233]

I cut my rushed teeth on this album over 40 years ago and usually it's my favorite Rush album, some days it might be my second favorite lol. I'm pretty sure that's a classical guitar Alex is playing at the beginning of a Farewell to Kings. I agree this album has a similar medieval times feel like Caress of Steel. I think Xanadu has to do with Greek gods and Zeus and all that which I know nothing about but remember them talking about it a little bit on that movie Xanadu that has Olivia Newton-John in it. Closer to the heart is a radio hit so you probably have heard it.

[@toddludwitzke6471]

Primus is one the road doing this album check out on youtube “Primus Farewell To Kings”

[@lvgelfling72]

Perfect album.

[@squamishfish]

I hear closer to your Heart a lot on TV that Guitar riff And 8th note Drum fill , Morning Joe used it as a intro theme for example

[@davidholloway1817]

Peart's lyrics are based on the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Kubla Khan, being the grandson of the Mongol Genghis Khan who invaded China, was a Mongol emporer of China iin the 13th century. Xanadu with its milder climate was Kubla Khan's summer capital. Coleridge ascribes Xanadu with some fantasy or mystical qualities. In the song, the traveler seeks Xanadu, believing if he stays there he'll become immortal. This actually happens but he finds himself trapped there, while everyone he knows & loves, ages & passes away. Xanadu has become an eternal prison, while his immortality has become a curse. Both poem & song are a kind of, "be careful what you wish for" morality tale.

[@adbrouwer]

Nice guitar piece I your intro 👍🏻👍🏻

[@lindaward5376]

Great reaction as always! Closer To The Heart was the second Rush song I ever heard, after Fly By Night, and hearing it still brings back many fond memories of a much simpler time. It carries a simple message about how every one of us can play a role in making the world a better place, but it must begin with those in charge. And if you liked Alex's guitar work in here, I think you'll really like his work on Permanent Waves. Cheers! 🇨🇦

[@martind9575]

The search of immortality that turns into a living he'll of boredom

[@fogzax]

Interesting Caress of Steel connection never really noticed that before

[@toddherklotz5970]

The legend is that Xanadu was Ghengis Khans palace located somewhere in the Himalayas…. Mountains in Tibet or China, possibly India?

[@toddherklotz5970]

The birds chirping are real birds.

[@cogline]

Even though 2112 is the first Rush album I ever heard and it's great, I like this and the following albums more

[@scottlaughlin9897]

The music is representative of mid evil times. Hence a Farewell to kings!

[@garya7893]

Great album love it all

[@jeffreykeith6494]

Xanadu is based on an old poem. The guys ran with it.

[@cityhonors1]

🤪 A Farewell to Kings reaction! 🥰 Let's Go! 🤔 This was a little after I Graduated 🤯 JHS! 🤦🏿‍♀️ I seriously need to stop dating myself on KZbin. 🤷🏿‍♀️ But I'm old & 😁 love Rush! 😊🐰

[@leddygee1896]

All the birdsong you hear on this album was recorded in the courtyard of the recording complex. Facts…

[@notajp]

It’s funny that both Rush and Iron Maiden took inspiration for iconic songs from Coleridge….

[@towerofthemoon]

I think that Farewell to Kings is more about a call to a Renaissance way of thinking vs the post industrial mindset

[@scotturban4580]

XANADU is an idyllic, exotic, or luxurious place

[@beldran]

Xanadu was recorded in one take only.

[@jacquesjrviens3384]

I can smell... Permanent waves in the distance.... But first, let's get through Cygnus X-1.

[@RonniePeterson]

The only album that rivals Permanent Waves for me. The rest are phenomenal but these two albums will always be my top two.

[@rl9808]

Look up rush closer to the heart playing with Bubbles and Alexes son on guitar. If you don’t know who Bubs is, look up “ the trailer park boys”. Alex is in the show!

[@toddherklotz5970]

You’ve heard Alex’s flamenco in other songs

[@timprescott4634]

I would bet a paycheck this isn’t the first time he’s heard this…

[@tswizard13]

Xanadu is based on S. T. COLERIDGE'S poem Kubla Khan. Rime of the Ancient Mariner is another Coleridge poem turned into music by Iron Maiden. Read the poem for clarification . A man seeks immortality and gets it at a cost. He is immortal but can't move,,conscious of every moment '...waiting for the world to end, weary of the night.' He no longer wants immortality.

[@billneville6171]

Xanadu is based on a classic poem I don't know the name or who wrote it sorry

[@holysmokes5817]

🍄🌲🍄✨💥🌈

[@utubberize]

Hemispherers next dude

[@KkRech]

Do yourself a favor and react to Xanadu live from Exit left stage.

[@DionysusAlS]

He already did.

[@lukehansen8593]

Xanadu is an ancient real mongolian city. Think genghis khan and kublai khan

[@MrBedZeppelin]

Yeah, pretty sure you have addressed this, when first listening, to music, I believe you should not read lyrics. It is a distraction. I think lyrics should be read at a later time, after you have absorbed the instruments and you can kind of fact check what you thought the words were. A couple times, (in Xanadu) I believe you may have missed a nuance or a cool change up, while reading the lyric. Constructive critique. You have a great voice, so I prefer you reading them afterwards. Everything on your channel seems to be going well!

[@reneelyons6836]

I like 2112 just a little better. Both are Epic Masterpieces. Rush are Grand Master Wizards.

[@garya7893]

Closer to The Heart is not that hard to play on guitar check it out I learned it in the early 80s and still play it I wish i never sold my 12 string though

[@martind9575]

Cities full of hatred , fear ,and lies , ummm look around people

[@yorpersona]

You need to absorb the lyrics at the same time as the music. Maybe I'm the stupid one.

[@camc5483]

Oh, boy...new? Not. Spanish style? How about classical? C'mon, man! Keep up!

[@eddiebruce8944]

c'mon man!!! your stopping to much bro!

[@richarddoyle3420]

Understand that 'fair use' is in play. John (and any reactions to copyright) are subject to YT scrutiny. The vids would end up in blockage hell.