Rush - By-Tor And The Snow Dog | Reaction

[@TANehls]

“All the World’s a Stage” live album has By-Tor and the Snow Dog

[@alboho]

Yeah, that was my reaction 40 odd years ago when I first heard this song. Great reaction!

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Guys, you should listen to the first live album, from 1976, for this song! It is crazy-amazing! Alex improved his guitar effects (not to mention his chops) between the time of the original recording and the June 1976 dates, from which the live album was recorded. That live version is unbelievable! Now, they don't have a video of them playing the whole thing live. They have videos of them playing half the song but not the whole thing. What you need to do is watch the "Exit, Stage Left" video version! It's a whole medley of different songs that is joined up with By Tor and it's really awesome! Total amazing rocker!

[@HansMcGruber]

No, watch live performance from Exit Stage Left concert video

[@michaelbriefs9764]

@@HansMcGruber, to see it played is to see only the first half, which is great, and the ESL video is the best. But, to hear the whole thing live, they would have to go back to 1976. That said, the medley version from the Rush In Rio show is also pretty mental!! 😀

[@williamarbogast349]

Like many others have commented, listen to "All the world's a stage" for a GREAT live version of this. 👍

[@sandrasimpson9673]

Just loving your awesome reactions to Rush!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ from 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@richierich398]

Pretty sure this song is named after I think the producers dogs. One dog was white and the other dog was known for biting. So they ended up calling the dog By-tor. So they ended up making a song about it😂. Yeah I will check out necromancer next I know you guys will love that one

[@Katehowe3010]

That's correct!

[@keefmack]

Correct and also if I'm not mistaken it is also a reference to their manager being "Snowdog" and the record industry being "By-Tor" and their manager fighting for them as a band.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Yeah, that quiet part in the middle is the Hero crossing the River Styx! Hey, you all need to know that this album, "Fly By Night", is Neil Peart's first album with Rush and he is just killing it!

[@j.c.a2872]

By-Tor is awesome !!!! Alex said this was the beginning of prog Rush. Some other recommendations: Jacob's Ladder, Natural Science, Cygnus X-1 book 1 & book 2, The Necromancer, Fountain of Lamneth, Bastille Day, Anthem.....just to name a few

[@jaym3064]

And to think they were only 22 years old when this was recorded

[@lisaharrison1031]

Ged, our Bytor & Al, our Snowdog!! 💖

[@michaelcalvert7363]

Told you the drum intro and guutar solo was special Alex puts so much emotion into them all.Btw the battle was Geddys incredible low bass versus Alexs high pitched leas think By Tor was the bsss thats why it faded away at the end.Its a masterpiece for sure

[@kendetulio4009]

Its an epic battle between them.

[@CurtisAST]

You should do the All the World's a Stage live version of ByTor . Raging, dominating guitars.

[@thatsnice99]

Correct....I’ve been saying this for years......

[@garya7893]

All The Worlds a Stage was my first Rush album as a teen It took me awhile to get use to the studio songs I still like it live

[@thatsnice99]

@@garya7893 live versions are better. The only exception is spirit of radio.....

[@iKvetch558]

To this day, I still believe that side 3 of ATWAS is the greatest live album side ever put out by any band. Alex's guitar work on By-Tor is INSANE! The psychedelic shredding is even better than Hendrix...with all due respect to Jimi....Alex has to be the most underrated guitarist of all time! 🖖💯✌

[@thatsnice99]

@Ponyboy Curtis it skips to the part that matters. Works for me and it worked for Rush also.

[@kennygeorge4454]

Alex is my favorite guitarist !

[@williambissell972]

Once again you guys killed it! Keep up the great work! No video, but the live version from All the World's a Stage rips!

[@jhc2093]

You guys are killing it. You’re going deep on some serious Rush. You need to do the Necromancer off of the album Caress Of Steel. Peace

[@tshelton2289]

Ok guys, I bought this album and was listening to this on my headphones... I was 10 years old- The headphones came out a little bit...so it went through my speakers at 10 pm. Mom and dad freaked out.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Hahaha! I have "scared" my parents with Rush before too!

[@markgagliardi1774]

Hello from Toronto, Canada (Rush-land)!Love watching your channel with my boys. My suggestions are Natural Science and Subdivisions. Keep it coming!

[@Tonyr0206]

Rush's Stage and Lighting director, Howard Underleiger had a party at his house. He had two dogs, one was a white dog (the snow dog) the other was a husky that would bite anybody that came near. They would jokingly call the dog, "Biter"; which, as the drinks flowed that night, eventually became "Bitor!" These two dogs became the inspiration for the song known as By-Tor and the Snowdog.

[@lisaharrison1031]

One of my most favorite RUSH songs. From their 2nd album. FLY BY NIGHT from 1974. I was 15 when this first came out.

[@michaelcalvert7363]

By Tor and the Snow Dog is a great choice jthe drum intro in the middle and searing solo is beautiful you will enjoy it.I love Here Again from the first album very few people have reacted to it and it's a hidden gem dripping with emotion.Geddy and Alex even in their younger days sound so good here and drummer John Rutsey who was Neil's predecessor does a great job too.

[@michaelcalvert7363]

Other faves are the mighty Xanadu from Exit Stage Left surely one of the greatest live perfirmances ever or the epic 2112 with the storyboik video will take you on a glorious journetmy and as mentioned below The Necromancer is brilliant dark and menacing.If you want some synths Digital Man and Subdivisions are good picks and again as mentioned below Natural Science and The Camera Eye ate both superb.Its akso hard to ignore the greatness of La Villa Strangiato one of the best instrumentals you will ever hear.Rush really were the greatest RIP Professor Neil

[@brettking1014]

This is the first “epic” Rush released in 1975. There are many more in the albums to follow. It was inspired by two dogs their manager (Ray Daniels) had...one was white (snow dog) and the other was a biter (by Tor...get it? Lol!). They got into an altercation, and when the band was told about it, they wrote this song! You guys’ reactions are priceless! I love it!

[@pensnut08]

"By-Tor" is based on a mean dog.... Biter LOL

[@thegman8968]

Another GREAT REACTION! Don't worry about stopping the songs every once in a while cuz your reactions are what we all want to see. We've heard these songs a billion times already, LOL. While I have heard this song played live, it is never the entire song. It's just too Much! Thanks a million and keep it coming! ☮☮☮☮

[@debbieplato5107]

The inspiration for this song was the two dogs owned by their manager. A German Shepherd that would bite everybody....biter...Bytor and the other dog was all white. Exit Stage Left there is a medley with this song included. The next song you should do is the Necromancer. Hint, you will see why once you hear it. Oh, others have mentioned it but just to let you know your mic sound is much higher than the music. Cheers 🇨🇦✌

[@JimiBurleigh]

What a great reaction!! When you paused at the instrumental I was a bit afraid you thought it was over. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was great that you picked up on the "battle" aspect. BTW, the Snow Dog is played by Alex, Geddy's bass makes By-Tor quite evil sounding indeed. Just a fun bit of trivia: The same artist, Eraldo Carugati, that painted the owl cover for Fly By Night also did the portraits of the members of KISS for the four 1978 'solo projects' - where they're in full KISS makeup and all four albums released simultaneously. "Back In The New York Groove" is on Ace Frehley's album. A good example of the "Bo Diddley Beat" put to great effect. You'll recognize it immediately, even if you didn't know that is what it's called. "Cause, well, Bo Diddley "invented" it. Okay, one more fun fact: the drum set that Neil used to record the song you just heard - nicknamed "chromey" was sold last year at auction for $500,000. It is prominently displayed on the cover of their first live album, "All The Worlds A Stage". The live version of By-Tor on the Rush In Rio DVD is excellent if you want to see it performed but the ATWAS version is worth a listen as well. The live version of "Bastille Day" from the All The World's A Stage album is just incredible. The French revolution wasn't exactly mainstream rock fare "in the olden days". Not to mention using the word 'cacophany' correctly and in it's proper context. I saw it live in Spokane, WA in March 1976 (and again in Seattle in October of the same year). I do not know of a live video version of that record.

[@kendetulio4009]

Best band on the planet.

[@reactioninaction7415]

What should the next Rush Reaction be?

[@cityhonors1]

🙋🏿‍♀️ Subdivisions! I don't see it on your Rush playlist and think the lyrics will speak to you guys! 😁🐰

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Hey guys! Great reaction! Thanks for keeping my request for "Between The Wheels" in the hat! Also check out a song called "Bastille Day" but do the live version from the 1976 live album "All The World's A Stage"!! It's incendiary!

[@islaypeat9798]

The “Necromancer” definitely. Get ready to get your socks blown off... p.s. could you lower your levels or raise the music volume because you guys come in much louder. Thanks

[@anthonysullivan6534]

Do subdivisions!

[@triadmad]

When the video ended and your KZbin suggestions were being shown on the screen, I saw the lyrics for Something For Nothing. It's a favorite of mine off of the 2112 album.

[@mlg4035]

You guys have the perfect mix of commentary (pausing) and music, keep it up!!

[@JeromeDukes]

Man I'm loving you guys Rush reaction. Just love the energy. This is Rush's first epic and story telling song. By-Tor makes his return in "The Necromancer" off the album "Caress of Steel". You are correct, Neil was reading The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings around this time. I'd love if you follow this reaction with the Necromancer and then move to The Fountain of Lamneth.

[@brucedickinson12]

2 classic tracks there

[@tedwilkes8783]

He Camera Eye from Moving Pictures is a masterpiece. Take a listen when you have time. You won’t regret it. The live version will impress

[@karmasouture]

Listen to the All The World’s A Stage version. Alex’s guitar work is absolutely epic.

[@iKvetch558]

If you think the album version of By-Tor has all the music, then you DEFINITELY gotta check out the 12 minute version from Rush's first live album. To this day, I still believe that side 3 of All The World's A Stage is the greatest live album side ever put out by any band. The super long version of By-Tor followed by the most amazing rendition of In the End make a just immaculate live one-two punch...just incredibly superd in every way. Alex's guitar work on By-Tor is INSANE! The psychedelic shredding is even better than Hendrix...with all due respect to Jimi....Alex has to be the most underrated guitarist of all time! 🖖💯✌

[@Matty0923]

Your faces have been officially melted!!!!

[@snowdog5895]

My namesake song....🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂

[@gritter2112]

And yes the all the worlds a stage live version. Great job guys!

[@lisaharrison1031]

Now I know you will understand why “we” as loyal members of the RUSH FAMILY say “there’s no band better”. We love our Ged, Al & Neil.

[@motodork]

Guys do you think they’re ready for The Fountain of Lamneth?

[@DallasGunther]

Hell yeah.

[@lvgelfling72]

I'm telling you guys again, you need to listen to Natural Science lyric version. 👍 I believe there is a live version on Exit Stage Left. Snowdog is victorious. Alex represented Snowdog in the battle btw and you guys got it. Good job!!

[@motodork]

My favorite RUSH song of all time.

[@scottneal6936]

You must listen to the Cygnus X-1 songs off their A Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres albums: 1) Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage AND 2) Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres (my favorite Rush song)!

[@johnord684]

Has it been that long,this is one of my 16 year old sons favorites,this and The Necromancer

[@JayTor2112]

The strange voice of the Snow Dog was made with a bass. The "sequel" to this song is "The Necromancer" where it appears again briefly.

[@reactioninaction7415]

Very cool! Thanks for the comment. Nice name too! JayTor2112 - Sweet!

[@joemaurone7923]

If you do a live version of this, I'd recommend the 1981 MOVING PICTURES tour version with footage (From the EXIT STAGE LEFT live album, I think?) It's fire. (But overall, that's a tough song to find live in its entirety, because it's usually part of a medley...)

[@juliebrockett3471]

Great reaction y’all! Maybe try “Natural Science” and “Jacobs Ladder” next. Studio is fine for those! Be well and God Bless... from Texas!!

[@GaryHighFruit]

You guys look like you're on the same drug that Rush was on when they wrote this song.(true story). Subbed.

[@NCNelz]

In “ the Necromancer “. .. By Tor returns but changes his evil ways and is a good guy ..go figure.?……”Exit stage left” …By Tor / in the End / in the mood / 2112 finale ..medley ….is the one to watch live …they blow it up ….concert within a concert

[@cityhonors1]

🤯 Whoa! 😁 Better get snacks ready! 🍿🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny

[@brucedickinson12]

Lead break at 12.56 is epic

[@jracee1]

Jeez dad, that was super dark. 😆

[@fabiod.6754]

Uno dei miglior assoli di chitarra mai ascoltati

[@fabiod.6754]

La reazione del ragazzo a sinistra al minuto 13 é semplicemente fantastica...😂😎🤟🤙🤙🤙

[@rorshakks]

Great reaction

[@cavellfrancis-king4809]

You guys should check out Anthem and In The End from this album. In The End sounds like it could fit in on a Guardians of The Galaxy soundtrack

[@gritter2112]

So now you need to do the necromancer. Its the follow up of By-tor.

[@cecillegravelle2590]

Please put Jacob's Ladder in the HEISENBERG HAT. it's about weather and Neil loved meteorology.

[@AndreDavila]

You must see the live version from EXIT... EXIT STAGE LEFT.... it's amazing and funny....

[@blakes.9712]

5;32 on, if you listen to the distortion you can fiqure out what Geddy is saying. "All right, You wanna fight, good I'll hit you, cmon you wanna fight, cmon on now I'll hit you.... lol

[@blakes.9712]

About 2 dogs, lol Necromancer is next album

[@Progvinyl]

See the live version in the exit stage left show

[@timlamb6196]

You wont listen to me probably but the live version from all the world's a stage owns the studio version. U haven't really listened to this until you hear that live version.

[@douglaskelly6147]

Please do a reaction for The Garden, their last song recorded.

[@paulgarcia1566]

It's time to let the dogs play.

[@AndreDavila]

Is RUSH - ROLL THE BONES in the hat???

[@sandrasimpson9673]

Try Marathon live or Bravado 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@krishlearnsaymyname4298]

JID and lute

[@mizymeezygaming6309]

SNOWDOG

[@garya7893]

Great reaction your mic volume it too high compared to the music

[@oddgriffin]

Zebra Who's behind the door.

[@veronicaott2499]

Losing it.

[@johnd7292]

You didnt listen to the entire song.... You cut it to early

[@jamiesanderson429]

Guys, please....for the love of God EQUALIZE the volume of the music vid and your reaction commentary...I'm so tired of having to turn up the music, only to turn it way down cuz your commentary is so loud and out of whack, and back up again for the tunes, ad nauseum.

[@Katehowe3010]

Yeah man! Fix the bloody sound.

[@nealbarrus9140]

You boys need to turn your mic(s) down, way out of balance.

[@ttocs68]

Ya didn’t even do the whole song. Epic fail

[@Katehowe3010]

What did they miss? A few wind chimes at the end!