Rush Laura Secord Secondary School, 1974, St Catharines, Ontario

[@kendrenten1059]

Can you imagine being 14 years old and having perform at your school not some bubble gum, namby pamby group your parents approved of, but RUSH. Even in its nascent form without Neil Peart, this band was something special.

[@nickhalden9220]

Well Neil never changed the beats that Rusty made on these songs when he played them...

[@jgolanowski9347]

Attention all students of Laura Secord secondary school,..WE HAVE ASSUMED CONTROL.............

[@Kestrelhistory]

j golanowski that is literally the best use of that phrase I have ever heard. 👍

[@IwanttoliveinParis]

Fucking funny man ... laughed out loud hard .... still laughing.

[@mauriciolam8082]

Man that is so clever hahaha ...

[@awrencallinthewoods474]

Lol

[@fucheduck]

HEY TEACHA LEAVE THOSE KIDS ALONE!!!

[@micketts1]

Just stumbled upon this gem whilst in the middle of reading Geddy's "My Effin Life" (an excellent read btw), so this was a superb find. Many thanks for sharing!

[@michaelturner6030]

I love how Geddy’s mom said she was disappointed when he quit school to pursue music, but changed with this this TV appearance saying “he’s an entertainer”

[@DanTheManCalter]

Same here. He said to check it out, and here I am!

[@glenmcglynn3351]

@@DanTheManCalter LOL yup, me too! listening to the Audiobook

[@jerrymossing9652]

me too

[@JL-jc2wb]

That book is proving to be one of the best purchases I’ve made in years… So many songs, bands and videos to cross reference! As you’d expect from a genius like Geddy, he invites us beyond the gilded “page” in order to bring the experience to life. What an amazing talent! Rush 4 ever!

[@m.e.a.t.2428]

The humble beginnings of such a tremdous band who have epitomised humility, greatness and musical genius throughout their career. A privilege to be a Rush fan.

[@John-k6f9k]

There's something a bit weird about the future prog rock greats playing down to earth rock & roll in a high school hall.

[@Frostwulf1313]

They had it nailed down tight even this early. This is amazing stuff.

[@OrangeNash]

@@John-k6f9k Yeah, amazing find - only 5 years after this they are writing Xanadu! On one hand, I saw many local rock bands in small venues in the 70's and 80's and some were as good as Rush in this video. The difference is how those bands never moved on, still playing the same solid but derivative heavy rock forever. While Rush went into orbit!

[@RayRay2112-jm9xi]

Yes sir I'm Mexican American raised in Chicago Back or the Yards Neighborhood very dangerous but sports and Rock n Roll kept me out of trouble I'm 60 yrs young live in Laredo,TX now I was lucky to have seen RUSH 13times !!! RIP Mr.Peart and Long live RUSH !!!!!

[@eliotduke1753]

Absolutely. I'm truly honored to have seen them 10 times and both of my children got to go a couple of those times. Blessed

[@bradkristel]

Rush played my high school in St.Thomas Ontario around this time. We hadn’t heard of them and we were chanting, “we want Kiss”. And then they played... Nobody chanted again.

[@cmbestkey8114]

Kiss is shit

[@neaituppi7306]

@@cmbestkey8114 But back then, Early Kiss with Ace and Peter was good.

[@neaituppi7306]

Yeah, Rush is and always was special. Even if they were doing hard rock blues type stuff then, it had it's own unique energy.

[@georgeglass4105]

Rush concerts were a sausage fest. KISS was a girl in every other seat trying to get the bands "attention."

[@darrininverarity4297]

They went to Belle River high school in the very south of Ontario about the same time as this.

[@johnforeman634]

Man! Listen to that transition in before and after from soft and slow to the powerful! So obvious that this is no regular band. Just brilliant.

[@markjohnson4217]

Geddy was the coolest, witchiest, spookiest, freakiest banshee man in rock n roll...how can anyone not love that kooky dude?

[@fredwerza3478]

Only nerdy guys with pocket protectors worshipped him --- high school boys who could actually get girlfriends thought he was a freak

[@markjohnson4217]

@@fredwerza3478 yes, I remember it well, I hung out with all the troubled teens, we partyed and smoked dope every day. The three of us who had brains always had Rush on the turntable, the rest of the rabble played AC DC. But we all got along, Lol...

[@ThatGuy-dj3qr]

All I can say is that his voice matches his face.

[@Burnwash]

" witchiest... banshee man " XD XD

[@jonness8927]

Ya, not too bad for a "chick with a dick"!

[@canadude6401]

RIP Rutsey, RIP Peart. Both heroes in their own right.

[@hawkwind8468]

Definitely owed respect!:)

[@antomin1709]

@@hawkwind8468 U IS DAM RITE!

[@Platos-Den]

I think Rutsey has that coolness rocker factor that Peart couldn't match. Luv Rush old tunes

[@swrennie]

Rutsey got the girls for everybody, definitely...

[@swrennie]

Having said that, if Peart hadn't come along, they never would have been more than a high-pitched version of Triumph...

[@phoenixmode6909]

How freakin' lucky were these high schoolers to have Rush play a show at their assembly?? Damn! ❤️🎶

[@Musician_Robert]

Thinking back Its cool knowing they were in our school gymnasium.

[@davidreichert9392]

Somewhere very close by to this is a young Neil Peart selling tractor parts dreaming of making it in music.

[@ivm70]

When they eventully make a movie dramatization about Rush they'll put Neil in the audience.

[@bctwitty]

This is John Rutsey on drums. Pre-Peart

[@Snowdog070]

Yep, and I was in the middle about half way between Laura Secord SS and Dalziel attending Dalewood at the time and thinking about going into Grade 9 at Simcoe SS.

[@nicholaswilkinson6126]

ivm70 funny you mention that, because I imagined a Rush biopic for a while

[@71rcode72]

David R, genius comment man. Haaaaaaaaaa

[@kentk2215]

WOW! This is historic! This was April 1, 1974, exactly one month after they released their first album on their own record label (Moon Records), in Canada, where they pressed 3,500 copies, and London records began distributing. It would have been before the international release, and about the time where John started having issues and they began using a fill-in, Jerry Fielding, on occasion. Less than four months after this show, Neil Peart would join the band. He would likely have been working at his dad’s farm equipment store in St Catherine’s, just a few miles away at the time of this show. (I assume he wasn’t there to watch). This likely would have been the first ever performance of Best I Can, which appeared on their second album. Geddy would have written all the lyrics for these. So glad someone captured this and kept it.

[@roidAholic]

very interesting!! rip neil

[@amcsibozgor6791]

and about 6 years later at the age of 12 I think I heard 2112 and was transported to a world from which I have never returned.

[@Mytube777]

Wow, thank you for this.

[@FP194]

And thanks to Donna Halper of WMMS in Cleveland who needed a long song to play because she needed a bathroom break took the album they had just gotten and put played Working Man and the rest as they say is history

[@windwardpro]

Wow- I'm glad he didn't stay the drummer. His timing is _not_ good- started 'rushing' on that second song.

[@binghamhumber]

The fact that his was shot at Laura Secord High School might make this the Most Canadian Thing on all of KZbin.

[@STSGuitar16]

I have no idea what any of that means but I totally agree

[@brucenator]

The Dutch have an expression (some call it a meme) for when something is The Most Dutch Thing Ever: gekoloniseerd. It means you've been "colonized" and is used jokingly to mean that the Dutch have taken something over. Perhaps there is a Canadian equivalent?

[@antayat]

The Canucks have stormed the gate.

[@fatalconceit3362]

@@brucenator Not really, since we Canadians, do not have such a long history and have never taken anything over. We did however help liberate you guys from the Germans. I have spoken about this to prince Floris in Minerva in Leiden some years ago. How his mother was born in Ottawa.

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

How might one go about getting Rush to perform at their high school?

[@cybrunel1016]

Props to the guys who filmed this way back when...that's a gem right there, thx 4 posting, watching this in 2020.

[@TechGorilla1987]

Me too.

[@jbytuna]

Damn straight. It boggles the mind to see the early stuff. Thank you to who ever took this video.

[@Docchucklilchuck]

Very cool vid...Recording is excellent. Ahead of its time...

[@soulscanner66]

Google Canadian Band Stand ... that was the show that recorded this.

[@tekvax01]

it was recorded for the television station. I believe ckco in Kitchener, for a show Canadian bandstand. I have a couple of friends that were teachers back then who worked there.

[@ryancousins]

It’s amazing how good they were this early on. And John Rutsey was a fantastic drummer!

[@richtomlinson7090]

He would have the opportunity to grow also, but Neil got the chance. This was pretty early and maybe Neil wasn't as great yet either.

[@generaljj577]

yes he was

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Listen to JR flood; Neil was LIGHTYEARS ahead of Rutsy.

[@Quad8track]

@@PNW_Sportbike_Life I hate the Peart/Rutsey comparisons. Both were amazing drummers - just different styles. I'm a RUSH fan which would include Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart AND John Rutsey. Many 'Rush' fans are really just Neil Peart fans.

[@rickleblanc8900]

@@Quad8track Rutsey can't be dismissed, he was their first drummer and did a great job on the first album. Solid all the way. However, as we all know, when Neil came in, their direction changed and the Zep/Bad Company influences kinda went away and they made way more ambitious music. BTW, I hate comparing musicians as well, they all have their style and sound. It's all good. It shouldn't be a competition

[@cahg3871]

Back when there was no internet,no cell phones,no auto tune and guys had hair longer then women,lol.Remember those days well.Thanks for posting this bit of nostalgia.For a few minutes I’m 16 again.✌️

Technology ruined everything.

[@1111Paiste]

As said below, with Peart being such a strong and talented player and changing the band's direction for the better, John Rutsey was solid as f**K in his meter and propelled their music and Rush's first record to stand out amongst the rest--for sure. RIP Neil and John. BTW, is anyone else reading/listening to Geddy's new book? It's EFFIN' fantastic!!

[@t.mccullough2573]

Me... and you are most certainly correct! Currently reading it now!

[@kathrynricke1905]

Following their music right along with it!!

[@mad_cat_1st]

Alex was a fuckin' star and a prodigy from day one. He's totally unique in his attack and his note selection. They're all really good for being this young and new (John's kick drum is sick). Alex always stood out for me as one of the most crazily underrated guitarists ever. No wonder he was a Rory Gallagher fan - they shared that distinction. Geddy is, of course, so unique he needs no props. Love you guys for 40 years. RIP Neil and John. Thanks to whomever was responsible for filming this and posting it. I hope you have more in the vault somewhere....

[@jamesbowen2105]

Recorded by local TV station. Rush squired the rights in 2000s. Don't know who posted, but super thanks applies!

[@gregemerson7648]

Totally agree!! His playing on Working Man, well all of the time is incredible, especially the 97' Toronto concert - only mentioning that one as I just watched the concert, which i was at, and it was truly an epic one at that!!

[@AndrewGrey22]

The best guitarist ever. Definately the coolest.

[@kimmorepo6870]

Thanks for your kind writing. I never thought about how they had that good luck with drummers from the very beginning- John was a very decent one. I guess his timing was even more strict than Neil's. Otherwise Neil was always Neil. John's spokesman's role here is also nice! And many thanks to whoever brought this broadcast to us!

[@PatrickSherman-dg6co]

Alex wanted a John Bonham type of Drummer after John Rutsy had to quit and Geddy wanted a Ginger Baker Keith Moon type of drummer Neal must of blew their minds John Rutsy was pretty good drummer though RIP John and Neal

[@beatlefan46]

I attended this concert since it was at my high school. The song most memorable was In The Mood.

[@drmrguy3410]

I'm jealous lol

[@wkmclennan161]

0:00 A Presentation 0:10 Need Some Love 3:34 Before And After 9:34 Best I Can 12:37 Interval Time 13:16 Presentation of Band 13:54 I’ve Been Runnin 18:56 Bad Boy ( 19:00 That guy is impressed with Rush!) 23:50 Another Interval 24:16 The Loser 27:27 Working Man 35:54 Blah Blah Blah 36:46 THE MUSIC OF RUSH! 36:48 In The Mood

[@SHx589]

Legend.

[@cosmicevan]

Hahaha. @ 19 minute mark….the crowd is all excited to get a Beatles track….then their faces when it is Bad Boy

[@HitWave80s]

Thank you !

[@b.g.5869]

Thank you so much

[@mikeh2412]

My God, they were just kids and they were already this good.

[@klipkultur2951]

For such a long time John was just a picture, and 8 songs. Here we see him perform and hear him talk. Amazing!

[@neub2009]

Klipkultur I know. I always wished I could see some old Rush footage with Rutsey, but gave up that pipe dream Long ago. Really cool to see this

[@AltonMoore]

@@neub2009I do like Rutsey, but golly, he seems to have had a habit of rushing, no pun intended!

[@harles5000]

John was pretty good on the skins! He does seem a bit out front at times, but as a drummer its hard to hear the lead and bass well without monitors especially since he was behind the amps.

[@turnerthemanc]

A picture and 8 songs...lol...spot on. Ive never actually seen him moving before today.

[@groundpounder4134]

Rutsy was a great drummer too Neil Had big shoes to fill

[@edwnorris]

It's remarkable how centered around Lifeson's guitar this whole show was, given what Rush became after Neil joined them. He really stepped back into a more complimentary role, supporting the band as a whole, and giving every song exactly what it needed. One of the most tasteful lead guitarists, without a trace of ego. Once Peart joined the band, and his lyrics became so central to what they were about, they became the holy trinity. No mere players were Rush. The best three piece band ever to grace a stage.

[@jonness8927]

ZZ Top not so bad either!

[@eworldtraveler]

Or Cream ??? But RUSHHHHHH for sure !!!!!!

[@Lilo-A]

That is a spot-on description of Alex’s style and the band as a whole.

[@darrencosby8936]

@@eworldtraveler Cream is fantastic. RUSH has hits, longevity, and individual talent. This video is from 74. They were still playing in 2014!

[@brandonbrook9664]

Arguably, Rush is as good as, but not better than Emerson, Lake & Palmer in the Prog-rock genre. (or the ARW Band, and Genisis as the trio of Collins, Rutherford, & Banks for that matter) Sorry Ed, but I find the validity of your astute observations regarding Rush are somewhat diminished by choosing to use the label of "best three piece band ever....." Within the diversity of all genres of rock music there's an array of trio's worthy of consideration for the title of 'the best'. I prefer not to pick one over another when the likes of Jimmi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Nirvana, The Police, Depeche Mode, ZZ Top, The James Gang, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, etc.etc. are in the running..

[@woody1380]

Lifeson was only 21 at that time but was already an absolute lead guitar master. Listen to Working Man and just be in awe.

[@wes11bravo]

Yeah, definitely - even back then, he didn't lean heavily in any particular area of guitar playing talent. His technical ability, phrasing, tone, his ability to play soulfully were all balanced evenly. Anyone who can tie it all together like that is someone I want to emulate. I forgot how much I liked Alex Lifeson's playing.

[@elsewho1]

He was not 21 yet.. neil joined rush on geddy's 21st birthday...geddy is 29 days older than alex

[@rockymntdan1]

Listening closely again to working man and the drummer definitely held them back. He couldn't keep up.

[@HanzonMacaque]

@@rockymntdan1 are you high? If anything Rutsey was a tad fast. Give your ignorant head a ahake

[@Hanzyscure]

@@rockymntdan1 I listened to their first album and thought good band but drummer sucks. Neil saved them.

[@MrToband]

I miss the 70s and 80s,life was great and fun back then, hell even the 90s things were still fairly normal.

[@camc5483]

Geddy Lee! What an enormous talent. People (non-fans) hear that voice, and they miss the power, and pitch perfection of it, neverminding the sensational bass playing!

[@InRodWeTrust2112]

Agreeddd 100000%

[@cbf63]

And later he played the pedals and even did his laundry all at the same time on stage.

[@t18amgr]

Two mikes. The sound guy was thinking. Lifeson is unreal. Listen to Geddy lay down those bass lines. Rutsey killing it. All world class musicians. RIP Rutsey and Peart. Bless.

[@PingPong85]

Probably no mixer and straight L and R PA. It is a school.

[@hot88s23]

Using two mics was probably to prevent feedback. One out of phase from the other.

[@TechGorilla1987]

@@hot88s23 Thai's exactly what the Dead did in their "Wall of sound"

[@LiveWireRemoteRec]

Nobody in small-town Ontario had a mic splitter in 1974. So one mic was routed to the P.A. console, and the other one was routed to the recording rig. You see this on a lot of live concert videos shot between '69 and '75. (Isle of Wight festival, The Last Pogo for example) Took a while for people to get the proper gear.

[@t18amgr]

@@PingPong85 Tk you.

[@malinwj1167]

Glad to see the positive comments about John. For the first record, he played great, had some interesting grooves and fills. I still like listening to that first album

[@davidjperkins1710]

It makes me smile seeing this- I played that stage probably a thousand times in school there- left the year before-and then RUSH rocked the dust off of it- I was off playing drums all around the area and living maybe a mile away- and Neil Peart was doing the same- and most of the guys on the Moving Pictures album cover were a few miles away- NONE of this would have ever occurred to ANY of us back in 1974.

[@rodrigost.3324]

THE FIRST RUSH ALBUM IS A MASTERPIECE !!!!

[@jamesbond9873]

This tape should be in a vault with lots of copies for the future generation.

[@danielethier2015]

60 yrs old and now feeling like 12 again! This upload is beyond priceless!!

[@onelove1968]

Growing up in Canada during the 70's was like a really cool party that you hoped would never end. Music was everything.

[@Inukshuk67]

It did end, unfortunately.

[@WireWeHere]

I recall the years of the 70's by the songs. In BC except for one little drive to Newfoundland and back Takin' Care of Business with The Night Chicago Died, Star Baby, Seasons in the Sun, Come and Get Your Love and Saskatchewan had the biggest mosquitos since leaving 70 Mile House where the males plucked feathers from our chickens while the females launched their attack until the day when they were exposed to 200 watts of, Oh Mama I'm in fear for my life from the long arm of the law... which worked like a giant can of TAKE OFF Eh. Geddy Lee, he's like a professional musician. It helps being slightly crazy, just need to figure out how. Peace.

[@barrybebenek8691]

You said it all right there @onelove1968 🇨🇦👍🏼

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Same thing in Texas. Watch Dazed and Confused with Matthew McConaughey.

[@karengummer6657]

Truth!

[@scottfrostad6192]

Saw Rush the same week at Grimsby Secondary School - shoutout to Gail Mason who organized the show. She was so pissed (and probably real embarrassed) when there were very few tickets sold beforehand then, due to a big snowstorm, almost nobody showed up. Not enough kids for the gym so they had to play the lunchroom! No stage, I sat on the floor at Lifeson's feet. I was fixated on his guitar ... and his hair! He had the most enviable hair i'd ever seen.

[@jojimbousagi5903]

Scott Frostad Thanks Scott for sharing your story - incredible 😀 Do you remember their setlist by any chance? Did they play the very same setlist as we can see & hear here? TIA

[@Dahstin]

I first saw Rush during the Presto Tour.

[@Ram-2112]

That is so aweaome! I love hearing first hand accounts of these early shows

[@Dan-nt2yb]

You’re a lucky man Scott😁

[@frankdittmann7824]

My Rush story is seeing them in 1974 a few months after this... playing a basement dive called Larry's Hideaway in downtown Toronto (Carlton & Jarvis) . John Rutsey was still with them. The room held about 50 people, and in between sets the 3 of them would grab a table and have a pitcher of beer.... (probably the only beverage that was served there) 😁

[@MUGSYBROWN]

What a TREAT this is !! I would have been the same age as the kids in that audience. Saw my Very First concert 4 years after this gig here ………. RUSH with Blue Oyster Cult !! I look back now and consider myself blessed !! What a First Concert. They did 2112 and everything from their first live album. By-tor, a drum solo by a God, Anthem, Fly by Night ……… Best First Concert Ever !! The end .

[@GregS4Jesus]

You gotta wonder how many of those kids knew they were getting a sneak peak at one of the all time greatest bands ever on that ordinary day in some ordinary school auditorium. Unbelievably surreal, top shelf talent, none better.

[@ceice2248]

What any of us would give to've seen this in person

[@billyidol2115]

I think they kind of knew. Especially listening to Alex. That dude was jamming his ass off on this at age 20?

[@mikejacobson14]

None of them, I'd bet.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

My guess would be about 23 or 24 of them.

[@AmpAHolic-wn6mr]

These guys were 21 in 1974. I’ve been in plenty of bands starting in my teens. Being a fairly good self trained guitar player in my 20’s. I was no where near this level of musicianship. These guys had it early on. So glad they made it, as I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

[@richieboy6825]

For sure They could be 30 plus - truly a wonder!

[@darrensiegel6651]

As a burgeoning bass player in my late teens, listening to Rush and trying to play like Geddy helped me get better enormously. Yes their musicianship was insane. And yes you could see they had it early on but Geddy got even so much better than he showed here. I think Neil Peart really elevated not only Geddy's playing but Alex's too.

[@jefferydavis3332]

Same here man. I started playing in my teens, but my guitar skills didn’t really come together until I was in my mid to late 20’s.

[@rickleblanc8900]

@@darrensiegel6651 it's amazing what a great drummer can do for a band. Suddenly everybody plays better, tighter and the whole band steps up a few notches

[@chrisperrien7055]

" no where near this level of musicianship" , LOL , Well? No Chit. unless you were in Aerosmith or some band like that. LMAO Yea, you right " glad they made it,".. It kinda makes sense, since they were/are "Rush:" :)

[@heywardmorgan7699]

One of the few bands that sounded as good live as their recordings and they did from the start. John was amazing in his own rite, really help to bring the band a long ways in his short tenure, what a great drummer he was.

[@CantStopScreaming]

His tenure wasn't even that short... this is 6 years in, and six years from this point was 1980, so if they had been as productive album-wise John would have been on 6 or 7 albums! But at that point honing their live show was arguably more important... so John's time in the band put Geddy and Alex in a position to start their time with Neil already running :)

[@johnnypk1963]

Sooo good. Early Rush when Geddy’s vocals were just perfect, no wear and tear yet.

[@viralone3373]

Agreed - he could belt those notes out like Janice Joplin.

[@deadeyetopher8621]

Personally I never heard his voice ever worn and torn! Geddy has a style that prevents it. They were GOAT THEN AND ONLY GOT BETTER LIKE 🍷

[@schnaidamateus5402]

0:00 Apresentation 0:10 Need Some Love 3:34 Before And After 9:34 Best I Can 12:37 Interval Time 13:16 Presentation of Band 13:54 I’ve Been Runnin 18:56 Bad Boy ( 19:00 That guy is impressioned with rush!) 23:50 Another Interval 24:16 The Loser 27:27 Working Man 35:54 Blah Blah Blah 36:46 THE MUSIC OF RUSH! 36:48 In The Mood

[@pwiksell8772]

Holy crap. The guy at 19:00 IS NEIL PEART. Totally enthralled by this badass group, clearly. :P

[@dwarren1010]

I don't think so. Although Neil lived in the same city he went to another High School. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Peart

[@pwiksell8772]

Just a joke :) ... but it's not inconceivable that kids from other schools went to this event? I doubt it anyways, since Neil would've mentioned it in the years of interviews. Gotta admit, the kid looks the part.

[@bushwickerman]

i think that neil peart had locker number 2112 at dennis morris high as the legend goes. i have no doubt in my mind he would have gone to this concert if tickets were publically sold

[@manuelquinones2689]

That kid does look like him though, LoL. And he high AF.

[@garysiegel5112]

What a great video. So glad someone had the foresight to save this. Thanks for posting on the tube! Crazy to think that a mere 2 years later they did 2112. That's quite the rapid evolution.

[@Diggerdog2nd]

I remember back in the 70's when up & coming bands would actually do concerts at High schools.

[@1959blantz]

@Diggerdog2nd The 70s was the greatest decade to be alive. I remember while in high school they had a several local bands play in the auditorium during lunchtime. I'll never forget one of the bands called "Ezra Pound" would play. They were actually pretty good and surprised they never really went anywhere. It was the same year (1976) when the school decided to stop having bands because of the strong smell of weed. You would catch a contact buzz just walking in. Those were the days, I feel sorry for kids today. Todays music sucks.

[@gordberry3312]

I saw them playing workingman at a high school back in 74' but it was either in Mississauga or Toronto still awesome.

[@ixxgxx]

B L haha that's great man, you probably got 8 to 10 years over me, was born in the 70s. I do remember crowd surfing in the 80s though in a concert with no cell phones.

[@mickeybear1959]

I remember when ac\dc used to play local schools here in melbourne aus back in 74 , with the late great Bon Scott .

[@holmeed]

Yep, saw molly hatchet and Angel once at a high school

[@Ian-iu2tl]

Wicked good. I was 15 in 1977 and a copy of Farewell to Kings magically appeared on my turntable courtesy of my older sister. Aww man.....

[@robertgrubb746]

Crazy to think that in just the next 2 years they got a new drummer, put out Fly by Night, Caress of Steele, 2112, AND All the World’s a Stage. That’s astonishing

[@Etherglide]

Nit in two yesrs they didn’t.

[@floydthebarber6249]

Back in the day when Triumph, Max Webster, Rush played high schools in Ontario. Awesome

[@jamesbernsen3516]

High school was so much more cooler back then: www.texasmonthly.com/the-culture/billy-gibbons-on-the-zee-zee-top-prom-photo/

[@davidmartin7589]

It was great. I’d add April Wine to that list

[@kawythowy867]

The beginning of a long storied career. Amazing. What a ride RUSH. THANK YOU.

[@sleeve8651]

Tribute to my now deceased buddy, that first introduced me to these guys ! R.I.P. Johnny. G ❤🥀❤

[@dungeoneering1974]

1974: Rush's first album released. Dungeons & Dragons first published. Nerds everywhere rejoice.

[@barnacleq9341]

Thomas Denmark and only a nerd would know that.

[@dungeoneering1974]

@@barnacleq9341 Yup! Been playing D&D and listening to Rush for over 30 years. :D

[@barnacleq9341]

Thomas Denmark Rock On! 🤘

[@craigwatts1448]

never once in my life did i roll a 1d20 to hit and every listen to rush....so you can just ...wait. my bad i rolled my first natural 20 while listeninhg yyz for the first time. that was a rejoice filled day, but i was told it was rush years later.

[@barnacleq9341]

craig watts ok it's official, you guys are nerds. The only thing I ever rolled while listening to Rush was a joint or my girlfriend onto her back.

[@Quazzga]

Alex Lifeson - what a well-rounded player, right from the start. He's 90% of the sound in this concert - chords, fills, choppy riffs, solos - he's doing it all here, smoothly and non-stop.

[@boataxe4605]

Well, he is 33.3 percent of the sound, but he’s one of the best.

[@ericingham9925]

I agree the bass could have been amped up a bit!

[@duncan-rmi]

in any other trio, he'd be the one we were still talking about. somewhere on the other side of cygnus x-1, there's an alternate version of rush where JR got un-diabetic & they agreed to carry on doing songs like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqPSppuYn9WSb8U

[@dyer2cycle]

Yes...which is why they kind of lost me for a while in the mid-late 80's...I had no problem with them experimenting and using more synths, but burying a guitarist like Alex Lifeson so far back in the mix and under-utilizing his guitar talents, that I just could not understand...the synths overpowered almost everything on some of those albums, even Neil's drums and Geddy's base and vocals...guitars barely audible, if there at all...

[@joe1972]

​@dyer2cycle I agree that Alex's guitars took too much of a backseat during the mid-80s. Like you, I was open-minded about their venturing into new territory, adding more synth, but imo they took it too far and Grace Under Pressure was the last album I enjoyed, albeit less than all previous albums. Funny, I only saw them in concert once during their Power Windows tour in 85/86. I was 13 in '85 and missed what would've been my 1st choice; Exit Stage Left, by 4 years. Still, Rush in concert was phenomenal no matter the Era.

[@mdeasy]

Alex and Ged already had their tones! Even in an early live recording you can really hear that Alex sound and that Geddy sound! What a gem of a find!!

[@detroitrockscity]

Mind blowing they were this tight musically 46 years ago.

[@jgolanowski9347]

Our high school talent shows were never like THIS!!!

[@sixsixxsixxxx]

j golanowski most aren't!

[@rocky5152]

I put on a puppet show and won first prize.a trip to McDonalds with the principle. I think these guys shot the stratosphere

[@jgolanowski9347]

That sounds straight out of a sctv skit, lol

[@ziggyzagzi8017]

Master of Puppets!

[@rzambory2938]

Who ever videotaped this killed it. What a band!!

[@TurboDieselFury]

I was a high school kid in St. Catharines back in those days... Rush and Max Webster (Kim Mitchell) where regular occurrences. Had no idea Rush would become what they did, Kim is still Rockin' Too.

[@louisdicenso9478]

kimbo

[@graceyjewels7148]

Lucky

[@allisonbird4071]

I went to Lakeport where Neil went...many years after though

[@xjeepmanx]

I remember max Webster playing at governor simcoe high school..I think it was 76

[@Snowdog070]

@@xjeepmanx I don't remember the '76 show but I was at the '78 show at Simcoe because Max then opened for Rush in Buffalo a night or two later and I went to that one too.

[@drmrguy3410]

That guitar sound is killer

[@jonholland6067]

Great pretty unique use of an es 335 at the time

[@johnforeman634]

I’ve always been blown away by the sound three guys could create.

[@1990sRailfan]

WOW! I didn't think early footage like this even existed! Amazing.

[@fratt41]

The band intros by John are priceless. I am surprised he was speaking for the band live, I can only imagine Geddy in that role. 19:00 the shrooms have kicked in and the rocketship has safely left orbit.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

This probably still holds the record for the most females at a Rush concert. Kidding, I know a lot of women who like Rush, my wife for one. I was surprised that she had almost every Rush album to that date when I met her and actually knew the name of each musician in the group, including John Rutsey. It was a guy she used to date who was a drummer that turned her on to a Rush - no surprise there. Her and I have went to every Rush concert together since Presto. I have been going to every Rush concert since Permanent Waves. I was in high school when I first got into Rush and they had just released the 2112 album. I wanted to see them on that tour and then for Hemispheres, but I lived in the Washington DC metropolitan area then and both of those concerts sold out fast. I had moved to Florida by 1979 and they didn’t sell out quite so fast in the south, so i was always able to get tickets. They have always been one of the best live bands I have ever experienced and I am still sad they have retired and I will never see them live again, but I am very happy i was able to see the, live so many times. I think of all the young people just now being turned onto this incredible band and will never get to see them live and it breaks my heart.

[@sf7truthseeker630]

Does she have a sister? I've met four female Rush fans in my entire life. One spoke only German, Norwegian and Dutch. One was an addict. One was a JW and would never admit publically she loved Rush music ( and she wouldn't marry me because I would not join her religion 😁 ). One was too hardcore and I was not able to best her in an arm-wrestle. All four loved Canada, wanted babies, believed in GOD and were magnificent specimens of feminality. Never met another since the last one over 20 years ago. "...well the Oaks can't help their feelings, if they like the way they're made..." Solid. 🇨🇦🧔 💌 Rush Station.

[@junocrusader5860]

Neat story Man! Yep me too.My girl Mel loved them too!

[@brycehale3576]

An old friend of mine from back in high school (I'm 31) was a cheerleader and could play the drum solo from Tom Sawyer. She's a huge Rush fan with outstanding taste in music in general. Super cool too, we're still friends.

[@mitchellbaxter6314]

LOL

[@ceice2248]

My mom likes rush and it's how I heard about it

[@mickmcclellan1810]

Thank you John Rutsey for paving the way for the Grandmaster of drumming Mr; Neil Peart, this performance lets you know how good Rush was from the very start ;) :)

[@ronpatriot6679]

What a crazy, awesome shot of nostalgia! On their A-game even then. While Neil was the Grand Master, John was a superb drummer in his own right. Glad I found this vid!

[@jckhammer]

Agreed. He was solid for sure and I enjoy a few tunes from the first album and the straight ahead rock groove. Always felt peart overplayed any of the first album songs, as they were just simple straight 4 on 4 songs

[@nongthip]

Imagine seeing this power trio play at one of your high school dances, and then become one of the most iconic bands of the 70s-80s-90s. All of them put musicianship first and it paid off big time!

[@newworldman2112]

and 2000's and the 2010's as well actually

[@cleech74]

Was thinking the same thing, especially during the jam section in Working Man. Those kids were never the same after that performance.

[@davecurrell2045]

Erindale S.S. ,1970something….Working Men indeed! They probably had a gig in Wawa the next day.They sure paid some dues.

[@johnziegelbauer4999]

YYZ guy here , thats the way it went down in our day .... My older sister saw the Guess Who in 69 at her high school..

[@karlstuber6399]

From the introducer it was part of a show, so likely had all the up and coming Canadian bands

[@jonathansefcik473]

Just to think, 2 years later they made 2112. Hemispheres in 4.

[@Dahstin]

Crazy right...I liked Rutsey better..imagine if they let him write the songs...?

[@Dan-nt2yb]

Yes indeed...fairly decent albums...lol👍🏾

[@duckbrew]

Well 2 out of the 3 did..

[@jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj178]

@@Dahstin Uh....what?

[@Dahstin]

@Alexis Gonzalez one never knows.

[@ericodijk]

So nice to see a complete gig with John Rutsey. Very effective small kit he uses.

[@VuckedUpVideos]

"a guitar solo? better zoom in on the drummer!" - cameraman

[@fraserl8652]

Lol

[@sixsixxsixxxx]

VuckedUpVideos they knew Rutsey was leaving soon so they wanted to give him some time

[@brianshaffneraclc]

Preparing Alex for what the next several decades were going to be like. In most bands, the rhythm section are the unsung heroes -- in this one, it's the guitarist who labored in the shadows. (kinda sorta -- Alex is awesomely well respected when you start talking guitar with people who actually play, or who just listen well)

[@Dahstin]

Rutsey rules

[@fucheduck]

they had no foresight. if Rutsey had remained we would be hoping more Alex Time. but Rutsey is missed, not Alex. he survived the eighties and the keyboards. When Geddy played Van Halen style "jump" in Subdivisions. Alex survived!

[@33flights59]

Sound man was on point! This sounds great!

[@DonaldWebber-o9v]

How great is it to see the beginning of one of the greatest rock bands in history. They sound so tight already. Thank you for putting this on

[@NeverLostRoamer]

This is absolutely fantastic I've NEVER seen video of Rutsey playing with the band, thanks for posting this made my day. 😀

[@kevinrothe361]

Totally agree. RUSH fan since 1976. Seen them about 50 times and was never disappointed. So glad they made R n R HOF before THE PROFESSOR'S passing. R.I.P NEIL AND JOHN.

[@kevinrothe361]

Totally agree. RUSH fan since 1976. Seen them about 50 times and was never disappointed. So glad they made R n R HOF before THE PROFESSOR'S passing. R.I.P NEIL AND JOHN.

[@RichSzabo1]

Absolutely incredible performance!

[@noahkoningisor324]

Those kids don't know how lucky they are!

[@Dahstin]

Canada.

[@PL-rf4hy]

It's unbelievable how good these guys sound. Rush was a band I didn't fully appreciate until I was much older.

[@mckessa17]

Good band but never liked Lee's voice

[@BrodyMcCain]

The second they start playing "working man" its then you know they've got it. Catchy. When Alex starts playing the lead you start to feel like you're really at a concert and know these guys are going somewhere. The whole guitar chops on Working Man are great, crisp. Weeerkin' man :)

[@RMLaxCoach]

Agree fully. Working Man let you know that this was a true professional band in the making.

[@rickleblanc8900]

@@RMLaxCoach yep, a sure sign of things to come. But then they took it 100 levels higher a few albums later. Crazy !

[@brandonbutler7204]

...and there were never that many women at a Rush concert ever again.

[@esoteric5277]

All because their boyfriends were just too absorbed in the music to give them any attention😲

[@jamielazenby1795]

and who gave even one shit :-)

[@Frank_Cohen]

😂Brilliant comment

[@samgdpeG]

True

[@joan-annebross9217]

Not true. Been a huge fan since '81. Lotsa women love Rush.

[@phoenixmode6909]

Effing Geddy.....those unmistakeable vocals even back then.

[@magnuswettermark6085]

This i bloody awesome. John Rutsey on drums had GROOWE !!

[@AudiophileTubes]

THIS is why KZbin rules!!!!

[@mssucks3462tommy]

Amen bro

[@neilparnell5712]

Incredible that this was so well captured so early in their career, there is rarely good footage of most bands in their formative period. What an absolute gem showing them before they found their signature style - very polished for the time, but not really hinting at the glories to come except maybe for how Alex really works that ES 335. All 3 were already consummate musicians, Rutesy was a very tasty drummer in his own right, and Geddy's voice is on point plus they really look like a band who are confident and going places. Many thanks for posting this it really is special. What a pity Rutesy never got to reap the rewards, but it's all part of the Rush story and Neil's arrival really let them take the right fork in the road and look where it took us all !

[@eramosat]

I mean, that this clip isn't being fawned over by millions of world-wide Rush fans, and just music fans, is surprising to me. This is pretty abnormal to have this type of clip available. God bless CTV, or CHCH , or whatever Canadian television station that shot and broadcast this extremely long, and extremely out there, concert footage.

[@crsantin]

Rutsey was great. Too bad his health issues prevented him from continuing. Thank goodness this was filmed. What an amazing piece of rock history.

[@Truetoo102]

Agree, but one would wonder if Rush could of become the great band they are had Rutsey had stayed in the band. I personally don't think so.

[@robertallen6710]

@@Truetoo102 Yup...Neil just had too much more to contribute...

[@jamielazenby1795]

@@robertallen6710 true.. but all props to him for being a part of their history!

[@glenwelty6788]

John Rutsey eventually succumbed to type 1 diabetes..my beloved father passed away at 75 having this dreaded disease since he was 23...rip John and Neil.

[@mikesibert1723]

John was tight no doubt. You can see here he was not healthy. Too bad too. I think they would have succeeded regardless though the longevity and music would have been much different with John on the kit. More this style rock like the bands of the era. (the who, zeppelin, aerosmith ect.) I assume washed out by the 80s.

[@bmcadie6003]

I saw them in concert 7 times. The first time was in 1975. And I have loved them ever since.

[@chadb6964]

I’m a drummer but ya gotta love how he’s practiced and played that bass so dang hard the finish is wearing off!!! And not just a little rub on the clear coat…ALL THE WAY TO THE WOOD!!

[@megabrianism]

Even this early Alex n Geddy were so tight,.. it is ridiculous how Geddy sings over such crazy rythms.. as a player myself, im in awe of the musicality these 2 share 😲

[@kevinlane7555]

Agreed...Geddy played outlandish bass lines, pedal synth, and sang the melodies.....makes my brain hurt

[@samarmeni3640]

Seen them in 1976 2112 tour at younstown agora 5 dollers for the ticket great show

[@joejones9520]

@@kevinlane7555 he probably wouldve stood out as a scientist or medical specialist or some complicated type career if he hadnt gone in the rock direction.

[@nhronin]

Amazing how Geddy’s voice was exactly live as it was on the record. These guys were the real deal.

[@MichaelDavidHiltner]

Just as I remember them playing at our High School in Hamilton! Sir Allen MacNab! Thanks for the fresh memories! Rock On!...

[@gerry9306]

At your Secondary school

[@mikekopf1173]

Man, Geddy just comes on out and just blasts that voice. What a lead to a song. Such a unique, one and only Rock voice. Holy freakin' smokes.

[@bilbobaggins4710]

Critical of the day hated his voice

[@p.turtle2085]

This is as raw as it gets, still playing high school auditoriums. 1974, this is when I first keyed into Rush. Both Max Webster and Rush were the coolest local bands(Toronto) to see back then.

[@jamesharper3933]

Standing on that stage at such a young age, I wonder if they could have even imagined or envisioned the success and influence that lay ahead. Mind blowing.

[@jamesconnelly7923]

Man this is such a treat. I listened to this album every day when I got home from school. Really loved John Rutsey's style and Alex was such a badass with his 335 and Marshall stack. Wow.

[@mikefields4136]

O

[@reggienanda6922]

If you listened to the first album in 74, you were one of the few

[@timothydukeman7619]

Huge RUSH fan, here... Geddy is THE one who inspired me to take up bass guitar... and I don't believe I ever realized how low Geddy slung his bass, back then. Cool stuff!

[@lawncuttingplusdelta]

I’m 57 so I love seeing the kids in the audience slowly get more into it !!! …. Power of a live performance. !

[@fatkidfrontflip]

Watching this literally 48 years later. Crazy how amazing it still holds up. The music and generation of today will never compare.

[@marvinlee3450]

I started playing bass in the early 70s. My 1st lesson was from a musical genius in front Nebraska. His name was John welstead. My First lesson was a listen only lesson. At first I thought I was being ripped off. He said, I will teach you styles of 3 bass players. We listened to Rush, the who and yes. I was blown away. I went to lessons once a week. 6 months later I was playing in a band. Jon taught me basics of the 1,4,5 progression, colorful fills without overplaying. The last 50 years have been fun for me musically. Thankyou Jon. Thankyou geddy, entwhistle and squire. I love playing your music as well as others.

[@cryptoking7093]

Badass!!!!

[@marvinlee3450]

@@cryptoking7093 it was alot of fun!

[@cryptoking7093]

@@marvinlee3450 I know it was! I was a touring musician in the 80's playing rock and melodic metal and I'm grateful🙏 Rock on, bud🤘🍻

[@SK-wg3uc]

I too started playing bass in the 70s. Saved up and bought a Ric like Geddy's! Hard to believe that was 50 years ago, eh?

[@flyingsodwai1382]

OMG Best I Can! i didnt know.... Fly By Night is my Alltime favorite album for 40 years now and I always thought Neil wrote those lyrics. What a trip.

[@tmikulin]

I really like the tone of the guitar!

[@fladman9817]

Tomislav Mikulin Gibson es335 and Marshall 50 watt 1987 lead, it's a great combo nice and warm sounding with a good amount low mids

It's so great.

[@fluff1353]

@@fladman9817 His classic white he gave to a roadie as a present. A copy of it is in a cabinet in the Rock n Roll HOF.

[@RTDF516]

Think I hear some ideas here in Alex's riffs that he'd go on to develop in songs for their huge later albums-

[@BoxcarFred]

Tomislav Mikulin To this day, nothing beats those classic Marshall amps.

[@CaseModVideos]

2 years later I was a senior at Falls Ch High in VA and saw them at Lizner Auditorium in DC where they played songs from their new Caress of Steel album. The only tour where they played "The Necromancer" in concert. Incredible.

[@beholden1663]

Wow. Lucky you. Did you hear about them before that night? Did you buy Caress of Steel right after the concert?

[@chriswhite2151]

Would have liked that, Caress of Steel is one of my favorite albums

[@antrocles]

Lucky dog

[@johnpublic793]

First time in 80 at the Cap Centre.

[@erikkroll2154]

Wow, I grew up in MD. I know where you are talking about. I was just a kid then. I never undetstood why nobody liked that album. I love it.

[@jamesbowen2105]

Achieving this sound in 1974, on a middle school PA, in "POSTWAR" 1950s tech, while using crude thriftsore sound system, and components, including instruments! Ultimafe reality performance.❤ RIP NEILand RUTSEY😢😢😢

[@aggoldstein]

I saw Rush for the first time in 1981 on the Moving Pictures tour at Maple Leaf Gardens at the age of 14. I was terrified of the crowd at that age. I had never seen drugs before. The guy in front of me was sniffing something and passed out for the whole concert then woke up at the very end and jumped up and down as if he had seen the whole thing. What a great night.

[@C_Melvyn_James]

I almost went to that show too but I was a little young (11or 12) My mom didn't trust my dope smoking brother and his friends to keep an eye on me or to refrain from smoking me up, for that matter. I was really bummed out that I couldn't go.

[@AlexColberg]

Where the hell did you find this? What a treasure. Thanks for posting.

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

I think its in a box set

[@yenomeerf]

He stole it from somewhere since he has a disclaimer on the description

[@fucheduck]

can you reincarnate ashes, they probably burned this after selling records, LOL. awesome!

[@RoarOfWolverine]

This is definitely a gem. I would have never thought anything like this existed since home video was nonexistent at this time. I think this was filmed by a local Toronto station. Sort of a real rare footage like the footage of Lifeson as a teenager telling his parents he wanted to drop out of school. I was shocked at that footage which was included in the documentary, Beyond The Lighted Stage. It seems that some local station in Toronto was doing a piece on rebellious teens or something to that effect and Alex just happened to be one of the teens they covered. I’m sure they were trying to prove a point about not dropping out, but just their luck they picked the one teen out of ten million that drops that bomb on their parents saying they’re going to make it in rock and roll and actually does accomplish that and more, becoming a guitar legend and multimillionaire. What’s the chances? It didn’t really have the desired effect I’m sure. This is where the internet proves invaluable. Where else would us Rush fans have ever found such an early concert of a legendary band? Especially a video of such quality. It was definitely professionally shot, it’s just been downed a few generations. I would love to hear and see the original footage, if it still exists. Probably not. This is the best of what’s left of it, but I’ll take that any day. I was surprised to hear “Best I Can” this early on. I thought that was written with Peart since it was first released on fly By Night. The lyrics for Best I Can do fit where Lifeson was at that time. It goes right along with that film of him and his parents, but his came true.

[@Ram-2112]

@@RoarOfWolverine the thing with Alex from 1971 was a documentary that was released in 1973 called "Come on, Children" they recruited 10 teenagers to live together for 2 1/2 months and film the entire thing. Its on KZbin now, its some bizarre stuff. Way ahead of its time. It's an hour and a half long and Alex has some solid screen time.

[@riassslave558]

This is shortly after the band Peart was drumming for b4 RUSH; a band that was called 'TITANIC', my late Father was the guitarist for that band, they were really making some headway they opened Alice Cooper's 1969 tour , if a few slight changes in late 1970 early 71...., 1.)my father began seeing my future birth mother & when she became pegger's with me my Dad was thinking of disbanding Titanic when he took responsibility for me is such a stretch....it's such a small world especially the Niagara region in the late 60's early 70'sL8rsk8r thanx for a groovy upload funny thing the 3rd girl i slept with jumped me at the field behind this school!

[@falcon4449]

Hearing this, these boys are going places. Neil took them to the moon, rest in peace professor.

[@mletrout7942]

Odd to see John Rutsy on the drums, but very amazing for me. I didn't get to see Rush until 1976 - and 37 more times after that. My favorite band ever and always and I honestly never thought I'd get to see the original lineup playing "live" even if it is 46 years later. Huge thumbs up! Thank you for posting.

[@sunray2024]

I love Rush, always been a huge fan but never saw such early stuff. I LOVE that drummer, phenomenal!

[@tomsauer3830]

Fricken' incredible, man. Canada and Rush rocking in the afternoon, 1974. No idea how only 3 guys can make such amazing sounds and music!!

[@FacePomagranate]

I guess the tradition of having Lifeson's mic inaudible started from the start!

[@RJs_CC]

turns it on to say "subdivisions"

[@rockisheaven]

You can sometimes hear him on bootlegs! And sometimes he actually sounds pretty okay. :P Nah, I adore Lerxst, but even he admits he has no problem leaving the vocals to Geddy.

[@Dahstin]

He never sang

[@rdgurule]

Omg I was thinking the same thing! I honestly I don’t believe that’s AL's voice on Subdivisions.

[@vinnyreed723]

Rick Gurule it’s Neil’s voice