Rush Reaction: Classical Guitarist REACTS to Rush La Villa Strangiato

[@JoneRuiz]

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[@johncampbell756]

I actually recommend going back and checking out the studio version. It is nearly identical, except that the opening is on a classical guitar. As that is the main difference, I don't think a reaction video is necessary. EDIT: I see people saying Spanish and not classical guitar. They are probably correct.

[@yellowcat1310]

You should react to the Album Version. The original studio version. for one thing it has the intro with Alex playing the Classical Guitar like you do so the reaction would have been what we expected. Please do all first listens to all music the original studio cuts. they are more clear and played the way they were written

[@yellowcat1310]

of course this version is awesome too. try 2112 and Roll The Bones

[@BalokLives]

The opening guitar solo on the album is a Spanish guitar. That's why they recommended La Villa Strangiato. This version is amazing too, but it's not why people were recommending this song. But I think you opened a door you can't close. Rush fans won't let you go now. We are a spirited bunch that loves our Rush dearly.

[@RoarOfWolverine]

On their live album “Exit Stage Left”, Alex plays a classical piece he named “Broon’s Bane” right before the opening to their song “The Trees”. I think that Broon’s Bane shows Alex’s classical flair. It’s even played on a classical nylon or gut string guitar. It’s a pretty good little piece that’s only a couple of minutes long. I haven’t heard it in years, but k remember learning it on my nylon string guitar many years ago. I need to check and see if I can still remember er how to play it. You’re right though, he needs to listen to the studio album to hear the original gut string guitar into, which has a bit of a Spanish flamenco style.

[@SmashedBottleMan]

Exactly, As soon as it started I was thinking "this guy's a classical guitarist, why would he play the live version?"

[@Roddy1965]

My take on this tune is that it's fantastic, but I think it's not THE tune to highlight Leifson's guitar prowess. This tune has some great riffs, but they are repetitive. Once you hear the run or riff, you've heard it. It'll come back. Not much to listen to for a classical guitarist, imo.

[@BalokLives]

@@Roddy1965 Agreed. For me, solos where Alex bends notes out of tune are my favorites. For Example: "The Garden" and "Between the Wheels". But everyone's different. For some, if a solo isn't blazing fast it doesn't count.

[@dailyprognosisnick]

Agree I don't know why the studio version which is much more complex and atmospheric gets over looked. I love this live don't get me wrong but it's not as full as the acoustic version

[@Fred-vy1hm]

This song is ten minutes long, feels like five and you wish it was twenty. The holy trinity at the top of their game. 😊

[@lisaharrison1031]

Definitely!! KEEP RUSHIN!!! RUSH ARMY HERE!!! 🤘❤️🤘❤️

[@GummyBearWA]

I've always thought this is a great example of a Rock opera.

[@shanewilson199]

@@GummyBearWA i like all rush, from the first to last… with my only let down being snakes and arrows. I like the necromancer and time stand still. But for me there is something special about the long songs. Xanadu off exit might be their finest performance, hemispheres their most ambitious, 2112 their most epic. They are masterpieces of composition.

[@joh22293]

That's why I always listen to it AT LEAST twice!!

[@Fred-vy1hm]

@@joh22293 I do that for 2112. 😊

[@NormanMcDonald-n9e]

Well Mr Classical man ,I love this band more than my family,and noticed I have a very large family, but I also noticed your face and your head movements,but to here your feedback is right on the deal is your very very good I love classical and just music all music nowadays there are so many different genres.god bless, from Corpus Christi Texas ✌️

[@ryansheehan9462]

“I was not expecting a lot of passionate Rush fans like that.” Never underestimate us, sir 😂

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

Rush army in the house. If there is Rush music involved you will elicit our attention. It's pretty much guaranteed.

[@allanperry6507]

🤘RUSH🤘Canada's 🇨🇦 gift to the world 🌎

[@rogercisneros770]

The gift that keeps on giving.Thank You Canada😁

[@steveg5591]

Trudeau a close 2nd haha

[@davidkillens8143]

One reason why I appreciate reaction videos like yours is validation for a band that I am more than passionate about. You know music in a way this relatively untrained person does not. Your perspective is appreciated. I am an avid Rush fan I have been there from the beginning. I live within two kilometers where Geddy and Alex went to high school. One day they were playing in high schools, the government lowered the drinking age to 19, and the next day they were playing in bars. And I was there in those bars. Yes, I could tell wild stories, but they were young and wild. What is notable is that they never stopped developing and growing. Neil even attended Buddy Rich's school for drummers even though he was an established rock star. They walked a road of their own making, not accepting the path to commercial success but creating music to their tastes. That led to not being fully recognized by the great majority of the rock industry for decades, but in that time they did it the hard way, constantly touring and attracting fans live, and in concert.

[@Particulator]

Discovering Rush is like discovering chocolate. The initial reaction is "Wow how come I never had some of this?" then you can't get enough. La Villa Strangiato is from the album Hemispheres, the first album I bought with my own money. I was a teenager, a paperboy in the late 70's. More than 40 years later and having listened to this song probably thousands of times, it still gives me an "eargasm" when I hear it. In my book this is the best instrumental prog rock song ever composed. From the same album, you should check The Trees, an other must from Rush and this one will give you a singing Geddy.

[@barrydimmock5771]

I remember buying the record (it was red) going to a party and throwing it on the turntable

[@michaelwilson3402]

Me encanta Rush, por cuarenta años. Empiezé con 2112 en 1977, bid viendo al grupo.

[@rushdiehard8784]

very nice reaction. no pausing of the music. that is how a reaction should be. well done.

[@reloadnorth7722]

love your reaction. It was completely genuine, and the way you started rocking and smiling to the music clearly indicated your appreciation. From a Canadian and a Rush fan from the beginning, Stay Safe and Vigilant

[@sampozzi2746]

Welcome to the Rush rabbit hole 🎉

[@honeybadger7320]

We're passionate AND CORRECT :-) !!!!! LOL

[@turdeaugottago114]

this is rock and rolls orchestra :) we are in the presence of greatness

[@martyincanuckistan3635]

I miss this band so much, what intricate, intelligent music played by 3 of the most humble men to grace the stage. We were blessed to have them and all their recorded music.

[@johnandrews5414]

GOAT musicians. Rush has no peers.

[@Mike80528]

So glad you picked this as the follow-up.

[@gjmarr1]

A couple more Rush tunes to check out are YYZ Rush in Rio, and the 1981 live version of Xanadu. Your mind will be blown.

[@mikedown3219]

Also, that solo intro is flamenco guitar on the original studio version so well worth a listen to that.

[@jons3808]

Yes, this version is good but the studio version with its Spanish guitar intro is a masterpiece

[@NM-tr6kq]

One of the very few Rush pieces that I prefer the original to this live version. Both amazing, but I think the guitar is cleaner on the original.

[@KilgoreTrout1972]

I think you probably got a lot of recommendations for this because the studio version has Spanish guitar intro. Unfortunately they never did that live. You might want to check it out on your own time. A couple other recommendations with classical intros WITH vocals are The Trees, and A Farewell to Kings. Other songs you might like are: The Spirit of Radio Freewill Xanadu Subdivisions Natural Science I could go on, but that's a good place to start. They have 19 studio albums, so the well is pretty deep.

[@kippsguitar6539]

Yes he called Alex "good", so he should play that intro for us because I have been trying to nail it for 45 years but no cigar, astonishing

[@juliebrockett3471]

@@kippsguitar6539 he should also check the (unfortunately brief) Broon’s Bane that comes right before The Trees (which also has a Spanish guitar intro)! Be well my friend!

[@michaelastorga3187]

Amazing what 3 guys can do in producing such a euphoria of musical masterpiece

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

The look on your face while watching this was precious. Alex Lifeson is the most underrated guitarist of all time in my humble opinion. I had the pleasure of seeing Rush 53 times including the final show at the Forum in LA. Got to meet Alex that night after waiting by his limo until 3:30am....He was such a great guy, and talked to about 6 of us waiting for him about 15-20 minutes signing autographs and answering questions.... Never a dull moment at a Rush Show. Geddy's voice.... People love it or hate it.... I personally love it.... And Neil, honestly what can be said besides he's one of the best drummers of all time.... Loved this, and I will subscribe and watch more from you.... Thank you for that beautiful smile through this entire video.... I'll be back!

[@canadablake]

Really, now? Underrated by whom, exactly? The untold number of guitar players he’s influenced? The fans that consistently name him one of the best? The critics that consistently name him one of the best? His peers that consistently name his as one of the best? The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? No one thinks Alex Lifeson, let alone every other band or musician described as such on KZbin, is underrated. “Underrated” is the most overused adjective on KZbin when it comes to bands and musicians.

[@steveburgess7231]

"That drummer is really good" .. lol Welcome to Rush fandom

[@wiseonelol25]

Whenever I watch this video, I can't help but think 'this was '81', and these guys only got better with age. Lots of material to go through, my friend! Enjoy the ride!

[@kevinkilduff2064]

What a masterpiece! Few bands have pushed the limits of creative and technical experimentation as successfully as Rush. Truly they deserve their place on the Mt. Rushmore of great and influential bands.

[@PatrickORourke-xz3kp]

Thanks for doing this - Yes, there are a lot of loyal Rush fans for a lot of reasons. The quality of the music as well as the members, and even the fans, is very high. I've been a fan since Moving Pictures came out (the album with Tom Sawyer, Limelight, etc.) and had to work backwards through 2112, Hemispheres and the rest. I got to see them 3 times, late '80's, mid '90's and 2004. The live experience is (was) incredible. I'm glad there are some decent videos to show everyone how good they were. Early Genesis and Yes are two other progressive groups you might like, if this worked for you.

[@reactionsaccount3955]

When I was in high school in the 80s, I had several acquaintances that were serious drummers, that played in metal cover bands and they could play difficult songs by Metallica, Megadeth or Slayer, but when talking about their chops, the question that inevitably came up was "But can you play La Villa Strangiato" and the answer was always "No I cannot.".

[@derrickparran]

Real Talk

[@mikedown3219]

At the beginning of the song you can hear two synth sounds. One you can see is from Geddy Lee playing the keys, but the other is from Alex using foot pedals as he plays his guitar. You can’t see his feet but if you watch closely at his body language you can see him shifting his position slightly as he plays the foot pedals.

[@Zaaxun]

There will never be another Rush. Thank God I got to see them a few times.

[@jesus2400]

Sounds gives me chills every time I listen to it amazing

[@guidosarducci]

They are simply 'masters' of the time change...

[@nodrush80]

Album version is recommended first. Neil is and was special.

[@wickedmirage]

Rush, the soundtrack to my life. 💖 I read many years ago that Alex, the guitarist, had and dream one night and told Neil (the drummer) about it. While later Neil came back to Alex and had written La Villa Strangiato based on Alex's dream. Must have been a hell of a dream. Glad you are enjoying RUSH.

[@idonoywantthisaccount7675]

Neil wrote the lyrics.. Alex and Geddy wrote the music.

[@danieldietrich9969]

@@idonoywantthisaccount7675 Yeah, I thought Neil primarily wrote the lyrics. And I thought this particular piece was written by Alex based on his dream. But I've never read up on the history of this tune.

[@travismarch4881]

Once you see Rush live it becomes your favorite band for life. Saw my first show in 86 when I was 16 and many shows after….never disappointed!

[@jimtatro6550]

This is the greatest rock instrumental ever in my opinion

[@chrisclark7170]

Second to YYZ

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

Mine too. YYZ is good but this is better. But that's like a parent trying to decide which child they like better. They're both amazing.

[@hackandslash873]

Love YYZ too, but I think the following track by Persefone has topped my favourite instrumentals of all time - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5CvpXmipqenq7c&ab_channel=RockPlaylist - interested in your reactions

[@CaptainTurdherder]

For vocals, I would recommend Red Barchetta, Spirit of Radio, and the 2112 Suite. For a great instrumental, YYZ live in Rio is hard to beat.

[@bronxbrothers121]

I can't think of another group that could pull this off, record it live for the album and in their 20s. Simply amazing!!!

[@clockworkangel4026]

You'll find Rush fans are incredibly loyal, knowledgeable and love welcoming new fans into the 'family'. Glad you're enjoying your introduction to our favorite group. 🎸🥁🎸

[@msannthrope_2049]

I love your user name! Clockwork Angels was a fantastic album.

[@clockworkangel4026]

@@msannthrope_2049 Thanks! It's one of my favorites.

[@jonathanmoeg1202]

"...Rush fans are incredibly loyal, knowledgeable and love welcoming new fans into the 'family'." Ahhh, so it's a cult then.

[@IusedtohaveausernameIliked]

@@jonathanmoeg1202 Pretty much. The difference is that it's filled with joy rather than strict rules and abuse.

[@jonathanmoeg1202]

@@IusedtohaveausernameIliked Certainly looks nice from the outside. Unfortunately I'm not a true believer but a mere casual appreciator of (mostly) Lifeson's early work.

[@necromancer6558]

Just wanted to say thanks and glad you enjoyed!!

[@lauriivey7801]

Rush has a true following ... and 40+ years of spectacular music

[@emjem99]

You need to listen to the studio version. The intro is played on acoustic guitar. Best band ever.

[@bobkitten8150]

Alex is also playing taurus pedals in some sections. I never get tired of listening to this!

[@Mr.S369]

The highlight for me was seeing this performed live on a hot summer night in downtown Toronto at Varsity Stadium, 1979.

[@paulpenix8198]

What I like is his skill and use of dynamics in his guitar playing. 🎸

[@bobcarn]

They have several more instrumentals, all of them very different. For a treat, check out a solo Alex has on the "Snake and Arrows" studio album called "Hope". It's a short piece he does on an acoustic 12-string that is quite beautiful. I never tire of hearing it.

[@adamwhite7895]

Broon's Bane is also another beautiful acoustic short by Alex.

[@jenniferandrews1917]

RUSH ARMY in the house! Great reaction 😎

[@Valhalrik]

All ways loved RUSH its thinking man's Music

[@aubreymcnett4302]

Rush fans are the most loyal of all fans. I have seen hundreds of videos of rush and reactions. They show their overwhelming support. I love it. Rush is my favorite rock band BTW. ❤

[@eduardogonzalez738]

Best rock three man band ever! One of the best drummer/ guitarist/bass/etc,etc…

[@yellowharley1]

Hello from Niagara Falls ! Seen RUSH 35 times !!!

[@scottshields113]

When you play a Rush song. They will come.

[@cityhonors1]

🤗 Thank you so much for doing La Villa!😄 Thought we would make it easy for you?🤗 No way! 🤭 I think we grabbed your interest! No denying that smile on your face! 😍 You have no idea how much it pleases fans that you WANT to hear Geddy Lee sing! 🤔 I think you're adventurous enough to tackle '2112', 'Xanadu' or even 'Bi-tor and The Snow Dog'. 🤗 Imagine waiting until the next Album to complete a story. That's exactly what Rush did. Sent a Spaceship thru a Black hole (Cygnus: Book 1) and then what happens to the ship is in Hemispheres (Book 2). 😍 We had cool Bands back then! 😁🐰

[@danielmyers4827]

alex is also using his feet to play synth in the beginning. both Alex and Geddy use foot triggers to make them a three piece orchestra, AMAZING!! Thank you for your reactions to Rush. you won't be disappointed😁

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

Yoiu have to remember these guys were also very young at this time, in their early 20's... and playing at this level. Simply unbelievable.

[@barbeerian]

Thank you for letting the song run through and then commenting on it. So many reaction videos interrupt the song again and again. It is great to watch you groove with them. It would be interesting to hear what classical-type techniques Alex is using on the guitar.

[@CorcoDoorSecurity]

It's their biggest flex. I stand by this.

[@davidguillory1312]

I figured you might like this for the compositional aspects as well as the Spanish influence in the guitar part, which is why I was one of those that suggested it. The look on your face throughout the song was priceless. :)

[@imacmanx8562]

Oh, so many to recommend......here's 2 that don't get reacted to often, but are typical great RUSH: "Time Stand Still", and "Ghost of A Chance". And btw, you talked about how great the drummer is.....we're assuming you know who he is. If not, arguably the greatest rock drummer to ever sit behind the kit, Neil Peart (pronounced Peer-tuh). RIP, Professor.

[@Fred-vy1hm]

Love Ghost of a Chance. 😊

[@richardthresh3587]

Rush never got better than this - 43 years since I first heard it, and it's still my favourite of theirs

[@holysmokes5817]

Reverend!! As a classical guitarist, this is a RUSH song that will tickle your heart. At least in effort and intention. Cheers!! 🍄🌲🍄💥✨🌈

[@biggie25x]

This is one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. Thanks. Good time listening with you. Rush army comes through again.

[@winstonhewett6679]

With 19 studio albums, they have a huge catalog of music to enjoy!!!

[@bryanbailey6963]

Welcome to the world of Rush! You have so many songs yet to hear and they are all equally fantastic!

[@pazz6708]

I can never get enough. RUSH fan 4 life.

[@RushandUFO]

Rush is my favorite band. Saw them 4 times. Farewell to Kings tour first one. Alex Lifeson is so underrated

[@toddbuck5957]

It is not hard to quantify why Rush has enjoyed such a long run of popularity amongst their fans, if not so much by the popular music media. They always pushed themselves to play beyond their abilities, and they have all admitted as much with this song. But their music takes you, the listener, on a journey of new experiences, of new sounds, of new emotions. You have a magical mix of talent and creativity poring out of every song, it is simply beautiful to see and hear. You take 3 great friends, all masters of their instruments, with arguably a top 10 guitarist, a top 5 bassist and truly the worlds greatest drummer, and it would be impossible for their music to not be some of the most iconic and expressive you may ever hear. It is always fun to watch someone come across it for the first time. Love seeing your reaction, if it was a bit muted. If you want to hear something that showcases both music and voice, try "Xanadu", as I think you will like that a lot.

[@stuarthepburn6508]

agreed although I put Geddy near the top of the top five due to having to sing and play keyboards on top of his amazing bass performance

[@sergeanttibs6345]

Always great to see a classical musician put on Rush and immediately start head-banging lol

[@brucedickinson12]

The necromancer another classic

[@Suspicious22]

live or in studio , there is RUSH , and then there is everybody else . it's been that way for 40 years and will never change 😃

[@compnnburns8831]

As Grib said Rush community would have preferred you to have listened to the studio version with its flamenco style start (Alex was originally taught in that Spanish style), and is 1 of the most modest and underrated rock guitarists of all time, this was his show piece to try and shine through alongside one of the best bass and drum/percussionists in the world and he got an honourable mention by you which is a shame and a bit underwhelming. this is a song you could listen to every day for the rest of your life and it never gets boring a bit like classical music

[@kennymay9036]

three of the best,at their best.

[@rinaldocoutinho7028]

Oh Man, it's insane. A masterpiece!

[@debbieplato5107]

This piece was based on some nightmares Alex Lifeson the guitarist had. I would suggest the next song to react to is Xanadu from Exit Stage Left. Another masterpiece from them and yes there is singing in it. LOL A lot of progressive rock is broken up into movements just like classical music. Cheers

[@crismi144]

RUSH MASTERMINDS OF ROCK MUSIC....

[@kevincamp2913]

This live version is exquisite but quite different than the original album recording.

[@pskovca]

I love Geddy's quote on LVS "That was a song where I would have to say our ideas exceeded our ability to play them, we wanted to record as one ten-minute piece. But we were also becoming perfectionists at that point and just didn't like the long pieces we were doing. They started to lose energy, so we finally compromised, and I think we recorded that song in three pieces, and then we glued them together. And then they had to figure out how to play it live ...

[@adventurewithacamera]

“So much going on” might be the most real Rush reaction ever. Welcome to the club of Rush fans!

[@CanigoCatala]

If you're a classical guitar musician: please check Mood for a day or The Clap from Yes (Steve Howe guitar solo) and Horizons and Firth of Fith from Genesis (Steve Hackett as guitarist)

[@eduardogonzalez738]

Love these guys. Thank god Neil left us with so much great music,RIP!

[@m.ericwatson968]

I. Buenas Noches, Mein Froinds! II. To sleep, perchance to dream… III. Strangiato Theme IV. A Lerxst in Wonderland V. Monsters! VI. Danforth and Pape VII. The Waltz of the Shreves VIII. Never turn your back on a Monster! IX. Monsters! (Reprise) X. Strangiato Theme (Reprise) XI. A Farewell to Things

[@ThisTrainIsLost]

I can only concur with what I heard. This is definitely a reaction that does not pretend to be an analysis. Did I get anything from the video to take away with me? No. I've listened to Rush with first time listeners before. This time it happened to be in a video. Nothing has changed.

[@somewhereinohio6281]

Rush was ahead of their time. The music never gets old. I find new favorite songs the more I listen to it 😃

[@bryanmack5410]

You picked a great second song from these icons. 1980's Rush convinced me to trade in my electric gear for a classical guitar.

[@stephenslade1639]

Don't be surprised about anything Rush related. The fans obsession with the guys reflects what they gave us over the years. As some have said 'the biggest band you've never heard of'. Also nice to see a reaction that is guitar focussed.

[@marypalumbo4894]

The sound that comes out of Alex's guitar, never ceases to amaze me...he is the best!💕

[@lukejohnson29]

You should defiantly react to Broon’s Bane and The Trees from the moving pictures 40th anniversary album. It’s incredible. Or Limelight for an incredible rock solo.

[@paulniemiec3165]

Welcome aboard the Rush train, there’s plenty of room! 🎉❤

[@terrencedeagle4429]

Rush is so great and there's no BS with that band. We used to buy the ticket for the tenth row..sit back and watch them play. As the show went on, Rush seemed to get better and better. Superb playmanship. You have opened la caja de Pandora con Rush.

[@mikestillion6912]

What’s clear from watching all these first reactions of Rush songs, is that Rush fans love the music, but they ALSO love to share Rush. It’s fun to share with your kids, but this is the closest they probably ever get to sharing it with a stranger. Also it’s probably a great way to get THOUSANDS of views on a video. Glad there’s another fan of the music on the planet!

[@thomasconnors7511]

A Navy band played at my high school in the early mid 80's and they played many songs. The song that got my fellow students off their seats was YYZ.

[@tomlindroos828]

Great review!!!! Loved it!!!!

[@olivertoeknuckleiii2093]

Everybody’s head moves exactly the same way at the beginning of this song. It’s what music is designed to do. God bless you Rush, God bless you Neil. You made a difference.

[@lindaward5376]

If you'd like to hear what Geddy could do with his voice, then I'd like to add my recommendation for 2112, where he changes it to represent the different characters, and the instrumental composition is top notch; Cygnus X-1 Book 1 (A Farewell To Kings) and Book 2 (Hemispheres) is another multi-part masterpiece that I highly recommend. Cheers from Canada! 🇨🇦 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@katskillz]

Personally I think the song A Farewell to Kings is his best vocal performance of that era

[@johndinneen1222]

Also No One at the Bridge from Caress of Steel. Great vocals on that song!

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

Rush's music is a very deep well. Really loving your reaction's to are band. What do you mean you can't do everything Rush..? lol . Are you sure. :)? Clearly you have an amazing ear for music. Enjoy your journey in RUSH's music.

[@davecampbell9472]

Here comes the Rush army!!

[@Babyseal2002]

"there's a lot going on" Nah... You want Xanadu live from 1981. The remastered version on Stickhits channel is the best quality. Masterful multitasking, and vocals! And the opening of studio version of La Villa is exquisite.

[@crossbearer365]

"Se la come!" Well said, brother.

[@ChicTumshy]

I so love your reaction at the end and it fills my heart with joy having had the same reaction when I first witnessed them play Xanadu live on the Old Grey Whistle Test way back in 1977. It is quite incredible that only three guys can perform such intricate music. If you watch carefully you can see Alex looking down at the Taurus pedals. Geddy also plays Taurus as well as Bass and keyboard and of course Neil was a wizard on the drums. Check out Xanadu or Cygnus X1 (both parts) you will not be disappointed. I also love Geddy's voice when he was younger.

[@winstonhewett6679]

You would love the band YES, with Jon Anderson's unique voice, & very talented musicians. They were a big influence on Geddy, the bass player. The 1971 Album, "The Yes Album" is a classic progressive rock album. Starship Trooper, Perpetual Change, & Your's Is No Disgrace, are 3 songs from the album I have always enjoyed!

[@XilehNori]

Try Roy Clark - Malaguena, Mason Williams - Classical Gas or for a more recent artist, Trace Bundy - Elephant King...