Rush - Roll The Bones (Reaction) Who's is this and what did they do with Rush?

[@Bassman64PlaysBass]

Now you know why I asked for this. Rush can do what they can do, but they can't do what Rush can do.

[@dmusiclife5727]

Yeah man right when “the part” lol, dropped in I’m like yep! That’s why you recommended it cause we definitely didn’t see that coming lol. You got us good with that/this one. This was like a mash up of funk “80’s RHCP” Folk and early 80’s hip hop. Not gonna lie I was pretty confused with this one lol. And as always thanks for taking us on another wild ride and The support! It really helps us out! Looking forward to the next one man all the best

[@lewisbernstein4272]

This is the ultimate double meaning song. The song is about taking a chance (it is the theme of the whole Roll the Bones CD - and there are dice in the background of the kid literally rolling bones by kicking them for the album art), but Rush took a huge chance by incorporating some 'rap' on this song. So a song about taking a chance and they took a chance on a musical style that isn't their forte. Ghost of a Chance is from this album too and you guys noted the stylistic change during that video.

[@HollowGolem]

I also love that this is one of those songs that lyrically is essentially a rejection of some of Neil's earlier expressed political beliefs. An objectivist would not write this song, because objectivism is based fundamentally in a just universe hypothesis, which this song explicitly rejects. So even lyrically it shows Neil's growth. ​@@lewisbernstein4272

[@charleswagner2984]

​@@dmusiclife5727The rap section is pure genius. Niel wrote that for his daughter Selina because she was into rap and hop. I love it.

[@tod1045]

I ask my three year old grandson "why are we here?" He replies, "because we're here, roll the bones." He jumps in the car and asks. "Pops, play RUSH!" I have done my job as a grandparent!!!

[@thirty2wins]

My daughter says...when he comes home he wants the spooky pink music...dark side by 5....with you Gramps!!

[@RobertMichaelStewart]

Good job Grandpa!

[@robertboston7872]

Pass on the legacy your a good grandpa

[@leddygee1896]

I resemble that remark!!...

[@steveanderson6180]

EXCELLENT!!

[@richardkersey4960]

I have to admit your reactions have made me re-appreciate Alex"s extraordinary abilities, BTW This is the 90's.

[@michaelschroeck2254]

When I hear “ why are we here?” I follow it up with what Geddy wrote in the tour book for this tour: “ for the beer. Roll the bones.” And that’s what I gave my kids say!!

[@clockworkangel4026]

Neil (our favorite wordsmith) was really intrigued by the word play, double entendres, rhymes, etc of the old school rappers. When he suggested trying it Alex and Geddy were open to the idea and their little tongue and cheek rap section was born.

[@kelvinmann1058]

So glad to see people enjoying the newer stuff. Keep crawling down the Rush rabbit hole.

[@TheCentralScrutinizerAgain]

lots of different styles over their career, but this is their most unique song and catches people out.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

We go out in the world and take our chances...

[@josephpisano6040]

Life is a gamble is the meaning I get from this song. Enjoy it while you're here.

[@number9434]

Marathon live: A Show of Hands.

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

Why are we here? Because we're here And because we are Rush fans. Love your reactons!

[@soonapa]

Guys find a live version on The Pass by Rush. Listen to how passionate they play that song and the lyrics. , I bet your wife will tear up

[@nodrush80]

It was a little tongue in cheek with this one. You never knew with Rush, one of many reasons why they were so interesting.

[@BoosterGold52]

Back before the internet I had many arguments with friends about this song and why it was most definitely a Rush song and a great one at that. I stood on that island alone for a long time. Those friends were not true fans. Now with the internet I know I was right.

[@leddygee1896]

White Canadian "Funk"...😁 It does have a badass groove to it though! All three members of Rush were fans of the Motown Sound when they were young. and as far as I know, having lived in that time period In 1991, I never heard ANY rappers giving them Shit for it!! And rappers are pretty vocal about who gets involved in their game. There were more Rush fans that hated this song than anything. I personally thought it was brilliant.(and I'm a fan since 1976!) Rush Is, the be all, end all, 3 piece band in history, and that's a fact, jack!! Rest In Power, Professor...

[@TerryDenham]

I viewed the 'Roll the dice' as a directive to 'take a chance'

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Greatest band ever, all top 3 musicians, and greatest educated lyrics

[@njflyersfan74]

I’m reading Geddys book (my effin life) now and one thing I admire about Rush so much is they never adapted to fit anyone’s taste but their own. They played what they felt artistically inside , this whole change in sound and especially the “synth age” of the band which kicked off in the album signals if I remember, Geddy explains in his book that Alex was not happy at the same time geddy was so digging the experimental work he was doing with synth/keyboards he overlooked how Alex felt and it got uncomfortable for a bit. The book is a good read I’m on chapter 20 so nearing the end but if you are a Rush fan (especially a geddy fan) it’s worth the buy.

[@bronwynthorn4494]

I saw this concert in the Hollywood Bowl and I remember being so jazzed to be there! They seemed so happy and confident. I felt like I was hanging out with the cool kids! Just along for the ride. Every Rush concert, I was excited to be going in and left with so much joy in my heart but sad too because the concert was over.

[@mikeljones4673]

In an interview, Geddy once joked that he was changing his name to P Giddy. This song was not mentioned but it had to be what he was talking about.

[@jeffjohnson8444]

You should watch the R40 live version of this. The rap section features a collection of famous people doing the rap.

[@lisaharrison1031]

So glad you did RTB. Such a fabulously fun song and it’s even more fun when you get to hear it played LIVE!! “Why are we here Because we’re here Roll the bones Roll the bones Why does it happen Because it happens Roll the bones Roll the bones……” 🤘🎶💜

[@juanelorriaga2840]

I loved the RTB tour shirts I remember snagging one when it showed the kid from the RTB cover as a skeleton and on the top back “why are we here?”

[@debbieplato5107]

Rush changed their sound through the years but always sounded like Rush. Changing things up and embracing what was new on the music scene was something they always did and yes that was Geddy rapping. For some later Rush please check out Animate live in Frankfurt Secret Touch from the Snakes and Arrows tour Caravan from the Time Machine Tour Cheers

[@Animate1993]

First off - Yes!!! Agree with your future recommendations!! However, I prefer Animate on Different Stages over the other live performances. Frankfurt, they have tempo issues and R40, the bass is too muddy since he uses a Thunderbird. But, again, the list is solid and really sets the tone for the later albums.

[@debbieplato5107]

@@Animate1993 I will check out the Different Stages version. The Frankfurt version did sound a little slower. Thanks for the heads up. Cheers

[@nobodyimportant6851]

Watch the live R40 version, they have Les Claypool, Chad Smith and others doing the rap parts, its awesome.

[@herbhill7591]

Thing is…. When you have talent in over abundance you can do whatever you want.

[@cityhonors1]

🤗 Rush has something for everyone! 😁 That was fun! I love when you guys do Rush! 🥰🐰

[@Fred-vy1hm]

You never know what you're gonna get with Rush you just gotta relax and roll the bones. 😊

[@papamustaine9644]

I love seeing people react to rush! This song is so unique. I love it!

[@BrakRulesAll]

Believe it or not, that's actually Ged himself doing the rapping. Epic!

[@PHLCoffeeSnob]

I thought it was Neil

[@Animate1993]

It's Geddy. They joke about how they wanted a well-known rapper to do the track but opted for Geddy to do it and just detune his voice. @@PHLCoffeeSnob

[@kivimik]

@@PHLCoffeeSnob The closest you'll get to a Neil "rap" would be "The Necromancer."

[@surfeit5910]

Yes! Roll the Bones is playing dice. It's all chance. Every song on this album is about taking chances. This song especially isn't just about taking a chance, but IS Rush taking a chance. Came out in the era of MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice and Marky Mark, so Rush decided to ty it out and see what happened. I love it, and I love this song, as does my 10 year old son. It's a song similar in theme to Freewill as well. "Why are little one born only to suffer if there's some immortal power to control the dice?" Neil's atheism shows through loud and clear, and it's great.

[@seanfetterly3059]

If he maintained that posture to the end, he'd tell you not so great if you could ask him.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

my fave is larger bowl lyrically. Neil inspired me to play drums, and travel here to Africa, where i now live making music-I see the larger bowl on a daily basis

[@joebarrera9741]

GREAT Rush Song For Sure

[@compnnburns8831]

Rush are on record as saying that they would never rule out playing any sort of music (respect). You should listen to Rush's nod to country and western music: "Cold Fire" off the next album animate or there is a live version out there where they actually tell the crowd they're gonna play a bit of country

[@kivimik]

Counterparts is the name of the album ("Animate" is the opener).

[@schwek99ify]

Whether you do a reaction or not on this, you need to check out the live version. The video that accompanies them on stage it's perfect.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

Love your reaction to this one. Imagine a life-long fan who did not really get into rap at all and then to be hit with this... Your comments fit. I liked this eventually once I got over the shock... :)

[@ElegantDecisis]

Probably my favorite Rush album. The running theme of the album seemed to speak to me as a young man when I first heard it 20 years ago.

[@goldenretrieverdad]

This whole album is incredible!!

[@munton5150]

One of my favorite Rush albums. Some of Neil’s best drum parts on this album. Fun fact that rap voice is Geddy’s voice pitched down.

[@plantgeek]

The most annoying fade out by Rush is in the ballad 'Different Strings'. The solo gets more and more intense as the fade progresses into silence. But the song is awesome.

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

It's a beautiful song. :)

[@Animate1993]

This album is the follow-up to "Presto" and has a lot of those jazz vibes. Also, since Presto was released in '89 and Roll the Bones was '91, you definitely still hear some of the 80s vibe. Geddy is using a Wal MkII bass for this album, which is very punchy and defined. I listened to this album on many of lawn mowing days or family trips. The opening track, Dreamline, sets the tone pretty well for this album, as well. Roll the Bones is just a statement of we are here, there's nothing pre-ordained or fatalistic - Just the chance on rolling the dice and doing what we will with the outcome. (I believe... don't crucify me if I am off!! lol)

[@cogline]

I was just wondering what bass this is. Sounds different. Thanks

[@squamishfish]

This is what made Rush one of the greatest live bands ever they can do old stuff like By Tor and the Snow Dog to this and Natural Science

[@markperrette7760]

I enjoy your Rush reactions so much what can we do to get more Rush frequently on your channel?

[@dmusiclife5727]

Links are in the description box of this post below. We have a couple of great Rush fans that’ve helped open the world of Rush to us through the links and given us some amazing good times with this amazing band

[@lerxstdirkst6181]

@@dmusiclife5727gotta get back to old RUSH, when they totally annihilated ass!

[@lewisbernstein4272]

@@lerxstdirkst6181 They changed styles, but still kicked ass - and the last 2 albums, esp. Clockwork Angels were total ass kickers

[@seamusburke639]

I like this song and I like the Rapping Skeleton. Haters can step off.

[@iamhere9805]

Someone gonna put them on "Headlong flight" next?🔥🔥🔥

[@jasonpeters8832]

from thetour book why are we here for the beer row the boats call me we'll do lunch

[@mikaelandersson2199]

The sound in the rap section is no other than Neil "The Professor" Peart ;) You got to do some reactions from the album "Presto", the track "War Paint" is pure magic! Thumbs up of course, have a great weekend and cheers from Sweden!

[@kivimik]

No, it's Geddy. You can find the original recording of his voice before being manipulated here on KZbin.

[@ZIG4ZAG20]

Three things: One, my favorite song of theirs don’t care what anyone thinks, two, Tool shirt is cool, going to see them Jan 27, 2024 three, it’s ALWAYS been about the lyrics, even more so later in the life of Rush.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎤🎹

[@simonmcglary]

What you can always be sure of with Rush is variety and ability. Incidentally, using technology, the rap was Geddy!

[@adrathemetaloutlaw754]

Great Rush album. Y'all need to hit up the song Ghost of a Chance.

[@enriquedassaro270]

Genialidad total!!! RUSH te pases por todos los estilos géneros musicales!!! DIOSES!!!!

[@jorgerubio3902]

The best drummer all time

[@beadybaby]

I see your T-shirts and raise you Geddy rapping 🎉 (also my vintage but worn out RTB T-shirt) PS LOOK AT THE ALBUM ART

[@kimbarry4674]

Fantastic song 1 of my favs right now but nothing tops Natural Science Snakes and Arrows Tour ❤😉🇨🇦

[@henrikeatworld]

Love it!

[@ischmidt]

You largely figured it out: the whole album is about fate and chance. "Roll the bones" indeed means to throw the dice. The song itself came from Neil as a writer being very interested in 80s hip-hop, particularly Chuck D and Public Enemy. Alex and Geddy were somewhat skeptical, but they decided to humor him and, in Geddy's words, "lock into the funk, or at least as much as white Canadians could". The album after this was mostly a Soundgarden/grunge kind of thing, they were always willing to try new things. As for the sound, this is the second record (after Presto) produced by Rupert Hine. Hine is best known in a rock context for producing the Canadian band The Fixx, whom Alex modeled his 80s guitar tone after. In a non-rock context he's best known for producing and playing most of the instruments on Tina Turner's "Better Be Good To Me", my personal favorite of her 80s comeback hits.

[@michaelkeller6223]

Don’t sleep on Alex’s noodling behind the scenes during the rap sections. Some cool stuff goin on back there! 😀

[@Robmcil]

This is what sets RUSH apart from a lot of other bands. Their willingness to try anything musically and incorporate it into their sound. Their sound changed greatly over the years but they even though they were doing different things they never stopped being RUSH. If you watch the RUSH documentary they talk about how there first 2 albums were moderately successful, not earth shattering but solid their 3rd album did not sell well, their record label was close to dropping them. They were told by the record company their new album needed to be more commercial. Most bands at that point would have tried to write radio friendly pop hits to make sure they got their contract renewed. RUSH did not they went into the Studio and made 2112 as Prog of an album as you could get at that time. They said if this was going to be the end then it would end by them making the record they wanted to make. The album became their best seller, (at that point) and the rest as they say is history. They made the decision they were going to make the music they wanted to make regardless of what any record company wanted, and that is what they did for their career. So their sytles and sounds would change over the years but they were always RUSH

[@obiwanbenobi4943]

Caress of Steel is a fantastic album. I wonder how many people have gone back to listen to the whole thing now?

[@Robmcil]

@@obiwanbenobi4943 I agree with you it is an excellent album. My only point was it did not sell well when it was released, and the band was in danger of loosing their record deal.

[@allwaizeright9705]

I love this album...

[@Gweeper64]

Always throwing curve balls, just like the reggae part in Spirit of Radio ten years prior

[@steveg5591]

Guys, it’s time. Next Rush song you cover has to be Headlong Flight. Trust me on this, even though you have no way in hell knowing who I am. It from their final album but kicks ass and is one of their more heavier pieces.

[@kimbarry4674]

Neil loved many genres and yes its hip hop❤🇨🇦

[@frankvanwill5363]

Looove it when you guys do Rush, Opeth, PT, Meshuggah, Gojira. ❤❤ Pls do more of them 😁

[@Bob-ip7nt]

Yeah they got a little different for awhile. I am more of an early rush guy but still my favorite band of all time, their talent is undeniable.

[@josephkushnir1376]

Geddy always thought and said that this song was just killer live.

[@Ilikeryche]

Kick some glutius max.

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

There is something about their 90s work that did not age as gracefully as some of the stuff they had done prior and after the fact I don't know if that was just the nature of Music in general in those days that era. The production sounds crisp but kind of generic, the songwriting on Russia's worst day is still going to be good so that's not an issue and I bought this album new and went to the tour and everything and they were great still playing a lot of the older stuff still seem to have a great time so I'm not saying I don't like counterparts and roll the bones and that stuff because there are plenty of good songs on and whatnot but it's just not something I go back and revisit all that often versus I'm so madly in love with Krista steel every time I listen to it I still hear a little subtle things in it that make me smile

[@Newworldman66]

Dreamline, Bravado, Where's My Thing? and Ghost of a Chance are the only songs to take from RTB, the other 6 can be filed under meh.

[@correctlyrics]

Geddy always liked being relevant for the times. Rap was just starting to become popular at this time. So, how about a Rush grunge song? Yup. Early 90s album Counterparts. Song, "Stick It Out"

[@clairmarkcordes6834]

The band considered having an actual rapper perform it. They also thought about having singer Robbie Robertson do it or even comedian John Cleese, but eventually they just went with Geddy Lee and altered his voice with effects.

[@Obscur888]

You need to listen to the song Superconductor

[@danarchuleta1154]

Huge Rush fan....but both the album and song are not my cup..."Where's My Thing" and "Dreamline" are the only tracks I seek out. Lot's of Rush fans don't like "Roll The Bones", the song, and it's perfectly ok! I love the first 4 songs as well as "Limbo" on "Test for Echo," an album many dismiss. Guess " it's time for us to recognize the differences we sometimes feared to show" "Entre Nous."

[@BrendaNelson-ll4ls]

Seeing Rush do this song live with the skeleton head on a huge screen doing the Rapping part of the song Incredible! 'Geddy sings the Rapping part. It's recorded on the Live version. Please at some point watch the Live version of this song. ☠

[@davidransom4703]

we all turn into bones when we die and are formed more die ce so other can take there chances .because that's the way lady luck dances

[@steveschaff4620]

Why did this happen? ROLL THE BONES!

[@zerglilngvet5428]

they rolld the bones with that rap part

[@josephkushnir1376]

Back in the day dice were made from bones.

[@richierich398]

Back when the song came out and they were playing it on the rock radio stations, they cut out the “rap”part. I personally think it was better that way. And I like rap. But you can’t say that rush wasn’t afraid to go out of their comfort zone.

[@edwardcalvet]

Love u guys, Get Busy❤

[@pyrodiscoflash6115]

Rush will take you on a Musical Journey of Incredible Vibes, ancient Medicine Mystics Rolling the Bones to Interpret the Spirits of Random Chance looking for Order, no Snake Eyes, Lady Luck always wins with Rush

[@johnioannou5597]

If anybody ever tells you they never fart, don’t believe it cause they’re full of hot air!

[@kevinstrade2752]

Roll the Bones was my last Rush album that I think is decent.

[@drummerdaveRush7777]

Another great album some dont like later RUSH any Rush is good Rush to me listen to heresy on this album lyrically, phenomenal no one writes like Neil!! Try driven, mission, marathon, big money, lock and key, turn the page, Animate, cut to the chase, hemispheres whole side, this album came out in 91

[@clairmarkcordes6834]

I call this Free Will Part 2.

[@clairmarkcordes6834]

It’s got a nice nod too.

[@trenken]

Lol rush changed a lot throughout their 40 years. Thats the best part about them. Look at tool. Been around for decades, every album sounds the same. Not with rush though. I love how funky and weird this song is. Yeah its jarring but if youre really into rush and let it marinate a bit, you start to appreciate some of these albums like roll the bones.

[@flyingburritobro68]

I know it’s really Rush but I pretend it’s not. Sounds like an MTV synth pop band from the 80’s.

[@paulgrudowski4383]

I love Rush ... my favorite band of ALL time. But TBH, they lost me with this album, and I was so happy when Counterparts and then Test for Echo came out.

[@jhc2093]

Not one of my favorites, but in the day, it certainly was popular on the radio.

[@ingovaneijden966]

It is different. Yes. But thats Rush. They surprise you. Especially with this song and the rap. Not my absolute favourite i must say. But still so good and fun to listen to. This band never fails to impress you with their exceptional talent in every way. May i suggest red tide or turn the page from the "newer" songs?

[@jorgerubio3902]

Poor babies😂

[@mdu2112]

I never had any issue with the rap portion. My least favorite is the acoustic country folksy sounding chorus in contrast with the great main riff.

[@brianmartin8835]

The part that you guys really liked when the vocals changed was Alex Lifeson on guitar singing using a voice box to change his vocal tone.

[@terminallumbago6465]

Geddy did the rap

[@jasonwilliams6005]

Geddy the rapper

[@mikecronis]

The live version has Paul Rudd, Peter Dinklage, and Jason Segel lip-synching to it on the big-screen.

[@dleasman]

That's neil doing the "spoken lyric", it's not RAP, ir's Rush.

[@gagadreams]

Why are we here? Because we're here, roll the bones! Why does it happen? Because it happens, roll the bones! Riveting stuff guys! It was the 90's, it was a sin to play prog in the 90's I remember, you could get arrested!

[@jimtatro6550]

This is without a doubt the most divisive song in their career. I hated it upon release, I kind of like it now, but I still don’t like the rap section.

[@lewisbernstein4272]

It's among the most divisive. Add in a little Rivendell & Tai Shan and you might have a real list going...

[@jimtatro6550]

@@lewisbernstein4272 Tai Shan and Rivendell are the two worst songs in the catalog and most Rush fans would agree, however imo, it’s about 50-50 with Roll the Bones, either you really like it or you really don’t.🤘🏻

[@michaelschroeck2254]

Why does it happen? Because s#!t happens. Roll the bones.

[@vincenttayelrand]

Rush tried to 'modernize' its music throughout their career. Some attempts were more successful than others 😉

[@barriedudding5010]

I watched your reactions to the epic Nine inch nails at Woodstock 94. You guys should do a video on Marc Rebillet. I'm a flamingo. Absolutely class as is everything he does. Cheers. Take it easy.

[@jackteppo9633]

Live is better😊

[@aknightthatsaysnee5259]

One of the very few songs I don't like by Rush.