Rush: Working Man -Live Cleveland: (MIND EXPLODED) Reaction

[@Bass17yl]

After 2 and a half hours, in his mid fifties, AND suffering from crippling arthritis in his left hand! Alex Lifeson is no joke!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Just shows how you’d he is and they all are!

[@RogueReplicant]

Clearly the arthritis was *not* crippling 😑

[@Tonyr0206]

Alex had stated in recent interviews, that the extent of his arthritis has been widely overblown and is not nearly as bad as it has been made out to be. He even said he wishes that he never even mentioned it in the initial interview.

[@Bass17yl]

@@Tonyr0206 Fair enough. The multiple interviews I saw with both him and Geddy made it sound like he was really struggling until R40, when some new medication really helped. Guess the interviewers focused on it too much during the editing and made it seem worse than it was. Good info, thanks!

[@grahamkey8496]

@@Bass17yl Geddy wrote more about it in his recent autobiography. Alex had an operation for his arthritis in 2015 just before deciding to do R40.

[@scottbaxtrom4324]

Review Rush Natural Science live at Molson Amphitheater in Toronto Canada. Luv your reactions. Seen Rush a few times over the years as I've grown up with them over the last 40 years. RIP Neil Peart 🙏 Rush Is Timeless.

[@nodrush80]

Three geezers reminding everyone who's boss.

[@TheThamesmen]

They don’t mess around!

[@jimtatro6550]

“I get it, I get it, I get it!!!!” Welcome to the Rush army, we’ve been waiting for you.😎

[@TheThamesmen]

When you are done with him, can I have him back?

[@Shigawire]

@@TheThamesmen Hmmm We'll see! :D Where do you want him?

[@TheThamesmen]

@@Shigawire well in one piece would be nice?

[@edanielgreen]

@The Thamesmen, @Shigawire, @EtAlia: A bit late to get in on this, perhaps (only by a year 🙄), but just to clarify, 'cause I GOTTA know: You meant back in one ENTIRE piece, correct, most definitely not in ... Subdivisions? ... Amirite?? 😋 😆

[@ZEPPELIN198]

I saw them perform in Detroit just two days before this was filmed. They played with an equal amount of energy. This song was the absolute highlight of the show.....One of the absolute best concerts I have ever seen.

[@TheThamesmen]

I can only imagine as this version was spectacular

[@grahamkey8496]

Not having seen R40, the Time Machine tour was the best of the post-2000 tours for me. The energy levels were off the charts!

[@blakes.9712]

RUSH is once in a life time band. Not only are they mastered musicians, but their lyrics are over the top.

[@georgeheron5290]

Three of the most underrated musicians in rock history! Humble Canadians so sorry eh?🇨🇦

[@TheThamesmen]

Not sure underrated as anyone who know what they do knows they are exceptional and unique. Maybe under appreciated in the wider world but that said Rush have been huge I am sure?

[@grahamkey8496]

Alex may have been underrated by some, but just show them this video!

[@steveschaff4620]

Alex Lifeson is a Top 10 all time Rock Guitarist for sure... More likely a Top 5 or 3... Hell! He just might be #1, because he has done EVERYTHING any other Guitarist has done at the highest level on at least 20 studio albums over the course of over 40 years! He has played 6 & 12 string Guitars, both Electric & Acoustic, plus Mandolas and Mandolins, and he can OBVIOUSLY SHRED!! SURE EDDIE VAN HALEN'S 'ERUPTION' is a MASTERPIECE, but I can play you 8 Alex Lifeson Solos that come between 'Eruption' and Eddie's next best Solo... Alex is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED!! P.S.- Did I mention the DOUBLE-NECKS?!

[@dorarie3167]

Yes, this encapsulates a lot of why Rush fans are so fervent in our fandom. But it goes beyond the music to the men themselves.

[@TheThamesmen]

They seem like genuinely good people and that counts for a lot in this world

[@dianaa9826]

Ladies and Gentlemen lets give these guys a standing ovation!!!! Certainly one of the best live performances ever!!!!!! God I loooove these guys! Rush, truly a gift to the world., Great reaction... How about "Closer to the Heart" Live performance in 1988, Birmingham England..

[@TheThamesmen]

Alex and I really loved this track. Complete revelation and such fun to make a reaction video too

[@dianaa9826]

@@TheThamesmen Thanks for replying back.. Take care guys

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

Just incredible!!! Love Rush. Total brilliance.

[@TOM-dg9wq]

Limelight, Subdivisions, Between the Wheels, Natural Science, Grand Designs, Different Strings, Trees...it just goes on and on!

[@TheThamesmen]

Right on!

[@shera1789]

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I'll say it again...RUSH is EVERYTHING! Thank you gentlemen! Another awesome reaction! So glad you enjoyed this phenomenal performance! They really are incredible! Have you seen "La Villa Strangiato" yet? Might I suggest the Live version also from the Time Machine Tour in Cleveland! I just love watching these guys live! Especially this show!😁 Thank you! Til the next 1☮ 💥💯🖤🎼🤘 RIP Neil Peart

[@TheThamesmen]

You're the best!

[@shera1789]

@@TheThamesmen Awww...thank you!😊🤘

[@brettking1014]

YYZ live in Rio is just as good!

[@TheThamesmen]

We loved that too. Check out our other Vid on that. Thanks for watching

[@brettking1014]

@@TheThamesmen my bad...you already reacted to it, AND I already watched and liked it. I’m getting too old to keep up with all the Rush reactions I’ve watched. Lol! Thanks guys! 😎

[@markrichardson8378]

The camera eye from time machine is another stunner by rush.

[@wendylynn4318]

The camera is my favorite Rush song but I wish they would do both versions. Studio first then live.

[@TheThamesmen]

Do you think we should always do Studio 1st?

[@wendylynn4318]

@@TheThamesmen Definitely.

[@bobespirit2112]

To many of us, after Zeppelin finished Physical Graffiti, Rush was the greatest band on the planet from then until they finished in 2015- full 🛑.

[@Slice_The_Elder]

I lived in Cleveland at the time and was at that show. Ended up seeing the last five tours. Awesome stuff. RIP Neil

[@harrybhalbag9924]

Excellent reaction and also being in touch with some of the history of the track! Since this track was from their debut album, this is one of the few that was not written by Neil but over the decades, he made it his own and since it was also a staple of live shows, they would frequently change it up to keep it fresh but the reggae into here was maybe the best! I was fortunate to see these masters live 27 times, including the oh so emotional final show at the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles, which is where I first saw them in 84. I say emotional since the rumors of it being the last tour were flowing but it did not hit home until Neil came to the front of the stage with Alex and Geddy at the end, something that he never did, finalizing an era. As they left the stage and the outro movie was playing, I sat in my seat with my head reeling through a lifetime of memories of family and friends that I shared their music with, and the emotions hit like a punch to the chest. My mother and brother were seated a few rows in front of me and when ours eyes met, the tears started flowing. As the house lights came on, I realized that we weren't the only ones. Countless people around me were crying and embracing, it was a surreal moment. After 3 hours of rocking out, we were in tears... The love that these guys earned though their music, their professionalism and the shear quality of the product that they delivered was present in everything they did. They played each show with passion and it is so appreciated by their fans. I have another story from a show at Irvine Meadows during The Time Machine Tour where my wife had a direct interaction during the show with Alex (we were seated front row in front of Alex!!!) where he breaks the old adage that says you don't want to meet your heroes, these guys are even the exception to that! My recommendation would be The Camera Eye from this same show.

[@TheThamesmen]

Wow what a history and experience. Thank you. What a fitting final moment by the sounds of it.

[@jaywitt5171]

I challenge anyone to show me a live video of a rock band in their late 50's absolutely KILLING IT the way these guys do in this video. I will give you $100. I keep my word. Please try and take my money.

[@TheThamesmen]

Ohhhhh well….,. Jerry Lee Lewis, the Killer himself and also he created what critics say is the greatest live album ever recorded, live at the star in Hamburg. Why is he called the killer? Because he killed every act behind him. That would be my offering.

[@GM-MarkOfExcellence]

I know this was from June 2021, but if you still want to know more about Rush, watch the Netflix Documentary, "Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage"

[@snowdog5895]

RUSH- La Villa Strangiato 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥

[@TheThamesmen]

Again.... this track.. La Villa Strangiato. So many people are talking about it. I think this has to be next. Thanks so much for being here!

[@patriciameyer7401]

I love seeing the expressionless Gump standing behind Neil at the end. He's too cool!

[@thetreehugger]

AWESOME 😃

[@TheThamesmen]

🙌

[@toronto57]

Great reaction gents.. next song from the same concert, the classic la villa strangiato the boys have some fun with it, Alex is fantastic! Cheers...

[@TheThamesmen]

Soon.....sssssh !

[@TheIpadfanatic]

This was absolutely stunning. The talent between the 3 of them was immeasurable. I have Rush on Mt. Olympus along with Zeppelin, The Stones, The Beatles. The passing of Neil Ellwood Peart was tough last year. It was so nice to see his drum altar one more time.

[@TheThamesmen]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheIpadfanatic]

@@TheThamesmen Absolutely loved it! Had to "RUSH" right over when I saw the video?

[@lvgelfling72]

The song that got them a record deal in the US thanks to a DJ as a bathroom song. Because it was so long. People started calling in thinking Zeppelin was dropping a new album. Nope it was three young guys from Canada. Actually, at the time, Neil wasn't even in the band yet. John Rutsey was still their drummer.

[@sjhoulihan9934]

Her name is Donna Halper.

[@cecillegravelle2590]

YES EXCELLENT REACTION!! And deffenately do La Villa Strangiato.. exit stage Left.. remarkable musicians.. 3 people making that noise.. unbelievable!!!!! 😎😎😎

[@skipwilliam5639]

I was there and I had never heard them ever do it this way it was Mind Blowing to say the least.. Seen them in Toronto at the end as well..

[@TheThamesmen]

Wow. What an experience. Would love to have seen that in Person

[@Hornsfan64]

La Villa Strangiato is one of their most (self-professed) technically difficult songs… it is E.P.I.C. But, it is about 10-11 minutes long.

[@jaywitt5171]

Agreed! Gents, do either the official version which is a live video from 1978 album or do the live Time Machine tour video. It's probably one of their most technical arrangements, and a perfect juxtaposition with Working Man Time Machine.

[@TheThamesmen]

It does seem this track is recommended as much as Working Man. Better listen to our subscribers!

[@Steve_Blackwood]

I agree with the recommendation for the performance from the Time Machine tour. The video is better… the original is from the 70s, and suffers from the limitations of the time.

[@RogueReplicant]

@@TheThamesmen No. The best live version of that masterpiece is from the double album entitled "Exit Stage Left" *on CD* On that epic CD you will find gems such as "Broon's Bane-The Trees-Xanadu" (not the stand-alone Xanadu everyone on the net has already reacted to), Jacob's Ladder, YYZ (with drum solo), Freewill, etc. The Time Machine version of La Villa Strangiato is abridged.

[@mariolevasseur731]

La Villa strangiato. That is the song you have to do next. Of course the drumming and bass are outstanding but this really shows Alex's guitar God status

[@TheThamesmen]

On the list as being recommended again and again!

[@j.c.a2872]

@@TheThamesmen before you listen to the live version do the studio version first, an instrumental masterpiece !!!!

[@RogueReplicant]

@@j.c.a2872 Yeah, he has to do both the studio and the live version off Exit Stage Left (CD). Geddy sings a few seconds in that live version!! 😁

[@cityhonors1]

🤗 Always a fun revisit! 🥰🐰

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mylesdevine9513]

Great reaction guys!!!!!!!!! My favourite band!!!!!!!!!! Check out Freewill!!!! And Neil Peart live in Frankfurt, best solo ever!!!!!!!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Myles... I have read this in a few comments. Do you think, as a newbie to Rush, this is an easy track to get into?

[@mylesdevine9513]

@@TheThamesmen for sure, Freewill is fantastic!!!!!! Instrumentation is genius, but the lyrics are incredible!!!!!!!!!!

[@mylesdevine9513]

Also, note the time signature changes!!!!!! Insane

[@darkether1170]

I'd mentioned on a previous reaction that I think it would be cool to see you all react to a Rush (old) versus Rush (newer), the tune being La Villa Strangiato. Listen to the original music video version from their early career and then compare that to the version they played on the Rush in Rio concert. Great song, great showcase for Alex Lifeson's guitars (and in the latter, his sense of humor).

[@TheThamesmen]

Hello Dark.... I've seen this name "La Villa Strangiato" everywhere in the comments. I think this has to be next. This is getting great!!!

[@lewisbernstein4272]

My next favorite live track is Freewill from the same tour. And then Driven from Different Stages (you can trust just me on this one...). Very accessible song(s), some progressive elements and an insane musical breakdown in the middle. Highly recommended by me. Rush had several 'eras'. Early hard rock, Progressive, Keyboard, return to straight up rock and finally a heavier end. Some people are not fans of all of them, but I appreciate them all now. Live Rush is something special - always as good as the studio if not better. I got to see them live 25 times between 1984 and 2015. This was the Time Machine tour because it was the 30th Anniversary of their seminal Moving Pictures album. And they played the entire album, in track order, during the concert (going back in time to 1981). Which was amazing. The humorous opening to the show is hilarious and really shows their weird/off-beat sense of humour.

[@TheThamesmen]

We need to get ourselves a spreadsheet to keep track of all these recommendations. really appreciate the input as helps us on our journey. thank you

[@jackteppo9633]

I was at this concert! Such a great memory. Really miss these 3 guys! R.I.P Neil Peart

[@TheThamesmen]

Wow.... Lucky!!!!! As that was amazing

[@steveakhurst7845]

Rush....3 great musicians that were top of their art ....2112 I suggest next

[@robtyndall974]

Loving your Rush journey. RIP PROFESSOR. CHEERS FROM 🇨🇦

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Rob... Hello Canada!

[@AlexRubbo]

Thanks for the mention. You got my name right the first time 'rue-bow'. May I suggest 'The Garden'. The last song on their last album. Lyrics by Neil Peart. But, before you react, please read up up on Neil (maybe on Wikipedia) about his life and tragedies. It will give you some reference points. There are two versions available.I prefer the live version because you can see and feel the emotion. Kind regards. A.

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Alex. Thanks for the suggestion and hope the name drop made you smile. Great info and will read up. Be well

[@therealspooks]

Late to the channel, but once you "get" Rush, your hooked! Amazing musicianship and phenomenal live performances! Not to brag...ok bragging...over 15 live shows!!

[@TheThamesmen]

You lucky git!!

[@bostonwhofan]

That performance is so filthy I feel like I need to go to confession just for watching it! My favorite live performance by Rush is when they performed Spirit Of Radio live in Toronto in 2003 in front of 500,000 fans on a hot, sunny August afternoon! They open it up with an instrumental version of Paint It Black by the Rolling Stones and then segue right in to Spirit Of Radio. It is simply an amazing live performance!

[@TheThamesmen]

Excellent - Will check that out!!!!!

[@winstonlane708]

🎸🥁🎸

[@TheThamesmen]

✌️

[@Shigawire]

Amazing reaction! :D And yeah, as all the other commenters have already mentioned, amazing performance by Canadian Rock Gods.

[@TheThamesmen]

Amazing track! We just enjoyed it!

[@963460]

Neil Peart, may you rest in peace. This is a reminder of why I miss going to see Rush so much... Thank you Alex & George.

[@TheThamesmen]

I loved this track!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Alex BTW

[@963460]

@@TheThamesmen Greetings from Canada Alex! Nice to talk to you. I agree, a wonderful track, it was always a great moment in the show.. I was lucky enough to see them on five occasions. Fenomenal every time. The Time Machine tour in 2011 when they did Moving Pictures for the 30th of the album, it was out of this world. I have seen a lot of concerts, and with Pink Floyd, all the way up there. Cheers, and thank you once more for taking the time to write.

[@charleshallier7853]

High guys, I just found you. Really like the two of you. I’m >60 and became a Rush fan when this track dropped. Every single song they’ve recorded is absolutely awesome. Never heard a Rush song I didn’t like. Every song is different and fresh. They are truly Masters of their craft. Everything live is better than the studio. They are 3 jokesters. Geddy Lee bass and Alex Lifeson guitar have been friends since Jr. High school. The drummer, Neil Peart replaced the original drummer before their very first tour. You can’t go wrong with any song. All songs start at A+, it’s how many pluses you add after the original A+. There is so much to unpack in their 40 + years of recording. Just for contrast, watch “The Garden” off their last studio album “Clockwork Angels.” Neil unfortunately passed away in January 2020. The remaining two will never replace him but will probably do side projects. They are approaching their late ‘60’s. You owe it to yourselves to explore Rush more. Listen to The Garden to give yourselves and viewers contrast of this band from Working Man to The Garden is not a departure in time as they could have done The Garden in ‘74 as these three guys had the chops in the’70’s. Thank you for doing Working Man which was on their first self named album. Every song on their debut album is fantastic. You can never go wrong with a Rush song. ✌️

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Charles!! Thanks for being here and its all new to me!! The Rush journey is a scary deep one but fun!

[@bobcarn]

I watched them perform Working Man soooooooooo many times over just about 40 years. It was ALWAYS a joy to hear them play it! I don't know what to recommend after that. So many good songs. Um.... Clockwork Angels Tour: The Garden is a VERY nice song. Beautiful, dramatic, wonderful lead guitar from Alex.

[@markburris9778]

Let's be honest. It's the band we wish we could be. That's the way I felt in 1974. The world is a sadder place without them. Oh well, time for coffee, and I'm going to break out an old Rush album as I have many.

[@TheThamesmen]

Good man....I don't own any yet!! I think this might change

[@markburris9778]

@@TheThamesmen What do you mean you don't own any!!! Am I going to have to drive to California and beat some sense into you! Look. I used to be the best barmann/bouncer in all of West Berlin. Whoa! That'll let you know how long ago that was, it was still West Berlin. OK, actually I hate driving to Walmart, so just buy a few. It's good for you soul.

[@squamishfish]

These also are the guys that inducted Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, Also Geddy the bass player played roundabout with Yes that is on KZbin

[@donhadfield2835]

Each decade has its own style and musical gems. Early Rush is hard rocking but a bit derivitive. The epic 2112 changed all that and by the middle of the 80's they became their own genre mixing prog, musical skills and great lyrics. The 90s is a bit of a flat zone for many but they changed because they wanted to be inspired. Their last album was outstanding and the lights went out with the beautiful "The Garden".

[@terrigabriel582]

Came for Queen much Respect for you two, so checking out more of your venues...I'm a baby boomer

[@TheThamesmen]

welcome!! More Queen super soon!

[@lvgelfling72]

Yay! Rush finally again. Lol

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you for sticking around and your patience. We will do more for sure

[@djrush83]

The first album with Neil at the helm , Fly by Night 1975 and when he started writing the lyrics as well . This song is the very first time they starched out . It was the being of the longer piece, By Tor the Snow Dog 🐕 is an awesome track . Awesome reaction stay safe

[@TheThamesmen]

love the history of all this and how a band evolves and grows

[@rickhaddad7261]

Enjoyed this reaction, and thank you for doing it. It never gets old to see this performance. If you're looking for a song that is insanely technical, La Villa Strangiato is instrumental nirvana. As for which track is a tuff one. The studio version is incredible, but almost to clean. The Time Machine version is pretty cool, because it kind of shows a little of their goofy side. Thanks again ✌

[@TheThamesmen]

I'v e read this Rick...I'm new to Rush, is it too soon?

[@rickhaddad7261]

@@TheThamesmen I don't believe so. Especially since it's an instrumental. ✌

[@jmilandry5544]

Gentlemen, loved your reaction! I throw in my chips for La Villa Strangiato next, an instrumental, and based on Alex's nightmares. Afterwards you can get out into the sunlight and take a drive in a Red Barchetta.....

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Jmi!!!

[@icetech6]

I wish you guys could have experienced it live... my only regret is i didn't see them live more than i did :) The shows were pure happiness and energy

[@TheThamesmen]

It looked amazing

[@danjmcs]

And yeah, you are correct, that was the track that broke them on the radio in the 70s and by a Music Director in Cleveland, Donna Halper, so why that one is a little special to the history of Rush. Great closing track on that tour, glad you enjoyed it so much guys!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for the info

[@carlbusque1856]

Watch it again, love your work! Great reaction, 2112 or Hemispheres please!

[@TheThamesmen]

Coming soon!

[@donnelson6694]

Almost takes your breath away, doesn't it?

[@TheThamesmen]

Don.... donny don Don... I went back and watched it twice more. It does!

[@niged]

Freewill live from the same 2011 Time Machine tour. Awesome guitar solo and Neils and Geddys faces are priceless after Alex's solo

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Nigel - Of to check!

[@RushfanUK]

I saw the Time Machine Tour in Dublin, the only time Rush ever visited Ireland and my home city of Newcastle, Newcastle they were absolutely on fire that night, I first saw them live in the UK when they first came here in 1977, one of the best live bands ever alongside Floyd/Gilmour.

[@davymc6764]

Oh aye. That Sat night in the Toon was majestic. The best of my 18 Rush gigs and the other 17 were tremendous too. Still cant get enough.

[@TheThamesmen]

George Here, Did never get to see them live and that is a regret as not possible now. Next best thing has been exploring their live videos

[@carlbusque1856]

Just love your reaction, more Rush please! Xanadu live, exit stage left .

[@TheThamesmen]

Added! Be well!!

[@scott4482]

Check out Closer To The Heart from Different Stages tour.

[@rushdiehard8784]

Love your channel. Fantastic stuff!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Glad you enjoy it! We love you!

[@lonnieshover4539]

All of their live performances are amazing, practically unbelievable!

[@TheThamesmen]

I am learning (alex here)

[@lonnieshover4539]

How lucky could one be, out of literally billions of humans, we, the select few, were enlightened and lived during their presence, easily the best band that up to this point will never be replaced, a true legend. wer

[@MsBenlane]

yeah it has the music, the humor between them, the energy

[@TheThamesmen]

Makes it all the more pleasurable to watch

[@charleswryrough5057]

You will love where's my thing by Rush with a drum solo is awesome

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool

[@Cleme21]

The most consistent rock band...ever!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thats and Quo! Also thanks for supporting our channel. More soon!

[@rickdaniels1789]

And that one was on the very first album. HELLO CLEVELAND!!!

[@michaelwhalen7154]

I think you will like Anthem, also from their early days. For more of Alex's amazing guitar work (along with the usual brilliance from Peart and Lee) check out La Villa Strangiato, Official Version. Thanks for the entertaining reviews. I like the score cards!

[@dianaa9826]

YEEESSSSSS Anthem (1975) One of my all-time fav Rush songs!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

so many requests for La Villa Strangiato. It will happen. Maybe could do a special around it or a Old version vs a new or studio vs live. Could be fun

[@Loy72bob]

Great take …Thank you

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here and take care.

[@garya7893]

I started with Rush in 1978 have seen them twice in the early 80s .Im an early years Rush fan up to Moving pic album. Its what i grew up with when Alex drove most songs not the keyboards and Geddys voice could cut glass . Try The Fountain of lamneth if you get the chance plz Peace to you both

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool, thanks for recommendation. Do you have a link to a particular version?

[@garya7893]

@@TheThamesmen Theres only the studio version any lyric video will do the never performed this song live i dont think

[@kevinharpham6396]

You guys are great. I’ve commented before as I’m a lifelong Rush fan. They have so much great music to choose from. Awaiting your next reaction.

[@TheThamesmen]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ashleygraham8781]

Marathon live from A Show of Hands. Shot at the NEC in Brum. I was at that gig. Best band ever, in my opinion. Enjoy the journey!

[@davecampbell9472]

Try ‘Best Intro Ever’ Open the show with medley of older stuff then a solid live performance of Spirit of Radio

[@TheThamesmen]

Who us? Sounds hard work and we are lazy bums!

[@RichAraujo]

I'd say "La Villa Strangiato" and the Clockwork Angels live version of "The Garden," one of their most beautiful songs.

[@TheThamesmen]

Newd to check those. Thank you!!! More Rush super super soon!

[@Liquidmuse3]

You guys are so great.

[@TheThamesmen]

No Chris..... You are great and I'm sending love to you and your family this holiday season. Peace

[@JeromeDukes]

Loved the reaction. Time Machine Tour was name because Rush performed their most famous album "Moving Pictures" front to back. Somehow I think people get the wrong impression of Rush. Rush has a ton of accessible song. Their first album, is pure hard rock and when the Cleveland DJ (Donna Halper) played the song "Working Man, people were calling in asking "when did the new Led Zeppelin album come out". John Rutsey was the drummer on that album. Neil join the band on Rush's first tour of that album. With the addition of Neil, the band direction changed to more prog. Their next 5 albums are geared towards a heavy prog format, however even on those albums you have accessible songs. During the late 70's and onward, Rush stopped writing the long epic and story telling song. The 80's was the synth era of Rush which coincides with the New Wave movement. Donna Halper stated that even though Rush was now writing accessible and radio friendly songs, radio stations would not play them. I suspect base on their image as a prog band hurt them in getting the exposure and notoriety they deserved. Listen to Analog Kid, Subdivision, Marathon, Digital Man, Bravado, The Pass, Freewill, Vital Signals. Literally I can go on and on because there're a ton accessible songs that are bangers.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Dukerocks for this. Have a fab weekend and thanks for supporting the channel.

[@scott4482]

You know you've been around when you can do a fresh cover of your own song from 1974.

[@wendylynn4318]

The camera eye is the best Rush song. Fight me. But you can't hit a woman LOL

[@TheThamesmen]

Thats cheating!

[@Steve_Blackwood]

The Camera Eye is my treadmill song. On repeat, and I just walk the miles away. 😂

[@mylesdevine9513]

Fantastic reaction guys!!!!!!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Easy when the song is that good!

[@mylesdevine9513]

@@TheThamesmen really like your reactions, and that you finally get Rush. Lol. You guys are great!!!!!!! 🇨🇦

[@donsims9654]

In my humble, lifelong Rush fan opinion, this may have been Alex's greatest guitar solo performance ever. I very vividly remember experiencing it during that tour in St Louis. Unbelievable trio of talent.

[@paulmorris8762]

Xanadu live in 1981 Geddy and Alex playing double necked instruments and Neil added triangles and orchestral tubular bells to his ensemble. It amazed a classical composer in his reaction

[@toronto57]

Gentlemen, when you get to 2112 aND I'm sure you will, their live version in their home town of Toronto june 1997 was awesome... Cheers!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Enz

[@vanlifeson6773]

I love this version.

[@TheThamesmen]

So did I.

[@beniboah4123]

This was a great review ! Thanks

[@TheThamesmen]

Was such a great track!

[@LoriCurl]

I saw these guys in the mid nineties and OMG! You all know it!!! 2nd row too!!! if you want to hear the #1 Rush, I Recommend All of side one, 2112. A must listen if you haven't heard it already. It got me hooked when I was 15 yrs old.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Lori..... I am just a RUSH NEWBIE... Lots to learn

[@LoriCurl]

@@TheThamesmen You are very welcome!! I am 100% certain you will LOVE 2112!! To me it is their best, but even I have more to get re- acquainted with. And I haven't heard the newest either. Have an awesome day!!

[@itzel1735]

This is the pinnacle of RUSH as a rock band.

[@TheThamesmen]

The summit!!

[@OriginalMergatroid]

I just found your channel. I hope you don't mind if I subscribe. More Rush please. After reading the comments, I agree you should check out La Villa Strangiato. Please check out the offical video. It is a live performance without an audience. A couple more live gems are YYZ live in Rio and Xanadu from Exit Stage Left...amazing performances. Oh, almost forgot...when you feel ready to have your mind blown, studio version of 2112 will do the job. This album saved their careers. It's a requirement to have the lyrics for this song and it really helps to have the liner notes from the lp. Both are available at Rush.com. lol, just checked your videos. Seems you have done quite a bit already.

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks and more Rush super soon!

[@jmmk00]

Haha. If you mean it about listening to subscribers more. Rush Closer to the Heart Live 1998 please

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Jeff... I'm loving the education on Rush! Many thanks Alex

[@wendylynn4318]

You have to take suggestions from female Rush fans first. It's the law. The camera eye.

[@ARain6500]

And Analog Kid

[@JohnnyMegabyteCanada]

Last riff at the end was from Cygnus X-1 (1977). Another epic.

[@aspackblaze3583]

La Villa Strangiato live later in their career

[@TheThamesmen]

On the list as everyone asking for this!

[@MrLedotson]

Red Barcetta and The Camera Eye are 2 of their best!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

“We’ve got to start listening to our subs!” LOL 😜

[@TheThamesmen]

We listened to you and look what you did.... I wan't ready for all of this :) Cheers Alex

[@tonnysoolsma5149]

Say no more, fan-tas-tic wauwwwww 😎👍

[@chrispotyok8843]

Canada's musical gift to the world. 3 friends producing creative, imaginative, technically immaculate music for those that "Get it". 🇨🇦🍺

[@TheThamesmen]

It has depth so a great journey to embark on.

[@Tonyr0206]

I think you're getting deep enough into the Rush rabbit hole that you can now handle the instumental La Villa Strangiato. I would recommend the studio version. The live versions are great, don't get me wrong, but to truly appreciate the song, you have to listen to the studio version first. You can hear every nuance of each instrument-every ghost note on the snare, the subtlety in Alex's guitar solo as it builds to a mind numbing crescendo, Geddy's seamless transitions from bass and foot pedals, to keyboards. It's all there!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

ohhhh you wait :)

[@RGP0503]

Eddie van Halen was asked by a reporter, “What does it feel like to be a guitar god?” He answered, “I don’t know, ask Alex Lifeson.” I second La Villa Strangiato - Live version. Neil’s drumming on this can’t be believed. Probably one of their most technical songs is 2112. It’s 20 minutes long in 7 parts. If you do review it I suggest viewing the one with the lyrics. It is unbelievable. Thank you, thank you for this wonderful channel. You two are awesome. Canada here.

[@OriginalMergatroid]

I have heard that quote regarding assorted guitarists.

[@juliebrockett3471]

Great reaction guys!! This was a special arrangement just for this tour!! You want rockin and technical, do “LaVilla Strangiato” official video, or “Xanadu - Exit Stage Left” and you’ve got my Subscription! #GORUSHARMY #RIPNEIL. Be well and God Bless... from Texas!

[@TheThamesmen]

LaVilla Strangiato is high on our list as probably asked for more than anything else alongside Working Man! Subscribe and hit the bell sign!

[@proulxr2002]

Listen to any RUSH song whether studio or live and you’ll be amazed! I’ve been listening to RUSH for well over 40 years and each decade the band progressed in both its unique sound and technically more sophisticated. I will say in my opinion that they’re live performances are often as good or even better than the studio version! I saw the “Time Machine Tour” live in Ottawa (Canada) and it was absolutely mind blowing! If you want to check out the bands history I recommend watching RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage. Cheers from Canada! 🍻🇨🇦🍻🇨🇦

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Robert and hello Canada!

[@cityhonors1]

🙋🏿‍♀️ May I suggest 'La Villa Strangiato' (ESL) or 'The Garden' Live! 😊 Both will tickle your fancy! 🍿🐰

[@TheThamesmen]

Great suggestions and will check them - Many thanks!!