Rush - Working Man (REACTION!!!)

[@Divine_R]

Who’s here after the Villa Strangiato reaction? Our boys LIV have indeed come a long way :)

[@SarcasmoRex]

I came back and just rewatched all of LIV's RUSH reactions. I love it.

[@pavelknizek6524]

Me. Rush rules

[@juancastillo8948]

Yeah!!!

[@georgebrown2732]

That's me. Love these guys and the appreciation for Rush is so cool and authentic.

[@Grizzam721]

Yep!!! Had to re-watch!!! Love their Rush Reviews.

[@norton750commando]

I saw them in 72 in my high school cafeteria when I was 14, when they were just another bar band, playing the bar circuit in Toronto, high schools, anything they could book. Cost me $1.25 to get in. Absolutely blew the roof off, and have been a fan ever since. Your honorary Canadian toques are in the mail!

[@stephenwebb921]

That’s so cool!!!

[@paulhabat7746]

72 !??? Wow!! Witnessed history!! Epic!

[@pewtertea]

I saw them at David and Mary Thomson HS.. They let me move gear and hang with them after the show.. Never thought they would get this far.. Love Bytor and the Snowdog

[@norton750commando]

@@pewtertea Small world. My dad was the Scarborough Board of Ed social worker for Thompson back in the 60' and 70's. I went to Woburn.

[@stevemunro2018]

@@pewtertea So cool! I went to Thomson too, but not until '81. Rush had moved on to bigger venues!

[@alexclose11]

Alex Lifeson the most underrated guitarist of all time

[@facelesscovers763]

Agreed

[@BartBiscuit]

Agreed

[@rcgamer]

Totally agree. But then again, he's not even the best musician in the band. That's what's crazy.

[@brianbedrosian6132]

alexclose11 I thought the same thing, but then I thought it’s because, who he’s playing with, overshadows him.

[@kevinkarbonik2928]

Yes is the most under rated among us regular people, among guitarists, especially other legendary guitar players, he is among the most respected.

[@johnandsharonsteadman2868]

At 58, I listened to this in high school. Seeing your heads bouncing in rhythm to the music takes me back 42 years to my rocking high school days.

[@Military450Veteran]

woohoo, i just turned 52 in November, i've ALWAYS LOVED 😍 ALL of RUSH's Songs SINCE The Early 1970's. THANK GOD for REAL, REAL TALENTED Musicians 🎸 🎵 like RUSH (TODAY's "Music" SUCKS). However, i ALSO FEEL SO, SO SAD Today. 😢 💔 R.I.P. To MY Top 5 FAV. Male DRUMMERS IN This ENTIRE World 🌎 --- #NeilPeart 🌷 #RIP 🙏 #FemalesDoLoveRush 😍 #iLoveRush 🌻 🌷

[@BigTunaAK]

damn straight

[@glenfranzen9933]

Yuppers!

[@fandlpetroleum]

I've never been a Rush fan but just watching your appreciation of this song might have won me over, allowing me to listen to them with a fresh ear.

[@NefariousKoel]

I'm not a big Rush fan, but this is one of my favs by them. Glad they picked this one out of the hat.

[@bwells6381]

You owe it to yourself to give them another listen. Multiple listens you will hear things you didn't hear the first few dozen times. Their best stuff never made it to radio, too long for air play.

[@metaphoria3]

That solo is hard af

[@ByloBand]

RUSH is my all-time favorite band, stoked you guys love them too.

[@TheBassplayer1229]

Alex Lifeson is one of the most underrated guitar players EVER!

[@jirky015]

Seriously true

[@sherrieteller4779]

Bassplayer 2112 I don't even think he made Rolling Stone Mags top 100! Those a-holes even put David Gilmour at #89!??? LMAO fucking losers!!!

[@jirky015]

He did make the RS Top 100. I think he was in the high 90s. But it is a highly subjective, mostly terribly constructed list. I agree that he gets a lot of love from contemporaries that are more musically inclined. You also have to consider how over shadowed Lifeson has been by guys like Geddy Lee and Neil Peart. But I still feel he is really underrated. His chord selection and usage is just absolutely amazing. He is the king of sus chords.

[@garbear384]

My favorite guitar player of all time

[@steves4533]

I always felt that Lifeson's awesomeness gets overshadowed because he is sharing the stage with Geddy and Neil.

[@helmzmen]

Rush is one of those bands where every one is like top 5 of all time in their own instrument. Amazing band.

[@petec9686]

I would have went with top 3.

[@davidleeroth784]

As a Van Halen fan I would have to agree. Easily Top 5 at their craft(Neil #1)

[@rikosborne1212]

History lesson time :) This song was from Rush's 1974 debut album. The most important thing to note here is that the drums are played by John Rutsey, who left the band before their first tour for health reasons. He was replaced by Neil Peart, who remained with the band until their recent retirement. In addition to drums, Neil took over the lyric writing. If you listen to a lot of Rush, you'll notice that the lyrics on this first album are rather juvenile compared to what came later. This song (and the rest of the album) was recorded when the boys were 18-20 years old. As a Canadian band, they were getting no attention from the major record labels, because those labels were all US-based and didn't take Canadian acts seriously (for the record, Heart was also primarily a Canadian band, and I suspect this record label prejudice was the reason they relocated to Seattle). So ... Rush recorded the album on their own dime, and released it independently. Cleveland radio DJ, Donna Halper, somehow got a copy of the album, and played Working Man on the air. It was an immediate hit in Cleveland. As I understand it, Cleveland was having significant economic problems at the time, and there was high unemployment. So this song about being a "working man" resonated with the people there. The success of this song in Cleveland resulted in the record companies taking notice, and the band got signed by Atlantic Records (I think), who re-released the album for widescale distribution. The rest is history. I have contact with Donna Halper through another site, and I'mma send her a link to this reaction video to see if she wants to add anything (and correct any errors in my Cleveland information).

[@docdarlin5491]

Yeah, you nailed the Cleveland angle, other than to say that listeners at the time bombarded the station with "When's the new Led Zepp album coming out?" :)

[@calverttoth4278]

Beyond the lighted stage lol. Great film. Lol

[@awookieandagerman]

no no, not new Zeppelin. Canadian band, Rush, debut album.

[@marcoliegl3109]

John didn't leave he was released and asked to leave because his playing was suffering from of excessive partying and declining skills. Yes he was diabetic but that wasn't the only reason he was asked to leave for. There are a lot of diabetics out there working hard on the road. I've had contact with Geddy Lee, they loved Smith hot dogs only made in Erie Pa and I had the pleasure of meeting him there bring them a delivery to the Erie County Field house back in the late 70s and had the chance to sit down and share some dogs with him. It was great and as a fan from the first concert in Pittsburgh in 74 I had a ton of questions. We got to chat for about a good hour. Geddy was about the friendliest guy you would want to meet. Neil was a well read and educated man, or young man at the time who was influenced heavily by the writings of Ayn Rand and had a great knack for lyrics. If they had never had met the world would have been less for it and I may not be the great guitar player I am today because of my desire to be an Alex clone when I was a kid. He influenced me to play till I had to cut off the dead skin from my fingers. They are a rock legend and most of the country doesn't even know who they are.

[@johnnymegabyte]

"health reasons". John Rutsey was a heroin addict, and fat chance getting across the border. His diabetes didn't help either. *SOURCE* John Rutsey's nephew

[@patfix]

You just gave me the best advice for solo guitar ever. Do not forget the groove behind the solo! I totally agree that it is sometimes missing.

[@kellicouch5883]

Another great reaction guys! Keep doin' what you're doin'! We're lovin' it!

[@Ifslayanct]

Depends on what you want it to be. Do you want it to have the same beat and flow as the rest of the song it's in or do you want it to have a separate groove and progression.

[@perthDev]

sweet profile pic. love ISA brown chickens. Chooks and Megadeth.

[@antonio.montenegro]

The solo shouldn’t be solo... lol

[@SouthernCross_]

Alex Lifeson gets his due!

[@Yorviing]

Lost In Vegas, don’t know if y’all know this or not, but one of the most amazing things about Rush is that they are a trio. Many great bands are trios, but Rush just has a certain magic about them that just clicks. Geddy Lee on bass, keyboards, and vocals Neil Peart on drums Alex Lifeson on guitar These three are incredible musicians and are highly revered guys. By the way, there is a fantastic Rush documentary called Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage that shows the history of the band. Gotta have some more Rush, guys!! P.S. unrelated, but definitely gotta get back to the promised Jinjer reaction y’all said y’all’d do in your first reaction to them! “I Speak Astronomy” would be amazing for y’all!

[@GWAILIN]

This tune speaks to every blue collar, hard working person out there. RIP Neil Peart

[@leecheetham6031]

Agreed but crazy to think Neils not even on that recording .

[@johnspicer9534]

John Rutsey

[@GWAILIN]

@@johnspicer9534 True dat

[@GWAILIN]

@@leecheetham6031 I almost forgot. Crazy

[@VangeliRock]

I think Geddy or Ged and Alex wrote those lyrcis. Pretty crazy huh.

[@Bakazuraz]

10:35 "they're killing our facial muscles and shit." In the heavy metal world we have a term for solos that do that, we call it "face melting."

[@Shwa_Shwa42]

Bakazuraz also known as the "stink face"

[@velistanisic7486]

I think Jack Black said that in school of rock. haha

[@awookieandagerman]

I don't think I ever quite fully understood the full implications of "face-melting" until now...ty.

[@donsylvester1107]

And thus, Y&T - "Facemelter".

[@JasonParadise]

Absolute classic tune! You had me rolling with the reaction to the solo. I've always interpreted the crazy soloing as the band putting in their work for the day. Definitely fits the theme! 🤘

[@CEO_of_Shitboxes]

JasonParadise didn't expect to see you here

[@drewcdroppop8756]

Bruuhhhh You watch some good ass channels my dude. Jparalove

[@14ncobb]

Jason what are you doing here?!

[@inferno12O9]

JasonParadise 100% did not expect you to see you here

[@kieranpaxton2245]

Dunno if you guys gives a damn but if you're bored like me during the covid times then you can watch all the latest series on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my gf for the last couple of weeks =)

[@AdrianOlivas_]

Before George mentioned the similarities in the guitar tone between Black Sabbath and this Rush song I had never considered just how similar they really are. Amazing and very true! That acapella singing comment had ROFLMAO!!!

[@Gregbaltzer]

It's part of the time. Listen to the first Scorpions album, or the first Lucifer Friends album. Very similar guitar tones.

[@Henry-ql8xm]

definitely. the distortion from that time period sounds sexy when its recorded at high quality.

[@jonathancapps1103]

Adrián Olivas It's the sound of a Gibson (typically a Les Paul, but Iommi used an SG, which is similar) through a Marshall tube amp.

[@AdrianOlivas_]

Henry Yeah man. I am going to have to check out some of these other albums from this time period. That distortion is insanely sexy for sure! : )

[@AdrianOlivas_]

Jonathan Capps You know man, I had a feeling Alex Lifeson was playing through a tube amp here. I did know Iommi played through tube amps. No wonder the sound is so similar.

[@ralphdougherty1844]

There’s a story told by Geddy Lee about how they got their start on the radio. Apparently a DJ in Cleveland (probably WMMS 100.7) had to use the restroom and be needed something long enough to cover the time he’d be gone. He saw this record on the table or something and saw the length of the song. He played this song for the very first time ever (I guess nobody had ever played it anywhere else) and when he came back from doing his duty the phone lines were exploding. Geddy has stated that if not for Cleveland Ohio, Rush would not have been heard of and loved coming to Cleveland as a result.

[@commandermeow6790]

The band got its big break in Cleveland 1974, when Donna Halper, a disc jockey and music director at WMMS FM/100.7, added the Rush song "Working Man" to the influential radio station's playlist.

[@passingthru69]

It was a lady DJ. She was told to play it sometime. But it was longer than the standard 3 minute songs most stations played. So it was a bathroom break song. She came back and the switchboard was lit up by people asking who it was and why it hadn't been played before Some thought it was a new Zeppelin song

[@jcm5863]

She. She. Donna. But yes I love being a Clevelander because of this! I was just listening to WMMS today!

[@25newrush]

It was DJ Donna Halper from a Cleveland radio station. She put a longer Rush song on while taking a bathroom break and people kept calling in and asking what the “new Zeppelin song” was and thus Rush became famous

[@domingoreyes9801]

Also San Antonio. They broke out big here from day one. DJs Joe Anthony and Lou Roney broke them out here. But not just Rush, many other Canadian bands like Triumph, Moxy and April Wine.

[@weoutchea3982]

Your reaction to this made me so happy. Especially as a Canadian. Rush is absolutely the best band from Canada

[@rynoecom]

I was a Rush nerd in the 70's. This was the leading theory back then. The song has two parts: day and night. The day is the lyrics and the boring repetition of a working man. Goes to work, comes home has a beer and goes to sleep and dreams of how he is much better than he thinks he is (instrumental middle 8th). Then repeats the first lyrics as he wakes up the next day.

[@adamflake3276]

Analog X that’s such a cool way of thinking of the song

[@rynoecom]

Adam Flake Thank dude. I miss the days when music was a deep and interesting art form. Before the internet we had music. Math is the universal language of thought and music is the universal language of emotion. The Beatles started the deeper layers. Bowie mastered it. Bands like Rush, Styx, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd told stories, painted bigger pictures.

[@Einnor084]

Adam Flake I like Analogz take, 2

[@ericpuse5151]

Rush was considered a nerd band because of their technical, almost mathematically approach to making music. They understand what sounds good on a more technical level than most musicians. Like George said at the beginning, he doesn't know why he immediately likes the sound; well, rush does.

[@DanRaymondYoung]

They were considered a nerd band because they have lyrics about Trees and 21 minute songs.

[@jordanforbes149]

also because they have a bunch of songs about wizards and dnd

[@gordonsumner2085]

They read The Lord of the Rings, the prog rock Bible...

[@paulp9274]

So did Led Zeppelin, but nobody considered them a nerd band.

[@martijnstuart95]

Paul P Casuals listen to Led Zeppelin II and IV. Nerds listen to Led Zeppelin III, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti.

[@adventurewithacamera]

"You're God damned right!" a few lines in. Welcome to Rush fandom.

[@JulioCesar-mh6pz]

I had the same face as George during that solo (with my eyes closed) and when I opened my eyes and saw George sliding down the chair I laughed out loud 😆😆

[@lachazaroony]

My favourite thing in life is watching people who havent heard Rush hear them for the first time. The greatest fringe band ever. One of the best hands down

[@norbath1650]

Rainbow - Stargazer (!!!) Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell (!!!) Queensrÿche - Eyes Of A Stranger (!!!) P.S. I will not stop suggesting these

[@mvunit3]

Right with you! I'd add Queensryche "Take Hold" to show off Tate's vocals :).

[@norbath1650]

"Take Hold" is a great one, but I'm suggesting "Eyes Of A Stranger" because it's the most popular Queensryche song which presents a showcase of their mastery :)

[@mvunit3]

Sure! Either song is a great "introduction" of QR to George and Ryan :).

[@bz3105]

"Eyes of a Stranger" is amazing, no argument there. Problem is, I don't think it would work as a single. "Operation Mindcrime" is just one of those albums where, for the most part, you just have to listen to the whole album.

[@douglashine9638]

Since I am a construction worker, this has always been my favorite Rush song.

[@YoninEcho]

Rush has a spot in a very privileged list of accomplishments. Rush is one of only three bands that have released 20 or more consecutive certified gold albums. The other 2 bands?? The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

[@Ran-tan-tan]

Well shit, had to look that up and you are right! Never would have thought that!

[@danimal1934]

no one has worked harder or is more deserved of that placement ...they earned it with musical as well as personal integrity

[@canadude6401]

a true, amazing and not well known fact! Thanks for sharing.

[@southernwanderer7912]

Hope they react to some Beatles and Stones.

[@stevet5573]

krvnjrcbs LZ had 8 studio and 4 live lp’s and 10 compilations. Ten. They did more best of’s than studio albums. Rush had 19 studio and 11 live lp’s + 11 compilation. Don’t get me wrong ... I love Led Zeppelin, and they would have so much more if Bonzo hadn’t died - but they are in Rush’s shadow when it comes to productivity.

[@BroadwayJoe99]

The Black Sabbath comparison is entirely appropriate, IMO. Someone once called the riff to "Working Man" the "best Sabbath riff Tony Iommi never wrote".

[@Straitjacket346]

BroadwayJoe99 the solo is very Sabbath-ish.

[@BroadwayJoe99]

It also shows you just how different the band was at that point in time, before the profound changes they'd undergo after that album was recorded.

[@PDS1836]

Very Sabbath

[@CaptainBakerJason]

At the time, it was the similarity of this sound with Led Zeppelin that caused listeners to call in to ask DJs to play the “new Led Zep song again!” Had this not happened, the whole story of RUSH as we no it would most certainly have happened quite differently! R.I.P. Rutsey...this hit and indeed this album keeps your memory alive even in the face of the brilliance that Peart brought to Canada’s finest! 🌹

[@Krieghandt]

The reason Geddy's voice works, is it sits above the instruments, allowing the music to shine.

[@docdarlin5491]

good point

[@SixString_J5]

It has more to do with his ability to stay in key despite living an octave or two (at times) higher than the guitar. It's rare that rock singers stay in key let alone that high of a voice. But I feel ya.

[@Krieghandt]

can you imagine him being isolated like that AND out of key? ewwww

[@robtoc]

As a 51 year old Rush fan, I appreciate your appreciation for Rush. You two are very entertaining. Well done!

[@GWAILIN]

I LOVE YOU GUYS!! George getting stank-face fatigue! lol Rush, our hometown power trio, awesome. FACT: When this was released in '74 it was getting no US attention until a morning DJ in Cincinnati, a very blue collar working town, threw on a promo copy of this tune he found in the mail. Folks were calling up the station asking when the new Led Zeppelin album was coming out, requesting this tune! It was so relatable to so many ppl on so many levels. Like you George, who couldn't wipe the stank off your face! lol It rose up the charts from there and put Rush on the map. ('Rush'-Beyond the Lighted Stage' awesome documentary) Cheers from 'the 6ix'

[@dadsjunk2112]

I think it was actually Cleveland.

[@krobb1290]

Yeah it was Cleveland.

[@FlyingGemSparkly]

I’m from Cincy, but it was actually Cleveland that got them on the charts!

[@TheJump2620]

And it was a woman dj who played it.

[@GWAILIN]

My bad, it was Cleveland. I was just going off top of my head, long time since I watched that doc. I don't recall the female angle, but thanks!

[@paulhardy1193]

This is from Rush's debut album, which was very much straight-up rock 'n roll. After this album, the original drummer left and Neil Peart joined the band. That's when they really started to go into a heavy progressive rock direction, as Peart was a highly-skilled and technical drummer who introduced complex time signatures and complex musical composition to the band. He was also a gifted and well-read lyricist who added a lot of depth to the band's songs. The band's core audience in the 70's and early 80's was most definitely stoners and rockers though. I guess most of those fans grew up to be kind of nerdy, hence the whole "nerd rock" thing.

[@tylerdurden8849]

As a long time Rush fan, your reaction for a thing of beauty! love you guys! :)

[@Balin93]

After saying, "My mom listened to Rush," saying "My mom is cool as hell" is no longer necessary. We knew that. :p

[@PlayGtr]

Geddy Lee’s voice works because it cuts through the heavy guitar, distortion major baselines and incredible drims. Where everything is heavy and intense and sometimes intricate Geddy's voice stands high above it with a distinct sound that some how works.

[@mikebrown3272]

true story Crystal...it Works

[@eriomarfranca9429]

Yes

[@Dutch1961]

His voice is an extra instrument in the band.

[@kevinporter861]

I like you .. you aight...

[@andrewpetik2034]

Crystal! Nailed it!!

[@AdamBlevins1]

Rush - Subdivisions, engaging lyrics, incredible drums, great song overall.

[@lollipopinski5070]

As mentioned by others, Roundabout by Yes! I will ride and die for this song and band

[@Thunshot]

Jesus Rodriguez Jr What an awesome song for them to do since they’ve loved Rush!

[@painthamilvendhan5335]

Kono Dio da

[@stanleyhood2693]

Say yes to Yes

[@tallmunchkin868]

Your time has come.

[@davidsharkey7345]

"Ya goddamn right!", has to be the best immediate reaction I've ever heard.

[@seanbsean767]

Ya goddamn right

[@Oceanic83]

Rush is/was considered a nerdy band mainly because of the sci-fi/fantasy themed lyrics in many of their songs, their technical musicianship, and because they weren't that well known early on. But now that label doesn't fit as much today because what was considered nerdy is more accepted in pop culture, many bands are technical these days (in large part because of Rush's influence on prog rock), and Rush is definitely not an obscure band anymore.

[@donaldbraden2113]

And they were nerds. Lots of bands they toured with thought they were weird because they didn’t party much and Neil was constantly reading.

[@austinspencer7080]

I’m so glad you guys looked at another Rush song. YYZ is a great instrumental, but the lyrics make this band so special to me. You mentioned in your Lateralus video how Tool takes a very philosophical approach in their lyrics, and I immediately thought of Neil Peart. He communicates his world view more honestly than any lyricist I’ve ever known. Unfortunately, Working Man was before Peart's time, but I find much of his lyrical content to be even more applicable today than it was in the 70s/80s. I highly recommend Freewill, The Trees, Closer to the Heart, Witch Hunt, and Subdivisions, if you continue to listen to more Rush. You guys are the best!

[@Andge121]

Solo Spencer yeah Neil is a genius writer. Crazy stuff

[@Nightbreed82]

*RUSH SUGGESTIONS* (sooo many, where to begin?): La Villa Strangiato (instrumental...pad the floor, because you're gonna slide right outta those chairs) Red Barchetta Limelight Vital Signs The Spirit of Radio Freewill Natural Science The Trees Subdivisions Losing It Distant Early Warning The Enemy Within Xanadu A Passage To Bangkok The Twilight Zone Anthem Fly By Night etc., etc., etc.....

[@renaatsenechal]

Villa Strangiato is their best song imo, it's like a summary of everything Rush has to offer: groove, solos, quieter parts, amazing drum fills, Geddy Lee doing bass, keys and vocals at the same time :-D Also the riff at minute 6 reminds me of the dance scene in the movie the mask, anyone that hears this as well??

[@renaatsenechal]

they should do Villa Strangiato live from 2011, it's hilariously awesome

[@jonsknows5471]

Viva la Rush!!!!

[@kellygraves4189]

What about stuff off Counterparts and Vapor Trails?

[@Nightbreed82]

Good stuff, but I don't like them as much. I stopped at Power Windows, even though I really like that album, and the ones that came after it. For me, the best Rush years are from 1975-1984...not to say the other eras aren't good though.

[@92jwiener]

George: "Let this not be hot!!" *first guitar chord* George: "Playlist"

[@andrewpetik2034]

NOICE!

[@melaniek.9143]

Truth

[@PlayGtr]

Rush was a total geek's band back in the 70's and 80's and I was always one of the few chicks at their concerts. The only concert I would go to where there was absolutely no line for the ladies batheoom.

[@michaelalguire419]

Crystal Witch I never thought of Rush as nerd rock. Rush had a diverse fan base including preppies, hippies, metalheads and bikers. Most women were not into Rush however I have met a few.

[@maryreilly5092]

me too!

[@shack8110]

Mom took me to my 1st Rush show when I was a young teen, grace under pressure. She loved rock and appreciated and recognized the epicness of Rush. My 14th birthday she bought me a Walkman and Signals. Not a bad song on that album, I played it over and over. I fear I failed to properly express my gratitude to her at the time. She was great.

[@jcbulldog533]

I have never thought of Rush being a Nerd Band at all??!! Those of us with a Good Ear for real musicianship know when we hear absolutely amazing talented musicians.. I've been a huge fan since "Fly by Night" Album.. Seen them at least 5/6 times in Concert they never disappoint... FYI: I'm a Female in my late 50"s still Love Working Man & In the Mood Rush is my Favorite Band So much talent in those 3 Guy's!!!

[@jmoney0303]

I've always found a strong gender correlation with Rush. Most of the women I've known dislike them while most guys totally dig them. Not sure why, but your story resonates.

[@jerrysweet8202]

open minded people make me happy.

[@ls87gbody]

Jerry Sweet agreed

[@karenkimble9843]

Only three guys in this band, makes you appreciate them little more, love this song.

[@BaddAtom]

wish there was more of them :(

[@Ignore14]

Deb Reynolds you probably call all music by younger generations "garbage"

[@patches6309]

Amen to that Brother! The open and elevated minds of this world must take the lead in everything forever!

[@theengagedfew]

This was Rush's first hit single, and it jump-started their career, all thanks to a program director at a Cleveland rock radio station. Interesting bit of trivia: Neil Peart is not playing the drums; he's not in the band yet.

[@MrRezRising]

Honor goes to John Rutsey, RIP.

[@galaxieman24]

WMMS in Cleveland was the shit back in the day.

[@paulbrighton3303]

You guys were on this Rush “reaction” thing before anyone else. People realize that they enjoy watching “unlikely” fans reacting to a band once scrutinized by all and are now trying to capitalize on it. But you guys had this whole thing down way before 90% of them out there. Kudos for staying the oath and being true music lovers, of all genres!

[@joshuamattingly1782]

I'm a Rush fan. My boy thinks they're terrible, but he made me a mix CD of Rush's greatest hits. It was BLANK!!! lol I had good laugh off that. Neil Peart may be the greatest drummer ever.

[@billharrison2460]

Joshua Mattingly he is by far, the greatest drummer of all time!

[@toddstevens13]

Joshua, while I may not disagree with your NP drummer quote, THIS IS NOT PEART, it is original drummer John Rutsey, the man no one gives props too. He was almost as good as Neil, but his disease and love to party over playing and staying healthy, has led him to obscurity. He never had the writing chops Neil had either, but man he could play.

[@mikejacob2081]

You have failed as a father! LOL Your son needs Rush. Hd just doesn't know it yet!

[@addictofoxygen]

Mike Portnoy

[@Nightbreed82]

2:10 - Ah, I know exactly what you mean, George. Been playing rock guitar since '94 (a shame I have 10 thumbs) but this guitar sound is appealing because of it's sustain (lingering) and warm, overdriven qualities. It's the sound of an overdriven tube amp, more or less. It's raw and powerful, but still preserves the character and natural tone of the instrument. There's lots of mid-range, cuts though the mix nicely, and the gain (distortion) isn't so much that it becomes abrasive or loses clarity. Yeah man, you guys know what's up with great guitar tone! \m/

[@Infinifry55]

Paul Leach couldn't have said it better if I tried!

[@AlexMontalvogaming101]

you are so right is just an amp (brand normally Marshall and is tube no digital) with a good cabinet with a distortion pedal but not to many effects ( having in mind by this time the sound was limited by technology and that is what make them sound so good in my opinion) today you have so many tech involve in music you can by a pedal for your guitar and make you guitar sound like you are playing chords on a piano or a violin, you have echo, d-tune, E.Q and so many more sound that is ridiculous plus everything go to a PC which add more effect and fix mistake, i can make a song this day in my PC with no musicians 20 to 30 years ago you need a band or you will be screw and that is why i love classic metal more than new metal. Show less REPLY

[@trinimetalgrooves]

Thanks guys, glad that you enjoyed this track, it's one of my favorite Rush track( especially the solo) then La Villa Strangiato. Check it when you can. Excellent reaction!!!

[@sludgedisciple]

Keep these heavy ass riffs in perspective, 1973... It's still heavy. But in 1973 it was groundbreaking. Right along with Sabbath,. I love this reaction. Good choice gentleman.

[@Paulzuzu]

Rush has been, is and always shall be my favorite band. Freewill is one of my all-time favorite songs, period. For what it's worth, check out another stand-out Canadian band from back in the day, Triumph. The song Never Surender was such an amazing piece of work.

[@Fixxer315]

Also a great band. My favorites from them are Hold on and Magic Power.

[@kojiattwood]

Also a big fan of Tea Party, speaking of great Canadian bands.

[@jstenberg3192]

One of my favorite reaction vids ever. Thanks guys. Love it

[@wayofthedead2648]

It's time. Megadeth - Hangar 18 Also, Rush is absolutely nerd rock. Complex time signatures and rhythms, progressive song structures, high concept albums and songs, and a singer with a non-commercial voice.

[@jamesr550]

Yeah. I'm a huge Rush fan but that's a solid explanation lol. Some of their music around the Caress of Steel era came off as very Lord of the Rings-ish.

[@krobb1290]

The nerd rock part of rush started when Neil Peart joined.

[@augustoisaac7542]

I won't lie, everytime I get a notification from them, I come to see if it is already "Hangar 18".

[@5Ring]

I am 50 years old, grew up in 80's Michigan, listening to Rush, April Wine and Triumph. I'm also a 25 year cop. Given current events, I'm so happy music can bring us together. God bless you both.

[@ryevick]

One that made a big connection with young people... Rush - Subdivisions

[@Wildcatbeer]

This is the one that connected with the outcasts and nerds of the time.

[@InsomniacRocker]

Imagine our boys here reacting to 2112... lol. I'd love to see that next time

[@jonplatz2929]

Yeah, but they need headphones and a good hour...

[@jonplatz2929]

Oh, and the lights down and the album sleeve with the lyrics.

[@InsomniacRocker]

Hah! Yeah. I sense an epic 40 minute Lost In Vegas Rush - 2112 special in the future! I've watched all their rock/metal reactions and based off what I've seen, I think they would reallllly dig that one. I know I was completely awe struck the first time (hell, every time) I heard it. Just the great balance of artistry, technicality, and epicness that pushes the limits of what you can do with rock music.

[@blacknwhitecookie8967]

That would be great!!! Also love La Villa Strangiato (I think I butchered that spelling)

[@wooliegeek]

You two are a pleasure to watch. Thanks.

[@johnruetz1296]

Suddenly it's 1974 with RUSH's first album. This was just the beginning to the living legend.

[@russreeps1373]

Hard to believe that just 3 dudes made such amazing music. Rush are legends. Great job guys we're glad you loved it as much as we do l..l, /Salute #FreeThinkers

[@danielcarroll9740]

People considered it nerd music back in the day because they came out with caress of steel and 2112 and they had long story based complex songs that weren't really marketable as singles. so if you listened to them in the mid 70s you were probably a music nerd. That being said I'm a music nerd and Rush is my favorite band!

[@gratefuldude941]

Actually, it was all the cool kids that were into Rush in the early days when they were a hard rock band. We wrote them off when Permanent Waves came out because the prog sound, especially the heavy emphasis on synthesizers, was such a departure. The "nerd" label is associated with them being a prog band, which, as I said, they weren't in the first iteration. I think the shift was already evident with "A Farewell to Kings" but that album wasn't hit, so we didn't really pick up on it. "Permanent Waves" marks their entry into the true mainstream. I can tell you, back in the day 2112 blew us away, even more so than Deep Purple's "Machine Head" had a couple of years earlier. That was not seen as nerd rock in the least. It was cutting edge 70's hard rock.

[@charlottelacatin]

Listen to 2112 by Rush ! It will change your life forever !

[@thomasjones4932]

"You're God damned Right!" Absolutely hilarious reaction.

[@emperorbrewer8944]

Alex Lifeson's solo had George melting in his chair 😂

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

The Brewer Dude, the smile on my face 😂

[@mzmadmike]

"I could listen to this all day." Well, good, because the guitar solo is coming up.

[@jak_w515]

Mike Williamson i thought the same thing lol

[@melissanevin5034]

Me too lol...

[@tmage23]

6:29 Nerds flocked to this band when the drummer was replaced and the new drummer started writing songs with sci-fi/fantasy inspired lyrics with a heavy intellectual/philosophical focus. The music became much more complex as a result. This album is sort of an anomaly in the band's catalog because the vibe is so different than anything else they did after this

[@HollowGolem]

tmage23 Yeah, their early stuff is more blues inspired. More Hendrix/Cream/Zeppelin/Sabbath sounding. I'm curious how they'd react to something like Natural Science, or something really synth-heavy like Subdivisions.

[@endocry]

I'm really glad they evolved to where they did, because we already have a Hendrix/Cream/Zeppelin/and Sabbath. They're truly one of a kind now.

[@Dahnlor]

Yeah for top notch Rush-for-nerds they should do 2112, or better yet, The Necromancer or By-Tor And The Snow Dog

[@Einnor084]

endocry GREAT post!

[@gr.vo.3058]

Tmage23. F*ck Rolling Stone Magazine. And rock fans also scoffed at David Bowie at first. Nerds my ass. Maybe In the beginning, until we realized Rush's modern music is waaaaaaaaaaay cool.

[@VangeliRock]

Ged's voice on this album is classic and epic. John Rutsy's drum beat was perfectly groovy/funky. Alex's guitar tone, total bad ass.

[@67NewEngland]

Im impressed at your observation, groove behind the solo. Its all about the groove pocket.

[@rickhosmer5370]

Amazing to note that Alex Lifeson was only 19 when this song was recorded.

[@jontootlegreem5652]

Rick Hosmer I feel like a failure now

[@TheReelgrrl]

And Alex was throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, into it. He only got better, and better, and better.

[@edwardziff3274]

Rush rocks

[@KidsOnCampus2]

I believe they were all 19 for this album!

[@Bazelf]

Yeah, to think that most of the rock legends were in their early 20s when they compose/wrote masterpieces it's crazy.

[@TheBashar327]

There a three gods in Canada: beer, hockey and Rush.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

TheBashar327 as an American, I praise that holy trinity! GO SENS GO! :D

[@johnwanderin2524]

This is why I love our Canadian neighbors

[@CoondawgPD]

And Gordon Lightfoot

[@insertanynameyouwant5311]

TheBashar327 also Annihilator,and Devin Townsend

[@rotru4977]

As a Canadian, I concur..

[@melihavoc]

Rush is a band of GENIUSES!!!! Probably because the are Canadian lol 💜

[@personanongrata2005]

Meli Havoc As a drummer who has studied Neil's work for more than thirty years, I always said that Neil was painfully intelligent. It would wear my brain out just listening to the man speak. Exhaustingly thorough and exact. His words, his mind, his skill.

[@smashleyscott8272]

😶

[@dylanforester2147]

Do Pantera - Cemetery Gates You guys have reacted to one of their songs (which is one of your most viewed videos) and you seemed to enjoy it, but they have still yet to get a second reaction when many bands you reacted to after them (some of which you disliked) have gotten second reactions

[@Lynchpin2010]

They did that already, I'd suggest something newer like Revolution is my Name, or anything from FBD or TGSTK like Floods. It'd be a far more interesting reaction vid

[@briand1972bd]

RUSH - Subdivisions... The message is still relevant in today's society. That would be my Rush suggestion

[@Arkadius500]

*Rainbow (with Dio) - Stargazer* And Rush is simply amazing. If you want to do more Rush, consider Witch Hunt. The message in this song is relevant now more than ever (and I'm also fairly certain that the song will blow you guys away). Another beautiful song is The Garden, which really shows the band's evolution and to me shows everything Rush is about. If you do this, consider doing the live version from Dallas from the Clockwork Angels tour. It's on the official Rush youtube channel.

[@MrRezRising]

You read my mind. Witchhunt is amazing esp on a good sound system, and the Garden was a perfect song in so many ways, not the least being, it was their final song of their careers.

[@LearnToRefine]

Witch Hunt is awesome because it warns against hatred and talks about Persecution of the FREE THINKERS.. Which is right in line with what Ryan and George are saying with this KZbin channel.

[@alecholland5618]

Excellent suggestion

[@shawnloeffler6025]

biting tongue

[@josephmsimpson]

Hear hear for Witch Hunt

[@hsurnag]

Alex just rips a patch in this tune. You're right, the best part is at the end when the riff theme comes back. It's just solid song writing. It's exactly what your ears want to hear for a song like this. These guys were geniuses...

[@trigintatres9787]

Wintersun - Sons of Winter and Stars! It has to come up sometimes :D Thank you for another great video!

[@lachazaroony]

Shout out from Toronto, Rush boys grew up not 10 mins from my house and we always knew how good Rush was, glad to see you enjoying what i have for 30 years. :)

[@nevermanishere]

RUSH: Geddy, the singer, plays bass and keyboard too. So he will play some bass lines on a pedal board under the keyboard - with his feet - live - while he's playing the keyboard, oh... and singing. peec and donuts

[@brandonhager142]

Neverman Is Here his name is actually Gary

[@bwells6381]

And Moog peddles while playing bass, he and Alex both play Moogs with their feet while playing. Biggest sounding 3 piece band out there.

[@davidchambliss5909]

Alex Lifeson - most underrated guitarist ever... and this is 1974

[@luvr381]

Rush has always been considered a nerd band because most rock songs are about feelings but Rush songs are about thoughts.

[@cronicscream]

Exactly. Well put!

[@rolltide91011]

Wow never thought of it that way, pretty cool.

[@nameprivate4287]

Ender you explained this exactly ! All one has to do is listen to the lyrics to see how intelligently they were put together.

[@katherinemorelle7115]

I think my issue is that I don’t like Peart’s thoughts- I’m not a fan of objectivism, and I intensely dislike Ayn Rand.

[@Kenbahr]

Well said. I agree.

[@taterhamster]

5:01 Yeah 5:07 HehYEAH 5:15 Oh yeah 7:04 Yeah 7:11 Oh yeah! 7:15 Yeahahaha 7:21 Yeah! 8:33 uhnyeah 8:40 Yeah 8:51 Yeah! 8:57 Yeah, tight!

[@MP-lq1vy]

Ben Williams they were quoting James Hatfield

[@Ziltoidia]

LMAO

[@arcadedomination8006]

Hangar 18 - Megadeth. It's natural progression for your Megadeth journey. It has got absolutely amazing guitar work and an interesting theme.

[@ludvigtheholyblade259]

Arcade Domination or 'Peace Sells' honestly. I want them to do 'Wake Up Dead', 'The Conjuring' & "Take No Prisoners'.

[@m2pmd70]

What, no "Devil's Island?" \m/

[@SarcefulOfSecrets]

I'd love to see the reaction to Hangar, but the live in Buenos Aires version. Just to see a different point of view about the incredibly invasive audience.

[@arcadedomination8006]

Peace Sells is great and would probably be even better. I'm kinda just piggy-backing of the request I've seen most which is Hangar 18. Because George & Ryan often pick based on popular vote.

[@TheMlvswoll]

Megadeth. Gotta do Hangar 18 guys

[@zebulonswearingen9935]

Guys, Geddy sounds like another lead instrument- and he is: lead vocalist. Man that’s maybe one reason it does work so well. Talented man this band’s that way no doubt. Bass and lead simultaneously man. They guys rock!

[@kohlerwilcox9011]

RUSH IS THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME!!!!

[@thenuthouse5485]

I like George's point about the vocals being odd but somehow working with the music.

[@hashbrown77]

No, how 'bout of all time.

[@americanmade1004]

Top 5

[@mattroxursoul]

You spell Queen funny

[@kohlerwilcox9011]

Chad Comstock *Geddy. And yeah I understand that it’s an acquired taste.

[@sathomas105]

Crazy thing is it’s only three dudes making that much sound

[@sonny0888]

Rush and ZZ-Top know how to fill the air with sound waves.

[@GershonWolf]

3 rock GODS

[@muddhammer7834]

On stage too !!!

[@geminigrrl66]

I was wondering when you'd guys get to this. It's early Rush and Geddy Lee's voice is definitely an acquired taste. But this is actually one of my all time favorite Rush tunes.

[@alexmurphy5289]

It's Geddys favorite to play live

[@geminigrrl66]

Alex Murphy I've seen them live and you're so right.

[@bigal6669]

Alex Murphy it is Alex favorite too. So many solos!

[@kavikkang9411]

I later years they switch to a reggae version of it in the middle of the song and Geddy would do his best Bob Marley impersonation. The reggae version part is really cool.

[@bhurzumii4315]

@C.C. Portugal Couldn't agree more! His vocals on 2112 are god-tier!

[@21CCommunIT]

Y'know… I like a lot of Rush but I gotta admit - I've been sleeping “Working Man”. This shit is *fierce* - I'll take this over “Tom Sawyer” even… Damn!!! 58 years old, and I'm *still* learning

[@bestmetalandrocklists9120]

Yes- Roundabout (best bassline of all time)

[@derekwhite9932]

Love it!

[@bestmetalandrocklists9120]

guys post a comment yourself so they see there’s a lot of comments requesting this

[@bigmatt7655]

I'd love to see this reaction!

[@mattmartinez2938]

Chris Squire is possibly my favorite bass player of all time, even more than Geddy Lee. Squire's bass lines are often more like countermelodies, and that's very unique.

[@bestmetalandrocklists9120]

Matt Martinez chris is probably the best bassist

[@Amishparadise69]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@jamosensei]

Y'all got your stinkfaces on again lmao!!! Way back in the day, I was doing some work for this guy, and I was jamming to Rush...It piqued his interest, and he came to ask me if I liked them...YES, They ROCK...He told me he went to high school with Geddy Lee, the lead singer/bass player, and recalled him playing and singing in the parking lot, and he thought Geddy's voice was awful, and he was never going to make it...He admitted to me that he improved A LOT since then, and it filled him with pride to be able to say he knew him before he was famous. Thanks, again, for the post.

[@imbwildrd3693]

actually, they have their 'stank'faces on....lol

[@southernwanderer7912]

Geddy Lee is the lead singer. He said in an interview that his voice couldn't be heard above the music so he had to move to a higher octave to be heard. That's why he sings so high. You should react to Led Zeppelin's "Since I've Been Loving You."

[@BigAirNo1]

Note that theres no Neil Peart on this debut rush album. John Rutsy on drums on this one

[@jrobertsapp]

RIP John Rutsy.

[@rickgollaher3690]

Rush fans know this....but casual fans have no idea. Excellent educational info.

[@southernwanderer7912]

Rutsy was an awesome drummer as well. He had health issues though.

[@frankphillips6001]

Mr Rutsy was no slouch. He certainly was not as good as Mr Peart but he should still be considered a very good drummer. I have always felt that had he stayed in the band, it would not have been his drumming that would have held the band back, but rather the lyric writing talent of Mr Peart that would be missing.

[@b0rder.-991]

@@frankphillips6001 perfectly said

[@michaeljorissen4988]

Subdivisions definitely

[@metalmcfly7312]

Michael Jorissen most definitely Subdivisions!! The drum work in that song is nothing short of LEGENDARY!

[@Fadini72]

In my opinion Xanadu is the best composition and instrumental. Add the classic Tom Sawyer too!!!

[@PandorasCrate0]

Yesssss, Xanadu! But Subdivisions would be great as well.

[@Fadini72]

I agree with you, PandorasCreate, both are great.

[@bonoman1987]

Opening riffs and lyrics begin....George says, 'Yer god damn right!' priceless and perfect comment! Hilarious!

[@GrandChiefSmackaho]

A "Farewell to Kings" is an absolute must from Rush IMO. "Xanadu" as well, but that's more of a personal favorite.

[@sweetdaddygrungerobertaaro1291]

Geddy Lee does vocals, bass, and keyboard for Rush, making them one of the baddest three-piece bands of all time. Please do Limelight when you get back to them.

[@SJSnaps]

It’s all about “Subdivisions” man! That is the shit right there dude!!! You guys gotta fuckin do it! And I wish you would do another Maiden reaction to “Wasted Years” the riff in the beginning of the song just hooks you right in 🤘

[@jonathanhicks5780]

Patrick Sullivan agree on Subdivisions

[@mattmartinez2938]

Agreed on both!

[@jameshitt3263]

Hear hear on Subdivisions

[@echo9248]

Absolute YES to Wasted Years

[@sharbaithoohaha101]

It's amazing to me that I always come back to these RUSH reaction videos. The way they just appreciate all the different components like the solos, the rifts, the change ups, or even just the amazing lyrics. My father (RIP) got me into them young and they became our thing. They remain my favorite band and these dudes reactions are priceless to me and I've watched a lot of their reactions to some of my favorite songs. Just in awe and appreciation for their raw views to classics!🖤

[@b4krr]

I'm astonished 'Subdivisions' wasn't on there pretty hard too. That's a good one

[@marcrenouf2470]

Ryan's comment about the "groove" or musicality of a guitar solo is in my opinion what separates good bands from try-hards, especially in metal. Metallica are especially good for solos that fit seamlessly into the music. The end of "Bleeding Me" (probably the best tune off "Load," a criminally underrated album) is a particularly good example. Rush's Alex Lifeson likes to show off every now and again, but his solos tend to be very musical as well. His guitar work in "La Villa Strangiato" is fantastic.

[@bojanmijic3718]

Marc Renouf yea as far as instrumentals are concerned that and Orion by Metalica will definitely impress the boys here. My two fav instrumentals 😎

[@edwardchristensen1771]

Marc Renouf la villa is peerless.

[@RiceShouldBeFluffy]

I've had this discussion with a friend. The problem with solos that put all of their focus on being flashy is that they often have very few memorable pitch contours and rhythmic patterns in their composition so while they sound like an impressive spectacle, you can't remember them. What makes a solo musical is that while it might have lots of technical flash, it makes it a point to spell out a hum-able melody, either by slowing it's cadence down in key points to let some notes ring out and vibrate with the type of melody you night hear a singer belt out and/or having key notes such as those that land on strong beats or downbeats spell out a singable melody or chord. In other words, it's flashy yet simple. It bombards you with technicality but it is catchy because it has discernable patterns that you can make out. That's not to say that there's something wrong with having a taste for solos that do just the opposite. There is something to be said about using chaos to complement a mood. Maybe a degree of chaos can lay down a certain mood. I'm just trying to make sense of what these guys were talking about when the song got to it's solo. The solo didn't over power the rest of the band and the reason why that was is because it wasn't so sporadic and unintelligible that it distracted from the strong beats of the drums or the bass's groove. The patterns in the solo were grounded in the patterns of the music backing it. The pitches rose and fell in ways that were logical with the track behind it.

[@Howard_the_Duck]

Bojan Mijic Good call. They should totally do Orion. I think they'd be in awe.

[@theragingbob3910]

Bleeding Me is one of my favorite Metallica tunes ever. I'm glad you mentioned it. Load is also an incredible album musically and deserves way more attention.

[@scruffy5119]

RIP Neil Peart

[@pts5217]

ItsScruffy Absolutely, but he didnt play on this album

[@VerifiedGroove]

Dream Theater - As I Am

[@ryancoke777]

La villa strangiatto, analog kid and xanadu are bangers! But the absolute best jam is 2112 all 20+ minutes of it!