RUSH - XANADU ~ EXIT STAGE LEFT LIVE *1981* REACTION

[@squidly2112]

One of the greatest live performances in human history !!!

[@halcyon289]

This tour -Wembley Arena , 5th November it was so tight, I said to my mate, " I think they're miming !"

[@fabriciodarkpanzer837]

With no doubt about it!!! RUSH gods

[@execatty]

tell me better 1 :)

[@robertmcmurtry6252]

I love to watch someone having their minds blown for the first time watching RUSH Live 🤣

[@Every_Day_Adventure]

Cracks me up all the time. Rush was panned back in the day, they got no credit from the mainstream music industry and press and now 40-50 years later, the current generation is discovering their greatness and finding out what "we" knew all along.....Great reaction...

[@timshelton8535]

Imagine seeing this live in’81 or ‘82 for the first time as a teenager. My cousin drove to Atlanta for the show. I was under age but snook a couple beers! Wow, it was unbelievable and was blessed to see the guys 12 more times after that! Best live band ever!!! Debate me! You Will lose!

[@matthewteague623]

Three dudes making all of this music. Every one of them a grandmaster at their craft. The musical complexity, the lyrics....the thinking man's band for sure

[@blondelebanese9922]

I think of their music as cerebral rock. Loved them from the beginning! Annie

[@zevongrie1402]

40 years later, this live version of this song still gives me chills. As brilliant as the studio version of this song is, this live rendition in my opinion is even better. Mind blowing that this is just 3 guys. No extra tracks. No extra musicians backstage playing, just 3 amazing musicians who are just killing it. Full album to review? 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Moving Pictures or Permanent Waves.

[@pahtar7189]

You want to know how Rush made their songs sound futuristic? Kublai Khan lived about 700 years ago, but the song contains the line, "a thousand years have come and gone," so it was written in the future! Rush are time-travelers! ;-)

[@bryanbailey6963]

You may have noticed that both Geddy and Alex have double-neck guitars. Geddy actually plays rhythm guitar on this song, while Alex plays lead. Geddy is an accomplished six-string player as well as master bassist and keys. He actually wrote the guitar parts for "In The Mood" on their first album. This kind of multi-instrumentalism is what makes Rush so phenomenal. Before the 'A Farewell to Kings' album, they had considered adding a fourth member, but decided to stick with the original three and learn more instruments. The results speak for themselves.

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Geddy Lee on vocals, bass, 12 string guitar on 2nd neck (plays it near the end with Alex's last solo), keyboards, bass pedals! Alex Lifeson on 6 stringed and 12 stringed guitar, and bass pedals! Neil Peart on drums and other assorted percussion! This live performance is literally everything that describes Rush!

[@bwells6381]

Moog peddles

[@hads5279]

Ugh I grew up with Rush because of my dad and have seen them 3 times. They’re phenomenal. The orchestral sounds they make while only being a trio!

[@tammiec4937]

Dude this is a banger. They were in their mid 20’s and was already playing at this level. 3 incredible musicians.

[@johnt4668]

I mention it on every comment section but this is without question The best live performance of any song, by any band, ever in history.

[@irontusk1862]

RUSH is absolutely mind blowing~~~Welcome..........................................Great reaction!

[@blondelebanese9922]

That there were just the three of them onstage was stunning. To watch them perform this song was Heaven on Earth for me that night. I am blessed. 🥰❤️

[@1639danmcc]

Thank god they recorded this live 40 years ago or you wouldn't believe this masterpiece was performed by 3 great musicians.

[@jamesdonlon3763]

This is the one!! Love the song on album but this performance is astounding.

[@Prone2Thrill]

Easy choice - you have graduated from Xanadu now it's time for 2112 mic drop! What a band, what a ride!!! RIP Neil Peart

[@somecallmetim2112]

Neil Peart, drummer and lyricist. The Professor. Your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. RIP Neil.

[@waynehackney5812]

When young people meet Rush, oh it's a good time.

[@epbeagle4242]

I actually saw this tour in March of 81. I was a Freshman in High school and went on a Bus trip from our local rock station. Bus 60 miles and tix 18 bucks can You imagine. I had seen Yes a few months earlier same deal for 14 bucks anyway. You get that same look in Your eyes that I imagine I had back then and it brings me back. Thanks Next song should be La Villa Strangiato and album might as well start with 2112 !!!

[@JaDem148]

I had to get the crowd chanting one night in 1990 to finally see them play it live. It was their encore. The Hatford Civic Center almost lost its top! You're another lucky one to have been there for that song live.

[@RedPillMode]

For me this is the ultimate rock song. My favourite band at their peak. That peak was wide tho, plenty of it 😄. You are a prog guy, if I ever saw one.

[@franklinzappa7043]

I saw RUSH in 1981 in Denver Colorado for the Moving Pictures Tour, and 4x since. Absolutely Magnificent Live🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼

[@lvgelfling72]

Just remember everytime you listen to these guys, there are only 3 of them. Alex (Lerxst), Geddy (Dirk), and Neil (Pratt), aka the Professor. ♥

[@Buds1own]

♥

[@kellydelay18]

I know right ? Been a fan since 78

[@kimnkal]

This was from A Farewell to Kings -- the first real rock album I ever purchased at age 12. My mind was blown, and they became my favourite band. The soundscapes they created with 3 musicians -- incredible. As fas a whole album, A Farewell to Kings is a personal favourite (obviously) but Moving Pictures is amazing, as is Permanent Waves.

[@groezinjohn]

They will become your new favorite group. Keep listening. You rock dude

[@CanigoCatala]

If you want cool sophisticated and skillfull crazyness: La Villa Strangiato from the Hemispheres Rush album

[@tristanpritchard7253]

Yep, indeed the whole album!!!

[@lisasmithline1386]

@Patrick O'Rourke , the only instrumental that has the audience "singing" the instruments; the crowd in Rio had waited a LONG time for Rush to do a concert there, and it SHOWS!

[@langobard5546]

@@lisasmithline1386 it was YYZ

[@jasonwilliams6005]

My favorite live performance ever. Absolutely brilliant.

[@katiegrundle9900]

ive seen this a couble thousand times, and still cant wrap my head around on how they pulled this off live. most of the reviewers didnt catch where alex switch necks so quickly, but this cat caught it. awesome

[@trenken]

rush is a relic of the past, the 70s and 80s mostly, but fuck me they were AMAZING. in every possible way. like how its so amazing that humans figured out how to get to the moon, i feel like they are that in the music world. the music, the talent, the intelligent lyrics, they did it all, and they changed so much over 40 years. unreal.

[@upinthemtns]

As a huge rush fan, it's so great to watch the next generation get into rush!

[@nodrush80]

The best.

[@davidhogan7008]

Geddy is plays keys w his feet. And one of the top bassists all time. Best band ever homie

[@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering]

Just an epic , unique , masterpiece!! I’m sure you know now it’s based on a Coleridge poem from the 19th century , who else but Rush could make that happen , not just happen but make it INCREDIBLE and unforgettable, I always feel exhausted after listening to this 😆 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@blondelebanese9922]

We saw this tour in Cincinnati. Words fail me, it was magnificent. We were blown away by their utter perfection. ❤️🥰 Annie ~~ Namaste ~~

[@denoatorlibertarian5645]

You need to watch "Working Man" live in Cleveland. This was recorded in 2011, 2 band members were 58 and the drummer 59 at that time and this is the last encore song after a 3 hour concert. Yet the performance is legendary!

[@joshlegare]

That’s the first thing I thought of too.

[@specwar64]

Actually,this performance is from the Moving Pictures tour in 80/81. This is the VHS version of it.

[@Ziggy_Moonglow]

When Alex switches from 12 to 6 strings, in one fluid motion, I get the same goosebumps I've gotten since I saw this performance on a friend's laser disc back in the early 80s. Enjoy the ride!! :-)

[@BigDrum]

Bro! I was inspired to learn drums because of Rush and Neil Peart (RIP). Seeing your reaction to this song brought me a ton of joy, dude! You reminded me of the passion I felt when I first heard this tune. Please keep digging into their music. You will not be disappointed. I recommend LaVilla Strangiato next. It was a straight up instrumental from their ‘Hemispheres’ album. And each section of the song is a different chapter within a story. You don’t even need words, it’s that awesome!

[@davidgale7384]

Just amazing what three crazy Canadian boys can do, eh? Phenomenal musicians, all !!!!

[@execatty]

pope love your genuine reaction pal wish more of your generation gave these guys as listen, u have no idea how many songs they have..enjoy pal

[@Oiler-ni7rq]

Great reaction. All masters of their craft. Will never be another band like them. Luckily, we have all the audio and video to listen to and watch.

[@djsilverva]

The biggest thing I can recommend is start reading the lyrics to the Rush songs your watching. Not only can they play the hell out their instruments but the drummer is an amazing lyricist…some songs have lines that could be in top hip hop tracks…if you’re gonna go down that rabbit hole for real then go full on…great reactions keep it up

[@lancerx1759]

The Lyrics and message deserve this awesome Rush delivery this poem about Kubla Khan seeking immortality but later regretting his granted request which stripped of his inability to escape the mortal realm is an Epic lesson on to be careful for what wish for especially when so well executed by this Epic Band

[@bryanbailey6963]

Pope: I came back to this reaction because I love Xanadu as well as your reactions to Rush! I fully understand your double-take at 3:30 and your reaction at 4:10! This was the song that made me a Rush fan for life.

[@williammuntzer7374]

Great choice and great reaction. I was fortunate enough to see Rush 5 or 6 times including this tour. They were always great. Thanks!

[@juliafox7904]

I saw them play this live in England in the mid to late 1970’s phenomenal - “ A Farewell To Kings “ was my first RUSH album ✨and fantastic live !

[@bobespirit2112]

Yeah, not too many other musicians could pull that off so flawlessly. I was fortunate to see this just 16 days earlier than this concert, and then another 10 times. Epic.

[@discussdebate]

3 guys that sound like 5 live!! Saw them live 6x's from 1976-1981

[@NCNelz]

Next song--“Natural Science “-The piece discusses “the balance between the natural and the synthetic world and how integrity of purpose could allow us to reach an equilibrium between control and understanding through science.”

[@larryembree1388]

Imagine being 8 years old, in 1979, and your first introduction to RUSH is this song. No MTV to see this video. Only hearing it on a vynil record. THIS is what hooked me on RUSH

[@bobcarn]

They always rocked Xanadu. The first time I saw them was their tour for that album. Xanadu was jaw-dropping! What a show! Lots of musicians are cool, but they're not "Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson back to back with double-neck guitars playing Xanadu" cool.

[@johnwinton1169]

Saw them at Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens many times, great memories. Good reaction, cheers from Canada.

[@skt2468]

Yeah bro, that never gets old. I could watch that video a million times.

[@JaDem148]

Back in May of 1990 my best friend and I missed them at the few convenient stops they made near us on Long Island.for the Presto tour. We caught up with them before they got too far away though at the Hartford Civic Center in Connecticut. After many shows and never hearing one of my all time favorites, with a few beers under my belt, I decided to start, chanting , "Xanadu" about midway through this show in in between songs. People around me joined in immediately. It started spreading after every song. They left the Stage without playing it. They came back for an encoure though.... Talk about electricity! Keep bringing it. I'll be watching.

[@nandopolesel]

Dude I love your reaction to this band. I can tell you dig the music. Best band ever.....

[@PromLesbian]

A Musical Movie‼️💜

[@norahdenovan8658]

The days when pure talent, a total love for what they do& pure genius ruled 🙏❤️

[@riveralph3687]

What mad wizardry is this?! Rush.Live.Masterclass.Checkmate. Xanadu is just as mind-blowing today as the first time I saw them live 42 years ago.

[@davecole2561]

Just when you think three men - yes just three - can't take you any further on this magical musical trip, Alex Lifeson's solo takes you even further. I have a wide musical palette and am still waiting for a better live performance in my 35ish years of listening to music. Astonishing - like the whole of Exit Stage Left.

[@bronzebackblaine]

Your reaction to this greatness is awesome!! I believe this is one of the single greatest live performances!! And you were right there with it!!

[@terrib-g8783]

I love your reaction to this!!! Alex and Geddy can mess around like that on stage because they grew up together, in addition to both being fabulous musicians.

[@philipwhigham7386]

Just think 3 guys and this was filmed in 1981. Your parents probably weren't even in high school yet. I feel blessed to have been born in the early 60's and to have grown up listening to bands like Rus, Yes, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Grand Funk, and Led Zeppelin. I am also grateful that a whole new generation is being turned on to these bands keeping their music relevant. I truly love watching the young men and women reactions and remembering my own first time hearing these songs. The anticipation of their next albums it all just wonderful. Keep exploring. You have just entered a door that is going to take you to places you never expected to go. Lmao 🤣

[@Frankincensedjb123]

The power, the energy, the mastery, the Rush

[@bryanbailey6963]

Dude, you look mesmerized! I completely agree.

[@loisr3970]

Ahhhh Our three Canadian masters!!! 40+ yrs of awesomeness! Cheers

[@55bolts]

Love the reaction. Exactly how probably looked and felt in 1976 hearing 2112 for the first time and then a year later this album let alone this song. Fast forward to now and this stuff never gets old! Luckily we have a huge body of work since there time had come to an end a few years ago.

[@stardust164]

I have had the PLEASURE of seeing them a couple of times. so many great tunes, with love from CANADA!! ROCK.

[@fd1930]

Another great reaction Pope! My little story...on the same album there's a song called Closer To The Heart. It was recorded live in Glasgow, Scotland and I was part of the audience who sang along and we got a mention (The Glasgow Choir :-) ) in the sleeve notes! Hearing you talk about doing a full album reaction - I agree with others who've recommended 2112. The first side of the vinyl is essentailly one song (called 2112) and I just know you'll be amazed and love it. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed - and neither will we! keep 'em coming Pope.

[@groundscoresteve4964]

Rush made 19 studio albums, have at least 11 official 'Live' concert films, and a 'Cover' song album from 2004! The Rush 'RABBIT HOLE' is very DEEP!! ENJOY the RIDE young man!! : ) : ) : )

[@scottbrewer9676]

See, not only did they record excellent stuff, but they could step out there and frikkin' blast you right between the eyes with it live. All of them using all of their limbs in all different directions on several instruments at once. The slightly overused term "The Real Deal" definitely applies to this group. I really, really wish you could have experienced them live dude, you would have totally enjoyed it.

[@jackteppo9633]

An orchestra with just 3 Awsome guys!! They do have strings in I think " Clockwork Angels" live concert.

[@pensnut08]

I saw this tour :) And I still remember it. May 15, 1981 Glens Falls NY. - 2112 Part I: Overture - 2112 Part II: The Temples of Syrinx - Freewill -Limelight -Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part I: Prelude -Beneath, Between & Behind - The Camera Eye - YYZ - Drum Solo - Broon's Bane - The Trees - Xanadu - The Spirit of Radio - Red Barchetta - Closer to the Heart - Tom Sawyer - Vital Signs -Natural Science - Working Man - Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part IV: Armageddon - By-Tor & The Snow Dog - In the End -In the Mood -2112 Part VII: Grand Finale Encore: - La Villa Strangiato

[@mark-be9mq]

💯 % Amazing. Great reaction to watch. Peace, Pôpe...

[@standing0]

Time marches on and people forget, when this first came out...'Star Wars' didn't have any sequels yet, David Letterman had not yet appeared on Late Nighte television, the Mario bros. were not pixels yet. This song stands the test of time and reminds everyone of an era when music artists didn't fake anything, a live show was to exhibit their very best.

[@tilemonkee5510]

Welcome to Canada, baby!! Great reaction to a great band. Check out La villa strangiato by RUSH

[@memdoc_1966]

This drummer is COLD!! Totally.

[@jaquestraw1]

Love your appreciation for progressive rock. Keep it coming brother

[@jodyirvin3156]

The word you're looking for is EPIC !

[@evenflowsteven]

Damn, I had almost forgotten what a great song this is. Such a great song to see and hear live! 🤘🏼

[@Buds1own]

sure seems like you already know the song............. Great Neil !!

[@jonathano6946]

I'm 22 years old and I'm so happy to see other men realizing how amazing this band truly is, Rush has helped all of us realize that there is so much more to be sought so much more to be done, achieved and conquered...

[@nealbarrus9140]

Live performance perfection. 👏

[@timmurphy3977]

I've been waiting for you to do this one!! This is primo Rush at their best! Glad to see your sub number creeping up! You deserve it. You are engaging and likeable and that's what it takes.

[@chewiebacka4377]

"I just never heard sounds like that before" Then he cues up Xanadu. Oh, boy, get ready!

[@deankmuncie]

I've watched a couple of your videos and I want to say thank you for not stopping the music to make comments, but waiting until the end to tell us what you think. You got a follower in me for that.

[@Cubiquitous1]

Great reaction! Give us more RUSH!

[@bunnytarot]

They’re so other level! It’s just amazing! 👽👽👽🛸🛸🛸

[@dface6447]

they KILLED this performance 😳🎧😛 la villa strangiato studio version is SICK,i know you’ve done a live reaction but trust me the studio/album version 😳 you HAVE TO listen to it

[@toronto57]

You can have your zeppelin and pink Floyd, but they are 2nd best when it comes to Rush... Great reaction. Cheers

[@lalogarcia2212]

Nothing other than class act

[@davidguillory1312]

Their very first album (with different drummer) sounded more Led Zeppelin-esque. From the second album on their sound progressed and morphed into something distinctly their own. Long songs, concept album sides, and a pure, intricate sound became the norm for a while. Everything they did was crafted to perfection. Odd time signatures, various musical influences added in, new technologies equipped...all added more soundscapes that they could create with and mold to their liking. Later albums were filled with shorter songs, but still maintained the high quality of the Rush essence. Their final album was a complete concept album based on a 'Steampunk' story that Neil (the drummer and primary lyricist) came up with, with the final song of the album being one of their most beautiful songs with a good life lesson contained in the lyrics. This is why we fans love Rush. They stayed true to themselves throughout their whole career...and it paid off. Keep going down the Rush rabbit-hole...I think you'll find a lot to love.

[@michaelcalvert7363]

Just two words sum this video up Glorious Perfection.Def one of the greatest live performances of all time and so is La Ville Strangiatonfrom the same LP.Love your reaction dude.Just like mine when I heard this on vinyl in 1981.It changed my musical direction from trashy disco(although I do have some guilty pleasures still)to the sheer majesty and magnificence of heavy rock but especially these guys they are the greatest of all time RIP Professor.Keep playing more Rush you wont regret it they take you on an incredible journey every time.Try The Necromancer next from the Caress of Steel album.Its dark and deliciously menacing with some mesmerising guitar wirk from Alex

[@Fred-vy1hm]

La Villa was on Hemispheres, pretty sure Xanadu was on Farewell to Kings.

[@thegman8968]

Your reactions are so damn passionate! You really let it go! I really appreciate ya! How about the 1st track from their 1st album, "Finding My Way." It's another banger!☮☮☮

[@juliebrockett3471]

Great reaction, dude!! Keep the RUSH coming! You got a new subscriber!! God bless… from Texas!!

[@frankwalker9276]

Love your Rush reactions my brother.....

[@glenndespres5317]

3 guys. Insanely good. Dueling double-necks…. ‘Is that the same guy?” Yup.. let me let go of my double-neck bass so I can just sing AND play mad keyboards! Neil Pert? Nothing to say that hasn’t been said. Wow.

[@miguelbotelho2613]

Now that's a reaction! Glad you're enjoying what I've enjoyed for the past 30+years. I just Subscribed BTW.

[@brasco96wired67]

Those guys take their musicianship very serious.

[@jeffdupas9933]

Dude, great great reaction! You're awesome!

[@debbieplato5107]

Other Songs by Rush Where's my thing/ Here it is live in Dallas Working man live in Cleveland YYZ live in Rio One Little Victory live in Rio La Villa Strangiato official music video Cheers