RUSH - Xanadu | FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION | It's finally here!

[@michaelakkerman407]

When you watch this live, your jaw will be agape the entire time. To see these three masters pull this off... Geddy, sings, plays bass and synth foot pedal all at the same time is superhero stuff. I tell everyone, best live performance ever. My humble opinion...

[@michaelinnj7439]

Everything He Said. Seriously, you want to check out the Exit Stage Left version.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

Absolutely. Live, Rush takes Xanadu all the way to 11. There’s no words.

[@joem664]

I agree exit stage left version is outstanding.

[@djrush83]

What these guys are saying I agree 100 percent awesomeness 👍

[@santiagoalvareztabares3598]

About the foot pedal workings don't you ever forget Alex's contribution

[@Parklife13]

I can’t wait for you guys to see the live video of “Xanadu” from Exit Stage Left. To see them play everything you’ve heard in the studio version live is amazing.

[@Parklife13]

Oh, and a suggestion: You should have whoever suggested a video you’re reacting to, tell you (in minutes and seconds) where to pause during the song. That way you know you’ll be pausing at a good moment (not that there’s ever a good moment. But we don’t want you getting in trouble with KZbin).

[@michaelcalvert7363]

The live version is one of the greatest performances you will ever see.To see these guys in action just adds to the epic nature of the song its mindblowing plus they are having FUN which is what its all about.Three other glorious Rush songs you must do soon are the stunning bluesy Here Again from the first album Geddy has never sounded better (apart from maybe on 2112)The feel of this song is magical what a groove and again an amazing solo from Alex near the end will take your breath away.Then the equalky brilliant The Necromancer from Caress of Steel.So dark and menacing with many transitions and Alex really delivers with 2 stunning solos.Its a must.If you want a perfect Rush song with everything in place you would be struggling to find anything better than Territories.The riffs on this are filthy Geddys bass is off the scale there is so much going off in the background with these different instruments.It has a lovely Eastern feel and wow those lyrics from Neil are surely his greatest.Its a real gem.There is a good live version but to hear all the beautiful sounds the studio version is the one.Make sure you have good headphones for all three I find the best way to listen is in the dark with my eyes closed it heightens my ears senses!

[@PROGROCK-tr9hw]

Exit Stage Left version is so much better

[@glendirienzo1365]

Best version by far.

[@ljcalhoun]

Geddy’s voice in live performance is much better.

[@jhc2093]

Live? Look out! Next level. What three incredible musicians who are literally perfect for one another are capable of? OMG! It’s going to be a good ride for you guys. No samples. No auto tune. No extra musicians or tapes, sequencers or any other magic. Just three guys playing their asses off. Every sound played live. How tight a trio can be, how relaxed they can be, how much fun they can have playing some pretty complex music so perfectly? You won’t be disappointed!

[@terryspak5763]

One of the rare times when a live version is just as impressive as the studio version.

[@michaelgross8635]

OMG - I can't wait to see your reaction to the Exit Stage Left version - it's a true master class watching them build this song live. 1981 was the first tour I got to experience. So amazing! I envy you guys getting to experience these things for the first time. Enjoy!

[@tutoch]

yea exit stage left version is EPIC!!

[@michaelinnj7439]

So how many of us ask for the Exit Stage Left version before it jumps to the top of the list? Maybe tomorrow? (Seriously- you’ve not seen anything like this. Because no one has ever done anything like this before or since (

[@brunosamppa]

Hope they pick this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5TWopeld9iNlac

[@davecole2561]

@@michaelinnj7439 well put. I'm still waiting for the ESL version, preferably just after The Trees as they segway magnificently.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

I think listening to the studio version first helps put in perspective how absolutely phenomenal the live version is in the Exit Stage Left video. It's one of the greatest live performances ever. You MUST watch it. Don't do the audio only. Watching the performance is mind blowing.

[@brunosamppa]

Best quality version kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5TWopeld9iNlac

[@mycroft16]

And the best part about the live version is Alex and Geddy having a conversation and a laugh in the middle while playing some insane riffs.

[@chrisw647]

Very few bands can make me prefer a live performance of a song over a well made studio version of it, but yes, Xanadu, Exit Stage Left by Rush is one of those few exceptions. There is an acoustic quality & energy in that perfect live performance not present in-studio that makes the studio version seem somewhat sterile by comparison, & when you keep reminding yourself it's just 3 guys making all that beautiful sound live, it's even more mind-blowing. Easily my favorite live performance by a band ever. An absolute mystical masterpiece of true musical artistry.

[@JoDdy420-]

You have just indulged in excellence

[@scottarnest8980]

When I saw them play this for the Moving Pictures tour ... me ...as a 15 year old male ... cried. I had great taste at 15. 🙂

[@scottarnest8980]

Gotta do the song "A Farewell to Kings." Overlooked by reviewers, but a great song. The solo section is ridiculous.

[@JeffOnTheRoads]

I've never been able to decide if Kings or Hemispheres is my fave record. Listen to one and it's like "yeah, that one," then listen to the other and it's like "actually, that one." Then again, Hemisphere's is a continuation of Farewell. So it's a fair tie.

[@themechaniacal1558]

@@JeffOnTheRoads Yeah, it's makes sense to keep them side by side, they could have easily been a 2-record album. A sort of goodbye to the concept album format. I truly love the direction Rush went afterward but would have never complained if they had ever felt like revisiting that format at least once during the '90s or even '00s.

[@omicron2018]

The lyrics to "A Farewell To Kings" prove that Neil Peart was a prophet who saw 2021 decades ago.

[@scottarnest8980]

@@omicron2018 It seems that way, although, it is the same story throughout history and a common theme. It is a feature in his other writings as well: Bastille Day and 2112 to mention a few.

[@chadlee1057]

No doubt one of my favorites.

[@garylagstrom3864]

ONE WORD: MASTERPIECE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😎😎😎👑👑👑

[@garylagstrom3864]

RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary

[@KawaTony1964]

Believe it or not, the live version is even better. It's been a long time since I listened to the studio version because the live version is so perfect.

[@giancarlocavallotti6358]

Me too! Actually this was the first time in years I listened to the studio version again.

[@IANSPA]

Rush Hemisphere's, another Epic.

[@michaelgross8635]

Must listen to Cygnus X-1 from AFTK just prior to Hemispheres. It's a must!

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@michaelgross8635 Yeah, you need to listen to both parts to really get the full experience.

[@billhawkins1236]

Really makes you wonder why it took so long for them to be inducted into the R & R hall of fame. To see them play this live, 3 different times makes me extremely grateful.🤠

[@PJsUTubeVids]

Saw them do this late on their "All the World's a Stage" tour before this album even came out. Was extremely impressed.

[@Lightmane]

It took so long because the RRHOF is a total joke, which is why Alex said what he said when he gave his epic speech.

[@billhawkins1236]

@@Lightmane Agreed, I'm not even sure why some bands bother to show up, other than for the fans, which I'm sure that's why Rush showed up.

[@richierich398]

Well the only reason rush was inducted was because for the first time the hall allowed the fans to vote on who should be inducted. And Rush was the winner of that pole by a landslide.

[@thomasmyers1664]

Me too! Three times and it was always perfect!

[@williambissell972]

Imagine hearing this in 1977, have look around, there was nothing that sounded remotely like this. It sounded like it was from the future... still does! A Farewell to Kings was the first album where Rush assumed a unique identity.

[@landriver1]

A fat Doobie was passed around before this song back in the day 👍

[@danphillips3580]

2112 album

[@treetopjones737]

Neil made them a better band, and not just his percussion work, he wrote deeper songs.

[@andrewtongue7084]

I was priveleged to be on that tour, William - phenomenal is the only word that fits !!

[@oberon1007]

Seeing RUSH play this song on the R40 tour, I literally had tears 😢 in my eyes knowing this would be the last time I would hear this live. I've been soooo blessed to live my life during the RUSH era of human history and witnessing this one in a species band. There never has be a RUSH before and never will be again.

[@johncanaday2262]

The entire intro tells a story, takes you on a journey….. incredible stuff

[@Billinois78]

The local classic rock station in Chicago occasionally does A-Z marathon weekends and had nothing for X. Unbelievable. I convinced them to add Xanadu and it has been their go-to for the letter X ever since. Now whenever they play it I think to myself "Yep. You're welcome".

[@LyonHall1]

we have nothing for X. And you call yourself a classic rock station. For shame

[@Seraphim4190]

Excellent work, Rowsdower. That is your second greatest contribution to humanity, right after helping Troy destroy Sartoris's evil cult.

[@Billinois78]

@@Seraphim4190 Yup. That Satoris had some nice boots though. Much nicer than my beer stained loafers. Hell I'd tip back a cold Molson with him if, uh, if not for the whole "tryin ta kill me and doom humanity" fiascoo. Ooh well

[@MrBaiter65]

I still miss "The Loop."

[@stevebryant6483]

Hearing an epic RUSH classic for the first time = Priceless

[@Steve_Blackwood]

I’ve seen the Exit Stage Left version easily 100 times… because it is perfect. Flawless, beautiful, and simply mesmerizing. You MUST watch it.

[@josephduhanuk5029]

Up here in Ontario I appreciate you two reacting to 3 of the greatest musicians in rock history!! Rush are unique. There is no other band and now with Neil's passing never will be again. Such a great catalog of material to choose from. If you are able, listen to The Gardening from Clockwork Angel's. Lyrically I think Neil's greatest work. It is an opus to life!! You made this Canadian happy. Thank you. 😁🙏

[@gtarry]

I saw Rush on their first UK tour in 1977, and they played a track from their soon to be recorded new album; that song was Xanadu

[@morganrothe9911]

That's Cool ..

[@WeirdRedFreak]

Was that at the Hammersmith Odeon by any chance. That’s where I saw em. Life changing experience.

[@gtarry]

@@WeirdRedFreak June 2 at Manchester's Free Trade Hall

[@flowersnyams]

The Live 'Exit Stage Left' performance of this is so spellbinding I rarely listen to the studio version.

[@paulgarcia1566]

This is rare for a song of this magnitude but they polished the song to be even better for the ESL live version.

[@brunosamppa]

Hope they pick this version kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5TWopeld9iNlac

[@rubbersole79]

"Anthem" was the first RUSH song that got me. That was 48 years ago.

[@garylagstrom3864]

Definitely check this live on Exit Stage Left!!! You won’t believe the roll down the Drumkit during the last time repeating the verses of Held within the pleasure dome Decreed by Kubla Khan

[@kph1034]

Ahhhhhhh just utter Rush bliss 😀😀 My favourite that I never get tired of hearing And to think when they play this live they not only perfectly replicate it ....they better it

[@jesterschameleon1862]

In the late 70's, I was always late for school as I couldn't tear myself away from listening to Rush on headphones after breakfast ... ha ha ha. Great times.

[@tugglesthe1st85]

headphones after being told "its a school night go to sleep" haha

[@52ndWarhawkGerbil]

That whole album is amazing. Wait till you hear the last song on the album “Cygnus X-1 book 1”. The intro is so good. Also, the cowbell sounding instruments that Neil was playing were wood blocks. They’re hollow wooden cubes of varying sizes that act similarly to a cowbell. He also uses them on their song “The Trees”.

[@mvunit3]

Michelle Michelle gave them "a" wooden block as a gift :). This will give them perspective of what Pratt was able to do with many :D.

[@glenndespres5317]

Ha! I knew that sounded like hardwood! Thanks for enlightening me. I was thinking, “wooden cowbells maybe?”

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Chocks

[@coldfire2812]

this song is definitely one of Rush's JEDI level songs. especially live!! pure talent and class guys!

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Also, read the lyrics. Neil was inspired by - practically obsessed with - the unfinished epic poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Kubla Kahn: A Vision”. Unbelievable. Truly amazing.

[@geneharland]

After much review...He is always pleasant ..never condescending..very insightful, and most importantly, a fan of ALL eras of RUSH's MUSIC...I personally declare that Michael Briefs is promoted to the rank of General in the Rush Army. Congratulations General Briefs! Carry on.

[@funkster007]

Now you're talking. Great choice!

[@gregcormier2379]

Awesome to see you react to Xanadu! The level of musicianship is off the charts and when you get to do the live version, hopefully from Exit stage Left, you’ll be even more amazed at how they are able to perform this with just the three of them. On behalf of the Rush family we appreciate you both for sharing the experience with us.

[@TheMoosebreath24]

Well done! I'm so glad you've moved back to Rush! A delightful choice to break your fast.

[@cometogether999]

Xanadu the movie, stars Olivia Newton-John and has ELO on the soundtrack. Very pop oriented fantasy film. No relation to this song, except by name.

[@WarhawkBeyond2040]

Excellent choice and one of the most iconic Rush songs of all time

[@phiby123]

It's a perfect song played by a perfect band, absolutely epic, and even better live!

[@tammiec4937]

Incredible song and band but y’all know that already. Love you guys! It still amazes me that they were in their mid 20’s here and playing at this level.

[@necromancer6897]

I was married in 97 and sadly still married, so enjoy this it’s special just to enjoy the same music is so important to longevity! I wish you two much luck and love you both put a smile on my face which has been gone for a while so thanks and keep listening to rush thanks!!

[@neilvines8821]

It's so fitting that you enjoy Rush. They always credited YES as one of their main influences as artists. These two have always been my favorite bands.

[@1Lovebird1]

Temple blocks is what neil was playing.

[@franckthibault2521]

I was hoping no one was going to mention it and they would of seen it on the live version..

[@garylagstrom3864]

RUSH IS: Geddy Lee - Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson - Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus Pedals Neil Peart - Drums kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, tubular bells, crotales, cowbells, plywood, tympani, and Gong!

[@dennismoore3383]

It's RUSH. No reason to tell you about the sweet pleasures your ears just beheld. With RUSH, hearing is believing. Thank you for reacting!

[@dolszewski906]

FINALLY!!!🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭THANK YOU!!! I first heard this song live and I feel the studio version is tame and lacks the full bodied energy the live version has. So much goes into the playing of their instruments when they're on stage. Neil sounds like he's got cotton swabs for sticks! Lol but it's still Rush either way so thank you for all you do ! Peace love Rush family! 🥰🤗🤘

[@rushfan9thcmd]

Dont forget that they recorded this in 1 take!

[@VG-iq8xq]

Nice guys! Man I've said it before I just can't wait til you do Hemispheres! You're gonna fall off your chairs!

[@MrHisperia2001]

Tremendous tune from the Great Rush ❤️☝️ thanks for the reaction guys love it ❤️☝️

[@richrazz2653]

Again another band is greater to witness live.. I had the pleasure of seeing them in the late 70s, then early 80s.. then Early 90s.. Rush morphing their craft!! Great job again guys 👏

[@bronzebackblaine]

This song just might be one of the 3 greatest compositions of rock music ever. A masterpiece! Great reactions!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

Expressive, emotional, beautiful, powerful, sweeping, dynamic, flawless..... MASTERCLASS! This epic song has the same effect on me now that I turned 60, as it did when I first heard it in high school as a teen!

[@davecole2561]

Tears in my eyes seeing two of my favourite KZbinrs reacting to one of my favourite bands. Masterful...from the masters. Don't wait to react to the 1981 Exit Stage Left version which is everything people here have said - and more! Rush love coming at you all the way from Devon, UK.

[@vicprovost2561]

Such an Iconic track and I was very lucky to see it several times live, it was always awesome. Bravo for getting around to this and playing another epic. Another song that tears me up (along with many fans who love Rush as well) is Rock Bottom by UFO. It is the song they were really known for in the 70s, it is one of Michael Schenker's most influential solos (Def Leppard & Iron Maiden and many others cite it) that is great as a studio track but the definitive version is on Strangers in the Night Live. It is a similar length to Xanadu and just as epic in its own way. Both amazing forms of what rock can be. You will be amazed, thanks for listening and Rock On! 😎

[@garylagstrom3864]

Imagine the three of them playing this for their PHD in music 🎶 in front of say a Berkeley School of Music in front of the chair of the department and two associate chairs and afterwards they hand them there degrees and place crowns on their heads and saying: THREE KINGS OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK 👑👑👑

[@MikeJones-wl6gb]

I was lucky enough to see RUSH live 3 times. I know many people that saw them many more times than me but it was never a disappointment. RUSH live is something to behold. Remember Plini please. Nick, you are guitarist, have you ever heard Plini play?

[@bobyoung2306]

Thanks for bringing back my love for Rush! You are such wonderful people and I appreciate your love of music! You seem like a perfect couple! God bless and hope for happiness for you both!

[@davidmckee5659]

It warms my heart to see the same reaction in others I had so long ago now when I first really listened to Rush. They are and will always be my favorite rock band of all.

[@rafanj824]

The three-man orchestra. It's unbelievable how only 3 persons are able to deliver this, even live!!! It's mind blowing.

[@alanbrown7412]

Hi Nick Hi Lexi. Oh man you have made a old man very happy. It doesn't matter when I hear this song it brings tears of happiness to my eyes I actually checked out about Kubla Khan after listening to Xanadu. I bought the album when it was originally released on vinyl. The album blew me away. I saw them in Liverpool UK on this tour ...it was the first time I saw the keyboards played by pedals . Thank you so much for a great reaction. Keep the Rush going. Take care. Love and peace 👍✌️🤘

[@kentinatl]

When this album came out i was 20 and listened to it and all the world's a stage all the time..xanadu,closer to the heart,cygnus x-1:book one:the voyage prologue filled my bedroom with joyous and magnificent rock...what a band!!!!! ..you two are awesome..all my best..Kent.

[@stevenmcgowan8344]

They performed this song the last time I saw them in 2015. It was so cool when Geddy and Alex pulled out the double neck guitars.

[@michaelb8317]

Nick and Lex and Rush - my favorite thing to watch! Love you guys.

[@garylagstrom3864]

HOW DO YOU SUM UP RUSH??? THREE KINGS 👑👑👑

[@jonathanspahn7308]

Thank you, thank you! 😊 Welcome back to Rush! 🤘 Looking forward to more and eventually the Live version. When you see how they do it...you will be 🤯🤯🤯.

[@michaelmartin9128]

One of the most Epic Song put on Vinyl. Your Mind Will Explode when you see this Live. I Envy you. To get too watch this for the first time... I Will Relive the experience Through You Two.😁😁💗🤘

[@richignacio81]

Warms my heart with a big smile watching you two enjoy. Thank you for sharing!

[@Drinckx2]

One of their very best compositions (which is saying something). This has less to do with Olivia Newton John's film career and more to do with the great Romantic poet and drug-addled visionary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan (published, 1816). 'In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree, where Alph the sacred river ran, through caverns measureless to man, down to a sunless sea.' One of those lines of poetry I remember off by heart from school days (about 45 years ago). Lines from the poem are repeated in the song's lyrics.

[@crazyfingers19]

I actually read it after hearing this song. See mom! Rush is good for your head!

[@themechaniacal1558]

Dude, now I've got Olivia Newton John's version stuck in my head, and it's your fault. And yes, Jeff Lynn is also doing the backup vocal. At least she had a sexy voice, so there's that. ;)

[@andrewtongue7084]

& all thanks to Mr Peart's encyclopaedic literary prowess, Paul...

[@marksingo2177]

Coleridge was actually in a cocaine induced dream state when he wrote this poem..just saying..

[@stevenm.6886]

In 1977 I was 16 and saw them play at our Civic Center. 2500 seats. I couldn’t believe it was only 3 guys! God what a memory. Their best album I believe. CYGNUS X-1 !!!!!!!

[@ricmeister73]

Was at the Palladium in NYC for the Farewell To Kings tour. Had floor seats and will never forget when the fog rolled in during Xanadu. Those were the days. The best of times. Love you guys, take care.

[@ianhewitson2738]

The title track of this album was the very first time I heard Rush. It was in a listening booth in the best music shop in my town, it was December 1977 and I was 14 years old. I bought the album and here we are, almost 44 years later, still listening to those songs. Amazing.

[@davidgainsford9925]

I've been seeing rush since 1979 till the there last tour before Neil's death! Ty for keeping this bands music alive Xanadu is a must to see live! My other all time favorite is Jacob's ladder which I saw your review on it! Too see these 3 men perform was simply amazing!!! Ty Jersey dave! R.i.p. neil

[@CAVERUNLAKE]

Best three piece ever period!!

[@marca81]

The live 1981 Exit stage left video is epic. The orchestration between the three of them is phenomenal. They are the GOAT.

[@gregmoran5784]

Envy is all that I can say. Watching such a fabulous couple getting into Rush for the first time makes me regress to so much of my time in the 70’s discovering them. I still find new things is some of their songs that I’ve missed over the years. It’s such a pleasure listening to your comments about my favourite band and introducing me to other great music: Jimmy Herring, IQ to name 2. Thank you.x

[@aloysius6937]

The greatest rock band of all time!! I was ten years old when I bought a farewell to Kings 🤴 big part of my life them three Kings!!

[@TheWorryKnot]

Their opening number the first time I saw them live back in the day, on a Thanksgiving Day in Johnstown, PA. You can imagine the adrenaline in my greasy youth :). It warms my heart to see a new generation discovering the band. Thank you :) I've been enjoying many of your reactions.

[@GergC0521]

Great review! When a drummer can incorporate tubular bells, chimes, xylophone, wood blocks, cow bells and oh yeah, drums and cymbals. OMG this song is awesome!

[@GergC0521]

When I first heard this song, I thought there was a lot of overdubbing, but after seeing it live on the Exit Stage Left Tour, I was soooo wrong. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKarhGCdn7KcjNk

[@GergC0521]

Darn it, I corrected a typo and it dropped my heart from NiknLex :-(

[@racebiketuner]

I knew you were going to love this! Glad you decided to listen to the studio version first ;-)

[@Candiansilverado]

Been waiting for this one! Looking forward to a Cygnus X-1 reaction next ;)

[@michoumike5359]

RUSH , AMONG THE REST, ARE SO INCREDIBLE AND CREATIVE IN THEIR TRANSITIONS WTHIN THEIR SONGS , THEY'RE '' OFF THE CHARTS '' !!

[@michaelmalone3089]

I was privileged to see Rush live on several occasions B soul's 🙂Even though I worked at Wembley arena I bought tickets for the gig because I wanted to go crazy like everyone else 🤣🤣🤣well done B Soul's 💝

[@garylagstrom3864]

NEIL PEART’S 10 RULES FOR SUCCESS: 1: EARN YOUR AUDIENCE 2: BE RESTLESS 3: GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE 4: LEARN FROM OTHERS 5: CREATE WHAT YOU LIKE 6: INFECT PEOPLE WITH YOUR FIRE 7: DON’T READ REVIEWS 8: CREATE FOR YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE 9: FIND YOUR INSPIRATION 10: NEVER STOP EXPERIMENTING

[@k_spats]

Lex... the way your face lights up makes my heart swell. We would have been best friends back in the day. 💜💫✌🏼🎵 You two just "get it." #RushOn

[@NicknLex]

You are so sweet, I loved reading this comment! Welcome to the family girl! :) -Lex

[@Babyseal2002]

Masterpiece. And 're-echo those saying you now need to do the live Exit Stage Left version. Absolutely Stunning musicianship.

[@danmcconnell5941]

Neil unlocked the whole percussion arsenal on this. Temple blocks at the beginning, concert chimes, wind/bar chimes, bell tree, tuned cowbells, glockenspiel

[@sidecardog5244]

This song was based on the epic poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798). Coleridge was a laudanum addict and the scenes he describes are dreamlike and mystical. Given the zeitgeist that prevailed during the sixties and seventies, Rush perfectly captured the essence of the poem, thus elevating rock beyond it's humble beginnings. Other bands, notably Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Yes, borrowed heavily from great works of fantasy/mythological literature. Check out the Genesis song The Fountains of Salmacis for a similar vibe.

[@blazingsaddle166]

Yeah, the live version is the gold standard for a 3 piece live performance. Just a massive onslaught of sonic awesomeness. It's a sight to behold to see how the 3 of them hold it all together because the amount of multi-tasking from each member can't fail to impress in bringing a faithful studio version to the stage.

[@GorgonTheHybrid]

about freakin' time! you played that movie I recommended called "You Need to Play More Rush!" :p - and you made the right choice with the studio version! woohoo! RUSH ON!

[@Fred-vy1hm]

This one you have to see live to get the full effect of how great this band is, all three members put on a masterclass of multitasking and the footage from 1981's exit stage left version in Montreal is arguably the greatest single performance in Rock history.

[@michael7324]

I have only listened to that song about 10,000 times. I still get goosebumps.

[@chrislegner4816]

Xanadu was my first first exposure to progressive hard rock as a precocious teen. Needless to say, it was a life changing event. Good commentary. This one definitely takes you on a journey.

[@riveralph3687]

Ah yes; sheer perfection! And the reason I chose my screen name LOL. Such a great reaction and I appreciate your earnest expressions of wonder, in the same way I was moved by this song (and the entire AFTK album) in 1979 at the tender age of 16. This album really blew me away at first listen and continues to be one of my favorite Rush albums to this day. Really must react to the live Exit Stage Left version to see them make this epic song look pretty easy to perform. Long live Rush!

[@Divedown_25]

I saw Rush once. 2004? When Neil Peart started his solo Geddy Lee and Alan Lifeson went out and took a coffee ☕️, maybe even a city tour 💥🤠before they came back like 30 minutes or so later

[@michaelmalone3089]

Brilliant 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffreycook2112]

More Rush please! Your reactions to this song were similar to mine as an 11 year old in 1977 listening to A Farewell To Kings through headphones in my bedroom. This is one of my three favorite Rush albums and I’m so glad you guys did this song. Please do Cygnus X1.

[@rmonsipapa]

I have to say this brings back a ton of memories…. This was out when I was in high school back in the late 70’s…. Next time you listen to it, get a good indica sit back and listen. There is nothing like being in the NOW to focus on just the song, it will set a memory spot in your head that will just not be the same… 😊

[@scottlaughlin9897]

The Exit stage left live version will blow you away even more. It’s so exact, second for second as the studio.

[@bonovol]

RUSH is a triangular cohesion of genius. And I WILL break my fast on honeydew! So glad you got to do this one. Now bring on the live!

[@gixxerman0016]

My 1st Rush concert (1979 Hemispheres tour) was such a wonderful experience, back then the set list was all the earlier stuff (obviously) & Xanadu was such a high-light. I was always impressed so much by how they used bass pedals to be able to play live (so faithfully & well) their studio material. Such a great band.

[@seaneckert487]

Love your channel, remember first and foremost never apologize for you expressing this RUSH experience your having. This music has been in my life all my life, being a guitar player Alex Lifeson is so underrated and under appreciated for what he brings to every song. That being his emotion and integrity to play from his heart.

[@PauloCarnaxide]

One of the best masterpieces of prog music ever to be done, among so many others that Rush did. These guys were epic.

[@Bassianus]

First time I heard this was at The Hammersmith Odeon in London UK way back around '77/78, Blow my mind then and still does all these years later, I was 15 at the time.

[@paulclarkson8956]

Love you guys. This is one of Rush’s best tunes. Your reactions were like mine when I first heard it (back in early 80s). Next stop for you I think is Cygnus X1 from the same album. Wait till you hear that it will blow the top of your head clean off. Take care - from your follower in England

[@tomvenner6030]

I was born in 1958 so this might seem weird to you but when this album came out I liked it but because of all the great music I had already been listening to it was just another great song on another great album. Back then I listened to so many great bands, raised on the beatles then led zepplin, pink floyd, genesis, sweet, black sabbath, elo, roxy music, t-rex, the who, the stones, supertramp, boston, meatloaf, frampton, bowie, yes, king crimson, nazareth... so many others. I couln't afford to buy all the great albums I wanted so we "taped" them from our freinds collections! I appreciate it more now because after the 70s the quality of music began to decline. Not as many really exceptional bands since. Modern favs of mine include porcupine tree, mostly autumn and nightwish.