SO CREATIVE!! First Time Reaction to RUSH - "Xanadu"

[@lawrencescottjr1619]

To see a woman who understands and appreciates Rush is truly heartwarming!

[@brentwalker8596]

Lol. Yeah, I guess the historic fan base of Rush has been mostly guys. Bummer. I was one of those guys, too.

[@PaPaWizdom]

​@@brentwalker8596My first gf was a hard core Rush fan, before I knew her. This was 86 when we were 17. She finally met Geddy about five years ago, or whenever it was he released that book. Found out from spying on her FB, lol. We haven't talked since the early 90s. Was great to see that pic of her fist bumping Geddy at a meet n greet.

[@brentwalker8596]

@@PaPaWizdom Cool story.

[@FritzMonday]

Indeed!

[@johnpollack5527]

I love that you love Rush. These guys were true brothers and never betrayed each other. Really great humans!

[@michaelt3308]

Perfectly said!

[@ilikeonlygraphite]

Very well said.

[@Fonpol68]

I spoke with Alex on the set of The Trailer Park Boys. I say spoke but it was more like laughter.

[@johnpollack5527]

@ I can totally see that. Remember his hall of fame speech. Haha hall of fame screwed Rush for years. Glad they got in before Neil passed

[@jeffjohnson8444]

Alex - 12 string, 6 string, pedals Geddy - Bass, 12 string, Keyboards, Pedals and Vocals (You are correct he uses his voice like it is an instrument in the orchestra) Neil - Drums, Glockenspiel, Wood Blocks, Triangles, Tubular Bells, Wind Chimes, and anything else he could find to make unique sounds Welcome to the Rabbit Hole You should look at the following: 2112, La Villa Strangiato, Cygnus X-1 Book 1 and Book 2, Natural Science, Their catalog is voluminous. But you should check out the some of the last Album to see how they matured. Headlong Flight and their Unofficial Swan Song "The Garden"

[@sugarkitty4777]

Yes, in the video she did eventually realize it's Neil but she used the word "xylophone". Technically I believe it's a higher register using metal not wood, so it's glockenspiel. It's in sync with the synth at that point so now that you know Neil is one, Geddy is playing the synth with hands, not feet. She is right though, there are foot pedals that Geddy has, I remember seeing that demonstrated but later in their career like for Tom Sawyer or YYZ. What's going on in this song I think is just a pedal with single sound samples using the pedal just as a trigger.

[@allanperry6507]

Alex can also play the Mandolin, and later on the piano

[@steveg2517]

@@sugarkitty4777 Neil Peart - Drums, orchestra bells, tubular bells, temple blocks, cowbells, wind chimes, bell tree, triangle, vibra-slap, crotales, Slingerland-Deagan Glockenspiel #B-58. Drums: 6x5.5, 8x5.5, 10x7, 12x8, single-headed Concert Tom. 12x8, 13x9, 15x12, Toms, 18x16 Floor Tom. 24x14, 24x14 Bass Drum, 14x6.5, 13x6.5 Brass timbales. 14x5.5 Slingerland Artist Model wooden Snare with Copper Wrap. Cymbals: Avedis Zildjian 6" and 8" Splash, two 16", 18", 20" Crash, 22" Ping Ride, 18" Pang, pair of 13" New Beat hi-hats. Geddy Lee - Rickenbacker 4080 Double Neck Bass and 6-String Guitar (JetGlo), Mini Moog, bass pedal synthesizer, vocals Alex Lifeson - Six and twelve string electric guitar, bass pedal synthesizer

[@Mark_T_23]

@@sugarkitty4777 She corrected herself at the end. Be Kind. We are Rush fans. We hold a higher standard than that. Also, she admitted she has no musical knowldge.

[@RigiLiquid945]

La Villa Strangiato is one of my favorites

[@victorjohnson7512]

BACKSTORY: Both of Geddy's parents, Manya and Moishe, were Holocaust survivors. They met as teenagers in Starachowice labour camp in Poland from where they were transferred to the Auschwitz death camp. They were separated towards the end of the war, but miraculously they both survived and found each other again. Got married after the war and moved to Toronto Canada. Alex Lifeson's parents, Nenad and Melanija Živojinović, were Serb immigrants from Yugoslavia. They fled communist oppression under the dictator Josip Broz Tito and also moved to Toronto Canada. These two families happened to have Son's the same age who became best friends in High school and started the Rock Band Called RUSH...

[@tpernis23]

Neil Peart.... "your favorite drummer's favorite drummer" R.I.P. The Professor.

[@lassesaikkonen501]

In that case according to Neil Peart himsef your favorite drummer's favorite drummer's favorite drummer would be Phil Collins.

[@ScottHurst-mq6rt]

One of the all time greats, I still think bonham was better, I used to debate that with an old work friend😊

[@daghetto101]

@@ScottHurst-mq6rt Ginger Baker is way better than Collins, Bonham, and Peart. That's facts. Since Ginger Baker himself said it /s.

[@mooniejohnson]

I think you could have put two tin pans in front of Neil and he would have knocked it out of the park.

[@ilikeonlygraphite]

​@ScottHurst-mq. No offense brother, each perceives differently, but, I love Bonham, however, he doesn't, cone close.✌️

[@bryceburgart8544]

This is the studio recorded version. Recorded in one live take in studio. Not just that, it was the first take. It was like, ya guys, mic drop, that’s it. Done with Xanadu! Next track… Yet… as much as I love the studio version, live versions are so incredible to listen to. Especially from exit stage left.

[@20sainthockey]

The structure of a RUSH song is just incredible. I am lucky to have been alive when RUSH was making music. Seeing these guys live was a tremendous experience. There will never, NEVER be another RUSH.

[@mrbickity]

Don't forget these guys were in their early 20's when composing this! Incredible.

[@Jeff-h4j]

So right. I first saw them in 79. Hemispheres. Just after Farewell. Their ages on All the world's a stage still blows me away. Great to hear you say that.

[@OhNoNotAgain42]

Guitar solos? Check. Foot pedals? Check. Drum fills? Check. Soaring vocals? Check. Epic story? Check. Wind Chimes? Check. Time signatures? Check. Kimonos? Check. It’s all there.

[@jayusrey3221]

Fuck yeah for the kimonos!

[@Mertztillithurts]

@@jayusrey3221 I think it was the band UFO that put (even nailed?) fuzzy slippers on stage, "...to go with your robes, Glee!" They called him 'Glee'. G. Lee... okay, Glee.

[@ericfranklin6290]

Sweet reaction. Your deep appreciation for RUSH is spot on. As to the elusive mysteries of three man band’s awesomeness, you might wanna read Geddy Lee’s memoir entitled “My Effin’ Life”. Or better yet listen to it, as Geddy reads it. Anyway, yes! Please do continue on your RUSH journey. Some of your reactions are priceless. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve also wondered “Neeeeeil! Howwww?!?”. Cheers!

[@mcgee66p]

@@ericfranklin6290 Neil Peart, my favorite drummer’s drummer. That man inspired a whole generation of drummers, including myself. Hitting things with sticks 😊.

[@mikerasmusson8749]

That was Alex on the foot pedals

[@Deacon1952]

I laughed out loud for real when you used the word " NOISE " made by 3 guys. The first time my brother in law introduced me to Rush, I asked him after 2 or 3 songs how many guys in the band. he said 3. I sat stunned and said " You're telling me that only 3 guys made all that NOISE ??? " LOL ! Good word choice dear...

[@Mark_T_23]

But she made is clear it was the best noise that she ever heard. I caught that too (the word "noise").

[@Mertztillithurts]

Yes I (jokingly) said, "How DARE you call this 'noise'...!?" when you said that, Stacey. 🤣😘

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Stacey, one more thing: Rush recorded the track you just heard in one take. THEY DID IT ALL IN ONE TAKE!! They ran more takes, in the studio, after the 1st but the 1st take is the one they used for the album. Can you believe that?? Incredible band!

[@Mark_T_23]

I was always wondering if that was one take. I know it's exactly as is was heard on the original album release, But I was wondering if there were any edits to this. Thank you for clarifying.

[@Mertztillithurts]

This was also their first go-around with all their new TOYS -- Neil's greatly expanded drumkit with so many extra drum pieces, plus better chimes, bells, xylophone, blocks, more cowbells! I don't see the gong but maybe that too. Alex was already using a volume pedal (showcased in intro) but he had some new toys too; I think he had synth pedals to go with Geddy's? Or maybe that was later. But he got that new double-neck Gibson 6/12-string. Geddy had new synth keys and also bass pedals and synth pedals, and a double-neck Rick bass/12-string guitar. They set up all this stuff and someone said, "Okay let's use it all at once on something." That was Xanadu (and, Cygnus X-1 Book 1, too). The biggest thing that contributed to this masterpiece was their success with the 2112 album, their last studio LP. The record label suits finally shut up about writing singles and let them be -- and threw money at them for all the new gear. My favorite RUSH era is what I call the "later early" period of 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres and Permanent Waves. Arguably you can put 2112 in "early early" and add Moving Pictures to "later early" Whatever.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

@@Mertztillithurts well said! The Gong was added for the Hemispheres tour since it’s used at the end, before “VI: The Sphere”.

[@metoo7557]

The guitarist is Alex Lifeson, he plays 12 string, 6 string and pedals, but don't be fooled, he's a virtuoso at his crafts just like the other two. One of the things the band is known for is its irregular time signatures. most bands play 4/4 time, and keep throughout the whole song.. some bands play different time signatures instead throughout a whole song. Rush changes time signatures several times throughout a single song. It's one of the things they are known for. That and well they can all solo.. at the same time.

[@vicprovost2561]

Thanks for mentioning Alex, all the reactors almost never do. It is as if he does not exist other than as an ensemble member in the band...

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Alex is phenomenal 👍

[@6chhelipilot]

When Geddy isn't singing they are all soloing.

[@JohnEverts-vo5wo]

@@dalemcmillan7231dude…the 5-7 second Flamenco intro to LVS on Hemispheres. Just one example of him (and them) being open-minded to try anything and somehow they always make it work. Just friggin’ mind boggling. Just got feel blessed to have been alive to see them in concert so many times.

[@WalterBenkel]

"How is this band real." BEST comment I've heard about Rush, EVER. Thanks Stacey.

[@FritzMonday]

The level of professionalism! Was fortunate enough to have seen them twice !

[@kennethozzimo2374]

Lucky enough to have seen them at least 10 times!! Including their last show! 🙂

[@FritzMonday]

@@kennethozzimo2374 I saw the Power Windows tour. Saw them again, in early 2000's

[@darich44]

Saw them in 73 opening for Nazareth ,Rutzy era .Then last of three nights at Massey Hall. Max Webster opened .All the World's a stage show

[@nelsonpatel8624]

I am very glad that you are finally diving deep into Rush who are just three years younger then Pink Floyd. Limelight, Red Sector A, and Subdivisions next. Have a great weekend!😁

[@thespacealienssmogandgrog4283]

"They are just again musical geniuses and there's just something magical about them, something intangible that I can't quite put my finger on." Neither can any of us Rush fans. They just had a magical chemistry together.

[@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

[@Indo1030]

He truly was the Best to ever play the drums.

[@TKDforME1]

❤ Amen brother

[@markr.devereux3385]

​@@Indo1030xAnd he introduced the orchestral percussion to 70s rock. And his superior intellect and he played on all those great RUSH tracks . yes the greatest of all time.

[@danb2020]

Thank you Gary I have zero musical talent. I feel Neil never got enough credit for lyrics. I knowwhat pleases my ears and other senses. Rush is the greatest of all time hands down.

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Stacey, one thing -- a big thing -- that is special about Rush is their BROTHERHOOD. They are/were best friends and musical brothers. They lasted over 40 years as a band (even more when you think of the time before Neil joined the band, in 1974) because they are really decent people, fun guys, super intelligent guys, and they worked their assess off to make great music for their fans! So, it's great to see that you really appreciate their uniqueness and power! The next song you should do is "Limelight"! Do the official video!

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

They agreed at the beginning to split any money they made equally and never changed. They decided at the beginning to put aside their egos for the sake of each other.

[@pendermanager3739]

I grew up in Willowdale Ontario and I have seen Rush in high school

[@randythuesdee9399]

There is a live version that you need to check out Live "Exit Stage Left". Neil also wrote the lyrics

[@thord9055]

This version is played live, but with no audience. Neil refused to play playback so everything Rush did during the seventies was played live. Cheers!

[@rattan3793]

@@thord9055 Incorrect. They are miming to the studio track in this video. The only live videos they made were the Hemispheres promotional music vids - The Trees, Circumstances, and La Villa Strangiato.

[@mightyV444]

​@@rattan3793 - THAT is correct! 🙂👍

[@KentBalzer]

I truly appreciate your reaction to this song. In my opinion, this is the defining Rush song and album of all time. It literally shaped their sound going forward. Xanadu is often referred to as their Opus. After all, Neil introduced new percussion such as glockenspiel, tubular bells, wind chimes, temple blocks, bell tree, triangle and multiple cowbells. Geddy introduced synthesizers and foot pedal synthesizers. Alex also started playing foot pedal synthesizers. The most remarkable thing about this song is that despite all the extra percussion and synthesizers included, it doesn't seem too bombastic or anything sticking out as out of place. It all fits perfectly like a classical orchestra composition. Also, the changing time signatures truly started on this song and album. This song defines Rush the way we fans grew up loving them. I would truly like to see you react to La Villa Strangiato (official video) to see why we love their instrumental performances. No vocals, just showing off musically. See what you think. Thank you.

[@johnbindert7046]

Xanadu is my favorite Rush song. Rick Beato says that Xanadu is Rush's greatest song. kzbin.info0UeGt2DcPHk?si=GHlZjgxr0v8vZhT4

[@ChrisLegner-qp1yh]

Great choice! All of Peart's intricate percussion choices have a purpose. This song was all about creating a vivid mental picture.

[@steveg2517]

Kubla Khan: is a poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, completed in 1797 and published in 1816. It is sometimes given the subtitles "A Vision in a Dream" and "A Fragment." According to Coleridge's preface to Kubla Khan

[@rhythmetist]

Complete list of everything Neil plays in this video: Temple blocks wind chimes triangles Tubular bells (also called chimes) cowbells and agogo bells glockenspiel (also called orchestra bells, or just bells) bell tree And of course his amazing drum set, a Slingerland at this time I believe. And Zildjian cymbals.

[@joesixpack8305]

Geddy Lee: Bass guitar, bass pedals, keyboards, Synth, Synth pedals, lead vocals Alex Lifeson: Lead/rhythm guitar with effects pedals, and when Geddy runs out of limbs, keys, bass and synth pedals, harmonizing vocals Neil Peart: Percussion, lyricist

[@stephenbracka2270]

Hi, Stacey! The boys weren't just very tight players, but they were young too. Geddy & Alex were both 23 going on 24 and Neil was 24 going on 25 when they produced their 5th studio album A FAREWELL TO KINGS from 1977 (which I recommend in its entirety) from which Xanadu is taken. .Most bands are toast by their 5th original album, but Rush were just warming up the next phase of their early career. Many others as well as myself feel Xanadu to be their finest song. This video captured what was only a 3rd single take run through probably before returning to Canada (if not on Canadian TV) from Rockfield Studios & Castle in Wales. Queen have rehearsed and recorded demos there also. Xanadu was first run through in studio to get proper microphone placement and the 2nd take is what made the album as a band with no overdubs. A microphone did capture natural ambient sounds such as the chirping of sparrows or house finches on the album and on this video. With the album finished and having returned to Canada, Rush embarked on a concert tour in support of the album consisting of 140 shows spreading into 1978 in which they were headliners for the first time. Neil's kit here is on a non rotating riser because it's all acoustic without electronic percussion and samples. Check out the documentary BEYOND THE LUGHTED STAGE from 2009 or 2010 on DVD or online. You stay classy, Stacey...

[@PhilM4547]

This is only the second reaction I’ve seen from you, and as a life long Rush fanatic, the moment you said “Neil” for the first time indicating that you know who he is, I shouted, “Will you marry me” at the screen! You are TOO awesome! Your appreciation of all the musical and vocal elements that make Rush one of God’s personal gifts to music has left me breathless! Consider me a dedicated new subscriber! Oh, and you’re WAY too beautiful on top of it all! Cheers!

[@kathrynchambers5344]

I'm a HUGE Rushanista, and I LOVE seeing younguns, especially girls , getting into this amazing AF band !!!

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

There weren’t so many girls and women in the early days, but I noticed more appeared in live shows as time progressed. Now we have lots of female reactors. 👍😊

[@michaelwilson9449]

Yes you're correct, Geddy wasn't playing the xylophone, that was Neil. But did you notice that Geddy was not just singing, was of course playing the bass, and also the synth (with his hands and feet), but he was also playing an electric guitar (at the end of the song, while Alex does his solo)! He had a double neck bass and electric guitar combo, as Alex played his 12 and 6 string double neck guitar! Absolutely amazing!!! Rush were true geniuses. Love your reaction! Cheers from 🇨🇦.

[@RoyLeBlanc]

Another 🇨🇦 here. I definitely concur. The best band that this great country exported to the world... from the early 1970's till the 2010's.

[@JonDickinson-dq9oj]

A 3 piece band, that sounds like a 6 piece! The level of talent was unmistakable and unmatched, IMHO. So glad they were Canadian. Makes me very proud...

[@garylagstrom3864]

NEIL PEART’S NARRATION ON EXIT STAGE LEFT DVD: There’s a tremendous ambiance about a concert hall…to even before a band starts playing…from the time the doors open..this place feels electric you know! That’s one of the things I like most about the road that feeling of standing in the hall when the doors open feel the excitement bursting into the hall. I must admit I feel very comfortable playing live a lot! The song satisfies and does have a modern day rocker persona about it. A very modern urban setting for that Tom Sawyer mentality and a very carefree stride and a very self-possessed kind of air. Xanadu: The question we tend to ask the most often is WHAT IF? I think of you had to simplify a motivation or simplify a moving force in our music that would probably…suffice! Red Barchetta: Well it seems to me a car is one of those handy metaphors and volumes have been written about the sociological and cultural impact of the car and what it represents but it also has a very fundamental sensual feel and it’s a metaphor for sexuality and freedom. We’ve certainly tried to guide everything by the principles that were interested in and the freedom of choice and the material we’ve been playing and expression of music that we found to be exciting would excite other people as well. If the songwriting is important and playing really well on stage is important it’s gonna make the difference between feeling good or not feeling good when I walk off stage feeling that I played as well as I can or as close to well as I can then I feel very satisfied and good for what you have done. I think there’s a very strong relation not generally recognized between drums and between words as the rhythmic structure and the phrasing and rhythm of verse is especially related and rooted in the same syncopation as drums are the same patters of thinking that overall work for me as words as well as drum beats.

[@mightyV444]

Thank you for that! 😊👍

[@Martin-i4o8k]

A Canadian here. Been a hardcore Rush fan for over half a century now, saw them live in Calgary in the late eighties. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart are/were the most underrated musicians/composers in the entire world of rockdom, IMO. I still am so sad that Neil is gone. RIP, my friend.

[@oldmonkeybones]

Very few artists climb to the level of one word made for people like this: Virtuosity. Rush embodied the incredible heights that can be reached when high natural talent combine with a dogged and relentless work ethic. They weren't just band members or musicians. They were, all three of them, virtuosos. As Michaelangelo once remarked, "If people saw how hard I worked for my mastery, it would no longer seem miraculous."

[@rickbriefs8712]

You should still DEFINITELY watch the Live version, “ Exit, Stage Left” from 1981! Preferably the Remastered version from “Stick Hits” !!

[@mightyV444]

...preferably StickHits' version of 'The Trees' in tandem with 'Xanadu'! 😁

[@DavidMorrissey1978]

Did you know Neil Peart wrote all these lyrics? He brought genius to a Canadian high school dance band who broke in Cleveland around 1974. This song was on A Farewell to Kings 1976. I’m a guitarist and saw them twice that year. I was 16. My blood still pumps when I hear them!! Thanks kid!!🎸🎸🎸🙏

[@billreilly7693]

❤I saw Rush 13 times in three different states, they Never disappointed. Seeing them at Red Rocks amphitheatre 4 times was an amazing experience. Rush FOREVER!!!🥁☮☘

[@brettkenschaft4239]

I used to live in Denver and I saw quite a few shows at Red Rocks, but unfortunately never Rush. That's awesome! I am definitely jelly!

[@Mark_T_23]

I was so excited to see you posted this 4 hours ago. I'm usually reacting to a reaction that was done 1 to 4 years ago. I love that you get what Niel brings to a song. It is said, and I agree; that Niel drums to the vocal line. You don't quite hear it in this song but you can it others. You really need to listen to the feel of the drumming to feel it :) It’s not as much about Niel’s speed and timing as it is about his creativity. When Niel is playing with the band, the seamlessly smooth transition to the next phrase of the song is largely (but not solely) Niel. RIP. I'm actually glad that you heard this "Studio" version first. When you hear the live version (called exit stage left) you can appreciate that they sound the same live as they do here. But better. Again, I love that you appreciate Niel. It's hard not to just focus on him, I agree. And I get it. So happy you love the band. I don't know what else to recommend... I recommend Niel's Drum Solo in Frankfurt (live). Also, I like Limelight with the three of them in the studio. Don’t miss the dog at the end because of a KZbin pop-up (you will know what I mean when you see it). Last but not least, the quintessential Rush song, the song that skyrocketed them upward, Tom Sawyer. Again, the one with the three of them in the studio. The epic 20-minute song 2112 is another must see (NOT the live version). Appologies if you already reacted to one of the aforemantioned.

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

I followed Rush since 1976 and saw them 17x including their final Tour… This is in my opinion the Pinnacle of Rush as prog Rock Masters… Great reaction and review. R.I.P. Neil Peart and long live the mighty Rush 👊🏻

[@n5iln]

"Xanadu" is a reimagining of Coleridge's poem "Kubla Khan". This piece made it onto album-oriented rock radio in 1977, and immediately kicked me out of my "pop" stage into my "music" phase, which I've never really left. I was learning to play bass at the time, and it took me two months to learn how to play this -- just the bass, nothing else (hey, what do you want from an eighth-grader?). Rush have been called the "world's smallest orchestra", and it's a well-earned title. I only got to see them once, on the "Roll The Bones" tour, but it's an unforgettable experience. RIP Professor.

[@stephenpublicover8818]

Hey young lady, life long fan, only saw RUSH one time,"Power Windows Tour" in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada! Best Canadian Progressive rock band live ever!! RIP Neal Peart, "The Professor on Drums" Glad you are enjoying RUSH! 40 years of great Canadian ROCK!!😀👌👍👍👍👍🤏✌🤟

[@ericdee391]

I grew up in Toronto area and saw Rush at Maple Leaf Gardens a couple times in the 80’s in my teens. Geddy’s voice is perfect for their brand of progressive psychedelic metal/rock. Still enjoy their music to this day. U need to read Geddy’s autobiography “My Eff’n Life”.

[@somersetcace1]

Watching then live, especially in person, really gives you the sense of just how good they are. It's one thing to put out an incredible studio album, and quite another to be able to do it live, and they were among the best.

[@chadbennett7873]

Very few bands are better live ... Rush and Nightwish are at the top of the very short list.

[@2727rogers]

Saw them live and had a great view of the stage and how they were using those pedals while also playing their own instruments was worth the price of admission. Neil even had some synth drums that made different sounds when played.

[@brianlipskey8440]

the live version of Xanadu from "Exit Stage Left" is simply the greatest live rock performance ever...by anyone....ever....

[@JWalker-p4k]

Stacey, enjoyed watching your reactions. Rush has been my favorite band for over 40 years. As a musician I have always appreciated their technical skill and dedication to their craft. Enjoy 🙂

[@historian8214]

All masters of their many instruments, and they were so young. Neil was already one of the most insightful lyricists of all time, and said he did most of his lyrics with a rhyming dictionary. Musicians' musicians all, and great friends to the end. Never a greater band. RIP Professor. You inspire me still.

[@UltraReefReseller]

The most technical album ever made by RUSH was Hemispheres. After that they decided to chill out a little and what came next were the masterpieces Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures albums.

[@kevinmcfarlane2752]

I agree. Hemispheres was peak complexity.

[@thomassartwelle2836]

Stacey, you have a way with words from the heart, thank you, especially for appreciation of the percussionist

[@neilsackman4723]

I saw them on every tour since Grace Under Pressure, mid 80s, and they brought it every time.

[@wayneguyer1596]

Luck you WOW

[@rimskykorsakov2892]

You really do now have to listen to it live. You cannot truly appreciate Rush without watching a live performance.

[@mightyV444]

Exactly! They were only miming to the studio version here! Perfectly so, but still it's not an actual live performance! 🙂

[@shaunbourque9212]

Great reaction. I'm so glad you are enjoying your RUSH journey. You have so many more amazing songs from these guys. RUSH ON my dear

[@hemispheresamusements7484]

It's fun to watch anyone who's new to seeing Rush realize just how they are a notch above anything else you'll ever see. They really truly are just something that nothing can be compared to. They set the bar for a three-piece band and I don't know if it'll ever be broken.

[@marksplane]

It's always a delight to watch someone discover and truly get a Rush piece. I wouldn't say that Xanadu is my favourite Rush song (though it's definitely A-Tier). But it will always have a special place in my heart because it was the first Rush track I ever heard. Xanadu made me a Rush fan and 40+ years later I still am.

[@jamesgreaves5058]

So yes Neil would be playing drums,put down the sticks,pick up the xylophone sticks,then put those down and pick up the bell hammer, then back to the drumsticks to return to the drums within 20 seconds or so. Whew! He was truly amazing. Oh yeah he also wrote most of the lyrics for the band. Geddy sang, played awesome bass, played synth and foot pedal synth. Alex is one of the best guitar players in the world. He also played foot synthesizer. And had a gazillion different guitars. Him and Geddy wrote all the music. My favorite band of all time!❤ RUSH❤

[@Scottracine68]

Love your enthusiasm, same as it still does for me 40 plus years later.

[@LerockJohn]

16:33 The Kings Of Multi Tasking". But Alex is the lazy one. And he would agree. From Canada, Peace out!

[@TedSmith-d6y]

I truly love your reactions. Got into this band in 1976, they really changed my life. As a 13 year old, I felt like I grew up, when I heard them. Their story and their music is the greatest contribution to this world. I'm sorry you will never be able to see them live. They are magic. Glad you like them

[@winstonhewett6679]

Geddy's vocals are a perfect match for Neil's lyrics & the music these 3 created over the years! Such a masterpiece!

[@johnmedeiros3763]

I LOVE RUSH ! They're my biggest inspiration for my music. I am not a good player at any instrument i play, But i do try each song i make unique & a bit catchy & fun. Three amazing musicians from TORONTO were I'm from

[@garylagstrom3864]

From a Gary to Geddy your one of the most talented musician of all time! No one touches your talent on bass, keyboards, and singing! You are the definition of Unique and RUSH is not RUSH without your playing and vocals! To quote the movie: I LOVE YOU MAN! Alex and Neil as well!! Alex Lifeson: RUSH guitarist and Guru Extraordinaire! The HEART ❤️ AND SOUL OF RUSH! THE FUNNIEST MAN ON THE PLANET AND GREATEST SPEECH GIVER OF ALL TIME!!! ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: BLAH…BLAH…BLAH! HATS 🎩 OFF TO ALEX LIFESON 😎😎😎👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎸🎸🎸

[@kevinvernon5851]

Alex and Geddy both play Moog Taurus pedals on top of everything else. Alex does not get anywhere near enough credit; everyone seems to lock on to the bass and drums, but they are all virtuosos. You should have reacted to the live Exit Stage left version of this which is live, yes... they can reproduce that song almost indistinguishable from the studio version, but this was the studio synced to a live performance.

[@mse3700]

Growing up, every Thanksgiving my local rock FM radio station (yes radio, I'm old) would play every song in their entire catalog from A-Z and when they got to "X" this was always the only rock song that began with that letter. Rush didn't get much radio airplay back then, and hearing any Rush song on the radio was pretty rare, so when the station got to the "W" songs every Rush fan stayed right by their radio even if it was the middle of the night waiting for that last "W" song to play, knowing what would come next. It was the only guaranteed time they'd hear Rush on the radio (and it was also probably the only time Xanadu ever actually got played). It was a different time, and there really was a spirit of radio!

[@HawkFest]

That's a nice and comfy rabbit hole you got in! :-) The xylophone etc. (all percussions) is from Neil. The bell sounds are Tubular Bells that are laid out behind him. I didn't know that version existed on KZbin (I'm used to Montréal's 1981 concert version), thanks!

[@FUBAR1986]

So I’m in concert they played this song. It was phenomenal.🎉😂❤

[@garylagstrom3864]

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, wood blocks, triangles, tympani, and Gong!

[@steveg2517]

yes thank you

[@sanandaallsgood673]

Stacey, percussion is all the drums, xylophone, bells, triangles and such. Neil was the ultimate percussionist and this song shows off his talents!

[@angelokritsilas775]

NO WAY!!!! I have been suggesting Xanadu for the past 6 weeks (ever since I joined your channel) and today I just discovered that you reacted to this 2 months ago. Xanadu MY favorite RUSH song. Great reaction. Thank you for doing this . . . I love you . . . In a Rock n Roll kind of way . . . LOL I hope your channel reaches a MILLION subscribers . . . you deserve every one

[@winstonhewett6679]

RUSH was in a very creative time when this song & video recording was made. The first album after 2112, which with it's great success allowed them to pursue their own music interests, rather than the record company's! 1977, Geddy's voice was still young at this time, and not changed by the decades of touring! I saw them 6 times from late 1974 till 1981. During that time, they decided not to add new band members & pushed themselves to do more! Farewell To Kings, with Xanadu, is the first album where this is evident. The great thing about this band is they could play almost anything they recorded from 19 studio albums, LIVE! That is where they excelled, IMO, & put them above many bands a notch or two!!! Love the reaction!

[@debbieplato5107]

One incredible song by an incredible band! One of the reasons this band stayed together for over 40 years was their brotherhood. Rush took their music but never themselves seriously. To see their brotherhood and sense of humour please check out Dinner with Rush. Cheers

[@mhlevy]

I'm so glad to see you discovering new artists and music! Rush is pretty special to me. I first "discovered" Rush when I heard the song "2112" at a friend's, and couldn't get enough. My first rock concert that I attended was Rush on their "A Farewell to Kings" tour in 1977 (I was 15 at the time.) In high school I was in a band that played several covers of Rush songs, including "Intro and Temples of Syrinx" from 2112 and "Working Man" from their first album ("Rush.") At a "Battle of the Bands" in 1978, there were 5 bands performing, each band getting to do 4 songs each, and every band did their own version of "Working Man!" Over the years, I saw Rush play live between 20 and 25 times (I lost count,) the last time at their R-40 concert in 2015.

[@jasonseanor4181]

Good choice! Music video for the studio track. I wore out farewell to kings in the early 90's

[@VivezMarcos]

You ask the question...how did these guys create and rehearse this? And they played it so naturally!

[@kimmoolavi1973]

I admit, for me this is one of the best performances and songs of Rush! And I like sooo many of their songs

[@rhphotocdn]

Limelight (personal all time favourite by RUSH), Subdivisions & Spirt of the Radio are also MUST Listens! Thank You Stacey!

[@kenbourne8011]

You are discovering the best bands you will listen to in your life. Imagine how fantastic this band was live. They always delivered an incredible experience. Master musicians and performers.

[@radiationsnowman]

watching you react to this old rush tune is priceless! Cheers! ❤❤

[@RenRabbitHole]

Loved your reaction, as usual! If you want to learn about the inspiration behind this song, check out the poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The story behind the poem is equally amazing. It was written coming out of a dream state caused by laudanum (opiate plus alcohol that used to be prescribed for pain management). Halfway through writing down this amazing vision, the laudanum began to wear off and the vision faded. So the end of the poem is about that loss.

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

It is absolutely remarkable to me that even though this song has been in the playlist of my life throughout probably dozens of Dungeons and dragons and Myriad of other role-playing game Adventures through the years going all the way back to high school.... I never have ever grown tired of it. As background music it's utterly brilliant it's not distracting because the instrumentals are so fluid and the arrangement is just genius. I've listened to a s*** ton of Rush In My Life life and it is always been a warm companion but I have to say this is still a high water mark for This band. Truly glad that this music is meeting whole new generations of fans through reaction videos

[@montbob100]

I sat in a balcony above them and watched this show with my best friend who drove.Chrysler Hall held 700 and we were on the wing balcony.Perfect sound.I was 15.

[@danjmcs]

Nothing much more magical than seeing these guys perform these songs live... had the pleasure over 10 times and thankfully was able to see the final R40 tour twice. It never gets old seeing people find Rush and "get it". Thanks for the reactions!

[@jamiebradford11]

The guitarist Alex Lifeson also plays synth pedals. All three are masters of their areas. Amazing that three guys this talented managed to find each other and make a band. Glad you discovered them!

[@markcoleman8579]

You hit the nail on the head with the word "cohesive". As well as all being virtuoso musicians, as a band they have always been even greater than the sum of their parts.

[@corwinchristensen260]

At this stage in their career they were truly a 3 piece orchestra ... epic in every way. Please explore them further --- HUGE rabbit hole in which you can't go wrong. Enjoy!

[@FritzMonday]

Drummers, doing four things...four DIFFERENT things! Demonstrates how crazy the human brain is!

[@jonathanroberts8981]

When he recorded his part on “Bravado,” the producer went into studio to watch him - and still couldn’t figure out how he was doing it.

[@smilerpink]

This song is their epic. Terrific reaction. You get the essence of this incredible band. All three incredibly talented but never stepping on each other. Three way musical mind meld. Redefines the term “tight.” Multiple transitions executed flawlessly. They must rehearse the crap out of this. Like true greatness, they take something that is incredibly difficult and make it look and sound very easy and natural as you said.

[@MrDjscomics]

I have had the pleasure of seeing them many times in concert and I am always in awe. Like you I was eagle eyed on Neil. His drumming was beyond compare. They were an amazing unit of awesome. RIP Neil, Forever will be missed, but the memories of live are with me forever.

[@SteveBurkitt-rg4nj]

I was at Cobo Hall in Detroit,with great seats, when they played the"Fairwell to Kings"album.But that song was jaw dropping live.

[@ilikeonlygraphite]

Rush was Alex Lifesons name for the band. Technically it is his band. They stayed true to their vision of the music they chose to write and record. They all married young and stayed family oriented their entire career. They stayed dedicated to Canada, Canadian bands, and after being waved aside from American producers they didnt appear on any American radio or TV show for 33 years. They did not turn down The Colbert Report, appearing on his show because they liked him. No public scandals, no divorces, no legal troubles, no member changes. 40 + years, over 60 million albums sold, selling out stadiums worldwide, they have the most loyal, dedicated fan base in all of show business. They are hands down the greatest musical group and greatest live act in the history of music. Centuries ago, when you died you only hoped that your name will be forever remembered. These names will certainly be remembered. And I can say I walked the earth and lived in a time with them and was fortunate enough to receive the privilege of their immense gifts. Thank you gentlemen. ❤

[@scottshields113]

John Rutsey's brother Bill is who gave the name of the band. Lifeson has said they were leaning on The Projection and Bill said you need a quick sounding name to the point and why dont you call it Rush

[@ilikeonlygraphite]

@@scottshields113 interesting. Thank you.

[@gravl1]

You forget, Alex had a little trouble in Florida after a bit of a drunken brawl in Naples. He was more or less defending his drunk son, and the case was basically plead down to not much. It was quite a bit of news at the time.

[@ilikeonlygraphite]

@gravl1 I remember that yes. Thank you.

[@theoryfish3491]

Tbh (and I don't mean this in a negative light), I see you as so emotionally intelligent and so good at people pleasing, that you can see the good bits of any track, and focus on that bit, so all the fans of any track you review can feel validated in their love of said track. You know how to elicit 'feelgood' vibes. This is an extremely rare talent...and I'm not saying that you actually like or dislike any track you review. I'm saying you're extremely good at tuning into the vibe of any song and (genuinely) enjoying it regardless. This is so relatable and your reactions are genuine. I just watched your Xanadu review of Rush and it gave me....er...I can't believe I'm saying this...an incredible rush. I know. I know. STFU. Props.

[@brettmarlar4154]

Poor Alex, he's like the middle child of this band. Don't mistake the fact that he's not hopping from obvious instrument to instrument, since his tow instruments in this piece are fused into one. His part in this song if far more demanding than one can realize. He never stops, really. On the quieter parts he's on the 12-string portion, on the louder parts he's on the 6-string. He has no time to transition so they have to be right there. There are many other songs where he transitions to a keyboard, plays synth pedals, plays acoustic guitar, mandola, bazuki, and even the occasional backing vocal. Neil was a massive talent (the greatest rock drummer/percussionist of all-time), and Geddy is an absolute beast of a musician. You're not wrong to be in absolute awe of their abilities. But you can't discount Alex's contributions as "just playing guitar". Even if you didn't mean it like that. The more you listen to them the more apparent that will become to you. He's the flue that holds it all together.

[@duncanny5848]

This has been my favourite RUSH song forever, and one of the top 5 at least of everything I have ever heard. And year, Neil as a percussionist is unmatched and awesome. Check out the album 'Fairwell To Kings', which this track comes from. Not on a bad track on the whole album. Really glad you enjoyed it all as well.

[@markstromberg1148]

Neil Peart was playing a glockenspiel on the left side of his kit just left of the high hat, beneath the concert toms but just above and behind the timbales (it was not a xylophone). Though I might leave something out, in Xanadu Neil played glockenspiel, timbales, tubular bells, temple blocks, cowbell tree, wind chimes, triangles, bell tree, and of course his king-sized drum kit.

[@josephkellard6432]

The drums on this song are incredible. Rock drumming at its finest. Hands down my favorite Rush song.

[@keithweist3879]

Xanadu is in my top ten rock songs of all time and seeing them perform it in their younger days was a spiritual experience. They always had pristine live sound with the drums perfectly mic'd . This was known as their 'robes" period.

[@johnl6944]

Excellent choice! "That bass"! This song was hard to learn on the bass but I did it and I can still play it, so much fun! So many layers to this song.

[@JohnCividino]

On top of their surgical precision as musicians, they are even better people off the stage! They are very polite, and humble, and have never forgotten that their fans have made them what they are. They always went out of their way to give the best performances, yet hold respect for others. Even down to the stacks of rotisserie chickens behind Geddy... since he runs his bass through the house PA, he doesn't need amps on stage. They therefore use washers and dryers full of merch that they throw into the crowd, or the chickens that they give to the homeless after their concerts... True Legends!

[@darthaelris2059]

So happy to see you reacting to this one. You keep mentioning Neil. You should see him do his drum solo from Frankfurt Germany on their 30th anniversary tour. So yes, please react to the Neil Peart Drum Solo - Rush Live in Frankfurt. make sure not blink. you might miss something

[@Lifeson1980]

The greatest song ever written performed watched live in Toronto Maple leaf gardens

[@GergC0521]

Wonderful reviews! I really enjoy watching them. Geddy not only sings, but goes back and forth between playing the bass with his hands and a keyboard with his feet, and then the keyboards with his hands and the bass with his feet. and Neil... There isn't anybody better. Full out progressive rock drum God, who can and does play all the orchestra percussion (including the glockenspiel) , and writes the music. Alex is amazing getting so many different sounds out of his guitar, hell just in this song alone. The greatest Rock trio ever.

[@Silica_Packer]

Neil is the GOAT of drums.Geddy is the GOAT of multitasking, and Alex is the Goat of Solos and a pretty good rhythm 🎸.

[@eduardomedina8748]

The Spirit of radio, Limelight, Closer to the heart

[@bianchiveloce1]

Rush is one of my favs that I grew up with. When I listen to them, a movie goes off in my head. You should do their song Red Barchetta and search your mind for the movie playing in your head.

[@Vault-vh5jm]

“They are the kings of multitasking.” Well said.