RUSH WEEK! Guitarist reacts to Rush - La Villa Strangiato

[@mish91]

Holy shit what a song! Just got better and better.

[@Chief2112]

There is nothing better on YT than finding a musician that is just discovering Rush. These men are absolute monster musicians. Geddy and Neil were regularly recognized as some of the best at their instruments but I always felt Alex always got a little slighted. Not by Rush fans!! We know!! But by others. His use of harmonics, pinch and others, and the way he voiced chords and played his solos, I think he’s one of the most original and best ever! Can’t wait for you to dig into Signals and Power Windows. Keyboards came out front more during those years but the space that Alex found to play in was genius. Listen to Analog Kid, Digital Man and Middletown Dreams. I will enjoy watching this journey. I’m 51 and saw Rush 40 times live. They are truly the best!

[@BalokLives]

Agreed. Nobody bent it like Alex. I love listening to his solos. You hear his solos and wonder how he was able to manage it so well live. The types of solos that you always assume will never be done live, but there he was, doing them live again and again.

[@ganjiblobflankis6581]

The great guitar virtuosos outnumber the great bass and drum virtuosos combined many times over. Ask a non-Rush fan to name ten great guitarists and Alex might not come up even if they had heard of him. Do the same for bassists and drummers and (assuming they had heard of them) Geddy and Neil would definitely come up. I don't want to take away from Alex or any of the other great guitarists, but it is a crowded field.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

Hi .. I'm 54, been a fan of Rush since i was 12 yrs old! .. You're so lucky to see them live 40 times! Being poor, i only got to see them once.. I was 16 years old & hitch hiked 200 miles to see them in London & 200 miles back! .. It was so worth it.. They are so special, just beautiful & spectacular! .. My heart belongs to 2 groups, who i have seen live.. Pink Floyd & Rush.. I couldn't claim one is better than the other, they're very different in style.. But Rush? .. They will go down in musical history, as three of the greatest musicians the world has ever known! Take care! 👍🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦✌

[@kateslate3228]

You wouldn't believe how many notes 3 british men can play.

[@Paul-hl8yg]

@@kateslate3228 Rush are Canadian.

[@careym3901]

Rush is a rabbit hole, for sure! They have so many A+ songs from different era's. From their first album, a Blues rock and very Zep/Sabbath like. then on up through the 70 with longer, more experimental pieces into Prog Rock/Prog metal territory, through to the late 70's early 80's and shorter more compact pieces, In to the synth ers and back to rock in the 90's always maintaining the high quality standards to detail but never making superstar status until late in their careers.They were the best kept secret in Rock and their millions of loyal fans were with them every step of the way!

[@alphasixty1316]

Rush week lol, ya gonna need a month, preferably a year.

[@mthomasy]

Or three. Years, I mean.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I know! 😂😂😂😂

[@itsmethatguy]

It's been RUSH life since 1981

[@execatty]

U have to listen to live versions bro. You're missing out. Xanadu exit stage left.. Sigh

[@evtrekker1317]

It's been 40+ years for me and I still can't get enough. :D

[@paulhelberg5269]

It is a remarkably fast 10 minutes, many people talk about Rush time warps. Hours go by while listening to Rush but it seems like mere minutes. They always leave me wanting more. Keep exploring Tommy and I think you will be glad that you did. Your quiet reaction speaks volumes.

[@robchehowski4281]

This song is sub titled "An Exercise in Self Indulgence", which I think is pretty apt. One thing I really love about Rush is how each of them stretches in their role while playing. You're listening to the guitar, but then you hear the crazy bass riff, then you start sleeping on the drums & Neil reminds you why he's called "The Professor". It's not like a regular band, where the bass & drums are kind of placeholders while the lead guitar does its thing.

[@traci4187]

They were obviously very self-aware of their creations, to give it that humorous subtitle. hahaha

[@rk41gator]

Musicians, indeed. Tight. Can't believe I am so late 'getting into' Rush. Prog Rock giants!

[@spacecowboy_1962]

But the song is a "concept" song about dreams and nightmares of Alex's. And has 12 parts. "Lerxist" is a band nickname of Alex. I-- Buenos Nochas, Mein Froinds!, II-- To Sleep, Perchance To Dream, III-- Strangiato Theme, IV-- A Lerxst in Wonderland, V-- Monsters!, VI-- The Ghost of the Aragon, VII-- Danforth and Pape, VIII-- The Waltz of the Shreves, IX-- Never Turn Your Back on a Monster!, X-- Monsters! (Reprise), XI- Strangiato Theme (Reprise), XII-- A Farewell To Things.

[@davidkneitel1840]

@@spacecowboy_1962 This (your) comment is correct and it should be pinned to the top. For real though!!!

[@jimtatro6550]

One of my favorite quotes ever is in the Movie “Beyond the Lighted Stage “ is when Vinnie Paul from Pantera was talking about comparing yourself to other musicians and he said “Yeah, I can play YYZ, but can you play La Villa Strangiato?”☠️☠️☠️☠️🎧🎧😂😎

[@mikeljones4673]

Actually, it was Mike Portnoy who said that

[@VeteranCapybara]

That was Mike Portnoy

[@kevinmichael2593]

I remember Scott Ian until he played LVS once all the way through with no errors, he didnt feel right calling himself a musician.

[@paulbrighton3303]

This song was based on one of Alex’s nightmares. I don’t think anyone plays guitar like Alex Lifeson. He’s a master of emotional playing. His chords, his leads are an adventure.

[@fernandopaul1]

video 1: the song seems simple but good! video 2: the song has many layers. These guys are good! video 3: These guys are masters at this. video 4: "shit, what have I just watched? [ SILENCE ] " Man I am following the videos in order. It is a real pleasure to see a musician (you) discovering Rush in front of my eyes. To discover the quality of the musicians step-by-step, the seamless interaction between them, the depth of the techniques they use. As you mentioned in the first video 'It sounds simple from a distance' but when you focus on the details, it is mind-boggling. You moved from a first listener to become completely hooked after just 4 songs. Keep doing more videos like these. =D

[@pahtar7189]

Alex wrote this music based on several of his dreams, including nightmares. There was so much to it that the band took days to finally make a studio version they could actually play, but it took much longer to adjust it to the point where they could play it live all the way through. But these guys were so good that they could be playing some of the most complex guitar and bass pieces, Alex playing the synth with his foot, Getty playing keyboards, and still have the ability to joke around onstage. Truly amazing.

[@kevinmichael2593]

The main recurring riff came from Alex playing along to Hannah Barbara cartoons in TV. After it was released it was realized that the riff was from Raymond Scott's "Powerline". Being the super classy guys that they are they immediately contacted Scott's heir to offer apologies and write a check. The family gave their blessing. Artists AND gentlemen.

[@1639danmcc]

I've been listening to this amazing instrumental for 40+ years & I still get the chills when Alex goes into his solo...

[@shawnhurley3815]

This particular video was in fact live. Minus the audience. This was filmed during an afternoon sound check.

[@AC-ld4np]

Kirk Hammett said in "Beyond the Lighted Stage" that the solo in this song, the way it starts so soft and builds and builds made him realize what a guitar solo could be. That it wasn't just the notes you were playing, but the notes you weren't playing... Also, this song was written beyond their already prodigious skills at the time. They tried to record it in one take, but had to splice the studio version together. Their skills obviously caught up with thier ambition. ;)

[@revdmcspumcsb]

Wait till you get to "Xanadu live Exit Stage Left", "2112 - The Cartoon Version" and "Working Man - Time Machine Tour in Cleveland" This song is based on a nightmare that the lead guitarist, Alex Lifeson had with the different movements of the song being the different parts of a nightmare. I've always imagined the abrupt end to the song related to the moment when your jarred awake from the nightmare when there is no resolution. I believe when they decided to record this video, the studio wanted to use the recorded track and mix the video and they said no, record is live this was meant to be live. They went in and knocked that out. I remember hearing an interview, I believe with Neil talking about how nearly every song was written to be played live. They rarely wrote a song just for the album, but the albums were what they had to produce to play live.

[@wushu_jingwu_ar]

Excellent choices. PS: in that exact order, just adding Natural Science at the end.

[@evilvolts]

I left him the link here for Xanadu up above and on another video he did I left a link to 2112

[@gavinsmith9016]

Working Man from Cleveland is fantastic.

[@harryhager4128]

the only problem with that Cartoon Video (if it's the one I think) is that the protagonist lives to see the return of the elder race of man, except in the song he commits suicide before the return (VI Soliloquy).

[@jonnyyen7169]

Yep, that's how I felt too when I heard it for the first time. Alex Lifeson is one of the greatest ever.

[@traci4187]

And I love your reaction. This is what RUSH does to people when you realize just how good they are/were.

[@scottshields113]

One thing Rush learned was patience in a song, holding back, building up brick by brick and then it's just fire and beauty to the ear. And several times they do it in a song like this.

[@fredbasic1918]

It's called being rendered speechless. For Rush fans this is a reaction we've all experienced and love seeing others experience. It validates our being fans as a great number of us have been fans from the days when they weren't appreciated as they are today.

[@bmayer9160]

Alex so under rated, it's criminal! RIP Neil!

[@FreeBeat]

There are a LOT (and oh boy do I mean LOT) of Rush fans who basically refuse to acknowledge anything the band did after 1982, but to legit musicians who never stopped following the band, Rush's peak musically and maturity wise was the 2002-2015 period. And let me be clear, I'm talking about LIVE performances. Anything from Rush in Rio, R30 Tour, Snakes and Arrows Tour, Time Machine Tour, Clockwork Angels Tour, or the R40 Tour will absolutely blow your mind in terms of musicality and maturity. Unless you're not into that sort of thing, then stick with the 70's stuff haha. Thanks for doing these!

[@mattphillips2530]

That's interesting because I definetly stopped listening to them after Signals came out. I thought the album was a big let down, although the tracks were great live. Something changed there and they lost me. To this day I haven't heard a single Rush song after the Signals album except Big Money once on MTV, but they were at one time my very favorite band. Any suggestions?

[@ashleygraham8781]

@@mattphillips2530 Try all of it. So they used a few synths. They didn't turn into Kraftwerk!

[@ToddBaker2112]

Pretty tight band, I think they have potential 😳

[@dannyobradovic1261]

My five and three year old sons know RUSH in the first few seconds of ther songs. My eldest says "How can they make so many sounds with only three guys? Are they the best band in world?" I tell him that RUSH is the most humble band ever, who happen to have the greatest players Canada has produced. They blow minds over and over again, and yet they never wanted the praise. They just pushed themselves to just get better and better, never resting on their laurels. Your reactions are genuine and I cannot wait for more RUSH reactions from you.

[@seano2112]

I'm classing you as a RUSH fan now. I hope, like me, in 42 years time you will find out how heart warming it is to see people discovering their music for the first time. You've barely scratched the surface man - I'm looking forward to your journey 👍🤘👏

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I’M looking forward to my journey too!! 😂

[@seano2112]

Michael Palmer Yeah, when he was saying their music was simplistic and straight forward I was thinking 'hold on, you can't mean that !' Didn't take him long to get it though. I first heard Rush when I was 12 years old - back in 1978 . I was just getting to know about proper music, mostly because of what my older brother and his friends were listening to - although the he never got into Rush. It would have been the day Hemispheres was released in the Uk. At the time, everyone would listen to Tommy Vance's Friday Rock Show on BBC Radio 1 and he was featuring the new album Hemispheres. When I tuned in, the first thing I heard was Circumstances - I was blown away by it and instantly hooked. I feel blessed to have seen them 32 times and met them briefly in the early 80s - and like I said, I listen to something by them every day. It's been great following the best band ever. Can't wait to see what yer man listens to next 👍

[@mmyles65]

Notice Alex is triggering effects with foot pedals...so cool.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Geddy also, they both have foot pedals.

[@motodork]

@@markdrechsler5660 yes. Geddy plays keyboards with his feet whilst playing bass.

[@crazyfingers19]

Geddy too.

[@harryhager4128]

Effects and bass at times while Geddy is playing keys

[@Hillers95]

“What have I just watched”? Perfection my friend... perfection. Or as I like to call it RUSH!!!

[@Boleskinebeatz]

Honestly.. you didn't need to make it wordy.. your reaction at the end said it all. Again.. you made me smile all the way through. Never though I'd get such pleasure from watching discover Rush for the first time. BTW.. when Eddie Van Halen was asked " what does it feel like to be the best guitarist in the world?" he replied " I don't know... you'd better ask Alex Lifeson...

[@jonathanspahn7308]

Don't feel bad. It's actually a great reaction! Because, anybody who has the slightest appreciation for music reacts the same way when they first hear this...completely dumbfounded! Hahaha! We all did, it's just that amazing. Just let it sink in and immerse yourself in the wonder and magic that is Rush! By the way, they have 167 songs. Are you going to be ok? 😅👍

[@brer3456]

A musical masterpiece. Welcome to your RUSH years. I’m on my 41st year in this rabbit hole. Loving every minute of it! 🍁🍁🍁

[@sthelenshistorychannel]

I saw Rush in Manchester a few times - such good musicians, all three of them giving 100% for 3 hours, amazing xD

[@grahamkey8496]

It's OK, most people are speechless after watching this performance!

[@garytrenton4317]

The GREATIST rock song EVER!!!! Fantastic reaction!!

[@elmoomle4565]

Your 'live' reactions essentially mirror mine...and I grew up listening to RUSH and have attended a half dozen of their concerts. Indeed, RUSH is an amazing amalgam of musical talent. Great reaction!

[@juliebrockett3471]

Great reaction!! If people are good at reacting this is their usual answer “I “DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO THAT....” well we want to hear them say after that, that was great... I GOTTA HEAR MORE...MUCH MORE!!

[@paulmcnicholas3846]

Neil's fills are insane

[@ravensgreg603]

I’ve been a RUSH fan for 44 years and I’ve always known them to be the best at what they do. I love watching and listening to reactions from people that have never seen or heard them before. It’s always the same. They are unbelievable.

[@KennethStCyr-dv6cm]

How I wish I could go back in time, to the 70's when my best friend had bought the first decent stereo system I ever got to mess around with, and he had just bought RUSH 2112. You kinda remind me of me on that day.

[@AnthonyKellett]

Haha.. I was thinking the same thing. It was ATWAS, for me, but the same thought. 🤣👍🏽

[@roxaneramsey9606]

The greatest rock instrumental made. EVER.

[@sean_b_drummer]

THANK YOU for leaving in the "mind blown", long pause after it ended. Every bit as much a part of the Reaction. 👍🏽🤘🏽🔥 Definitely a song one listens to in a darkened room, laying down, eyes closed, with headphones cranked.

[@t0dd000]

This song, in particular, showcases all three rather equally. My favorite bit is the snare-work during the quieter bits. Love this.

[@mikezak8812]

I have seen several reactions of this video and I am so tickled. I can see that you were genuinely blown away. Funny that you said that you felt like you were waking up to this. The foundation of this song is Alex's recurring nightmares, which he transposed to his guitar playing... yes the sweet percussion and fat/jazzy bass are phenomenal and enhance it, but this is one of Alex's greatest pieces of work. He is commonly the least revered member of this solid triangle of this unsurpassed greatness. Word on the street is that the late great Eddie Van Halen was quoted (after being asked "what is it like to be the greatest guitarist today ") : "I don't know, why don't you ask Alex Lifeson "

[@ImDembe]

3 masters at work.

[@jonlate4581]

Being a guitar player myself, I love watching people react to this for the first time. You can see why the subtitle of this piece is 'an exercise in self indulgence.' They purposefully wrote something that would be extremely difficult to play, the stories of them trying to record this in one take are hysterical. The different sections are inspired by strange nightmares that Alex Lifeson was having at the time.😆

[@Babyseal2002]

And his gob was smacked...

[@starman6280]

Tommy-Thanks again for your insights. I watch most of the people that react to Rush. You have some of the most intelligent, thoughtful and accurate observations I have seen. In fact there are many reactors that, IMO, have no business reacting to the level of songwriting and musicianship possessed by these three men. They generally like what they have heard, but don't have the proper understanding of music and musicianship. Tommy you do have those tools the others lack. I would like to suggest that you continue your journey down the Rush rabbit hole in a chronological order. This will better help you to perceive how the guys evolved their music. Don't jump ahead and check out the newer tracks as some have suggested. Just let yourself travel their naturally. It is a long trip, but one that is well worth taking. Thanks again for your efforts. Please continue. YYZ next, Maybe?

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Thank you very much for this! It’s really nice to hear you’re enjoying the vids. I’ve genuinely found a band I’m a fan of here. I can’t wait to hear more!

[@audioenthusiast6366]

I think it is safe to say; Your mind has officially been blown! THAT IS, THE RIGHT REACTION

[@theraysoundstudio]

Yes, your reaction is the same I've had since 1976 with Rush music....Listening, learning everything on guitar, made me a better guitarist ever since. Standing on the shoulder of giants, for sure.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Never have I clicked a link so fast!! Welcome to their instrumental masterpiece!! Again, masterclass in musicianship, but that is par for the course when it comes to Rush!! They pulled out every trick in the book with this one. Alex brought the melodic, the atmospheric and definitely the SHRED!! Geddy did his typically amazing acrobatics with smooth bass grooves & perfectly placed synth/keyboard lines. And Neil, well, Neil was Neil. The Professor was in fine, FINE form!! This was, is and forever will be the gold standard for musical perfection!! Rarely has 10 minutes passed so fast! I'm glad you enjoyed it so!

[@mthomasy]

"And Neil, well, Neil was Neil." You couldn't have stated that any better. 😎

[@Retr0racin]

Pretty much my reaction 40 or so years ago when I heard that for the first time.

[@chudgolf2112]

Thanks. My favorite band, so I’m biased....but. They are truly epic. Gave me chills, again.

[@philging]

What have you just watched . . pure genius . . nice stunned reaction.

[@RedPillMode]

Listen the studio version too. Its incredibly tight. ESL is at another level, believe it or not. But any versions are great. Great reaction!

[@AnthonyKellett]

Yes, agreed. This isn't the best version. I prefer the acoustic start, as I saw in '79, '80 and ' 81, if I recall correctly... Sorry if I've got that wrong... it was a long time ago! Actually, I also like the version they did on the time machine tour... Albeit a tad different at the start! 😊

[@savagedlive]

@@AnthonyKellett completely agree 👍

[@AnthonyKellett]

@@savagedlive - R30 version was fun, too! Alex is a nutter! 🤣

[@jimbattiston6585]

Simply Blown away just incredible musicians and an out of this world tune.

[@sqr2024]

This was about an Alex nightmare........well now you have fallen into his hole.....LOL. These are the three best players ever. "Leave that thing alone" Time Machine tour is a Lee bassist solo gem. Peart solo in Frankfurt is another gem. These two mentioned along with this Alex masterpiece will give you a taste of how each can bring smiles.

[@B2BRestaurantReviews]

Transition from first guitar solo into that staccato part flawless. All the the transition are amazing 🤩

[@rushfan32]

I saw them live twice. Best concerts ever. RIP Neil.

[@paulgale2565]

The masters of the signature /time change, and this song prove it. Thanks.

[@bobespirit2112]

Great reaction because it’s how we all felt the first time we heard this song - and every time since 🤷🏻‍♂️🍺😀

[@MarcoBosma]

You are best reactor to Rush on You Tube to be honest. Doesn’t matter that you are speechless..this is probably one of their best compositions. One of my faves...

[@rk41gator]

Loved his 'jazzy high hat feel' comment. He really likes good music. Prog Rock has so many levels that you can listen to it over and over. (I love Genesis and can't believe he has not found them yet too) Rush are AMAZING musicians!

[@mikecappadocia5959]

It's always good when someone like Alex puts my guitar playing in perspective...

[@carlbusque1856]

Love that song, fantastic album, prog rock at its best! They are masters. Love your physical reaction in addition to your comments. Thanks. Need a bit more about the time signatures. Complexity shows how great they are. More Rush please!

[@u.v.s.5583]

That was Rush. Great performance.

[@JoeAlbertan]

Simply one of the greatest guitarists to ever live.

[@crazyfingers19]

I was well into Rush by the time Moving Pictures came out and remember thinking there is no way they are topping Hemispheres (with La Villa Strangiato) and Permanent Waves but my reaction to Moving Pictures was just like this reaction. . . "What did I just listen to?" Priceless. Thanks for letting me feel that again vicariously through your reaction.

[@michaelweigand8643]

Here's two of the things I've heard said about Rush. Eddie Van Halen was asked in an interview what it's like to be the best rock guitarist. He replied, "I don't know, you'd have to ask Alex Lifeson." Dave Grohl once said "Neil Peart is your favorite drummer's favorite drummer."

[@AllAboutRush]

Your reaction IS the reaction. 😎

[@andrewball9855]

The light show during this one always mov d me....those green lazers through the smoke....

[@bhelliom3]

I love that you're reacting to this like I did the first time, just got more and more hyped as it went and could hardly handle how fucking RAD this band is.

[@shera1789]

RUSH IS EVERYTHING! AMAZING SONG! AWESOME REACTION! I thoroughly enjoyed watching your reaction to one of the most incredible instruments...imho This is my favorite reaction so far this week my friend! Thank you! I look forward to seeing more!🤓 My vote is for "Xanadu" Exit Stage Left...it'll blow your mind as well!🤯 Rush=Subscribed! Til the next 1☮ Stay safe! 💥💯🖤🎼🤘 RIP Neil Peart

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Thank you! Glad to have you with us!

[@ericdstraus]

One of their best! I once tried to air-drum this whole song, and by the 6th or 7th minute I couldn't take it any more. :)

[@kenwallis9722]

Nooooobody expects the Spanish Inq... I mean La Villa Strangiato. "Sh*t, what have I just watched" is pretty much all that needs to be said really. This is why I love watching reaction videos. In some SMALL way, I can recapture just a little bit of that awe and wonder you can only get when you watch this sh*t for the first time. ;) Great work, and keep on the Rush rabbit hole journey, you have BARELY approached the field where the rabbit hole is...

[@biggie25x]

This right here is why I watch Rush reaction videos. That look of amazement where it’s just blown your mind. Thank you once again for another reaction. Sounds like you get it. They are never going to be mainstream but they’re going to reward you if you listen. Their earlier stuff is amazing but their later stuff, while shorter, has amazing layer to it too. Early I’d go 2112, Hemispheres, or Fountain of Lamneth. They set the bar for long involved songs that keep your interest. Advise would be find their lyric videos because you’re going to need them to follow the story. Later you have Far Cry, Headlong Flight and The Garden. In the middle is Time Stand Still, Big Money. There are literally too many to choose from. I always get to this point and go but what about this song so don’t know how to finish it. Lol.

[@calvinbass1839]

It's my opinion that being left speechless is the greatest compliment of all. I've always wondered how many time changes were in the song. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@MrSphandor]

Watching you feeling this and trying to understand the complexity of what is going on and recognise that this is also live... Pure magic. Wishing you many more years of enjoyment of Rush.

[@KentBalzer]

Thanks for this reaction. Rush has this effect on musicians. I'm a drummer and have been listening and learning from Rush since 1981. I have been to several of their concerts and the one thing I learned is that there is no limit to what you can do musically. These 3 precious musicians have now occupied a space in history that cannot be taken by anyone else. They have set a standard of music virtuosity and creativity that can never be matched at this level ever. They will be missed. I do hope that you react to Freewill. My favorite song and my favorite guitar solo for multiple reasons. You'll see when you check it out. Please. Thank you.

[@AnthonyKellett]

Agreed, and Freewill live really rocks the joint! I'm really enjoying watching this new audience discover Rush - I only discovered reaction videos when browsing for tributes to Neil - and it's like reliving my own youth, to some extent. However, I think the one thing, which many new listeners will find difficult to grasp, is the joy of hearing this stuff in the 1970s, without all that's been produced since, clouding the experience; much of which these guys influenced. It's similar to how we couldn't appreciate what a revolution - and revelation - it was for earlier generations hearing Buddy Holly, Elvis, Chuck Berry or Hendrix. Still, it's a testament to the greatness of these three guys that their music still has the ability to amaze.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Yes! I think this is a bit that’s missing, along with the current climate. Maybe not with Rush specifically, but songs are sometimes popular because of events taking place at the time and that’s sometimes missing doing reactions decades later, unless you know about those events

[@AnthonyKellett]

@@ThomasJ_Music - Yes, that's certainly also a factor, even with Rush, on occasions. I could have added Monteverdi, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven to the list... it's always been thus.

[@winstonlane708]

Absolute awesome reaction!!! 🙏🏾

[@spiffymick7073]

It can be overwhelming as you say. Enjoy the ride!

[@john.b4643]

Waiting for day 2112

[@darrinwoodward14]

Dude,im telling ya!! Xanado,exit stage left,live version from 1981.you will b blown away!!!!!!!

[@christopherbailey557]

One of the most mind blowing pieces of music today by far. Rush is and will always be one of my all time favorite bands. Saw them live 4 times and never disappointed.

[@roxaneramsey9606]

Have heard this song literally thousands of times - still gives me goosebumps.

[@alanduncan1067]

Lol @ “I need to go have a lie down”! The cool part is I very much understand and can appreciate your meaning. :) I’m new to your channel and discovered it while watching reaction videos. I saw a thumbnail of you reviewing “The Spirit of Radio” and, of course, had to have a watch and then Subscribed, lol. I enjoy your reactions quite a bit, as you are thoughtful in your ponderings when your listening and after the songs end. I am very sorry that you didn’t get to see Rush play live. I saw my first Rush show in 1978 when I was 16 and saw them at every opportunity after that which, thankfully, was many times (but never enough). :) It pleases me to meet someone that just got turned on to Rush and who seems to enjoy them as much as I do! Keep up your entertaining reactions and enjoy the ride, sir!!

[@katskillz]

What I believe is so great and timeless about this, and really what sets Rush apart from other 'instrumental-prone' acts -- yes, this features a lot of complex instrumentation, varied bits, odd time changes and dynamics... but its not a jam session. Jam sessions force the audience to only be in awe of the instrument mastery with no other hook to keep interest. But this has a strong motif or two, which everything revolves around, in a subtle yet definite organized way. So even non musicians can really enjoy the listening experience, in particular the ability to be transported into a story or series of loosely related stories without lyrics. I can't emphasize enough how much we ought to appreciate these guys for choosing to keep their eye on the thematic ball, even in the late seventies when they were criticized the most for their musical self indulgence... they always knew to shape a musical conversation around strong themes and make sure to circle back around in the end. Just like any great story-teller or convesationalist, they don't just wander off into a thousand different tangents and topics without being tethered to the main themes characters or topics. Everything connects in a continuous flow even with all the seemingly abruptly changing sections.

[@robertkaplan848]

Amazing!!

[@bryanc.8441]

My older brother had Hemispheres in his Cutlass on 8track. I was 2 years younger and it sent me on my way .

[@rushrules81]

Been listening to that song for 40 years, never gets old. I say keep going with the 10 minute songs. Natural Science and The Camera Eye....studio verrsions.

[@machfive22]

Your reaction is amazing, my friend. You just witnessed Rush at their 70's musicianship peak. The crazy thing is they've had many more peak in their long career. La Villa is an amazing mashup of rock, prog, jazz, metal...and it all works. Only Rush could pull this off. If you want to see them go totally mental, check out the version of Working Man from the time Machine Tour in Cleveland. Here's to another Rush week soon!

[@paulgreenhalgh1647]

RUSH fans "feel" every beat of their music.Welcome to the RUSH club!! Cheers, be safe, A northern neighbour

[@thegorn68]

Rush took a lot of pride and attention to detail in trying to sound as close to studio recording of their songs when they played them live. Of course, this is almost impossible but it was that challenge to do so that made them sound so incredibly tight as a live act.

[@fredscribner3688]

If you play guitar...or drums...or bass you're gonna be up for it. Probably the most difficult song in their repertoire musically to perform and thats saying a lot considering how difficult thier entire catalog is.

[@aland4092]

It often times takes a minute to digest a Rush performance. Especially the first time seeing it. They were so good it's mindblowing. They way they multitask on time is unbelievable. You should hear the live version of that of exit stage left. Awesome! That was their magic in live performances. It's one thing doing it in the studio but on stage is quite another. Alot of bands do great in studio. But when they get to the stage it sounds like shit. But with Rush when they bring it to the stage it's even better than what you heard on record. They were simply amazing. And still are , I never get tired of hearing Rush.

[@Scooter730]

So glad that I stumbled upon your page and this reaction, one of the best non reaction, reaction videos, you basically said a lot by saying nothing! Brilliant!!

[@richieyyz]

"Listen to that.' yup I've been listening and I must have listened to this song over 100000 times..

[@traci4187]

Every time I hear this song, Alex's opening gives me goosebumps.

[@markdrechsler5660]

Astonishment and speechlessness are fine reactions. I was lucky enough to see Rush live for the first time in 1982, while they were on the Moving Pictures tour. I was 14, and my jaw is still on the floor. You have so much to discover. I envy you.

[@jimtatro6550]

Greatest instrumental ever. Before Rush week is over, may I suggest Headlong Flight from the Clockwork Angels album, it’s their final album and it’s incredible.

[@cosmicjazzman4817]

Waking up on a nice summer's day. Exactly, I think of the sun rising everytime I ever listen to the beginning of this really cool Rock instrumental. Probably the best rock instrumental next to their own material and Frankenstein By Edgar Winter

[@sweeney2112]

The proper reaction is...speechless!

[@Kidge.6081]

There really are no words.

[@Yes-gz9qs]

One of the greatest guitar solos ever concieved. Kirk Hammett from METALLICA sited this solo as a heavy influence on his guitar playing. " The embelishment and build up " etc, he said. I was once in a band that used to jam this song. When it came to the guitar solo the guitarist found it way too hard and he was no hack either. He once turned to me out of fustration and said..." You dont understand,the colours". LOL! Still to this day have I never heared an amateur or pro guitarist play this lead perfectly. And thats why Alex Lifeson has often been sited as an underrated guitarist. His playing is very organic,which is always harder to replicate. CHEERS!