What Makes This Song Great? "Closer to the Heart" RUSH

[@pfr94]

alex lifeson doesn't get anywhere near enough love for what an influencial and fantastic guitar he is. so very very underrated.

[@davidchambliss5909]

No, he doesn't, highly underrated guitarist - and one of his major influences: Al Dimeola

[@hermanhelmich]

pfr94 true

[@Mr1Tanker]

Yep..most people don't know he's a guitar.

[@antrocles]

Legend

[@jacobstgelais25]

pfr94 yeah I only recently found out how amazingly awesome of a guitar he is amazing tone truly a beautiful instrument

[@Sheffield6688]

Rest in Peace Neil Peart, 1952-2020.

[@vicmariodeth]

How Geddy manages to sing while playing all those notes escapes me.

[@geekydiplomat]

That's what I also thought. Just pure godly skills.

[@stevengagnon5661]

That’s when he’s not also playing the synth (switching the bass to his feet)

[@glennyates2194]

Only the great ones can do it.

[@michaelmoss5976]

If he broke down La Villa Strangiato the video would be 3 days long.

[@gabrielthompson9800]

2112 would take a week

[@juanignacioquiroga4379]

@@gabrielthompson9800 Cygnus X-1 Book 2 Hemispheres would take a 2 weeks

[@gabrielthompson9800]

@@juanignacioquiroga4379 The Fountain of Lamneth would... also take like 2 weeks

[@MrAndreCoutinho]

I wouldn't mind.

[@samculver9852]

Gabriel Thompson N e c r o m a n c e r

[@negromister]

"I'll try to play along with it" (plays it flawlessly note by note)

[@MetalRob81]

Daniel Narváez that's because he learns the songs before he records these videos.. This solo is also really simple but still bad ass!, Rick's a beast

[@MaIContent]

many takes

[@RickBeato]

Richard Perez haha! Come on Richard I learned it in 1977 and haven’t played it since. Actually true!

[@kylew791]

Haha. Great job! I wish I had the multi-tracks like that...man it would have made life easier. :)

[@foxsmith4734]

He is also a working musician, so even if he doesn’t learn the entire song before recording this, he can most likely hear it and dictate it back .

[@copierguy1961A]

Neal Peart is not merely a drummer he is a true percussionist.

[@philmstud2k]

He also wrote all the lyrics,

[@paulcherry8742]

@MrCloudseeker Bone-Head...

[@Cash2112]

MrCloudseeker Depends if you’re talking NP 1974 - 1995 or NP 1995 - 2015.

[@ragingmong5593]

@Tom-Tom Tom Yeah he isn't smart

[@kaiserwilhelmii1827]

@@philmstud2k The man is a damn machine. I admire him probably more than anyone.

[@santonucci]

I can't figure out why I watch so much of your channel, since i can't read music, play an instrument, or sing at all... but I find the way you talk about it infectious, even though I have no idea what you are talking about most of the time.

[@mreoski]

I concur!! Rick Beato makes me feel like I know what he’s talking about because he explains it so well! I have no music training whatsoever but man do I love to listen to these song deconstruction videos!

[@hecsalinas1971]

Same here!

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

Well, from the Other Side of the Spectrum, I, having been Classically Trained with the Trumpet, and Champion of Many Band Competitions Circa 1978 - 1981, who also picked up the Guitar and Bass in 1980, I find these Rick Beato Episodes Thrilling, Exciting, and Very Interesting ! Back then I just listened to the Songs and figured them out by Ear, but watching Rick break them down like he does, and quite often adding Historical Tidbits, just makes the Whole Thing Enjoyable and Refreshing ! ( • )====:::

[@moosecat]

Just like music, Rick Beato's "What Makes This Song Great?" episodes are about resonance. I'm "take-it-or-leave-it" with some songs and bands, and yet other songs and bands absolutely move me. Why? Because they resonate within me. Rick's breakdowns are amazing becomes he comes across as a fan of the music, first and foremost. To me, I hear the passion; I could see Rick at a concert, on his feet, possibly with a BIC lighter in his hands, waving to and fro.

[@jbjester1]

Same. Just hearing the brilliance of it all, broken down, makes my brain happy. His enthusiasm that he shares for what he's doing here (and on other favorites) is everything I need to justify my needs for enjoying his videos.

[@shawnarnold6384]

You can do as many Rush songs as you want, I will watch all of them

[@PhilipPedro2112]

Rick should do a series called "What Makes This RUSH Song Great".

[@BeeKay5150]

And the video is just 3 minutes of a picture of Alex, Geddy and Neil 🙂

[@La_sagne]

same for genesis and yes

[@PublicSchoolFinance]

I will subscribe to that.

[@wiegajc]

Not enough hours in the day for that to be possible

[@terrencedeagle4429]

😂

[@kelpbeds]

Ged's vocals isolated is just flat out amazing!

[@patrickgroll2046]

he sounds like he had his balls cut off

[@lucasbrucas9632]

@@patrickgroll2046 beta detected

[@patrickgroll2046]

@@lucasbrucas9632 yup, when you looked in the mirror and saw a Rush fan, i'm certain of it

[@lovetogolf4184]

Flowing river...Amazing

[@oldleatherstocking3185]

I love his bass, but his voice and style is horrid. He sounds like an elderly woman.

[@chuckpryor]

I just discovered this channel and I can NOT for the life of me understand how ANYONE can give a thumbs down on this (or any) of Rick's videos... Get a FREAKIN' life people.

[@georgeprice7922]

Easy. They feel if it's not the actual guys, it sucks...no matter how good it is.

[@sealisland1]

They're STYX fans.

[@e-money5851]

They do it to piss you off, and every time you mention it, they win!

[@e-money5851]

@Kent= that’s hilarious dude

[@henrydacus949]

SERIOUSLY

[@Rockin_Ross]

Their musically really eluded most people. Rush fans were on a different level with their band than most fans are with others. If you’re a musician, your connection level was even higher. Truly unreal. No wonder they kept the core of their group for over 35 years.

[@goodpainlive1]

yep 26 concerts most people jumped on bandwagon later...

[@danielrodriguez9545]

“THANK YOU”. As a guitar player, I remember back in high school after my jazz band class ended I immediately broke into Closer To The Heart. Our bass player joined in and before I realized the symphonic class was seated and our director was staring at me. Good times. I’m new to you channel and although I’ve seen just this video it is clear you possess a genuine enthusiasm for what you do. Keep up the good work. And, oh yea more Rush please (By-Tor?).

[@a2ndopynyn]

I'm imagining this scene as I read it. How totally cool. The symphony folks know their stuff, but they're always too stuck up. They don't ever stop to think that, in his day, Mozart was "pop" (popular) music!

[@hallamhal]

I love how the lyrics start with an ...AND the men who hold high places. Gives it a timelessness, as if reading a constitution or commandments

[@juanitojaime4553]

I really think that Rick Beato is the sole savior of rock n roll music in the world. There is nothing like this.

[@caseyspaos448]

Every kid in ninth grade in your school was trying to figure it out? Wow! You definitely went to a way cooler school than me!

[@ZombieGamer-vq3xf]

That school is cooler than any school today.

[@Burn269]

Casey Spaos And back them those kids were saying. This is a great song. Rick shows you why.

[@NickHarman]

Or possibly a school for nerds and other social misfits

[@kaiserwilhelmii1827]

@@NickHarman Damn what's your problem? Having a bad day? :D

[@NickHarman]

@@kaiserwilhelmii1827 No, just always thought Rush were very boring and at my school in 77 not the kind of music anyone with any taste listened to.

[@Sparkinghero9001]

I love the sincere joy in his eyes when he plays to these songs. You can tell he truly loves music and it's honestly such a pleasure to see.

[@ChicagoJ351]

Geddys bass lines are so melodic, you can sing many of them. They are melodies in their own right.

[@nicholasvinen]

It's like Bach's counterpoint, it's a large part of what makes Rush songs so great.

[@roguesquatch1]

Rush is my favorite band of all time and Geddy is my musical hero. There are other bands whose members are nearly as talented, yet there still are no bands whose parts equal the sum of what these three amazing artists managed to amount to with Rush. The more you learn about them. their music, their journey and their process, the more you realize how unbelievably blessed you are to be alive at the same time as Rush. I was fortunate to be able to see them live in the 80, 90s, 2000s and 2010s culminating with taking my teenage drummer son to see the Time Machine tour. What a journey...

[@Neilfrozn]

There could be a whole series of these videos about RUSH songs!

[@justinthomas7222]

ALL the Rush songs.

[@tannercole3300]

2112 would be 7 videos in and of itself!

[@joaolucassene1483]

More Rush!

[@natedavid3873]

Spirit of the radio or YYZ should be next

[@meatrocket1]

I love all Rush but, The Spirit of Radio is my favorite song.

[@stephenperry779]

"Heard Xanadu on the radio." Wish we lived in a world where I could say stuff like that.

[@frankgross135]

True statement. At that time in Canada a song like Xanadu got airplay. Mind you, it was late at night, after 10pm or so, but those long songs did get played.

[@paulstallings6910]

I grew up with KSHE 95 in St Louis Mo. They played all this back then. 50 years later they still do. Way back when they had Rush open for Charlie Daniels in Forest Park.

[@ronaldjones743]

That song is just awesome and absolutely mind boggling.

[@ronaldjones743]

That song is just awesome and absolutely mind boggling.

[@BeeKay5150]

I strayed from the sacred and hallowed playlist in 2008 for the Woodward Dream Cruise. Somehow I was 6 or so minutes short for a spot break, so I was looking for 6-7 minute songs. Thought "Well, Red Barchetta is a 6 minute long song, it's about a car, and it's from Rush's biggest album. We'll go with this." My program director was NOT pleased. Tom Sawyer, Freewill or Spirit of Radio. That's all you get. Damn shame, too, because the people at the event loved it.

[@randyvanvliet226]

Toss up for me between this and Red Barchetta. Heck, so much of Rush to like and still listen to, and I'm 61. I think 2112 live, or portions of the whole song, from All the Worlds a Stage, was my first listen to Rush, in '77. I still remember it hitting me like a ton of bricks, hot summer day, sanding primer paint on my '67 VW Beetle, and drinking Henry Weinhard's Ale, under the sun, sweating profusely while buzzing from the beer. I wonder if more people never lose the moment they first heard Rush? Powerful moment in life.

[@perryborn2777]

For me it was sitting in a computer lab a year ago after finishing all my classwork, and I decided to listen to that one band my stepdad mentioned to me since I had picked up bass fairly recently. I looked up Rush and played the first song that came up, "The Trees". The bassline blew me away, and I spent the next several months listening solely to Rush, everything from Rush to Clockwork Angels, and everything inbetween (including Roll the Bones) Such a fantastic band, wish I could have seen them live

[@timt9625]

The use of the bells in the Farewell to Kings album was genius

[@gameoflife1453]

Man, I wish you could have had a youtube channel 20 years ago... You teach better than any music teacher/professor I ever had.

[@TheLuizSouza]

tru dat

[@meatrocket1]

I agree

[@distantstorm3808]

What makes this song great? Well, it's Rush.

[@JariSatta]

Indeed so, most indeededly

[@engineer909]

Ricks a recording engineer, I imagine he has all sorts of goodies at his disposal

[@ikereed6847]

First thing that popped into my head. I must be a fan.

[@Hevvvyyy]

This song and freewill are extremely good.

[@pitpride1220]

Papa Arthritis exactly!

[@Uncle_Buzz]

As a bass player, and a singer, I will forever be amazed and never grow weary at the complexity of Geddy's bass lines while singing. How do you get the isolated tracks? Great lesson! Subbed. Cheers, Chris.

[@SnoDog2112]

@@mdturnerinoz Some sort of Professional Software. Would love to get my hands on it. Would really help in my bass playing being able to isolate or bring bass track forward to hear all the slight shifts/fills in his playing as well as other bassists that I love like Flea and Les.

[@Burn269]

He gets the original Master tracks.

[@mrlucmorin]

@@SnoDog2112 If you search the web carefully, you'll find some torrents with Rush songs where you have each individual track (ogg file format, for example, can contain the individual tracks of a song). Of course, you then need some software like Reaper, or Studio One, to handle the tracks individually. I had some of those on an old laptop, but I stupidly reformatted the disks before giving it to one of my kids :-(

[@fgs2732]

I always wanted Rush to release all their albums in isolated formats. I would rather buy that than a remastered vinyl of Hemispheres

[@perryborn2777]

I only wish I could play and sing at this point. Been on bass for about a year and a half, and I would say I'm pretty competent at it by now, but I just fall apart when I try to sing with it. Even on songs that I REALLY know... Might just not be in the cards for me, but I'll keep trying

[@marmelaki]

and to think that Geddy is playing these intricate bass lines while singing... is just amazing!

[@gauchesymbiote1039]

And even playing keyboard at times!

[@jorymil]

I don't think he did for all of these - if you watch some of the videos, Geddy overdubbed vocals for certain songs.

[@nicholasvinen]

​@@jorymilhe played them live while singing though.

[@uneedtherapy42]

the way you 'deconstruct' a tune makes us love these tunes even more! You are awesome Rick!

[@echosilva863]

Right on! I couldn't have said it better!!

[@0okamino]

You could say that he helps bring them even closer to the heart.

[@ritualafterlife]

Listening to these 10 guys jam never gets old.

[@holdencaustic]

Haaaaaa!!!!!

[@RockinRob69]

*All 3 of these men. BEST at their craft. For all 3 to be in one band for 50 years. Priceless.🥇🏆*

[@donfletchersr.6644]

Nailed it, as usual... btw: oddly enough, watched Alex Lifeson just yesterday on a " how to " video and was shocked that he doesn't read or even seem to know the names of the chords he's playing ?? One of the comments was " better call Rick Beato to find that out.. " lol

[@oreojumperguineapigs833]

Don Fletcher, Sr. Greatest comment!

[@triggerhappySOB]

That's Alex. Heard a lot of odd chords come from that man, and it's all because it just seems to work for what he wants. Not because it was overly thought out. Guy is a genius even he doesn't know the chords by name.

[@pimpslappa123]

What program does he use to dissect music that way..sorry for the newb question....lol

[@simonharwood8488]

@@pimpslappa123 No program. Knows the right people.

[@Luthiart]

@@pimpslappa123 Pro Tools

[@georgeceh1945]

Should be the Canadian National Anthem

[@x00p3]

World Anthem.

[@ianseymour4066]

@TODD SWOPE what about the song Anthem??

[@Maria-yy4gm]

All Rush songs should take turns being the Canadian national anthem haha

[@marcosreal11]

They would change the first line to, "And all the peoplekind who hold high places..."

[@kaiserwilhelmii1827]

OVERTURE!

[@toob1979]

Came to add my own little tribute to Neal. Rest in peace. There will never be another like you.

[@michaelkemper6334]

I first saw RUSH, in MLG on the A Farewell to Kings tour, I was amazed by The Professor, Standing up in the middle of the song to play the Bells then sitting down again to play his kit. Unforgettable Great Concert

[@k_spats]

RIP Neil Peart 1952-2020 💥THE GIRL WHO LISTENED TO RUSH💥 From the back of the stadium She’s easy to see Standing up at the stage In her Starman tee From Anthem to Limelight To YYZ She’s the girl who listened to Rush And all of the rockers And all of the heshers Well they dreamed of the day That they might get her And drive her away In a Red Barchetta She’s the girl who listened to Rush Philosophers and ploughmen They can’t resist her call They cannot choose Not to decide So they've got no choice at all They've gotta love her No she doesn’t say "Pert" And she doesn’t say "Part" Yeah, she knows it’s "Neil Peert" ‘Cause he’s close to her heart Say a prayer for John Rutsey He was there at the start She’s the girl who listened to Rush Philosophers and ploughmen They can’t resist her call They cannot choose Not to decide So they've got no choice at all They've gotta love her Why don’t girls ever listen to Rush? But she listened to Rush! The blacksmith and the artist They can’t resist her call You cannot choose Not to decide So you’ve got no choice at all No you’ve got no choice at all You’ve gotta love her ~Nerf Herder 💜💫✌🏼🎵

[@davecole2561]

Thank you for posting this creative take on Closer to the Heart! Anyone of any gender appreciating the greatness of Rush gets a little closer to this heart. What gentlemen, what individual musicians and... what an amazing band!

[@lunadawnlynn]

@@k_spats Cheers! From another girl who listened to Rush. 🎼

[@chrismatarazzomusic8086]

I love the way you smile the smile, after you play every passage, that only a guy who grew up listening to Rush (like I did) can smile. That "man-these-guys-are-good great." Awesome. Thanks for this. Very cool to watch.

[@MrCanadianCaber]

Chris Matarazzo Music absofreakinglutely! I learned a lot of my early guitar from listening to Rush.

[@chrismatarazzomusic8086]

I'm one of those millions of Neil Peart inspired, drummers...haha.

[@bradybern6458]

No one will ever replicate rush.

[@rush2112andahalf]

Something tells me Rick is not a huge Rush fan, he says about CTTH : "beleive it or not, but this is a Rush song" . Id say if he did do another it will prob be Tom Sawyer

[@faustomadebr]

Rush... 3 amazing musicians. Ive never listened to this solo thinking about this quick Brian May feeling. Nice touch...

[@SimplyCookingWithKennyT]

What has made Rush so great is that they have managed to hold onto: guys that just like to play music together, extraordinary talent, friendship, creativity, and never thinking that any one of them was any bigger than what they could do together.

[@My_Naginta]

It is physically impossible for me to be sad when I hear this song

[@RicardoDiazHimself]

This episode could have ended pretty quickly: "What makes this song great? Its freaking Rush! See you next week"

[@robbiefrentz9427]

RicardoDiazHimself Roflmfao so true

[@hertzer2000]

Was hoping Bubbles would join you.

[@daves4645]

Samsquanch!

[@mark7166]

Just fuck off, Ricky.

[@kyleolin3566]

Fucken nailed It!

[@sealsept]

Joe French

[@Torgo1969]

He's at home playing with his cats.

[@jrensh]

Rick. You freaking amaze me. I've got to say also, I've developed a whole new appreciation for music, the bands you review and the producers. Thank you.

[@vmail19]

It’s amazing how your breakdowns make me fall in love with the songs again!

[@west4coast77]

What makes this channel great? ... You. Excellent deconstruction of a great song. Well done.

[@peacefuljeffrey]

This is all way over my head, because I’m not a musician (would like to be, but am not); but it’s still interesting because it’s about Rush.

[@jneveils]

When I think back on the late '70's three bands come to mind that changed me forever and they were Rush, Aerosmithe and Van Halen. An amazing period of music that will never be seen again.

[@gundolarry]

Rick, I can certainly see you putting a Beato-Style tribute and percussion breakdown video together for us all. The guy played his cymbals like individual instruments; each with it's own job to do and part to have. He started it all and was in a class with Gavin Harrison & Metheny's Antonio Sanchez....not Ginger and Keith. It's hard to wrap our heads around how many people around the globe are feeling pretty rough and in an unshakable funk about Neil's passing. It's comforting to know what we're feeling is widely shared, and that we are not, none of us, alone. Thanks for all you do Rick. Rest easy, Professor; you did good.

[@stefanf922]

Neil Peart's moustache is the key.

[@HeyMykee]

He got it from Dave Hope of Kansas.

[@triggerhappySOB]

@@HeyMykee I can say without a single hint of sarcasm, I think Dave Hope and the Peart family (me included) share some genetics. I, too, have that moustache. It's just so easy for us to grow tbh.

[@HeyMykee]

@@triggerhappySOB Awesome!!

[@steverogers2603]

Or was it the robes?

[@Jussiesmullet]

I AM Neil Peart's moustache , and I can confirm this.

[@mikes3941]

Love your shows Rick. Rush is my all time favorite band and to see it broken down like this is so entertaining and informative. Keep doing what your doing!

[@brianhenson5643]

“Ok so what’s Geddy doing there?” Better question: what is Geddy NOT doing there?

[@deletesoon70]

Juggling chainsaws Boxing kangaroos A nice softshoe number

[@OneMan-wl1wj]

"And the men who hold high places.." Geddy announcing like an Archangel!

[@davidparry1973]

I'm new to this channel and up to this point I've only seen the videos showcasing young Dylan's already outstanding musical prowess, but never watched "What Makes This Song Great". Now I have. So I guess time binge watch the others lol. Have an excellent day Rick and that extends to your family as well :D

[@jaybone23]

Welcome to the Beato Beatniks!

[@RokDAWG1]

David Parry Haha It's killer stuff! There's content that really opens your mind as to how to approach music.

[@mal2ksc]

I suggest starting with #1 and working your way forward, _not_ working your way backward from the present to the start. #19 is fine as a standalone episode, but some of the others are better served if you've already seen the previous ones.

[@ColinYapp]

Showoff, you are pretty damn good. Rush is my favorite group but I had to keep that on the down low in black neighborhoods, times are starting to change now.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Colin Yapp Yeah, I remember being a goofy kid in the late 70’s, early 80’s. If you were into Rush (aside from Tom Sawyer, of course), fantasy books or Dungeons & Dragons, you had to keep all that on the low if you ever wanted to get a girl, or not get teased/picked on. It’s great that comic book movies, LotR & the Harry Potter books & movies have catapulted fantasy into the mainstream. I’ve talked to young kids about how it used to be I don’t think they can really grasp how fantasy used to be viewed. I think that’s pretty great.

[@dougdavidson3260]

I was a Rush nerd from 1980 on. Now 51 yo. I went to college with a black dude that listened to Rush. I was somewhat surprised. I never asked but wondered if friends or family at home gave him grief for liking Rush.

[@9UaYXxB]

Black musicians invented it all, they have the right to leave it behind : ))

[@sheldonmontgomery9142]

@@9UaYXxB no they didn't lmao

[@realitylime4896]

@@9UaYXxB well thank god for blacks then. I mean they gave us rush so probably the 70s Steelers, bjs in the car and Star Wars too. Gimme a break.

[@coplandjason]

Always been one of my favourite Rush songs, the bit where Geddy sings "whoa whoa you can be the captain" - there's just so much energy in this part of the song. The more I listen to Rush the more I tend to analyse what's going on and the more the music means to me. These days though, all I can hear in most Rush songs is Neil, the fabulous Neil Peart.

[@stevendavid5370]

Alex writes such amazing guitar licks. Alex, Geddy and Neil's musicianship are incredible, and that's an understatement. Neil's lyrics constantly teaching us something and opening our conscious to thought provoking ideas. Geddy's ability to sign, play bass, play keyboards and pedals simultaneously is amazing. Love these guys and MISS Neil a bunch. It still is a very hard pill to accept Neil's passing. R.I.P. He was such an amazing person in so many ways, and so are Geddy and Alex.

[@clovis2012]

This is awesome! Thanks Rick. I actually got in trouble in 10th grade arguing with a friend of mine about how to play the opening to La Villa Strangeato while the teacher was talking. Good times. 😊

[@jaco5187]

Rush is like the Keanu Reeves of music. Nobody can ever say anything bad about them

[@jamie42172]

comedy

[@bluepinkman4785]

Except for haters and elitists. Because people are too dumb and stupid. But yeah, Rush is a great band.

[@ralelunar]

People have tried to associate them with Ayn Rand, just because they read her books.

[@a2ndopynyn]

@@ralelunar Ayn Rand had some good points. She also had some bad ones. So - she was human. She's been vilified because the media has been run by Marxists for well over a century. Ayn herself fled communist Russia. Rush disavowed her because the media kept calling them Nazis, which is understandable, if unfortunate. Last I checked, the communists had like 10x the body count of the Nazis, so...

[@werkzeugmann6224]

sorry its vise versa

[@careym3901]

MORE RUSH PLEASE!!!

[@curtisprice9806]

Permanent waves is my favorite. Geddy Lee's bass lines are so alive with twists and turns, walks and climbs, etc., etc., etc., etc. lol !!! His bass playing has a life of it's own!! So different from John Paul Jones and Geezer Butler...2 other favorites. Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson also BLOWS MY MIND !! The three together = LEGENDARY GREATNESS

[@gauchesymbiote1039]

❤Natural Science ❤

[@holdencaustic]

You can tell Rick enjoys this. It makes it that much cooler.

[@echosilva863]

yep, you see how he gets more amped as his instruction goes on. Thats cool!!

[@meatrocket1]

I know that's what makes this so great

[@tpaulalex724]

I remember the first Rush album, Fly by Night. I got my allowance and went to the Woolworths and bought that album. That was, I believe, the only album ever recorded without Neil. They had a drummer named John Rutsey. He left the band after the first album because he thought, "the band wasn't going anywhere." Well John, had you stayed, you may very well have been correct.

[@skdesign98]

Fly by Night was actually their second album and the first with Peart. John was one of the co-founders of Rush but did leave after the first album. He died not that long ago (2008) and as far as I know did not pursue a musical career after Rush.

[@justinstearns9723]

T Paul Alex John Rutsey left because liked to live the rockstar lifestyle, even though he was diabetic and didn’t take care of it very well. The combination of those two factors and touring would have killed him. He also wanted to play straight rock while Alex and Geddy wanted to go in a more experimental direction. They agreed that it wasn’t in the best interest of his health that he continue with the band, and he was replaced by Neil.

[@joepittman3515]

Just wanted to comment on teeth call Alex is call me about fly-by-night being the first album without Neil that was the first album with Mill in John Rusty didn't quit the band because he didn't think they would go anywhere he quit it because he wanted to be a bodybuilder and didn't want to be away from home

[@GordonHeaney]

Geddy Lee = best rock bass lines ever

[@1997lordofdoom]

*Best bass lines ever.

[@kaiserwilhelmii1827]

Along with Steve Harris yes. Geddy is ridiculously skilled.

[@justinthomas7222]

@@1997lordofdoom period.

[@TheAlibabatree]

Chris Squire

[@leembandy]

I’d have to argue John Entwistle. But Rush is definitely one of my favorite bands ever, and saw them in concert both in the 80s and in the 2010s. First concert we ever took our kids to. Wish I had been able to see The Who while Moonie was still with the band.

[@Habs8691]

What makes the song is the Vibraslap bits at the end. It's those details that differentiate Rush from all other bands. So subtle that even Rick missed it.

[@artheriford]

When you separate the parts on this songs, it is clearly obvious what great musicians these guys are. Not just Neil, who everyone knows is a virtuoso. Wow. This song is such a home run. Wow. Just wow

[@Eye-Nod]

Been a Rush fan since I heard Bastille Day in '75 ... It sure is nice to see someone play Rush who actually knows what he's doing! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@MrBecksy2]

Given me a whole new appreciation for the song.

[@dichebach]

Non-musician, social scientist/computer programmer here, but I adore music and probably had some natural ability that I squandered by not training. Rush was one of the few things in my youth that gave me hope. I don't listen to them much anymore but often when I hear just a bit of an old favorite I tear up and realize that music is even more wondrous than my young adult mind understood. If I understand the overall message of your video it was that: the composition of this song made ingenius use of numerous tricks and innovations and of course the extraordinary skill of the three performers.

[@deeayejay]

They may not have had the commercial success as other bands, but Rush is definitely one of the greatest rock bands of the late 20th century and early 21st. The talent, the magic, the messages...just phenomenal. Thanks for breaking it down. I agree with other commenters: what makes this sigh great is it’s from Rush. Kudos!

[@nickjensen8532]

Pretty sure they're one of the best selling artists of all time

[@spewgilist]

Check out Geddy’s baseball collection. Seems like he’s making wheelbarrows of cash.

[@terrypussypower]

I got into Rush through the “2112” album, so “A Farewell To Kings” was the first one I bought as it was first released...which meant I was able to catch the “Farewell To Kings” tour at the Glasgow Apollo in Feb 1978!! And what a gig! What really sticks in the mind was Geddy Lee’s bass pedal playing and Alex Lifeson’s white Gibson double-neck guitar! I recall asking about said geetar in one of the local guitar shops a few days after that gig, and the first thing the assistant said was “So you also went to see Rush the other night”! Apparently loads of guys were smitten by Lifeson’s choice of guitar!

[@ronmanges2266]

I saw the Farewell to Kings tour 77/78 in Johnstown PA at an 8000 seat venue. It was Spectacular!

[@johngalt5205]

I have watched quite a few of your videos, and I just want to say thank you for helping me understand just why these songs are so good, and not just factory produced pop. It's nice to see Alex get the credit he deserves. Neil and Geddy are such monsters of talent it is easy to forget about him.

[@christianketelaer6079]

To sing while playing this bass line is called talent

[@Allen-eq5uf]

Part of my childhood is gone with Neils passing. RIP Neil Peart!

[@realitylime4896]

No it’s not bro...it lives on every time you listen to a Ruah song!

[@EvilAmerica]

I just love the childlike smile he gives when you hears the drums. You can tell he completely understands the genius of it all.

[@robbiefrentz9427]

I didn’t like rush until I actually got older in life and rediscovered them and now im hooked love all their music

[@pocnonosdj]

Robbie Frentz, I’ve turned more people onto Rush in the last 10 years than I have in the 20 years prior! I’ve been a fan since my early teens in the 80’s. And I’m from Cleveland, so Rush was like an adopted son to us. The key to loving Rush is to be a bit weird (or a lot weird), having a good vocabulary, and being able to appreciate Geddy’s voice.

[@stevebrownrocks6376]

As with all RUSH songs, it's just reeking of AWESOMENESS!!!

[@coppersnare]

The bass and drums part is now my wake up alarm. Thanks Rick!

[@paulsimmons5726]

This was the first time I saw Rush, I was a sophomore in highschool. I remember Alex had these huge Hiwatt stacks and Geddy was using multiple SVT amps and cabinents as he was running a stereo "Rick-O-Sound" 4001 set up! And Neil played drums like none of us thought you could! Gosh, what a show! You nailed the breakdown of what made that song so FN incredible! Thanks for the roll down memory lane!

[@gwenreader6631]

Falling in love with this music again and again and again. Always something new to appreciate with Rush. Thank-you.

[@BrettplaysStick]

Thank you Rick 300,000 here we come!!

[@blaker007705]

Rick I find your breakdown and analysis of the songs you highlight amazing....and your an awesome musician as well. And thanks for highlighting my Canadian breatheren once again...rock on brother!

[@bkdexter79]

I just happened upon this site. I can't tell you how nice it is to hear a detailed breakdown of these songs. Closer to the Heart is a timeless classic...you just made me appreciate the intricacies so much more! Please do more RUSH!

[@beaveittoleaver2327]

Rush is an INCREDIBLE example of EVERY band member (3 piece only) understanding theory and where EXACTLY to shine in a writing format. I'm SUPER impressed by Rush again, but ALSO by Beato's guitar and bass skills. 3 piece bands are tricky little monsters 👍❤️

[@aikensrus]

My favorite part of "Closer To The Heart" is the live version when they do a ten-minute jam, and all three guys get to strut their stuff.

[@robertstallard7836]

Yes! Someone else who appreciates that. One of my favourite parts of Rush's entire catalogue. I've been lucky enough to see them live three times and got to experience it first hand.

[@dwightdwindley3141]

Ahhh yes.....My first great live album purchase was Exit Stage Left. One of my favourites to this day....Thanks, Rick. Your such a gem.

[@rickheckman1066]

Dwight Dwindley I was a fan pre Exit, but renting the vhs video at seeing them live had a MASSIVE effect on me 👊🏼

[@jaaustin500]

This song seems to typtify the 70’s stadium rock anthem- slow bare start that builds and builds and builds and fills it all in until it overflows with power and emotion. Closer to the heart, indeed! ❤️

[@frankburns8871]

What I love about good music is that you can appreciate it on a technical level and just on a "that sounds awesome" level, and Rick obviously can do both. Very interesting insights in these videos, even if I don't get a fraction of the technical jargon.

[@muskokamike127]

I love your vids, I hear so much that I didn't hear before and I've been listening to that song for over 40 years....

[@FlyingAce1016]

I would love for Rick to go song by song for all of Rush's discography.. every song has something different to offer lyrically or musically

[@irishguy13]

Wonderful work from Rush. I ate this stuff up when it first came out, and then Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures. What an epic and awesome, amazing run of work.

[@bassfan41]

That low G at the end of the bass lick in the intro is so sweet

[@davidflint12]

Loving this series. I re-watch a lot of these posts as well as your other material. Rick you’re one of a kind man.

[@davidflint12]

Keep the beard

[@gmmakesmehurl]

Man, A Farewell To Kings - the first album I learned to play guitar to.

[@gregorymccasland2874]

The wry smile on Rick’s face as he hears the solo end and he has played along with it perfectly is so priceless. It’s a smile I’d love to have one day.

[@michaelogden5958]

I love how you take apart songs. Many of the "old rock" songs absolutely drip (if not flow) with details and complexity that is lost on many people. The thing that makes many of these songs great (to me) is that one can initially listen to them over and over and pick out things missed previously. Then, some months or years later, one can rediscover the song and pick it apart again. Cheers, Bud!

[@substrate001]

Thanks so much for this, Rick. I was in 11th grade when I first heard this. Been a fan of Rush ever since! I'm a big fan of your channel as well. Great job!

[@jcdenton616]

I would LOVE to watch you de-construct Xanadu! A challenge I know, but I think you're up for it! ;)

[@johnkrainock2070]

Would have to be followed up by Hemispheres...a 5 part mini-series. Awesome!

[@m-moneymgt8055]

Watching this for the second time and am reminded that not only is Rick incredibly talented at breaking down a song, finding things in songs you didn’t realize were there, but he’s also an incredible musician. It’s why I bought his Beato Book, ear training and beginner guitar lessons. My musical hero

[@RobertSvilpaMusic]

Hey Rick - one flub up here - on the opening arpeggios, Alex descends on the first chord, then ascends on the remaining ones (first time - A, E, C#, then B, C#, E, G#, C#, E, A, C#, E followed by the descending single notes) of the lick. It repeats for each run through - it's really tricky since it's easy to want to continue the downward arpeggio but it makes it harder since you're changing pick surfaces and direction - it almost feels like an alternating picking exercise (which the main 7/8 guitar arpeggio in Xanadu is)

[@OlinKreutzRules]

Robert Svilpa Just shut up, sit back and watch what he is doing. If you don’t like it, move along. Jesus Christ...there’s always one of you asswipes. Besides, don’t you have to teach your “How to be a douchebag” class?