Afterimage (vocal/piano Rush cover) - Mike Massé
"Afterimage" by Rush, a vocal/piano cover by Mike Massé. RIP, Neil Peart.
Liner Notes:
This is how I chose to channel my grief. The world is a little less in sync, a little less wise, and a little less kind with the recent loss of Neil Peart.
He was my favorite, and he also happened to be the best. Can we all stop pretending now that anyone else was or is really even close?
"Suddenly you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon." And yes, it was very sudden for us fans. We had no idea he had been secretly battling brain cancer for literally years. And of course, Neil would not share that with us. I just wish he had let us share that with him, though, so he could have experienced firsthand a taste of the outpouring that has flooded the airwaves and filled our screens.
I posted this in the liner notes to our acoustic "Limelight" cover a couple years ago:
"Neil and I have a mutual friend, who shared my KZread stuff with him. It was a huge thrill to hear that Neil knows I exist and enjoyed my music. He particularly thought "Africa" was great, and noticed my attire, "He's wearing a Rush shirt!" If I ever met Neil, I hope I'd muster the courage to tell him how much his music meant to me during my son Noah's cancer battle. I listened to "The Garden" every night going to sleep in a little cell-sized guest room adjacent to the ICU, during those worst early days of fear. "In this one of many possible worlds, all for the best, or some bizarre test?" I had been reading his books, so those words meant so much more to me coming from someone who had himself suffered immeasurable loss. So Neil, if we ever met, you wouldn't have to pretend I was a long-awaited friend. But hopefully you'd sense the gratitude of a kindred soul."
If I were to try to put into words what the average (meaning rabid, of course) Rush fan is feeling right now, it's the sense of loss, knowing that we will never get to say thank you in person to the kindred soul behind Geddy's words and the steady beast behind the irregular-but-perfect beat. And we all ache for Geddy and Alex, imagining the depth of their pain, losing a friend, a brother, a fellow artist, and a source of steadiness on stage and in life. As members of the extended Rush family, we are all hurting. Neil was the voice behind the friendly voice we all began our days with. So many days. Really good days.
Thanks to Grant Kaufman for filming this. Grant is the 16-year-old son of one of my best friends from high school, David Kaufman. I introduced Dave to Rush, and he did the same for Grant, so it was good to work with a fellow Rush fan on this project. Grant is also a drummer, so he has his own special appreciation for Neil.
Thanks to Matt Legge for handling playback during the video shoot, which we filmed at Third and James studio in Denver.
I used Steinberg's Cubase Pro 10 (as usual) as my DAW. I recorded the vocals at my home studio using my Townsend Labs Sphere L22 microphone, the only studio mic I really use anymore.
Thanks to you for reading, and please remember to Like, Subscribe, and Share. It all helps a lot.
Love,
-Mike
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Пікірлер: 290
Grace Under Pressure was such an underrated record. You’ve done well, safe travels Neil Peart
Am I the only one that thinks this should have about a million views?
His death is still vibrating within me. I guess it will never really go away... that's how much he moved me. We were blessed with his presence and his gifts to us. Thanks, Mike, for keeping his spirit alive and in our ears!
Beautiful! Alex Lifeson said, "The last thing Neil would have wanted was a bunch of people camped out on his driveway singing Closer to the heart.
Not exaggerating when I say this may be my favorite cover of any song by anyone. I’ve gone back and listened so many times. Thank you
@RaymondBCrisp
3 жыл бұрын
You should check out his cover of Rush's Mystic Rhythms.
@jsbogen
2 жыл бұрын
Sadly, almost the exact time I posted this message my Dad was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. He just passed last week after a very hard fight to try and beat it, but lost his fight only a few days away from the anniversary of Neils death from the same disease. What torture as it gradually takes your mind from you. Once again, I turn to this tribute to help me heal. Thank you again Mike!
@mikemasse
2 жыл бұрын
@@jsbogen So sorry for your loss, Jason. ❤️
Brilliant. My favorite late mid period Rush song.
My bro passed away in a motorcycle accident years ago. i always remember him with this song. You played this song just like just like i could played to him. Thanks for that Mike. The way you play this song makes me cry.
Sadly this was written for a good friend he'd lost, how ironic we now use the lyrics to help us get through his death.
One of the best covers and a great tribute to the Professor.
"He was my favorite, and he also happened to be the best. Can we all stop pretending now that anyone else was or is really even close?" Perfectly said.
I didn't know about Neil's death. One of my three favorite drummers ever, with the likes of Stewart Copeland, Phil Collins... So sad. p.s. Mike, this is a stunning performance. Thank you.
Good grief that was incredible!
I came across your renditions of "Time Stand Still" and subsequently "Afterimage" yesterday (when the first track popped up in my KZread feed). Wonderful. And timely. After a short bout of illness, my dad passed away at 2AM this morning. The words of both tunes are especially poignant at this time, and your renditions of them are perfect for the moment. Thank you.
This is a beautiful song that captures the emotions of losing a loved one. The pain, despair and anger. A great cover of a song that has been part of the soundtrack of my life since it was released. Every time I ski, these lyrics come to mind as they do when I think of my late wife. You've captured the anger that Neil put into the percussion. Well done and thank you
@mikemasse
Жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss, Nick
@nickmorris9783
Жыл бұрын
@@mikemasse Thanks
Beautiful rendition even more emotional than it was already
Every time I watch this, I love it more.
Your notes for this video pretty much sums up how so many of us feel about Neils passing. I became a fan at 14 in 1977 and the music of Rush has been a part of my life (as well as my sons) since. I miss seeing the band perform but more than that I’m sad that the world is a little less creative and musical with his passing. Beautiful tribute and video. Thank you!
@mcasteel2112
4 жыл бұрын
Yeah I cried off and on for two days when word broke, 53 yr old man from Michigan sobbing while remembering each of the 13 times I got to see them.
This is the second tribute song that was arranged differently and evokes such emotion. Thank you Mike for interpreting this song to fit your style and to pay respect to one of the greatest minds of our time. Long Live Rush!
Oh my god!!!! This is the best original Rush cover I have ever heard. Great job, very impressive 👏🏼 Been a Rush fan since ‘87-‘88 and this was amazing.
Just recently discovered your work,happened upon "time stand still " first and subsequently this and many others. I must say your covers are genuine classics in their own right. Sorry I found it late but as they say. ...better late than never.
@RaymondBCrisp
2 жыл бұрын
FYI, Mike regularly does live streams. Come check it out sometime!
@LimJiaKim
2 жыл бұрын
Something that hard to explain. I like Mike Masse covers very much. Such a meticulous and focused cover artist that incomparable.
One of the best Rush covers I've ever heard-the only other one that comes close is the Jacob Moon cover of Subdivisions. Thank you so much, Mike.
Beautiful tribute. Miss you Neil!
Tearing up here. Bravo. So poignant, and so beautifully executed. You are a remarkable talent.
Mike leaving it all out on the field...Brilliant!!!
Absolutely amazing arrangement! Your vast array of talents (voice, musician, arrangement, performer, poise) really shine here. Immensely impressive!
@mikemasse
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Kevin. Very kind. ❤️
Bravo, very nice rendition. It almost tears me up watching and listening to this. Great job
This is hands down the cover of this song on KZread. Fantastic!
Can't believe it's been 3 years...I remember...
The Neil bobblehead gets me every time...
My ex-wife died from cancer two weeks ago at the age of 56. We got divorced 20 years ago because of her mental illness. I felt a shadow cross my heart, because she's nobody's hero (ref: Rush Nobody's Hero). I still loved her in my heart. This song is my Afterimage.
@mikemasse
Жыл бұрын
Sorry for your loss
@durangojoe1123
Жыл бұрын
@@mikemasse I shared your cover with my mother and father because they're in there over 79 years old
Oh Mike, I am in tears again hearing you play this for Neil. Well played sir.
You are the best playing the songs of my favorites Rush, I enjoy too much, thank you really, best for you.
love the piano!
A wonderful, fitting tribute to 'The Professor'......'suddenly you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon'.....RIP NP
Nice tribute to Neil and I loved how his bobblehead was bopping to the music. It's impressive how quickly you were able to adapt this to piano. I'd love to hear more Rush covers in the future -- maybe The Garden or Closer to the Heart.
@ericchavarria4436
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, he needs to do the garden. That would emotionally screw me up in a good way.
Great stuff! Magic vocals and beautiful piano rendition
One of my favorite Rush songs of all time and you nail it dude....
I've never gotten the chills from listening to a cover of a song before. But this...wow. This gave me chills. I may have shed a tear or two. Thank you for this.
One of the most underrated Rush songs ever. Brilliant version of it!!
Great job Mike. Beautiful.
My favorite rush song.
Still, truly awesome. Thanks!
Absolutely beauutiful, goosebumps...
Great job man. This was the first song that went through my head when I heard Neil had left us. It's still unbelievably sad but I also choose to celebrate the utter triumph that was his life in so many ways, not the least of which was piecing things back together after his shattering personal losses.
Beautiful tribute. 🙏 Thank you!
A perfect tribute, perfectly done. R.I.P. Professor
Mike, You always amaze me. Know you've worked hard, but such a God given gift you have in voice and instrumental talent. Come do Kalamazoo someday.
R.I.P Neil Peart.
What a great tribute to a great writer and musician. Made things a bit brighter when things are looking dim. Thanks.
Bravo sir absolutely stunning a beautiful rendition of a classic Rush track, I’m sure Neil would be touched.
Excellent, Mike! My favorite song of my favorite band got even better. God bless your hands!
Fantastic!
This is really amazing and chilling! I didn't know you and I've seen on your website that your repertoire is pretty large, I'd say infinite. I like of this kind of Rush tribute/cover acoustic based, because it shows their phenomenal songwriting beyond their worldwide recognized musicianship and attitude by each of the three to make music in a spectacular way in every second with some fresh notes or chords or fills.
Aww the Neil BobbleHead, perfectly placed!! You performed this beautifully Mike! A truly wonderful tribute.
Amazing. The Professor would be pleased. Brought tears to my eyes.
Amazing! Three songs in and I’m a fan!
Again, WOW!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing your amazing talent...
Well done, as always, Mike. I feel your passion and think about Neil every day, which is no different than before January 7. When I listen to a RUSH song, I find myself finally giving in to the fact that these songs will never be played again by him. I thought I had already come to terms with that a couple years after their final show, but I guess a small part of me still held on without me realizing it. P.S. I have that same hoodie and shirt. Cheers!
You are totally imaging. That is so amazing that you can capture the beauty of the song with your awesome voice and amazing piano! Love it!!
Amazing!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
How beautifully played - sincere, heartfelt, and fitting to the lyrics Neil wrote. Thank you Mike !
Very good. First rate tribute to the Professor!
Fantastic job to arrange this for piano and preserve momentum, melody and mood. It's such an interesting song of theirs because it's so different lyrically and musically. The guitar solo is an amazing bit of Alex's playing, full in his Edge/Andy Summers/Midge Ure phase, and you've done well to create a piano part for it. Hats off. And I really enjoyed your written tribute, too.
respect to our master! thanks for this beatiful cover
As a lifelong RUSH fan this performance has been a huge part of my attempt to heal. You nailed it. The only way it could be better is if you got to play it on the Layla Baldwin. Can't wait to see your performance in Sept.
Absolutely beautiful. That was an incredible tribute. And the Neil bobblehead was a nice touch that made me smile. He sure left his mark upon many lives. We're lucky for that.
My God this was good. Thank you for doing this, much needed . We all feel the way you would...
Beautiful, haunting, heartbreaking. A fitting tribute to a lost master. Thank you
Excellent work Mike as usual Mike...you covered the guitar solo perfectly
Beautiful cover!!!!
Oh man not sure I can handle the emotion of this one .... 🤘
I wish I can sing and play music. Even though I have no talent for music, I really love music. On occasion, when I'm in the right frame of mind I can compose music in my head and some of it is really good. No way for me to transcribe it to notes on paper. Thisvis the first-time I've heard a Rush song played on piano. Extremely epic!
@marct9808
3 ай бұрын
I know how you feel, Mate
A perfect tribute to Neil Mike, First time I saw Rush in a Toronto pub,John was banging out the beat. Though he was a solid player, Neil was the missing piece to this awesome trio. He was a gifted writer. (lyrics, books, poems, and tons of web content). He also happened to be the best percussionist I have ever heard or seen. Have missed their live show, and now feel so sad for the RUSH family. Thanks for this.
Another fantastic Rush cover and apt selection. It's clear you're truly familiar with their work, and your love shines through with every note.
Thank you Mike! Well done........👍
Can't wait! Thanks for including a little piece of me in the process:)
awesome once more Mike!! 💕
Now THAT'S how to do an awesome Rush piano cover! And topped off with a great vocal too. Nice tribute!
My friend, thanks for this wonder
Rest in peace neil.
Wow, you are a talented man. I really enjoyed your cover of "Afterimage". I couldn't imagine the song could be done "justice" with only piano and voice.
I have to cry now.
My wife and I were at your recent show in Charlotte. I loved your brave and moving take on "Time Stands Still". A great evening enjoying great songs with a gathering of people brought together by a shared love of music. As long as we have musicians like you keeping the memory of our lost beloved artists, their legacy is in good hands. Thank you for coming out to CLT. Look forward to having you back next year!
just a real heartfelt take, awesome arrangement on piano Mike!! especially the guitar part, after the, "I feel the way you would"
Just fabulous. Would love to see you take on The Pass.
One of my all time favourites. Thanks for a excellent version. I felt that ” I feel the way you were…”. Music is passion is music.
Hello big Rush fan here. This was wonderful a most beautiful tribute really. With tears I Remember.
now that was sooooo good !!! killer job bro !! thats one of my favs from rush ...rip Neil
So beautiful. Thank you!
heartfelt... bravado... epic... shows just what they had written was so very good...under appreciated...
I wonder if Geddy and Alex have seen this...
@RaymondBCrisp
2 жыл бұрын
RIP Neil...Literally cannot believe it's been two years since his passing.
Really looking forward to this one
Solid performance. I bet Neil would approve. Thanks for the tribute.
Mike that is just so beautiful thank you. You add to the original and that is something else! Many blessings. Shows that Neil Peart was an absolute poetic genius of a lyricist! God I love Rush and Mike your singing is fantastic and love it!
Thank you this brings back great memories.
WHAT A MAN! YOU’RE SO TALENTED AND GIFTED. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THEM. WE LOVE. YOU MIKE MASSE!
Great tribute Mike! Loved how the camera panned over to the drums at the end. RIP to the greatest drummer of all time! Neil Peart has always been my favorite musician & the reason I started playing drums as a kid back in the 70's.
Excellent job, RIP proffesor!
PS when ever I have lost someone during my life, this song, helps me to deal with it. Everyone loses people, and Neil's words allows us to feel less alone, because we aren't alone in our grief.
WOW!