finale to a 3 hour show with 8 minute drum solo mid way and when you consider Alex suffered with arthritus in both hands at this stage of his carer in his late 50's quite impressive

"...and then the song just changed" Welcome to the world of Rush.

Glad you enjoyed it. This song and Cleveland were pivotal in Rush's history. Donna Halper was Music Director at WMMS radio station in Cleveland when their debut album (s/t) crossed her desk in 1974. She played "Working Man" on air which went down well in the blue collar city and helped Rush get an American record deal. This show is actually from 2011. The guys were in their late 50s and this was the final song of a two and a half hour performance. They never gave less than everything on stage.

@Critical_Thinker858

Жыл бұрын

Pretty sure it's Halper who appears in the band's animated posthumous tribute music video to Neil of Spirit of Radio.

THAT’S RUSH!! Those are our boys. You’re just touching the surface of GREATNESS!! MORE RUSH!! 🤘❤️

Such a great performance! But that is Rush live all the time. They always brought 100% at their performances. This song was obviously their last song of the night and Rush concerts were usually around two and half hours long. Not bad for a bunch of old guys, lol. Miss these shows so much!!

I know how you feel- even though I've been a fan of them for almost 50 years, it still amazes me how these 3 musical geniuses do what they do, but the best thing to see is when new fans jump on the train with us- great reaction

The encores tended to be their reward for behaving during the rest of the concert. They just let go, goofed around and had a blast! 😂 I'm going to suggest Vital Signs (from Moving Pictures) if you want to see a little more reggae/ska action from The Boys. Alex is a chameleon. He can shred, give atmosphere, whatever's needed for the song.

3 guys + 0 egos = a band that is musically and lyrically above the rest. As Michael Hicks mentioned below, regardless of how long one's followed RUSH one never stops being amazed how 3 guys craft such perfection and then to do it live is mind boggling. If you're sticking with RUSH reactions I would suggest the following: Subdivisions, The Camera Eye, Beneath, Between and Behind, Ghost of a Chance, The Big Wheel. Alien Shore, The entire Caress of Steel, Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, and 2112 albums.

Working Man was a song off their first album with their first drummer John Rutsy. It is very different from this version. Much more raw and rocking. I love both versions. Cleveland holds a special place in Rush's heart as it was a DJ from a Cleveland radio station Donna Halper who first played this song on air which broke them into the American market. John Rutsy had health issues and wasn't able to tour. Neil then joined the band in 1974 and it was the three of them until they retired in 2015. Alex had started the band in 1968. It is amazing when all three of them "solo" at the same time! The end bit of music they were playing was from Cygnus book 1 which I highly recommend followed by Cygnus book 2. Cheers 🇨🇦

@cogline

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely

For one of Alex's most memorable leads, "La Villa Straingiato" is their first instrumental and is one of the most loved ones. For a short and fun jam with a killer bass, check out the live version of "Malignant Narcissism". It's freaking sweet. And Neil is ALWAYS amazing on the drums.

La Villa Strangiato from the same concert should be your next watch. That song's subtitle is "an exercise in self indulgence" and is a song that heavily focuses on Alex. When they first wrote the song in 1981 they admit it was beyond their technical ability to play. So, check out how they play it 30 years later during this concert!

These guys mean business! Pure Power!

Geddy and Alex have been friends and playing together since early teens, they have a blast on stage.

Rush was sooo accessible to see. Saw them live every year for at least 13 straight.

The studio version is good, although it was from their first album when their drummer was John Rutsey. The reggae/ska part of this performance was a playful way to lead into this song & isn't part of the original version. Although I'm biased, this performance was just incredible & I'll never forget seeing them on this tour. Other songs to listen to: 2112, By Tor and the Snow Dog, Xanadu, La Villa Strangiato, Freewill, Natural Science, Red Barchetta, The Camera Eye, Limelight, Subdivisions, Analog Kid, Between the Wheels. Too many to list, really.

Excellent reaction. Studio Rush is simply amazing, performance video Rush exceeds all expectations, “LIVE “ and in person Rush is completely mind altering. Great to see that you appreciate Alex’s skills, the man is supremely talented. Two other Toronto guitarists that will blow you away (for very different reasons) is Rik Emmett (Triumph) and Jeff Healey (The Jeff Healey Band), Jeff in particular will probably change your whole perspective on playing a guitar. Cheers from Southern Ontario.

Yes, you nailed the pronunciation. It's good to see an old nieghbor again. I moved to Uxbridge Ontario, at one end of the road was Alex Lifeson, the other end the Dark Lord himself, Hayden Christensen. A very long time ago, before ATMs you get paid on Friday and take the cheque to the bank. You wait in line for an available Teller. Behind me was this long hair dude, Geddy Lee. I said I love RUSH and regular concert attendee. Exiting the bank I see Glass Tiger roaming the Mall. Alan Frew and company, check out a song Diamond Sun for example. On a fishing trip to Port Dover, I grabbed a foot long hotdog and Honey Dew at 'The Arbour'. I sat at a picnic table and beside me was Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of Guess Who. no, thats the bands name Guess Who. There was a popular band at the time called Canned Heat. Guess Who made an album called Canned Wheat. My head is full of this stuff.

@toddashton9696

Жыл бұрын

Wow!

On record to be Geddys favourite song to play live and you can see why, he absolutely let's rip on his bass. This really is the gold standard for a live performance for what is really, a very improvised version of the original song. All the lads go mental on this live version and yes, they played this after a 3 hour set. Unbelievable.

Great reaction an amazing performance. This performance is from 2011 when the guys were in their late 50s and this was the last song of a 2.5 to 3 hour show. The amount of skill and energy on display in this performance still boggles my mind. The original song is off of their first (self titled) album from 1974 and is very different. The original is more like like the second half of this performance. There is no reggae section or flavor in the original. This song and Cleveland Ohio are very significant for Rush. This was their breakout hit that first got them noticed in the US. A DJ in Cleveland Ohio heard this song and played it on the air. It became a big hit with the largely blue color audience. Their first album is the only album with a different drummer. The first drummer was John Rutsee. He was a solid rock and roll drummer but he had to leave the band for medical reasons before the tour of their first album. Neil Peart joined Rush two weeks before the start of that first tour. So at the time of this performance these guys had been playing this song together for almost forty years. and they decided to put a bit of a twist on it. I will put two suggestions with links below. Both of these videos shows the guys playing live when they were much younger. These two performances really showcase their talent, creativity and mastery of their instruments. Please react to them when you get a chance. 1) RUSH - Xanadu - Live In Montreal 1981 (2021 HD Remaster 60fps). This is from the Exit Stage Left tour in 1981. m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJatzKykfsLUhrw.html 2) Rush - La Villa Strangiato. This one is from 1978 I believe. This was shot live on a closed stage in the first take and they nailed it. m.kzread.info/dash/bejne/l39lys99oMSektI.html

This band is so phuking GOOD!!! I’ve seen this video about a 150 times in reaction vids and I’ll probably watch it another 150 times an it never gets old… How many bands can you name where when each an every member goes off, and I mean GOES OFF the charts an solos all at the same time? And make it sound like it’s meant too be… Probably 3 of the greatest musicians in one single band of all time….

Neil’s drumming was always evolving. He was known as the Professor but he felt he always had more to learn and get better. Neil studied other famous drummers and gleaned their styles into his own. His own mother asked him once why he never smiles when playing, he always looks so stoic. His reply was, Mom this stuff his hard! Neil enjoyed pushing himself and the more challenging the drumming was the more he liked playing the song. You need to watch Neil’s drum solo, live from Frankfurt to see the Professor hold class.

@CAdams6398

Жыл бұрын

A big mistake seeking tuition from Freddie Gruber. He lost that wonderful originality of his!

@donjackson5522

Жыл бұрын

True. But Gruber taught him method of holding the sticks to make his playing less of an effort. You always see drummers dripping with sweat after a show. Neil made it look like he wasn’t even trying hard even though he challenged himself constantly.

@CAdams6398

Жыл бұрын

@donjackson5522 Good point. Swings and roundabouts i suppose! 😊

One of the earliest songs by Rush when they were more straight meat and potatoes Rock and Roll

My beloved band since 1980❤

My favorite live clip of Rush so far is, believe it or not, The Weapon from their 1984 Grace Under Pressure tour. Yes, this was smack dab in the middle of their heavy synth phase and Duran Duran wardrobes and new wave hairstyles, but I dare you to watch that one and not completely marvel at everything they're doing musically (and effortlessly) in that clip. Unbelievable.

3 over talented guys in their late 50's absolutely smashing it. What a live performance. There will never be another Rush! RIP Neil. Sorely missed

🤗 So glad you did the Live version! 🤩Just 3 old dudes rocking out! Saw them open for Kiss! Been a fan ever since! 😁🥰🐰

If you'd like to hear more of the Police-inspired reggae beat, I recommend Digital Man and New World Man from Signals, and Distant Early Warning from Grace Under Pressure. If you're wondering about the section they played after Neil made that face, that's from Cygnus X-1, an epic masterpiece that starts as the closing track on their 1977 album A Farewell To Kings, and continues as the opening track on their subsequent album Hemispheres, adding up to 30 minutes that will completely blow your mind! Cheers from Canada! 🇨🇦 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

@cogline

Жыл бұрын

Cygnus I & II together would be a long one, but fantastic

@CAdams6398

Жыл бұрын

And the most Police inspired song of them all in 'Vital Signs' 😊

Yes! I know it's been mentioned, but let it sink in. Last song in encore after 3 hours of playing in their mid 50's. It has been theorized they are aliens 👽 nobody knows for sure, but we love them just the same 🤘

Seeing your reaction to this performance really touched my heart ... You would've so enjoyed seeing this spectacular band live

La villa Strangiato from Exit Stage Left (audio only) I recommend if you want Alex at his best.

WONDERFUL!! May I suggest, "The Analog Kid." from RUSH"s 1981 album, SIGNALS 🏆.

Every time I see this video I am awestruck and speechless. Love..love..love this amazing band..if anyone wants to know how great RUSH is..show them this performance..

Rush is to MUSICIANSHIP what the BEATLES are to SINGING!!

Long live RUSH... the Greatest of the Greats !!!

That was fun. I really enjoy watching someone really enjoy Rush. No song suggestions, just make a list of songs, close your eyes and poke the list, you can't find a bad song. My only recommendation is to do live cuts for the next couple, before diving back into the studio work.

I realize this young man is just starting to go down the Rush rabbit-hole, but I think he is already ready to jump right into the deep end and react to the amazing "Freewill"! Studio or live, you can't go wrong with Freewill!

Very nice pronunciation of The Professor's surname 👍😊✌️ My family saw this tour at The Gorge amphitheater 🤘 in George Washington. Yes there really is a George Washington 🤔 The few bars at the end of"Working Man" were from "Cygnus X-1" which harkens back to the late 1970s "A Farewell to Kings" (AFTK) and "Hemispheres" albums. Which leads me a suggestion for a reaction. From the AFTK record, a song called "Cinderella Man". The lyrics are by Geddy, making it a little bit of a rarity in that respect. The lyrics were inspired by the classic film "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" from the 1930's. It was about a typical "everyman", Mr. Longfellow Deeds, who suddenly and unexpectedly inherited a massive fortune. The 1930's film features Gary Cooper in the title role. The movie was remade in the 2000's and released as "Mr. Deeds" with the great Adam Sandler in the title role. The Sandler version adds a comedic aspect the Gary Cooper version lacks. The first time I heard "Working Man" was the 27th of March, 1976 at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. They were touring in support of the "2112" album, opening for Styx. That live version can be heard on the "All The World's A Stage" album, recorded almost exactly three months later in their hometown (Toronto). It might be an interesting comparison to check it out, maybe even giving the original 1974 studio version, with original drummer John Rutsey, behind the drum kit. As we say in Scotland, Tioraidh an-drasta 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✌️

I feel compelled to comment. Your Channel is pretty good and you’re obviously a well educated person with Bags of personal artistic temperament. My interest / Fanatical devotion to these extraordinary Musicians goes back to approximately 1978. Great Lad !

Neil was "the professor".. the best ever... RIP... As far as Geddy, the best, As far as Alex, Eddie van Halen was once interviewed in a guitar mag and asked what it's like to a guitar god, he said " I don't know, ask Alex Lifeson"

Great reaction. Thanks for getting to this favorite of mine. The reggae style intro is a departure from the studio recording, and a lot of fun. There are a few such improvisations Rush have done during concerts. Neil was a big fan of reggae, and The Police, among other influences. There is a history with Rush and Cleveland, where a local radio station helped them get their first record contract in the US, on the strength of this song. Remember this performance is 3 guys just shy of 60 years old, doing an encore at the end of a 3 hour concert. Looking forward to more of your reactions to Rush. Here are some suggestions: Vital Signs - a little reggae / Police influence. Freewill - Alex shines in this one. Fly by Night - early rush - be sure to check out the performance video to see them as teenagers.

The original Working Man didn't have a Reggae intro. I guess they wanted to change it up. This is Rush doing their absolute best live performance of their first song ever played on the Radio in Cleveland Ohio in 1974. #epic #Workingman. 🔥🤘 Alex's live performance of La Villa Strangiato EPIC 🤘🎸

I saw this show for free in Cleveland. It was a blast!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this with you - I felt you.

Rush 2112 AND Neil's drum solo from Germany is a must see . Enjoy the very deep rabbit hole you will be going down.

Good reaction. Xanadu live 1981 Exit Stage Left has to be seen and heard.

Awesome reaction. Refreshing to see a young man like yourself into older music. For another amazing live song, try "RUSH - Xanadu - Live In Montreal 1981 (2021 HD Remaster 60fps)" this is exact name of vid, it's a higher quality vid than the other version on you tube. This is RUSH in their prime, Geddy's voice is amazing, I honestly think you will be blown away by the musicianship in this one. This was recorded for RUSH's live album called Exit Stage Left, so the sound quality is impeccable, watching them play this live will open your eyes to just how much a 3 piece can do. Love your passion as well, look forward to watching more of your reactions.

Gotta say THANKS! Great reaction, gave me a smile! From west coast Canada 🇨🇦, peace.

Check out the studio version it is way more bad ass. This is them having fun with it so it’s way different

Great reaction! Al, you are SO ready!! Rush is going to change your life, so welcome aboard, my friend! OK, let's do another live video, just to show you more of Neil's incredible drumming: please do the live video of "Xanadu", from the Exit, Stage Left concert (1981)! Xanadu was a part of the same album that "Closer to the Heart" came from, from 1977. It's epic, orchestral, and spellbinding! I promise, you will be flummoxed! Keep going, brother!

A radio DJ in Cleveland who started playing their music is credited with breaking them into the US market.

Such a range of song writing and pure talent. Suggest the video of "subdivisions". For a different brilliant facet

😊these guys are the best I haven't seen better.

I swear Neil is getting emotional (crying) when he stands and waves goodbye.

The tone on both Alex's guitar and Geddy's base are quite a bit warmer than the studio version of this song. Neal is in an orbit occupied by luminaries such as John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Buddy Rich Geddy - one of the best rock bassist of the last 75 years Alex - most under rated rock guitarist of all time Together - absolute magic The virtuosity they bring to their playing in their late 50's/early 60's when this live video was created as contrasted to their mid 20's when this song was released is a joy to behold. (And they were awesome in 1974 when this album came out - and I remember it!) Thanks Al, great video - only a hundred or so RUSH songs to go! Keep em coming.

Hey there! I love the channel and I am happy that you have found Rush. I watch your face and I know now why I have been happy ever since I discovered the band in 1996. Please check out Marathon by Rush. I feel it combines all the great elements of the band

His hardware was dipped in gold to boot.

RUSH Army is present and prepared for duty.

An alternative reggae intro and an outro with a riff from their song "Cygnus X-1" makes this version of Working Man unique and magnificent. I hope you're ready for the deluge of Rush song requests that fans will be pouring on you....LOL

The album version doesn't have the reggae parts. Check that out too

Love your voice! Great review, love it, more Rush please! Alex used to be an great shredder, but never on Rush songs, you can find a clip from 1975 where he shreds it like, but it is not a Rush song….

I am watching these so far out of order. But your enthusiasm is awesome! I am so glad you are enjoying the best band ever. May I make a suggestion? I'd like to see you leave your comfort zone. Listen to Der Trommler off of Rush's R30 album. It is a drum solo. I would love to see how you react to a drum solo. You're enthusiasm for everybody is wonderful to see. Your commentary on Alex and Geddy is much more than that of Neil considering they are the two in the front with a lot of guitar and bass and keyboards going on. Neil doesn't get all his just desserts unless you really really really are ignoring everything else and listening strictly to the percussion. I would love to see your reaction to Der Trommler. Cheers! Lauren

as always excellent analysis

New subscriber here!!Lovin your trip with RUSH!! Nailed the name..lol! I’d suggest “Freewill-official video” as good staple, then maybe to begin to show their wonderful weirdness try”Natural Science- maybe with lyrics if your interested, live anytime in the 80s if your not, then maybe for some keys, do “Subdivisions- live in Dallas” after that maybe a kick butt rock song like “Headlong Flight-studio version”!! That would have come out 4 yrs after this tour! For an instrumental, do “La Vill Strangiato- official video” to see the masters of their instruments (this would be from 1978, they were in their mid 20’s there! Then we’ll take you to the “GOOD STUFF”!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!

Xanadu [live 1981] Live in their prime......................

la villa strangiato from the same concert

This is a great different take on working man would definitely listen to the original version but this one bops

Three gods walked on stage that day.

You have No idea How Alex is Under rated

🤣 Don't sleep on Alex yo! 😏 They literally named a Guitar Chord after him.... 🥰🐰

That's how you end a concert. 😊

You should always listen to the studio version first. Its how we all heard it, its how the artist intended & its the only way to compare how good a live performance is. People who recommend their favorite version instead of the studio arent doing new listeners any favors. Yes, check out live versions after. After.

Nice shirt! I live there. If you want to see Alex really turned loose listen to the studio version of "Working Man". My preference is live performances though. Good work.

😂again this is the GOAT of all time

Ok, 3 guys made that sound.... But how do just 3 guys make this? : Xanadu, 1981, remastered by the genius Stickhits. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJatzKykfsLUhrw.html

@AnthonyKellett

Жыл бұрын

Yes. Xanadu live (and that stickhits remaster) does show more of their repertoire; but so does La Villa Strangiato (love the Exit Stage Left audio album version) ... or Natural Science... or... on and on! Their repertoire was so varied, I can't think of any single track - or album - that could give anyone a flavour of Rush. Look at the last ever track, 'The Garden'. The live performance of that was something else.

You need to do Natural Science, Studio first if your into seeing the lyrics , But the live performance is a killer also

Welcome Fans, again.

U gotta no Niel is a top 5 drummer in rock. I new ud love this who couldn't!!!!

@elianad2083

Жыл бұрын

Neil is the best drummer ever..hands down..R.I.P..

@kengunter6903

Жыл бұрын

@Eliana D yea I just didn't want to get the JB backlash. Lol.

Check out a Welsh band called Budgie. Geddy's twin😜

Time for YYZ live in RIo

As others have noted, this was their very first single, which means that the original drummer was a man named John Rutsey, who was replaced by Neil Peart, just weeks ahead of the band's first US tour. Rutsey was a good drummer, but obviously not a GOAT. Peart made this song his own through live performances such as this one.

I'll suggest Natural Science again .. 😉

Three guys in their fifties ending a nearly three hour show ,

The best band in the galaxy…try😂là Villa…..str R.I.P THe professor Neil

I would highly recommend yyz

That's actually 2011, not 1991!

@alsvinylcollection

Жыл бұрын

Oh god, you're right!! I have no idea where the 1991 came from, it was very late at night 😂 thank you for pointing it out!

Even though as ever Rush live are awesome, but working man from the 1974 album Rush is heavier and the solos better in my opinion, i bought it in 1981 and Rush have been special to me ever since.

Check out Headlong Flight, it will blow you away

Alex probably gets the least love outside of the Rush army as Neil is always considered the GOAT or very near there. Geddy's Bass playing is always ranked very high. Alex gets lost in that sometimes. Though there was in interview back in the 80s where the interviewer asked Eddie VanHallen how it felt to be the GOAT of rock guitar and he said "I don't know you would have to ask Alex Lifeson."

Alex and Terry...

He’ll mate try 2112 or Hemispheres

Pear with a “t”

Such a deep fake for the intro. I thought they were gonna drop it on “beer.” Nice little prank they played on the fans. For Alex, La Villa Strangiato. It was his nightmare out to song.

original is better