I never realized how spoiled we were in Canada in the 80s, hearing Saga, Rush, Triumph, April Wine, Honeymoon Suite, Platinum Blonde, Max Webster, the Northern Pikes, etc, etc, on the radio every single day. Back then, I expected this kind of music to stay on top forever, it was so dominant. That hasn't been the case, unfortunately; but after not hearing this song for 25 years before this video, I still know all the lyrics and riffs by heart. It absolutely belongs on the all-time Canadian rock playlist.
I saw them on this album tour open for Pat Benatar and in my humble opinion blew her off the stage. If you get an opportunity check out "the suitcase". The lead singer opens a suitcase and inside are syn-drums. He proceeds to cut heads with the drummer. EPIC !!
This is one of my favorite songs of theirs and off this album,World's Apart. They are a great progresdive rock band from Canada. I saw them on the tour for this album in Chattanooga, Tn in 1981. They are killer live as the video proves. They recently released a new album. You now have to experience On The Loose and Amnesia from they same album. Love this band. They rock!
I have had the joy of seeing them live for over 40 years. Sadly they only now have a Cult of us Oldsters in their Native Canada, but to go to Germany or Puerto Rico and see the Masses just adore them, gives me hope WAKE UP CANADA.
I haven't heard that song in many years. Thank you for sharing. I've never had a chance to see them live but after seeing this I'm going to check their touring schedule.
I got introduced to this band in the early 80's, when Wind Him Up and On the Loose charted. Their sound at that time went with the 80's Rock/New Wave era. At that time I had no clue they were actually a prog rock band. You see, Saga never really got a foothold in NA, they were big in Germany. I believe Wind Him Up was big across the pond, while On the Loose got traction in NA. I don't know why this band never got the attention they deserved in NA, especially since they are awesome musicians, the lead singer reminded me of Freddy Mercury, and their songs are fantastic. I have to say SAGA has to be one of the most underrated bands considering their longevity and body of work. Wilburn, you mention your dad plays the keys and is an influence on you musically. I think you will love SAGA, because imo it's all about the keys and the guitar in this band from a musicianship pov. The way the keys and guitar work together in harmony is magical.
Did you ever notice the similarities between Billy Squiers stage moves and Michael Sadler’s after about 82-83? I know thy both love Freddie, I just thought it was wild that Billy changed his style after SAGA opened for him during that tour
This is later in the band's career. You'll notice the leader singer lacks his original hairstyle from the "Humble Stance" video. Ya, it's the same guy. LOL
So genius and not easy to put together a great song like this. The 70s and 80s were the days when you had the greatest minds in the music industry who got together and made the greatest sound in the history of rock music genre. The same era of another great canadian rock band - Rush that came out with the hardest music to play and probably to this day the greatest rock band of all time. Without taking anything away to Saga’s talent but Rush is imho the greatest. That said Saga was part of those incredible bands with super talented musicians and song writers. You should check out (Scratching the surface) and ( Don’t be late) from this great band so underrated but super popular in the 80s unfortunately canadian bands of that era did not have the same exposure as american bands to get people to listen to their music, those were the doggy dog days when the radio was the only communication platform for rock music and of course the internet was not available which would’ve been another ball game and lucrative. So many bands of the era broke up over contract disputes between band members or the production company. That said this probably was a factor that forced musicians to come up with unique sounds to get a solid fan base which is probably why some of these bands are still on the road and today’s generations confirms this when they react in total shock to music of that era.
Here is a 2018 live performance of Saga doing On The Loose ua-cam.com/video/Fsh6ilviyIA/v-deo.html You like the transitions in Wind Him Up? Bahahahahahaha...... Wait till you hear OTL. This live version is 37 years after the original and Michael Sadler's voice is still PEERLESS. Very note, pristine, just like the amazing studio productions. This is quite a band. So underrated it makes me want to cry.
Sadler does have a very pleasant voice, and Ian Chrichton has chops like crazy, his chromatic scales kind of remind me of Mathias Jabs. Saga is the story of why some bands make it and other don't, and there is no reason. Why did Rush (full disclosure, my favorite band) make it huge but not April Wine, Triumph, Saga, Kick Axe, Goddo, Honeymoon Sweet, Max Webster, Queen City Kids, Streetheart (which in itself is a fascinating story.....Paul and Matt join Streetheart and go nowhere, move to Calgary and hook up with Loverboy and become multimillionaires almost overnight), and perhaps most famously, Anvil (who are revered in the heavy metal community), to name but a few.....? Saga and Max Webster had chops to equal Rush, but for whatever reason, they never hit it big big. Talent, songs, management, are all surely important, but at the same time (and arguably in greater proportion) there is, in Neil Peart's words, "the element of chance." Lightning striking can be a bad thing or a good thing.
Love this band in the late 70's and still love them to this day....GREAT choice! Check out the song Framed off the Worlds Apart album. Thanks...love your reactions.
I saw them open for Jethro Tull nearly 40 years ago. Sorry to admit that I was so blistered, that I don't remember much about either one. I do remember 'On the Loose'. I do find this as something I like
How many think Sadler may have not been able to hear so well? His timing was a tad off. He was way ahead of the music at times. I realize you have to switch things up to keep it interesting but this was pushing it.
I agree! I thought the same thing. I have been a fan since 1981 and have heard them live several times. But even if Micheal's timing was off a bit, his voice was still amazing... as always!
Sorry to comment on a little bit of negative, but you should’ve had the band in a bigger caption and shrink yourself down! Saw them on Manitoulin Island this summer at RTR, the drummer are good, but the master was Steve Negus. Go watch or listen to the original recordings.
Saga - Scratching The Surface is another great song, so many to choose from.
I never realized how spoiled we were in Canada in the 80s, hearing Saga, Rush, Triumph, April Wine, Honeymoon Suite, Platinum Blonde, Max Webster, the Northern Pikes, etc, etc, on the radio every single day. Back then, I expected this kind of music to stay on top forever, it was so dominant. That hasn't been the case, unfortunately; but after not hearing this song for 25 years before this video, I still know all the lyrics and riffs by heart. It absolutely belongs on the all-time Canadian rock playlist.
Chilliwak was pretty good too!
ON THE LOOSE These boys are the masters of staccato guitar.
It’s about f@$k’n time someone checks out Saga!!! Off the same album “On The Lose” or off there first album “Humble Stance”
fantastic band...
Awesome...thanks for reacting to Saga...very underrated band.
I saw them on this album tour open for Pat Benatar and in my humble opinion blew her off the stage. If you get an opportunity check out "the suitcase". The lead singer opens a suitcase and inside are syn-drums. He proceeds to cut heads with the drummer. EPIC !!
Awesome! Glad you took the time to listen to these guys!
This is one of my favorite songs of theirs and off this album,World's Apart. They are a great progresdive rock band from Canada. I saw them on the tour for this album in Chattanooga, Tn in 1981. They are killer live as the video proves. They recently released a new album. You now have to experience On The Loose and Amnesia from they same album. Love this band. They rock!
I have had the joy of seeing them live for over 40 years. Sadly they only now have a Cult of us Oldsters in their Native Canada, but to go to Germany or Puerto Rico and see the Masses just adore them, gives me hope WAKE UP CANADA.
My first real concert back in the 80s at the Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Way to go Chod! Saga deserves more reaction love! "Mouse in a Maze" is great live!
I LOVE Saga...I also loved your reaction...thank you! New subscriber.
"On the Loose!"
We have to forgive Germany for Hasselhoff because they absolutely LOVE Saga and are probably the reason they had such a great career.
Hey, that first bit is not my fault ... Hasselhoff was cringe before cringe was invented. Saga however is great.
THANKS for taking on this song, not enough people are doing this song AA++
“What’s it gonna be” is a good listen
With thirty one albums this bands has tons of great music and Ian the most underated guitarist in rock
Another great band of Canuckleheads gets some overdue love, thanks, Chod and the chan fam. ;>D
Another solid Canadian band a little on the prog-rock side. I believe I saw them with Rush in around 1980.
@Zoey The Savannah - Agreed!
Saw them live in Montreal opening for Def Leppard in the mid 80's. Great band
This was my jam freshman year of high school. Yep I'm old. But over 40 years later this still sounds awesome
Thanks Chod!! 😃
I haven't heard that song in many years. Thank you for sharing. I've never had a chance to see them live but after seeing this I'm going to check their touring schedule.
I got introduced to this band in the early 80's, when Wind Him Up and On the Loose charted. Their sound at that time went with the 80's Rock/New Wave era. At that time I had no clue they were actually a prog rock band. You see, Saga never really got a foothold in NA, they were big in Germany. I believe Wind Him Up was big across the pond, while On the Loose got traction in NA. I don't know why this band never got the attention they deserved in NA, especially since they are awesome musicians, the lead singer reminded me of Freddy Mercury, and their songs are fantastic. I have to say SAGA has to be one of the most underrated bands considering their longevity and body of work.
Wilburn, you mention your dad plays the keys and is an influence on you musically. I think you will love SAGA, because imo it's all about the keys and the guitar in this band from a musicianship pov. The way the keys and guitar work together in harmony is magical.
Awesome! Canada rocks!
I really like Ice Nice. Don't ask me why. Just do.
How bout some Kim Mitchel some time
On the Loose next.
Saw them open for Billy Squier back in '83......they absolutely killed it that night!
Did you ever notice the similarities between Billy Squiers stage moves and Michael Sadler’s after about 82-83? I know thy both love Freddie, I just thought it was wild that Billy changed his style after SAGA opened for him during that tour
This looks a little later than when I saw them..
Oh man I remember this from university!
This is later in the band's career. You'll notice the leader singer lacks his original hairstyle from the "Humble Stance" video. Ya, it's the same guy. LOL
I always wondered whatever happened to the lead singer from Midnight Oil. Nice to see he learned how to play keyboards too.
😂😂 omg
So genius and not easy to put together a great song like this. The 70s and 80s were the days when you had the greatest minds in the music industry who got together and made the greatest sound in the history of rock music genre. The same era of another great canadian rock band - Rush that came out with the hardest music to play and probably to this day the greatest rock band of all time. Without taking anything away to Saga’s talent but Rush is imho the greatest.
That said Saga was part of those incredible bands with super talented musicians and song writers. You should check out (Scratching the surface) and ( Don’t be late) from this great band so underrated but super popular in the 80s unfortunately canadian bands of that era did not have the same exposure as american bands to get people to listen to their music, those were the doggy dog days when the radio was the only communication platform for rock music and of course the internet was not available which would’ve been another ball game and lucrative. So many bands of the era broke up over contract disputes between band members or the production company. That said this probably was a factor that forced musicians to come up with unique sounds to get a solid fan base which is probably why some of these bands are still on the road and today’s generations confirms this when they react in total shock to music of that era.
I saw SAGA in a bar in Canada in 1981. Front row. It was a seminal moment for me. Best entertainment experience of my life.
It’s always great to see a fellow musician do a reaction to a song. Keep up the great work!
You nailed it, Chod. This song is a masterpiece. Came out in 1981.
😊👍
Here is a 2018 live performance of Saga doing On The Loose ua-cam.com/video/Fsh6ilviyIA/v-deo.html You like the transitions in Wind Him Up? Bahahahahahaha...... Wait till you hear OTL. This live version is 37 years after the original and Michael Sadler's voice is still PEERLESS. Very note, pristine, just like the amazing studio productions. This is quite a band. So underrated it makes me want to cry.
Sadler does have a very pleasant voice, and Ian Chrichton has chops like crazy, his chromatic scales kind of remind me of Mathias Jabs.
Saga is the story of why some bands make it and other don't, and there is no reason. Why did Rush (full disclosure, my favorite band) make it huge but not April Wine, Triumph, Saga, Kick Axe, Goddo, Honeymoon Sweet, Max Webster, Queen City Kids, Streetheart (which in itself is a fascinating story.....Paul and Matt join Streetheart and go nowhere, move to Calgary and hook up with Loverboy and become multimillionaires almost overnight), and perhaps most famously, Anvil (who are revered in the heavy metal community), to name but a few.....?
Saga and Max Webster had chops to equal Rush, but for whatever reason, they never hit it big big.
Talent, songs, management, are all surely important, but at the same time (and arguably in greater proportion) there is, in Neil Peart's words, "the element of chance."
Lightning striking can be a bad thing or a good thing.
If you like this, you might just love a live version of Spectral Mornings by Steve Hackett
Love this band in the late 70's and still love them to this day....GREAT choice! Check out the song Framed off the Worlds Apart album. Thanks...love your reactions.
SAGA ROCKS !!!!!! I REMEBER THEM FROM HIGH SCHOOL I LOVED THEM THEN I LOVE THEM NOW !!!!!! DO ON THE LOOSE PLZZZZZZZZ
I saw them open for Jethro Tull nearly 40 years ago. Sorry to admit that I was so blistered, that I don't remember much about either one. I do remember 'On the Loose'. I do find this as something I like
Saga is underrated.After 28 album They released.and 40 years on stage.They are still great.
Canada great rock 🎹🥁💥🔥🌪️👍😎⚡🌌🕯️🙏😃🇨🇦
Great reaction! My favourite band! Gotta check out Careful Where You Step and Don't Be Late (Chapter 2) from this live performance!
For me , the best version. Try Mouse in a Maze live "MIKLOS KOVACS" very intense, perfectly play.
Please do a reaction to Saga’s biggest hit “On The Loose”.
can you do a reaction to Promotion Man by Highway Robbery
Transit album.by Saga
I wonder why this song? Try "on the loose", the studio version.
My goal is for Wilburn to react to the Mighty 'Brother Wind" by Golden Earring.It's so damn good!
learn from the big guys
since ur a drummer, how about that drummer. Thorne rocks!
How many think Sadler may have not been able to hear so well? His timing was a tad off. He was way ahead of the music at times. I realize you have to switch things up to keep it interesting but this was pushing it.
I agree! I thought the same thing. I have been a fan since 1981 and have heard them live several times. But even if Micheal's timing was off a bit, his voice was still amazing... as always!
Sorry to comment on a little bit of negative, but you should’ve had the band in a bigger caption and shrink yourself down! Saw them on Manitoulin Island this summer at RTR, the drummer are good, but the master was Steve Negus. Go watch or listen to the original recordings.
Studio version is much better
You should always listen to the studio version if you've never heard it before. This version is wildly inferior.
the studio version is better ...
Horrible