Alex Lifeson doesn't get the respect as a great guitarist that he deserves IMO. His ability to give the band that full sound as the only guitarist is amazing! And he switches his style, sounds and techniques on a dime as well as anyone! I'm so sad I never saw them live!
They always been what I'd call a working band, long tours with many gigs - early on sometimes up to 250 venues - for every album. That is what made them such great musicians. First show I seen them was in 1978 and then 31 more times since.
Am a huge Rush fan and have seen them a dozen times live in concert over the years. Every time, they were amazing and spot on. I've seen many groups in concert (Steely Dan several times etc.) and Rush was by far the best live band I've ever seen.
In most Rock Bands, the Lead Guitar is the most talented player in the band. Alex is Overshadowed by being in a band with the GOAT Rock Drummer and a top level Bassist that can play footpedals and Keys and sing all at once. In another band Alex would be considered "the Star" because of his talents. Much Respect to Alex Lifeson
This was part of a huge festival held in 2003 in Toronto that was headlined by the Rolling Stones to help revive Toronto's economy after the SARS outbreak earlier that year. Other artists who performed included AC/DC, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, Isley Brothers, The Flaming Lips and a bunch of other Canadian bands.
@@protovision2010 I was there too, man it was a hot day, we actually had a pretty good spot near the beer tent, what a crowd tho, everyone was so chill, I'll never forget it !
I loved that tribute. I didn't see this concert though. I'm wondering if any of these bands collaborated on any songs for 1 set, like they sometimes do at these things.
@@stevedem76 yes, I was at this show, Justin Timberlake got up and sang Miss You with the Stones, we started leaving at that point, 500k people at this show, it was crazy
Just before RUSH took the stage, Charlie Watts, one of Neil Peart’s drumming heroes, stopped by and met Neil for the first time. Neil said that he had a hard time focusing for the first few seconds when their set started.
This is basically how their conversation went: Charlie: Hello, I'm Charlie Watts Neil, to himself: Who the f*** is this guy; OMG it's Charlie Watts!! Charlie: I'm going to be keeping my eye on you! Neil, to himself: Oh $#!t, not only am I performing in front of 400,000 hometown fans, but now I have Charlie Watts watching me!!
I have to say it again. Your original Spirit of Radio reaction is an all time UA-cam classic. It’s one of the best out there. I subbed when you first stopped the song! Ha Ha! As a lifelong RUSH fan and having seen them live in concert 18 times on 17 different tours, it really made my day to see the appropriate, instant impact it had on you! That reaction status is yours to lose. Easily top ten of all time. Cheers! 🍻
Wow! I've only seen them 5 times, mostly at Maple Leaf Gardens. I love seeing younger people discover Rush. Their first reaction to Spirit was legendary!
That’s what we always did live. I saw them 18 times in the middle of TEXAS over the years. Whenever they came to that line, “concert halls” they’d hit the house lights and everyone would cheer just like on the album. Every time live! It was a thing. Ha Ha! Fun times!
@@johnhughes3214, the RUSH crowd was special too. No dummies in a RUSH crowd. RUSH night was always very special. It had a different vibe from most concerts. It was a higher level buzz because everyone knew what was going to happen overall. We knew all the songs and most had seen the band before, if not several times before. It was a great vibe! Super exciting night! Always excellent!
@@johnhughes3214, that’s why it was a different vibe live. Everyone was on the same page in a different way from most shows. It was more exciting in a slightly different way. It was RUSH.
I was at that concert back in 2003 in Toronto. It was a special concert to help promote Toronto during the SARS epidemic that year. Moreover, there were so many celebrities there: Justin Terbutaline, The Guess Who, Rush, A /DC, The Rolling Stones. It was a very hot day! Funny story before Rush went on stage. On older looking gentleman came to shake Neil Peart’s hand. “Hi. I’m Charlie.” Neil having head phones on not hearing him spouted, “Who?!?” Taking off his headphones, the older gentleman repeated, Hi. I’m Charlie Watts” extending his hand out. Neil’s reply was, “Oh? Oh! “I’m going to be watching you today. When do you go on?” Charlie asked. “Any minute now.” Anyway, for your next Rush song, I’d like to request you do a review of “The Enemy Within” off their 1984 Grace Under Pressure album. Cheers from Toronto John
That year was the only time they ever played in México City, where I live. I brought my 9 & 11 year old kids. It was their first concert... Needless to say - Minds blown.
I was there too, never forget it... I've seen AC DC 4x but that was probably my favorite performance just because of the atmosphere and all 500k people just being super chill
Agreed. I saw The Rolling Stones in 2000 - Toronto also actually and they played every song of theirs note per note exactly the same as on their records. It was pretty disappointing.
"washing machines have been used as stage effects in Rush shows [since] a reviewer said watching their stage act was about as interesting as watching clothing tumble in a washing machine" Just thought I'd share that.
PS When Geddy is clapping in the Choruses, he is playing bass pedal synth with his feet and the piano trigger you wanted to hear at the end is there, it’s in all the live performances triggered live by Ged with his feet, but the mix from the show along with the sheer size of the crowd drowned it out. If you watch him though you see him hit the synth pedal where that part is to be played.
Isn't it something when you experience a song that makes you soar through the air, it's your private treasure for months or years, you don't tell anyone about it, you just say "yeah, great song!" and then suddenly you see half a million people having the exact same effing experience, feeling exactly the same way as you?
My first Rush show was this tour. They had Rush T-shirts in the washers and Geddy and Alex would open a washer and throw some of the shirts out into the crowd!
I was at this show and it was incredible. July 30 2003 with 500,00 of my best friends at Sarsfest at Downsview military base in Toronto. At that time Ontario was hit hard by the SARS virus and a concert was set up to thanks the medical workers and help lift the spirits of the province. The Rolling Stones were the headliners (hence the Paint It Black intro), AC/DC (who were absolutely amazing), Rush, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, The Blues Brothers, The Flaming Lips, The Isley Brothers, The Sam Roberts Band, Sass Jordan and others. So good. The best concert of my life. Look for other clips from the show, especially AC/DC. Keep it up!
Well, you still have to hit "Working Man" Live in Cleveland: Completely different arrangement from the studio. And hit a very short (unusual for Rush) banger "Malignant Narcissism", live or studio are fine. They're close.
Entre Nous should be your next studio song. Great melodic song with great lyrics about working through the complexities of relationships. Definitely an underated gem in their catalog.
May 6th 1981 Rush played in Pittsburgh at the Civic Arena .....best live concert ive ever been too and i have been to alot of them. I still remember every detail that night!!
That opening part of the concert was a tribute to The Rolling Stones, who were part of this concert as well. If you didn't recognize it, Alex (guitar) was playing the riff to the "Stones" 1964 hit song "Paint It Black." Nice touch by Rush to Mick Jagger, and the Rolling Stones.
I was at this concert!! The washing machines are Geddy's way of poking fun at Alex's wall of amps. I've also seen them at Maple Leaf Gardens countless times. Watching Geddy is amazing. He'll be singing, playing his Moog foot pedals, playing open notes on the bass and playing something on the keyboard. He's practically a one man band!!
Working Man Live in Cleveland - a must for the next live RUSH performance gentlemen. If THIS blew you away , Working Man Live in Cleveland will make this performance seem like a light breeze.
These guys are heroes! My ultimate music memory is watching Rush at the O2 in London from a VIP box. When Geddy sings 'Concert hall!' the house lights went up and everyone screamed! Incredible! Rip Neil xx
I was in that crowd. And it was brutally hot that day. But so worth it. It was my first time seeing Rush, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, JT, and others. And all on the same lineup! Oh, and AC/DC melted my brain that day, lol
I second everything you said, and the ACDC brain melt, double again! Remember afterwards, the eerie sound of millions of plastic water bottles getting walked on as the crowd left.
@@slowfinger2 ha ha !! I remember all the plastic bottles too, it was soooo hot that day, subways were jammed with people, I got home at 3am, what memory tho !!
The dryers contained special printed t-shirts that were thrown into the crowds when they come back onstage, just before they do their encore. They did this through this whole Vapor Trails tour. This was done while they were in the middle of that tour in 2002.
61. Seen these guys in the 70's when I was in high school. Teenage drummer then so, ya know. $7 if I remember right. Get right up front. Good times. Also dig the 2x15 Martin bins scattered around for sidefill. Check it out.
When I first heard Rush and that was in the seventies , without video or youtube film available , I thought there were two drummers and two or three guitarists. Then I purchased their album and was blown away by the fact that sound came from three great musicians .
you talked about the history teacher..... While I was somewhat familiar with RUSH in high school (early 80's) it was my history teacher that really got me into RUSH. We were studying the French Revolution in history class, and what does he do, he brings in a record player and his RUSH Caress of Steel album and cranks up the track Bastile Day.
Holy cow, the size of that crowd was amazing. You could literally be driving down the highway and truthfully claim to have been part of the audience. Geddy's bass sounded so fat and strong, and they seemed to be having such a great time. The best at the top of their game.
Great reaction! Rush is in a league of their own. Alex's rhythm guitar sound is so full you don't really even miss the keyboard sound from the studio version.
What is Lifeson doing now? That guy is one of the top guitarist ever. He really fills the sound of Rush. Everyone else builds off that amazing drummer, lyricist. Amazing.
He just finished a project they are calling Envy of None. Old friend Andy Curran asked him to help out w a few songs he was working on. Added Maiah Wynne a very talented young singer/song writer/multi instrumentalist to sing. Alex said he uses a more atmospheric style he's wanted to experiment with now that he can. Videos just went up last month.
I think the live version of Chapmam with Eric Clapton, will entertain A&A more. The band does a great job. And Clapton takes a verse and you get a little alteration to the tune that one time, to add interest. imo, that's the better one to hear.
“Closer to the Heart” from the 1977 album “A Farewell to Kings” has always been one of my favorite Rush songs. I haven’t seen a reaction by you to this song, I hope that you do.
Not washers! Driers! Lol! This is one of Rush’s greatest composed and written songs! And it is radio short in length. So many dovetailed transitions! And it is so listenable. Only Rush could do that. I’m surprised it was not a huge hit worldwide!
I was at this concert! LOL, it was in Toronto Canada. 250 thousand people! Man….We even saw the Stones, AC/DC and many others. That was a day I will never forget. The place went NUTS when RUSH took the stage! They are Toronto’s favorite sons. They flat out nailed it!
Was there among the 400,000 people. 2003 Toronto Rocks (referred to as SarsStock) at Downsview Park located inside the city. Meant to help promote Toronto after a SARS outbreak messed up the tourist industry. Headliner was the Rolling Stones with AC/DC doing full shows with sets by Rush, Guess Who, Isley Brothers, Flaming Lips, Isley Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Sam Roberts Band, Kathleen Edwards, La Chicane, Tea Party. Tickets for the whole day were $21.50
The absolute JOY exhibited by Rush, was one of the funnest parts for me during their last few tours. Alex going ham, Geddy laughing at him, and Neil just being the best ever. Man, fun times seeing Rush as many times as I did. RIP Neil.
I went to 3 shows of this tour alone, following them around!♥️ I'll tell you, no lines for the ladies room lmao they shot tees out of one of the washers too lol I'm so fortunate to have seen them 8x... I feel sick there will be no more, but I cherish every memory. RIP NEIL!😥♥️♥️
Closer to the heart from different stages live. For studio, the Pass. It's in my top five favorite Rush songs. It's so poignant and the bass is really great.
Mr. Puggs physical science teacher. Played keyboard in a band and looked like Rick Ocasek. What a fun class😎👍🍻 Love me some live Rush and a straight up banger boys🍺
This reaction just made me so friggin happy. I thought Andy was going to have a seizure during the solo, he was so into it. Rush has always been my favorite band. As a drummer myself, Neil is my hero. The washing machines were Geddy screwing with Alex for all his stacks of amps on stage. He later added things like a hot dog machine and a popcorn maker. I loved their music and love what great guys they are. When you can review the Working Man live version from Cleveland, it's worth it just to see the rare grin Neil gives to the guys at the end of the song. You could really see the love these guys had for each other. And to stay together playing at that level for so long is amazing. RIP professor.
OMG! Man I miss Rush Wednesdays. Your initial reaction to this song is still one of my favorite reactions of all time! If I’m having a down day, I will rewatch It just to put a smile on my face. I checked out your Rush playlist and see you have not reacted to the garden yet. The song is amazing as it’s their very last song on their last album, and there’s also a great Live version available to react to as well!
As a long time Rush fan I feels a little proud to see them playing to such large crowds. In the 80s and 90s they didn’t really play these kinds of giant crowds. They filled basketball arenas at their peak. But to see that Rush in Rio concert with all the thousands going mad, or this one with so many people - nobody deserves as much respect as these guys finally got. It’s gratifying to finally see. Also that Paint it Black intro was because they had just released an EP of covers, tributes to the bands that had influenced them from the late 60s.
The lines in the song “the words of the prophets are written” and “the sounds” come from the Simon and Garfunkel song The Sounds Of Silence… they seem to be paying homage to it
Yes! Your reaction to the studio version is one of my favorite reactions of all time! You can't go wrong doing any live performance from the Permanent Waves/ Moving Pictures period. The band introduced vending machines, chicken rotisseries and the washing machines in place of Getty's stack of amps a little later in their careers. The washing machines had souvenir T-shirts that were commemorative and thrown to the audience. Keep Rush coming....there are still some bangers you have yet to hear! Peace!
Those weren't washing machines. They were dryers to represent Geddy's dry humor. Get it? But really, Alex had so many amp stacks on his side, that Geddy decided to use dryers to aesthetically match stage left. But they make use of them. They spun XL Rush shirts in there and tossed them out to the crowd before the encores every night. BTW, this was SARS Fest. They played "Paint It Black" intro to pay homage to the Rolling Stones who they finally met that day (they were fans as teens) since they were also on the bill for that event. Cool, huh?
Goosebumps indeed!!! This is why I love LIVE performances and to perform as great as the studio version, epic!! The massive crowd reminds me of Cal Jam 1 in 1974 then Cal Jam 2 in 1978. Multiple bands performing for a cause, doesn't get much better than that. Cal Jam was at Ontario Speedway, Heart, Ted Nugent, Santana, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and so many others performed for over 350,000 people. Beyond amazing, it was like a 3 day event. Thanks guys!!
Y’all gotta do “Working Man - Live in Cleveland”. Totally different from the original and jammin like you would not believe!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
A couple things: Saw them live in 1981. Three of the most talented on their instruments in rock and roll. Their music is complicated and they are SO tight as a group. They handle transitions better than any other rock band. Change my mind.
Not only did they have washing machines on stage, they've also had other hilarious random things like refrigerators, vending machines, rotisserie chicken ovens, popcorn makers, Barbie dolls, toy Dinosaurs, ridiculously tall amp stacks, etc.
To this day Rush concerts were my favorite. You always knew they would turn up and turn it out. And I have to admit, Rush fans are fn some of the best people! The first time I saw the washers on stage I laughed, because I knew it was their way of saying, "We're still just a garage band......enjoy!"
I never really listened to Rush and passed on the other Rush videos, but because of you're enthusiasm I really watched and listened to this performance. Wow - great!! Immense talent! Incredible live sound! I'm a fan. I am going back to listen to all the other videos.
SO glad you reacted to this one. So many emotions every time I see this…goose bumps (yeah Alex), elation, and…sadness. This captured such musical happiness and elation with SO many people as far as the eye could see…and yet, it’s now all gone. With the loss of a HUGE icon…this wonderful moment in time that seemed to stand still is now just a memory on video to cherish. The take away? Love thy neighbor as if your life depended on it, appreciate good music, and hold onto the good moments as hard as you can…because in a blink of an eye, they’re gone…and so is the Professor. RIP.
Alex Lifeson doesn't get the respect as a great guitarist that he deserves IMO. His ability to give the band that full sound as the only guitarist is amazing! And he switches his style, sounds and techniques on a dime as well as anyone! I'm so sad I never saw them live!
They always been what I'd call a working band, long tours with many gigs - early on sometimes up to 250 venues - for every album. That is what made them such great musicians. First show I seen them was in 1978 and then 31 more times since.
Am a huge Rush fan and have seen them a dozen times live in concert over the years. Every time, they were amazing and spot on. I've seen many groups in concert (Steely Dan several times etc.) and Rush was by far the best live band I've ever seen.
He doesn’t deserve it
In most Rock Bands, the Lead Guitar is the most talented player in the band. Alex is Overshadowed by being in a band with the GOAT Rock Drummer and a top level Bassist that can play footpedals and Keys and sing all at once. In another band Alex would be considered "the Star" because of his talents. Much Respect to Alex Lifeson
Lifeson crushes this lead guitar solo.
I was at this SARS concert. ❤ RUSH was excellent! For me...Rush AC/DC and The Guess Who ALL blew The Rolling Stones away.
The fact that you knew the Paint it Black right away tells me how far you two have come on this channel! Does my heart proud.
same here Jennifer
This was part of a huge festival held in 2003 in Toronto that was headlined by the Rolling Stones to help revive Toronto's economy after the SARS outbreak earlier that year.
Other artists who performed included AC/DC, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, Isley Brothers, The Flaming Lips and a bunch of other Canadian bands.
Yeah and they reckon there was over a million people at that !!
Actually, just had a look and the local media etc reckon there was approx half a million - still, not too shabby !!
I was there!
All the way at the very back, but still, great performances :) AC/DC were amazing as well.
@@protovision2010 I was there too, man it was a hot day, we actually had a pretty good spot near the beer tent, what a crowd tho, everyone was so chill, I'll never forget it !
I think the biggest Rush-fan only crowd was in Rio. Probably about 60k people.
SARSstock 2003. The Rolling Stones and AC/DC also appeared. Thus why they opened with a little "Paint it Black" tribute.
Some people said the Stones played at the SARS benefit concert because that was the only disease Keith Richard never had! 😲
I loved that tribute. I didn't see this concert though. I'm wondering if any of these bands collaborated on any songs for 1 set, like they sometimes do at these things.
@@stevedem76 I saw it on tv. Big outdoor festival type thing like that, out in the blazing sun, is not my scene. I don't recall any collaborations.
@@stevedem76 yes, I was at this show, Justin Timberlake got up and sang Miss You with the Stones, we started leaving at that point, 500k people at this show, it was crazy
no cellphones in the crowd...lovely...great music
Just before RUSH took the stage, Charlie Watts, one of Neil Peart’s drumming heroes, stopped by and met Neil for the first time. Neil said that he had a hard time focusing for the first few seconds when their set started.
Oh, shit, that's f'g awesome.
This is basically how their conversation went:
Charlie: Hello, I'm Charlie Watts
Neil, to himself: Who the f*** is this guy; OMG it's Charlie Watts!!
Charlie: I'm going to be keeping my eye on you!
Neil, to himself: Oh $#!t, not only am I performing in front of 400,000 hometown fans, but now I have Charlie Watts watching me!!
Hence the Paint it Black intro?
@@brendahhstiles9992 Exactly what I was gonna ask!
Neil also said he did not recognize him at first, until Charlie introduced himself and said he would be watching him play.
I have to say it again. Your original Spirit of Radio reaction is an all time UA-cam classic. It’s one of the best out there. I subbed when you first stopped the song! Ha Ha! As a lifelong RUSH fan and having seen them live in concert 18 times on 17 different tours, it really made my day to see the appropriate, instant impact it had on you! That reaction status is yours to lose. Easily top ten of all time. Cheers! 🍻
I agree. Another fave was Weeboo Reaction of Stranglehold.
Wow! I've only seen them 5 times, mostly at Maple Leaf Gardens. I love seeing younger people discover Rush. Their first reaction to Spirit was legendary!
The live crowd perfectly replicated the sound of an audience cheering when Geddy sings "Concert Hall!" on the studio version.
That’s what we always did live.
I saw them 18 times in the middle of TEXAS over the years. Whenever they came to that line, “concert halls” they’d hit the house lights and everyone would cheer just like on the album. Every time live! It was a thing. Ha Ha! Fun times!
@@philstone3859 Sounds awesome. Thanks for the insight. I've never seen Rush live.
@@johnhughes3214, the RUSH crowd was special too. No dummies in a RUSH crowd. RUSH night was always very special. It had a different vibe from most concerts. It was a higher level buzz because everyone knew what was going to happen overall. We knew all the songs and most had seen the band before, if not several times before. It was a great vibe! Super exciting night! Always excellent!
@@philstone3859 Intelligent music attracts an intelligent audience.
@@johnhughes3214, that’s why it was a different vibe live. Everyone was on the same page in a different way from most shows. It was more exciting in a slightly different way.
It was RUSH.
The opening of Paint It Black by the Stones before breaking into Spirit was nice.
Downsville airforce base RUSH AC DC and the Stones not sure how many people love from Toronto❤❤❤
I was at that concert back in 2003 in Toronto. It was a special concert to help promote Toronto during the SARS epidemic that year. Moreover, there were so many celebrities there: Justin Terbutaline, The Guess Who, Rush, A /DC, The Rolling Stones. It was a very hot day!
Funny story before Rush went on stage. On older looking gentleman came to shake Neil Peart’s hand. “Hi. I’m Charlie.” Neil having head phones on not hearing him spouted, “Who?!?” Taking off his headphones, the older gentleman repeated, Hi. I’m Charlie Watts” extending his hand out.
Neil’s reply was, “Oh? Oh!
“I’m going to be watching you today. When do you go on?” Charlie asked.
“Any minute now.”
Anyway, for your next Rush song, I’d like to request you do a review of “The Enemy Within” off their 1984 Grace Under Pressure album.
Cheers from Toronto
John
So cool!
That year was the only time they ever played in México City, where I live. I brought my 9 & 11 year old kids. It was their first concert... Needless to say - Minds blown.
I was there too, never forget it... I've seen AC DC 4x but that was probably my favorite performance just because of the atmosphere and all 500k people just being super chill
Song is about a local station in Toronto 102.3 The Edge. Back in the day it played all the cutting edge music.
When a band not only replicates the album version on stage, but exceeds it. Few bands actually pull that off.
especially as their music was very complicated technally.
Saw em do it many times!
RUSH in concert was special.
I'd say most good bands are better live...especially if they use the live performance to extend jams and solos!
Agreed. I saw The Rolling Stones in 2000 - Toronto also actually and they played every song of theirs note per note exactly the same as on their records. It was pretty disappointing.
Absolutely!!!
"washing machines have been used as stage effects in Rush shows [since] a reviewer said watching their stage act was about as interesting as watching clothing tumble in a washing machine" Just thought I'd share that.
For the THOUSANTH TIME......Rush "Animate" is what you need to do next!!!!
I was there. The Guess Who, Rush, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones.
I was there ..they had huge speakers everywhere..20 thousand miles away..to let 500,000 fans feel up close and personal
Saw Rush: Moving Pictures Tour at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Played for 3 hours
PS When Geddy is clapping in the Choruses, he is playing bass pedal synth with his feet and the piano trigger you wanted to hear at the end is there, it’s in all the live performances triggered live by Ged with his feet, but the mix from the show along with the sheer size of the crowd drowned it out. If you watch him though you see him hit the synth pedal where that part is to be played.
I wish they would just train on camera on their feet with all that pedal action.
Working Man in Cleveland!!!!!!! The BEST!!! You'll be blown away...thank you
Canadians are huge rockers and Rush are our boys! You won't find a single Canadian that doesn't rock out to Rush and Tragically Hip.
Rock on, Canada!
Absolutely, sister Canuck!👍
Isn't it something when you experience a song that makes you soar through the air, it's your private treasure for months or years, you don't tell anyone about it, you just say "yeah, great song!" and then suddenly you see half a million people having the exact same effing experience, feeling exactly the same way as you?
Another Canadian 3-piece band to hit again is Triumph “Fight the Good Fight”!
100% this
Please
Yes and maybe catch some Triumph at the US Festival. Great performance.
Yes. Live in Halifax is a great performance of it, too.
Saw them in a 500 seat movie theater in Northampton, PA just after Fly By Night came out. Been a fan ever since, circa 1975.
Wow! That's pretty incredible. Very fortunate.
Beyond the superlative musicianship, you come away with the overwhelming sense that they enjoy performing and pleasing their audience.
And they obviously love each other.
saw rush in 4 decades...70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's. awesome!
There were an estimated 450,000 to 500,000 people in attendance to hear the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and a dozen other acts. It must have been awesome!
I used to work at Downsview Park but long after this show...wish I could have been there too.
My first Rush show was this tour. They had Rush T-shirts in the washers and Geddy and Alex would open a washer and throw some of the shirts out into the crowd!
I was at this show and it was incredible. July 30 2003 with 500,00 of my best friends at Sarsfest at Downsview military base in Toronto. At that time Ontario was hit hard by the SARS virus and a concert was set up to thanks the medical workers and help lift the spirits of the province. The Rolling Stones were the headliners (hence the Paint It Black intro), AC/DC (who were absolutely amazing), Rush, The Guess Who, Justin Timberlake, The Blues Brothers, The Flaming Lips, The Isley Brothers, The Sam Roberts Band, Sass Jordan and others. So good. The best concert of my life. Look for other clips from the show, especially AC/DC. Keep it up!
Fun day, I was there too, hottest day ever, everyone was super chill, great memory :)))
Well, you still have to hit "Working Man" Live in Cleveland: Completely different arrangement from the studio. And hit a very short (unusual for Rush) banger "Malignant Narcissism", live or studio are fine. They're close.
Great choices.
Yes!!! Yes!!!
Oh, hell ya! Lifeson is possessed !
Working Man is their best, mho
Working Man Live in Cleveland is the best live video. But you have to have heard the studio recorded version of the sone first to appreciate it.
This was called Sarsstock, it was held at Downsview Park; an old armed forces base. So many amazing bands, Rush, ACDC, Stones....
That crowd just goes to show how LOVED that band is. There will never, ever be another Rush.
This takes me right back to 8th grade in 1980. : )
Lerxst absolutely slays the solo!
Entre Nous should be your next studio song. Great melodic song with great lyrics about working through the complexities of relationships. Definitely an underated gem in their catalog.
& with its sister song, Different Strings, perfect fade.
May 6th 1981 Rush played in Pittsburgh at the Civic Arena .....best live concert ive ever been too and i have been to alot of them. I still remember every detail that night!!
Working Man, when the listeners in Cleveland thought it was a new Zeppelin song. Basically, their first-ever US exposure.
That opening part of the concert was a tribute to The Rolling Stones, who were part of this concert as well. If you didn't recognize it, Alex (guitar) was playing the riff to the "Stones" 1964 hit song "Paint It Black." Nice touch by Rush to Mick Jagger, and the Rolling Stones.
Thousands to see 3 guys playing while doing laundry! What multitaskers ... legends!
I was at this concert!! The washing machines are Geddy's way of poking fun at Alex's wall of amps. I've also seen them at Maple Leaf Gardens countless times. Watching Geddy is amazing. He'll be singing, playing his Moog foot pedals, playing open notes on the bass and playing something on the keyboard. He's practically a one man band!!
Multiple coloured clothes!!! I love it!
Working Man Live in Cleveland - a must for the next live RUSH performance gentlemen. If THIS blew you away , Working Man Live in Cleveland will make this performance seem like a light breeze.
I could agree more - Working Man Live in Cleveland is a must see video.
Yeah, we know how to party, especially with one of our own!
These guys are heroes! My ultimate music memory is watching Rush at the O2 in London from a VIP box. When Geddy sings 'Concert hall!' the house lights went up and everyone screamed! Incredible! Rip Neil xx
I was in that crowd. And it was brutally hot that day. But so worth it. It was my first time seeing Rush, Rolling Stones, AC/DC, JT, and others. And all on the same lineup! Oh, and AC/DC melted my brain that day, lol
I second everything you said, and the ACDC brain melt, double again! Remember afterwards, the eerie sound of millions of plastic water bottles getting walked on as the crowd left.
@@slowfinger2 And the absolute relief to finally use the porta-potty! lol
Wow!
@@slowfinger2 ha ha !! I remember all the plastic bottles too, it was soooo hot that day, subways were jammed with people, I got home at 3am, what memory tho !!
The dryers contained special printed t-shirts that were thrown into the crowds when they come back onstage, just before they do their encore.
They did this through this whole Vapor Trails tour.
This was done while they were in the middle of that tour in 2002.
61. Seen these guys in the 70's when I was in high school. Teenage drummer then so, ya know. $7 if I remember right. Get right up front. Good times. Also dig the 2x15 Martin bins scattered around for sidefill. Check it out.
When I first heard Rush and that was in the seventies , without video or youtube film available , I thought there were two drummers and two or three guitarists. Then I purchased their album and was blown away by the fact that sound came from three great musicians .
I thought this was a replay. Glad you doing the live.
There ain't no age for rock and roll.
you talked about the history teacher..... While I was somewhat familiar with RUSH in high school (early 80's) it was my history teacher that really got me into RUSH.
We were studying the French Revolution in history class, and what does he do, he brings in a record player and his RUSH Caress of Steel album and cranks up the track Bastile Day.
That's awesome
Holy cow, the size of that crowd was amazing. You could literally be driving down the highway and truthfully claim to have been part of the audience.
Geddy's bass sounded so fat and strong, and they seemed to be having such a great time. The best at the top of their game.
Saw them in 80!!
Great reaction! Rush is in a league of their own. Alex's rhythm guitar sound is so full you don't really even miss the keyboard sound from the studio version.
Play a kick ass concert and do your laundry at the same time…. Only a band like Rush can be so efficient!!
What is Lifeson doing now? That guy is one of the top guitarist ever. He really fills the sound of Rush. Everyone else builds off that amazing drummer, lyricist. Amazing.
He just finished a project they are calling Envy of None. Old friend Andy Curran asked him to help out w a few songs he was working on. Added Maiah Wynne a very talented young singer/song writer/multi instrumentalist to sing.
Alex said he uses a more atmospheric style he's wanted to experiment with now that he can.
Videos just went up last month.
YES!! My favorite live version - they make it look so casual and easy. My God the talent!!!!!!!!!!!!!
👍say, since we couldn't get to Tracy Chapman's Fast Car, how about some blues from her, in the song "Give me One Reason"? Very nice blues guitar!
I think the live version of Chapmam with Eric Clapton, will entertain A&A more. The band does a great job. And Clapton takes a verse and you get a little alteration to the tune that one time, to add interest. imo, that's the better one to hear.
The first time you did this song was your best reaction ever
“Closer to the Heart” from the 1977 album “A Farewell to Kings” has always been one of my favorite Rush songs.
I haven’t seen a reaction by you to this song, I hope that you do.
The '98 live Closer to the Heart, 'compilation' video is my favorite Rush live vid.
Thankful to have seen them twice in concert during the 70s and early 80s. One of the great bands and individual musicians of all time.
Love this reaction and the message of the song. Nice to see people who appreciate the depth of Rush's music
Another solid Rush performance; I never tire of them.
so true!
I have rewatched your first time listening to Spirit of Radio atleast a dozen times. Your pure surprise and excitement is still infectious.
Not washers! Driers! Lol! This is one of Rush’s greatest composed and written songs! And it is radio short in length. So many dovetailed transitions! And it is so listenable. Only Rush could do that. I’m surprised it was not a huge hit worldwide!
I was at this concert! LOL, it was in Toronto Canada. 250 thousand people! Man….We even saw the Stones, AC/DC and many others. That was a day I will never forget. The place went NUTS when RUSH took the stage! They are Toronto’s favorite sons. They flat out nailed it!
Was there among the 400,000 people. 2003 Toronto Rocks (referred to as SarsStock) at Downsview Park located inside the city. Meant to help promote Toronto after a SARS outbreak messed up the tourist industry. Headliner was the Rolling Stones with AC/DC doing full shows with sets by Rush, Guess Who, Isley Brothers, Flaming Lips, Isley Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Sam Roberts Band, Kathleen Edwards, La Chicane, Tea Party. Tickets for the whole day were $21.50
The absolute JOY exhibited by Rush, was one of the funnest parts for me during their last few tours. Alex going ham, Geddy laughing at him, and Neil just being the best ever. Man, fun times seeing Rush as many times as I did. RIP Neil.
I Saw Rush on moving pictures tour They were amazing they were awesome I was honored to see all three together rest in peace Neil Peart
One of my favorite Lerxst solos❤ There is no one like Rush, and there never will be again.
Still great to hear & watch your reaction.
I went to 3 shows of this tour alone, following them around!♥️ I'll tell you, no lines for the ladies room lmao they shot tees out of one of the washers too lol
I'm so fortunate to have seen them 8x... I feel sick there will be no more, but I cherish every memory. RIP NEIL!😥♥️♥️
Yes.
Closer to the heart from different stages live. For studio, the Pass. It's in my top five favorite Rush songs. It's so poignant and the bass is really great.
Mr. Puggs physical science teacher. Played keyboard in a band and looked like Rick Ocasek. What a fun class😎👍🍻 Love me some live Rush and a straight up banger boys🍺
That intro is the Stones' 'Paint it Black'.
This reaction just made me so friggin happy. I thought Andy was going to have a seizure during the solo, he was so into it. Rush has always been my favorite band. As a drummer myself, Neil is my hero. The washing machines were Geddy screwing with Alex for all his stacks of amps on stage. He later added things like a hot dog machine and a popcorn maker. I loved their music and love what great guys they are. When you can review the Working Man live version from Cleveland, it's worth it just to see the rare grin Neil gives to the guys at the end of the song. You could really see the love these guys had for each other. And to stay together playing at that level for so long is amazing. RIP professor.
Saw them live in Portland, Maine, back in the latter 80's....absolutely AWESOME!
I always rocked the eff out to The Camera Eye! Love it to this day and im 55. I have it on the flash drive on the Road Glide! 🤘🤘
OMG! Man I miss Rush Wednesdays. Your initial reaction to this song is still one of my favorite reactions of all time! If I’m having a down day, I will rewatch It just to put a smile on my face. I checked out your Rush playlist and see you have not reacted to the garden yet. The song is amazing as it’s their very last song on their last album, and there’s also a great Live version available to react to as well!
As a long time Rush fan I feels a little proud to see them playing to such large crowds. In the 80s and 90s they didn’t really play these kinds of giant crowds. They filled basketball arenas at their peak. But to see that Rush in Rio concert with all the thousands going mad, or this one with so many people - nobody deserves as much respect as these guys finally got. It’s gratifying to finally see. Also that Paint it Black intro was because they had just released an EP of covers, tributes to the bands that had influenced them from the late 60s.
Awww,man, you just made my day!
The next live song HAS to be "Working Man Live in Cleveland"....absolutely mind-blowing.
The lines in the song “the words of the prophets are written” and “the sounds” come from the Simon and Garfunkel song The Sounds Of Silence… they seem to be paying homage to it
Yep, they were. And Neil’s wordplay, using ‘profits’, fits right in with ‘the sounds of salesmen’. He was a clever dude like that.
@@sgtBelson excellent lyricist
Yes! Your reaction to the studio version is one of my favorite reactions of all time! You can't go wrong doing any live performance from the Permanent Waves/ Moving Pictures period. The band introduced vending machines, chicken rotisseries and the washing machines in place of Getty's stack of amps a little later in their careers. The washing machines had souvenir T-shirts that were commemorative and thrown to the audience. Keep Rush coming....there are still some bangers you have yet to hear! Peace!
It is like the entire county showed up for the show :)
I saw them three times, they always cranked it out.
Those weren't washing machines. They were dryers to represent Geddy's dry humor. Get it? But really, Alex had so many amp stacks on his side, that Geddy decided to use dryers to aesthetically match stage left. But they make use of them. They spun XL Rush shirts in there and tossed them out to the crowd before the encores every night.
BTW, this was SARS Fest. They played "Paint It Black" intro to pay homage to the Rolling Stones who they finally met that day (they were fans as teens) since they were also on the bill for that event. Cool, huh?
Goosebumps indeed!!! This is why I love LIVE performances and to perform as great as the studio version, epic!!
The massive crowd reminds me of Cal Jam 1 in 1974 then Cal Jam 2 in 1978. Multiple bands performing for a cause, doesn't get much better than that. Cal Jam was at Ontario Speedway, Heart, Ted Nugent, Santana, Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac and so many others performed for over 350,000 people. Beyond amazing, it was like a 3 day event.
Thanks guys!!
Y’all gotta do “Working Man - Live in Cleveland”. Totally different from the original and jammin like you would not believe!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
MORE RUSH WEDNESDAYS PLEASE!!!!
What a perfect comment - history teachers you are so bonded with, who are also Rush fans. Love it!
So about Rush.... They were ALWAYS smiling
A couple things: Saw them live in 1981. Three of the most talented on their instruments in rock and roll. Their music is complicated and they are SO tight as a group. They handle transitions better than any other rock band. Change my mind.
Nickelback.
The Moving Pictures tour.
Not only did they have washing machines on stage, they've also had other hilarious random things like refrigerators, vending machines, rotisserie chicken ovens, popcorn makers, Barbie dolls, toy Dinosaurs, ridiculously tall amp stacks, etc.
Great review. Rush are legends.
Y’all need to hit “Circumstances,” “Jacob’s Ladder,” “The Camera Eye,” & “The Big Money.”
All of the above.
Always one of the greatest songs ever; brilliant song writers, composers, musicians, truly & always inspiring - thank you xo
To this day Rush concerts were my favorite. You always knew they would turn up and turn it out. And I have to admit, Rush fans are fn some of the best people! The first time I saw the washers on stage I laughed, because I knew it was their way of saying, "We're still just a garage band......enjoy!"
There's like 100,000 way over people there !
Good ol' Toronto. ;-)
I never really listened to Rush and passed on the other Rush videos, but because of you're enthusiasm I really watched and listened to this performance. Wow - great!! Immense talent! Incredible live sound! I'm a fan. I am going back to listen to all the other videos.
SO glad you reacted to this one. So many emotions every time I see this…goose bumps (yeah Alex), elation, and…sadness. This captured such musical happiness and elation with SO many people as far as the eye could see…and yet, it’s now all gone. With the loss of a HUGE icon…this wonderful moment in time that seemed to stand still is now just a memory on video to cherish. The take away? Love thy neighbor as if your life depended on it, appreciate good music, and hold onto the good moments as hard as you can…because in a blink of an eye, they’re gone…and so is the Professor. RIP.