I have a friend who is an astronaut and has been in space. I asked him if he knew of this song, and with a wide eyed grin, he replied - "every astronaut knows this song".
Another fun fact that doesnt get mentioned much. The area where special guests get to watch shuttles launches at kennedy space center was called red sector a. Obviously neil got the name of the song from that, but its a total mystery why he used that name for the GUP song bc obviously those lyrics have nothing at all to do with the song title. I always thought it was kind of a dumb song title choice. I think he simply used that name to represent concentration camps but it doesnt work bc red sector a is a strange name that was used for a specific place at nasa.
"We met our liaison man, who conducted us safely into the "V.I.P." zone (Red Sector A) in the pre-dawn hours. We were due to play that night in Dallas, so we couldn't wait much longer. Finally they announced that the launch would be scrubbed for that day. Well, we ran for the car, and our daring driver sped off, around the traffic jams, down the median of the highway, and got us to the airport barely in time. The next night we had a show in San Antonio, after which we drove off immediately, clambered into a hired jet, and flew straight back to Florida. This time the launch took place on schedule, and it was SOMETHING!! I remember thinking to myself as we flew back to Fort Worth after a couple days without sleep: "We've got to write a song about this!" It was an incredible thing to witness, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can only hope that the song comes even close to capturing the excitement and awe that we felt that morning." - Neil Peart in the Signals tour book.
This song holds a special place in my heart because I watched every space shuttle launch live on TV (including the terrible disaster). I don't think I have ever listened to this song and not been moved to tears by the optimistic and hopeful lyrics. The very first shuttle launch was a triumph of technology and this song embodies it perfectly. Thanks for listening to it with me, neighbor!
Wikipedia: "The song was used as a wakeup song for astronauts during STS-109, which was the last successful flight of Space Shuttle Columbia. It was used again for astronaut Mike Fincke during STS-134, flown by Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final mission before retirement. Fincke described how his friends Greg Shurtz and NASA employee Ken Fisher chose the song because the band was inspired to write it after viewing the launch of STS-1. Fincke went on to say the song was played as a tribute to the Space Shuttle program, which has inspired people around the world." NASA inspired Rush, and Rush inspired NASA.
This song reminds me of life in the 80's. Despite the cold war, there was an overwhelming feeling of optimism surrounding technology. Not only with NASA, but with home computers, and synthesizers it felt like sci-fi moves and stories were becoming reality. This song truly encapsulated that.
This is from the 'Signals' album. 'Signals' is the album that got me into Rush in 1982. I consider 'Signals' to be a MASTERPIECE, and it is the album that defines 1980's music for me!
A simple YET extraordinary and intriguing exercise in descriptive writing. A literal summary of what was witnessed and how bad ass it was to be there and they(Rush)recorded a song as a time capsule of the event. How Effin’ cool is that.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤
I think this is some of Neil's finest writing (and that's really saying something). Every word adds to the story and he captured a most unlikely subject for a song and made it the closest thing to being there.
I saw that show in 82, this song was mesmerizing with the shuttle launch on the big screen behind them while they were jamming, amazing! I was at the Apollo 11 launch, 6 years old, and i can still remember seeing the Saturn V lit up like a sleeping white dragon off in the distance. Neil described ever so brilliantly. there was an unfortunate prophecy in the Nasa audio at the end of the song “Columbia, you’re looking a little hot”. She burned up on reentry February 1 2003 Rush would never play the song after the Challenger exploded, which i felt was sad. the song was a great tribute to all who had lost their lives in space travel.
NASA gave the band VIP treatment, front row and even unreleased video of the launch to use in their official music video. Another great song off of Signals, Losing It. Some of Neil’s best writing about not being able to write and aging. The time RUSH became a 4 piece band. Poignant and beautiful song, Ben Mink’s violin solo is emotionally perfect. One of my very favorite RUSH songs. It hits home. Hard. One of the RUSH tours I got to see live. I’ve also taken the tour at Cape Canaveral! Big, big stuff.
Hey neighbor, it was awesome watching the joy on your face while you were watching that video. You are definitely a Rush fan now. The guys had been invited and they were there that day for the first shuttle launch. The way Neil writes a song, you feel like you were there along with them just by listening to the song. And NASA provided them audio and video footage to use in the song.
I'm in/from the UK... in 2008 was attending a week long conference dealy (Microsoft) in Orlando with my boss and on the Wednesday we kept on overhearing people say "it looks like it's going ahead". Finally asked someone and they said "oh, there's a shuttle launch on Friday". Needless to say my boss and I looked at each other "right we're getting a car". Never imagined I'd ever get the chance to see one and it was awesome (the absolutely correct use of the word). Headed down to the coast first thing. Found a wee spot with a direct view across the bay and there was just this older couple sitting there in their camping chairs. Got talking (they usually watch from their back garden in Jacksonville), they fed us chicken (we brought nothing with us)... then it started to fill up. Everyone had radios, most knew people in NASA and were getting live updates. What was never mentioned prior or considered by us at the time was the delay due to speed of sound. Dead quiet for about a minute and a hlaf as the shuttle took off, then the water in the bay started to agitate... then the sound wave hits. Loud, not uncomfortable but just completely engulfed in it - turning around didn't quiet it down at all... you heard it through you. That was it for about 3-4 minutes ... no idea how long, too busy laughing. Saw the boosters separate (apparently rare but because it took off in NE direction rather than the normal due East). Totally awesome experience.
Being a NASA brat ( Dad was a NASA engineer) growing up in central Florida I got to watch most of the launches of the Gemini and Apollo program. I got to see 1 shuttle launch (STS-31, Hubble) and Rush described it perfectly. This is in my top 3 Rush songs. Brings back wonderful memories. Thank you for this reaction. Be well.
Yeah! One of my top five from Power Trio. And from my favorite album! "In fascination with the eyes of the world We stare..." Brilliant lyrics by Neil!
Also..also...I took a tour of Cape Canaveral in the mid 80s. NASA was showing an IMAX movie about the shuttle program and used Rush as part of the soundtrack. How cool is that!!!
God help me I am freaking old with this video I remember watching all the lunches from Apollo on I am such a nerd LOL❤❤Great song and great memories too❤ Red you have a nerd as a friend here 💯💯#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #30K #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #bestbadjokes #reaction #rush #rushreaction #geddylee #alexlifeson #neilpeart
SO glad you did this!! I love the lyrical imagery. I have a personal connection to the shuttle, so this song always meant a lot to me. Great reaction! Thank you!!!!
Countdown is the last cut on their Signals album. Who remembers the opening track? Alex used to meet with a friend of mine at Tim Hortons in TO for coffee from time to time. Such a personable group of guys but such a tragic story.
Well, you managed to make me feel 12 again - for the best possible reason! Your reaction is contagious, and I am wiping tears, remembering a time of such optimism and hope! Thanks for that!
See that thumbnail in the lower right corner ?? THAT'S THE SONG YOU HAVE TO DO NEXT !!! Losing it is one of my all time favourite !!!! Best lyrics ever !! Pure poetry !!
Was gladdened to hear this song. First heard it when I was an Engineering student. Went into Astronautical Engineering and have been a fan of Rush since the early 80s.
Alex's birthday is August 27th, so yesterday. I saw posts all day yesterday and I loved seeing the love for that man by so many people, same with Geddy, his bday was last month July 29th and he received the same love. I love that! This song definitely takes us on that journey of wonderment!
Everytime I hear this song , like you, I am moved! Humanity, technology all melded in a few moments... Beautifully written.! Thanks I enjoy your reactions
this song always brings tears of joy to my eyes, I was blessed to be an engineer in aerospace and it's hard to describe the feelings of triumph and joy for all mankind that you feel at a successful liftoff and mission away. But this song helps capture it, and I can tell you are feeling it too!
I love this song, and the video it inspired. The days when high art touched upon truly inspirational events - we need so much more of this. So glad you're finally getting to this one. 🤓
The band asked for and received permission to use the actual recordings, which I understand is very rarely given. It seems like we've fallen so far from these days; now, it seems like only billionaires are going into space for their own purposes. As a giant Star Trek geek (the band was as well), this song spoke to me from the beginning, even though it took me awhile to warm up to their change in sound on the Signals album.
This is such a cool song as it's about a launch of the space shuttle that I believe they attended. I love science and I love that RUSH loves science and that the future of the human spices is among the stars. Grated if we don't destroy ourselves or suffer the impact of a giant meteor or some environmental cataclysm. RUSH RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You hit the nail on the head with your remark ' I feel transported". Yes!! I've always said this, or something similar Lol. They have a way of making you feel what it's like to be there, in all their "historical" songs. Manhattan Project, Red Sector A, Heresy, Witch Hunt. Do Manhattan Project next!
Red CONGRATULATIONS ON 31 K I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND PROUD OF YOU LADY YOU ROCK💯💯WE ALL ADORE YOU ❤❤❤#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #30K #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #bestbadjokes #reaction
Red, another great reaction. Neil wrote so many songs about many subjects. Geddy & Alex always write the music to match the emotion in the lyrics. Body Electric is a great song about a robot. 🤖
+1 for 'The Body Electric'! 😀👍 The 'Grace Under Pressure' album had been my first impression of Rush's music (in '89, when I was 19) which had also had me instantly hooked on them; For life, as it would turn out 😁
I have a rare Rush "Countdown EP" with interviews. I can't remember correctly, but I remember the members of Rush being in Florida for a gig, and the launch of the Shuttle was also postponed. The guys in Rush traveled to their next show, but then the NASA shuttle launch was re-scheluled, and the members of the band Rush flew back to Florida to see the launch in-person. I'm am writing this off-the-cuff with memories of their LP interviews. But I remember them being on tour, and the NASA schedule didn't work out, and Rush flew back to see it first hand.
I noticed Space Shuttle Columbia in this video, and we need to give those astronauts onboard our condolences when they died during Columbia disintegrated as the shuttle re-enter Earth's Atmosphere on Feb 1, 2003, over 21 years ago! RIP and Godspeed!
When Apollo 11 landed on the moon, I had just finished second grade. When Columbia flew for the first time, I was a college freshman. So much happened in the space program during such a short lifetime, and Rush managed to capture it all in just under six minutes of music. If you'd like something else uplifting, may I recommend "Walk On The Moon" by Great Big Sea? They're another Canadian gem, maybe not as well-known to Americans as Rush, but still worth a listen.
The Signals tour was my first Rush concert...Countdown was THE BEST song they played...it just killed live. My first vid of yours...your reaction was so heartflet and genuine! Subacribed happily, thank you!
4:45 People from as far as the Texas coastline said they heard /felt the take-off..I was only 8, but already an avid sci-fi and Marvel comics reader and watched on TV..thanx, Mom for letting me cut school that day.Great summation on the song content,Red...I bet the tension in control really was tense. The fade out conversation between the astronauts and control room..love it as much as you!
I remenber watcjing the first shuttle launch in elementary school, a few years from me learning of Rush, and it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Apparently Rush though the same thing and wrot an amazing song about it. They used the actual NASA recordings for this song.
I remember watching a Colombia(I think?) space launch at school. Everyone was awestruck. Rush never disappoint. 🔥 Love the captions - upbeat, inspiration music continues. They could put that on the Rush Epitaph.
I remember as a kid getting woken up early by my parents to see this launch on TV. What was said over the intercoms was captured for posterity & laid down in this song just as I heard it back then. 1 of the rare songs that actually conveys nostalgia to me cause the 80s for me were very difficult for me to live thru.
Just imagine being at a RUSH show. Where they play for 3 hours. with a 20-40 minute intermission! Their concerts were so great!From beginning to end plus an encore!I've seen a lot of bands in my day! But, none close to RUSH😊😂❤!
Another great tune, (there is soo many!) Alex and I share the same birthdate, but he has me on age by quite a bit. Love the actual footage of this song. Cheerz!!
Great song that really captures the excitement of a launch. One my fav's of Rush songs that somehow got overlooked. Excellent reaction too, love the pure emotions that you show during your reactions too. You've become one of my favorites to watch! I also recently started doing reaction videos and realize that it's not easy to do these with personality... keep up the good work!
There is song called "Go!" by Public Service Broadcasting who took the actual moon landing recordings and play really intense music over it. It will get your heart pumping.
When I was 10 years old in school, the teachers brought a TV into the room (a rare occasion back then) to watch the space shuttle launch. Unfortunately it was the Challenger which exploded about a minute after launch. We were like 'Wow, cool! Um wait, what just happened?'
I remember being moved by the first SST launch, watched it live in the Students Union. I was equally moved by this song. Haven't played it in a while, need to dig out those chords.
I remember this song when I first saw Rush back in 1982, Dayton's Hara Arena. They had a huge screen behind them playing the videos of the space shuttles engines igniting and it taking off, like you see in the video. But when the engines fired, they had "smoke" rolling out across the stage as if you were really there watching it lift off. That was my first concert I ever went to. Oddly enough, Rush R40 tour, was my last concert I attended. Back in '82 though it wasn't "An evening with Rush". Back then they played an hour and maybe 20 minutes. Rory Gallagher opened for them back in '82. You missed "An evening with Rush", 2 hours and 45 minutes, no opening band, all Rush. As a friend of mine once said after one of their concerts, "Three guys did that. Three guys made all of that music." If you didn't get to see them live, I feel sorry for you. The videos don't do justice to experiencing them live.
Such a FABULOUS song. It LITERALLY transports you to a higher plain. I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it, people who dismiss this era of Rush are missing out SO BAD, missing out on profoundly brilliant pieces of art like this.
Rush witnessed the first space shuttle launch while they were on tour. They were playing in Texas and went to Cape Canaveral FL after playing a show, but the launch was aborted at the last minute. They returned to Texas to play another show and then returned to Fl and witnessed the launch. The voice-overs at the end of the song are actual NASA recordings from the event. Pretty cool honor for Rush and I'm sure it was something they"ll never forget.
You are by far the best reactor I've ever seen. I'm literally falling in love with you watching you fall in love with Rush!!! I know you love the drums and their lyrics. You do know Neil is the lyricist right? ❤️🫶🌹
Great selection and reaction as usual Red. I saw them play this on the "Signals" tour. The auditorium shook when the shuttle lit off. If you get the chance, listen to this on an honest-to-god stereo system. You'll get a better feel for the stereo movement of the jets and helicopters from left to right. I have a Pioneer system pushing 100 watts thru a pair of tower speakers with 12 inch woofers. If u can find someone with a subwoofer in their system it'll leave you in tears. Closest to live that I've ever heard. BTW...u need to check out "Losing It" from this same album. It'll break your heart
I now recommend the song "Marathon" from the album "Power Windows". I recommend listening to the entire album, but "Marathon" is enough to start with, in my opinion the best song from this album. (only studio version)
I have always been fascinated by this song….. especially when the controller says “ just 5200 feet per second” …….. do the math for how many miles per hour that is!!!!! 😳😳😳😳😳😳
Greetings from San Diego's resident Rushoholic. Every time I see this original Countdown video I'm reminded how the necktie Alex (who indeed turned 71 on 8/27) was rocking appears to nearly interfere with his guitar playing. Geddy made 71 on 7/29. Around every Labor Day all 3 guys are the same age in terms of whole numbered years, but then Neil would've turned 72 on 9/12. They truly are Rock And Roll's boys of summer. On a similar poignant note, the Space Shuttle orbiter named Columbia seen here in 1981 was lost along with all 7 crewmembers upon re-entry over Texas on 2/01/2003 on its way back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The non band footage from Florida might've included the interior of the launch control center there as well as that of Mission Control located at the Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston. Rush and Terry Brown applied an echo effect to some of the public relations announcer's voice and the other overdubbed background chatter that comes from the real Flight Director's loop in Houston. Countdown is the track that closes Rush's 9th studio album SIGNALS from 1982. The instrumentation starts slow and simple with Neil tapping out a military march on a snare drum and Geddy tapping out a matching rhythm using a square wave synthesizer much as he did on Subdivisions. The genesis of Countdown comes from Rush being caught up with everyone else in America's Space Program. They were in the middle of their MOVING PICTURES tour during spring '81 when they tried on more than one occasion to use VIP/contractor passes they got through connections to witness the launch from the viewing stand. They were there on 4/12/1981 when this launch was filmed after previous launch attempts had to be scrubbed for safety reasons and Rush punctuated time in between tour stops in Texas and elsewhere by traveling to and from Florida. According to one story, their limo driver damaged their ride trying to make the flight from Houston to the launch site on time. Their laminated aerospace contractor IDs said they were from Rush and at least one photo is floating around of them touring that facility wearing hard hats. Fast forwarding about 30 years when Rush started their CLOCKWORK ANGELS tour was also around the time of the passing of the astronaut Neil Armstrong who commanded the Apollo 11 moon landing. Rush did some last minute insertions to the backline video to the song "Dreamline" as a tribute to Armstrong. You should be able to find that on the CLOCKWORK ANGELS concert DVD. While you and Dave are looking for that, you both stay cool and stay classy...
I remember watching the launch and was in awe of a couple of rockets boosting an airplane into space! Great reaction. I know it's been suggested to you multiple times, but one of the better songs from this "Signals" album (every one of them is fantastic) is "Losing It." The Ben Mink version from R40 is amazing, but it could get blocked, no matter which one you try. Thanks, red!
Close your eyes and you can not only picture the experience but you can feel it. 🤯 I just love your animation and your sense of awe when you react to Rush it's just so sincere and pure. 🥰🇨🇦
I forgot the whole shuttle system used to be white. Lol I was at the NASA press site for STS-1. It was so powerful, wondrous and made you proud to be American. RUSH could write / sing about anything.
I have a friend who is an astronaut and has been in space. I asked him if he knew of this song, and with a wide eyed grin, he replied - "every astronaut knows this song".
Space is fake though. SUP???
@@chrisw5742 Space is real. BIRDS are fake. :P
@@chrisw5742 Ohh my god the educational system has failed you
Rush was invited by NASA to watch the very first shuttle launch live. This is the song they wrote after witnessing this historical event.
I was lucky enough to see them perform this in Detroit on the Signals tour
Did not know this. Great stuff. Thanks.
Another fun fact that doesnt get mentioned much. The area where special guests get to watch shuttles launches at kennedy space center was called red sector a.
Obviously neil got the name of the song from that, but its a total mystery why he used that name for the GUP song bc obviously those lyrics have nothing at all to do with the song title. I always thought it was kind of a dumb song title choice. I think he simply used that name to represent concentration camps but it doesnt work bc red sector a is a strange name that was used for a specific place at nasa.
This is a great song to crank up the volume.
Great song. Only Neil can witness an event and make a great song to it!!!
"We met our liaison man, who conducted us safely into the "V.I.P." zone (Red Sector A) in the pre-dawn hours. We were due to play that night in Dallas, so we couldn't wait much longer. Finally they announced that the launch would be scrubbed for that day. Well, we ran for the car, and our daring driver sped off, around the traffic jams, down the median of the highway, and got us to the airport barely in time.
The next night we had a show in San Antonio, after which we drove off immediately, clambered into a hired jet, and flew straight back to Florida. This time the launch took place on schedule, and it was SOMETHING!!
I remember thinking to myself as we flew back to Fort Worth after a couple days without sleep: "We've got to write a song about this!" It was an incredible thing to witness, truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I can only hope that the song comes even close to capturing the excitement and awe that we felt that morning."
- Neil Peart in the Signals tour book.
Outstanding
This song holds a special place in my heart because I watched every space shuttle launch live on TV (including the terrible disaster). I don't think I have ever listened to this song and not been moved to tears by the optimistic and hopeful lyrics. The very first shuttle launch was a triumph of technology and this song embodies it perfectly. Thanks for listening to it with me, neighbor!
Wikipedia: "The song was used as a wakeup song for astronauts during STS-109, which was the last successful flight of Space Shuttle Columbia. It was used again for astronaut Mike Fincke during STS-134, flown by Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final mission before retirement. Fincke described how his friends Greg Shurtz and NASA employee Ken Fisher chose the song because the band was inspired to write it after viewing the launch of STS-1. Fincke went on to say the song was played as a tribute to the Space Shuttle program, which has inspired people around the world."
NASA inspired Rush, and Rush inspired NASA.
I really love how the song builds to the climax. It mirrors their excitement as they actually watched the launch in person. Brings tears to my eyes.
This song reminds me of life in the 80's. Despite the cold war, there was an overwhelming feeling of optimism surrounding technology. Not only with NASA, but with home computers, and synthesizers it felt like sci-fi moves and stories were becoming reality. This song truly encapsulated that.
Song always puts a lump in my throat .. “technology high…”. Historical moment. Rocking Rush!!
It's so great watching you become a Rush junkie like the rest of us....
Rush and rocketry, it doesn't get any better than this!
This is from the 'Signals' album. 'Signals' is the album that got me into Rush in 1982. I consider 'Signals' to be a MASTERPIECE, and it is the album that defines 1980's music for me!
RUSH The greatest rock band that ever was or ever will be.
A simple YET extraordinary and intriguing exercise in descriptive writing. A literal summary of what was witnessed and how bad ass it was to be there and they(Rush)recorded a song as a time capsule of the event. How Effin’ cool is that.🤘🖖✌️🎸🥁🎹🎤
I think this is some of Neil's finest writing (and that's really saying something). Every word adds to the story and he captured a most unlikely subject for a song and made it the closest thing to being there.
Always loved that last line b/c it was simply Rush speaking to us. And I'm truly glad that they chose to share their bounty of treasures with us.
From Subdivisions to Countdown, Signals captures the Zeitgeist of the early 80s perfectly. Storytelling writ large!
Signals is still VERY underrated.
Digital Man- please.
This was one of greatest songs for RUSH ,,,
Wish they had this on tour, I don’t think they did, correct me if I’m wrong ❤
@@batman1169 I've never found a live version. Real shame
I saw that show in 82, this song was mesmerizing with the shuttle launch on the big screen behind them while they were jamming, amazing!
I was at the Apollo 11 launch, 6 years old, and i can still remember seeing the Saturn V lit up like a sleeping white dragon off in the distance.
Neil described ever so brilliantly.
there was an unfortunate prophecy in the Nasa audio at the end of the song
“Columbia, you’re looking a little hot”. She burned up on reentry February 1 2003
Rush would never play the song after the Challenger exploded, which i felt was sad.
the song was a great tribute to all who had lost their lives in space travel.
I remember the first shuttle launch, far back in my childhood. This song brings such warm memories. Ty! 😎
Adding in that "We enjoyed the music" bit was so cheeky and genius!!!
One of their most inspirational songs.
NASA gave the band VIP treatment, front row and even unreleased video of the launch to use in their official music video. Another great song off of Signals, Losing It. Some of Neil’s best writing about not being able to write and aging. The time RUSH became a 4 piece band. Poignant and beautiful song, Ben Mink’s violin solo is emotionally perfect. One of my very favorite RUSH songs. It hits home. Hard.
One of the RUSH tours I got to see live.
I’ve also taken the tour at Cape Canaveral!
Big, big stuff.
My favorite band since 1979. This song is one of those that is so good, I get misty
Neil was such a great poet!
This brought tears to my eyes, I listened to this and so much Rush in the early 80's. Brought back a lot of memories.
Hey neighbor, it was awesome watching the joy on your face while you were watching that video. You are definitely a Rush fan now. The guys had been invited and they were there that day for the first shuttle launch. The way Neil writes a song, you feel like you were there along with them just by listening to the song. And NASA provided them audio and video footage to use in the song.
This song always brings me back to a special place and time in my life.
I'm in/from the UK... in 2008 was attending a week long conference dealy (Microsoft) in Orlando with my boss and on the Wednesday we kept on overhearing people say "it looks like it's going ahead". Finally asked someone and they said "oh, there's a shuttle launch on Friday". Needless to say my boss and I looked at each other "right we're getting a car". Never imagined I'd ever get the chance to see one and it was awesome (the absolutely correct use of the word). Headed down to the coast first thing. Found a wee spot with a direct view across the bay and there was just this older couple sitting there in their camping chairs. Got talking (they usually watch from their back garden in Jacksonville), they fed us chicken (we brought nothing with us)... then it started to fill up. Everyone had radios, most knew people in NASA and were getting live updates. What was never mentioned prior or considered by us at the time was the delay due to speed of sound. Dead quiet for about a minute and a hlaf as the shuttle took off, then the water in the bay started to agitate... then the sound wave hits. Loud, not uncomfortable but just completely engulfed in it - turning around didn't quiet it down at all... you heard it through you. That was it for about 3-4 minutes ... no idea how long, too busy laughing. Saw the boosters separate (apparently rare but because it took off in NE direction rather than the normal due East). Totally awesome experience.
Being a NASA brat ( Dad was a NASA engineer) growing up in central Florida I got to watch most of the launches of the Gemini and Apollo program.
I got to see 1 shuttle launch (STS-31, Hubble) and Rush described it perfectly.
This is in my top 3 Rush songs. Brings back wonderful memories.
Thank you for this reaction. Be well.
Yeah! One of my top five from Power Trio. And from my favorite album!
"In fascination with the eyes of the world
We stare..."
Brilliant lyrics by Neil!
@@Alberto_1965_BR - Great album indeed! 🤩👍
'Digital Man' is _my_ favourite song from it 😊
Also..also...I took a tour of Cape Canaveral in the mid 80s. NASA was showing an IMAX movie about the shuttle program and used Rush as part of the soundtrack. How cool is that!!!
God help me I am freaking old with this video I remember watching all the lunches from Apollo on I am such a nerd LOL❤❤Great song and great memories too❤ Red you have a nerd as a friend here 💯💯#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #30K #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #bestbadjokes #reaction #rush #rushreaction #geddylee #alexlifeson #neilpeart
Nice to see this fairly deep Rush track get some love and attention. Great job!
SO glad you did this!! I love the lyrical imagery. I have a personal connection to the shuttle, so this song always meant a lot to me. Great reaction! Thank you!!!!
Countdown is the last cut on their Signals album. Who remembers the opening track? Alex used to meet with a friend of mine at Tim Hortons in TO for coffee from time to time. Such a personable group of guys but such a tragic story.
Well, you managed to make me feel 12 again - for the best possible reason! Your reaction is contagious, and I am wiping tears, remembering a time of such optimism and hope! Thanks for that!
@@jtorch1 💪🏻
You always manage to bring a tear to my eye s . Keep em coming keep em coming.
I honestly had not expected your excitement about this one! 😄 Thank you for your joyful vibes! 😊👍
Rush, always willing to try something new, something unique, something esoteric, out of the norm.
See that thumbnail in the lower right corner ?? THAT'S THE SONG YOU HAVE TO DO NEXT !!! Losing it is one of my all time favourite !!!! Best lyrics ever !! Pure poetry !!
Was gladdened to hear this song. First heard it when I was an Engineering student. Went into Astronautical Engineering and have been a fan of Rush since the early 80s.
Alex's birthday is August 27th, so yesterday. I saw posts all day yesterday and I loved seeing the love for that man by so many people, same with Geddy, his bday was last month July 29th and he received the same love. I love that! This song definitely takes us on that journey of wonderment!
They put you right the at the cape on that day.
Everytime I hear this song , like you, I am moved! Humanity, technology all melded in a few moments... Beautifully written.!
Thanks
I enjoy your reactions
I saw the first moon landing on TV when I was 9...then seeing the first Shuttle on TV when I was 21
this song always brings tears of joy to my eyes, I was blessed to be an engineer in aerospace and it's hard to describe the feelings of triumph and joy for all mankind that you feel at a successful liftoff and mission away. But this song helps capture it, and I can tell you are feeling it too!
I love that you're listening to so much RUSH. WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this song, and the video it inspired.
The days when high art touched upon truly inspirational events - we need so much more of this.
So glad you're finally getting to this one. 🤓
Yup! And watching your vids feels good👍👍👍
The band asked for and received permission to use the actual recordings, which I understand is very rarely given. It seems like we've fallen so far from these days; now, it seems like only billionaires are going into space for their own purposes. As a giant Star Trek geek (the band was as well), this song spoke to me from the beginning, even though it took me awhile to warm up to their change in sound on the Signals album.
🔥🔥🔥
This is such a cool song as it's about a launch of the space shuttle that I believe they attended.
I love science and I love that RUSH loves science and that the future of the human spices is among the stars.
Grated if we don't destroy ourselves or suffer the impact of a giant meteor or some environmental cataclysm.
RUSH RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You hit the nail on the head with your remark ' I feel transported". Yes!! I've always said this, or something similar Lol. They have a way of making you feel what it's like to be there, in all their "historical" songs. Manhattan Project, Red Sector A, Heresy, Witch Hunt. Do Manhattan Project next!
Red CONGRATULATIONS ON 31 K I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND PROUD OF YOU LADY YOU ROCK💯💯WE ALL ADORE YOU ❤❤❤#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #30K #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #bestbadjokes #reaction
Red, another great reaction. Neil wrote so many songs about many subjects. Geddy & Alex always write the music to match the emotion in the lyrics. Body Electric is a great song about a robot. 🤖
+1 for 'The Body Electric'! 😀👍
The 'Grace Under Pressure' album had been my first impression of Rush's music (in '89, when I was 19) which had also had me instantly hooked on them; For life, as it would turn out 😁
Only RUSH! Only they could pull this off!
I have a rare Rush "Countdown EP" with interviews. I can't remember correctly, but I remember the members of Rush being in Florida for a gig, and the launch of the Shuttle was also postponed. The guys in Rush traveled to their next show, but then the NASA shuttle launch was re-scheluled, and the members of the band Rush flew back to Florida to see the launch in-person.
I'm am writing this off-the-cuff with memories of their LP interviews. But I remember them being on tour, and the NASA schedule didn't work out, and Rush flew back to see it first hand.
Alex was born on August 27, 1953. And that is actual NASA broadcast.
And Rush invents a new musical genre... Nerd Rock!
your enthusiasm is really something.
I seen this live on the signals tour.
I grew up about 50 miles from the launch pad and can remember seeing the shuttle launch and hearing the sonic boom when it came in to land in Florida
I noticed Space Shuttle Columbia in this video, and we need to give those astronauts onboard our condolences when they died during Columbia disintegrated as the shuttle re-enter Earth's Atmosphere on Feb 1, 2003, over 21 years ago! RIP and Godspeed!
This video of Columbia was its 1st mission designated as STS-1 in 1981.
When Apollo 11 landed on the moon, I had just finished second grade. When Columbia flew for the first time, I was a college freshman. So much happened in the space program during such a short lifetime, and Rush managed to capture it all in just under six minutes of music.
If you'd like something else uplifting, may I recommend "Walk On The Moon" by Great Big Sea? They're another Canadian gem, maybe not as well-known to Americans as Rush, but still worth a listen.
The Signals tour was my first Rush concert...Countdown was THE BEST song they played...it just killed live. My first vid of yours...your reaction was so heartflet and genuine! Subacribed happily, thank you!
4:45 People from as far as the Texas coastline said they heard /felt the take-off..I was only 8, but already an avid sci-fi and Marvel comics reader and watched on TV..thanx, Mom for letting me cut school that day.Great summation on the song content,Red...I bet the tension in control really was tense. The fade out conversation between the astronauts and control room..love it as much as you!
Wow really appreciated this reaction. Its the same way I feel when listening to this track. Its an often overlooked song from Signals.
I remenber watcjing the first shuttle launch in elementary school, a few years from me learning of Rush, and it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Apparently Rush though the same thing and wrot an amazing song about it. They used the actual NASA recordings for this song.
I remember watching a Colombia(I think?) space launch at school. Everyone was awestruck.
Rush never disappoint. 🔥 Love the captions - upbeat, inspiration music continues. They could put that on the Rush Epitaph.
@@mattmid7012 - Yes, that particular caption stood out also to me and made me smile 😊
I remember as a kid getting woken up early by my parents to see this launch on TV. What was said over the intercoms was captured for posterity & laid down in this song just as I heard it back then. 1 of the rare songs that actually conveys nostalgia to me cause the 80s for me were very difficult for me to live thru.
So from the same album, The Analog Kid and The Digital Man go hand in hand.
Just imagine being at a RUSH show. Where they play for 3 hours. with a 20-40 minute intermission! Their concerts were so great!From beginning to end plus an encore!I've seen a lot of bands in my day! But, none close to RUSH😊😂❤!
Another great tune, (there is soo many!) Alex and I share the same birthdate, but he has me on age by quite a bit.
Love the actual footage of this song.
Cheerz!!
Thanks hun....hugs
Descending at 600 miles an hour, a near nose dive, gliding to a perfect landing.
Great song that really captures the excitement of a launch. One my fav's of Rush songs that somehow got overlooked. Excellent reaction too, love the pure emotions that you show during your reactions too. You've become one of my favorites to watch! I also recently started doing reaction videos and realize that it's not easy to do these with personality... keep up the good work!
There is song called "Go!" by Public Service Broadcasting who took the actual moon landing recordings and play really intense music over it. It will get your heart pumping.
When I was 10 years old in school, the teachers brought a TV into the room (a rare occasion back then) to watch the space shuttle launch. Unfortunately it was the Challenger which exploded about a minute after launch. We were like 'Wow, cool! Um wait, what just happened?'
I remember being moved by the first SST launch, watched it live in the Students Union. I was equally moved by this song. Haven't played it in a while, need to dig out those chords.
Great song Great reaction.One of my faves
Look at how Alex’s tie is hanging over and hitting the guitar strings 🤣they didn’t care it was a mime video to the album track.👌✌️🤪
I remember this song when I first saw Rush back in 1982, Dayton's Hara Arena. They had a huge screen behind them playing the videos of the space shuttles engines igniting and it taking off, like you see in the video. But when the engines fired, they had "smoke" rolling out across the stage as if you were really there watching it lift off. That was my first concert I ever went to. Oddly enough, Rush R40 tour, was my last concert I attended. Back in '82 though it wasn't "An evening with Rush". Back then they played an hour and maybe 20 minutes. Rory Gallagher opened for them back in '82. You missed "An evening with Rush", 2 hours and 45 minutes, no opening band, all Rush. As a friend of mine once said after one of their concerts, "Three guys did that. Three guys made all of that music." If you didn't get to see them live, I feel sorry for you. The videos don't do justice to experiencing them live.
This is GEEK LOVE, babe! In the 1980s, they were the Rock-band version of Steven Spielberg and Geoge Lucas, making magic happen!
Such a FABULOUS song. It LITERALLY transports you to a higher plain. I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it, people who dismiss this era of Rush are missing out SO BAD, missing out on profoundly brilliant pieces of art like this.
Rush witnessed the first space shuttle launch while they were on tour. They were playing in Texas and went to Cape Canaveral FL after playing a show, but the launch was aborted at the last minute. They returned to Texas to play another show and then returned to Fl and witnessed the launch. The voice-overs at the end of the song are actual NASA recordings from the event. Pretty cool honor for Rush and I'm sure it was something they"ll never forget.
You are by far the best reactor I've ever seen. I'm literally falling in love with you watching you fall in love with Rush!!! I know you love the drums and their lyrics. You do know Neil is the lyricist right? ❤️🫶🌹
Great selection and reaction as usual Red. I saw them play this on the "Signals" tour. The auditorium shook when the shuttle lit off. If you get the chance, listen to this on an honest-to-god stereo system. You'll get a better feel for the stereo movement of the jets and helicopters from left to right. I have a Pioneer system pushing 100 watts thru a pair of tower speakers with 12 inch woofers. If u can find someone with a subwoofer in their system it'll leave you in tears. Closest to live that I've ever heard. BTW...u need to check out "Losing It" from this same album. It'll break your heart
I now recommend the song "Marathon" from the album "Power Windows". I recommend listening to the entire album, but "Marathon" is enough to start with, in my opinion the best song from this album. (only studio version)
This is what I talked about for red sector a. That was the seating section they watched this launch from
👍👍👍 YOU ARE FANTASTIC. ❤❤❤SUBSCRIBED❤❤❤ LOVED YOUR REACTION. Going to check out and LiKE your other RUSH reactions!!!! 👍👍👍
I have always been fascinated by this song….. especially when the controller says “ just 5200 feet per second”
…….. do the math for how many miles per hour that is!!!!! 😳😳😳😳😳😳
On the next call moments later, they're going more than 1 mile per second! Straight up!!
The sequel to this might be 'Earthshine'. Rush doesn't block. Go nuts.
Greetings from San Diego's resident Rushoholic. Every time I see this original Countdown video I'm reminded how the necktie Alex (who indeed turned 71 on 8/27) was rocking appears to nearly interfere with his guitar playing. Geddy made 71 on 7/29. Around every Labor Day all 3 guys are the same age in terms of whole numbered years, but then Neil would've turned 72 on 9/12. They truly are Rock And Roll's boys of summer. On a similar poignant note, the Space Shuttle orbiter named Columbia seen here in 1981 was lost along with all 7 crewmembers upon re-entry over Texas on 2/01/2003 on its way back to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The non band footage from Florida might've included the interior of the launch control center there as well as that of Mission Control located at the Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston. Rush and Terry Brown applied an echo effect to some of the public relations announcer's voice and the other overdubbed background chatter that comes from the real Flight Director's loop in Houston.
Countdown is the track that closes Rush's 9th studio album SIGNALS from 1982. The instrumentation starts slow and simple with Neil tapping out a military march on a snare drum and Geddy tapping out a matching rhythm using a square wave synthesizer much as he did on Subdivisions.
The genesis of Countdown comes from Rush being caught up with everyone else in America's Space Program. They were in the middle of their MOVING PICTURES tour during spring '81 when they tried on more than one occasion to use VIP/contractor passes they got through connections to witness the launch from the viewing stand. They were there on 4/12/1981 when this launch was filmed after previous launch attempts had to be scrubbed for safety reasons and Rush punctuated time in between tour stops in Texas and elsewhere by traveling to and from Florida. According to one story, their limo driver damaged their ride trying to make the flight from Houston to the launch site on time. Their laminated aerospace contractor IDs said they were from Rush and at least one photo is floating around of them touring that facility wearing hard hats.
Fast forwarding about 30 years when Rush started their CLOCKWORK ANGELS tour was also around the time of the passing of the astronaut Neil Armstrong who commanded the Apollo 11 moon landing. Rush did some last minute insertions to the backline video to the song "Dreamline" as a tribute to Armstrong. You should be able to find that on the CLOCKWORK ANGELS concert DVD.
While you and Dave are looking for that, you both stay cool and stay classy...
I remember watching the launch and was in awe of a couple of rockets boosting an airplane into space! Great reaction. I know it's been suggested to you multiple times, but one of the better songs from this "Signals" album (every one of them is fantastic) is "Losing It." The Ben Mink version from R40 is amazing, but it could get blocked, no matter which one you try. Thanks, red!
You’re not the only reactor to be speechless after witnessing a rush song.
Neil is the best rock lyricist ever period !! How to summarize anything at its very core ?? Just ask Neil !!!!
Now imagine being 17 and listening to rush. It shaped our worlds.
Thank you Red - I knew you would enjoy it.
Close your eyes and you can not only picture the experience but you can feel it. 🤯 I just love your animation and your sense of awe when you react to Rush it's just so sincere and pure. 🥰🇨🇦
I forgot the whole shuttle system used to be white. Lol I was at the NASA press site for STS-1. It was so powerful, wondrous and made you proud to be American.
RUSH could write / sing about anything.
Signals is such a great record. Easily better than all the 70's records although all RUSH is great.