When you watch this live, your jaw will be agape the entire time. To see these three masters pull this off... Geddy, sings, plays bass and synth foot pedal all at the same time is superhero stuff. I tell everyone, best live performance ever. My humble opinion...
I can’t wait for you guys to see the live video of “Xanadu” from Exit Stage Left. To see them play everything you’ve heard in the studio version live is amazing.
Oh, and a suggestion: You should have whoever suggested a video you’re reacting to, tell you (in minutes and seconds) where to pause during the song. That way you know you’ll be pausing at a good moment (not that there’s ever a good moment. But we don’t want you getting in trouble with RUclips).
The live version is one of the greatest performances you will ever see.To see these guys in action just adds to the epic nature of the song its mindblowing plus they are having FUN which is what its all about.Three other glorious Rush songs you must do soon are the stunning bluesy Here Again from the first album Geddy has never sounded better (apart from maybe on 2112)The feel of this song is magical what a groove and again an amazing solo from Alex near the end will take your breath away.Then the equalky brilliant The Necromancer from Caress of Steel.So dark and menacing with many transitions and Alex really delivers with 2 stunning solos.Its a must.If you want a perfect Rush song with everything in place you would be struggling to find anything better than Territories.The riffs on this are filthy Geddys bass is off the scale there is so much going off in the background with these different instruments.It has a lovely Eastern feel and wow those lyrics from Neil are surely his greatest.Its a real gem.There is a good live version but to hear all the beautiful sounds the studio version is the one.Make sure you have good headphones for all three I find the best way to listen is in the dark with my eyes closed it heightens my ears senses!
Live? Look out! Next level. What three incredible musicians who are literally perfect for one another are capable of? OMG! It’s going to be a good ride for you guys. No samples. No auto tune. No extra musicians or tapes, sequencers or any other magic. Just three guys playing their asses off. Every sound played live. How tight a trio can be, how relaxed they can be, how much fun they can have playing some pretty complex music so perfectly? You won’t be disappointed!
I think listening to the studio version first helps put in perspective how absolutely phenomenal the live version is in the Exit Stage Left video. It's one of the greatest live performances ever. You MUST watch it. Don't do the audio only. Watching the performance is mind blowing.
Very few bands can make me prefer a live performance of a song over a well made studio version of it, but yes, Xanadu, Exit Stage Left by Rush is one of those few exceptions. There is an acoustic quality & energy in that perfect live performance not present in-studio that makes the studio version seem somewhat sterile by comparison, & when you keep reminding yourself it's just 3 guys making all that beautiful sound live, it's even more mind-blowing. Easily my favorite live performance by a band ever. An absolute mystical masterpiece of true musical artistry.
OMG - I can't wait to see your reaction to the Exit Stage Left version - it's a true master class watching them build this song live. 1981 was the first tour I got to experience. So amazing! I envy you guys getting to experience these things for the first time. Enjoy!
So how many of us ask for the Exit Stage Left version before it jumps to the top of the list? Maybe tomorrow? (Seriously- you’ve not seen anything like this. Because no one has ever done anything like this before or since (
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary
I've never been able to decide if Kings or Hemispheres is my fave record. Listen to one and it's like "yeah, that one," then listen to the other and it's like "actually, that one." Then again, Hemisphere's is a continuation of Farewell. So it's a fair tie.
@@JeffOnTheRoads Yeah, it's makes sense to keep them side by side, they could have easily been a 2-record album. A sort of goodbye to the concept album format. I truly love the direction Rush went afterward but would have never complained if they had ever felt like revisiting that format at least once during the '90s or even '00s.
@@omicron2018 It seems that way, although, it is the same story throughout history and a common theme. It is a feature in his other writings as well: Bastille Day and 2112 to mention a few.
NEIL PEART’S 10 RULES FOR SUCCESS: 1: EARN YOUR AUDIENCE 2: BE RESTLESS 3: GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE 4: LEARN FROM OTHERS 5: CREATE WHAT YOU LIKE 6: INFECT PEOPLE WITH YOUR FIRE 7: DON’T READ REVIEWS 8: CREATE FOR YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE 9: FIND YOUR INSPIRATION 10: NEVER STOP EXPERIMENTING
Believe it or not, the live version is even better. It's been a long time since I listened to the studio version because the live version is so perfect.
Imagine hearing this in 1977, have look around, there was nothing that sounded remotely like this. It sounded like it was from the future... still does! A Farewell to Kings was the first album where Rush assumed a unique identity.
From 7:33 to 7:54 the synthesizer you hear is Geddy Lee using Taurus pedals with his right foot. While playing low end bass and balancing himself, punching out a neat pattern after the cowbells. Lots goes unseen during live performances and the guys don't like to show you all they do with triggers, pad and pedals... but you can see this overhead on the official R30 Dvd/Blu Ray Live in Frankfurt concert. ruclips.net/video/Vxvfukte-08/видео.html Seeing it and how fast he plays it live is incredible. Cheers and nice reaction!
The local classic rock station in Chicago occasionally does A-Z marathon weekends and had nothing for X. Unbelievable. I convinced them to add Xanadu and it has been their go-to for the letter X ever since. Now whenever they play it I think to myself "Yep. You're welcome".
@@Seraphim4190 Yup. That Satoris had some nice boots though. Much nicer than my beer stained loafers. Hell I'd tip back a cold Molson with him if, uh, if not for the whole "tryin ta kill me and doom humanity" fiascoo. Ooh well
Also, read the lyrics. Neil was inspired by - practically obsessed with - the unfinished epic poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Kubla Kahn: A Vision”. Unbelievable. Truly amazing.
After much review...He is always pleasant ..never condescending..very insightful, and most importantly, a fan of ALL eras of RUSH's MUSIC...I personally declare that Michael Briefs is promoted to the rank of General in the Rush Army. Congratulations General Briefs! Carry on.
That whole album is amazing. Wait till you hear the last song on the album “Cygnus X-1 book 1”. The intro is so good. Also, the cowbell sounding instruments that Neil was playing were wood blocks. They’re hollow wooden cubes of varying sizes that act similarly to a cowbell. He also uses them on their song “The Trees”.
Really makes you wonder why it took so long for them to be inducted into the R & R hall of fame. To see them play this live, 3 different times makes me extremely grateful.🤠
Well the only reason rush was inducted was because for the first time the hall allowed the fans to vote on who should be inducted. And Rush was the winner of that pole by a landslide.
Ahhhhhhh just utter Rush bliss 😀😀 My favourite that I never get tired of hearing And to think when they play this live they not only perfectly replicate it ....they better it
RUSH IS: Geddy Lee - Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals Alex Lifeson - Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus Pedals Neil Peart - Drums kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, tubular bells, crotales, cowbells, plywood, tympani, and Gong!
Seeing RUSH play this song on the R40 tour, I literally had tears 😢 in my eyes knowing this would be the last time I would hear this live. I've been soooo blessed to live my life during the RUSH era of human history and witnessing this one in a species band. There never has be a RUSH before and never will be again.
Awesome to see you react to Xanadu! The level of musicianship is off the charts and when you get to do the live version, hopefully from Exit stage Left, you’ll be even more amazed at how they are able to perform this with just the three of them. On behalf of the Rush family we appreciate you both for sharing the experience with us.
Up here in Ontario I appreciate you two reacting to 3 of the greatest musicians in rock history!! Rush are unique. There is no other band and now with Neil's passing never will be again. Such a great catalog of material to choose from. If you are able, listen to The Gardening from Clockwork Angel's. Lyrically I think Neil's greatest work. It is an opus to life!! You made this Canadian happy. Thank you. 😁🙏
Do the Exit Stage Left version afterwards! They were able record the studio version in just one take because Rush had rehearsed for weeks before finally recording this! Geddy is not just on bass but also 12 string near the end playing just chords with his double necked Rickenbacker 4080 when Alex is playing his part, and of course the moog taurus pedals and Oberheim synths. Alex on 12 and 6 stringed double necked Gibson guitar and taurus pedals. And Neil for drums (Slingerland drums before he switched to Tama by Permanent Waves) and other sorts of percussion!
Seriously - I actually have trouble listening to the studio version because the ESL version is literally my favorite song by any band ever. And being able to watch how they elevate it live is hypnotizing. They sound like a symphony.
@@michaelinnj7439 Exactly! However I do go back to the studio one because of the original pitch while in Exit it was slightly lowered but it's still badass!
Grew up with all of the albums, up to signals and the eventual CDs. Both studio and live versions only cemented my love for RUSH. Xanadu is probably one of my favorites.
Definitely check this live on Exit Stage Left!!! You won’t believe the roll down the Drumkit during the last time repeating the verses of Held within the pleasure dome Decreed by Kubla Khan
One of their very best compositions (which is saying something). This has less to do with Olivia Newton John's film career and more to do with the great Romantic poet and drug-addled visionary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan (published, 1816). 'In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree, where Alph the sacred river ran, through caverns measureless to man, down to a sunless sea.' One of those lines of poetry I remember off by heart from school days (about 45 years ago). Lines from the poem are repeated in the song's lyrics.
Dude, now I've got Olivia Newton John's version stuck in my head, and it's your fault. And yes, Jeff Lynn is also doing the backup vocal. At least she had a sexy voice, so there's that. ;)
I was married in 97 and sadly still married, so enjoy this it’s special just to enjoy the same music is so important to longevity! I wish you two much luck and love you both put a smile on my face which has been gone for a while so thanks and keep listening to rush thanks!!
Love you guys. This is one of Rush’s best tunes. Your reactions were like mine when I first heard it (back in early 80s). Next stop for you I think is Cygnus X1 from the same album. Wait till you hear that it will blow the top of your head clean off. Take care - from your follower in England
Great review! When a drummer can incorporate tubular bells, chimes, xylophone, wood blocks, cow bells and oh yeah, drums and cymbals. OMG this song is awesome!
When I first heard this song, I thought there was a lot of overdubbing, but after seeing it live on the Exit Stage Left Tour, I was soooo wrong. ruclips.net/video/VuHS-gjMiVw/видео.html
In the late 70's, I was always late for school as I couldn't tear myself away from listening to Rush on headphones after breakfast ... ha ha ha. Great times.
Tears in my eyes seeing two of my favourite RUclipsrs reacting to one of my favourite bands. Masterful...from the masters. Don't wait to react to the 1981 Exit Stage Left version which is everything people here have said - and more! Rush love coming at you all the way from Devon, UK.
Ah yes; sheer perfection! And the reason I chose my screen name LOL. Such a great reaction and I appreciate your earnest expressions of wonder, in the same way I was moved by this song (and the entire AFTK album) in 1979 at the tender age of 16. This album really blew me away at first listen and continues to be one of my favorite Rush albums to this day. Really must react to the live Exit Stage Left version to see them make this epic song look pretty easy to perform. Long live Rush!
🥰feeling Rush big time tonight. 5 years since his passing. What better way than watch you fabulous young humans reacting to them. Little fact you may not know; Geddy plays the lead outro to Xanadu. Let’s have Neil solo to celebrate Neil.
Incredible song and band but y’all know that already. Love you guys! It still amazes me that they were in their mid 20’s here and playing at this level.
Again another band is greater to witness live.. I had the pleasure of seeing them in the late 70s, then early 80s.. then Early 90s.. Rush morphing their craft!! Great job again guys 👏
It's so fitting that you enjoy Rush. They always credited YES as one of their main influences as artists. These two have always been my favorite bands.
Expressive, emotional, beautiful, powerful, sweeping, dynamic, flawless..... MASTERCLASS! This epic song has the same effect on me now that I turned 60, as it did when I first heard it in high school as a teen!
Thank you, thank you! 😊 Welcome back to Rush! 🤘 Looking forward to more and eventually the Live version. When you see how they do it...you will be 🤯🤯🤯.
Thanks for bringing back my love for Rush! You are such wonderful people and I appreciate your love of music! You seem like a perfect couple! God bless and hope for happiness for you both!
I was lucky enough to see RUSH live 3 times. I know many people that saw them many more times than me but it was never a disappointment. RUSH live is something to behold. Remember Plini please. Nick, you are guitarist, have you ever heard Plini play?
One of the most Epic Song put on Vinyl. Your Mind Will Explode when you see this Live. I Envy you. To get too watch this for the first time... I Will Relive the experience Through You Two.😁😁💗🤘
Envy is all that I can say. Watching such a fabulous couple getting into Rush for the first time makes me regress to so much of my time in the 70’s discovering them. I still find new things is some of their songs that I’ve missed over the years. It’s such a pleasure listening to your comments about my favourite band and introducing me to other great music: Jimmy Herring, IQ to name 2. Thank you.x
about freakin' time! you played that movie I recommended called "You Need to Play More Rush!" :p - and you made the right choice with the studio version! woohoo! RUSH ON!
Alex is using a volume pedal in the beginning (probably a Morely Wah-Volume). This is one of those Rush songs that I learned (well, I TRIED to learn) the Guitar and Bass parts on when I was younger because I loved it so much.
Nick, you can pause as many times as you want: it’s your (you guys)’s reaction channel and we’ve been following and and love it. A reaction video with no pause and no comments is like listening to the CD, I can do that on my own…. Keep up the good work!!!
This song was based on the epic poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798). Coleridge was a laudanum addict and the scenes he describes are dreamlike and mystical. Given the zeitgeist that prevailed during the sixties and seventies, Rush perfectly captured the essence of the poem, thus elevating rock beyond it's humble beginnings. Other bands, notably Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Yes, borrowed heavily from great works of fantasy/mythological literature. Check out the Genesis song The Fountains of Salmacis for a similar vibe.
Hi Nick Hi Lexi. Oh man you have made a old man very happy. It doesn't matter when I hear this song it brings tears of happiness to my eyes I actually checked out about Kubla Khan after listening to Xanadu. I bought the album when it was originally released on vinyl. The album blew me away. I saw them in Liverpool UK on this tour ...it was the first time I saw the keyboards played by pedals . Thank you so much for a great reaction. Keep the Rush going. Take care. Love and peace 👍✌️🤘
Their opening number the first time I saw them live back in the day, on a Thanksgiving Day in Johnstown, PA. You can imagine the adrenaline in my greasy youth :). It warms my heart to see a new generation discovering the band. Thank you :) I've been enjoying many of your reactions.
Was at the Palladium in NYC for the Farewell To Kings tour. Had floor seats and will never forget when the fog rolled in during Xanadu. Those were the days. The best of times. Love you guys, take care.
Love your channel, remember first and foremost never apologize for you expressing this RUSH experience your having. This music has been in my life all my life, being a guitar player Alex Lifeson is so underrated and under appreciated for what he brings to every song. That being his emotion and integrity to play from his heart.
It warms my heart to see the same reaction in others I had so long ago now when I first really listened to Rush. They are and will always be my favorite rock band of all.
FINALLY!!!🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭THANK YOU!!! I first heard this song live and I feel the studio version is tame and lacks the full bodied energy the live version has. So much goes into the playing of their instruments when they're on stage. Neil sounds like he's got cotton swabs for sticks! Lol but it's still Rush either way so thank you for all you do ! Peace love Rush family! 🥰🤗🤘
In 1977 I was 16 and saw them play at our Civic Center. 2500 seats. I couldn’t believe it was only 3 guys! God what a memory. Their best album I believe. CYGNUS X-1 !!!!!!!
Neil unlocked the whole percussion arsenal on this. Temple blocks at the beginning, concert chimes, wind/bar chimes, bell tree, tuned cowbells, glockenspiel
Such an Iconic track and I was very lucky to see it several times live, it was always awesome. Bravo for getting around to this and playing another epic. Another song that tears me up (along with many fans who love Rush as well) is Rock Bottom by UFO. It is the song they were really known for in the 70s, it is one of Michael Schenker's most influential solos (Def Leppard & Iron Maiden and many others cite it) that is great as a studio track but the definitive version is on Strangers in the Night Live. It is a similar length to Xanadu and just as epic in its own way. Both amazing forms of what rock can be. You will be amazed, thanks for listening and Rock On! 😎
I know you do the studio version first, but to see them live in 1981 doing it live with overdubs or Midi, and they nail it, is truly impressive. Thanks, more Rush please, merci.
The title track of this album was the very first time I heard Rush. It was in a listening booth in the best music shop in my town, it was December 1977 and I was 14 years old. I bought the album and here we are, almost 44 years later, still listening to those songs. Amazing.
Glad you're doing the studio version first. The live version that you will listen to is just as good as the studio version. That is not always the case. You will REALLY appreciate how great this band is when you see them pull off the live version of this song.
Nailed it! I see Geddy's white silk kimono is in your future. Totally, a Walk-Man listening to Farewell to Kings while walking to the school bus in the mornings. RUSH life!!!
Wow. I’m as old as I am and had not heard this? Hey! Never too late! This is phenomenal. Right now I need this. I need to immerse myself in deep thought, deep spirituality and phenomenal music. Thanks Guys!
More Rush please! Your reactions to this song were similar to mine as an 11 year old in 1977 listening to A Farewell To Kings through headphones in my bedroom. This is one of my three favorite Rush albums and I’m so glad you guys did this song. Please do Cygnus X1.
Another great reaction to another great RUSH song. *my all time favorite RUSH album: “All The World’s A Stage” The power, the rawness… electric! Awesome
Awsome review as usual, the live version is a real Masterpiece, one of the best live performances ever, best 3 man live performance for sure. Virtuoso performers, all 3.
I was privileged to see Rush live on several occasions B soul's 🙂Even though I worked at Wembley arena I bought tickets for the gig because I wanted to go crazy like everyone else 🤣🤣🤣well done B Soul's 💝
When you watch this live, your jaw will be agape the entire time. To see these three masters pull this off... Geddy, sings, plays bass and synth foot pedal all at the same time is superhero stuff. I tell everyone, best live performance ever. My humble opinion...
Everything He Said. Seriously, you want to check out the Exit Stage Left version.
Absolutely. Live, Rush takes Xanadu all the way to 11. There’s no words.
I agree exit stage left version is outstanding.
What these guys are saying I agree 100 percent awesomeness 👍
About the foot pedal workings don't you ever forget Alex's contribution
I can’t wait for you guys to see the live video of “Xanadu” from Exit Stage Left. To see them play everything you’ve heard in the studio version live is amazing.
Oh, and a suggestion: You should have whoever suggested a video you’re reacting to, tell you (in minutes and seconds) where to pause during the song. That way you know you’ll be pausing at a good moment (not that there’s ever a good moment. But we don’t want you getting in trouble with RUclips).
The live version is one of the greatest performances you will ever see.To see these guys in action just adds to the epic nature of the song its mindblowing plus they are having FUN which is what its all about.Three other glorious Rush songs you must do soon are the stunning bluesy Here Again from the first album Geddy has never sounded better (apart from maybe on 2112)The feel of this song is magical what a groove and again an amazing solo from Alex near the end will take your breath away.Then the equalky brilliant The Necromancer from Caress of Steel.So dark and menacing with many transitions and Alex really delivers with 2 stunning solos.Its a must.If you want a perfect Rush song with everything in place you would be struggling to find anything better than Territories.The riffs on this are filthy Geddys bass is off the scale there is so much going off in the background with these different instruments.It has a lovely Eastern feel and wow those lyrics from Neil are surely his greatest.Its a real gem.There is a good live version but to hear all the beautiful sounds the studio version is the one.Make sure you have good headphones for all three I find the best way to listen is in the dark with my eyes closed it heightens my ears senses!
Exit Stage Left version is so much better
Best version by far.
Geddy’s voice in live performance is much better.
Live? Look out! Next level. What three incredible musicians who are literally perfect for one another are capable of? OMG! It’s going to be a good ride for you guys. No samples. No auto tune. No extra musicians or tapes, sequencers or any other magic. Just three guys playing their asses off. Every sound played live. How tight a trio can be, how relaxed they can be, how much fun they can have playing some pretty complex music so perfectly? You won’t be disappointed!
One of the rare times when a live version is just as impressive as the studio version.
ONE WORD: MASTERPIECE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😎😎😎👑👑👑
I think listening to the studio version first helps put in perspective how absolutely phenomenal the live version is in the Exit Stage Left video. It's one of the greatest live performances ever. You MUST watch it. Don't do the audio only. Watching the performance is mind blowing.
Best quality version ruclips.net/video/1csqdoBsZ_E/видео.html
And the best part about the live version is Alex and Geddy having a conversation and a laugh in the middle while playing some insane riffs.
Very few bands can make me prefer a live performance of a song over a well made studio version of it, but yes, Xanadu, Exit Stage Left by Rush is one of those few exceptions. There is an acoustic quality & energy in that perfect live performance not present in-studio that makes the studio version seem somewhat sterile by comparison, & when you keep reminding yourself it's just 3 guys making all that beautiful sound live, it's even more mind-blowing. Easily my favorite live performance by a band ever. An absolute mystical masterpiece of true musical artistry.
OMG - I can't wait to see your reaction to the Exit Stage Left version - it's a true master class watching them build this song live. 1981 was the first tour I got to experience. So amazing! I envy you guys getting to experience these things for the first time. Enjoy!
yea exit stage left version is EPIC!!
So how many of us ask for the Exit Stage Left version before it jumps to the top of the list?
Maybe tomorrow?
(Seriously- you’ve not seen anything like this. Because no one has ever done anything like this before or since (
Hope they pick this one ruclips.net/video/1csqdoBsZ_E/видео.html
@@michaelinnj7439 well put. I'm still waiting for the ESL version, preferably just after The Trees as they segway magnificently.
RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR!
With heart felt admiration and sincerity!
Gary
Gotta do the song "A Farewell to Kings." Overlooked by reviewers, but a great song. The solo section is ridiculous.
I've never been able to decide if Kings or Hemispheres is my fave record. Listen to one and it's like "yeah, that one," then listen to the other and it's like "actually, that one." Then again, Hemisphere's is a continuation of Farewell. So it's a fair tie.
@@JeffOnTheRoads Yeah, it's makes sense to keep them side by side, they could have easily been a 2-record album. A sort of goodbye to the concept album format.
I truly love the direction Rush went afterward but would have never complained if they had ever felt like revisiting that format at least once during the '90s or even '00s.
The lyrics to "A Farewell To Kings" prove that Neil Peart was a prophet who saw 2021 decades ago.
@@omicron2018 It seems that way, although, it is the same story throughout history and a common theme. It is a feature in his other writings as well: Bastille Day and 2112 to mention a few.
No doubt one of my favorites.
NEIL PEART’S 10 RULES FOR SUCCESS:
1: EARN YOUR AUDIENCE
2: BE RESTLESS
3: GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
4: LEARN FROM OTHERS 5: CREATE WHAT YOU LIKE
6: INFECT PEOPLE WITH YOUR FIRE
7: DON’T READ REVIEWS 8: CREATE FOR YOUR IDEAL AUDIENCE
9: FIND YOUR INSPIRATION
10: NEVER STOP EXPERIMENTING
When I saw them play this for the Moving Pictures tour ... me ...as a 15 year old male ... cried. I had great taste at 15. 🙂
Rush Hemisphere's, another Epic.
Must listen to Cygnus X-1 from AFTK just prior to Hemispheres. It's a must!
@@michaelgross8635 Yeah, you need to listen to both parts to really get the full experience.
Believe it or not, the live version is even better. It's been a long time since I listened to the studio version because the live version is so perfect.
Me too! Actually this was the first time in years I listened to the studio version again.
Imagine hearing this in 1977, have look around, there was nothing that sounded remotely like this. It sounded like it was from the future... still does! A Farewell to Kings was the first album where Rush assumed a unique identity.
A fat Doobie was passed around before this song back in the day 👍
2112 album
Neil made them a better band, and not just his percussion work, he wrote deeper songs.
I was priveleged to be on that tour, William - phenomenal is the only word that fits !!
You have just indulged in excellence
From 7:33 to 7:54 the synthesizer you hear is Geddy Lee using Taurus pedals with his right foot. While playing low end bass and balancing himself, punching out a neat pattern after the cowbells.
Lots goes unseen during live performances and the guys don't like to show you all they do with triggers, pad and pedals... but you can see this overhead on the official R30 Dvd/Blu Ray Live in Frankfurt concert.
ruclips.net/video/Vxvfukte-08/видео.html
Seeing it and how fast he plays it live is incredible.
Cheers and nice reaction!
The local classic rock station in Chicago occasionally does A-Z marathon weekends and had nothing for X. Unbelievable. I convinced them to add Xanadu and it has been their go-to for the letter X ever since. Now whenever they play it I think to myself "Yep. You're welcome".
we have nothing for X. And you call yourself a classic rock station. For shame
Excellent work, Rowsdower. That is your second greatest contribution to humanity, right after helping Troy destroy Sartoris's evil cult.
@@Seraphim4190 Yup. That Satoris had some nice boots though. Much nicer than my beer stained loafers. Hell I'd tip back a cold Molson with him if, uh, if not for the whole "tryin ta kill me and doom humanity" fiascoo. Ooh well
I still miss "The Loop."
"Anthem" was the first RUSH song that got me. That was 48 years ago.
I saw Rush on their first UK tour in 1977, and they played a track from their soon to be recorded new album; that song was Xanadu
That's Cool ..
Was that at the Hammersmith Odeon by any chance. That’s where I saw em. Life changing experience.
@@WeirdRedFreak June 2 at Manchester's Free Trade Hall
The entire intro tells a story, takes you on a journey….. incredible stuff
Also, read the lyrics. Neil was inspired by - practically obsessed with - the unfinished epic poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Kubla Kahn: A Vision”. Unbelievable. Truly amazing.
After much review...He is always pleasant ..never condescending..very insightful, and most importantly, a fan of ALL eras of RUSH's MUSIC...I personally declare that Michael Briefs is promoted to the rank of General in the Rush Army. Congratulations General Briefs! Carry on.
That whole album is amazing. Wait till you hear the last song on the album “Cygnus X-1 book 1”. The intro is so good. Also, the cowbell sounding instruments that Neil was playing were wood blocks. They’re hollow wooden cubes of varying sizes that act similarly to a cowbell. He also uses them on their song “The Trees”.
Michelle Michelle gave them "a" wooden block as a gift :). This will give them perspective of what Pratt was able to do with many :D.
Ha! I knew that sounded like hardwood! Thanks for enlightening me. I was thinking, “wooden cowbells maybe?”
Chocks
THIS SONG WAS RECORDED IN ONE COUNT THAT ONE TAKE!!!!!!!!’
Best three piece ever period!!
Xanadu the movie, stars Olivia Newton-John and has ELO on the soundtrack. Very pop oriented fantasy film. No relation to this song, except by name.
The Live 'Exit Stage Left' performance of this is so spellbinding I rarely listen to the studio version.
This is rare for a song of this magnitude but they polished the song to be even better for the ESL live version.
Hope they pick this version ruclips.net/video/1csqdoBsZ_E/видео.html
It's from a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
this song is definitely one of Rush's JEDI level songs. especially live!! pure talent and class guys!
Really makes you wonder why it took so long for them to be inducted into the R & R hall of fame. To see them play this live, 3 different times makes me extremely grateful.🤠
Saw them do this late on their "All the World's a Stage" tour before this album even came out. Was extremely impressed.
It took so long because the RRHOF is a total joke, which is why Alex said what he said when he gave his epic speech.
@@Lightmane Agreed, I'm not even sure why some bands bother to show up, other than for the fans, which I'm sure that's why Rush showed up.
Well the only reason rush was inducted was because for the first time the hall allowed the fans to vote on who should be inducted. And Rush was the winner of that pole by a landslide.
Me too! Three times and it was always perfect!
Temple blocks is what neil was playing.
I was hoping no one was going to mention it and they would of seen it on the live version..
Ahhhhhhh just utter Rush bliss 😀😀
My favourite that I never get tired of hearing
And to think when they play this live they not only perfectly replicate it ....they better it
RUSH IS:
Geddy Lee - Bass guitars, Oberheim polyphonic; OB-X; Mini-Moog; and Taurus pedal Synthesizers, vocals
Alex Lifeson - Six and twelve string electric and acoustic guitars, Taurus Pedals
Neil Peart - Drums kit, timbales, gong bass drums, orchestra bells, glockenspiel, wind chimes, bell tree, tubular bells, crotales, cowbells, plywood, tympani, and Gong!
Nice guys! Man I've said it before I just can't wait til you do Hemispheres! You're gonna fall off your chairs!
Hearing an epic RUSH classic for the first time = Priceless
Well done!
I'm so glad you've moved back to Rush!
A delightful choice to break your fast.
I’ve seen the Exit Stage Left version easily 100 times… because it is perfect. Flawless, beautiful, and simply mesmerizing. You MUST watch it.
Seeing RUSH play this song on the R40 tour, I literally had tears 😢 in my eyes knowing this would be the last time I would hear this live. I've been soooo blessed to live my life during the RUSH era of human history and witnessing this one in a species band. There never has be a RUSH before and never will be again.
Awesome to see you react to Xanadu! The level of musicianship is off the charts and when you get to do the live version, hopefully from Exit stage Left, you’ll be even more amazed at how they are able to perform this with just the three of them. On behalf of the Rush family we appreciate you both for sharing the experience with us.
Now you're talking. Great choice!
Up here in Ontario I appreciate you two reacting to 3 of the greatest musicians in rock history!! Rush are unique. There is no other band and now with Neil's passing never will be again. Such a great catalog of material to choose from. If you are able, listen to The Gardening from Clockwork Angel's. Lyrically I think Neil's greatest work. It is an opus to life!! You made this Canadian happy.
Thank you. 😁🙏
It's RUSH. No reason to tell you about the sweet pleasures your ears just beheld. With RUSH, hearing is believing. Thank you for reacting!
Do the Exit Stage Left version afterwards! They were able record the studio version in just one take because Rush had rehearsed for weeks before finally recording this!
Geddy is not just on bass but also 12 string near the end playing just chords with his double necked Rickenbacker 4080 when Alex is playing his part, and of course the moog taurus pedals and Oberheim synths.
Alex on 12 and 6 stringed double necked Gibson guitar and taurus pedals.
And Neil for drums (Slingerland drums before he switched to Tama by Permanent Waves) and other sorts of percussion!
Seriously - I actually have trouble listening to the studio version because the ESL version is literally my favorite song by any band ever. And being able to watch how they elevate it live is hypnotizing. They sound like a symphony.
@@michaelinnj7439 Exactly! However I do go back to the studio one because of the original pitch while in Exit it was slightly lowered but it's still badass!
Grew up with all of the albums, up to signals and the eventual CDs. Both studio and live versions only cemented my love for RUSH. Xanadu is probably one of my favorites.
The live 1981 video version of Exit Stage Left with the two double necks is....perfect and THE best !
Geddy is not on 12-string. His double-neck is a bass and a 6-string guitar. He plays rhythm guitar during Lifeson's solo.
Definitely check this live on Exit Stage Left!!! You won’t believe the roll down the Drumkit during the last time repeating the verses of Held within the pleasure dome
Decreed by Kubla Khan
One of their very best compositions (which is saying something). This has less to do with Olivia Newton John's film career and more to do with the great Romantic poet and drug-addled visionary, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan (published, 1816). 'In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree, where Alph the sacred river ran, through caverns measureless to man, down to a sunless sea.' One of those lines of poetry I remember off by heart from school days (about 45 years ago). Lines from the poem are repeated in the song's lyrics.
I actually read it after hearing this song. See mom! Rush is good for your head!
Dude, now I've got Olivia Newton John's version stuck in my head, and it's your fault. And yes, Jeff Lynn is also doing the backup vocal. At least she had a sexy voice, so there's that. ;)
& all thanks to Mr Peart's encyclopaedic literary prowess, Paul...
Coleridge was actually in a cocaine induced dream state when he wrote this poem..just saying..
HOW DO YOU SUM UP RUSH??? THREE KINGS 👑👑👑
Tremendous tune from the Great Rush ❤️☝️ thanks for the reaction guys love it ❤️☝️
I was married in 97 and sadly still married, so enjoy this it’s special just to enjoy the same music is so important to longevity! I wish you two much luck and love you both put a smile on my face which has been gone for a while so thanks and keep listening to rush thanks!!
Love you guys. This is one of Rush’s best tunes. Your reactions were like mine when I first heard it (back in early 80s). Next stop for you I think is Cygnus X1 from the same album. Wait till you hear that it will blow the top of your head clean off. Take care - from your follower in England
Great review! When a drummer can incorporate tubular bells, chimes, xylophone, wood blocks, cow bells and oh yeah, drums and cymbals. OMG this song is awesome!
When I first heard this song, I thought there was a lot of overdubbing, but after seeing it live on the Exit Stage Left Tour, I was soooo wrong.
ruclips.net/video/VuHS-gjMiVw/видео.html
Darn it, I corrected a typo and it dropped my heart from NiknLex :-(
In the late 70's, I was always late for school as I couldn't tear myself away from listening to Rush on headphones after breakfast ... ha ha ha. Great times.
headphones after being told "its a school night go to sleep" haha
Been waiting for this one! Looking forward to a Cygnus X-1 reaction next ;)
Nick and Lex and Rush - my favorite thing to watch! Love you guys.
Tears in my eyes seeing two of my favourite RUclipsrs reacting to one of my favourite bands. Masterful...from the masters. Don't wait to react to the 1981 Exit Stage Left version which is everything people here have said - and more! Rush love coming at you all the way from Devon, UK.
Ah yes; sheer perfection! And the reason I chose my screen name LOL. Such a great reaction and I appreciate your earnest expressions of wonder, in the same way I was moved by this song (and the entire AFTK album) in 1979 at the tender age of 16. This album really blew me away at first listen and continues to be one of my favorite Rush albums to this day. Really must react to the live Exit Stage Left version to see them make this epic song look pretty easy to perform. Long live Rush!
🥰feeling Rush big time tonight. 5 years since his passing. What better way than watch you fabulous young humans reacting to them. Little fact you may not know; Geddy plays the lead outro to Xanadu. Let’s have Neil solo to celebrate Neil.
Excellent choice and one of the most iconic Rush songs of all time
It's a perfect song played by a perfect band, absolutely epic, and even better live!
Incredible song and band but y’all know that already. Love you guys! It still amazes me that they were in their mid 20’s here and playing at this level.
Lex... the way your face lights up makes my heart swell. We would have been best friends back in the day. 💜💫✌🏼🎵
You two just "get it."
#RushOn
You are so sweet, I loved reading this comment! Welcome to the family girl! :) -Lex
Again another band is greater to witness live.. I had the pleasure of seeing them in the late 70s, then early 80s.. then Early 90s.. Rush morphing their craft!! Great job again guys 👏
This song just might be one of the 3 greatest compositions of rock music ever. A masterpiece! Great reactions!!
It's so fitting that you enjoy Rush. They always credited YES as one of their main influences as artists. These two have always been my favorite bands.
Expressive, emotional, beautiful, powerful, sweeping, dynamic, flawless..... MASTERCLASS! This epic song has the same effect on me now that I turned 60, as it did when I first heard it in high school as a teen!
Thank you, thank you! 😊 Welcome back to Rush! 🤘 Looking forward to more and eventually the Live version. When you see how they do it...you will be 🤯🤯🤯.
Thanks for bringing back my love for Rush! You are such wonderful people and I appreciate your love of music! You seem like a perfect couple! God bless and hope for happiness for you both!
I was lucky enough to see RUSH live 3 times. I know many people that saw them many more times than me but it was never a disappointment. RUSH live is something to behold. Remember Plini please. Nick, you are guitarist, have you ever heard Plini play?
I knew you were going to love this! Glad you decided to listen to the studio version first ;-)
One of the most Epic Song put on Vinyl. Your Mind Will Explode when you see this Live. I Envy you. To get too watch this for the first time... I Will Relive the experience Through You Two.😁😁💗🤘
The three-man orchestra. It's unbelievable how only 3 persons are able to deliver this, even live!!! It's mind blowing.
Envy is all that I can say. Watching such a fabulous couple getting into Rush for the first time makes me regress to so much of my time in the 70’s discovering them. I still find new things is some of their songs that I’ve missed over the years. It’s such a pleasure listening to your comments about my favourite band and introducing me to other great music: Jimmy Herring, IQ to name 2. Thank you.x
about freakin' time! you played that movie I recommended called "You Need to Play More Rush!" :p - and you made the right choice with the studio version! woohoo! RUSH ON!
Alex is using a volume pedal in the beginning (probably a Morely Wah-Volume). This is one of those Rush songs that I learned (well, I TRIED to learn) the Guitar and Bass parts on when I was younger because I loved it so much.
RUSH is a triangular cohesion of genius. And I WILL break my fast on honeydew! So glad you got to do this one. Now bring on the live!
Nick, you can pause as many times as you want: it’s your (you guys)’s reaction channel and we’ve been following and and love it. A reaction video with no pause and no comments is like listening to the CD, I can do that on my own….
Keep up the good work!!!
This song was based on the epic poem Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798). Coleridge was a laudanum addict and the scenes he describes are dreamlike and mystical. Given the zeitgeist that prevailed during the sixties and seventies, Rush perfectly captured the essence of the poem, thus elevating rock beyond it's humble beginnings. Other bands, notably Led Zeppelin, Genesis, and Yes, borrowed heavily from great works of fantasy/mythological literature. Check out the Genesis song The Fountains of Salmacis for a similar vibe.
Hi Nick Hi Lexi. Oh man you have made a old man very happy. It doesn't matter when I hear this song it brings tears of happiness to my eyes I actually checked out about Kubla Khan after listening to Xanadu. I bought the album when it was originally released on vinyl. The album blew me away. I saw them in Liverpool UK on this tour ...it was the first time I saw the keyboards played by pedals . Thank you so much for a great reaction. Keep the Rush going. Take care. Love and peace 👍✌️🤘
Their opening number the first time I saw them live back in the day, on a Thanksgiving Day in Johnstown, PA. You can imagine the adrenaline in my greasy youth :). It warms my heart to see a new generation discovering the band. Thank you :) I've been enjoying many of your reactions.
Was at the Palladium in NYC for the Farewell To Kings tour. Had floor seats and will never forget when the fog rolled in during Xanadu. Those were the days. The best of times. Love you guys, take care.
Warms my heart with a big smile watching you two enjoy. Thank you for sharing!
Love your channel, remember first and foremost never apologize for you expressing this RUSH experience your having. This music has been in my life all my life, being a guitar player Alex Lifeson is so underrated and under appreciated for what he brings to every song. That being his emotion and integrity to play from his heart.
Great to see you back! Thank you, thank you!
It warms my heart to see the same reaction in others I had so long ago now when I first really listened to Rush. They are and will always be my favorite rock band of all.
FINALLY!!!🙏😭🙏😭🙏😭THANK YOU!!!
I first heard this song live and I feel the studio version is tame and lacks the full bodied energy the live version has. So much goes into the playing of their instruments when they're on stage. Neil sounds like he's got cotton swabs for sticks! Lol but it's still Rush either way so thank you for all you do ! Peace love Rush family! 🥰🤗🤘
In 1977 I was 16 and saw them play at our Civic Center. 2500 seats. I couldn’t believe it was only 3 guys! God what a memory. Their best album I believe. CYGNUS X-1 !!!!!!!
Epic! Loved this video! Rush is one of a kind! This was so refreshing!
They performed this song the last time I saw them in 2015. It was so cool when Geddy and Alex pulled out the double neck guitars.
Neil unlocked the whole percussion arsenal on this. Temple blocks at the beginning, concert chimes, wind/bar chimes, bell tree, tuned cowbells, glockenspiel
Such an Iconic track and I was very lucky to see it several times live, it was always awesome. Bravo for getting around to this and playing another epic. Another song that tears me up (along with many fans who love Rush as well) is Rock Bottom by UFO. It is the song they were really known for in the 70s, it is one of Michael Schenker's most influential solos (Def Leppard & Iron Maiden and many others cite it) that is great as a studio track but the definitive version is on Strangers in the Night Live. It is a similar length to Xanadu and just as epic in its own way. Both amazing forms of what rock can be. You will be amazed, thanks for listening and Rock On! 😎
I know you do the studio version first, but to see them live in 1981 doing it live with overdubs or Midi, and they nail it, is truly impressive. Thanks, more Rush please, merci.
Two more classics from this album, title track “A Farewell to Kings” and a nice short one “Closer to the Heart”.
Thanks for getting to Xanadu!!
The live 1981 Exit stage left video is epic. The orchestration between the three of them is phenomenal. They are the GOAT.
The title track of this album was the very first time I heard Rush. It was in a listening booth in the best music shop in my town, it was December 1977 and I was 14 years old. I bought the album and here we are, almost 44 years later, still listening to those songs. Amazing.
Masterpiece. And 're-echo those saying you now need to do the live Exit Stage Left version. Absolutely Stunning musicianship.
Glad you're doing the studio version first. The live version that you will listen to is just as good as the studio version. That is not always the case. You will REALLY appreciate how great this band is when you see them pull off the live version of this song.
Nailed it! I see Geddy's white silk kimono is in your future. Totally, a Walk-Man listening to Farewell to Kings while walking to the school bus in the mornings. RUSH life!!!
You ABSOLUTELY need to see 3 guys recreate this live. FYI, those are temple blocks Neil plays in the beginning
Wow. I’m as old as I am and had not heard this? Hey! Never too late! This is phenomenal. Right now I need this. I need to immerse myself in deep thought, deep spirituality and phenomenal music. Thanks Guys!
More Rush please! Your reactions to this song were similar to mine as an 11 year old in 1977 listening to A Farewell To Kings through headphones in my bedroom. This is one of my three favorite Rush albums and I’m so glad you guys did this song. Please do Cygnus X1.
Another great reaction to another great RUSH song.
*my all time favorite RUSH album: “All The World’s A Stage”
The power, the rawness… electric! Awesome
Awsome review as usual, the live version is a real Masterpiece, one of the best live performances ever, best 3 man live performance for sure. Virtuoso performers, all 3.
I was privileged to see Rush live on several occasions B soul's 🙂Even though I worked at Wembley arena I bought tickets for the gig because I wanted to go crazy like everyone else 🤣🤣🤣well done B Soul's 💝