If for no other reason than to understand their impact on the musicians they influenced profoundly. Some of the greatest artists of the 80s and 90s were serious Rush fans: Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, Mike Portnoy, Kirk Hammett, Tim Commerford, Taylor Hawkins (RIP), Gene Simmons, Matt Stone (South Park creator), Sebastian Bach, etc.
Brother! Right there with you!! Rush was not everyone’s cup of tea and Rush certainly wasn’t sex, drugs, and the trappings of success. Rush’s music is for people who are just a little deeper; a little more thoughtful about life and their fellow man. If you fall into this crowd, those who believe your future is not pre decided and pre ordained, then you understand. Nothing wrong with religion or belief as long as it keeps you a good a decent person to your fellow man and keeps you on the path of enlightenment, then its all good. Long live the genius of Neil Peart and Rush!!!
From “The Garden “ “The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, so hard to earn so easily burned, in the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect.” R.I.P. Neil, your garden will thrive forever.
Ya know, Jamal, I've been watching your channel for some time now, and like any reactor going down the Rush rabbit hole, Rush army always shows up! At the same time, I just thought I'd tell you that aside from the joy and fun we Rush folks get from watching new generations come to know and appreciate the band, your understanding and empathy for these 3 amazing individuals, your appreciation of their musical mastery, and your understanding of the difference between Rush's focus on philosophical themes and messages vs the 'partying, babes and booze' themes of so many bands really makes you stand out! For those of us that have grown up with them and always appreciated the Rush difference, it's a real pleasure to come along for the ride with you as you continue to explore the full catalogue of 40 years!! G-d bless you sir! Marshall U., Toronto
I'm 64 and grew up listening to RUSH and I can still hear my Mom shouting "TURN YOUR MUSIC DOWN" so they got me headphones and the rest is history and I saw RUSH in concert four times.
As a newcomer to your channel (late to the party as usual) I want to thank you for bringing well deserved recognition to this band. I Was very fortunate to see every tour from 1982 till their final R40 Tour in 2015. Throughout the 70"s, 80's & 90's Rush had an incredible "cult like" following selling out every show on every tour but never got the recognition they so richly deserved. Now, in the new millennium, they became more popular than ever. Thanx to young fans such as yourself. Every album touched a certain point of my life. I look back at Rush albums & remember where I was at that point in my life. In fact, their Test for Echo album released the day my oldest son was born. As a grandfather now the passion for the band runs as deep as ever. Thank you Sir for continuing to fly the Rush flag:)
Neil Peart died of the same cancer, glioblastoma, that took the life of Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip a few years earlier. After his diagnosis, Gord embarked on a cross Canada tour, requiring a teleprompter for the lyrics he could no longer remember due to memory loss, and gave all he had to say goodbye and thank you to all his and the band's fans and for fans to say goodbye to him. Neil's health condition was kept private until he died. He would have had the same reception from all his fans if he had disclosed his health issues, but he was too private of a man to do that.
He also didn't go the "farewell tour" route because it was 105% performance, or nothing for him.. And he also had a new wife & daughter to spend every last moment with before the final farewell!
Much respect to you Jamal. Not alot of people new what Neil had to endure. He was the embodiment of musical ethics and pure talent, so don't be so hard on yourself. And Jamal Thank you man.
They were my favorite too, but I grew up in an beautiful home, but with a very physically abusive father. It was traumatizing and Rush was my escape as a preteen and teen. Listened to my records and then my tapes, for decades and still love them to this day. They protected me by allowing me to escape a stressful home environment.
The song "Chain Lightning" is kind of dedicated to Neil's daughter, but when she was alive. The entire Vapor Trails album is about his healing journey after his personal tragedies. And the Clockwork Angels album is kind of a distillation of his personal philosophy borne from his life experiences. I can't think of a song specifically dedicated to his wife and daughter, like the song "Afterimage" was dedicated to a good friend of the band who died tragically.
Neil probably wouldn't have said any song he wrote was directly about his wife & daughter passing but the song Vapor Trail on the Vapor Trails album sure felt like it. The whole Vapor Trails album was full of references to his healing after those 2 tragic events. There is also an earlier song called Afterimage that was written about a friend who taught him how-to cross-country ski who passed away suddenly. The lyrics for Red Sector A was based on stories Geddy's mom told him about the holocaust and that he then told Neil about.
I was actually pretty surprised to see how mostly positive and upbeat vapor trails was when it came out. I expected it to be very dark lyrically and somber musically, like presto kind of was. But it wasnt that at all. It was clear to me neil had little interest in writing an album about what he went through.
@@trenken neil wasn't that type of person to be open about a lot of stuff. my friend won a meet and greet with Rush during time after Neil's daughter and partner died. Neil didn't do the meet and greets for a while.
Lol. Yep, Jamel, you’re right! It’s pronounced like the word “ear” but with a P in front and a T at the end. As a drummer, I idolized Neil Peart. I’ll miss him forever.
"One Little Victory" is very much about his healing journey as he toured on his motorcycle. Neil documents his travels in the book Ghost Rider, a great read.
Neil Peart was about as close as it gets to a real life Super Hero. Jamel...I would love to see you react to the studio version of "Big Money" from Rush's great and third best selling album, Power Windows. I know you'd dig it! (there's not enough love for this great album in the reaction community). Thanks for your awesome channel!
They're my favorite band because of the messages..the fact they're 3 very decent humans and also because of the talent..the most talented band ever.. unmatched musicianship.
The Rush album vapor trails is filled with songs he wrote about the loss of his daughter and wife. He had taken a year-long journey on his motorcycle to drive around the country and try and get over the pain from his losses. The album displays what emotions he went through during that time both sadness and happiness
@@widewailcorduroy7278 I don't agree that Vapor Trails is angry, despondent, and hopeless. The songs have themes of resilience, optimism, appreciation for life, and starting anew. It's Neil coming back to life again.
He rode around the continent, not just the country. From Canada to Alaska, then back down through Canada, US, Mexico and finished in Belize. The book "Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road" is about his journey.
I read that book in the smoldering ruins of my first marriage. There were two things that rang like a bell with me: Neil describing the way he had to protect and nurture his "little pink baby soul"; and the time he went to his parents' house while the trauma was still fresh, and collapsing in his father's arms in their front hallway and uncontrollably sobbing, "It's so bad! IT'S JUST SO BAD!"
that's true, but it certainly helps being able to just take off and travel on a fancy expensive motorcycle for 2 years without having to worry about expenses, instead of having to go back to some low paying, soul crushing warehouse job or something like that, and to find a beautiful young wife less than 2 years after your first wife dies
I agree. The rich and famous are still vulnerable to the trials of life. Granted, as one poster said, he has the resources to go through his grief that most of us do not. But it still doesn't exempt him or anyone else from trials and troubles. It might be good for all of us to remember this.
Hey Jamal... Rush was my 1st concert back in the day '82... Still one of my favorite bands. I'm glad you have discovered their greatness. Keep on rocking.
They’re so humble. So introspective. And self-deprecating! I got the chance to meet Geddy and Alex. That last concert was a definite highlight of my life. Watch Beyond The Lighted Stage. It tells all.
Greetings from Oregon. Thanks J. I wasn't aware Rush was your favorite band. Saw them 2X in the 70s. Such a great band. This story should be known. Thanks again. Our best to you and your family..PNL
Vapor trails was the comeback album after almost three years. Neil managed his grief by motorbiking alone across North America for that entire period. When Rush finally reunited, they worked on 'Vapor Trails' which was one of their most emotionally charged albums. The songs 'Secret Touch', 'Ghost Rider' and 'Sweet Miracle' are particularly strong references to Neil's inner struggles. I adore the whole album, it deserves it's place wirh 2112 and Moving Pictures as a Rush classic.
I feel like you're my friend on the block, J. The way you keep an open mind about music, art, and life, like I do, makes me feel as if I've known you all my life. Keep on keepin' on, and being the Good Human you are! From Mason, Texas (a very small town in the middle of nowhere)
It was the lyrics, and the odd time signatures, the soft starts, the build ups, the full force of 3 men, when it kicked into overdrive, and yes, Geddy's wailing vocals, that made me a fan the first time I heard it. I'm 60 years old, but I remember sitting on a friend's back deck, listening to 2112, asking, who the hell are these guys! Lol Been a fan from that day. I'm glad you found them.
The song 'One little Victory' was the first song after Neil came back from his long hiatus. To me it is about one little step forward, but as usual Neil's lyrics are sometimes very personal, yet universal with a profound truth. Geddy said that the intro to this song was a fitting way to mark his comeback.
Neil was from my hometown, and as a Canadian kid of the 80s, Rush was a key musical touchstone for many of us. And I was the only black kid I knew who listened to them in my community. I never knew most of the things they went through until Neil's death and I am glad to see that you are taking it all in. Thank you, sir!
Rush, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Genesis etc.. I love the art rock bands. They orchestrated rock and roll. They electrified Bach and Beethoven much to the joy of the people blessed enough to appreciate beautiful music.
As someone who went on the same Rush journey , albeit as it was occurring. It is fun to relive that journey again as I see it surruptitasly through you. You have kept me entertained now for what 2 years? Awesome channel , keep up with the same honesty and integrity with your videos as Rush does with their music. Big Fan!
God wanted Neil more than he wanted us to have him. That’s how good Neil is. At everything. At being human. We got him for a long time, but God couldn’t live without him. Rest In Percussion, Pratt.
I started watching your reactions of RUSH when you probably had 20k subs. I watched you grow quick and loved all your reactions. I have been gone a while now but I'm back and how appropriate it's this video. RUSH is also my favorite band. Look at ya Jamal... you're almost at a million subs! No surprise brother... keep it up. God bless!
I always love when you react to anything Rush, if you are a reader, or you like to listen to books you should check out Neil's books, Ghost Rider, etc.. you will learn so much about Neil and Rush!
With the addition of Neil Peart in late 1974, Rush became the "thinking person's band" and Rolling Stone magazine was always about whatever was "in" with popular music. I became a fan in 1975 and waited in anticipation for each album. Neil Peart (PEERT) suffered as much personal tragedy as 3 people. When he went on a hiatus in 1998, most of us could understand why. And when rumors of a new album began to surface in 2001, I was definitely excited. The attack of 9/11 put a bit of a damper on the release. By the time 2002 finally arrived, so did 'Vapor Trails.' I played the album every day for at least a month, not just because of the music. Neil Peart put his heart on the line with the lyrics, especially with "Ghost Rider" and "Secret Touch." RIP Professor.... 🙏😇
Thanks bro for sharing!! Found a few things out I never heard. Details. I got to see them 3 times. Wish all of them now. This was AWSOMENESS! R.I.P Neil Peart.
Danny Carey is right up there. But in my book second is a coin-flipper between Keith Moon and John Bonham. With Alex Van Halen a right on their heels third.
You really need to watch The Big Interview with Dan Rather….he did a interview with Geddy that was very interesting. Also “ Beyond the Lighted Stage “. That’s a must movie for any Rush fan. 😊
One of the things I love most about this band is their realness.....they may not have talked about their personal lives and challenges in interviews (later they did to a degree) but it was firmly reflected in the music. Raising kids, being married...the impermanence of life...all of it is there. And a lot of folks just can't do a deep dive like that into the realness. They want music as an escape...and I get that. But I'm telling you, when I am bummed out, and I need to pick myself up....I will listen to Bravado.....or Subdivisons.....or the Pass....we all walk that razor's edge daily, more so lately.....so my diet is full of Rush atm, I need that for my soul.
Thank you Jamal!! I was priviledged to see RUSH in concert when I was in high school!! They ROCK in a way that was only unique to them. Hands down a one and only group that will never be repeated!! 💜💜
It's quite amazing that Neil got back to music after a year or so. His band mates/friends helped him to continue on with life. You should check out all their interviews with George "Strombo", he interviewed Neil and very recent with Al and Geddy. It's such a great band. You should check out a fellow Canadian band Max Webster or the lead singer's solo material Kim Mitchel. The band Max Webster did a track with Geddy Lee sharing vocals - and Rush playing along - which is a great track called "Battle Scar"
Max Webster was one of my favorite bands when I was a teenager. I had years of music lessons on multiple instruments and I was already being driven crazy by commercial music radio. Around 1975 I bought albums at a second hand record store and found bands like Rush, Argent, Nazareth, Supertramp, Heart, John Miles, Traffic, King Crimson, Utopia, etc, many just years before they broke through into the Big Time.
Thank you I never had the details of what happened to Neil's wife and daughter, but I do remember where I was at when I heard about the tragedy on my local radio station. I've been a Rush fan since I saw them at Yakima Valley community college gymnasium. I was 15. They will forever be my favorite band. That is because of their exceptional integrity as individuals and a band.
So glad to hear Rush is your favorite band. I grew up in the 80s and my buddies and I were so happy to hear when Rush had released a new album. We loved so many bands but not one of the era satisfied our quest for the union of superior musicianship with compelling poetry as much as Rush You asked if any songs are dedicated to "the Professor's" daughter and I don't know if any are. What I do know is that when a person is gifted with such insight and a habit of reflection, that every piece somehow reflects the commitment to his loved ones. Therefore every song he wrote is dedicated to her whether she was alive at the time or not.
All of our lives are so full of choices, but one of the biggest ones is that (of course) we can't choose our parents or when we were born. I thank my Mom (rip) almost daily that I was born when I was, and that put me as an early teen just getting into music in the mid 70s right when RUSH (and many others) but mostly RUSH was just happening. It has been a 45 year plus ride of music and concerts and I can honestly say that I would not be the same person I am without them around all these decades. Thanks, Mom!
Just now seeing this. I wish I could remember the names of the articles that came out at the beginning of this year, but it was with quotes by both Alex & Geddy or at least Geddy. Anyway it opened up more about Neil's desire to stop drumming a long time ago which was sort of known - you got the impression. It shed light on that Neil drummed to satisfy some need he had ( NOT to be the best drummer but something else ). He finally reached that point of satisfying whatever the emotional or psychological need was & he felt, I don't NEED this anymore. He really had been ready to quit & move on a while back, but kept telling them "ok, one more. " It's true what the video said about his health, but I think all his health conditions just cinched the feeling he'd had for awhile that he didn't need to do this anymore.
Jamel, thank you for your work. One of my favorite bands very strong men, great guys in Rush and it's another aspect of the band that makes them simply amazing.
If you listen to the album Vapor Trails, Neil pours out his soul in songs like Ghost Rider and Vapor Trail, among others. They wanted the album to begin with Neil thundering on the drums, hence the song, One Little Victory signifying his return! It was their comeback album after all the tragedy of his wife and daughter's death. He never wanted to perform most of those songs again after the Vapor Trails tour. Half of the appeal of these guys is knowing them as people via their sense of humor, their deep friendship, the subject matter Neil wrote about, and the struggle to break out making music their way....by not compromising with record companies. The fans demanded for them to be in the R&R Hall of Fame. Very few bands have ever earned that honor as much as the guys in Rush.
Rush has been my favorite since the age of 14. I'm now 38 and they will never be usurped from their perch as my favorite band. I love watching people discover them and embrace them for the miracle that they are, lyrically, musically, and professionally. Thank you for recognizing them and their resilience through so much tragedy.
Let's also not forget an infamous NME piece in 1977. In the UK, NME was a widely read, hugely influential weekly music and at the time totally in thrall to punk and new wave, totally dismissing almost everything it had previously championed as tired, out of date and embarrassing. The few exceptions to this were the likes of Lou Reed, Bowie, Iggy Pop and Roxy Music, artists who were considered serious and embodying the spirit of the day. An NME writer interviewed the band and subsequently produced a complete hatchet job, dismissing their music as old fashione and devoid of any merit but also, much more seriously, accused the members of the band of being right wing extremists, bordering on fascism. Needless to say, this came as something of a shock to Lee, Lifeson and Peart but especially Peart who wrote the words. The label stuck for years and I even remember the band's shows in London in 2004 appearing in a newspaper listing as "Geddy Lee's right wing rockers return to London for the first time in 12 years". Peart commented in an interview at the time: "Well at least they got one thing right".
Yes, Jamel, please listen to songs from Vapor Trails (2002). Many of those songs are Neil's attempt to work out his feelings and insights resulting from his time of grieving and loss. Songs like "Ghost Rider", "Sweet Miracle", "The Stars Look Down" and "Secret Touch" have lyrics that speak to Neil's hard-won wisdom, coming out of those difficult years from 1997 - 2000, before he felt healthy enough to come back to the band (by that time, he had gotten re-married). Vapor Trails is a great album! If you want to listen to "Ghost Rider", please watch the version from the Live In Rio show! That performance was the last time the band played it and Neil does something at the end to mark the moment.
O is that really why? Didn't know that. I thought he was just getting rid of a cracked one. Those things are awfully hard to break if you intend to and I didn't notice him using his leg or anything as a fulcrum. Wow! (Note to self: Must eat more canned spinach)
It was written years earlier, and about someone else who passed, but look up the song LOSING ITfrom the album SIGNALS. They rarely performed it live, as they felt it was too personal for a concert.
Greetings from Oregon. Rush got 1st airtime in America on WMMS Cleveland Ohio. Working Man. The rest is history. All our best to you and your family..PNL
I was lucky enough to see one of the last shows before Neil died at SPAC N.Y. Simply the most talented tree man band ever. Incredible performances every time. “In eight years I’ll be seventy one, I can play Charlie Watts drum parts when I’m seventy one, I can’t play Neil Peart’s drum parts when I’m seventy one” - Neil Peart at sixty three.
Rolling Stone magazine was extremely biased. When Paul McCartney released his first solo album, the pre-published review was good. However, the editor was pals with John Lennon so he had the review panned out of spite because John and Paul were feuding after the break up of the band. As journalists, the magazine was biased and Rush got inducted to the Hall of Fame out of sheer demand by their legion of fans and by fellow musicians.
Nice to hear. I felt terrible for Neil when I heard about this and he was by all accounts such a great guy. The music establishments rarely like bands that have the intelligence of Rush, Floyd, etc. that’s OK. We can love them without the tiniest shred of approval from the music establishment. No problem. Thanks for your great reactions.
Jamal, thanks so so much for this great Rush video! This one held a special place in my heart. I was born in ‘69 (52 now). My brother was 12 years older than me , and my sister was 10 years older. I remember listening to my brothers Rush Album’s through the walls. Then when he would be gone, I would go in his room and play his albums. I absolutely loved Rush around the age of 6! I have often wondered how you became such a diverse aficionado. Bands varying from Rush, Little River Band, Styx, etc ... would NOT have been my stereotypical guess for you! I’m so impressed with your work and enjoy your genuine feedback and love as you to. you are also learning new info too. And of course your amazing personality!! I love your topics and well and cool you film and edit you videos. I am very much the same having a sister that was 10 years older and a brother that was 12 years older and I was born in 1969. Awesome awesome awesome… you are a treasure! 🥹😜
The Rush hate comes from different directions. Some people don't like Rush because of Geddy's voice, which honestly can be grating at points, but it fits so well with their sound. Mostly though is like you said about their songs having deep messages, a lot of people don't like to listen to anything but fun and feel good. Some complaints I've heard are getting fixated on one particular son The Trees. A son about trees arguing over getting light confuses people because they aren't interested in trying to hear what is truly being said.
,Like somebody already pointed out, most of the music you heard by them was before these tragic events ( btw the guy got it wrong in this video, they were at the lake house north of Montreal, Quebec, and Selena was heading back to Toronto to start university) the band took a 5 year break, Vapor Trails was the next album after all that, there are no songs directly dedicated to his daughter or wife, but all the songs talk about how he felt , like ghost rider. It's a testament to their greatness that they could take a 5 year break, and come back right on top, and all the fans were still there, and their popularity got even bigger ! i'm so glad i got to follow this band and see at least one show on every single tour since 1978 a farewell to kings
I grew up in a town about 30 miles from Rush's hometown and was lucky enough to see them twice in the 70's. They were excellent both times and were accepted as one of the greats of the rock world right from the start around here.
I started watching your reactions to Rush when you didn't know who they were. Witnessing you understanding how phenomenal they are/were and now proudly saying they are your favorite band was heartwarming. There will never be another band like Rush. A little trivia: Do you know why Geddy and Alex started calling Neil "The Professor"? It was not because of his drum talent. It was because when Neil cut his hair and shaved off his 70's mustache, they thought he looked like The Professor from the tv show, Gilligan's Island. Those guys always joked with each other and were best friends throughout the touring years.
The song "Ghost Rider" from their come back album Vapor Trails was a song about Peart's ride through the country over those years post his family tragedy.
Vapour Trails is the album they made after coming back from Peart's hiatus after his families death. On that album, Ghost Rider and Vapour Trails are directly about him going through it. One Little Victory is about the band coming back from the tragedy. Great songs!
Jamal, I started listening to Rush in 1977 at the age of 11. The first album I got l I took piano lessons for seven years, I played the guitar. However I is yhh6 beat a drum my life. BUT, the only thing "thing" that drew me to Rush continually was Neil Peart's percussion/drumming 🥁. Neither me or any of my friends had ever heard drums like that. It was a similar experience to hearing EVH when Van Hale's 1st record came out in 1977. Now here's what I hope wii make you laugh tonight and in the am if you picture this again. It may take a second to tell this right, but here I go. The very first rock concert (any kind of loud concert in a coliseum, so it could have been Earth Wind & Fire, Hank Williams, etc) was Rush in February 1981--The Moving Pictures Tour! I was a 14 year old 6'6" white kid in Memphis, Tennessee. The miracle was that I was even there. Why? My dad was a preacher, but the one I had to talk into it was my Mom. And you know, rock-and-roll music is evil. So, I let Neil make the sale for me. I kept telling my parents that NONE of Rush's lyrics were about sex, drugs, alcohol. I pulled out the album sleeves from Caress of Steel to Moving Pictures where all the lyrics were printed and left them with them. In about a week I got my tickets with one catch, my parents were going with me. My best friend's dad was the head elder and he went. My mom, about halfway through the concert was asleep😂😂😂 I think that was her one and only exposure to Marijuana smoke! Just picture the Senior Minister, the head elder and the passed-out Church Lady during Neil's solo! Really enjoy your reactions, Loren Nichols
It was poetic justice when Jan introduced Rush as the last of the nominees for that year at the RRHOF when the crowd (which was 90% Rush fans) immediately drowned him out with the loudest cheers. “And from Toronto…” WHAAAAAAA!!! Still shakes me to my core to this very day when I watch that. Jamal…you should react to THAT vid from here on YT when Jan at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame went through all the nominees for that night (2013 induction ceremony, was it?) until he got to Rush…it’s still one of the top vids on YT. Rush’s deserving accolades came full circle that night. And RIP to all those prominent special musicians we’ve recently lost in addition to Neil…Prince, Tom Petty, Eddie Money, EVH, Dusty Hill, Kenny Loggins, John Prine, Benny Mardones, Little Richard, Bonnie Pointer, Charlie Daniels, Franki Banali, Lee Kerslake, Mac Davis, Charlie Pride, Leslie West, Alto Reed, Chick Corea. BJ Thomas, Johnny Solinger, Jeff LaBar, Joey Jordison, Don Everly, Charli Watts, Ronnie Spector, Michael Nesmith, Taylor Hawkins, Meat Loaf, and many more. And that’s just in recent few years. Embrace life while you have it. It goes by so quickly.
They have been my favorite band since 1978. Only got to see them once but it was in 1981 at the Moving Pictures Tour which was their best album in my opinion along with Permanent Waves and 2112. RIP Neil Peart we miss hearing The Professor play.
Have been a Rush fan since their early days and was fortunate to see them live on more than one occasion. The issues with mainstream media and also people in general that didn't get Rush, I believe is the reason why they didn't reach the heights of popularity of some other bands. Personal I feel the band was way ahead of their time and its today that your seeing more people discovering and starting to appreciate the sound, the message but more so the unbelievable musicianship of the three members.
Hi Jamal, There is an excellent Documentary about called Beyond the Lighted Stage. It will really give you a lot of info. Also, please look up The House of Stromo Rush Interview. It is the latest Interview with Alex and Geddy. They talk about Neil's passing and how they are doing. Another really interesting Documentary on them is The boys in Brazil. All three of them are/were really close. I would if you would react to songs off of Counterparts, Vapor Trails and Clockwork Angels. Cheers
Some serious tragedies that most of us will never have to endure. This is one of the reason i personally love the Rio show. It was their first tour back after Neil went on his journey. Also why One Little Victory is such a powerful tune and the Rio version is my favorite. Although the R40 version is pretty good also. All about accepting the little feats that get us going and keep us going, especially after such unfathomable incidents. Surviving Auschwitz and his back to Geddys mom is a pretty amazing story. The generations alive today take for granted what our parents/ grandparents and/or great grandparents had to endure. 11 million people lost their lives. 😢
It’s strange but in the U.S., Neil’s last name is pronounced “Pert” but in Canada, it’s pronounced “Peert”. I’m from the Buffalo / Niagara area in NY. Getting both Canadian and American radio, I’ve heard it pronounced both ways my entire life. Also made me lucky enough to be exposed to amazing Canadian bands most of the U.S. has never heard of.
First, as an American, it's not how we pronounce his name in America. It's the uninformed who mispronounce his name. Neil seldom did interviews until he began promoting his books, so most had never heard his name spoken. Secondly, I like the way Geddy explained how to say Neil's name it's P with and ear 👂 followed by a t.
As a 70 yr old grandmother it warms my heart and brings tears to my eyes to hear you speak these words about Rush.
I feel you I'm 64 and rush is still my favorite band
51 here. They've been my favorite for 35 years.
56 here They are my one and only favorite band I enjoy Others music but I worship Rush’s music. Thank you Jamal for carrying the torch for rush
preach, mama. ;p peace... rush never once talked hate in any of their songs. (only =about= hate)
Rush is my favorite band seen them 8 times. I am 56
You have to watch the Rush documentary, “Beyond the Lighted Stage.” You. Have. To! 😁
If for no other reason than to understand their impact on the musicians they influenced profoundly. Some of the greatest artists of the 80s and 90s were serious Rush fans:
Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, Mike Portnoy, Kirk Hammett, Tim Commerford, Taylor Hawkins (RIP), Gene Simmons, Matt Stone (South Park creator), Sebastian Bach, etc.
Agree!!
Rob is 💯 % correct!
Excellent documentary. I think it's on Netflix too
Absolutely agree
Rush... in 1974... opened for KISS ! Seattle Paramount.
Neil had just joined the band a few months ago.
Even though going through heartache and pain Neil Peart drummed his heart out for as long as he could. He was and still is the best ❤️🇨🇦
Brother! Right there with you!! Rush was not everyone’s cup of tea and Rush certainly wasn’t sex, drugs, and the trappings of success. Rush’s music is for people who are just a little deeper; a little more thoughtful about life and their fellow man. If you fall into this crowd, those who believe your future is not pre decided and pre ordained, then you understand. Nothing wrong with religion or belief as long as it keeps you a good a decent person to your fellow man and keeps you on the path of enlightenment, then its all good.
Long live the genius of Neil Peart and Rush!!!
From “The Garden “
“The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect, so hard to earn so easily burned, in the fullness of time a garden to nurture and protect.” R.I.P. Neil, your garden will thrive forever.
When I heard that song for the first time I almost cried because I had a feeling it was the last song by RUSH.
Ya know, Jamal, I've been watching your channel for some time now, and like any reactor going down the Rush rabbit hole, Rush army always shows up!
At the same time, I just thought I'd tell you that aside from the joy and fun we Rush folks get from watching new generations come to know and appreciate the band, your understanding and empathy for these 3 amazing individuals, your appreciation of their musical mastery, and your understanding of the difference between Rush's focus on philosophical themes and messages vs the 'partying, babes and booze' themes of so many bands really makes you stand out!
For those of us that have grown up with them and always appreciated the Rush difference, it's a real pleasure to come along for the ride with you as you continue to explore the full catalogue of 40 years!!
G-d bless you sir!
Marshall U., Toronto
I'm 64 and grew up listening to RUSH and I can still hear my Mom shouting "TURN YOUR MUSIC DOWN" so they got me headphones and the rest is history and I saw RUSH in concert four times.
As a newcomer to your channel (late to the party as usual) I want to thank you for bringing well deserved recognition to this band. I Was very fortunate to see every tour from 1982 till their final R40 Tour in 2015. Throughout the 70"s, 80's & 90's Rush had an incredible "cult like" following selling out every show on every tour but never got the recognition they so richly deserved. Now, in the new millennium, they became more popular than ever. Thanx to young fans such as yourself. Every album touched a certain point of my life. I look back at Rush albums & remember where I was at that point in my life. In fact, their Test for Echo album released the day my oldest son was born. As a grandfather now the passion for the band runs as deep as ever. Thank you Sir for continuing to fly the Rush flag:)
Neil Peart died of the same cancer, glioblastoma, that took the life of Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip a few years earlier. After his diagnosis, Gord embarked on a cross Canada tour, requiring a teleprompter for the lyrics he could no longer remember due to memory loss, and gave all he had to say goodbye and thank you to all his and the band's fans and for fans to say goodbye to him. Neil's health condition was kept private until he died. He would have had the same reception from all his fans if he had disclosed his health issues, but he was too private of a man to do that.
I'd like to see some reactions to The Tragically Hip.
I lost my sister in-law to the same cancer shortly after Neil. She was in her 40s
I hate cancer I hate it so much
He also didn't go the "farewell tour" route because it was 105% performance, or nothing for him.. And he also had a new wife & daughter to spend every last moment with before the final farewell!
the same cancer I was diagnosed with last April with a survival rate of only 6%.
Much respect to you Jamal. Not alot of people new what Neil had to endure. He was the embodiment of musical ethics and pure talent, so don't be so hard on yourself. And Jamal Thank you man.
They were my favorite too, but I grew up in an beautiful home, but with a very physically abusive father. It was traumatizing and Rush was my escape as a preteen and teen. Listened to my records and then my tapes, for decades and still love them to this day. They protected me by allowing me to escape a stressful home environment.
The song "Chain Lightning" is kind of dedicated to Neil's daughter, but when she was alive. The entire Vapor Trails album is about his healing journey after his personal tragedies. And the Clockwork Angels album is kind of a distillation of his personal philosophy borne from his life experiences. I can't think of a song specifically dedicated to his wife and daughter, like the song "Afterimage" was dedicated to a good friend of the band who died tragically.
Neil probably wouldn't have said any song he wrote was directly about his wife & daughter passing but the song Vapor Trail on the Vapor Trails album sure felt like it. The whole Vapor Trails album was full of references to his healing after those 2 tragic events. There is also an earlier song called Afterimage that was written about a friend who taught him how-to cross-country ski who passed away suddenly. The lyrics for Red Sector A was based on stories Geddy's mom told him about the holocaust and that he then told Neil about.
Another one is "Nobody's hero" from the album Counterparts. About one of Neal's friends that died from A.I.D.S
@@jimrupe9991 Great catch. 👍
I was actually pretty surprised to see how mostly positive and upbeat vapor trails was when it came out. I expected it to be very dark lyrically and somber musically, like presto kind of was. But it wasnt that at all. It was clear to me neil had little interest in writing an album about what he went through.
@@trenken neil wasn't that type of person to be open about a lot of stuff. my friend won a meet and greet with Rush during time after Neil's daughter and partner died. Neil didn't do the meet and greets for a while.
I appreciate all of you guys saying that. I don't do the best when it comes to listening to song lyrics. I'll try to pay better attention. Thank you.
Lol. Yep, Jamel, you’re right! It’s pronounced like the word “ear” but with a P in front and a T at the end.
As a drummer, I idolized Neil Peart. I’ll miss him forever.
"One Little Victory" is very much about his healing journey as he toured on his motorcycle. Neil documents his travels in the book Ghost Rider, a great read.
Neil Peart was about as close as it gets to a real life Super Hero. Jamel...I would love to see you react to the studio version of "Big Money" from Rush's great and third best selling album, Power Windows. I know you'd dig it! (there's not enough love for this great album in the reaction community). Thanks for your awesome channel!
Indeed , also the album Grace under pressure.
They're my favorite band because of the messages..the fact they're 3 very decent humans and also because of the talent..the most talented band ever.. unmatched musicianship.
The Rush album vapor trails is filled with songs he wrote about the loss of his daughter and wife. He had taken a year-long journey on his motorcycle to drive around the country and try and get over the pain from his losses. The album displays what emotions he went through during that time both sadness and happiness
There's a lot of anger, despondency, and hopelessness on that album. And it also has some of the most idealistic bangers in their catalog.
One of the bands ever
@@widewailcorduroy7278 I don't agree that Vapor Trails is angry, despondent, and hopeless. The songs have themes of resilience, optimism, appreciation for life, and starting anew. It's Neil coming back to life again.
He rode around the continent, not just the country. From Canada to Alaska, then back down through Canada, US, Mexico and finished in Belize. The book "Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road" is about his journey.
And the original mix of the album shows that anger much more. I don't like the remix released about 10 years later... too polished, lost its edge.
I highly recommend reading his book Ghost Rider: Travels on the healing road.
I read that book in the smoldering ruins of my first marriage. There were two things that rang like a bell with me: Neil describing the way he had to protect and nurture his "little pink baby soul"; and the time he went to his parents' house while the trauma was still fresh, and collapsing in his father's arms in their front hallway and uncontrollably sobbing, "It's so bad! IT'S JUST SO BAD!"
Most of the album Vapor Trails have songs that reflect his loss and the journey he took for two years after those tragic deaths.
Amen brother. You get it. A full round of applause to you. RIP Neil Peart.
Neil Peart was a master at his craft.... He was definitely the driving force behind Rush.... RIP Neil....
Quite simply, thank you so much for your admiration and respect for this band. You are indeed, a good human my friend 🤘
Big rush fan. My favorite band too. I'm very much looking forward to this. One love brother. Thank you for the presentation
Thanks for this, my fellow Rush loving brother. ❤️
Just because someone is rich and famous, doesn't exempt you from pain & trials.
that's true, but it certainly helps being able to just take off and travel on a fancy expensive motorcycle for 2 years without having to worry about expenses, instead of having to go back to some low paying, soul crushing warehouse job or something like that, and to find a beautiful young wife less than 2 years after your first wife dies
I agree. The rich and famous are still vulnerable to the trials of life. Granted, as one poster said, he has the resources to go through his grief that most of us do not. But it still doesn't exempt him or anyone else from trials and troubles.
It might be good for all of us to remember this.
Hey Jamal... Rush was my 1st concert back in the day '82... Still one of my favorite bands. I'm glad you have discovered their greatness. Keep on rocking.
Seen Rush 17 times in 3 states...HUGE influence in my life...JAMAL...Thanks ..
And welcome aboard....you got some catching up to do! I envy you!
They’re so humble. So introspective. And self-deprecating! I got the chance to meet Geddy and Alex. That last concert was a definite highlight of my life. Watch Beyond The Lighted Stage. It tells all.
Greetings from Oregon. Thanks J. I wasn't aware Rush was your favorite band. Saw them 2X in the 70s. Such a great band. This story should be known. Thanks again. Our best to you and your family..PNL
Vapor trails was the comeback album after almost three years. Neil managed his grief by motorbiking alone across North America for that entire period.
When Rush finally reunited, they worked on 'Vapor Trails' which was one of their most emotionally charged albums. The songs 'Secret Touch', 'Ghost Rider' and 'Sweet Miracle' are particularly strong references to Neil's inner struggles. I adore the whole album, it deserves it's place wirh 2112 and Moving Pictures as a Rush classic.
I feel like you're my friend on the block, J. The way you keep an open mind about music, art, and life, like I do, makes me feel as if I've known you all my life. Keep on keepin' on, and being the Good Human you are! From Mason, Texas (a very small town in the middle of nowhere)
It was the lyrics, and the odd time signatures, the soft starts, the build ups, the full force of 3 men, when it kicked into overdrive, and yes, Geddy's wailing vocals, that made me a fan the first time I heard it.
I'm 60 years old, but I remember sitting on a friend's back deck, listening to 2112, asking, who the hell are these guys! Lol
Been a fan from that day.
I'm glad you found them.
The song 'One little Victory' was the first song after Neil came back from his long hiatus. To me it is about one little step forward, but as usual Neil's lyrics are sometimes very personal, yet universal with a profound truth. Geddy said that the intro to this song was a fitting way to mark his comeback.
And the sound of Neil's drums on that first track certainly heralded his return!!! Great song!
Neil was from my hometown, and as a Canadian kid of the 80s, Rush was a key musical touchstone for many of us. And I was the only black kid I knew who listened to them in my community. I never knew most of the things they went through until Neil's death and I am glad to see that you are taking it all in.
Thank you, sir!
Rush, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Genesis etc.. I love the art rock bands. They orchestrated rock and roll. They electrified Bach and Beethoven much to the joy of the people blessed enough to appreciate beautiful music.
Jamal, I got to see Rush nearly 40 times since 1975. I would meet with them after shows. Thank you for this!
As someone who went on the same Rush journey , albeit as it was occurring. It is fun to relive that journey again as I see it surruptitasly through you. You have kept me entertained now for what 2 years? Awesome channel , keep up with the same honesty and integrity with your videos as Rush does with their music. Big Fan!
God wanted Neil more than he wanted us to have him. That’s how good Neil is. At everything. At being human. We got him for a long time, but God couldn’t live without him. Rest In Percussion, Pratt.
I started watching your reactions of RUSH when you probably had 20k subs. I watched you grow quick and loved all your reactions. I have been gone a while now but I'm back and how appropriate it's this video. RUSH is also my favorite band. Look at ya Jamal... you're almost at a million subs! No surprise brother... keep it up. God bless!
Jamel, you love rush because they are decent humans - no surprise that as one yourself you love this band. Best wishes and much love from the UK Sir!
I'm hooked on all your reactions.
I always love when you react to anything Rush, if you are a reader, or you like to listen to books you should check out Neil's books, Ghost Rider, etc.. you will learn so much about Neil and Rush!
Absolutely. A total must.
Rush is so great. Hard to put into words my admiration for their talent. Glad to see you appreciate them as well.
With the addition of Neil Peart in late 1974, Rush became the "thinking person's band" and Rolling Stone magazine was always about whatever was "in" with popular music. I became a fan in 1975 and waited in anticipation for each album.
Neil Peart (PEERT) suffered as much personal tragedy as 3 people. When he went on a hiatus in 1998, most of us could understand why. And when rumors of a new album began to surface in 2001, I was definitely excited. The attack of 9/11 put a bit of a damper on the release. By the time 2002 finally arrived, so did 'Vapor Trails.' I played the album every day for at least a month, not just because of the music. Neil Peart put his heart on the line with the lyrics, especially with "Ghost Rider" and "Secret Touch." RIP Professor.... 🙏😇
Jamal, thank you for sharing this video and your thoughts on it. "Just be a Good Human" fits you perfectly. God bless.
Thanks bro for sharing!! Found a few things out I never heard. Details. I got to see them 3 times. Wish all of them now. This was AWSOMENESS! R.I.P Neil Peart.
It’s definitely pronounced “Peert”. The professor for sure and my favorite drummer of all time. Danny Carey a close second.
"I think I would know." 😉🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
PEA. ART.
Danny Carey is right up there. But in my book second is a coin-flipper between Keith Moon and John Bonham. With Alex Van Halen a right on their heels third.
ruclips.net/video/iq3yjfoorsU/видео.html at 3:00
@@jimrupe9991 i think neil and john are 1st. both great drummers and can't take nothing away. dave lombardo is up there too
Geddy explained how to pronounce Peart: It's "ear" with a P at the front and a T at the end. Always think of your ear, and you got it!
You really need to watch The Big Interview with Dan Rather….he did a interview with Geddy that was very interesting. Also “ Beyond the Lighted Stage “. That’s a must movie for any Rush fan. 😊
One of the things I love most about this band is their realness.....they may not have talked about their personal lives and challenges in interviews (later they did to a degree) but it was firmly reflected in the music. Raising kids, being married...the impermanence of life...all of it is there. And a lot of folks just can't do a deep dive like that into the realness. They want music as an escape...and I get that. But I'm telling you, when I am bummed out, and I need to pick myself up....I will listen to Bravado.....or Subdivisons.....or the Pass....we all walk that razor's edge daily, more so lately.....so my diet is full of Rush atm, I need that for my soul.
Thank you Jamal!! I was priviledged to see RUSH in concert when I was in high school!! They ROCK in a way that was only unique to them. Hands down a one and only group that will never be repeated!! 💜💜
I’m glad you did this. a lot of their stuff hits different when you know what it’s about
It's quite amazing that Neil got back to music after a year or so. His band mates/friends helped him to continue on with life. You should check out all their interviews with George "Strombo", he interviewed Neil and very recent with Al and Geddy. It's such a great band. You should check out a fellow Canadian band Max Webster or the lead singer's solo material Kim Mitchel. The band Max Webster did a track with Geddy Lee sharing vocals - and Rush playing along - which is a great track called "Battle Scar"
Max Webster was one of my favorite bands when I was a teenager. I had years of music lessons on multiple instruments and I was already being driven crazy by commercial music radio. Around 1975 I bought albums at a second hand record store and found bands like Rush, Argent, Nazareth, Supertramp, Heart, John Miles, Traffic, King Crimson, Utopia, etc, many just years before they broke through into the Big Time.
It was 4 years between the death of his wife and the band releasing Vapor Trails, so more like 4 years. Both Geddy and Alex thought Rush was over.
Thanks for reviewing this. I remember when you did your first Rush videos. I always enjoy when people realise just how amazing they were together.
Love you, Jamel.
I’m so grateful I got to see them twice, the last time on the R40 tour. Rush was my first concert, and I’ll always cherish that.
Thank you I never had the details of what happened to Neil's wife and daughter, but I do remember where I was at when I heard about the tragedy on my local radio station.
I've been a Rush fan since I saw them at Yakima Valley community college gymnasium. I was 15.
They will forever be my favorite band. That is because of their exceptional integrity as individuals and a band.
So glad to hear Rush is your favorite band. I grew up in the 80s and my buddies and I were so happy to hear when Rush had released a new album. We loved so many bands but not one of the era satisfied our quest for the union of superior musicianship with compelling poetry as much as Rush You asked if any songs are dedicated to "the Professor's" daughter and I don't know if any are. What I do know is that when a person is gifted with such insight and a habit of reflection, that every piece somehow reflects the commitment to his loved ones. Therefore every song he wrote is dedicated to her whether she was alive at the time or not.
Thank you...you know you're music.
Rush lives on...RIP
Good video brother, from the heart. Rush has guided me all my life, and still does. Now my children follow the same. Shout out brother from Dubai.
Jamal, it warms my heart brother to hear that Rush is your favorite band.
All of our lives are so full of choices, but one of the biggest ones is that (of course) we can't choose our parents or when we were born.
I thank my Mom (rip) almost daily that I was born when I was, and that put me as an early teen just getting into music in the mid 70s right when RUSH (and many others) but mostly RUSH was just happening. It has been a 45 year plus ride of music and concerts and I can honestly say that I would not be the same person I am without them around all these decades.
Thanks, Mom!
Geddy Lee's mother just recently passed away as well. She was in her 90s.
Just now seeing this. I wish I could remember the names of the articles that came out at the beginning of this year, but it was with quotes by both Alex & Geddy or at least Geddy. Anyway it opened up more about Neil's desire to stop drumming a long time ago which was sort of known - you got the impression.
It shed light on that Neil drummed to satisfy some need he had ( NOT to be the best drummer but something else ). He finally reached that point of satisfying whatever the emotional or psychological need was & he felt, I don't NEED this anymore. He really had been ready to quit & move on a while back, but kept telling them "ok, one more. "
It's true what the video said about his health, but I think all his health conditions just cinched the feeling he'd had for awhile that he didn't need to do this anymore.
Jamel, thank you for your work. One of my favorite bands very strong men, great guys in Rush and it's another aspect of the band that makes them simply amazing.
If you listen to the album Vapor Trails, Neil pours out his soul in songs like Ghost Rider and Vapor Trail, among others. They wanted the album to begin with Neil thundering on the drums, hence the song, One Little Victory signifying his return! It was their comeback album after all the tragedy of his wife and daughter's death. He never wanted to perform most of those songs again after the Vapor Trails tour. Half of the appeal of these guys is knowing them as people via their sense of humor, their deep friendship, the subject matter Neil wrote about, and the struggle to break out making music their way....by not compromising with record companies. The fans demanded for them to be in the R&R Hall of Fame. Very few bands have ever earned that honor as much as the guys in Rush.
Rush has been my favorite since the age of 14. I'm now 38 and they will never be usurped from their perch as my favorite band. I love watching people discover them and embrace them for the miracle that they are, lyrically, musically, and professionally. Thank you for recognizing them and their resilience through so much tragedy.
Let's also not forget an infamous NME piece in 1977. In the UK, NME was a widely read, hugely influential weekly music and at the time totally in thrall to punk and new wave, totally dismissing almost everything it had previously championed as tired, out of date and embarrassing. The few exceptions to this were the likes of Lou Reed, Bowie, Iggy Pop and Roxy Music, artists who were considered serious and embodying the spirit of the day. An NME writer interviewed the band and subsequently produced a complete hatchet job, dismissing their music as old fashione and devoid of any merit but also, much more seriously, accused the members of the band of being right wing extremists, bordering on fascism. Needless to say, this came as something of a shock to Lee, Lifeson and Peart but especially Peart who wrote the words. The label stuck for years and I even remember the band's shows in London in 2004 appearing in a newspaper listing as "Geddy Lee's right wing rockers return to London for the first time in 12 years". Peart commented in an interview at the time: "Well at least they got one thing right".
Hi Jamal, Not all of us know the stories of the various Bands/singers. Thank you for this
Yes, Jamel, please listen to songs from Vapor Trails (2002). Many of those songs are Neil's attempt to work out his feelings and insights resulting from his time of grieving and loss. Songs like "Ghost Rider", "Sweet Miracle", "The Stars Look Down" and "Secret Touch" have lyrics that speak to Neil's hard-won wisdom, coming out of those difficult years from 1997 - 2000, before he felt healthy enough to come back to the band (by that time, he had gotten re-married). Vapor Trails is a great album! If you want to listen to "Ghost Rider", please watch the version from the Live In Rio show! That performance was the last time the band played it and Neil does something at the end to mark the moment.
O is that really why? Didn't know that. I thought he was just getting rid of a cracked one. Those things are awfully hard to break if you intend to and I didn't notice him using his leg or anything as a fulcrum. Wow! (Note to self: Must eat more canned spinach)
It was written years earlier, and about someone else who passed, but look up the song LOSING ITfrom the album SIGNALS. They rarely performed it live, as they felt it was too personal for a concert.
Greetings from Oregon. Rush got 1st airtime in America on WMMS Cleveland Ohio. Working Man. The rest is history. All our best to you and your family..PNL
I was lucky enough to see one of the last shows before Neil died at SPAC N.Y. Simply the most talented tree man band ever. Incredible performances every time. “In eight years I’ll be seventy one, I can play Charlie Watts drum parts when I’m seventy one, I can’t play Neil Peart’s drum parts when I’m seventy one” - Neil Peart at sixty three.
Rolling Stone magazine was extremely biased. When Paul McCartney released his first solo album, the pre-published review was good. However, the editor was pals with John Lennon so he had the review panned out of spite because John and Paul were feuding after the break up of the band. As journalists, the magazine was biased and Rush got inducted to the Hall of Fame out of sheer demand by their legion of fans and by fellow musicians.
Rolling stone magazine's music reviews have been off the mark so many times its pitiful. Rag
@@ringonor4298 A jizz rag, to be exact.
Nice to hear. I felt terrible for Neil when I heard about this and he was by all accounts such a great guy. The music establishments rarely like bands that have the intelligence of Rush, Floyd, etc. that’s OK. We can love them without the tiniest shred of approval from the music establishment. No problem. Thanks for your great reactions.
Jamal, thanks so so much for this great Rush video! This one held a special place in my heart.
I was born in ‘69 (52 now). My brother was 12 years older than me , and my sister was 10 years older. I remember listening to my brothers Rush Album’s through the walls. Then when he would be gone, I would go in his room and play his albums. I absolutely loved Rush around the age of 6!
I have often wondered how you became such a diverse aficionado. Bands varying from Rush, Little River Band, Styx, etc ... would NOT have been my stereotypical guess for you!
I’m so impressed with your work and enjoy your genuine feedback and love as you to. you are also learning new info too. And of course your amazing personality!!
I love your topics and well and cool you film and edit you videos. I am very much the same having a sister that was 10 years older and a brother that was 12 years older and I was born in 1969. Awesome awesome awesome… you are a treasure! 🥹😜
The Rush hate comes from different directions. Some people don't like Rush because of Geddy's voice, which honestly can be grating at points, but it fits so well with their sound. Mostly though is like you said about their songs having deep messages, a lot of people don't like to listen to anything but fun and feel good. Some complaints I've heard are getting fixated on one particular son The Trees. A son about trees arguing over getting light confuses people because they aren't interested in trying to hear what is truly being said.
,Like somebody already pointed out, most of the music you heard by them was before these tragic events ( btw the guy got it wrong in this video, they were at the lake house north of Montreal, Quebec, and Selena was heading back to Toronto to start university) the band took a 5 year break, Vapor Trails was the next album after all that, there are no songs directly dedicated to his daughter or wife, but all the songs talk about how he felt , like ghost rider. It's a testament to their greatness that they could take a 5 year break, and come back right on top, and all the fans were still there, and their popularity got even bigger ! i'm so glad i got to follow this band and see at least one show on every single tour since 1978 a farewell to kings
yes, it's PEERT
I'm soooooo glad you love Rush, as a 45 year fan , you rock!
I grew up in a town about 30 miles from Rush's hometown and was lucky enough to see them twice in the 70's. They were excellent both times and were accepted as one of the greats of the rock world right from the start around here.
I started watching your reactions to Rush when you didn't know who they were. Witnessing you understanding how phenomenal they are/were and now proudly saying they are your favorite band was heartwarming.
There will never be another band like Rush.
A little trivia: Do you know why Geddy and Alex started calling Neil "The Professor"?
It was not because of his drum talent.
It was because when Neil cut his hair and shaved off his 70's mustache, they thought he looked like The Professor from the tv show, Gilligan's Island.
Those guys always joked with each other and were best friends throughout the touring years.
The song "Ghost Rider" from their come back album Vapor Trails was a song about Peart's ride through the country over those years post his family tragedy.
Vapour Trails is the album they made after coming back from Peart's hiatus after his families death. On that album, Ghost Rider and Vapour Trails are directly about him going through it. One Little Victory is about the band coming back from the tragedy. Great songs!
Jamal,
I started listening to Rush in 1977 at the age of 11. The first album I got l
I took piano lessons for seven years, I played the guitar. However I is yhh6 beat a drum my life. BUT, the only thing "thing" that drew me to Rush continually was Neil Peart's percussion/drumming 🥁. Neither me or any of my friends had ever heard drums like that.
It was a similar experience to hearing EVH when Van Hale's 1st record came out in 1977.
Now here's what I hope wii make you laugh tonight and in the am if you picture this again. It may take a second to tell this right, but here I go.
The very first rock concert (any kind of loud concert in a coliseum, so it could have been Earth Wind & Fire, Hank Williams, etc) was Rush in February 1981--The Moving Pictures Tour!
I was a 14 year old 6'6" white kid in Memphis, Tennessee. The miracle was that I was even there. Why?
My dad was a preacher, but the one I had to talk into it was my Mom. And you know, rock-and-roll music is evil. So, I let Neil make the sale for me. I kept telling my parents that NONE of Rush's lyrics were about sex, drugs, alcohol. I pulled out the album sleeves from Caress of Steel to Moving Pictures where all the lyrics were printed and left them with them.
In about a week I got my tickets with one catch, my parents were going with me. My best friend's dad was the head elder and he went. My mom, about halfway
through the concert was asleep😂😂😂
I think that was her one and only exposure to Marijuana smoke!
Just picture the Senior Minister, the head elder and the passed-out Church Lady during Neil's solo!
Really enjoy your reactions,
Loren Nichols
Love that they are your favorite. They mine too! Love Rush!
It was poetic justice when Jan introduced Rush as the last of the nominees for that year at the RRHOF when the crowd (which was 90% Rush fans) immediately drowned him out with the loudest cheers. “And from Toronto…” WHAAAAAAA!!! Still shakes me to my core to this very day when I watch that.
Jamal…you should react to THAT vid from here on YT when Jan at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame went through all the nominees for that night (2013 induction ceremony, was it?) until he got to Rush…it’s still one of the top vids on YT. Rush’s deserving accolades came full circle that night.
And RIP to all those prominent special musicians we’ve recently lost in addition to Neil…Prince, Tom Petty, Eddie Money, EVH, Dusty Hill, Kenny Loggins, John Prine, Benny Mardones, Little Richard, Bonnie Pointer, Charlie Daniels, Franki Banali, Lee Kerslake, Mac Davis, Charlie Pride, Leslie West, Alto Reed, Chick Corea. BJ Thomas, Johnny Solinger, Jeff LaBar, Joey Jordison, Don Everly, Charli Watts, Ronnie Spector, Michael Nesmith, Taylor Hawkins, Meat Loaf, and many more. And that’s just in recent few years.
Embrace life while you have it. It goes by so quickly.
Rush is my favorite band too... since 1974... and #2,3 (in no particular order) Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
They have been my favorite band since 1978. Only got to see them once but it was in 1981 at the Moving Pictures Tour which was their best album in my opinion along with Permanent Waves and 2112. RIP Neil Peart we miss hearing The Professor play.
Have been a Rush fan since their early days and was fortunate to see them live on more than one occasion. The issues with mainstream media and also people in general that didn't get Rush, I believe is the reason why they didn't reach the heights of popularity of some other bands. Personal I feel the band was way ahead of their time and its today that your seeing more people discovering and starting to appreciate the sound, the message but more so the unbelievable musicianship of the three members.
Hi Jamal,
There is an excellent Documentary about called Beyond the Lighted Stage. It will really give you a lot of info. Also, please look up The House of Stromo Rush Interview. It is the latest Interview with Alex and Geddy. They talk about Neil's passing and how they are doing. Another really interesting Documentary on them is The boys in Brazil. All three of them are/were really close. I would if you would react to songs off of Counterparts, Vapor Trails and Clockwork Angels. Cheers
You got way more rush music to listen to..keep it going..you're awesome jamal..
I hate cancer. I was diagnosed with brain cancer last April with a survival rate of only 6%. Hopefully 🙏I can survive.
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Some serious tragedies that most of us will never have to endure. This is one of the reason i personally love the Rio show. It was their first tour back after Neil went on his journey. Also why One Little Victory is such a powerful tune and the Rio version is my favorite. Although the R40 version is pretty good also. All about accepting the little feats that get us going and keep us going, especially after such unfathomable incidents. Surviving Auschwitz and his back to Geddys mom is a pretty amazing story. The generations alive today take for granted what our parents/ grandparents and/or great grandparents had to endure. 11 million people lost their lives. 😢
It’s strange but in the U.S., Neil’s last name is pronounced “Pert” but in Canada, it’s pronounced “Peert”. I’m from the Buffalo / Niagara area in NY. Getting both Canadian and American radio, I’ve heard it pronounced both ways my entire life. Also made me lucky enough to be exposed to amazing Canadian bands most of the U.S. has never heard of.
It should be pronounced the way the person wants it pronounced.
It is pronounced Pert.... just like an oyster has a pearl... not a peerl.... It is pronounced Pert.
Not pert,P.ear.t
First, as an American, it's not how we pronounce his name in America. It's the uninformed who mispronounce his name. Neil seldom did interviews until he began promoting his books, so most had never heard his name spoken. Secondly, I like the way Geddy explained how to say Neil's name it's P with and ear 👂 followed by a t.
I have always liked Rush! I have a few of their vinyl albums that I bought when I was a kid in the 70's and 80's.
RUSH is also my favorite band
But there a required taste, you either love them or you can't stand them, that's the way it's always ben .
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Rush and they were and are our heroes in north Toronto. Saw them a few times and will never forget it.