Justin, you are describing the aging process, as a 65yr. old, I can tell you everything takes more effort as you get older, it is not as easy as it once was. Having said that, this is a top notch Rush song, always near the top of any Rush favourite songs and it is beautifully performed here. Alex is seriously killing it, Neil is having a good time and as for Geddy, he does what he does and gives maximum effort every time, no matter what. Going to say this once and possibly for the last time, I don’t give a flying fadoo about the discussions around Geddy’s voice, to me he is a great vocalist with a fabulous range, young or old Geddy rules. There I’ve said it and I don’t really care what anybody else has to say about it, end of rant. Peace.
Geddy said once in an interview that the first time he sang that part live, he got a migraine for a week. The fact that he hit it so well in this performance says to me that he prepared himself by having plenty of pain relief ready. Always a favorite Rush song. Great job.
Easy to figure...out...effortless at 40...not so much at 57...but he got there again in this performance...nuff said...they killed that 90 seconds that is arguably the best section of any song in their catalog 🤘
This was probably the fastest and best version of Freewill since the early 80s. Geddy used to talk about how it was "ridiculously easy" for him to sing the "cell of awareness" high-note section. Probably having the high-energy instrumental section immediately before it is a good set-up. Of course by this stage in his late 50s, these things are inevitably starting to became less easy, but he still gets there. Notice how he raises an arm to help get to the top note. You'll see lots of singers do this, especially in opera and music theatre for the last big money note. It's not a "cheat" - it apparently helps to expand the rib cage and prepare for the big finish. Once you hear about this, you'll notice it in so many more performances.
Love this performance. You can tell they’re psyched that they pulled it off. Saw them twice on this tour, and during the Louisville show, Alex slightly botched the run down into the solo section. He held up his fingers and pretended to yell at them.
I was standing in the beer line during the guitar/bass jam of this song at my first Rush concert. My brother in law had bought the tickets so I felt obligated. Not sure I've ever forgiven him.
I think you’re right about Geddy having to “set it up”. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that’s why they did R40 in backward chronological order. Basically, the whole concert was a way for him to set up his vocals so to speak, so he could sing the higher songs near the end of the concert instead of the beginning.
22 May 2011, NEC Birmingham UK with my 2 sons - a truly unforgettable experience. This is my older son's favourite Rush song and he went crazy during this!
Geddy singing the high notes in this remind me of Bruce Dickinson on the Seventh Son tour. When he tried to hit the money notes, he would raise his arms up as though praying to the god of vocal ability - "Oh please! Oh please! Let me hit it!"
What wedancewestie said is so true. As you age everything gets a little harder. I was a Tribal Bellydancer for 18 years and as all of us in the troupe got older we had to modify or not attempt certain moves. It sucks but it is life.
Geddy before this tour, hired a vocal coach. Which in turn put him on some kind of diet too help strengthen his voice. Considering being 57 at this time, and considering what he sounded like back in the day, I believe he did quite well for this tour.
Sucks getting old. I can barely hit my soprano voice these days at 50 years old. Have to have the wife kick me in the….. Would love to see you do some bass covers of Rush. Seeing that this is one of your favorites, and I “assume” it’s a challenge (yes/no?), I think this could be cool. I’d probably watch that video. 😀
That was pretty good for three "dads" 😁. And yeah, on those last few tours Geddy would either go for those higher notes, or he'd need to drop the pitch, for whatever reason. Obviously for a video shoot he's going to go for it, probably figuring they could fix it in post if it doesn't work out.
As an almost fifty year old vocalist, I can attest to your analysis of Ged’s vocals requiring more effort. There’s a lot of stuff I can still pull off if I set it up right, but it was much easier even 5 years ago! I’m petty sure he had a voice coach in later years. You’ll see him use some techniques that help you hit higher notes, like raising your eyebrows to lift your soft pallet. Some of his facial expressions get … humorous. But he took great effort to keep his voice healthy.
Also he's not attacking the start of each word, but is instead rolling into them, which puts less wear and tear on his larynx over the course of a show. But it did result in that "crying puppy" thing that he became associated with on these last tours.
I never put it together before that they play Faithless, BU2B, and Freewill in a row for this concert; all songs that touch on their religious beliefs (or lack thereof). Two might have been a coincidence, but with three I'm assuming it was a choice.
Thanks for not slamming the vocals all the time. We all know it but there are a lot of miles on that voice. He does the best he can and they still sound great live on their instruments. It is what it is, he has a unique style that can’t be easy as he ages.
"Everybody knows where the parts were unless you're deaf", LOL. Yeah, getting old sucks. Truly. And yeah, it's the last time they did Freewill. But in all honesty, I didn't mind. I mean, I heard it a LOT over the years, so making room for things like Jacob's Ladder and Xanadu and their pre-2112 songs was well worth the trade-off.
You seem to be struggling with the idea that humans age. We all knew that be the time Geddy was in his late 50s he wasn't going to be able to sing like he did in his 20s. None of us ever seemed to have a problem with that. I bet he can't run as fast as he used to either. But he can sure still play that bass and we were grateful we still had shows to go to for as long as we did.
What a difference vocally from my recent listen to Freewill on Exit... Stage left. Back then, everything was effortless without Ged making any straining looks and sounds, no pitch problems, no voice cracking
I think there's a lot of protecting so he can maintain his voice for a whole tour. It seems like once and a while he hits stuff you don't expect him to and it makes me wonder if he does that just to test his own limits at a certain age what we had last month might not be there this month😢
Justin, I completely respect your "opinion" when you give it, and if you don't like some of the direction Rush has taken with it's music in the later years, and if you don't like the change in Neil's drumming style and if you don't like the way Geddy is singing you certainly have a right to your opinion. The only problem I have and I think the problem allot of people that give you backlash on here is because you sometimes come across as if you know more than they do and you're pointing out their flaws rather that simply saying you don't like it. I sure hope you really don't think that you have more knowledge, talent or experience than they do? But yet that is how you come acorss sometime even if you don't mean it that way. And in regard to Geddy''s voice, it has certainly become more vulnerable in his later years, but it's not that he can no longer hit the high notes, but rather he is using his voice differently and being more conscious and cautious when he sings in order to protect it from being damaged. Please stop saying that he "can't" hit the notes anymore, he can still do it, he's just choosing not to at his age so he doesn't damage his voice.
regarding the last sentence.... he's not hitting those high notes right? If he could... he would right? .... .... .... To me that means that he can't anymore. And yes I get it, age. Also i'm not saying that I'm better or know more than anyone I'm just stating my opinion.
@@JustinPanariello Agaoi, yes he can still hit the high notes! If he could he would, right? NO!!! He strill could if he wanted, but he's choosing not to sing the high notes to protect his voice which is more vulnerable at his age now. You may not like it, which you are entitled to that opinion, but it's wrong for you to say that he can't do it anymore!. "Can't do it" and "choosing not to do it" are two completely different things!
Sadly it is was it is, bless them for continuing to perform, even if not on top form. I am 10 years younger than these guys, not a singer, but i have arthritis in my left hand and get cramp now playing guitar. So i only teach now. Lets look in the mirror and realise these guys only continued for their fans, i think. It shure wasnt money
Actually you are spot on when referring to the very high parts of these older songs. An old fan like me is holding his breath when I know it's coming. Will it be cringe or pass? Quick story. Quite a few years ago I took my wife, son and his girlfriend to see the Clockwork Angels tour at a movie theater. I sunk down in my seat cringing multiple times. Not gonna lie...
In one interview/documentary Geddy is talking about his voice, not being able to speak properly after a show and needs his voice to get rested for the next one. R40…is not okay, I listen it for the music…
i agree with @WeDanceWestie, but wanted to add this. you see Geddy as a dictator in the band, and I am not sure you are off the mark...although leader is maybe a better term. i think we all lose sight of the fact that this band, like, many, maybe not all, needs a leader. Neil hates even being there , not out of malice or anger but he has done a full career and this shit takes a lot out of him. Alex is a dreamer who is all over the place in a good way. Geddy is more pragmatic and can sharpen his focus more easily. he's not an asshole as far as I know, but yes, he is in charge. what we never see is I don't think he makes a decision without getting the honest input from the others. This seems clear in the next Doc, but I think Dictator is a bit harsh and leader is maybe more accurate
It's as if Geddy is the only singer whose voice deteriorated over a 40-year career. I'm pretty sure Steve Perry would tell you he can't sing like he did in the 80's. Now let's talk about other things we can't figure out like why water is wet or grass is green or the sky is blue.
Thought I'd post this here, though not relevant to this, you remarked a while back on the Mountain video about Leslie's tone. Here is a link to him stating the amp type and happenstance of how it occurred: ruclips.net/video/Vf9WRHMB-DE/видео.html
Gimme a break, excellent live version, nothing is effortless at that age. Saw this tour live. Nothing sad ever about this band live. The sad thing is your dumb comments. What about his bass playing here? Never better. Always negative, you can't be easy to work with.
Thats not accurate at all. Don't be an asshole. What do you want me to say about his bass playing? Or Neil's drumming for that matter? That I haven't said for an entire year? They are consistently great at sound quality and performance quality. It's been the constant since their first record if you ask me. Go watch some kiss ass reactor if all you want is a circle jerk.
Geddy's voice is once reason I am not a huge fan of this concert *recording*. I saw them at Red Rocks for Time Machine and I thought he sounded great (at least no obvious issues like I hear here...)
Justin, you are describing the aging process, as a 65yr. old, I can tell you everything takes more effort as you get older, it is not as easy as it once was. Having said that, this is a top notch Rush song, always near the top of any Rush favourite songs and it is beautifully performed here. Alex is seriously killing it, Neil is having a good time and as for Geddy, he does what he does and gives maximum effort every time, no matter what. Going to say this once and possibly for the last time, I don’t give a flying fadoo about the discussions around Geddy’s voice, to me he is a great vocalist with a fabulous range, young or old Geddy rules. There I’ve said it and I don’t really care what anybody else has to say about it, end of rant. Peace.
Well said, I agree 100%.
Couldn't agree more...can we talk about something else please...
Bar none ✍🏼
I agree 100% as well. I’ve always said that Geddy could’ve hid behind auto tune and prerecorded loops like many others, even people half his age.
What is rarer than a snowman in July? Neil smiling during a performance!!!
Geddy said once in an interview that the first time he sang that part live, he got a migraine for a week. The fact that he hit it so well in this performance says to me that he prepared himself by having plenty of pain relief ready. Always a favorite Rush song. Great job.
One of their best one minute jam sessions within a rush song.
Freewill R. I. P.
Love to see Neil smile!
Easy to figure...out...effortless at 40...not so much at 57...but he got there again in this performance...nuff said...they killed that 90 seconds that is arguably the best section of any song in their catalog 🤘
This was probably the fastest and best version of Freewill since the early 80s. Geddy used to talk about how it was "ridiculously easy" for him to sing the "cell of awareness" high-note section. Probably having the high-energy instrumental section immediately before it is a good set-up. Of course by this stage in his late 50s, these things are inevitably starting to became less easy, but he still gets there. Notice how he raises an arm to help get to the top note. You'll see lots of singers do this, especially in opera and music theatre for the last big money note. It's not a "cheat" - it apparently helps to expand the rib cage and prepare for the big finish. Once you hear about this, you'll notice it in so many more performances.
Love this performance. You can tell they’re psyched that they pulled it off. Saw them twice on this tour, and during the Louisville show, Alex slightly botched the run down into the solo section. He held up his fingers and pretended to yell at them.
I will take Geddy’s voice at 75% over most singers at 100
For a 56 year old at this point I think he did a pretty good job to be fair.
I was standing in the beer line during the guitar/bass jam of this song at my first Rush concert. My brother in law had bought the tickets so I felt obligated. Not sure I've ever forgiven him.
I think you’re right about Geddy having to “set it up”. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that’s why they did R40 in backward chronological order. Basically, the whole concert was a way for him to set up his vocals so to speak, so he could sing the higher songs near the end of the concert instead of the beginning.
Freewill in the 74-82 SUPERIOR realm!
He’s nearly 60 here…. I dont too many 60 year olds can sing in that range
I agree about his voice, but my word, the band is just so damn good. Geddy's interplay with Alex, Neil is powerful and exacting as always.
22 May 2011, NEC Birmingham UK with my 2 sons - a truly unforgettable experience. This is my older son's favourite Rush song and he went crazy during this!
This is one of my favs!! He had to prepare, but he delivered! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
Geddy singing the high notes in this remind me of Bruce Dickinson on the Seventh Son tour. When he tried to hit the money notes, he would raise his arms up as though praying to the god of vocal ability - "Oh please! Oh please! Let me hit it!"
Freewill is like a rollercoaster ride! The scary part is the high note hit!
That's Neil's look when he's asked to swing
What wedancewestie said is so true. As you age everything gets a little harder. I was a Tribal Bellydancer for 18 years and as all of us in the troupe got older we had to modify or not attempt certain moves. It sucks but it is life.
Thanks Debbie and you are so right, same thing is happening with our dancing, but we still dance as much as we can. Cheers.
Geddy before this tour, hired a vocal coach. Which in turn put him on some kind of diet too help strengthen his voice.
Considering being 57 at this time, and considering what he sounded like back in the day, I believe he did quite well for this tour.
What you said is totally (and sadly) true. The older you get, the more *everything* needs to be prepared for ahead of time.
That face Neil made should be a meme. Oh, wait.
Geddy Hops returns!
Great song.
Justin the small box on Geddy's synth rig is a lyrics monitor [ a mirror ] not
Sucks getting old. I can barely hit my soprano voice these days at 50 years old. Have to have the wife kick me in the…..
Would love to see you do some bass covers of Rush. Seeing that this is one of your favorites, and I “assume” it’s a challenge (yes/no?), I think this could be cool. I’d probably watch that video. 😀
That was pretty good for three "dads" 😁. And yeah, on those last few tours Geddy would either go for those higher notes, or he'd need to drop the pitch, for whatever reason. Obviously for a video shoot he's going to go for it, probably figuring they could fix it in post if it doesn't work out.
As an almost fifty year old vocalist, I can attest to your analysis of Ged’s vocals requiring more effort. There’s a lot of stuff I can still pull off if I set it up right, but it was much easier even 5 years ago!
I’m petty sure he had a voice coach in later years. You’ll see him use some techniques that help you hit higher notes, like raising your eyebrows to lift your soft pallet. Some of his facial expressions get … humorous. But he took great effort to keep his voice healthy.
Also he's not attacking the start of each word, but is instead rolling into them, which puts less wear and tear on his larynx over the course of a show. But it did result in that "crying puppy" thing that he became associated with on these last tours.
I never put it together before that they play Faithless, BU2B, and Freewill in a row for this concert; all songs that touch on their religious beliefs (or lack thereof). Two might have been a coincidence, but with three I'm assuming it was a choice.
best solo ever!
If ya wait long enough, patiently, ya just might what ya need.
Thanks for not slamming the vocals all the time. We all know it but there are a lot of miles on that voice. He does the best he can and they still sound great live on their instruments. It is what it is, he has a unique style that can’t be easy as he ages.
"Everybody knows where the parts were unless you're deaf", LOL. Yeah, getting old sucks. Truly. And yeah, it's the last time they did Freewill. But in all honesty, I didn't mind. I mean, I heard it a LOT over the years, so making room for things like Jacob's Ladder and Xanadu and their pre-2112 songs was well worth the trade-off.
You seem to be struggling with the idea that humans age.
We all knew that be the time Geddy was in his late 50s he wasn't going to be able to sing like he did in his 20s.
None of us ever seemed to have a problem with that.
I bet he can't run as fast as he used to either.
But he can sure still play that bass and we were grateful we still had shows to go to for as long as we did.
What a difference vocally from my recent listen to Freewill on Exit... Stage left. Back then, everything was effortless without Ged making any straining looks and sounds, no pitch problems, no voice cracking
Hmmm...guess that is the 30yr difference...
I think there's a lot of protecting so he can maintain his voice for a whole tour. It seems like once and a while he hits stuff you don't expect him to and it makes me wonder if he does that just to test his own limits at a certain age what we had last month might not be there this month😢
Justin, I completely respect your "opinion" when you give it, and if you don't like some of the direction Rush has taken with it's music in the later years, and if you don't like the change in Neil's drumming style and if you don't like the way Geddy is singing you certainly have a right to your opinion. The only problem I have and I think the problem allot of people that give you backlash on here is because you sometimes come across as if you know more than they do and you're pointing out their flaws rather that simply saying you don't like it. I sure hope you really don't think that you have more knowledge, talent or experience than they do? But yet that is how you come acorss sometime even if you don't mean it that way. And in regard to Geddy''s voice, it has certainly become more vulnerable in his later years, but it's not that he can no longer hit the high notes, but rather he is using his voice differently and being more conscious and cautious when he sings in order to protect it from being damaged. Please stop saying that he "can't" hit the notes anymore, he can still do it, he's just choosing not to at his age so he doesn't damage his voice.
regarding the last sentence.... he's not hitting those high notes right? If he could... he would right? .... .... .... To me that means that he can't anymore. And yes I get it, age.
Also i'm not saying that I'm better or know more than anyone I'm just stating my opinion.
@@JustinPanariello Agaoi, yes he can still hit the high notes! If he could he would, right? NO!!! He strill could if he wanted, but he's choosing not to sing the high notes to protect his voice which is more vulnerable at his age now. You may not like it, which you are entitled to that opinion, but it's wrong for you to say that he can't do it anymore!. "Can't do it" and "choosing not to do it" are two completely different things!
@@mikeb57469 thats fine. I just dont believe thats the case. 🤷♂️
Sadly it is was it is, bless them for continuing to perform, even if not on top form. I am 10 years younger than these guys, not a singer, but i have arthritis in my left hand and get cramp now playing guitar. So i only teach now. Lets look in the mirror and realise these guys only continued for their fans, i think. It shure wasnt money
regarding the last sentence... i'd say they made more with each concert/tour... actually we can see real numbers with the Tour book.
@JustinPanariello you have a point there, I can't disagree JP
Actually you are spot on when referring to the very high parts of these older songs. An old fan like me is holding his breath when I know it's coming. Will it be cringe or pass? Quick story. Quite a few years ago I took my wife, son and his girlfriend to see the Clockwork Angels tour at a movie theater. I sunk down in my seat cringing multiple times. Not gonna lie...
Last time they did freewill live.
So you looked at the setlist of the Clockwork Windows tour? lol
and Freewill is retired 😢
In one interview/documentary Geddy is talking about his voice, not being able to speak properly after a show and needs his voice to get rested for the next one. R40…is not okay, I listen it for the music…
i agree with @WeDanceWestie, but wanted to add this. you see Geddy as a dictator in the band, and I am not sure you are off the mark...although leader is maybe a better term. i think we all lose sight of the fact that this band, like, many, maybe not all, needs a leader. Neil hates even being there , not out of malice or anger but he has done a full career and this shit takes a lot out of him. Alex is a dreamer who is all over the place in a good way. Geddy is more pragmatic and can sharpen his focus more easily. he's not an asshole as far as I know, but yes, he is in charge. what we never see is I don't think he makes a decision without getting the honest input from the others. This seems clear in the next Doc, but I think Dictator is a bit harsh and leader is maybe more accurate
I know I was picking Dictator for drama lol knowing it would get a reaction... thats what these vids are all about right?!
It's as if Geddy is the only singer whose voice deteriorated over a 40-year career. I'm pretty sure Steve Perry would tell you he can't sing like he did in the 80's. Now let's talk about other things we can't figure out like why water is wet or grass is green or the sky is blue.
Thought I'd post this here, though not relevant to this, you remarked a while back on the Mountain video about Leslie's tone. Here is a link to him stating the amp type and happenstance of how it occurred: ruclips.net/video/Vf9WRHMB-DE/видео.html
Agree with you on geddys vocals think show of hands album is the last live show it sounded effortless shame ....losing it.
Many of Neil’s lyrics dealt with atheism.
Gimme a break, excellent live version, nothing is effortless at that age. Saw this tour live. Nothing sad ever about this band live. The sad thing is your dumb comments. What about his bass playing here? Never better. Always negative, you can't be easy to work with.
Thats not accurate at all. Don't be an asshole. What do you want me to say about his bass playing? Or Neil's drumming for that matter? That I haven't said for an entire year? They are consistently great at sound quality and performance quality. It's been the constant since their first record if you ask me. Go watch some kiss ass reactor if all you want is a circle jerk.
Geddy's voice is once reason I am not a huge fan of this concert *recording*. I saw them at Red Rocks for Time Machine and I thought he sounded great (at least no obvious issues like I hear here...)
great ruclips.net/video/tXEbJBg_uGI/видео.html