For all those commenting that there are better technical players than Geddy, ya, sure there are, but this video ain't about that. It's about his playing on this album and what he created there. He came up with the parts and they're all memorable. Doesn't matter if everyone with a bass can play them now. Geddy thought them up and they've endured over the decades. That's what makes him a Monster Musician.
It's one reason why I don't exactly understand the appeal of cover bands who just cover the repertoire of another band as closely as possible. Sure, it's impressive to sound quite like that band, but I'm much more curious about what new things the musicians bring to the table. How will they surprise me? And you don't need to be a technical master musician to still make some surprising or great or fun original music. I've walked away from small concerts of small bands being completely blown away by the creativity. There's a lot of power in being original and Geddy Lee is a hell of a machine when it comes to that.
There are better technical players than Geddy - perhaps, but they're not interesting. Technique is a means to an end, not an end in itself. You can play a blizzard of 32nd notes on your fretless 6-string impeccably, all by yourself, and not reach ANYONE. And what's the point in that?
Ask those critics to name a bass player/vocalist/keyboard player that wrote and performed better. The answer is...there aren't any! Geddy IS the best at what he did as the bassist. Pete Townshend is the most all-around talented musician in rock history. Geddy is in the top three. The other is for whoever reads this to decide. You may disagree...but I still have made a choice. 😁👍
My 89 year old mother is at a rehab hospital after getting a new knee and femur. We were sitting in the sun after a difficult physical therapy yesterday and I shared another great Neil Peart lyric, from Losing It. "Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it." We then discussed the things we once did that we will never do again, but the importance of doing all we can, and the pleasant memories of past deeds done well. Rush has had an immeasurable positive influence of our society and that's a legacy that should make them very proud.
This album changed my life. Yes, Geddy made me a bass player, but Rush’s philosophical lyrics and their personal and artistic integrity made me a better person. They were great role models growing up, and they’ve walked beside me now for over thirty years.
Amen to that, brother! Very well said. Name another band where each of the respective musicians could have that effect on the next generation of players. And not just as musicians but like you said as role models (which is as important or more important than musicianship). Geddy did it for you as a bassist, Neil did it for me (drummer, of course) and Alex has undoubtedly done it for many young guitarists. What a legacy.
Moving Pictures is one of the greatest albums ever. A true masterpiece that’s right up there with their other bodies of work such as 2112, Hemispheres and Power Windows. 3 incredible musicians who remained humble and dedicated, making Rush one of the greatest bands ever.
POWER WINDOWS. Apart from MP, this is their masterpiece. I know it is all Synthed up, but the lyrics and music, just cinematic. Im gonna go listen to it now.
+1 - Tom Sawyer was the first song I ever learned to play. Headphones on, tape rewinding, stopping, and playing over and over. It's still the first thing my hands instinctively do when I pick up a bass and still sounds f**king awesome.
There are definitely bassists that are far more technically talented than geddy lee. John myung from dream theater is an example. I can play every rush song on bass but some dream theater songs like the glass prison are just an absolute nightmare on bass. Like insanely beyond anything in rush. BUT, geddy also plays keys and sings, so he gets extra points for that.
Agreed. I've listened to an enormous number of albums from a wide range of genres. That album still tops them all, and by some way. Unbelievable that some of those album tracks were done in one take. Incredible musicians.
Geddy has such perfect timing and grooviness in Red Barchetta. Especially at the end. It is not only the notes he plays but exactly when and how he plays them. Not a split second early or late. Just perfect groove.
I am a bassist used to listen punk and grunge. Then, i listened for Moving Pictures. And the world was never the same. In Rush in Rio i was there! Cheers from Brazil
I watched the concert video and that crowd looked absolutely amazing! I think every US and Canadian fan thought “we suck” after seeing Brazilian fans. 😊
Geddy, Alex and Neil. Simply my musical heroes. I love them from the bottom of my heart. They are my life's soundtrack, they are in my blood and will forever. When Neil passed away, I felt the sting of genuine pain and sadness only losing a brother could provoke. God blessed them with this gift, and they nurtured it. One thing's for sure, the paradise is now clockworked to the beat of Neil's drums. Thanks for your love of them too, it radiates from your words.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH IAN!!!!!!!. Thanks for listening, and once again, thanks for such a great video about this amazing album. Can't wait for the next one😊😊😊
I’ve always felt like Witch Hunt was such an under-appreciated song on that album. I absolutely love everything about it from the insightful lyrics to the haunting melody, the song is just incredible. This whole video was great, I really really really hope to see a bass tales with Geddy, he changed my life.
🎶 I have mostly focused on the work of Neil Peart, because I'm a drummer myself. However, I did pay attention to Geddy Lee's contribution to the band throughout the years as well. After all, not only did he shred on bass, but he sang too (and played keyboards!). Now, I'm totally in awe of his amazing talent. Your video proves to me that he was a genius and such a huge contribution to Rush, and an influence to millions. I miss the band terribly, but their music will live on for generations.
I can count one one hand how many bassists can sing while they play. Geddy is one of the very few. Imagine trying to play lead guitar while you sing. Its darn tough. His time remains impeccable.
On one hand? Off the top of my head, Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Sting, Suzi Quatro, Les Claypool, Geddy Lee, Tal Wilkenfeld, Lemmy, Esperanza Spalding... not to mention all the bassists who also sing backing. Vocals+bass really isn't _that_ uncommon. Of course Geddy _is_ pretty much in a league of his own though in terms of what _complexity_ both his bass and vocal parts have.
@@leftaroundabout While I understand the point that @StratmanDarrell makes, my initial reaction was similar to yours, and I think that "complexity" may have been what he was getting at - so let's take it up another notch: Live performances - where Geddy sings, plays keyboards, AND covers his bass tracks with key pedals o_O As he explains in an interview: "It's a bit of a mental pretzel".
Geddy is the reason why I picked up the instrument and practiced singing and playing at the same time. This further lead me down the path of researching other singing bass players such as McCartney, Jack Bruce, JOHN WETTON, Peter Cetera and his successor Jason Scheff, Phil Lynott, Mark King, Greg Lake, John Lodge, Benjamin Orr, Gene Simmons, Chris Squire, STING, and many more. All these guys are great but Geddy imo does it the best. Singing while playing complex bass lines and hitting pedals.
I am jaw-dropped. The amount of work to provide this--what is centrally a public service--is bracing in itself. But even more, it is like having an awesome private teacher who gives our imaginations and our skills something to work over and over. Deep gratitude for putting this out there. Great series.
I loved ‘Hemispheres’ and ‘Moving Pictures’ when they were released. Such quality musicianship and weird and wonderful time signatures. Incidentally, you looked as though you were loving this whole video, Ian - and probably were.🙏☀️🇬🇧🙏
That album was what made me a bass player for life! I would come home from school every day put Moving Pictures on the turntable and spend countless hours trying to figure out those songs. Finally, after weeks and weeks I was able to play Red Barchetta though without flubbing it. That watershed moment gave me the confidence that I can actually be a bass player. Thank you Geddy Lee!
Ok story incoming...so I'm a bass player and a huge Rush fan and I came across this video and this channel for the first time (bless the algorithm) and I loved it, especially digging into the deeper cuts and the album entirely. As I'm watching, I'm thinking "Something about this guy seems familiar, but I can't recognize it. It's like I already know him...". And then I hear your name and I'm like HOLY CRAP ITS THE BASS PLAYER FROM DOWN AND ABOVE!!! And I was immediately transported to over a decade plus years ago rocking out to DNA and learning some of the songs on bass as a beginner at the time just out of HS. The guitarist of the band I was in at the time was from MN and got me into DNA. Still have all the records and listen to them often, especially Anodyne. You've been a huge influence on my playing. Anyways TLDR...who would of thought I'd be learning from Ian again all these years later? What a crazy world.
It´s an amazing feeling when you listen one album through the years and love it more and more and one day you can watch YT videos like this and increase a lttle bit this loving feeling. Thanks Lee for your fantastic bass work on Rush.
You’re absolutely right, Geddy’s dynamics is a big part of his sound. His attack on those strings is brutal. I read an interview with him where he said that he had to break his fingernail on his index finger hundreds of times before it started growing in so think it wouldn’t break anymore. When he wants to accent a note, he pops the string by pushing it down with the nail and letting it pop back up. I have never heard another bass player who accents every beat of a drum fill the way he does. That’s why him and Neil were a band alone, so everything Alex added was just gravy on top. Everyone wonders how three guys can sound so full? It’s because they had the fullest rhythm section in rock music. You could remove the guitar from about any Rush song and still recognize the song because Peart and Lee could lay down a rhythm track like no one else.
Yeah I mean I agree with you but you can't minimise Alex's impact. He is an amazing guitarist, one of the best with the textures he lays down and the way he's constantly changing sounds on the same track. And he helped compose virtually all of their music. All three are real legends!
Excellent video, Ian!! Thank you! Geddy is the reason I first picked up the bass and his passionate and musical approach to the instrument have never failed to inspire. Thank you for exuding all the adoration and enthusiasm so many of us feel for this legendary Bass Master!
I think we have all been chasing Geddy Lee for years. Your comment on attack is so spot on. I also find that an lighter gauge Rotosounds and overly low action helps a lot too. You don't have to pluck as hard so you can relax your fingers a bit for better control. You nailed that tone to the point where I ordered a Line 6, unfortunately they are expensive. Thanks for sharing the settings. I have an Ashley and it is a pain to use because you really have to use two amps and crank the hell out of the Ashley to the point that it is useless outside of a recording studio or a hockey stadium :). Although I Like Tech 21, their 2112 pedals don't really get that older Geddy Lee tone.
I agree on the Tech21 issue. That YYZ pedal and the 2112 rack/pedal is more of Geddy's recent tone from the late 90's to now since he had his '72 jazz bass pickups, especially the bridge as it was acting weird when he first got it (possibly due to improper care for the bass before it was pawned off) and was now re-wounded properly by Tom Brandtley and it's more aggressive mid-range as a result for Geddy going after the Ricky neck sound when transitioning to the jazz. I ordered the new MP-40 with some new functions added to the existing YYZ pedal so I can't wait for that!
For me, Bass started with Rush. I just couldn't grasp how in the world Geddy Lee could do ALL those things at the same time. And I didn't play at the time. But I knew deep down at heart that I found my living legend. Now, 40yrs later, playing bass less then 1 decade, I truly admire his genius and hope, one day, I'll be able to play this album. At least reasonably that is. No singing. Not hitting as hard as he does. 'Cause he can and I can't. Just that simple. He's a legend beyound comprehension. Thank you, SBL, for reviewing his skills on Moving Pictures!
Rush is one of the reasons why I'm happy to be Canadian (specifically from Toronto), those guys are just so damn iconic and definitely one of the best rock bands to come from the Great White North
2112jonr Exactly, they’re one of my favourite bands and one of the greatest rock bands in general, myself being Canadian and from the same city as them is just my own added praise to the guys
To be honest, I only wanted to start and actually did start my bass career on a Jazz Bass, just because that's what Geddy Lee played. This album changed my life when I first heard every track. I covered Limelight back in 2011 on guitar and drums, before I had a bass. I remember seeing The Camera Eye on iTunes being "album purchase only" and I didn't buy albums back then. I think that track alone changed how I see bass and guitar played, how a bass can be so forefront and the guitar as just a rhythm instrument. I don't play guitar much anymore, but my style can be heavily attributed thanks to Alex Lifeson. And not to mention, I took up drums from playing Rock Band and stuff, but like I mentioned, Limelight was the first full song I ever learned (as a beginner!) and can attribute most of my drumming technique to Neil Peart. RIP, you're missed by everyone.
Huge Rush fan since the late 70s. While 2112 gave the band new life with their label, Moving Pictures pulled them from the "prog-rock" pigeon-hole and thrust them literally into the Limelight. A special thank you for proper pronunciation of Neil's surname. Too many RUclipsrs just dismiss it as insignificant. You are missed Professor. Geddy's real name is Gary, and my grandmother, who was from Vienna, called me "Geddy" as well. If only I had picked up a guitar or bass earlier in my life 🤔 This was a great trip down memory lane.
I really love what Ian is bringing to this channel. Scott can rock, but Ian is definitely a ROCKER. And when we get these vids showing and discussing and demonstrating these great rock songs and players and Ian's love for these players and this music it really is a joy to watch.
Among 8 Rush concerts for me, the Time Machine Tour with Moving Pictures in its entirety was the very best one. Red Barchetta is my fave Rush song, and The Camera Eye was phenomenal to see live.
Man, you nailed this. Especially when you drooled all over Vital Signs. Yep - the biggest hidden Gem in the entire Rush catalog .. For me, it is Vital Signs and Jacob's Ladder - the way Ged's Bass finally joins Alex's guitar on the final arpeggios is UNEQUALLED!
I bought "Moving Pictures" when it first came out. It was and still is my favourite Rush album. I wish I could give this video many, many likes. Thank you sir!
That is defiantly one of my favorite lyrics as well. i sing it and get goose bumps every time i hear it. im glad you dove into all the songs, so many hit the 2 or 3 most popular and call it a day. witch hunt is one of my most fav of all the songs
Honestly I’m not even a bass player, just drummer/audio guy, but I knew hearing you break down these lines was still going to be highly educational for any musician. I just sent it to one of my really curious drum students who’s just getting into Rush and audio/gear stuff. Your videos aren’t just fun but a really treasure trove of great info! 🍻
What an album! I love it, although it's a neverending source of frustration to me, as, having been playing the bass for 26 years, I still cannot nail YYZ ;-) Geddy's playing is absolutely unmistakable just as the music of Rush in general. One of the most important bands in my musical development. What always baffles me is how music critics have always hated them. Actually, it seems to have been a sort of an unspoken duty of a music critic to have a deeply rooted hatred of Rush (and another of my all-time favourite bands - Queen). Well, within next decades more people will remember Rush than any of those critics' names ;-) Oh, and "barchetta" is pronounced with a "k", not with a "ch" - in Italian, it's pretty much the other way round than in English: c (except for when it's the 1st letter in a given word) is usually pronounced "ch" and ch is almost always pronounced "k". ;-)
Geddy was my first bass hero, and Rush my favorite band, from the moment my next door neighbor (and the guitar player in my band) got the newly released Hemispheres and we put it on his turntable. I heard Rush play a few “pre-release” songs from MP when they did their post-Hemispheres mini tour. When MP came out, it blew me away. Jaw dropping bass work from start to finish. And the tone! Of all of Geddy’s recorded work, MP has my absolute favorite bass tone of his. You nailed it! And yep, the secret is in how hard he plays. This was a fantastic video, thank you for it. Looking for more Geddy content on SBL! Oh, and now you have to do another 20 minute video just on the YYZ bass solos!
As one who cannot even whistle in tune, this guy actually makes music somewhat understandable for me!! RUSH fan since 1976, a huge fan of bass, a huge fan of drumming, and now a huge fan of this person actually teaching ME about music!! THANKS!!
OMG Ian! This is one of the best video break-downs I've seen by anyone for any Geddy's bass work. And you did it for Moving Pictures! I am very inspired. Thank you!
Thank you!❤️ That album really changes my life When i Was fifteen.... I am working on big band arrangement of Tom sawyer and YYZ (and “Show don’t tell”) to celebrate 40 years With Rush and with the bass in my hands. Thank you again! You make my day ❤️ Great video and Great playing! Love it!
Good stuff, man. Played so many of those songs in a Rush tribute band, always challenged our bassist. I wore the grooves off Moving Pictures as a teen, too!
This review put such a huge smile on my face. I genuinely laughed out loud hearing you nail the parts, the nuance and the tone. As a drummer who is now venturing into the world of bass, Neil will always be formative to me, but it’s what Geddy played that I hummed in my head. To me he is the melodic force of Rush and the unique fingerprint his playing style represents is difficult to reproduce but you have done it best of what I have heard. Bravo!
Fantastic video , thankyou Geddy is the master , and i love your enthusiasm at breaking down these masterpieces. I still weep when i think about the passing of Neil and I agree some of my favourite lyrics from Witch Hunt. Great video.
Geddy was the inspiration for a 14yo me to start playing bass, he defines to this day (for me) the ultimate 3 piece rock band bassist - rock solid foundations and graceful, artistic melodies, fused seamlessly together through his incredible talent. I had the privilege of seeing them many times live in my old home town of Glasgow and finally got the chance to meet the man on his book signing tour here in Hamburg. Unfortunately for me it was a 'never meet your hero' kind of experience - I'm gonna put it down to either a bad day at the office, or maybe some bad news about Neil, but he was, quite frankly, rude and brusque. This wasn't helped by his female helper on the day being even worse. But, like I say, ain't gonna let one bad day dent my deep and absolute gratitude to the man and the band for the music, the gigs and the motivation he's given me for almost 40 years - in my eyes he's still the greatest - sincere thanks Geddy! *bows* p.s. I still can't play YYZ. :D
Absolutely love playing Vital Signs. Ever since the day the album hit the airwaves way back when. I had just picked up bass maybe a few days before. It was over my head at the time, but eventually learned and played it many times over the years.
Thanks a lot for this amazing walkthrough! Very accurate transcription, great playing and awesome sounds, man! Your Ric just kills it. I'm really glad, I have a 70's JB and a Ric myself and an HX Stomp, too. Lucky me! 😎 I think I got work to do now...
I love this series of videos. I either get to see albums I know and love (like this one) or I get introduced to things I’d never seen. There are no bad choices so far.
The moment you discover Rush, there's no comeback from that
@@dans2971 👍
@@dans2971 Actually, Rick Beato will tell you that his singing is spot on amazing. Granted, his voice is harsh but he nails pitch every time.
What Makes This Song Great - Episode 63
ruclips.net/video/4P-yUOlOC5M/видео.html
Every time is just like the first time. There is always something new to discover when you listen to Rush ✌️❤️✊
@@rickfromthecape3135 spot on precision can contribute to abomination. he sounds like a little goblin fuck with that perfect ear
For all those commenting that there are better technical players than Geddy, ya, sure there are, but this video ain't about that. It's about his playing on this album and what he created there. He came up with the parts and they're all memorable. Doesn't matter if everyone with a bass can play them now. Geddy thought them up and they've endured over the decades. That's what makes him a Monster Musician.
Simply put, Geddy is god
People need to realise that technical skill does not equal being a great musician. I'll take musical, memorable, melodic playing over Mindless wankery
It's one reason why I don't exactly understand the appeal of cover bands who just cover the repertoire of another band as closely as possible. Sure, it's impressive to sound quite like that band, but I'm much more curious about what new things the musicians bring to the table. How will they surprise me? And you don't need to be a technical master musician to still make some surprising or great or fun original music. I've walked away from small concerts of small bands being completely blown away by the creativity. There's a lot of power in being original and Geddy Lee is a hell of a machine when it comes to that.
There are better technical players than Geddy - perhaps, but they're not interesting. Technique is a means to an end, not an end in itself. You can play a blizzard of 32nd notes on your fretless 6-string impeccably, all by yourself, and not reach ANYONE. And what's the point in that?
Ask those critics to name a bass player/vocalist/keyboard player that wrote and performed better. The answer is...there aren't any! Geddy IS the best at what he did as the bassist. Pete Townshend is the most all-around talented musician in rock history. Geddy is in the top three. The other is for whoever reads this to decide. You may disagree...but I still have made a choice. 😁👍
Geddy Lee plays bass, bass pedal, synth, sings, in odd meter pieces of music... I am speachless.
After seeing them hapless dozen times starting with the Moving Pictures tour
He Does It LIVE!
@@TheDevnul True! this is one of my biggest regret: not to see Rush in concert. They came very rarely in France...
@@chrisheath594 go back to humping your pillow you troll. i see you all over these posts. get a life
@alain one of the reasons I've always had a crush on Geddy, any man that can do all that at the same time, must....... Mmmmm 😍
and it must be added that he sings and plays totally different parts at the same time on some songs !
My 89 year old mother is at a rehab hospital after getting a new knee and femur. We were sitting in the sun after a difficult physical therapy yesterday and I shared another great Neil Peart lyric, from Losing It. "Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it." We then discussed the things we once did that we will never do again, but the importance of doing all we can, and the pleasant memories of past deeds done well. Rush has had an immeasurable positive influence of our society and that's a legacy that should make them very proud.
❤️
"Losing It" is my favourite "slow" Rush song. Thank you for sharing your story, another one that unites us Rush fans.
No song has ever captured the romance between man, machine, freedom, and danger better than Red Barchetta.
but if his uncle has a country place that no one knows about, how come he's singing about it and now i know about it HA HA !
How crazy is it that we're actually on the verge of passing our own "motor law"?
Yes. RB is my favorite Rush song. A celebration of both technology and nature.
Just makes it so damn badass, yeah
This album changed my life. Yes, Geddy made me a bass player, but Rush’s philosophical lyrics and their personal and artistic integrity made me a better person. They were great role models growing up, and they’ve walked beside me now for over thirty years.
Same here❤
Amen to that, brother! Very well said. Name another band where each of the respective musicians could have that effect on the next generation of players. And not just as musicians but like you said as role models (which is as important or more important than musicianship). Geddy did it for you as a bassist, Neil did it for me (drummer, of course) and Alex has undoubtedly done it for many young guitarists. What a legacy.
Im not a bassist, but it isn’t hard to realize how much of a genius he is with the instrument
Funny seeing you here!
@@jamesgoulet2254 oh hey haha. I click pretty nuch any video related to rush 😂
So who are You?
@@treumatic8420 me and Maximiliano are working on a rush cover together
@@jamesgoulet2254 and you wield this amazing instrument which is bass? 😁
Moving Pictures is one of the greatest albums ever. A true masterpiece that’s right up there with their other bodies of work such as 2112, Hemispheres and Power Windows.
3 incredible musicians who remained humble and dedicated, making Rush one of the greatest bands ever.
Geddy's bass on power windows is incredible
Nice shout-out for Power Windows. I think that’s Geddy’s best album.
Power Windows fans unite! That album is bomb
POWER WINDOWS. Apart from MP, this is their masterpiece. I know it is all Synthed up, but the lyrics and music, just cinematic. Im gonna go listen to it now.
yeah we know who rush is, have anything interesting to say or is it going to be repeat what we know day?
Best Bassist ever. God knows how many bassist picked up their instrument after listening to this...
I sure am one of them! Albeit after 35yrs after hearing Moving Pictures for the first time.
I am one of them too, see my comment above. Red Barchetta changed the way I felt as a bass player!
I changed the way of playing my bass totally after I discovered Rush. And even the way my amp sounds changed because of the overdriven Geddy sound.
+1 - Tom Sawyer was the first song I ever learned to play. Headphones on, tape rewinding, stopping, and playing over and over. It's still the first thing my hands instinctively do when I pick up a bass and still sounds f**king awesome.
There are definitely bassists that are far more technically talented than geddy lee. John myung from dream theater is an example. I can play every rush song on bass but some dream theater songs like the glass prison are just an absolute nightmare on bass. Like insanely beyond anything in rush. BUT, geddy also plays keys and sings, so he gets extra points for that.
Moving Pictures is, unquestionably, a masterpiece. And Vital Signs is definitely my favourite on there.
One of the ALL TIME best album closers!
To be clear, I put Vital Signs up there with When the Levee Breaks and Eclipse when I say it is a top 3 or 5 rock album closer.
Agreed. I've listened to an enormous number of albums from a wide range of genres. That album still tops them all, and by some way. Unbelievable that some of those album tracks were done in one take. Incredible musicians.
@@2112jonr couldn’t agree more.
@@StanleyRodgers Permanent Waves was a better album and more complex. Check it out
Geddy has such perfect timing and grooviness in Red Barchetta. Especially at the end. It is not only the notes he plays but exactly when and how he plays them. Not a split second early or late. Just perfect groove.
Time Machine tour version is the pinnacle of the Red Barchetta outro
It’s my favorite outro ever actually…and that’s saying something. Incredible!
That's the song that was the nail in the coffin for getting a bass for me.
The Camera Eye feels so good. Those verses are light and open while the main instrumental riff is so tense. Hell of a song.
Not only is YYZ the airport code for Toronto, but the rhythm being played in the beginning is based on Morse Code for YYZ.
Right you are.
Ummm that’s what it means.
Thanks for saving me the typing ;-)
yes i have wikipedia too
Amazing !
I am a bassist used to listen punk and grunge. Then, i listened for Moving Pictures. And the world was never the same.
In Rush in Rio i was there! Cheers from Brazil
You sir were part of one of the greatest crowds of all time! The audience participation on YYZ brings a tear to my eye every time. Beautiful!!
I watched the concert video and that crowd looked absolutely amazing! I think every US and Canadian fan thought “we suck” after seeing Brazilian fans. 😊
This album made me started playing bass “for real”, and really learn the stuff that I found hard, like Tom Sawyer or YYZ
Geddy, Alex and Neil. Simply my musical heroes. I love them from the bottom of my heart. They are my life's soundtrack, they are in my blood and will forever. When Neil passed away, I felt the sting of genuine pain and sadness only losing a brother could provoke. God blessed them with this gift, and they nurtured it. One thing's for sure, the paradise is now clockworked to the beat of Neil's drums. Thanks for your love of them too, it radiates from your words.
Best Geddy instructional video on RUclips hands down. Every little detail I’ve obsessed over is not only covered but called out.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH IAN!!!!!!!. Thanks for listening, and once again, thanks for such a great video about this amazing album. Can't wait for the next one😊😊😊
The bass on Red Barcheta ALWAYS gives me chills, the melodies he does are just heavenly
I’ve always felt like Witch Hunt was such an under-appreciated song on that album. I absolutely love everything about it from the insightful lyrics to the haunting melody, the song is just incredible. This whole video was great, I really really really hope to see a bass tales with Geddy, he changed my life.
Oh man!! When those keyboards come out of nowhere❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
It was my favourite song on side 2 when I had the vinyl LP back in the 90s. Very overlooked song on the album and a superb lyric from Neil.
🎶 I have mostly focused on the work of Neil Peart, because I'm a drummer myself. However, I did pay attention to Geddy Lee's contribution to the band throughout the years as well. After all, not only did he shred on bass, but he sang too (and played keyboards!). Now, I'm totally in awe of his amazing talent. Your video proves to me that he was a genius and such a huge contribution to Rush, and an influence to millions. I miss the band terribly, but their music will live on for generations.
It was a hell of a loss but you and I both jumped up a point in the drummer rankings. Time has acomplished what my practing could not.
I can count one one hand how many bassists can sing while they play. Geddy is one of the very few. Imagine trying to play lead guitar while you sing. Its darn tough. His time remains impeccable.
On one hand? Off the top of my head, Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, Sting, Suzi Quatro, Les Claypool, Geddy Lee, Tal Wilkenfeld, Lemmy, Esperanza Spalding... not to mention all the bassists who also sing backing. Vocals+bass really isn't _that_ uncommon.
Of course Geddy _is_ pretty much in a league of his own though in terms of what _complexity_ both his bass and vocal parts have.
@@leftaroundabout While I understand the point that @StratmanDarrell makes, my initial reaction was similar to yours, and I think that "complexity" may have been what he was getting at - so let's take it up another notch:
Live performances - where Geddy sings, plays keyboards, AND covers his bass tracks with key pedals o_O
As he explains in an interview: "It's a bit of a mental pretzel".
On the live version of Turn the Page Geddy is playing bass, keyboards, pedals and TWO nearly overlapping vocal parts. Quite the workload!
Geddy is the reason why I picked up the instrument and practiced singing and playing at the same time. This further lead me down the path of researching other singing bass players such as McCartney, Jack Bruce, JOHN WETTON, Peter Cetera and his successor Jason Scheff, Phil Lynott, Mark King, Greg Lake, John Lodge, Benjamin Orr, Gene Simmons, Chris Squire, STING, and many more. All these guys are great but Geddy imo does it the best. Singing while playing complex bass lines and hitting pedals.
@@leftaroundabout Weird but the first guy I thought of was Benjamin Orr, even before McCartney or Greg Lake (who had my favorite voice)
I am jaw-dropped. The amount of work to provide this--what is centrally a public service--is bracing in itself. But even more, it is like having an awesome private teacher who gives our imaginations and our skills something to work over and over. Deep gratitude for putting this out there. Great series.
I feel seen 🥺
I loved ‘Hemispheres’ and ‘Moving Pictures’ when they were released. Such quality musicianship and weird and wonderful time signatures. Incidentally, you looked as though you were loving this whole video, Ian - and probably were.🙏☀️🇬🇧🙏
That album was what made me a bass player for life! I would come home from school every day put Moving Pictures on the turntable and spend countless hours trying to figure out those songs. Finally, after weeks and weeks I was able to play Red Barchetta though without flubbing it. That watershed moment gave me the confidence that I can actually be a bass player. Thank you Geddy Lee!
Words cant describe how iconic this album is for all musicians. Guitar, Bass and Drums.
Excellent lesson, Ian! Thanks Scott, for being humble enough to let Ian present this classic album!
Ok story incoming...so I'm a bass player and a huge Rush fan and I came across this video and this channel for the first time (bless the algorithm) and I loved it, especially digging into the deeper cuts and the album entirely. As I'm watching, I'm thinking "Something about this guy seems familiar, but I can't recognize it. It's like I already know him...".
And then I hear your name and I'm like HOLY CRAP ITS THE BASS PLAYER FROM DOWN AND ABOVE!!! And I was immediately transported to over a decade plus years ago rocking out to DNA and learning some of the songs on bass as a beginner at the time just out of HS. The guitarist of the band I was in at the time was from MN and got me into DNA. Still have all the records and listen to them often, especially Anodyne. You've been a huge influence on my playing.
Anyways TLDR...who would of thought I'd be learning from Ian again all these years later? What a crazy world.
Thank u Matt!
It´s an amazing feeling when you listen one album through the years and love it more and more and one day you can watch YT videos like this and increase a lttle bit this loving feeling. Thanks Lee for your fantastic bass work on Rush.
You’re absolutely right, Geddy’s dynamics is a big part of his sound. His attack on those strings is brutal. I read an interview with him where he said that he had to break his fingernail on his index finger hundreds of times before it started growing in so think it wouldn’t break anymore.
When he wants to accent a note, he pops the string by pushing it down with the nail and letting it pop back up. I have never heard another bass player who accents every beat of a drum fill the way he does. That’s why him and Neil were a band alone, so everything Alex added was just gravy on top.
Everyone wonders how three guys can sound so full? It’s because they had the fullest rhythm section in rock music. You could remove the guitar from about any Rush song and still recognize the song because Peart and Lee could lay down a rhythm track like no one else.
If Alex is just gravy, then it must be some good quality gravy
Yeah I mean I agree with you but you can't minimise Alex's impact. He is an amazing guitarist, one of the best with the textures he lays down and the way he's constantly changing sounds on the same track. And he helped compose virtually all of their music. All three are real legends!
Excellent video, Ian!! Thank you! Geddy is the reason I first picked up the bass and his passionate and musical approach to the instrument have never failed to inspire. Thank you for exuding all the adoration and enthusiasm so many of us feel for this legendary Bass Master!
I think we have all been chasing Geddy Lee for years. Your comment on attack is so spot on. I also find that an lighter gauge Rotosounds and overly low action helps a lot too. You don't have to pluck as hard so you can relax your fingers a bit for better control. You nailed that tone to the point where I ordered a Line 6, unfortunately they are expensive. Thanks for sharing the settings. I have an Ashley and it is a pain to use because you really have to use two amps and crank the hell out of the Ashley to the point that it is useless outside of a recording studio or a hockey stadium :). Although I Like Tech 21, their 2112 pedals don't really get that older Geddy Lee tone.
I agree on the Tech21 issue. That YYZ pedal and the 2112 rack/pedal is more of Geddy's recent tone from the late 90's to now since he had his '72 jazz bass pickups, especially the bridge as it was acting weird when he first got it (possibly due to improper care for the bass before it was pawned off) and was now re-wounded properly by Tom Brandtley and it's more aggressive mid-range as a result for Geddy going after the Ricky neck sound when transitioning to the jazz. I ordered the new MP-40 with some new functions added to the existing YYZ pedal so I can't wait for that!
For me, Bass started with Rush. I just couldn't grasp how in the world Geddy Lee could do ALL those things at the same time. And I didn't play at the time. But I knew deep down at heart that I found my living legend. Now, 40yrs later, playing bass less then 1 decade, I truly admire his genius and hope, one day, I'll be able to play this album. At least reasonably that is. No singing. Not hitting as hard as he does. 'Cause he can and I can't. Just that simple. He's a legend beyound comprehension. Thank you, SBL, for reviewing his skills on Moving Pictures!
Thank you soooo much! Very nicely done. Greetings from Cincinnati.
Not only was it great to really hear the genius of Geddy, but you are just a killing bass player!
these series can't be complete without a Primus album
Rush is one of the reasons why I'm happy to be Canadian (specifically from Toronto), those guys are just so damn iconic and definitely one of the best rock bands to come from the Great White North
Andrew, they are individually and as a band a credit to your entire nation. Worshipped globally.
2112jonr Exactly, they’re one of my favourite bands and one of the greatest rock bands in general, myself being Canadian and from the same city as them is just my own added praise to the guys
To be honest, I only wanted to start and actually did start my bass career on a Jazz Bass, just because that's what Geddy Lee played. This album changed my life when I first heard every track. I covered Limelight back in 2011 on guitar and drums, before I had a bass. I remember seeing The Camera Eye on iTunes being "album purchase only" and I didn't buy albums back then. I think that track alone changed how I see bass and guitar played, how a bass can be so forefront and the guitar as just a rhythm instrument. I don't play guitar much anymore, but my style can be heavily attributed thanks to Alex Lifeson. And not to mention, I took up drums from playing Rock Band and stuff, but like I mentioned, Limelight was the first full song I ever learned (as a beginner!) and can attribute most of my drumming technique to Neil Peart. RIP, you're missed by everyone.
I bought the album since it was released and with my bandmates we learnt to play and sing every track. It is one of the best albums in rock history.
Such a good album. "Witch Hunt" is one of my all time favourite Rush songs. I think Rush and The Police were my gateway bands to Ska and Reggae.
Huge Rush fan since the late 70s. While 2112 gave the band new life with their label, Moving Pictures pulled them from the "prog-rock" pigeon-hole and thrust them literally into the Limelight.
A special thank you for proper pronunciation of Neil's surname. Too many RUclipsrs just dismiss it as insignificant. You are missed Professor.
Geddy's real name is Gary, and my grandmother, who was from Vienna, called me "Geddy" as well. If only I had picked up a guitar or bass earlier in my life 🤔
This was a great trip down memory lane.
Moving Pictures is the masterpiece of Rush. This Red Barchetta bass line is the Geddy Lee's masterpiece. And that Rickenbacker tone! Wow...
Man, it's about time Geddy gets featured!
I've been waiting my whole life to watch this video
I really love what Ian is bringing to this channel. Scott can rock, but Ian is definitely a ROCKER. And when we get these vids showing and discussing and demonstrating these great rock songs and players and Ian's love for these players and this music it really is a joy to watch.
My life changed forever when I heard the band say "WHY WHY ZED", cause you know, Canadians.
Your English cousins get it too. Respect. ;-)
Eh!!
Mr. Geddy Lee…the reason I started playing bass in 1980 The man re-invented the way bass was used in music Thanks for all years of great music Mr.Lee
Among 8 Rush concerts for me, the Time Machine Tour with Moving Pictures in its entirety was the very best one. Red Barchetta is my fave Rush song, and The Camera Eye was phenomenal to see live.
Camera Eye live - that was something. I think I got someing in my eyes during that.
I get the chills listening to this breakdown. Geddy is amazing. Also my favorite lyrics from Neil.
Thanks for this Ian!! I never tire of hearing Geddy play bass, and you’ve nailed the essence of his style in this vid.
Man, you nailed this. Especially when you drooled all over Vital Signs. Yep - the biggest hidden Gem in the entire Rush catalog .. For me, it is Vital Signs and Jacob's Ladder - the way Ged's Bass finally joins Alex's guitar on the final arpeggios is UNEQUALLED!
I bought "Moving Pictures" when it first came out. It was and still is my favourite Rush album. I wish I could give this video many, many likes. Thank you sir!
That Red Barchetta was deadly accurate 🔥
Geddy's brilliant. Thank you for dedicating this episode to Rush.
That is defiantly one of my favorite lyrics as well. i sing it and get goose bumps every time i hear it. im glad you dove into all the songs, so many hit the 2 or 3 most popular and call it a day. witch hunt is one of my most fav of all the songs
Thanks for a great breakdown of Geddy's work on this album - well done.
Definetely one of my alltime top ten albums! Unbelieveable good tracks, each and every second of it.
That was dope! Thanks fore another great video Ian. Time to shed some Ged!!
Honestly I’m not even a bass player, just drummer/audio guy, but I knew hearing you break down these lines was still going to be highly educational for any musician. I just sent it to one of my really curious drum students who’s just getting into Rush and audio/gear stuff. Your videos aren’t just fun but a really treasure trove of great info! 🍻
I have the Lee attack. It is prudent to develop this kind of attack to defeat guitarists in the mix.
It’s the greatest attack ever, so punchy and luckily Alex is a cool guitarist who mixes around his bass and they never collide
Geddy dinged his right middle finger on a chainsaw when he was young. When the nail grew it got tough. Its part of the 'twang' of his sound.
ive never considered myself a rush fan but ive always been able to appreciate the musicianship of all 3 & Geddy was truely amazing
You're an excellent musician, Geedy is proud bro.
What an album! I love it, although it's a neverending source of frustration to me, as, having been playing the bass for 26 years, I still cannot nail YYZ ;-) Geddy's playing is absolutely unmistakable just as the music of Rush in general. One of the most important bands in my musical development. What always baffles me is how music critics have always hated them. Actually, it seems to have been a sort of an unspoken duty of a music critic to have a deeply rooted hatred of Rush (and another of my all-time favourite bands - Queen). Well, within next decades more people will remember Rush than any of those critics' names ;-)
Oh, and "barchetta" is pronounced with a "k", not with a "ch" - in Italian, it's pretty much the other way round than in English: c (except for when it's the 1st letter in a given word) is usually pronounced "ch" and ch is almost always pronounced "k". ;-)
Yes, thanks for sharing your live of this wonderful album.
Geddy was my first bass hero, and Rush my favorite band, from the moment my next door neighbor (and the guitar player in my band) got the newly released Hemispheres and we put it on his turntable. I heard Rush play a few “pre-release” songs from MP when they did their post-Hemispheres mini tour. When MP came out, it blew me away. Jaw dropping bass work from start to finish. And the tone! Of all of Geddy’s recorded work, MP has my absolute favorite bass tone of his. You nailed it! And yep, the secret is in how hard he plays. This was a fantastic video, thank you for it. Looking for more Geddy content on SBL! Oh, and now you have to do another 20 minute video just on the YYZ bass solos!
"Wow, amazing, you can play YYZ..." Sterling Archer
First of, its Y Y ZED. Second off, no, I can't. It's impossible.
@@zachmatthews9857 Neil Peart stands alone
As one who cannot even whistle in tune, this guy actually makes music somewhat understandable for me!!
RUSH fan since 1976, a huge fan of bass, a huge fan of drumming, and now a huge fan of this person actually teaching ME about music!!
THANKS!!
Thanks Willie 🙏🏼
THE perfect album. Consistently makes my ears feel good.
Thank you so much for this presentation of my favorite bass player. Ged, Alex and Neil are in my DNA.
OMG Ian! This is one of the best video break-downs I've seen by anyone for any Geddy's bass work. And you did it for Moving Pictures! I am very inspired. Thank you!
This album compelled me to play bass. Thanks for highlighting it.
Thank you!❤️ That album really changes my life When i Was fifteen....
I am working on big band arrangement of Tom sawyer and YYZ (and “Show don’t tell”) to celebrate 40 years With Rush and with the bass in my hands.
Thank you again! You make my day ❤️
Great video and Great playing!
Love it!
Vital Signs is such an underrated song!
You can really hear the influence The Police had on them during this period of time.
Good point. I was a fan of both bands back then.
I think it was more like Reggae influenced both bands.
Oh yeah, that bass line is so much fun
If you haven't heard it, the Fates Warning song Monument from the 90s borrows very generously from the Vital Signs bass part.
@@jamesgoddard2321 I saw an interview once where Peart noted very specifically that they were all listening to a LOT of The Police at that time, FWIW.
i always read his bassline as like motown basslines with the flamboyance of flamenco lmao. james Jamerson opening for a bull fight.
Good stuff, man. Played so many of those songs in a Rush tribute band, always challenged our bassist. I wore the grooves off Moving Pictures as a teen, too!
Thanks for a fantastic run-through of a classic, monumental hard rock album. This LP definitely changed rock music, for the better.
Incredibly well done, lad! Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's going to have to be a Rush Christmas, now.... (And thanks for calling me a cool uncle.)
Thanks for being my cool uncle!
Bravo, Maestro! One of my all time favorites. Thanks Ian and SBL x
Hallelujah! Finally a proper SBL video on Geddy Lee! Rush is amazing. Well done Ian!
This review put such a huge smile on my face. I genuinely laughed out loud hearing you nail the parts, the nuance and the tone. As a drummer who is now venturing into the world of bass, Neil will always be formative to me, but it’s what Geddy played that I hummed in my head. To me he is the melodic force of Rush and the unique fingerprint his playing style represents is difficult to reproduce but you have done it best of what I have heard. Bravo!
Fantastic video , thankyou Geddy is the master , and i love your enthusiasm at breaking down these masterpieces. I still weep when i think about the passing of Neil and I agree some of my favourite lyrics from Witch Hunt. Great video.
Sometimes when I’m driving I’ll play the RUclips video of the Vital Signs isolated bass and play it over the car stereo. So good.
Geddy was the inspiration for a 14yo me to start playing bass, he defines to this day (for me) the ultimate 3 piece rock band bassist - rock solid foundations and graceful, artistic melodies, fused seamlessly together through his incredible talent. I had the privilege of seeing them many times live in my old home town of Glasgow and finally got the chance to meet the man on his book signing tour here in Hamburg.
Unfortunately for me it was a 'never meet your hero' kind of experience - I'm gonna put it down to either a bad day at the office, or maybe some bad news about Neil, but he was, quite frankly, rude and brusque. This wasn't helped by his female helper on the day being even worse. But, like I say, ain't gonna let one bad day dent my deep and absolute gratitude to the man and the band for the music, the gigs and the motivation he's given me for almost 40 years - in my eyes he's still the greatest - sincere thanks Geddy! *bows*
p.s. I still can't play YYZ. :D
Absolutely love playing Vital Signs. Ever since the day the album hit the airwaves way back when. I had just picked up bass maybe a few days before. It was over my head at the time, but eventually learned and played it many times over the years.
I used to play bass to this album all the time as a kid. Nice to see how it’s really supposed to be played! Well done.
Thank you Scott! This is the best album I have. Geddy is an amazing bass player, plays hard, but so cool! Rush is the band.
Thanks a lot for this amazing walkthrough! Very accurate transcription, great playing and awesome sounds, man! Your Ric just kills it.
I'm really glad, I have a 70's JB and a Ric myself and an HX Stomp, too. Lucky me! 😎
I think I got work to do now...
Moving Pictures. My favourite Rush album and YYZ my fave Rush track.
This was awesome. Thanks!
Loved to put this album on the CD player in high school and just play along with entire thing! Thanks for the vid!
I love these album videos Ian puts out. So cool to see him go through albums from a bass perspective
Awesome video! My first concert was Rush on the Hemispheres tour. The musicianship of those three guys is just incredible.
I love this series of videos. I either get to see albums I know and love (like this one) or I get introduced to things I’d never seen. There are no bad choices so far.
That Geddy Lee and Neil Peart got together is just a blessing for the world of music.
Oh man! When you said that was your most favorite Peart lyric of all time, I smiled and clapped so loud you probably heard me all the way from Japan.
😂😂 cheers
In my Top 10 all time favorite albums. I only started listening to Rush the last 12 years, they immediately jumped into all time favorite bands!!
Spot on playing and effects sir! You did them proud. I grinned as big as you did throughout the whole video.
Absolutely amazing! The Rush and Geddy fans are amazed! How good is to watch this songs being played…
🙌🏻🧡🔥
He plays the bass like a drummer. 🤘
Thanks Ian for the great video! And Geddy also had to sing and play these bass parts simultaneously live, which is truly amazing.
your enthusiasm is infectious .Thank you totally enthralling
This album changed my musical life.