I could never get past Geddy's awful caterwauling. All 3 are are/were incredible musicians though. A little too "80's" of a sound for my personal tastes, so I'll put Primus and Nirvana ahead of Rush for best power trios of all time. Different styles of music, but no less epic of trios 🤘
Two things: Between the Wheels is one of Rush's greatest lesser known songs. The solo in Limelight gets a lot of praise (and rightfully so) but I think Alex's solo in this song is one of his best - the emotion in it is astounding.
Tremendous song, terribly dark in a good way. A friend of the band's passed away while they were recording GUP, and Neil took it to heart. "You know how that rabbit feels...."
Totally agree, but as good as the solo in Limelight is, it's not even in my top ten. Between the Wheels, La Villa Strangiato (both of them), A Passage to Bangkok, YYZ, Xanadu, Different Strings, The Garden, Cut to the Chase, Digital Man, The Weapon, Marathon, Mission, Open Secrets... I could go on.
As a lifelong Rush fan, I still maintain that this is one of the best written guitar solos ever. And the album one of the most underrated pieces of work from the eighties, but then it's taken me forty years and a load of higher education to realize it
I remember how people used to say this era of rush (early to mid 80s) was when Alex's role was minimized in favor of the keyboards, but it overlooks how creative Alex was being. I remember a phrase "Alex Lifeson disease" for any guitarist who wasn't driving a song with constant leads and power chords. But those textures and landscapes he made are far too creative and unique to disparage.
I agree. Hold your Fire was maybe the highpoint of Lifeson's "minimization" but those albums are master classes in guitar texturing and truly original ideas.
Alex Lifeson 🎸🐐 is totally innovative in the 1980’s! The shame of it is our Rush Buddies ( the fan that only liked early Rush) got negative and some even left. They missed the Guitar 🎸 GOAT’s 🐐 transformation into uncharted territory (Oops … I almost forgot Rush Buddies wanted the same old same old guitar driving the song and doing a huge solo in every song). Actually it allowed RUSH to cross lines into other races and attract different people who never would’ve listened to them if RUSH never consistently changed or evolved. Marketing Geniuses!!! We see this in all the reactions that are done today. Minorities love RUSH even today’s female. Benefits of being Progressive!!! Had to lose some to get more!!! 🧖🧖🏻♂️🧖🏻
His playing and his parts were still fantastic. I think that, if anything, he was mixed a bit too low. Plus, as the '80s progressed, he moved from humbuckers (all the Gibsons and then the "Hentor" Strats) to those super thin sounding Evans single coils. He probably did it to cut through that thick keyboard mix. But his playing was always amazing.
Not sure how I missed this video earlier, but thanks for a great reaction and analysis. I love Alex's big sound in this performance. This song is better live than the original studio recording. The whole band is on fire. Also love those keyboard "stabs" Geddy plays at the end.
He had to compete with Neil's drums, Geddy's bass, and Geddy's synthesizers, especially in the 80s. He did it brilliantly. He has his own sound that is unmistakably his. He's one of my favorite guitar players ever. He always played the right thing at the right time. Plus, he's an outstanding human...all three of them were.
Neil used a click only when there was a sequenced or fast arpegiated keyboard part that he needed to sync with, otherwise no click. "Grace Under Pressure" is one of the best mixed and mastered recordings of all time, clean, crisp, a sonic masterpiece. RIP Neil...
As a lifelong Rush fan, this breakdown was spectacular. Please do more Rush. Please do one of the VH "what makes these all a hit" style for them. Would be amazing.
@@johng2880 Two of the greatest albums of all time! I was lucky enough to be a teenager during Rush’s incredible and lengthy career apex. I saw those guys every time they were in AZ. Literally both albums came out from the time I was a freshman through senior. No matter how many times I saw them, my mind was always blown that so much music was coming out of those 3 gents. The albums are brilliant- and yet so distinct from one another. We were definitely fortunate to be young fans during their reign. On top of that, getting to know how super down to earth and cool these guys were (documentaries & recent footage) was like getting to appreciate their music all over again. And hey i love ZZ Top. Apples & oranges. But Rush… Rock royalty even though they couldn’t care less about awards, they wrote and played for themselves and their huge numbers of loyal fans. They were original and brilliant. Miss seeing them walk out on stage. Those were some amazing times. 😎🎸
I love how they put Alex's tone right upfront. The story goes that back when this came out, Alex was really at odds with how his guitar tone was placed in the mix - secondary, even tertiary to the synths. But here, it's so heavily upfront and makes the sound so much more huge. These guys have been my musical heroes since I the age I realized that musical heroes were a thing. They were/are literally my first musical gods.
Grace Under Pressure is such an amazing guitar album. It's synth heavy and Alex is sometimes drowned out a bit, but then he'll just bust out with something spectacular. Give Kid Gloves a listen too.
@@christianwilliamson9752 “Afterimage” is a fantastic solo. As a bassist, “Red Sector A” is one of the few guitar songs I can play on guitar. I’ve always found it to be one of Alex’s most haunting solos despite being fairly minimalist by comparison to his whole body of work.
You are everything that a teacher aspires to be; a true educator in every sense of the word. The world is better for having people like you in it. Cheers.
Dude. I am so happy. I had sent out a note some time back asking your to do a video on Alex and Rush. One of my favorite bands ever. You are Awesome for doing this... I love all your react / lessons but this one is the best
Being a RUSH fanatic..this made me subscribe , great analysis. Please do Natural Science. The musicianship of RUSH is unparalleled and on top of the mountain.
i can't believe i been sleeping on rush for many decades. i always respected them but i just don't know why i never dug deeper. i was a fool and i am at least wise enough to know that now.
I was a big Rush fan since I was in high school, but I mostly listened to A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures. It stayed that way for decades. One night I put Grace Under Pressure on and I was asking myself why I've been such an idiot for so long by ignoring their synth heavy albums. I spent the better part of a year listening to GuP, Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, and Signals, over and over. Rush's synth era is now some of my favorite music ever, and I can't believe I slept on it for so many years. Amazing stuff!
I've seen this band live more than any other - so glad now I did. Have been a fan since All the World's a Stage. I was about 12 years of age and air-guitared for hours to Alex in my bedroom as a kid. One of the main inspirations for me eventually getting into playing guitar. A phenomenal band and fantastic people!
Man, Ian, Thanks for that. I get so carried away, I don't really like to edit, and I know so few will watch the whole thing... but I kinda like doing it this way even if the YT gods don't reward my efforts lol!
As a proud Canadian, I am so glad you finally got to one of the best three-piece bands ever, Michael. Three incredible musicians in their own right and you didn't have a chance to touch on Geddy's bass-line. What a great break down and I'm not even a guitarist. If you want to continue down the Rush rabbit-hole - Working Man live from Cleveland in 2011 (here on RUclips) is one of the best live performances ever.
Peart...incredible Geddy....great Lifeson...good i wouldn't give it "3 incredible" musicians. Look...i LOVE this fucking band. LOVE. but Lifeson is not a guitar god.
As a guy who has studied and lauded the name of Alex Lifeson forever, thank you so much for this breakdown!!! Honestly, no guitarist gives me chills more!!! Even over EVH, and that’s not an insult to Eddie. It’s just the way Alex’s sound makes me feel!!! From one lifelong guitarist to another, check out the live version of Big Money from Rio. If people ask me what makes Alex special, I show them that solo. It’s insane!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this reaction. That is such a powerful song musically and lyrically. They match the tone with the darkness of theme of the lyrics. Had my guitar out and trying to follow along. Again, thoroughly this RUSH reaction. Please!!!! Do more RUSH.
The positivity of the switch to major for the chorus instead of sticking to minor is HUUUUGE in Between the Wheels. What a switch. Just out of left field and BZZZT brain fries, no drugs required. Out there stuff, and totally positive for the song. Just bonkers songwriting, but what a song. I hadn't thought about this song in a long time and it just came up, and SURPRISE, here you are, talking about it a year ago lolz. Love you man, you do good work. Please keep it up. Also, thank you for reminding me that this was an incredible song and guitar solo.
Don't think you'd get may people arguing against Rush being the greatest 3 piece rock band in the world. It's great to see you dissecting Alex's guitar work. He is a powerhouse guitarist but then, you could spend hours analysing Geddy Lee in his own right. A master bassist and multi-tasker extraordinaire. Neil needs no introduction. He is the greatest rock drummer in history as far as I'm concerned. Add all those 3 guys together with over 40 years+ experience & you end up with untouchable rock gods.
I love seeing your passion in combination with your incredible knowledge and skill. I could listen to you discuss Rush for days. Would love to hear your thoughts on the Lifeson chord, it’s a guitar thing.
Just googled it. It's F#11.... Specifically, an F# ma barre chord with the open first 2 strings playing the 4 and b7. This totally makes sense. It's floaty & it sustains. This is def one of those chords that you "find, " love it, and then you make sense of it. THANKS!!
I hope your night of digging into Rush included Dan Rather's Big Interview, with Geddy. It is an absolutely amazing 40 minute interview that takes place in Geddy's home. The interview took place after the band stopped playing, but before Neil's passing.
I saw Rush live on their 40th anniversary tour at the SAP Center about 5 years ago. I remember how huge they sounded, a true arena rock group. My favorite part of the show was seeing a man, in his 50s or so, in front of me jumping up and down hollering with tears of joy as The Spirit Of Radio was finishing, he was feeling it! Rush fans get just as loud as the band also. My favorite part about Rush is they're serious musicians that never take themselves seriously and just have fun. 🤘
Watching you get happy with a new to you Rush song is so happy! I miss this band so much. When Neil passed away, I felt like a family member died, and I am still not over it. The perfect band.
Michael, what a brilliant, thoughtful, accurate and emotional review you gave to "Between the Wheels" by Rush. I can count on two hands the number of RUclips comments I've ever made...just had to complement you on a brilliant review. Bravo sir!
What a great song to choose! Between The Wheels was great on record, but has taken on such a huge, crushing vibe live in the last 15 years. People that skipped the "synth era" of Rush really missed out. Great video as always, brother!
First time watcher, love your enthusiasm! I watch a LOT of reaction/analysis videos, and am a huge fan of Rick Beato, by comparison although he's amazing at his analytical nature, your enthusiasm AND technical summarizations of what's going on, is super engaging, thank you for this (from someone who is lucky to pick out a C-Chord, it's nice to get the "feel" of what's going on as well as some of the musical "why" interpretations! Great job, looking forward to your future Rush analyses! Driven, from Test for Echo, might be a good "thread of style" one to consider, of course there are so many.
Wow what a great coincidence. I've been following your channel for about a year and was wondering when you were going to cover my favorite band, and you happened to start with my favorite song. Awesome work!
@@Guitargate Also btw you did an exceptional job of vocalizing exactly what I've always loved about Alex Lifeson, and it's one of the things that inspired me the most to pick up the guitar when I was a teenager: no one sounds like him, especially his work throughout the 80s. It's got a certain flow that seems so free but is also so tightly wrapped into what the rest of the band is doing, and that's not even getting into tone. Sorry to nerd out, but it's really great to see someone I respect in the field break down the essence of one of my all-time favorite players.
I feel like Alex gets undervalued a lot, being called the "Ringo" of the band, but he brings exactly what's needed and really delivers that sound that is so unique to Rush. I don't think there another guitarist that could bring that to this band!
Michael, what an amazing video. Lifelong fan of Rush here. I only know enough theory to be dangerous, so the breakdown of both the song, and Alex's playing is immensely helpful! I'm betting you're getting tons of suggestions for other Rush tunes, and I hope you explore more of them going forward.
Never clicked on a video faster. Watching you dig it makes me dig it even more. Love the breakdown of the solo too, you explained something about it I never considered and as usual - you are RIGHT ON it. Killer. Lifetime member of Guitargate and damn proud of it. I learn something everyday now. And that's cool.
I have been looking for a good Lifeson breakdown for a long time, and this didn’t disappoint. Thank you, Sir. I’d love to see more on this band and their unique sound.
I’ve been to dozens of concerts. There is no band that sounds like rush. By far the loudest band I’ve heard. The energy and dynamics are unreal. Neil’s drumming you can feel it in your whole body when seeing them live. RIP Neil.
Man, I just stumbled upon your channel. I’m actually a drummer, not a guitarist, but I love watching and listening to great musicians. I love how nerdy you got about Rush. My father and I are the same way. I can’t wait to watch your other videos.
Finally!! So glad you picked this one. I’ve been looping this the last week or so because there’s just one moment in this version where Geddy does a slide down the neck that he’s never played on any other version and it’s just perfect. It’s those moments in live versions that keep you coming back to listen again and again. Love to see you breakdown more of their stuff. The pool is deep.
@@Guitargate Sorry, it’s from your version of the song but from the one linked below and the moment is at 04:26 just as they cut from Alex to Geddy. Even though he only played it once it just resonates for me. Let me know why you think that one slide is so cool for me. ruclips.net/video/LeixtQwHfBA/видео.html
When this album came out in 1984 this song was just sort of one that, to me, was just there. It didn't blow me away like some of the others on this album. However, when they pulled it out on this tour and I felt it live, it all came together. Heavy is right! Such a great tune from a phenomenal band.
Rush’s extramusical stuff is extremely entertaining. There’s one where Neil is dressed as a cop and looks EXACTLY like Tom Hanks. Yes, My Dinner With Rush is amazing.
I saw Rush live in 1977. I was 15. Seeing and hearing Lifeson playing 2112s solo made me start playing the guitar. That and Ted Nugent. Great stuff. Thanks man .
Nerdy is never a bad thing. As long as its something that interests us and something we're truly passionate about. I've never been a big Rush fan. But I love watching you disect music. You really are very gifted and knowledgeable about music and the theory of which it's based around. I wish we could just start the greatest band ever, and set out to change this old world, for the better. 🤣 I don't know why we don't. But you've probably already are doing what you wanna do, in this life. Working towards the foundation foundation of your own personal dreams. So, I salute you, my brother and will always support what you are doing. Thanks for these awesome videos and sharing your incredible knowledge. My hats off to you Michael.
Thanks Alex! I would love to be in a band again once I don't have an infant. The good news is, we've called it at 4 kids and the baby is almost 2 so i'm feeling closer!
I've seen rush over 20 times and almost their age. I was lucky enough to meet them a couple of times, notably out by the bus during Perm Waves in Charlotte. Great bunch of guys! Excellent breakdown on Alex playing! Thanks, Michael!
Loved your JamPlay triad/jam band video, your hybrid picking rhythms were a bonus! Cool that you are into the dead and rush. As a fan of both, I've noticed there sometimes isn't cross over between the two fan groups.
Old school Canuck here, ironically was geeking out on the 30 year Germany Tour songs today! This might be one of the best videos I've ever seen on RUclips. Love your enthusiasm Man, God Bless!
Yes, best band ever. 🤙🏼 So glad you finally got around to Rush! So much material to cover. I’d love to hear you go over Alex’s playing from Hemispheres on. Even as a drummer I enjoy your videos very much.
"The Greatest Power Trio of all time?" is your tag time. Absolutely agree and no other trio rivals. But next in line is King's X. Period. These two are the highest in the order for me.
WOW! Rush for me has always been deep. I was one of few in my circles who actually liked them. Not your typical rocker roller band, everything was calculated. The way Ive always heard it going down in my head was Geddy sets the tone, tempo and energy with his voice then backs it up with bass and keys... Then everyone else job was to add variations and harmonics..Whatever the case it was pure beauty in the ears!!! I think Rush is when I knew I was meant for a little more than just "listening" to music!
I love Rush and I also love The Police. Two power trios of different rock genres. The parallels of these groups are astonishing. I've seen both groups in concert and since I can do more than one thing at a time I think they are both great. RIP Neil Peart. Go see your favorite band in concert while you have a chance. I would love to see another Police tour, we can only hope.
This has always been one of my faves. Really emotional lyrics that - funny - seem to be super relevant for 2024. I was a bit surprised that on this live version that Alex played a hard tail guitar - listen to the recorded version, the whammy adds a lot. Great analysis!
Michael, great video, great analysis of the song and its special groove. One thing that I note is Alex's guitar sounds with a tune that is a mix of brightness and distortion. I guess it must be the pedals settings plus his own guitar expression quality. Just amazing.
Geddy's voice may be an acquired taste, but RUSH was unequivocally the greatest trio in the history of rock. Few bands ever change their sound over the span of a long career, much less 3-4 times over four decades. Consider a concert with Anthem, Xanadu, Middletown Dreams, Bravado and One Little Victory. That sample set list covers a lot of ground....
This was fun to spend so much time focusing on Alex’s solo because, try as I might, every time he solos I get dragged away into the solo Geddy is playing in bass and he’s rarely just echoing the guitar solo. He’s off on his own and his bass playing is the most exciting part of this band, for me. Always has been.
@@Guitargate Dude, I sense a theme. The parts of the band and then the sum of those parts that create the whole. Uniquely, with this band the sum of the parts isn’t necessarily greater than the individuals, just equal in a different way. God, I miss them. Seeing every tour since A Farewell To Kings except two just doesn’t feel like enough. Being at the last Toronto show that became the R40 dvd was a privilege.
Just found this channel have no idea what your talking about I don't play any music ? But I love that you go over the band and the songs then show how to play it.
8:44 I don't know if it's more buried in this live version, but if you listen to the studio version of this song, Geddy does add the lower C-note to this triad chord.
Hi Michael,, glad you did an in depth look at this amazing tune ! You have an amazing ear for detail, scales , modes, etc. If you haven't, check out Analog Kid, 2012 concert, the Big Money, 2012 concert, and Natural science, 2007 concert. Amazing tunes !! The original versions are great too, but then seeing Rush in concert setting is an awesome thing 😎.
As a MAJOR RUSH aficionado for 40, whoa, 4T years.... this one blew my mind. Thank you for sharing your abilities!! So... what to follow up with the next installment. Can't wait 's to see/hear. Maybe that's why it took so long to address RUSH. Where do we go from here?? Cheers! Maybe a vid of the family band.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with geeking out on Alex’s brilliance, it can’t be helped! The breakdown of Big Wreck’s ‘Ghost’ hooked me and drew me in, loved the follow up interview with Ian Thornley, and now Rush! Doesn’t get much better than this! Looking forward to more Rush content!
Thank you for this breakdown!!! I learned so much!. I have been listening to their music since pre-kinder garden and all of their melodies and tonal landscape explorations are like masterwork paintings in sound. This song is rarely performed live but at the R30 tour they were able to finally make it work live and they played it from then until the end. So heavy in music and in philosophic lyrics. Sooo much to learn from these three 🙂
Love it Michael!! So much info in this video! I'll probably learn the song but learning HOW to write a song like this is Gold!! I played drums to this in a Rush tribute band. Great times but stressful!!!! Keep up the great work brother!!!!!
Great breakdown of this killer Rush track. I've been scouring your page and you have so much great stuff, but I would like you to check out one other Lifeson classic guitar part, but its one they never got around to playing live. It's called Cut To The Chase off of their album Counterparts. Its solo is about as close as Alex may have went towards a modern shred. You won't be disappointed. It was an off the cuff, completely improvised solo meant as a placeholder until he could actually work out a final solo for the track, but upon playback everyone else thought it was perfect. I could not agree more. Keep em coming!!!!
Rush was my #1 band for decades. I taught myself to play drums to Neil Peart. Saw them live at the old Boston Garden early 80s. LOVE LOVE LOVE me some Rush.
Awesome video, Michael. I just subscribed to GuitarGate this week, and thanks to you I feel more passionate than ever about guitar even after playing for 12 years.
I'm a drummer, and only know how to play a few chords on guitar, but your analysis is great and I learned alot by watching this video. And your reaction to all of the changes in the song - it's cool to see it from a guitar player perspective
Dang I miss them. Yes, no question about it, the greatest power trio of all time. The Professor used to say that doing percussion for Rush was like doing mathematics while running a marathon.
Michael, Michael, Michael!!! Thank you so much for doing a deep dive into my favorite Rush song! Your analysis was great and I’m glad it got you a bit hyped up for more of the holy triumvirate!
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
RUSH is the greatest power trio of all time. I would go so far as to say that they were one of greatest bands of all time. Full stop.
Agree 100%
100% Agree - My favorite band of all time.
I like King's X a bit more
I could never get past Geddy's awful caterwauling. All 3 are are/were incredible musicians though. A little too "80's" of a sound for my personal tastes, so I'll put Primus and Nirvana ahead of Rush for best power trios of all time. Different styles of music, but no less epic of trios 🤘
I’ll take ZZTOP. Nothing against Rush. Personal preference more than anything.
Two things: Between the Wheels is one of Rush's greatest lesser known songs. The solo in Limelight gets a lot of praise (and rightfully so) but I think Alex's solo in this song is one of his best - the emotion in it is astounding.
Took the words right out of my mouth! Between the wheels was amazing live!
Tremendous song, terribly dark in a good way.
A friend of the band's passed away while they were recording GUP, and Neil took it to heart.
"You know how that rabbit feels...."
Agreed
Totally agree, but as good as the solo in Limelight is, it's not even in my top ten. Between the Wheels, La Villa Strangiato (both of them), A Passage to Bangkok, YYZ, Xanadu, Different Strings, The Garden, Cut to the Chase, Digital Man, The Weapon, Marathon, Mission, Open Secrets... I could go on.
As a lifelong Rush fan, I still maintain that this is one of the best written guitar solos ever.
And the album one of the most underrated pieces of work from the eighties, but then it's taken me forty years and a load of higher education to realize it
I remember how people used to say this era of rush (early to mid 80s) was when Alex's role was minimized in favor of the keyboards, but it overlooks how creative Alex was being. I remember a phrase "Alex Lifeson disease" for any guitarist who wasn't driving a song with constant leads and power chords. But those textures and landscapes he made are far too creative and unique to disparage.
I agree. Hold your Fire was maybe the highpoint of Lifeson's "minimization" but those albums are master classes in guitar texturing and truly original ideas.
Alex Lifeson 🎸🐐 is totally innovative in the 1980’s! The shame of it is our Rush Buddies ( the fan that only liked early Rush) got negative and some even left. They missed the Guitar 🎸 GOAT’s 🐐 transformation into uncharted territory (Oops … I almost forgot Rush Buddies wanted the same old same old guitar driving the song and doing a huge solo in every song). Actually it allowed RUSH to cross lines into other races and attract different people who never would’ve listened to them if RUSH never consistently changed or evolved.
Marketing Geniuses!!!
We see this in all the reactions that are done today. Minorities love RUSH even today’s female. Benefits of being Progressive!!!
Had to lose some to get more!!! 🧖🧖🏻♂️🧖🏻
His playing and his parts were still fantastic. I think that, if anything, he was mixed a bit too low. Plus, as the '80s progressed, he moved from humbuckers (all the Gibsons and then the "Hentor" Strats) to those super thin sounding Evans single coils. He probably did it to cut through that thick keyboard mix. But his playing was always amazing.
A skill like his is one I want to focus on developing at present
Not sure how I missed this video earlier, but thanks for a great reaction and analysis. I love Alex's big sound in this performance. This song is better live than the original studio recording. The whole band is on fire. Also love those keyboard "stabs" Geddy plays at the end.
Alex: most underrated guitarist ever. So talented.
Not underrated by those who know music! Alex is an absolute master.
He had to compete with Neil's drums, Geddy's bass, and Geddy's synthesizers, especially in the 80s. He did it brilliantly. He has his own sound that is unmistakably his. He's one of my favorite guitar players ever. He always played the right thing at the right time. Plus, he's an outstanding human...all three of them were.
Underrated by whom? Hall of famer, sold millions of records and won numerous best guitarist awards for 40+ years, so underrated
@@Friscorockhead Sometimes he played the wrong thing at the right time and still made it sound right... that's genius!
Neil used a click only when there was a sequenced or fast arpegiated keyboard part that he needed to sync with, otherwise no click. "Grace Under Pressure" is one of the best mixed and mastered recordings of all time, clean, crisp, a sonic masterpiece. RIP Neil...
As a lifelong Rush fan, this breakdown was spectacular. Please do more Rush. Please do one of the VH "what makes these all a hit" style for them. Would be amazing.
Yup. It’s on the list. Gonna be a hell of a lot of work !!
@@Guitargate I'd love to see you do something from Permanent Waves or Moving Pictures.... So Many Great Songs on those two.
Totally agree! Also love Michael's enthusiasm for music!
@@johng2880 Two of the greatest albums of all time! I was lucky enough to be a teenager during Rush’s incredible and lengthy career apex. I saw those guys every time they were in AZ. Literally both albums came out from the time I was a freshman through senior. No matter how many times I saw them, my mind was always blown that so much music was coming out of those 3 gents. The albums are brilliant- and yet so distinct from one another. We were definitely fortunate to be young fans during their reign. On top of that, getting to know how super down to earth and cool these guys were (documentaries & recent footage) was like getting to appreciate their music all over again. And hey i love ZZ Top. Apples & oranges.
But Rush… Rock royalty even though they couldn’t care less about awards, they wrote and played for themselves and their huge numbers of loyal fans. They were original and brilliant. Miss seeing them walk out on stage. Those were some amazing times. 😎🎸
Rush! Thank you! The greatest band in the history of sound.
I love how they put Alex's tone right upfront. The story goes that back when this came out, Alex was really at odds with how his guitar tone was placed in the mix - secondary, even tertiary to the synths. But here, it's so heavily upfront and makes the sound so much more huge. These guys have been my musical heroes since I the age I realized that musical heroes were a thing. They were/are literally my first musical gods.
Grace Under Pressure is such an amazing guitar album. It's synth heavy and Alex is sometimes drowned out a bit, but then he'll just bust out with something spectacular. Give Kid Gloves a listen too.
Grace Under Pressure is a great record.
I think it's the only song I ever played with 5/4 time signature.
Solo in afterimage
@@christianwilliamson9752 “Afterimage” is a fantastic solo. As a bassist, “Red Sector A” is one of the few guitar songs I can play on guitar. I’ve always found it to be one of Alex’s most haunting solos despite being fairly minimalist by comparison to his whole body of work.
I totally agree, Alex is all over that record and it's awesome.
Was lucky to see them live! They were amazing! One of the best live bands.
See? Best teacher around. He doesn’t Rush it even when the kids call. Amazing music analysis of an amazing power trio.
HA! Thanks :)
Born in Canada they were a big part of my life. They are collectively the best musicians I've ever seen live.
This man is a passionate educator. We need more of that in the world.
True! he gets in a zone and no jump cut editing!
You are everything that a teacher aspires to be; a true educator in every sense of the word. The world is better for having people like you in it. Cheers.
Dude. I am so happy. I had sent out a note some time back asking your to do a video on Alex and Rush. One of my favorite bands ever. You are Awesome for doing this... I love all your react / lessons but this one is the best
Being a RUSH fanatic..this made me subscribe , great analysis. Please do Natural Science. The musicianship of RUSH is unparalleled and on top of the mountain.
i can't believe i been sleeping on rush for many decades. i always respected them but i just don't know why i never dug deeper. i was a fool and i am at least wise enough to know that now.
DIG BABY DIG!
Welcome to the rabbit hole.
dude I know their whole catalog.. BTW is epic.. keep digging..
I was a big Rush fan since I was in high school, but I mostly listened to A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures. It stayed that way for decades. One night I put Grace Under Pressure on and I was asking myself why I've been such an idiot for so long by ignoring their synth heavy albums. I spent the better part of a year listening to GuP, Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, and Signals, over and over. Rush's synth era is now some of my favorite music ever, and I can't believe I slept on it for so many years. Amazing stuff!
I've seen this band live more than any other - so glad now I did. Have been a fan since All the World's a Stage. I was about 12 years of age and air-guitared for hours to Alex in my bedroom as a kid. One of the main inspirations for me eventually getting into playing guitar. A phenomenal band and fantastic people!
thanks for not making this a 10-15 minute video. Rush demands this time 😎
Man, Ian, Thanks for that. I get so carried away, I don't really like to edit, and I know so few will watch the whole thing... but I kinda like doing it this way even if the YT gods don't reward my efforts lol!
As a proud Canadian, I am so glad you finally got to one of the best three-piece bands ever, Michael. Three incredible musicians in their own right and you didn't have a chance to touch on Geddy's bass-line. What a great break down and I'm not even a guitarist. If you want to continue down the Rush rabbit-hole - Working Man live from Cleveland in 2011 (here on RUclips) is one of the best live performances ever.
Peart...incredible
Geddy....great
Lifeson...good
i wouldn't give it "3 incredible" musicians. Look...i LOVE this fucking band. LOVE. but Lifeson is not a guitar god.
As a guy who has studied and lauded the name of Alex Lifeson forever, thank you so much for this breakdown!!! Honestly, no guitarist gives me chills more!!! Even over EVH, and that’s not an insult to Eddie. It’s just the way Alex’s sound makes me feel!!!
From one lifelong guitarist to another, check out the live version of Big Money from Rio. If people ask me what makes Alex special, I show them that solo. It’s insane!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed this reaction. That is such a powerful song musically and lyrically. They match the tone with the darkness of theme of the lyrics. Had my guitar out and trying to follow along. Again, thoroughly this RUSH reaction. Please!!!! Do more RUSH.
this gave me shivers. thank you for your analysis, but thank you MOST for your enthusiasm for your job. you're really really good at your job.
The positivity of the switch to major for the chorus instead of sticking to minor is HUUUUGE in Between the Wheels. What a switch. Just out of left field and BZZZT brain fries, no drugs required. Out there stuff, and totally positive for the song. Just bonkers songwriting, but what a song. I hadn't thought about this song in a long time and it just came up, and SURPRISE, here you are, talking about it a year ago lolz. Love you man, you do good work. Please keep it up.
Also, thank you for reminding me that this was an incredible song and guitar solo.
We all need Rush in our lives, such an amazing band, hard to say how much I love them.
Don't think you'd get may people arguing against Rush being the greatest 3 piece rock band in the world. It's great to see you dissecting Alex's guitar work. He is a powerhouse guitarist but then, you could spend hours analysing Geddy Lee in his own right. A master bassist and multi-tasker extraordinaire. Neil needs no introduction. He is the greatest rock drummer in history as far as I'm concerned. Add all those 3 guys together with over 40 years+ experience & you end up with untouchable rock gods.
I love seeing your passion in combination with your incredible knowledge and skill. I could listen to you discuss Rush for days.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Lifeson chord, it’s a guitar thing.
Just googled it. It's F#11.... Specifically, an F# ma barre chord with the open first 2 strings playing the 4 and b7. This totally makes sense. It's floaty & it sustains. This is def one of those chords that you "find, " love it, and then you make sense of it. THANKS!!
Michael - PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do more Rush!!!
You hooked me with Robin Trower and Marillion, but Rush seals the deal.
I hope your night of digging into Rush included Dan Rather's Big Interview, with Geddy. It is an absolutely amazing 40 minute interview that takes place in Geddy's home. The interview took place after the band stopped playing, but before Neil's passing.
Totally agree Ken!
And watching it afterward, you get a shovel in the face when you realize: Geddy KNEW about Neil's illness at that time. So sad....
I've never taken to Rush. That being said, you and R. Beato are getting me to understand. Thanks Michael.
Come over to the dark side! It’s nerdy over here, but awesome. Lol
what? how?
I saw Rush live on their 40th anniversary tour at the SAP Center about 5 years ago. I remember how huge they sounded, a true arena rock group. My favorite part of the show was seeing a man, in his 50s or so, in front of me jumping up and down hollering with tears of joy as The Spirit Of Radio was finishing, he was feeling it! Rush fans get just as loud as the band also. My favorite part about Rush is they're serious musicians that never take themselves seriously and just have fun. 🤘
Oh yeah that SHINES through! Thanks!
Watching you get happy with a new to you Rush song is so happy! I miss this band so much. When Neil passed away, I felt like a family member died, and I am still not over it. The perfect band.
Michael, what a brilliant, thoughtful, accurate and emotional review you gave to "Between the Wheels" by Rush. I can count on two hands the number of RUclips comments I've ever made...just had to complement you on a brilliant review. Bravo sir!
LIfeson's composition and musicianship are just mind-blowing. Unreal - great video - loved all the insight and deconstructing the theory.
Dang man you nailed it so quickly. I play this one with my Rush cover band and it’s always one of my favorites to perform. Such a heavy track.
Let's not forget another great Canadian power trio... Triumph! Love to see a reaction to them live at the '83 US Festival. Lay it on the Line to start
What a great song to choose! Between The Wheels was great on record, but has taken on such a huge, crushing vibe live in the last 15 years. People that skipped the "synth era" of Rush really missed out. Great video as always, brother!
First time watcher, love your enthusiasm! I watch a LOT of reaction/analysis videos, and am a huge fan of Rick Beato, by comparison although he's amazing at his analytical nature, your enthusiasm AND technical summarizations of what's going on, is super engaging, thank you for this (from someone who is lucky to pick out a C-Chord, it's nice to get the "feel" of what's going on as well as some of the musical "why" interpretations! Great job, looking forward to your future Rush analyses! Driven, from Test for Echo, might be a good "thread of style" one to consider, of course there are so many.
Wow what a great coincidence. I've been following your channel for about a year and was wondering when you were going to cover my favorite band, and you happened to start with my favorite song. Awesome work!
Well look at THAT!
@@Guitargate Also btw you did an exceptional job of vocalizing exactly what I've always loved about Alex Lifeson, and it's one of the things that inspired me the most to pick up the guitar when I was a teenager: no one sounds like him, especially his work throughout the 80s. It's got a certain flow that seems so free but is also so tightly wrapped into what the rest of the band is doing, and that's not even getting into tone. Sorry to nerd out, but it's really great to see someone I respect in the field break down the essence of one of my all-time favorite players.
I feel like Alex gets undervalued a lot, being called the "Ringo" of the band, but he brings exactly what's needed and really delivers that sound that is so unique to Rush. I don't think there another guitarist that could bring that to this band!
He serves their songs
Alex is one of a kind. Very unique. Very influential to other guitar players I enjoy.
@@derekbacharach also, very few songs demand the level of service that rush needs and only alex can provide that
🎸🐐
Michael, what an amazing video. Lifelong fan of Rush here. I only know enough theory to be dangerous, so the breakdown of both the song, and Alex's playing is immensely helpful! I'm betting you're getting tons of suggestions for other Rush tunes, and I hope you explore more of them going forward.
Never clicked on a video faster. Watching you dig it makes me dig it even more. Love the breakdown of the solo too, you explained something about it I never considered and as usual - you are RIGHT ON it. Killer. Lifetime member of Guitargate and damn proud of it. I learn something everyday now. And that's cool.
I have been looking for a good Lifeson breakdown for a long time, and this didn’t disappoint. Thank you, Sir. I’d love to see more on this band and their unique sound.
I’ve been to dozens of concerts. There is no band that sounds like rush. By far the loudest band I’ve heard. The energy and dynamics are unreal. Neil’s drumming you can feel it in your whole body when seeing them live. RIP Neil.
You, sir, need to do MORE RUSH songs. This was one of my favorite videos of yours. Thanks, man!
Man what a great breakdown. Love your insight on the magic of 9ths and huge suspended harmony. Excellent work sharing the joy of music!
Man, I just stumbled upon your channel. I’m actually a drummer, not a guitarist, but I love watching and listening to great musicians. I love how nerdy you got about Rush. My father and I are the same way. I can’t wait to watch your other videos.
Best Rush reaction ever! First time seeing your stuff.. nice work!
Finally!! So glad you picked this one. I’ve been looping this the last week or so because there’s just one moment in this version where Geddy does a slide down the neck that he’s never played on any other version and it’s just perfect. It’s those moments in live versions that keep you coming back to listen again and again. Love to see you breakdown more of their stuff. The pool is deep.
What's the timestamp for that slide down?
@@Guitargate
Sorry, it’s from your version of the song but from the one linked below and the moment is at 04:26 just as they cut from Alex to Geddy. Even though he only played it once it just resonates for me. Let me know why you think that one slide is so cool for me.
ruclips.net/video/LeixtQwHfBA/видео.html
Great lesson!! Thank you. I’ve always loved this song
When this album came out in 1984 this song was just sort of one that, to me, was just there. It didn't blow me away like some of the others on this album. However, when they pulled it out on this tour and I felt it live, it all came together. Heavy is right! Such a great tune from a phenomenal band.
Rush’s extramusical stuff is extremely entertaining. There’s one where Neil is dressed as a cop and looks EXACTLY like Tom Hanks. Yes, My Dinner With Rush is amazing.
I saw Rush live in 1977. I was 15. Seeing and hearing Lifeson playing 2112s solo made me start playing the guitar. That and Ted Nugent. Great stuff.
Thanks man .
Nerdy is never a bad thing. As long as its something that interests us and something we're truly passionate about. I've never been a big Rush fan. But I love watching you disect music. You really are very gifted and knowledgeable about music and the theory of which it's based around. I wish we could just start the greatest band ever, and set out to change this old world, for the better. 🤣 I don't know why we don't. But you've probably already are doing what you wanna do, in this life. Working towards the foundation foundation of your own personal dreams. So, I salute you, my brother and will always support what you are doing. Thanks for these awesome videos and sharing your incredible knowledge. My hats off to you Michael.
Thanks Alex! I would love to be in a band again once I don't have an infant. The good news is, we've called it at 4 kids and the baby is almost 2 so i'm feeling closer!
I've seen rush over 20 times and almost their age. I was lucky enough to meet them a couple of times, notably out by the bus during Perm Waves in Charlotte. Great bunch of guys! Excellent breakdown on Alex playing! Thanks, Michael!
Loved your JamPlay triad/jam band video, your hybrid picking rhythms were a bonus! Cool that you are into the dead and rush. As a fan of both, I've noticed there sometimes isn't cross over between the two fan groups.
Old school Canuck here, ironically was geeking out on the 30 year Germany Tour songs today! This might be one of the best videos I've ever seen on RUclips. Love your enthusiasm Man, God Bless!
Yes, best band ever. 🤙🏼 So glad you finally got around to Rush! So much material to cover. I’d love to hear you go over Alex’s playing from Hemispheres on. Even as a drummer I enjoy your videos very much.
"The Greatest Power Trio of all time?" is your tag time. Absolutely agree and no other trio rivals. But next in line is King's X. Period. These two are the highest in the order for me.
You are a person of high regard, a fine individual who knows great music.
Yes!!! King’s X no one reviews King’s X… if someone asked me what underrated is I’d tell em to look up King’s X in the dictionary
How about Triumph?! Pretty dam close I’d say!!
Cream
I saw them twice ... Really the greatest trio.Thank you for this.
God PLEASE do more Rush.
WOW! Rush for me has always been deep. I was one of few in my circles who actually liked them. Not your typical rocker roller band, everything was calculated. The way Ive always heard it going down in my head was Geddy sets the tone, tempo and energy with his voice then backs it up with bass and keys... Then everyone else job was to add variations and harmonics..Whatever the case it was pure beauty in the ears!!! I think Rush is when I knew I was meant for a little more than just "listening" to music!
I love Rush and I also love The Police. Two power trios of different rock genres. The parallels of these groups are astonishing. I've seen both groups in concert and since I can do more than one thing at a time I think they are both great. RIP Neil Peart. Go see your favorite band in concert while you have a chance. I would love to see another Police tour, we can only hope.
This has always been one of my faves. Really emotional lyrics that - funny - seem to be super relevant for 2024. I was a bit surprised that on this live version that Alex played a hard tail guitar - listen to the recorded version, the whammy adds a lot.
Great analysis!
Michael, great video, great analysis of the song and its special groove. One thing that I note is Alex's guitar sounds with a tune that is a mix of brightness and distortion. I guess it must be the pedals settings plus his own guitar expression quality. Just amazing.
Your excitement for this song. Loved it. RIP Neil
I've been waiting for a Rush song. My favorite band of all time.
Geddy's voice may be an acquired taste, but RUSH was unequivocally the greatest trio in the history of rock. Few bands ever change their sound over the span of a long career, much less 3-4 times over four decades.
Consider a concert with Anthem, Xanadu, Middletown Dreams, Bravado and One Little Victory. That sample set list covers a lot of ground....
Add Far Cry and Caravan to button up the list.
Cream and Hendrix piss all over Rush.
All you needed to do was go to one of those R40 concerts and come away absolutely amazed as they gradually went back in time through their catalog.
Thank you for the great explanation. Been a drummer and guitarist and Rush fan for 40 years. Thank you again!
I frigging love your enthusiasm when the groove hits you!!!
This was fun to spend so much time focusing on Alex’s solo because, try as I might, every time he solos I get dragged away into the solo Geddy is playing in bass and he’s rarely just echoing the guitar solo. He’s off on his own and his bass playing is the most exciting part of this band, for me. Always has been.
Totally get that! Hell, the next video might be all about Geddy. or Neil. They're all unicorns.
@@Guitargate Dude, I sense a theme. The parts of the band and then the sum of those parts that create the whole. Uniquely, with this band the sum of the parts isn’t necessarily greater than the individuals, just equal in a different way. God, I miss them. Seeing every tour since A Farewell To Kings except two just doesn’t feel like enough. Being at the last Toronto show that became the R40 dvd was a privilege.
@@Guitargate Rush playing Leave That Thing Alone, live on the Time Machine Tour would be a great choice for that!
Just found this channel have no idea what your talking about I don't play any music ? But I love that you go over the band and the songs then show how to play it.
Welcome!!! Yes, we go deep here. Stick around :)
8:44 I don't know if it's more buried in this live version, but if you listen to the studio version of this song, Geddy does add the lower C-note to this triad chord.
Only saw this today. I always need Rush in my life. They always lift me up. Thanks for this review and breakdown
Hi Michael,, glad you did an in depth look at this amazing tune ! You have an amazing ear for detail, scales , modes, etc. If you haven't, check out Analog Kid, 2012 concert, the Big Money, 2012 concert, and Natural science, 2007 concert. Amazing tunes !! The original versions are great too, but then seeing Rush in concert setting is an awesome thing 😎.
Rush are a band that I have enjoyed live many times, they are incredible musicians. Thanks for this one Michael.
As a MAJOR RUSH aficionado for 40, whoa, 4T years.... this one blew my mind. Thank you for sharing your abilities!! So... what to follow up with the next installment. Can't wait 's to see/hear. Maybe that's why it took so long to address RUSH. Where do we go from here?? Cheers!
Maybe a vid of the family band.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with geeking out on Alex’s brilliance, it can’t be helped!
The breakdown of Big Wreck’s ‘Ghost’ hooked me and drew me in, loved the follow up interview with Ian Thornley, and now Rush! Doesn’t get much better than this! Looking forward to more Rush content!
Thank you for this breakdown!!! I learned so much!. I have been listening to their music since pre-kinder garden and all of their melodies and tonal landscape explorations are like masterwork paintings in sound. This song is rarely performed live but at the R30 tour they were able to finally make it work live and they played it from then until the end. So heavy in music and in philosophic lyrics. Sooo much to learn from these three 🙂
My favorite band.. I wish I could get as excited about life as you do!
Cheers...
Michael, nobody does this better than yourself. Really enjoyed it.
My favorite band. ❤️ seen them many times and went to Geddy Lee’s book signing
Love it Michael!! So much info in this video! I'll probably learn the song but learning HOW to write a song like this is Gold!! I played drums to this in a Rush tribute band. Great times but stressful!!!! Keep up the great work brother!!!!!
OMG I can't imagine. But what FUN if you're super well rehearsed!
This is such a deep cut and my favorite off that album…love to see you doing RUSH
Years ago there was video of Jeff Healey jamming with Rush. Can’t find it anymore. Man it was special
Great breakdown of this killer Rush track. I've been scouring your page and you have so much great stuff, but I would like you to check out one other Lifeson classic guitar part, but its one they never got around to playing live. It's called Cut To The Chase off of their album Counterparts. Its solo is about as close as Alex may have went towards a modern shred. You won't be disappointed. It was an off the cuff, completely improvised solo meant as a placeholder until he could actually work out a final solo for the track, but upon playback everyone else thought it was perfect. I could not agree more. Keep em coming!!!!
“ You are doing such good thing… never before has there been such a Rush teacher that is so beautiful with theory.”
Rush was my #1 band for decades. I taught myself to play drums to Neil Peart. Saw them live at the old Boston Garden early 80s. LOVE LOVE LOVE me some Rush.
Thank you for doing Rush and this song. Your enthusiasm was contagious and I'm learning this too :)
As a Canadian drummer. I agree with everything you said about the snare and hi-hats 🤘🏻❤️🤘🏻
Loving your vibes. There is nothing else like Rush. Never ever will be. Keep it up. Your channel is so amazing. Thanks.
Awesome video, Michael. I just subscribed to GuitarGate this week, and thanks to you I feel more passionate than ever about guitar even after playing for 12 years.
I always learn something from these Michael….but I have rarely been as entertained and absorbed as much “juice” and passion! SMILING!
You put a big smile on my face for doing this. Thanks Michael✌️
I'm a drummer, and only know how to play a few chords on guitar, but your analysis is great and I learned alot by watching this video. And your reaction to all of the changes in the song - it's cool to see it from a guitar player perspective
Dang I miss them. Yes, no question about it, the greatest power trio of all time. The Professor used to say that doing percussion for Rush was like doing mathematics while running a marathon.
GREAT video of a GREAT song! Thanks for the insight in the suspensions - it explains a lot about Alex’s soloing. Beautiful. ✌️
Michael, Michael, Michael!!! Thank you so much for doing a deep dive into my favorite Rush song! Your analysis was great and I’m glad it got you a bit hyped up for more of the holy triumvirate!
Oh yes oh yes oh yes!