There will never be another band like Rush. Rich storytelling in the lyrics, incredible music and untouchable musicianship

The album title refers to the year, 2112, that the story takes place. (Twenty one twelve). As mentioned before, this is one half of the album (side 1) and the songs on side 2 have nothing to do with the story depicted in the title track. This was a big middle finger to the record company who, after poor sales of the preceeding album, told them to start writing commercial "hits" or they will lose their recording contract. So Rush responded, in typical Rush fashion, by putting out a side-long epic and it turned out to be a big hit, Rush's breakthrough if you will. They did do a side long epic on the preceeding album, but this is the one that put them on the map. The first 2 parts of the song (Overture/The Temples of Syrinx) were played on the radio back in the day. At the end, they say "Attention all planets of the Solar Federation", 7 words, repeated 3 times (21). Then "we have assumed control", 4 words, repeated 3 times (12). These story albums are called concept albums and many bands have done them. Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is one such album, it was even made into a movie. Another good one is Queensryche "Operation Mindcrime". That one is brilliant, you should check it out sometime. Cheers!!

It was 1978 I rode my bike over to a friends house. I sat down in his bean bag chair next to his yellow lava lamp, He pulls out this record and says.......... You Gotta Hear THIS! That album changed my life forever.

This is the first song I ever heard by Rush @ 16 years old.... I'm 62 now and had the extreme pleasure of seeing Rush 53 times including the final show at the Forum.... Met Alex that night.... I've been blessed indeed!

Rush is on another level

One of the best albums ever made!!!

Rush drummer and lyricist, Neil Peart, got the inspiration for 2112 after reading "Anthem" by Ayn Rand. It's a story of a dystopian future where individuality has been suppressed in favor of the collective. Personal achievement is abolished if not criminalized and there is no individual identity. Then one day the protagonist of the story discovers a trove of lost inventions and a library full of old books and art; creations of the previous society that had thought to have been destroyed under the rise of the current regime. The novel ends with the protagonist discovering the word, "I". Not only does 2112 parallel the story arc of "Anthem", but it is also a personal statement for the band who had been under pressure from the record company to produce more "radio-friendly" cuts that were shorter in length and had mass appeal. The response was an album whose opening track was 20 minutes long and was a defiant statement to the record company that they were not going to conform to the collective wishes of the industry, and they were going to make the music THEY wanted to make!

We pronounce this album TWENTY ONE TWELVE.

The story behind this is delightful. They were finally getting attention from "the radio," and were pressured to make a more radio-friendly album. So they did the exact opposite.

2024 and I'm still here for this!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

Here we go! This is THE song that made me fall in love with hard rock. I will never have the opportunity to hear it again for the first time, but I will be able to relive it through your eyes.

I have just died of happiness!!!!! I'm a Rush fanatic. And I love you!!!!

Fun little fact the record label was about to drop Rush unless they made a radio friendly album. Generally the planned singles for radio 3 -4 minutes long songs were put on side1 or (A) Rush put 2112 on side one. Telling the record label executives. We are ready to go back to working our day jobs. Rather than selling our integrity to please you. This was the first album of Rush i had heard. In 77. I had gone into our lical Licorice Pizza and was goning to talk with a friend who worked there.. He grabbed me by the arm ans hus headohones (im talking BIG HEADPHONES ) Pulled into the back sat me down down and said "you've just got to listen to this. They are a three piece band" Plugged the headphones rca jack into a receiver that had a turntable hooked up fine tunned the rpms and left me alone in the back with the black light on. . That changed my life. I sat in Awe what three musicians with so much talent could do. Rush never had radio air time until permanent waves came out. So alk of Rush's following was from word of mouth saying "you've got to hear this"That day i bought Rush Caress of Steel Fly By Night And 2112. I was able to see them over 30 times including their final Show. I cried when we lost "The Professor" knowing that rock had lost a grwatness that comes once a life time.

The final verses are an Easter Egg of sorts. 'Attention all planets of the Solar Federation' is 7 words, repeated 3 times (7 x 3 = 21), 'We have assumed control' is 4 words, repeated 3 times (4 x 3 = 12), totaling the words each repeated phrase comes out to 2112. Historically, this was the biggest middle finger Rush ever hurled at their Record Company. They figured that if they were going to go down they were gonna' go down swingin.' Consequently, they hit it out of the park. Conceptually, Hemispheres is my favorite long form concept song from Rush. Definitely worth a listen.

In Discovery, this newly found object with strings is being tuned to (440 Hz) standard A tuning. Creatively, it’s pure genius by the band simply because this bit fits rather nicely only just before the first chords are struck - clever stuff indeed

This was Rush's protest piece to the record labels insistence that they produce shorter, more "radio friendly" tracks.😂 What a protest piece!!!

Just FYI... the track 2112 was just the first side of the album 2112 (back when albums were vinyl and had two sides, of course!). It was released in 1976, almost 5 years before Tom Sawyer.

This album was basically Rush giving the record label the middle finger for trying to control what kind of music to make.

“Listen to the story” “Masterpiece” “🔥❤️🔥”

A great concept album is Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime, it's like watching a short film, definitely a banger!

I had so much I wanted to say, but, I didn't want to write a book. I've listened to this album hundreds of times over the years. One listens the first time for the music, the second time for the words and every time thereafter the story of a future civilization without music unfolds before your very eyes and ears. Some ardent Rush fans already know, Neil Peart's personal favorite writer happens to be the Russian-born American writer Ayn Rand. One book in particular influenced Peart (and Rush) when they were putting together 2112. It was her novel ANTHEM. Peart, who is the primary drummer and lyricist for RUSH gave written credit to Rand in the liner notes. The description for the novel reads as follows: "They existed only to serve the state. They were conceived in controlled Palaces of Mating. They died in the Home of the Useless. From cradle to grave, the crowd was one - the great WE" The history behind the album 2112 is quite fascinating if you ever want to check it out. PEACE OUT !!!!!

The elders returned, conquered the oppressive priests in the Temple of Syrinx and resumed control over the lands. Epic!

Here's the basic story behind 2112. Their record label Mercury wanted them to do radio friendly songs. This was a protest. They said we're not doing this for you. We're doing it for us. So they made the first half of the record all one song (kinda) and gave them the finger and created this MASTERPIECE This is the story of that battle. Neil Peart, after he joined the band, wrote all of the lyrics to Rush music. We lost our GOAT. He's playing for GOD now. 😇That was the last time I cried (Sorry Christine. When Stevie goes I'm going to lose it) I'm jealous because you have the cool earphones like I had with my old turntable in the day. Now all I have is my little computer speaker. This version has the cool graphics telling the story, in the 1970s we were hit with both barrels(3?) with this, and only our imagination. " Listen to my music". "Hear what it can do". "Tere's something here as strong as life". "I know it will reach you." Thank you so much for making this GOAT enjoyable again. Happy belated 4/20.

Thank you for this one, you made a lot of Rush fans happy today🤘

Back in the late 70's and early 80's concept albums were a big thing. You had to start at the beginning song and listen all the way through. We loved it! Now I'm 62 and still dig it.

So, I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say we dig what you’re doing because you are loving music. And for us older peeps, we didn’t have all the distractions there are today. Music was an escape. That’s the first part! You are also growing in recognition of types of music. There’s booty music just to shake your ass to. There’s feeling music that takes you somewhere or makes you feel a certain way. There’s angst music. Your pissed and angst music helps dissolve those negative emotions. This is Rush. This is thinking music! The lyrics are as important as the instruments, and in a way from 2112 forward are thoughts of one man trying to figure out what the hell is going on, what does everything mean, while his comrades are breaking it down in a way everyone else can more easily digest it. It’s the culmination of an ogre, a wizard and a prophet. And it’s just magic.

3 of the most talented guys to ever walk the earth.

I know it is confusing for someone who didn't grow up during the 70's. 2112 is the name of the album and also the name of the song. Yes, this one complete song which actually took up half of the album. There are a number of cool shorter songs on the other side of the album. This album is earlier than the album Tom Sawyer was on. This was their fourth album and it is progressive rock. Progressive Rock has elements of classical music in having different movements in one song. In the opening sequence (overture) there is a nod to a classical piece called called the 1812 Overture This album was a finger to their record label as Rush started out with a heavier straightforward rock sound and their third album was much more progressive and the record label was not happy and wanted more shorter "radio friendly " songs . This was Rush's answer. The album became a huge success and the record label never bothered them again. Rush assumed control. Geddy changed his vocal style through the years and also in his later years his voice deepened. To have a 40 year career is pretty amazing. Expect the unexpected from Rush. They changed their style through the years but always sounded like Rush. They went back to their heavier sound in their later years. Three geniuses in one band If you like their story telling songs I would recommend. Cygnus X I book 1 off of A Farewell to Kings and Cygnus X1 Book 2 off of Hemispheres Two songs off different albums but tell one story. Cheers

Neil was definitely at his very best... amazing ! ✌️🙂 Each one is at their best in this masterpiece of an album.

This was my introduction to Rush, my cousin was a huge Rush fan and got me into it. 2112 was the first thing I heard from Rush and absolutely blew my mind and still does 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

Hearing 2112 live is simply amazing. Something I’ll never forget.

Great reaction, best version I saw was Toronto live concert Alex was on fire all night 1997 watch this and you will say wtf. Cheers from Toronto

You are about to be blow away with the power of rock n roll. Growing up through 70s and beyond. Rock and metal gave us everything. We didn’t listen or care for other music for that matter. Closed minded. No sir. In fact rock and metal have delivered countless great and well wondered songs with meaning and it also gave us the fun no meaning stuff. True musicianship is Rush and 2112 is by far an epic journey. Enjoy as we still do 🤘

Another amazing concept album is Operation: Mindcrime by Queensryche!!

possibly the best 20 mins of rock ever made

Ear-gasms!

2112 is one song comprised of seven chapters. Only half of the 2112 album by Rush. Thanks for the reaction.

Temple of Syrinx has to be my favorite Rush song ever.

Progressive rock! Changes GOOD! Changes EXCITING! Changes VERY MUSICAL!

That there my friend is what progressive rock is all about. Schooled

That's what I'm talking about, mate!!! Get your head right and prepare to lose your fkn mind!!!! LETS GO!!!!!

We've taken care of everything The words you read, the songs you sing The pictures that give pleasure to your eyes It's one for all and all for one We work together, common sons Never need to wonder how or why... 2112 in 2024 we got here a bit quicker than anticipated ..

This album is a masterpiece, so glad you got to hear a great band make magic happen with their music. I got to see them back in the early 70’s I was mesmerized ✌️

Been a fan since 75 !! Saw 2112 live in Toronto December 29,1978 . RIP PROFESSOR Greetings from YYZ 🇨🇦

It’s called a concept album. Pink Floyd The Wall is a concept album. Billy Thorpe Children of the Sun is as well

FINALLY YOU HAVE HEARD IT.... NO WORDS CAN EXPLAIN HOW UNIQUE THE EXPERIENCE IS....

If you like more story driven albums, please, let us introduce you to "Operation: Mindcrime" by Queensryche. This is not only one of the best concept albums ever made, it is one of the 10 best Metal albums of all time. God tier musicianship, god tier vocals, and a great story that keeps you hooked.

I've heard this album a 1000 times and yet like all great literature, paintings, artwork, and music… I find new things to appreciate To this day. The great arts have a quality of progressing with the viewer or the listener.(In this case), meaning that the more you know about music, the more your tastes grow as you Move thru lufe... You find more to appreciate in music. that You thought you knew already because it's just so good ans so full of vibrant textures. One of the things that I think I had taken for granted until recently Listening to this album again is just how amazing a vocal performance this really is. Geddy Lee's approach to singing through the various voices of the different characters is nothing short of remarkable .

You must see them live, just freaking awesome...Xanadu from the Exit Stage Left Album 1981. A complete Orchestra of just three dudes......More neck guitars than band members.....I have seen live bands during my life spam and I am 61 yo, no band, but no band at all, came close to these three geniuses. I saw Queen, Led Zep, Ozzy, Motley Crew, Journey, you name them, I saw them...all those great bands form the 80`s and 90´s, no band could match the sound these dudes made. What I like most about them, is how down to earth, humble, funny and goofy, no fancy outfits or shit like other bands.....to them and to me, like Geddy once quoted, "at the end, it`s all about the music".....like Walter White quoted..."You`re God Dam right"

It is an absolute joy to be listening to this album with you today. This is more like hanging with a friend listening to a record rather than just watching you react which was super cool!

They opened the show with this song in 1981 when I saw them the first time. I was 14.

I honestly can't believe that you're tackling this epic masterpiece!! That's so cool! I've been a big Rush fan for a long time, and this is my absolute favorite! BTW, it's twenty one twelve

It's like an experimental opera, and I like it! I need to listen again, and read the lyrics 💚 🇸🇪

It's an Opera..it tells a story in movements each unique to express certain emotions...Classic stuff.

When I first heard this album at the age of 12, my life was completely transformed. In my generation, we had stoner cousins or uncles that introduced us to bands. Well, my stoner cousin introduced me to 2112. He explained the story of a totalitarian society ran by priests who did everything in their power to ensure conformity by its people. This album was a metaphor in terms of what Rush were going through as a band being pressured by the record company to be more "commercial" and compromise. They figured if its their last hoorah, then screw it, just make the album they want to make and see what happens. Well, millions of young people got it and by virtue of the classic phrase "word of mouth," this album resonated. Never compromise your artistry. Be authentic and genuine in who you are.

You now know the reason we asked for 2112 so much, thank you for doing it as it was intended to be heard🤘

Yes! I got a feeling you're gonna like this one and I'm staying to watch.

2112, like a national anthem, should always be played in it's entirety. A Clockwork Angel's is a concept album. It was their last album.

Summer, 1976: I'd just bought this newly released album by Rush and had immediately copied it to cassette (I was very careful with my vinyl back in the day, usually only played once, for copying; well, actually, copied again 15 years later when CD burners came out). Anyway, it was a beautiful warm July afternoon, and I was washing my car with 2112 blasting from my rear dashboard Jensen Triaxials out the open windows (anybody remember those? I was the envy of all my buddies! 😁) 'Tis a memory that is forever cemented in my brain! 🤟😊

Molly Boy TV, 2112 pronounced Twenty-One Twelve. ♥🌠 Tom Sawyer came out 1981. 2112 came out in 1976. The song Anthem is awesome. It's on the Fly by Night Album the first album Neil wrote with Rush. Came out in 1974. Neil Peart the drummer wrote the lyrics. Geddy & Alex wrote the music to fit all these profound lyrics. The Musically Trifecta came together in June of 1974. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart. 🤘

Oh Its Twenty-one twelve as in the year it takes place.

Rush has recorded almost 5 perfect albums from beginning to end, first to last note, first to last word and in a very short period, and they are.... Permanent waves (1980) Moving Pictures (1981) Signals (1982), Grace under Pressure (1984) and Power Window (1985). If I was going to react to Rush albums, this is where I would start. Very easy listens. These albums are almost flawless and Neil's writing was at its peak when it comes to lyrics, not to mention his creative and exquisite drumming on all records. This is my favourite Rush period. The lyrics and poetry are timeless and so insightful. A true genius !!!!

So glad your getting to know the band. You missed seeing them live. Thanks for the music and your view.

NATURAL SCIENCE for da win..........

RUSH is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤘🏼🤘🏼

It's" Twenty One Twelve":) This is pure brilliance...pure genius. Everything before Moving Pictures is PRIME Rush in my opinion. You absolutely must do the " Xanadu" concert video from the "Exit Stage Left" concert to see them at their zenith, live! It will truly inspire!!!!!!

Saw them 3 times ‘75, ‘76 and ‘77 …almost 63 yrs old now and they are still my go to when I really want to crank it up

Mollyboy! I love to watch your unfiltered reaction to these talented, talented musicians! Keep listening!!!

I first heard this album in 1981 as a 14 year old freshman drummer in high school, it changed the way I listened to music and I became obsessed, 43 years later and I still am.🔥🤘🏻👏

I'm all in when it comes to RUSH! Been listening to this album for over 40 years (since I was 13 years old in 1976) and it never gets old! Thanks for your reaction. They are phenomenal...and just as good in concert.

A masterpiece for sure. Rush's F you to their controlling record label. Neal's brilliant song writing skills and drumming, Alex's guitar solos, The excellent acoustic work, and Geddy's chilling voice. A Masterpiece that will live on forever.

I first heard this in 1981 and it blew me away, enjoy the ride.

GREAT reaction MollyBoy!! You've just made my Monday (and I needed that!) - but your descripton said 'whole album'! You only did the first side...need to do the rest. Thanks for doing this. Trust me - we don't care the length of video - especially where Rush is concerned! Keep 'em coming! Cheers.

I have a softball size Tattoo of the starman on my calf. A masterpiece.

First heard 2112 when I was 10 in 1976....thanks to an uncle who had the album. My introduction to Rush. I remember him handing me the cool album as he placed the record on the stereo cranked the volume...then we both sat back and listened. Just blew me away. Rush fan ever since.

I was 12 and a friend played this album. I took the album and played it every night for years. My first love. Geddy’s vocals and bass, Alex’s guitars and Neil’s drums, unmistakable. 3 Masters of their crafts.

There is nothing like this coming out these days. The days of superior musical skill and song craftsmanship are gone forever. I grew up a hard rock guy, Zep, Sabbath, Deep Purple, and one day I was at my friend's house waiting for him to come home. His mom let me into his room, so I went through his albums. The 2112 album cover stood out, put it on and forty minutes later became an avid Rush fan for life. One of the best albums in rock history.

Awww, yes. Another great Rush song.

Rush 2112 is one of my favorite musical things of all time. I first heard it in 9th grade over at a friend's house, who had it on an 8-track cartridge and he had a boombox for that. We got a little high and then he put it on and it had me from the first 30 seconds. I have played that thing so many billions of times it's impossible to count. And I've seen them do it live twice back in the day. I also love all of the individual songs on side B of the 2112 record album. I think they're all great in their own way and it still has the same feels as the concept part on side A, so it's a great way to hear more really good stuff from them from around this time. My favorite is what they end the album with, Something For Nothing. I just know you would love it. You talked about their level musicianship, and keep in mind that Geddy Lee is often playing the bass and singing at the same time and he can fucking shred. La Villa Strangiato is a massive fan favorite. It is an instrumental and it absolutely really pushes their chops to the limit, and they even said that it was the most difficult thing that they had ever pulled off. And like 2112 in a way, although it's much shorter at 7 minutes or so, but also like classical music, it's got several sections with different names, and the title basically means a strange village. It's a fantastic musical imagining of a very strange village somewhere in Italy or wherever. It's so exceptional that there really isn't anything quite like it out there: m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i7SZn9Z9y5zJh2g.html&pp=ygUYcnVzaCBsYSB2aWxsYSBzdHJhbmdpYXRv

I can remember listening to 2112 for the first time way back when on a very high end stereo. Sound proofed room high volume and really stoned,,, lmao

Rush had a changing and evolving soundscape over the years, 2112 leads to A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures, 4 consistently brilliant albums, it is worth it to have a wee delve into each album chronologically to understand where they are going to.

I'm jealous. Makes me think back to when I listened to this absolute masterpiece for the first time. And it's twentyone twelve.

It's almost like an opera where their movements and the different tones and different spots where the music takes you tells the story

Rush changed everything I thought I knew about music. If I'm honest, their music was probably not available to my young self's ear. So instead of beating myself up for not knowing about them for so long, I'm now just grateful that my Rush journey began at 48. Words can't express the child-like giddiness I've had over the past 7 years doing my deep dive into ALL that is Rush! Thank you for getting them, and helping introduce their music to future generations. 🎶

Great choice Bro'! I think you went the right direction to continue with Rush. Working Man is definitely the song that put them on the map, but 2112 put them up in the rarified air of the entire world as the "high priests" musicians. I can't wait to hear your reaction and analysis.

Queensryche did a concept album (an album that tells a story) called Operation Mindcrime. It's amazing too!!

Liking RUSH puts you on different level of understanding and listening to music. RUSH makes me feel smarter than other music lovers.

432 is a healing tone that changed in the music industry.

Finally!!! Best album-ever(besides dirt AIC). 🤘🏼❤️🙌🏻😉

The record company and management wanted the band to do more radio friendly songs , with a big finger to them this is what they did , This sold millions by word of mouth ,

TIME TO PLAY LIMELIGHT, BY RUSH. ROCK ON MAN 👊🖖

I still get goosebumps every time I hear rush

My older brother, Mike bought the album 2112 and I was at his place listening to RUSH for the very first time. It was insane. And so my RUSH journey began. RIP Mike.

You can not expect anything particuliar but greatness when listening to a new Rush song because: 1- they are so much creative and talented 2- it's a 40years long carreer from the 70's to the 2000's 3- It's prog rock after all! the purpose is to keep you on your toes all the time! If you want to try some of their more modern stuf You can try Headlong Flight.. a banger where they go back to a more harder sound like in their earlier days... you will love it for sure

One of the best modern musical compositions written.

One of the finest albums from the best rock group ever. Still brings tears and sends shivers. Thanx for the reaction

My man MOLLY, at 3:30, that huge smile- he knew he was in for a true treat!!! Keep the RUSH coming brother

Queensryche Operation Mindcrime is a concept album

This is the best song in the whole world.

I knew you would love this! So glad I got to enjoy watching you discover the genius of Rush. It’s been years since I saw the illustrated video , it really enhances the experience! Another great “story” album is “Tommy” by The Who. Rock on, bruh!