Alex’s guitar tone represents tuning a radio. The changes represent different stations. The old days of analog tuning.

Thank you for the moment of silence at the end when you read the tribute note. Neal Peart will never be surpassed as not just a drummer , but a a percussionist, song writer and human being. We Canadians are so proud to call these three our own 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

What truly impresses me with all of RUSH's songs is that they pull it off LIVE !

I grew up in Toronto (80’s teen) listening to my home-boys Geddy, Alex and Neil. We played a lot of hockey and partied hard to Rush. Their music will be played at my funeral, amongst other fave’s.

This song was deliberately radio friendly. They wanted it to be played there It had a message.

Peart wrote this while driving home listening to his favorite radio station "The Spirit". Well, the inspiration for the song. It's a tribute to radio, but also a slam due to the business side of it. That crazy transition is supposed to mimic the days of when you would roll the radio dial around looking for a good song to listen to. As for the hands gesture. Geddy started doing that to tell the audience to clap along. He used to raise his hands over his head and clap, but then he started doing it like in this video. Even though we as fans knew what he wanted us to do. The audience started to mimic his hands gesture. Take care ✌

It was written within the framework of "radio friendly" music to get their anti-commercial message across on the airwaves owned by those very "salesmen".

YES, it's a "radio friendly" song, because this song is a tribute to the radio!😄 It was so much fun, trying to catch all of the different musical styles in this song, styles that one would hear, you guessed it, on the radio! 🎵🎵Thanks for this cool reaction!☮

11:56 "the guitar and drums are fused" Good of you to pick up on that. I do think this is one of Neil's playing traits. He does the same in the intro to YYZ. All of Rush's instruments alternate between rhythmic and melodic roles. They truly are amazing.

The musicianship and creativity of Rush is without parallel.

I love when Rush gets a new fan. For those of us who have listened to them since the beginning, it’s a “rush” to see a newbie learn why we love them.

This took aim at the music industry and who got air play and who did not , The boat with the British flag refers to when Rock radio was banned in the UK and ships went out of the British jurisdiction on the ocean to play music and feed it to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 , The DJ lady worked in Cleveland Ohio and was the first to Give Rush air time with the song Working Man , This helped push the band to more popularity, So it was so special The Workingman live in Cleveland is known as one of the bands ever best performance,

Read the lyrics….,,that’s the punch of this song. Applies even more today than when it was released

Your reaction to hearing this brilliant song by this brilliant trio was precisely mine 40 years ago as I pushed the play button on my new Toshiba cassette boom box while I lay on my cot in my green utility fatigue uniform during a break in the day while in Air Force tech school. I'll never forget it. And watching you was exactly my response to a tee! Thanks for this!!! Rush was the greatest rock band ever. RIP Neal. You made me the drummer I became.

Your Rush reactions are so similar to my own back when I first heard their songs, whenever a new album dropped. I distinctly remember saying, "What is going on"? and my friends and I freaking out, hysterically laughing because we were so overwhelmed with what we were hearing for the first time. We blasted their songs as we cruised around town and it was the big topic around school whenever a Rush concert was coming. A couple of weeks before, all you would hear was, how to make money to be able to buy a concert ticket (back then they were running about $15 general admission to $25 for decent seats) and what arrangements could be made in order to get to and from the concert (50 miles away), and once that was taken care of, it was all about obtaining the "party supplies". In my junior high and high school days, it was one great concert after another during the years of 1977-1982 (7th-12th grades). Not only was it the great new bands of this time, but the older 60s-to early 70s bands were also touring trying to stay relevant. So many great concerts that I would have to give up seeing one band in order to see another that I may have liked slightly better because they would be spaced 2 or 3 days apart. Money and parental permission were always a hurdle since many concerts were on weekday nights.

It's nice seeing these reaction videos from other people who are discovering Rush. Reminds me of when I'd go and buy the record after school the day it went on sale. I'd get home and play it over and over again saying exactly what you're saying, "What the hell"? Just being mesmerized by it all and then going to school the next day and talk about it with your friends. I remember lifting the needle and repeating that Reggae section a few times because they sounded sort of like The Police (who, BTW, were a big influence on them at that time as well). Great stuff! Can't wait to hear more Rush reactions.

"Permanent Waves" was such a huge transition from their previous four studio albums.

Since you've listened to the studio version of this. Everyone watching would most certainly recommend the live version : Rush- Best intro ever, on YT. After watching that you'll definitely be hooked !!! ✌️

You should react to Rush performing Spirit of Radio live in Toronto in 2003 in front of 500,000 fans on a sunny August afternoon! They start with a short instrumental version of "Paint It Black" in tribute to the Rolling Stones and then they segue into Spirit of Radio. In you reaction to this song you mentioned it sounded like the guitars a drums are fused together. They completely nail that feeling when performing the song live. It's incredible!

Note the nod toward the end of the song to Simon and Garfunkel's "Sound of Silence": "The words of the profits are written on the studio wall" vs. "The words of the prophets are written on the subway wall", and "echoes with the sound of salesmen" vs. "echoes in the well of silence". And both are addressing similar themes: the subordinating and suppressing of some aspect of the human spirit and love (whether in the form of art or human connection and communication) for the sake of materialism and commercialism.

Yes! "I'm done." I love it when Rush songs just drive reactors from the room!! Haha! People are so blown away that they just have to drop the headphones and walk away in disbelief!! Yes, that rules! See what you have been putting off, SalvoG? :)

I think the hand gesture is Geddy's own "sign language" to get the audience to clap along. I saw him originally clap himself during that break.

Rush is its own genre.

One of the greatest songs in Canadian rock history

I think you have just nailed it, bonny lad "Reel in and reel out". Every person in the world needs to own "2112".

God…..I’m loving your reactions Salvo! I’ve listened to Rush as a teen and now am in my 60’s. You need to listen to ‘Yes’ if you like voices in the higher range. It’s early morning here in the UK and I’m watching young guys like yourself reacting with pure joy to bands like Journey and Rush - subscribed and lovin’ it!

When Eddie Van Halen was asked how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world he said Idk you have to ask Alex Lifeson

Not just radio friendly, a true friend to radio. Speaking of radio very fondly, but also offering valid criticism. Definitely heartfelt.

This is my absolute favorite Rush song

Love❤Rush ❤ You Rock 😅 Thank you soooo you🥰🤘🤘💯

Ironically they would start getting more radio airplay with a song dissing corporate radio.

Every day in high school, I would put the needle to the LP. Every day.Watching you kids discover this for the first time, it is so awesome

Just keep doing Rush, your face is priceless!

12:00 "how did they do that?" Alex watched Neil very closely.

😆 And this is why we are all eagerly awaiting a full 2112 reaction. 😂 Your reaction was us our 1st time hearing this song! 😁🐰

This song live... believe it or not, is even more incredible. They tell a love story to radio. It's always there, a companion that doesn't get in the way or talk back. It's with you on the road, at home, etc. They call out the business model that encourages many to sell out. And on top of all of that, they make the song feel like you are scrolling through the channels trying to find a good song to listening to. A couple times alternating back and forth between reggae and rock before settling on rock for the epic solo. And in true RUSH fashion, a solo for one is really a solo for all, even if they're just playing in the back. Geddy and Neil are putting in insane work while Alex shreds. Truly one of the best songs from one of the best bands.

Loved the reaction to a great song.

This is my absolute favorite ever Rush song. If I need to pick up my mood, all I have to do is put on The Spirit of Radio, mood solved. Also, perfect song to begin your morning...you know, "begin the day with a friendly voice..." 😀

Did you notice the number 2112 on the neck of Alex's guitar during his outro? I think that's trying to tell you something!! 🎤 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥

Good old CFNY out of Toronto, Canada Donna Halper was the music director at WMMS in Cleveland that gave RUSH their first US exposure and she was there for RUSH's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. All the DJs shown in this video helped RUSH at some point.

Your 1st comment was correct. Watch the studio in snowy Canada.

I have an 80s hits album with this song on it, but it is the radio version of the song, at least it was at the time. Now they play this version on the radio. I heard the radio version first, then this version shortly after and couldn’t believe they edited the original for a radio version. Keep going down this RUSH rabbit hole, you’ll be in Wonderland!

Finally! Thanks for coming back to my boys!!

This song is the icing on Rush‘s cake love you

You really need to listen to the live in Toronto version of this !

You: 🤭 "What is this?" Us: 🤗 It's the Invisible Airwaves hand clap! 😁🐰

Regarding 2112: It is one song in 7 movements. You listened to the first two movements and stopped. It's like reading the first two chapters of a book and then putting the book down. The Temples of Syrinx was the track that was released as a radio single, which is why more people are familiar with it. I do understand that a 20-minute song is a large undertaking for reactors, a lot of editing, trying to avoid copyright strikes, but this is a masterpiece that has to be experienced in its entirety. This is not criticism, merely clarification for your sake. :) Regarding the Spirit of Radio: It IS radio-friendly, on purpose. It is at once a statement about the love of radio they had when they were growing up, the freedom it provided and encouraged, and also a harsh criticism of what the music industry was becoming. This song remains relevant today as both of those things. It is timeless. Your face during Alex's solo...priceless. :D:D:D

One of my favorite Lerxst solos.

So, did it go where you thought?.. LOL…. Absolutely loved your reaction to being split apart by the talent that is RUSH!!!

If you enjoy Geddy’s voice, check out the band Yes….Jon Anderson’s voice is in that same range and Yes is top progressive rock band

Rush!

Lovin your reactions Salvo. What impresses me watching reactions of this particular song is if the listener understands and then gets that he just got blown away with that transition. I’ve watched quite a few reactions to The Spirit of Radio and most people will like the song and do respect the musicianship of these three wonders of the world, but don’t understand music, and don’t understand that that’s a freaking awesome transition. One not easy to play let alone the fact that these guys came up with it in the first place. Pure Awesomeness! 😎

This was produced for the 40th anniversary of the LP this was on, Permanent Waves

Love how you love RUSH!!!

Rush is one of the greatest to ever do it.

Nasci em 1960 e tenho 64 anos. Sou o cara mais feliz do mundo pois, através de um dos maiores vendedores de discos do mundo, o brasileiro Roberto Carlos, aprendi a ouvir rock desde 1963. De Beatles a Rolling Stones, de Otis Reding a Ike and Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix a Tina Turner, Suzi Quatro e Etta James... todos estes eu conheci desde os meus 7 anos de idade, em 1967. E nasci em uma pequena cidade do litoral brasileiro, Macau RN, maior produtora de sal do Brasil, onde chegavam discos de rock de tudo o que era lugar do mundo. Sou muito feliz, graças a Deus. Amo o seu canal. Abraço grande! Emmanuel, de Natal RN Nordeste Brasil. Fique com Deus!

First concert I ever went to. I got to grow up listening to this awesome band. They rocked with incredible energy, strong music and awesome meaningful lyrics. Long live RUSH.

And they play this verbatim live. So much freakin talent

RUSH ROCKS PERIOD !

We all wait for the reaction to the reggae section. It's such a pleasure to see your Rush discovery. Keep 'em coming.

Hahaha! "You've been Rushified"!

I remember listening to pirate radio back in the day. Harkens to the Christen Slater movie , Pump up the volume.

Right on. Thanks for sharing.

I'll always remember listening to this when it first came out. JR high and I used to go to my friends house to walk to school in the morning. His older brother would always have RUSH playing.

I was 13 and a neighbor boy gave me the 2112 album. My first exposure to RUSH. Sad that I was never able to see them live.

Spirit of Radio reaction vids are always the best…

I love that they put Neal in a Red Barchetta.

I love how everyone gets all comfortable with the song, and then that end section breakdown happens. :)

Watch it live from their R30 concert, with the best intro ever of older album snippets 👍👍👍

Rush more than any other band had to ability to seemlessly transition from time and key signatures into entirely different genres of music. There is an never was any band as good at that as Rush.

They are AMAZING!!!!

Music back in the late 70s had such an orchestration.

hehe they made this as radio friendly as possible as its about songs on the radio :)

14:00 - 14:06 References to albumartwork coming out of the keyboard and boom box! Never noticed it before! Brilliant video but with a reference to 'Test for echo' definitely after 1996...

First time I ever heard rush was on a Friday night WABX in Detroit would play a whole album It happens to be Rush live and I recorded it on a cassette tape. I would listen it for hours. When I finally saw them in concert it felt like I was listening to that cassette tape but with much better sound Fidelity. The sound quality of their live concerts were just amazing! I’m 63 and they are still my favorite band! RIP Neal….

Rush are the masters of transitions. As for 2112 you only need to do the first side as the other side are individual songs. I would suggest YYZ live in Rio Natural Science and for a longer story telling one The Fountain of Lamneth Expect the unexpected from Rush Cheers

Congrats on your exploding sub numbers!! This is the tune that got me hooked on Rush 42 years ago. I am now 60. But, seeing your reaction, takes me back to the emotions I felt when I first heard the tune as you did. That's the secret to the success of Reaction Channels. It is reviving the spirits of the boomers who need it right now. It refreshes the songs in our minds. Hopefully, that makes sense. Keep up the great work brother!

Nice reaction man. I really enjoy how much you enjoy this stuff.

"What is this" its a tradition that started a long time ago during live concerts most noteably during their 2011 time machine tour when they played this song when that particular part came up geddy do that with his hands and the crowd would join in so its more of a interaction with a live audience than a random thing he does but true rush know it so well that sometimes when we listen to the song we just instinctively do it. think of it as like like the same thing as when queen does we will rock you when you stomp your feet twice and clap its similar to that

The hand gestures was something we all did at the concerts - Geddy would start this and the crowd would follow - It was an experience.

*Morning Bro* MY FAVORITE Rush song ever.!!! And that is saying something.!!!!!

SalvoG, when you said, at the end, "I am definitely going to get to the album", did you mean you are going to do a full-album listen to Permanent Waves? That would be awesome too! You should, along with 2112 and any others you want to dive into! Cool!

Just do side one of 2112 in its entirety. Second side is individual singles that have nothing to do with the first side.

I grew up in the 60's, and became an "adult" (Sure I did - Yup!) in the 70's. And when it comes to the nearly 50 years between then and now? Well...I must admit - I've had a few regrets. And one of the biggest regrets is that I was not a Rush fan until much, much later in my life. Talk about "missing it"!!

You take me back to my high school years with your Rush kick. I bet you would love Boston's First album. If you think Geddy has an amazing voice, wait till you hear Brad Delp.

The best part of this video is when he says, "I cannot ..." and then doesn't finish his sentence. Pretty much describes the emotional teenage mind set of the mid 70s when hearing this song for the first time. Rock on your crazy diamond....

Did anyone notice what looks like Neil driving a Barchetta in the video? Possibly a Red Barchetta!

$20.00 Bucks he went back and listened to this no less than 5 times!!!

I spent about three months doing nothing but palm muting trying to get this song down. Every new Rush album was an inspiration, a challenge, and a journey. I love the piano at the end, too.

2112 is a great album in its entirety! Yes, do the whole album! Good idea.

'easily absorb' LOL!!!

Geesh I miss these guys

this was a tribute to radio, rewatch the intro, the history is there.

According to Niel, this album was kind of a vision of a dystopian future based on the ideas from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Neil was a veritable genius and the well of knowledge he had to dip into for many of these songs was varied and deep.

LOVE this, my favourite rush track

Great reaction !! the Rush effect !! check out studio version of Natural science, a 9 minute song. Also , Limelight 1981 live version, a shorter song !!

5:49 Your comment about the quality of the animation made me chuckle. Watch some clips of the movie "Fantasia" from 1940...it blows the 2020 animations away.

Being that the song is called The Spirit of Radio, they purposefully crafted it with an afternoon drive time radio feel.

Yep..... 😎❤🤘🤘

...you spoke.... tooooooooo sooon ;)