This is possibly the most complex instrumental ever written. when they first wrote this, they could not play it from start to finish. It became the gold standard for any band to be able to play this. This was based on a dream Alex (the guitarist) had.

Yes Alex is by far one of the most underrated guitarists in history. That's only because he was sandwiched in between each of the most legendary bassist and percussionsts (yes Neil was more than a "drummer") of all time. His fault I guess, for forming the band in his basement. Maybe Geddy's a little to blame. He discovered Neil with him after John Rutsy fell out after their first album. Self entitled of course.

Do more RUSH and you will blow your channel up!

This is not a "JAM" session, it's a song written on paper. Even in their own words the most ambitious one ever.

It's a highly planned "jam session" - if you notice, every rhythm is in synch between the various instruments. So technically it's not "jamming" per se. Just sounds like one on first listen. :) Hope you get well soon!

Great react of my favorite band. Very talented power trio. The masters!

Always best to react to RUSH songs live .....🔥🔥🔥 You get see the magic that happens on stage...

The whole reason I watched this video was to watch the reaction from someone that is new to Rush, so thank you! And great reaction! Yes, they came up with those riffs. The original studio version of this song came out in 1978. In my opinion, the greatest of all instrumentals ever, including any other of their own. God bless you.

so sad we lost Neil today - RIP

Smoothest transition from a Polka to an ass kicking masterpiece!!!!

You totally get it.....fantastic reaction. You are ready for Xanadu......Exit Stage Left......you’ll love it

So this is a ridiculously difficult song to play... all 3 parts are just insane. But what makes it even crazier is that when they do it live, they will actually improv some of it. That bit towards the end at 11:52... that was improved. There is a version where Alex mumbles into the mic for 2 minutes while Geddy and Neil try not to laugh and still keep playing. A son so difficult other bands use it as a test of how good you are, and here they are clowning around with it like it's nothing. They are beyond talented.

Welcome to the Rush community! It's far away from a jam session though.

so many nights i say I am just gonna watch a few Rush reactions then bed time, and as always its now almost 4 hours later, lol.

RUSH is the best band of all time. (been a hardcore enthusiastic fan for over a decade and know everything on all 19 studio albums) I’ve also seen them live 8 times lol but who’s counting? LOVE RUSH FOREVER (if you see this, 2112=twenty one twelve)

What can be better than the most beautiful woman on KZfaq covering the greatest band ever? Keep up the great work Kristin!

Thanks for doing this one... it is great and so are you... keep at it!

If I remember correctly, on the album, this song is titled La Villa Strangiato, then sub-titled "An Exercise In Self Indulgence"

There was a time when they said they wouldn't play this song live because it wasn't possible. So glad they did. And thank you for reacting to it. It's a masterpiece.

Ah lovely Kristin I see you found LA VILLA STRANGIATO a very very lovely song. One of the very best.

HOWDY Kris from your Canadian cuz in Romania! Rush are my hometown boys from Toronto, so I grew up with them and used to see them free back in the day! Rush were defo under-rated for most of their careers but had a huge cult following. And all the stuff you related are indeed true facts. The nerds of rock, as most of their live music is as good as their studio work. So happy you did this. I hope you and the family are well! lass!!!

I remember this! 😆😁👍 Hi! It’s been a while. 🤗 My favorite RUSH song!

Most awesome, Rush is the best since Led Zeppelin … 3 guys all that sound …. I've seen them 3 times and will never see them again live unfortunately since they retired.

Oh jeez.. feel better Kristin! Rush is so amazing. Lots more to delve into there

These are some very educated musicians Alex might not have very good moves on stage but they definitely make up for it with their musical skills. This was usually their Encore song

That riff you recognize is powerhouse a jazz song. Used by Looney tunes when you saw machines working. Good ear.

They are just fun and interesting to watch. No pressure, no stress, just playful fun at a high musicianship level. Delight.

I was at this concert with my brother. As awesome as the video is, it was even better in person.

Hearing Alex Lifeson when I was younger was what first made me want to pick up a guitar. It was like, "how the hell is he making those noises???". So thanks to him for giving me a love of music that continues to this day. Kudos to you for being super open-minded and giving them a chance! (Psst: check out the song The Analog Kid, it's such an underrated track!)

*The amount of time, passion nd hard work they put into this original piece is mind blowing 🤯⛽🔥 They had washing machines nd dryers I believe on stage for a splash of humor lol Awesome reaction Kali, I absolutely enjoyed this* :D 💯💯

I would love if you react to RUSH IN RIO "YYZ" and see for yourself our south american power of Rock!!

La Villa Strangiato is so technically difficult, basically it can not be played in one continuous session without some mistakes. This is not a free-form jam, it is12 distinct sections (where the transitions must be precise and accurate in timing), it was composed many years ago, and die-hard Rush fans know every lick. There are some bands who are so technically superb, they can put out a song that has no vocals, one fine example The Allman Brothers and Jessica. Kristen, I suggest you check that out, because Jessica is a musical journey that takes you down winding paths of joy and fantastic head-nodding. Getting back to Rush ... they are known as a power trio, just three instruments. When the electric bass became a reality, it could take over the rhythm guitar, but obviously, the bassist must be proficient to fill out the sound and content of a song. And Rush, with just three instrumentalists, can generate a full and rich sound, which has you looking for the other band members. Kristen, I hope the meds are working and you are feeling better. Get well, smile, and in the words of the immortal philosopher Joe Dirt, "keep on keeping on".

As a bass / keys player who has been in 3 Rush tribute bands. The great thing about Rush is the technicality. AND the FUN!! They always joke around and entertain the audience. All the while delivering an amazing show.

This has always been one of my favorite songs, from one of my favorite albums, Hemispheres, from 1978. A lot of people (myself included) feel that it and the previous album, "A Farewell to Kings" sort of make up a "Mega-Album" and even include a song that spans the 2 albums. Many aspiring (as well as hobbyist and even professional musicians) consider La Villa Strangiato to be one of the hardest Rush songs to play properly if you're trying to cover it. Something else you may have noticed. They guys are having fun, they're great friends, and while they are dead serious about their music, they don't take themselves seriously at all, and have a lot of fun with themselves, their crew, their stage set, and the audience. You'll notice a lot of weird stuff going on around them. In earlier tours, you'll notice there are no amplifiers behind Geddy, since he plugs his bass directly into the PA, but he thought it would look silly with nothing behind him, so you'll see things like rotisserie chicken ovens for the road crew, vending machines, washer & dryers, stuff like that.

Alex Lifeson came up with the riff, you're talking about. I've been following RUSH, for more than 40 years. I've seen them in concert at least 5 times. They were always magnificent.

Kristin, I was fortunate enough to see Rush during this tour when they stopped in West Palm Beach, Florida. Alex acted goofy on stage in WPB like he did here in Cleveland. Both Alex especially Neil retired from touring after their R40 tour due to health issues. While Geddy still active in music. He played bass in place of late Chris Squire during band, Yes induction ceremony at Rock Hall of Fame.

This song was inspired by a nightmare Alex had.

The words are in the music my dear. Smile, dance be mad. Add your own words.

I love the chemistry between these guys as they play, how in sync and also what a blast it must be for them, just groovin' and revelling in their immense talent!

This was Rush taking their music as far to the edge of their current (at the time they wrote it) abilities ... and showing off a bit. It's a spectacular piece of technical perfection.

I was at that show! What an incredible experience. Cleveland always treated Rush with love and respect. jvb

Cleveland Rocks

I had to pause your vid at 3:13 and you had this beautiful smile on your face. Keep on enjoying the ride. What a long great journey. Edit:You were actually smiling like that almost the whole time. 😀

Ohhhh , you are sooo becoming a Rush fan !!! I can see it happening. 😎😄. I've seen this before ! Welcome aboard !

"that was really something" i think you nailed it

Every note they play is their own and it was made up by them..all you can do is smile an realize groups like these guys come around once in a lifetime!!

More than a jam secession, listen to the time changes... great musicians

They played this instrumental the same way....they may have jammed it when they wrote it, but this is how it was recorded . These guys are that good ...

Been a fan of rush since the 70’s like wine they got so much better with time amazing musicians

Screaming leads and incredible guitar textures.

What the fan like i am like from that group is the fun they got To play together for over 45 years and rare one To still be the same as their debut humble generous funny of themselves. So sad that neil past away great guy also a fantastic drummer . Outside of the road show

NO THIS IS NOT A JAM SESSION!!! THIS IS A PIECE OF MUSICAL ART & GENIUS...

Years ago, while on tour, Rush gets a call informing Neil that his wife and daughter had been killed in a car crash. Of course, they end the tour. After the funeral, Neil gets on his bike and takes off. Geddy and Alex don't hear from him for eight months. They are wondering if it is over for Rush, they couldn't conceive of going on without Neil. They wouldn't try to call Neil because they know that he likes to work things out on his own. He is very private. They figured it was best to just wait for him to reach out. They get a call one day after 8 months and it's Neil. He says, "I'm ready." He had driven his bike all over Canada, the US, and was calling them from Mexico. He drove back home and they started again. These guys truly respect each other. They enjoy performing together and actually like being around each other, even after all this time. Sad to see them stop touring.

I saw in interview with Steven Colbert a few years ago where he asked them if they ever wrote a song so long that they influenced themselves. They mentioned this song and how difficult it was to record this one because they wanted to do it in one take all the way through. They played in Nashville on this tour on my birthday. I had no choice but to go. I nearly lost it when they played this song. And yes, they made it all up 100%. Those rifs did not exist before this song.

What's so weird is that this song was born in 1978...45 years ago. At the time of this concert it was a 33 year old song. It's been this great, this difficult for so long.

´This is so impressive!´. Yes and hope you counted the time signatures, because I can’t... keep it up, great work!

A jam session is improvisational. There is no improvisation on this.

I finally got to see your reaction on this yes it's a jam but they put it together to make it more, they would practice everyday for hours together and by them selves up to their concerts so that it was perfect.

Neil Peart The Greatest Drummer Of All Time!! R.I.P. Professor.

Kristin, this song was a dream that Alex had. He heard this song in his sleep, and wrote it down. A Lerxt in Wonderland =)

I love your responses. You're so sweet and appreciative.

Definitely "THE TIME MACHINE " tour in Cleveland 2011 no mistaking it!!!

What a nice flashback to that concert! Yeah, Rush likes to do instrumentals. That one is one of their classics. All of them are great!

Sad that only Alex, Geddy nor Neil were able to see Rush in concert :)

That’s original music from RUSH. One of the most complicated sounding bands of music. These guys were incredible.

GOT DAMN That song gets me EVERY TIME! Peace, Phil

Read an article today on that song. Apparently, Alex was determined to share with the guys his extremely weird dreams in vivid detail. Somehow that ended up being this song. " Strange City " lol The way he builds that guitar solo is just genius composition. The phrasing of it blows my mind.

When the guys come on stage, Kristin seems surprised that the venue is as large as it is and that the crowd is so enthusiastic. I hope Kristin didn't think that Rush was just a bar band.

Kristin, I love your reactions, as they're always so pure... this one's for you > > > Despite being an instrumental, the song tells a complete story, complete with plot and characters. It's based on some nightmares Alex Lifeson experienced > > > La Villa Strangiato is divided into 12 segments, as follows: I-- Buenos Noches, Mein Friends! II-- To Sleep, Perchance To Dream III-- Strangiato Theme IV-- A Lerxst in Wonderland V-- Monsters! VI-- The Ghost of the Aragon VII-- Danforth and Pape VIII-- The Waltz of the Shreves IX-- Never Turn Your Back on a Monster! X-- Monsters! (Reprise) XI- Strangiato Theme (Reprise) XII-- A Farewell To Things... The End

the section of the song that sounded familiar to you,was from an old song from,like, the 1930s or something. Sorry, a little too high right now to be more specific. Great reaction,tho!❤❤

Kristin, La Villa Strangiato is an instrumental piece from Rush's Hemispheres album 1978

Alex and Geddy are very down-to-earth. Alex is one of the funniest guys you will ever talk to he is hysterical! Neil on the other hand, is not an introvert however he's embarrassed by all the attention. Neil has influenced for drummers than anybody else with the exception of one person the late great Buddy Rich. These guys are virtuoso's. I'm a professional pilot and on a trip down in McAllen Texas I came across a premier 1 with the tail number N2112, interesting lie enough it use the same font as on the album 2112. The owner was a huge fan and got permission to use the tail number and the font how cool is that? If you have time you should check out the Rush In Rio video.

Wow! Who ever said that RUSH is the best at covering RUSH, gets a gold star for most out standing comment of the year in music and they are my new best friend! And no, I am not bipolar! Just passionate. Peace, Phil

That riff you like is from the mechanical music parts of Warner Brothers Cartoons. That's why you have heard it before. Watch a Bugs Bunny Cartoon. You will hear it.

This solo brings a tear to my eye it's so good

The thing about Rush is that they are so lyrically phenomenal Neil Peart is The Mastermind behind their lyrics and he is a very intelligent man. There's a video of him giving an interview talking about how he put his drum solo together and you can tell that he is a thoughtful and intelligent man.

Here for Rush & Alex's guitar faces! 😋🤪☺ Great reaction! 😍 More Rush please! 😊🐰 #ENRGYZRBunny

I was their!

Music is in time and space. Takes ya places you have never been, but then at the same time takes ya home.

"I love guitars for some reason... and I don't know why" It's because you are sane. And guitars are f'n awesome!

Geddy's playing is OUT of CONTROL.

It is subtitled "An exercise in self indulgence."

It's not the R40 tour version. In this one, they play a funny circus intro (not on the original) but it's a gr8 version too. Keep goin on your Rush quest : YYZ, Tom Sawyer, Spirit of the Radio, Freewill, The trees, etc. it's a fantastic journey !! 😉

2112 (Side 1.)- Live is beyond artistic.Malignant Narcissism-Live Nederlands (2004) is another beautiful instrumental..("The Warrior Has Excited"- #RIPNP 💙🦅)

Ok me again, I have to say sick or no maybe my favorite RUSH reaction. Peace, Phil

I was at this show. It was incredible.

Yes they wrote it. All of it. Over 40 years ago. This was from 8 years ago and they still kick ass.

7:50 Leave it to my older bro's in nerd rock to have a transformer over the top of the stage doing tai chi.

3 at the very TOP.... masters..

Such a talented band. I hope they reunite one day and play a concert for one last time. Zup K!

Alex sure loves his Gibson!

♥

All of Rush's songs are full arrangements!

A piece of work, no doubt. A legendary band doing a legendary instrumental. 😆

It’s just RUSH, aren’t they adorable?

Rush is known to change things up a bit during a concert to keep things lively. The starting of this song is of course, not the original of the album, but I bet you can figure out when it starts and realize the beat leading up to it.

Alex is screwing around and having fun on the second guitar solo. The original off of Hemispheres is frickin' terrifying. jvb

Hats off to Erin (Aaron? Aron? Aragon?). We all owe them a huge debt.

what's with the cheesy organ intro to the song? (it's not on the original recording). That's so flippin' hilarious. Rush had such a great sense of humour. It's also so great Kristin was rocking out to the intro as well, and then they explode... Rush rules. And to have that kind of rabid following around the world - Rio no less. These fans are crazy. Love your videos Kristin

One word: Guinness