Alex Lifeson the most underrated guitarist of all time

Who’s here after the Villa Strangiato reaction? Our boys LIV have indeed come a long way :)

I saw them in 72 in my high school cafeteria when I was 14, when they were just another bar band, playing the bar circuit in Toronto, high schools, anything they could book. Cost me $1.25 to get in. Absolutely blew the roof off, and have been a fan ever since. Your honorary Canadian toques are in the mail!

This tune speaks to every blue collar, hard working person out there. RIP Neil Peart

10:35 "they're killing our facial muscles and shit." In the heavy metal world we have a term for solos that do that, we call it "face melting."

Alex Lifeson is one of the most underrated guitar players EVER!

Rush is one of those bands where every one is like top 5 of all time in their own instrument. Amazing band.

At 58, I listened to this in high school. Seeing your heads bouncing in rhythm to the music takes me back 42 years to my rocking high school days.

The Black Sabbath comparison is entirely appropriate, IMO. Someone once called the riff to "Working Man" the "best Sabbath riff Tony Iommi never wrote".

Rush was considered a nerd band because of their technical, almost mathematically approach to making music. They understand what sounds good on a more technical level than most musicians. Like George said at the beginning, he doesn't know why he immediately likes the sound; well, rush does.

"You're God damned right!" a few lines in. Welcome to Rush fandom.

That opening riff just sounds absolutely gigantic. Hits you like a train when you first hear it

Rush has a spot in a very privileged list of accomplishments. Rush is one of only three bands that have released 20 or more consecutive certified gold albums. The other 2 bands?? The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

History lesson time :) This song was from Rush's 1974 debut album. The most important thing to note here is that the drums are played by John Rutsey, who left the band before their first tour for health reasons. He was replaced by Neil Peart, who remained with the band until their recent retirement. In addition to drums, Neil took over the lyric writing. If you listen to a lot of Rush, you'll notice that the lyrics on this first album are rather juvenile compared to what came later. This song (and the rest of the album) was recorded when the boys were 18-20 years old. As a Canadian band, they were getting no attention from the major record labels, because those labels were all US-based and didn't take Canadian acts seriously (for the record, Heart was also primarily a Canadian band, and I suspect this record label prejudice was the reason they relocated to Seattle). So ... Rush recorded the album on their own dime, and released it independently. Cleveland radio DJ, Donna Halper, somehow got a copy of the album, and played Working Man on the air. It was an immediate hit in Cleveland. As I understand it, Cleveland was having significant economic problems at the time, and there was high unemployment. So this song about being a "working man" resonated with the people there. The success of this song in Cleveland resulted in the record companies taking notice, and the band got signed by Atlantic Records (I think), who re-released the album for widescale distribution. The rest is history. I have contact with Donna Halper through another site, and I'mma send her a link to this reaction video to see if she wants to add anything (and correct any errors in my Cleveland information).

Since I am a construction worker, this has always been my favorite Rush song.

George: "Let this not be hot!!" *first guitar chord* George: "Playlist"

I had the same face as George during that solo (with my eyes closed) and when I opened my eyes and saw George sliding down the chair I laughed out loud 😆😆

The reason Geddy's voice works, is it sits above the instruments, allowing the music to shine.

There’s a story told by Geddy Lee about how they got their start on the radio. Apparently a DJ in Cleveland (probably WMMS 100.7) had to use the restroom and be needed something long enough to cover the time he’d be gone. He saw this record on the table or something and saw the length of the song. He played this song for the very first time ever (I guess nobody had ever played it anywhere else) and when he came back from doing his duty the phone lines were exploding. Geddy has stated that if not for Cleveland Ohio, Rush would not have been heard of and loved coming to Cleveland as a result.

After saying, "My mom listened to Rush," saying "My mom is cool as hell" is no longer necessary. We knew that. :p

Rush was a total geek's band back in the 70's and 80's and I was always one of the few chicks at their concerts. The only concert I would go to where there was absolutely no line for the ladies batheoom.

Alex Lifeson's solo had George melting in his chair 😂

"Ya goddamn right!", has to be the best immediate reaction I've ever heard.

Keep these heavy ass riffs in perspective, 1973... It's still heavy. But in 1973 it was groundbreaking. Right along with Sabbath,. I love this reaction. Good choice gentleman.

I was a Rush nerd in the 70's. This was the leading theory back then. The song has two parts: day and night. The day is the lyrics and the boring repetition of a working man. Goes to work, comes home has a beer and goes to sleep and dreams of how he is much better than he thinks he is (instrumental middle 8th). Then repeats the first lyrics as he wakes up the next day.

Before George mentioned the similarities in the guitar tone between Black Sabbath and this Rush song I had never considered just how similar they really are. Amazing and very true! That acapella singing comment had ROFLMAO!!!

Suddenly it's 1974 with RUSH's first album. This was just the beginning to the living legend.

RIP Neil Peart

*RUSH SUGGESTIONS* (sooo many, where to begin?): La Villa Strangiato (instrumental...pad the floor, because you're gonna slide right outta those chairs) Red Barchetta Limelight Vital Signs The Spirit of Radio Freewill Natural Science The Trees Subdivisions Losing It Distant Early Warning The Enemy Within Xanadu A Passage To Bangkok The Twilight Zone Anthem Fly By Night etc., etc., etc.....

"You're God damned Right!" Absolutely hilarious reaction.

Alex Lifeson - most underrated guitarist ever... and this is 1974

It's time. Megadeth - Hangar 18 Also, Rush is absolutely nerd rock. Complex time signatures and rhythms, progressive song structures, high concept albums and songs, and a singer with a non-commercial voice.

Imagine our boys here reacting to 2112... lol. I'd love to see that next time

Ged's voice on this album is classic and epic. John Rutsy's drum beat was perfectly groovy/funky. Alex's guitar tone, total bad ass.

Rush is a band of GENIUSES!!!! Probably because the are Canadian lol 💜

You just gave me the best advice for solo guitar ever. Do not forget the groove behind the solo! I totally agree that it is sometimes missing.

I've never been a Rush fan but just watching your appreciation of this song might have won me over, allowing me to listen to them with a fresh ear.

“Alex, how many solos do you want? “All of em bud”

As a 51 year old Rush fan, I appreciate your appreciation for Rush. You two are very entertaining. Well done!

As mentioned by others, Roundabout by Yes! I will ride and die for this song and band

RUSH: Geddy, the singer, plays bass and keyboard too. So he will play some bass lines on a pedal board under the keyboard - with his feet - live - while he's playing the keyboard, oh... and singing. peec and donuts

The late John Rutsey on drums.

Alex just rips a patch in this tune. You're right, the best part is at the end when the riff theme comes back. It's just solid song writing. It's exactly what your ears want to hear for a song like this. These guys were geniuses...

Rush has always been considered a nerd band because most rock songs are about feelings but Rush songs are about thoughts.

There a three gods in Canada: beer, hockey and Rush.

Y'know… I like a lot of Rush but I gotta admit - I've been sleeping “Working Man”. This shit is *fierce* - I'll take this over “Tom Sawyer” even… Damn!!! 58 years old, and I'm *still* learning

Opening riffs and lyrics begin....George says, 'Yer god damn right!' priceless and perfect comment! Hilarious!

Lost In Vegas, don’t know if y’all know this or not, but one of the most amazing things about Rush is that they are a trio. Many great bands are trios, but Rush just has a certain magic about them that just clicks. Geddy Lee on bass, keyboards, and vocals Neil Peart on drums Alex Lifeson on guitar These three are incredible musicians and are highly revered guys. By the way, there is a fantastic Rush documentary called Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage that shows the history of the band. Gotta have some more Rush, guys!! P.S. unrelated, but definitely gotta get back to the promised Jinjer reaction y’all said y’all’d do in your first reaction to them! “I Speak Astronomy” would be amazing for y’all!

5:01 Yeah 5:07 HehYEAH 5:15 Oh yeah 7:04 Yeah 7:11 Oh yeah! 7:15 Yeahahaha 7:21 Yeah! 8:33 uhnyeah 8:40 Yeah 8:51 Yeah! 8:57 Yeah, tight!

"What kind of music is Rush? It's RUSH!!!"

Guys, Geddy sounds like another lead instrument- and he is: lead vocalist. Man that’s maybe one reason it does work so well. Talented man this band’s that way no doubt. Bass and lead simultaneously man. They guys rock!

RUSH is my all-time favorite band, stoked you guys love them too.

Rainbow - Stargazer (!!!) Black Sabbath - Heaven And Hell (!!!) Queensrÿche - Eyes Of A Stranger (!!!) P.S. I will not stop suggesting these

Rush is able to get you into the music like few others. It’s amazing how good you feel within seconds of a Rush song intro and forget all your worries.

Geddy Lee is the lead singer. He said in an interview that his voice couldn't be heard above the music so he had to move to a higher octave to be heard. That's why he sings so high. You should react to Led Zeppelin's "Since I've Been Loving You."

This was Rush's first hit single, and it jump-started their career, all thanks to a program director at a Cleveland rock radio station. Interesting bit of trivia: Neil Peart is not playing the drums; he's not in the band yet.

i had to listen to this reaction again today to honour Neil Peart, one of the best!!! RIP

Thats my fave review of yours...I just love watchin you guys react...its a LOT of fun!

Rush is/was considered a nerdy band mainly because of the sci-fi/fantasy themed lyrics in many of their songs, their technical musicianship, and because they weren't that well known early on. But now that label doesn't fit as much today because what was considered nerdy is more accepted in pop culture, many bands are technical these days (in large part because of Rush's influence on prog rock), and Rush is definitely not an obscure band anymore.

Listen to 2112 by Rush ! It will change your life forever !

Geddy's voice tone is all incorporated into the tones of all instruments, these men are Master Craftsman of the Art of Music. If it's not "all" incorporated they are not recording it! That's why it works, it's flawless, it's RUSH! #RUSH4Life

It's amazing to me that I always come back to these RUSH reaction videos. The way they just appreciate all the different components like the solos, the rifts, the change ups, or even just the amazing lyrics. My father (RIP) got me into them young and they became our thing. They remain my favorite band and these dudes reactions are priceless to me and I've watched a lot of their reactions to some of my favorite songs. Just in awe and appreciation for their raw views to classics!🖤

Amazing to note that Alex Lifeson was only 19 when this song was recorded.

I LOVE YOU GUYS!! George getting stank-face fatigue! lol Rush, our hometown power trio, awesome. FACT: When this was released in '74 it was getting no US attention until a morning DJ in Cincinnati, a very blue collar working town, threw on a promo copy of this tune he found in the mail. Folks were calling up the station asking when the new Led Zeppelin album was coming out, requesting this tune! It was so relatable to so many ppl on so many levels. Like you George, who couldn't wipe the stank off your face! lol It rose up the charts from there and put Rush on the map. ('Rush'-Beyond the Lighted Stage' awesome documentary) Cheers from 'the 6ix'

I am 50 years old, grew up in 80's Michigan, listening to Rush, April Wine and Triumph. I'm also a 25 year cop. Given current events, I'm so happy music can bring us together. God bless you both.

The soloing on this song is so heavily Hendrix influenced...love it!

Subdivisions definitely

*Rainbow (with Dio) - Stargazer* And Rush is simply amazing. If you want to do more Rush, consider Witch Hunt. The message in this song is relevant now more than ever (and I'm also fairly certain that the song will blow you guys away). Another beautiful song is The Garden, which really shows the band's evolution and to me shows everything Rush is about. If you do this, consider doing the live version from Dallas from the Clockwork Angels tour. It's on the official Rush youtube channel.

I took my son to his first concert in 2010 when he was 16, and I gave him the choice of Kiss or Rush. Rush came out of his mouth before I finished the question. Geddy's voice was shot, but it didn't matter.

Love the reviews ! You guys are the best!!!

Rush - Subdivisions, engaging lyrics, incredible drums, great song overall.

"I could listen to this all day." Well, good, because the guitar solo is coming up.

I always considered Rush to be a dungeons and dragons kind of band. Or lord of the Rings, lol.

I've watched several of your reaction videos and I have to say that I really love the honesty with which you express what you guys think about the songs and how they make you feel. And you listen to the whole song: rhythm, melody, beat, groove, solo, etc... Keep up the great work. As an aside, I lived in Las Vegas for 21 years, graduated from Basic High School in Henderson. I was a transplant from Chicago and now live in Virginia. Your intro to your videos makes me nostalgic for the time I was in LV. Peace!

This is from Rush's debut album, which was very much straight-up rock 'n roll. After this album, the original drummer left and Neil Peart joined the band. That's when they really started to go into a heavy progressive rock direction, as Peart was a highly-skilled and technical drummer who introduced complex time signatures and complex musical composition to the band. He was also a gifted and well-read lyricist who added a lot of depth to the band's songs. The band's core audience in the 70's and early 80's was most definitely stoners and rockers though. I guess most of those fans grew up to be kind of nerdy, hence the whole "nerd rock" thing.

Geddy Lee’s voice works because it cuts through the heavy guitar, distortion major baselines and incredible drims. Where everything is heavy and intense and sometimes intricate Geddy's voice stands high above it with a distinct sound that some how works.

They say RUSH is a band nerds liked back in the 70s for 2 reasons. 1.) They are SO FREAKING GOOD & technically precise & lyrically deep. 2.) 70s was the age of disco & weeny lyrics.

You guys crack me up. I love the analysis.

People considered it nerd music back in the day because they came out with caress of steel and 2112 and they had long story based complex songs that weren't really marketable as singles. so if you listened to them in the mid 70s you were probably a music nerd. That being said I'm a music nerd and Rush is my favorite band!

Crazy thing is it’s only three dudes making that much sound

the best reaction to Rush: you're goddamn right.

It actually brought a tear to my eye watching you guys discover Rush in these videos and seeing how their music has affected you. I've been a Rush fan since the early 80s and now I'm 50 and I still love this band. As a base player I have to say that Rush was one of the biggest inspirations for me as a musician. I love these videos, guys. I'm supposed to be working but I'm binge watching the reaction videos. So much fun.

Yes- Roundabout (best bassline of all time)

Rush - La Villa Strangiato

Truly enjoy all the reviews but especially the rock bands of the 70's, 80's, early 90's that included fantastic musicianship. You guys obviously have great appreciation for skill in a multitude of ways as you almost always pick up on it. Keep up the great work...and great reviews.

Blessed to have seen them live about 6 years ago, here in OUR hometown of Toronto. They blew my mind. Played Moving Pictures in it entirety and could have been on vinyl instead of live. Note for note just smashed it! Great little vignettes they did as well throughout the show. Amazing band. So much sound and talent in just three men.

RUSH IS THE GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME!!!!

6:29 Nerds flocked to this band when the drummer was replaced and the new drummer started writing songs with sci-fi/fantasy inspired lyrics with a heavy intellectual/philosophical focus. The music became much more complex as a result. This album is sort of an anomaly in the band's catalog because the vibe is so different than anything else they did after this

Rush=flawless. I love all the videos, gentlemen. As a long time fan of so much of the music you highlight, it’s most enjoyable to see the glee I feel when listening! Wishing you continued success!

I would love to see the reaction to "The Camera Eye". It was an overlooked classic from Moving Pictures, Rush's epic '81 album.

I'm a Rush fan. My boy thinks they're terrible, but he made me a mix CD of Rush's greatest hits. It was BLANK!!! lol I had good laugh off that. Neil Peart may be the greatest drummer ever.

When I saw them lead of for Zappa this was the only song they had that was played on the radio. The beginning of a journey for me. What a great journey it's been

I. Freaking. Love. This. Sh%$!! Good call gentlemen!!.. you both nail these reviews every time!! I really appreciate you guys' videos!!! 🙏🤜🤛🏾🤛🏾

It’s all about “Subdivisions” man! That is the shit right there dude!!! You guys gotta fuckin do it! And I wish you would do another Maiden reaction to “Wasted Years” the riff in the beginning of the song just hooks you right in 🤘

RUSH--Red Barchetta. Lit.

you guys are GREAT....I saw Rush play this with the original drummer live in high school!....I even met some very nice girls at that concert....that I still know today!!! PEACE and ROCK from Canada!

There's always a bit of a funky groove thing in 70s rock/hard rock. RUSH, Black sabbath, Grand Funk, Deep Purple etc all had that.

Rush has been, is and always shall be my favorite band. Freewill is one of my all-time favorite songs, period. For what it's worth, check out another stand-out Canadian band from back in the day, Triumph. The song Never Surender was such an amazing piece of work.

Absolute classic tune! You had me rolling with the reaction to the solo. I've always interpreted the crazy soloing as the band putting in their work for the day. Definitely fits the theme! 🤘

I like your reactions because it takes me back to my teenage years when I first heard them and my reaction was so similar. Just loved listening to them so much. My first rock concert ever was Moving Pictures; what an experience!