Eddie Van Halen was once asked ( back in the 80's ) 'What is it like to be the world's best guitarist?'... He responded 'I don't know, you'll have to ask Alex Lifeson'.
Nice story, but urban legend. It's been said about every combination of guitarists you can imagine. Hendrix / Clapton, Clapton / Gilmour, Van Halen / Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc, etc. That said, Alex is certainly one of the elite legendary rock guitarists.
Guitar Player 1982 83 85 86 2nd best rock guitarist. 1984, 2008 he was number 1 which proves your point he was not underrated. I do think as time went on he was more forgotten in terms beyond Rush. But he's been in Movies, Trailer Park Boys ETC. But I think since The Lighted Stage hes been getting the flowers Lerxt deserves
@scottshields113 It would seem that since Neil has passed (😭), they all have been getting recognition. I hope we can all keep their music alive. I thought no band could ever reach the level of super 3-piece like Rush, but I'm starting to have hope again 🤘
They did it and not mainly can achieve the sound like Rush has with just three players. They each were able to do some much with all of their limbs@@jonathanspahn7308
I saw RUSH in 1981 for their Moving Pictures tour when I was 16 years old - Hooked for life Saw them 30 years later for their Time Machine tour and took my 16 year old son - He is hooked for life My favorite band of all time and it's no contest!
As a fan since 1975 I can tell you that most people go to the bathroom during the drum solo. At a RUSH show you don’t dare leave the floor during the Professors solo!! Rush forever!! 🤘🎶💜
The thing with Neil he was so humble , never stopped listening and watching other styles of drumming , He talked about touring Africa and watching different villages regions play the traditional drums , Even at his peak in fame he sought out Freddy Grubber and took lessons ,Then in LA he sought out Peter Erskine and talked about going up his side walk with sticks in hand like a 13 year not knowing what to expect in the lessons
Alex certainly wasn’t over-rated. Under-rated, under-appreciated. What other band except maybe Triumph, had a single guitar player that made so much sound?
Geddy preferred to play thru stadioms monitors, Alex preferred Amps, inside of nothing but guitar amps on stage, they decided to put washing machines on Geddys side that atcually spun, a symbol of a new world man
Nice to know that they mean so much to you because they mean EVERYTHING to the rest of us within the Rush army. RIP Professor You will forever be missed.😇🕊️ PS: You asked for comments to recommend perhaps future Rush reactions. Might I suggest your reaction to either one(or both) The Necromancer and/or The Fountain of Lamneth . I’ve been a Rush FIEND since the beginning, and Caress of Steel is STILL my favorite Rush album, while Permanent Waves and Hemispheres are tied for a close second. PLEASE! More Rush reactions. You now have a new sub. Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand!
Hey Tommy thanks so much for the comment. I will definitely continue with the Rush reaction videos. There's so much more music and live performances to watch!@@TommyLMason
The main guitar solo in this song is one of the most beautiful guitar solos most "rock fans" have never heard. Another under-appreciated aspect during the solo is while Geddy is playing the high notes on the keyboard during the guitar solo, he's also playing bass drone notes on his Taurus foot pedals, which add so much additional texture.
This is definitely my favorite rush song, I was listening to an isolated live guitar track video of this a couple months back. Alex Lifeson is underrated in my eyes love the guy. I believe he wrote this!! And yes I’d say outside of Rush circles or Classic Prog circles he’s underrated because I don’t hear enough Guitar circles praising him. Usually Petrucci or Dream Theater comes up instead. My favorite part Section V: Monsters Is influenced off of Powerhouse by Raymond Scott which was used in a lot of 40s cartoons including Looney Tunes Although Section IV A Lerxst in Wonderland gets a close mention for how absolutely ethereal it sounds!! Rip Neil Peart!!
Yeah its a shame he's overshadowed by other more modern guitarists but I think over time he's gain more recognition. I was even suprised he was included in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitar Players! The Powerhouse by Raymond Scott tune definitely sounds familiar. Must have heard it on some old cartoon like Tom and Jerry. I can really hear the resemble. Thanks for the comment my man!
Thank you for appreciating their genius and your expertience - I have listened to them from the early days but never saw them live - do regret not seeing them
these guys proved that a three piece band can be top tier and tool make sure that you know it. maynard on top of the pile proves that everyone matters.
This was the first of two encores in Cleveland, the second Working Man is one of their best live videos ever. When they first wrote La Villa it took them 13 days to record, it was so hard they had to do it in 3 parts, by the time this concert rolled around they could play it in their sleep. 😊
I remember hearing about the La Villa story on the documentary. Not surprised about that! It's a beast of a tune. I will defienitely be doing a reaction of the Working Man live version you mentioned. A few people have told me to watch that now. Thanks for watching!
Other bands of today, such as Dream Theater, other prog bands, even Smashing Pumpkins, have talked about being influenced by Alex! DT even named a "Bar" chord, The Lifeson Chord, which Alex has been using since the late 70's. Same for Geddy & Neil, they are/were highly regarded by so many musicians! That is the ultimate compliment!
As far as the Appliances on the stage , Back in the 1970s the bands did not have the technology as now , So they had stacks of amps behind them , when they were no longer needed Geddy and Alex felt awkward with the space , So they decided on filling the space with the washers m dryers , popcorn machines. And others
Nothing to do with time machine. Years ago Geddy started plugging his bass into the arena's sound system, which left the stage behind him empty compared to Alex's amp stacks. To balance the stage they put various items behind Geddy - washing machines and dryers, chicken rotisserie cookers, popcorn machines etc.
@Timeritual I was very excited to hear both Witch Hunt and Vital Signs. Sounded great, cool visuals too. Working Man was a blast, though... great vid of that on CZcams!
The intro... A little horsing around, quick sound check. You noted Neil switching to traditional grip. Listen closely, a traditional grip has a much different sound with the left hand pulling/snapping the stick down onto the snare (a little duller, less reverberation.) While Neil is mostly using a match grip, myself I'm more traditional; alternating as needed but in whatever situation they produce slightly different sounds and have different stick reaction. Comfort zone vs not, so on etc. lol People say Alex is under rated because while a phenomenal guitarist with range and ability beyond most, much of Rush's music never saw radio air time so discussion in that realm is just not in the mix.
Interesting observations on gripping style. I myself am mostly matched but I sometimes switch to traditional because of how it feels in my hand and sound on the drum. Here's an example of me playing and switching between the two: instagram.com/p/CzhwFgatww8/ (this is all improv music so I was doing switching in the moment). That's also a good point regarding Alex. I feel as though they are now starting to get more and more radio play now that they are retired so it seems like he is becoming more recognized.
@@soulofanamelessbard that's a good sample of what I was trying to explain. Depending the snapping of the wrist with traditional grip one can emphasize the strike to the drum, or dull it a bit, even in a drag/flam type hit too. And of course other sounds and tones can come from the drum head based on where we hit the drum. Dead center, mid-range or near a lug for instance. Seems the most notable sound changes between match or traditional grip comes on hi hat. Whether the tip of the stick or shoulder. Getting a precise/even sound on hi hat is why I mostly would change hand grip. One other thing to note are the drum sticks themselves. Typically every pair of drum sticks are (should be) specifically matched to each of our hands. Some 40 years ago Modern Drummer had an article based on how best to buy a pair of sticks. Point being buy them but check their tuning first. A simple 'to do' when buying sticks. Ask the clerk for a few pair of sticks, let them know you want to 'test' them and may swap one here or there from each package. First step, roll them on a glass surface to see if they're straight. Second, one stick at a time loosely hold the stick between your thumb and forefinger about 3" from the butt end of the stick. Hold the stick near your ear about 3" below where you're pinching and flick the stick on the shoulder to give it a tone. Select a pair with the tone about a third of an octave from one another. The higher toned stick (if right handed) is denser and goes in your right hand (it's heavier.) Over time you'll realize how important it is, plus oddly, they seem last longer and you'll mysteriously feel like you're gliding over your drums easier because now you're balanced.
I definitely know more than what they play in concerts. Of course like any fan there are songs I listen to more than others. I tend to listen to more of their super proggy stuff from the mid-late 70s like Hemispheres and the synth driven work like Signals and Grace Under Pressure. There are probably songs I might have skipped over so feel free to recommend some!
FIRST TIME REACTION to RUSH Playing Natural Science at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto czcams.com/video/cICf87CGSDs/video.html
Eddie Van Halen was once asked ( back in the 80's ) 'What is it like to be the world's best guitarist?'... He responded 'I don't know, you'll have to ask Alex Lifeson'.
Lifeson deserves that level of respect!!
Every interview I’ve seen with Eddie he’s always saying Allan Holdsworth, but I can’t disagree with Lifeson being high up there!!
Holdsworth is another GUITAR WIZARD. Any live performances I should watch of his? Perhaps something with VINNIE COLAIUTA on the drums? @@WailingGita
Nice story, but urban legend. It's been said about every combination of guitarists you can imagine. Hendrix / Clapton, Clapton / Gilmour, Van Halen / Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc, etc. That said, Alex is certainly one of the elite legendary rock guitarists.
Not sure you find 18,000 people at a concert air drumming while listening to perhaps the finest three man power trio to ever grace a stage!
I don't think Alex is underrated, I think he is under-recognized outside of Rush fandom.
Good point, I believe he will get more and more recognized over time. He deserves it. Thanks for watching!
Guitar Player 1982 83 85 86 2nd best rock guitarist. 1984, 2008 he was number 1 which proves your point he was not underrated. I do think as time went on he was more forgotten in terms beyond Rush. But he's been in Movies, Trailer Park Boys ETC. But I think since The Lighted Stage hes been getting the flowers Lerxt deserves
@scottshields113 It would seem that since Neil has passed (😭), they all have been getting recognition. I hope we can all keep their music alive. I thought no band could ever reach the level of super 3-piece like Rush, but I'm starting to have hope again 🤘
Agreed! Would be cool to have a biopic too @@scottshields113
They did it and not mainly can achieve the sound like Rush has with just three players. They each were able to do some much with all of their limbs@@jonathanspahn7308
I saw RUSH in 1981 for their Moving Pictures tour when I was 16 years old - Hooked for life
Saw them 30 years later for their Time Machine tour and took my 16 year old son - He is hooked for life
My favorite band of all time and it's no contest!
Rush is a band that will live through the generations. This is a beautiful example why! Thank you for watching sir.
As a fan since 1975 I can tell you that most people go to the bathroom during the drum solo. At a RUSH show you don’t dare leave the floor during the Professors solo!!
Rush forever!! 🤘🎶💜
Naw you don't leave the floor, you watch in awe at a true MASTER of his craft!!
Truth!!
The thing with Neil he was so humble , never stopped listening and watching other styles of drumming , He talked about touring Africa and watching different villages regions play the traditional drums , Even at his peak in fame he sought out Freddy Grubber and took lessons ,Then in LA he sought out Peter Erskine and talked about going up his side walk with sticks in hand like a 13 year not knowing what to expect in the lessons
I believe all masters of their craft retain a child like wonder- always seeking to learn and go deeper. Thanks for checking out the video!
Alex certainly wasn’t over-rated. Under-rated, under-appreciated. What other band except maybe Triumph, had a single guitar player that made so much sound?
Geddy preferred to play thru stadioms monitors, Alex preferred Amps, inside of nothing but guitar amps on stage, they decided to put washing machines on Geddys side that atcually spun, a symbol of a new world man
I love your love for Rush
Thank you! They really do mean a lot to me.
Nice to know that they mean so much to you because they mean EVERYTHING to the rest of us within the Rush army. RIP Professor You will forever be missed.😇🕊️
PS: You asked for comments to recommend perhaps future Rush reactions. Might I suggest your reaction to either one(or both) The Necromancer and/or The Fountain of Lamneth . I’ve been a Rush FIEND since the beginning, and Caress of Steel is STILL my favorite Rush album, while Permanent Waves and Hemispheres are tied for a close second. PLEASE! More Rush reactions. You now have a new sub. Hold the Red Star proudly high in hand!
Hey Tommy thanks so much for the comment. I will definitely continue with the Rush reaction videos. There's so much more music and live performances to watch!@@TommyLMason
The main guitar solo in this song is one of the most beautiful guitar solos most "rock fans" have never heard.
Another under-appreciated aspect during the solo is while Geddy is playing the high notes on the keyboard during the guitar solo, he's also playing bass drone notes on his Taurus foot pedals, which add so much additional texture.
They really know how to layer sounds together. It sounds so full but there's only three. It's amazing to see the multi-tasking
This is definitely my favorite rush song, I was listening to an isolated live guitar track video of this a couple months back. Alex Lifeson is underrated in my eyes love the guy. I believe he wrote this!! And yes I’d say outside of Rush circles or Classic Prog circles he’s underrated because I don’t hear enough Guitar circles praising him. Usually Petrucci or Dream Theater comes up instead.
My favorite part Section V: Monsters Is influenced off of Powerhouse by Raymond Scott which was used in a lot of 40s cartoons including Looney Tunes
Although Section IV A Lerxst in Wonderland gets a close mention for how absolutely ethereal it sounds!!
Rip Neil Peart!!
Yeah its a shame he's overshadowed by other more modern guitarists but I think over time he's gain more recognition. I was even suprised he was included in Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitar Players!
The Powerhouse by Raymond Scott tune definitely sounds familiar. Must have heard it on some old cartoon like Tom and Jerry. I can really hear the resemble. Thanks for the comment my man!
Thank you for appreciating their genius and your expertience - I have listened to them from the early days but never saw them live - do regret not seeing them
I appreciate you watching and commenting! Thank you!
My brother in law paid my ticket to this show. On floor middle. I bought the shirts and programs.
What was the highlight of the show for you?
these guys proved that a three piece band can be top tier and tool make sure that you know it. maynard on top of the pile proves that everyone matters.
Just to note, the washing machines, have been apart of the stage representing - the days of playing on the basement practicing in Toronto.
I love that!
Nice react!
Thanks a lot! More videos to come!
This was the first of two encores in Cleveland, the second Working Man is one of their best live videos ever. When they first wrote La Villa it took them 13 days to record, it was so hard they had to do it in 3 parts, by the time this concert rolled around they could play it in their sleep. 😊
I remember hearing about the La Villa story on the documentary. Not surprised about that! It's a beast of a tune. I will defienitely be doing a reaction of the Working Man live version you mentioned. A few people have told me to watch that now. Thanks for watching!
Other bands of today, such as Dream Theater, other prog bands, even Smashing Pumpkins, have talked about being influenced by Alex! DT even named a "Bar" chord, The Lifeson Chord, which Alex has been using since the late 70's. Same for Geddy & Neil, they are/were highly regarded by so many musicians! That is the ultimate compliment!
Definitely, they are Masters...
Vanhalen was asked what is it like being one of the greatest guitarists , his response was I do not know ask Alex Lifeson
I did not know Eddie was into Rush like that...
Eddie and Alex were quite close
I didn't know that! That's cool@@shelleyharrop1419
Never happened
Alex can play anything, you can't put him in a box, listen to his solo on this song, it has many styles, RUSH is unique!
As far as the Appliances on the stage , Back in the 1970s the bands did not have the technology as now , So they had stacks of amps behind them , when they were no longer needed Geddy and Alex felt awkward with the space , So they decided on filling the space with the washers m dryers , popcorn machines. And others
Interesting. Did not know that
You can't hide in a trio,people will know.
👍 great reaction.
Glad you enjoyed
Nothing to do with time machine. Years ago Geddy started plugging his bass into the arena's sound system, which left the stage behind him empty compared to Alex's amp stacks. To balance the stage they put various items behind Geddy - washing machines and dryers, chicken rotisserie cookers, popcorn machines etc.
Cool back story. Thanks for commenting that
Listen to working man from this particular tour in Cleveland, it's an amazing version of this song and he thanks Cleveland at the end
I will check it out and post a reaction video for sure!
Just posted a reaction to Working Man! Check it out!
Alex knows how to fit the parts with out trying to over play ,
Exactly, that's one aspect he excels in
I was at this show in Cleveland! Fun intro, monster performance
What song was your favorite performance from their set?
@Timeritual I was very excited to hear both Witch Hunt and Vital Signs. Sounded great, cool visuals too. Working Man was a blast, though... great vid of that on CZcams!
Nice! I will check those out for sure.@@lazydada1062
The intro... A little horsing around, quick sound check.
You noted Neil switching to traditional grip. Listen closely, a traditional grip has a much different sound with the left hand pulling/snapping the stick down onto the snare (a little duller, less reverberation.) While Neil is mostly using a match grip, myself I'm more traditional; alternating as needed but in whatever situation they produce slightly different sounds and have different stick reaction. Comfort zone vs not, so on etc. lol
People say Alex is under rated because while a phenomenal guitarist with range and ability beyond most, much of Rush's music never saw radio air time so discussion in that realm is just not in the mix.
Interesting observations on gripping style. I myself am mostly matched but I sometimes switch to traditional because of how it feels in my hand and sound on the drum. Here's an example of me playing and switching between the two: instagram.com/p/CzhwFgatww8/ (this is all improv music so I was doing switching in the moment).
That's also a good point regarding Alex. I feel as though they are now starting to get more and more radio play now that they are retired so it seems like he is becoming more recognized.
@@soulofanamelessbard that's a good sample of what I was trying to explain. Depending the snapping of the wrist with traditional grip one can emphasize the strike to the drum, or dull it a bit, even in a drag/flam type hit too. And of course other sounds and tones can come from the drum head based on where we hit the drum. Dead center, mid-range or near a lug for instance.
Seems the most notable sound changes between match or traditional grip comes on hi hat. Whether the tip of the stick or shoulder. Getting a precise/even sound on hi hat is why I mostly would change hand grip.
One other thing to note are the drum sticks themselves. Typically every pair of drum sticks are (should be) specifically matched to each of our hands. Some 40 years ago Modern Drummer had an article based on how best to buy a pair of sticks. Point being buy them but check their tuning first.
A simple 'to do' when buying sticks. Ask the clerk for a few pair of sticks, let them know you want to 'test' them and may swap one here or there from each package.
First step, roll them on a glass surface to see if they're straight. Second, one stick at a time loosely hold the stick between your thumb and forefinger about 3" from the butt end of the stick. Hold the stick near your ear about 3" below where you're pinching and flick the stick on the shoulder to give it a tone. Select a pair with the tone about a third of an octave from one another. The higher toned stick (if right handed) is denser and goes in your right hand (it's heavier.) Over time you'll realize how important it is, plus oddly, they seem last longer and you'll mysteriously feel like you're gliding over your drums easier because now you're balanced.
It's all about dynamics, and Neil was a master at it.
How much of Rush do you actually know? Do you know typically what they play in concerts or do you know a little more than that?
I definitely know more than what they play in concerts. Of course like any fan there are songs I listen to more than others. I tend to listen to more of their super proggy stuff from the mid-late 70s like Hemispheres and the synth driven work like Signals and Grace Under Pressure.
There are probably songs I might have skipped over so feel free to recommend some!
tool does it.
REACTION to Working Man Live in Cleveland out now! czcams.com/video/k5zh6_58N2Y/video.html
The lights as well as the band jamming out. ✨️
yeahh! so good. I really enjoyed this performance@@jackteppo9633
Anyone that says Claypool is a better bassist.....
I think Claypool would agree with you!