The Bass Line That Separates the Good from the Great
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
- Let's embark on the journey of one of the greatest instrumental songs ever. Of course, it's from Rush!
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0:00 Song Background + History
1:51 The Intro
3:45 The Transition
4:15 The Main Riff
5:57 The Fills Section
7:29 The Bass Solo Section
8:48 The Guitar Solo + Synth Section
10:18 My Thoughts
#rush #bassist #bassplayer #yyz
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair Use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. The original work played in this video has been significantly transformed for the purpose of music education. - Hudba
This is why RUSH will never be copied or outdated. They are truly one of a kind set of musicians. RIP Neil and God bless Geddy & Alex.
Amen
They truly are a band where there is no "best" member. They are all masters of their craft.
Truly awful!!! This is nothing but noise... How people confuse this with music is amazing..
@@48Ballen - I wholeheartedly agree! Truly awful Nothing but noise.
How people confuse this as coming from someone who isn't a hate-filled dweeb is amazing.
See how that works?
@@48Ballen well i guess you could go back to hillbilly music or bust out crying country
Rush is untouchable!! I have been a fan since I was 16 & I am 65 now!!
Great reaction and your bass playing is awesome.
You’re right Ged is a beast. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t get any better than Ged, Al & Neil. Keep Rushing!! 🤘🎶💜
I used to like the song " Stereo" from Pavement and at some point the lyrics says:
’What about the voice of Geddy Lee
How did it get so high?’
I was thinking who the hell is Geddy Lee. I did my own research just out of curiosity and that s how I discovered Rush
I was blown away ! I instantly became a big fan.
This story happened in 2022, i was 49!
54 myself! Love Rush! Been listening since I was 14!
@@Boss_Tanakathat’s a great story!! Keep Rushing brother!!
Agreed Lisaharrison1031. I am 64 now and have been a Rush fan since their first album. Musical background in HS, and sang in a few garage bands since, had some fun with it.....Rush blew me away from the start. A lot of my cohorts were put off by Geddy's vocals but they fit! Seen them 6 times through the years and loved it. This CZcams vid so perfectly illustrates how badass and tight all 3 of them are. RIP Neil, and best wishes Geddy and Alex.
You mean spirit of the radio correct@@Boss_Tanaka
For anybody new to Rush, please watch the 'Rush In Rio' version of YYZ - it's fantastic, and the crowd knows ALL the lyrics! 😁
🤣🤣
Cheeky,...very, very cheeky,...LOL
And i like it,...LMAO! :oP
That is a great show though,...agreed.
Glad you chose a live performance. These three guys played like this night after night for 40+ years and killed it every single show, never phoned it in or slacked off. Just an awesome band. RIP Professor Peart.
Yeah they were a three ring circus, you never knew which one to look at.
If only they played rock and roll
@@1StinkyFinger Sorry they didn't live down to your baseness. For guys like you there's always Nickelback.
@@RCAvhstape Nickelback is worse than Rush! What's in that mellow Canadian water, ehh??? There is no rock and roll DNA there for sure.
@@gb6003 You also sound like a Nickleback fan. Or maybe Limp Bizkit is more your speed.
When I was in my 20s I was a pretty good bassist and could play a lot of Rush songs, but damn, I never could play YYZ at the right speed. My fingers just couldn't move fast enough. Mad respect to any bassist who nails YYZ.
I’ve played 40 years and know a small part in closer to the heart. It’s the only Rush I know. I was doing Maiden, Metallica, Pantera, lol. So I have the speed, three and four fingers sometimes (double thumbing). I live in Neil’s hometown and grew up on Rush, so it’s ingrained in my head but not my hands 😂.
@@PhonePole68 Yeah, Rush basslines are extremely difficult. I remember how frustrated I was when I started first playing bass how I could only play a few of the simpler Beatles, Stones, Who, and Led Zeppelin bass lines. It took a few years to get to the point where I could play some of the easier Rush basslines. Not that there's anything wrong with simple basslines - I stopped playing entirely during my 30s and 40s and developed a repetitive strain injury. I can't use my left pinky and I can't play for too long, so the songs I play now tend to be fairly simple basslines, and I've developed a real love and appreciation for them. I try now to focus on playing in the pocket as much as possible (lol, I'm still not great at that) and trying to lock in with the drummer. Totally different to the "hey, look at me" approach I took in my 20s. But now it's just about having fun and enjoying myself, while back then it was super serious and obsessed with trying to get our band signed and quit our regular jobs, lol. Way less stressful this way.
@@jerejaco just found out my other shoulder is torn. The Who the real me I can do, or roundabout by yes. 13+mins of Rime of the ancient mariner np. Pain is bad at certain points, in some songs. I wanted an upright but that’s out of picture. No motorcycle, bicycle. And the wife complains about my limited positions 😂😂😂
I have tried for years to nail this. I can get the opening bit, and the first part. But can not hit the solos. I see kids (age 7) in CZcams playing it, and I actually get annoyed. 😂
Same thing with the latter parts of Freewill, I have the first part of the solo, till he really takes off and I can only throw up my hands
This is possibly the best breakdown i've seen on YT regarding this tricky song. You cut to the chase and play it well then go on to tab it ...superb.
I really appreciate that! Thank you! More to come 🤘😊
before Neil died, he sais in an interview that he was about to start learning to improvise cause as he said he s a compositional drummer. he always wrote exactly what he was gonna play in every song. imagine if he had the time to combine the two,....... R:I:P:
neil wrote all the parts for Rush's music, even the lyrics. he truly was a composer
Alex and Geddy wrote most not all but most of the music especially early on, but Neil had input on the drum sections obviously. @@DE-GEN-ART
Neil improvised a bit in his solos. He's talked about how no two nights were the same.
@@DE-GEN-ART Neil wrote the lyrics to almost every song, Geddy and Alex added the music
He continued to literally take lessons from drummers in different genres even at the height of Rush’s popularity. He was always adding to his skills.
I make this confession: I have been a passionate Rush fan since 2112 was released in 1976, and I have since played electric bass in a dozen or more rock bands of many styles, and although I am no professional musician, I rock it nonetheless. I will learn to play almost anything, but I don't play Rush songs, because I won't do them justice. I will remember Rush music as those three massively talented masters played it. ❤ Neil, Alex, Geddy ❤
As a Canadian, I thank you for acknowledging the correct pronunciation of the song's title at the beginning: "Why-Why-ZED!!!"
I assume most Rush fans know the backstory, but for anyone who doesn't: YYZ is the location identifier for Pearson International Airport in Toronto. After months-long worldwide tours, the exhausted trio would always rejoice at the sight of their luggage tags displaying YYZ - it meant they were going home! What more inspiration do you need for composing one of the most badass prog-rock instrumentals of all time?
Also for pronouncing Peart correctly
@@marpsr For those of us who remember life before the internet, we grew up pronouncing his name "pert" like the shampoo. Also, Moog was pronounced like "moon" instead of "mogue". And YYZ was, if you were an American, yy "Zee". We only had album liner notes and magazine articles to go by, and there wasn't an army of pedantic a-holes correcting us every time we spoke.
Just who is Zed, and why is he being questioned? 😆
@@davidjorgensen877 All true. As well, they could hear the repeating Morse Code for YYZ coming from the cockpit as their plane would be on final approach into Pearson. It's that rhythm that inspired the opening.
“dash dot dash dash, dash dot dash dash, dash dash dot dot”
The vast majority of musicians go to bed each night wishing they could be as good Rush, and wake up to the sad reality that they will never be .0001% as good as Rush.
Great breakdown!
Rush were such an astoundingly great band. Absolute professionals, too. I'm hard-pressed to think of another band that worked so hard to provide their fans with the best possible product. I recall an interview with Geddy where the interviewer asked him how he prepared his parts to play live, and his response was something like, "What the hell was I thinking when I wrote this??? Better get out to the woodshed and get practicing."
Rush supplied the best value in musical entertainment in my lifetime. Imagine they fed our ears, our minds, and even moved our hearts. I cannot even express the gratitude i have for them being who they are. I may have stayed an extra year with my first girlfriend. We were not meant to be BUT we loved to hang out and listen to Rush and smoke a doob! Great times.
The WAL Mk 1 bass .. such a great tone and a great era for rush i think he toured with this bass on power windows hold your fire presto and roll the bones before going back to the fender
Geddy toured with the Wal bass from "Hold Your Fire" to "Roll The Bones". He recorded "Power Windows" with producer Peter Collin's Wal bass but, used his Steinberger for PW tour.
An excellent breakdown of Geddy’s nifty play on that gargantuan instrumental, especially live. What a truly impressive display of his talent. In fact, Geddy is one of the most multi talented musicians in rock.
And imo, they’re the greatest trio EVER. I saw them live in ‘ 83 during the Signals tour, but they also performed every song from the Moving Pictures album. Will never forget that. Then again, Rush IS unforgettable !!
If Rush isn't your favorite band, then they most likely are your favorite band's favorite band...
Well said!!!
I always liked Rush but having this reviewed by a musician really drives home how very special these three guys were.
The amazing thing about Rush is that the three of them went out on stage live and did this shit in front of thousands of fans and NEVER screwed it up. If it was different than the record, it was because they decided to do it that way just for us.
I think Alex and Geddy play the guitar and bass like they're one instrument.
been a fan since '74. seen them 6 times, always loved the music, and still rock to them. Rush 4 ever.
Well, I thought I was a bassist until these whacky Canadians arrived on the scene! Amazing. Untouchable.
Saw Rush first time on the Permanent Waves tour in London my home town. Then at Wembley Arena for the Moving Pictures. They played the entirety of 2112 & my favourite instrumental La Villa Strangiato which Alex Lifeson is quoted as saying used to be their most difficult track to play live due to it’s changing timings.
Awesome band, for 3 guys, defo the best rock bassist & rock drummer of the modernity. Lifeson is superb also.
What makes Rush even greater in my eyes is the amount of pain they went through in their personal lives, and still they managed to create something so beautiful!
I had to play intensively many hours a day for a couple of years before i was able to play like Geddy Lee. His style is just so powerful. But after my fingers got use to ripping of bass strings and crushing stones, it was so rewarding to play Rush style of bass lines.
I knew it was gonna be YYZ. But Geddy's piece on La Villa Strangiato (Hemispheres) is even more challenging.
Definitely. Not as well known though.
agree
Dude, as sick as YYZ is, the thing about Geddy Lee is that he is playing crazy bass lines but then he is also singing across them. For example, Digital Man off Signals: listen to the chorus. It blows my mind how he is able to play that bass line and hold a lyric line that syncopates but holds the vocal notes at the same time. Nobody else can do this. He is just so good.
This song is so sick it made me barf! God I love YYZ...and so much Rush music!
@@davidprice6222yeah trying to play it guitar bass or drums it's badass
i’ve been lucky to experience Rush live from early days to the last tours. More even than their incredible musicianship, composition & performance, it was the great sense i got of the joy & fun they had playing together that i remember most.
Lifelong drummer and teacher here... YYZ is one of the easiest Rush songs to play on drums. As for the bass parts, I would imagine it is challenging, but I wouldn't know. La Villa Strangiato is the a kiiler drum track and the bass lines in that one are CRAZY.
First time hearing Rush. This literally blew my mind!!!
Literally? Then how did you write that?
Welcome to the Rush lovers club. Pop in a CD or put on an album, crank it up, and rock out!! 😄
RIP you.
Most people say that about their "first time". Congratulations, you are no longer a Rush virgin.🤓👍
@@zwastiunburzy3688 C'mon now most Rush fans are virgins lol
Subdivisions come out in this era. Man, that song kicks ass. Neil never repeats any fills. I love that song.
Love that song. It's all about high school clicks
I have seen them 9 times live in their hometown! First show I saw was on March 24 1981 at Maple Leaf Gardens. The price on the ticket was $10.50 Canadian dollars. Just looked at the ticket. No words to describe how great these guys are. Been a fan since they started. To think, they played at the high school I went to. (a few years before I got there) One of the best, if not, the best power trio's EVER!
My first Rush concert was on the 2112 tour, with Max Webster opening.
For several years, they played Maple Leaf Gardens every New Years Eve! The show always sold out so quick, they always added a second show the night before, and for 4 or 5 years straight, I went to both! Sadly, I didn't get the chance to see them much in the last few decades, but thank goodness for the internet and youtube, we will always be able to enjoy their live performances for ever, right up to the end and the R40 tour! Master musicians all!!!
Had to play this at a backyard party way back long ago. Other guys were MONSTER musicians and I kinda suck on bass. Pulled it off with a pick and a LOT of ghost notes. People just kinda fill in the ghost notes with their imagination when they know the song so well. Had a few people tell me afterward how great it was. I laughed my ass off knowing that I only really played about 1 in 3 notes of the actual song.
Big Rush fan here in the upper Midwest. Geddy Lee could have easily been the most popular musician in Minnesota for quite a few years. Huge Rush fan base there. Every time I see Geddy I still recall those days in the eighties.
How can one group have the best drummer (no one better), the best bassist (or at least top three) and a top 10 guitarist. Just so much sound out of three people! Thank you for the breakdown. 😀
1/1/and top 5.
I was in a restaurant in Toronto this January and Geddy was there. Without being creepy it was cool to watch him interact with his table. Seems like a great guy.
Lol to Dobby chillin' in the dark diggin' some Rush! Killer song, I will never get tired of hearing anything Rush. Geddy is the man!
i also love how getty gets the nose involved to move the mic stand. The nose is awesome
So often, the bass guitar is basically more of a background instrument. I like that Geddy had a tendency to bring the bass out into the forefront quite often, because his bass playing is badass.
Great review - and unlike most music reviewers on Youtbube that do the ridiculous “oooh ahhh wow” commentary but couldn’t play or sing a note of it, I greatly appreciate the fact that you understand and explain the music theory - and can also play Geddy Lee’s amazing bass lines! Well done, sir. I’m a guitar player, but have shared this with my son, who’s a pretty decent bass player and I know will appreciate your analysis and playing skills.
Just one final comment… while your review is mainly focused on Geddy with kudos to Alex, I can’t let this comment go without recognizing the incredible percussion of the late, great Neil Peart - aka “the Professor”. These three Canadian boys made incredible music that will continue to be appreciated internationally for decades to come. 🇨🇦
Thanks a lot for saying that! I try very hard to both do the research AND be able to play it well. Means a lot!😊
If it separates the good from the great only by playing, try to imagine creating it. They're superhumans.
Great job here! I was lucky enough to get Alex’s Garrison acoustic from him back in 2009. RUSH forever!
Love Rush, this song and your enthusiasm! Saw them live on the Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Presto tours, amazing each time! I've been a fan of the band and YYZ since 1981, RIP Neil
Geddy Lee plays bass lines that confound many lead guitar players. The first album I purchased was "Moving Pictures" and it remains a favorite today.
Ah RUSH, the backdrop to my whole life. Thanks guys..
This gig at Birmingham - I was there. The first time I ever saw them. Phenomenal.
I can't even watch anything about Rush without getting tears in my eyes. I really miss them.
greatest group of friends ever.
Yup. 3 brothers by choice. Can’t imagine losing your best friend and coworker at the same time. The dinner they had was an amazing snippet into the relationship they had. Don’t think there was a band that had the same level of closeness.
The intro is the Morse code sequence for the letters YYZ...that's the Toronto Pearson Airport code that the band would hear broadcast in their headphones if they were in the plane's cockpit while approaching Toronto every time they were coming home from a trip.
It's a song about the thrill of homecoming.
Awesome breakdown and playing man. And the tempo on this performance is merciless...
Amazing demonstrations of the bass solos. This is a worthy performance to feature and thank you for the research and work you put into this.
I saw Rush live around this time -- maybe even this tour, or maybe in 1986 -- where Geddy, during the section where he trades off with Neil, totally screwed up. He looked out at the audience, shrugged, and moved on. It was amazing.
"Btw, are you a bassist?". Regularly, after watching Geddy, I don't feel much of one, to be frank, lol. Grrrreat breakdown! Annnd, I'm suscribed...
The Mighty Rush - the gift that keeps on giving.
The Mighty Who and The Mighty Rush are two of the greatest bands, and certainly live they are the best. Cheers mate!
The bass he is playing was his Wall bass, which he started playing around the Power Windows era through Presto and Roll the Bones, after shelving the Steinberger, but he eventually went home to the Fender Jazz bass that he bought at a pawn shop some time before Moving pictures when he first started playing it. I don't even think he knows which tracks on Moving Pictures are the Rick 4001 or the Jazz. Also, the guitar Alex is playing is a Hentor. Like Ged, Alex first recorded with a Fender (that he borrowed from a friend) on Moving pictures, beginning to move away from his Gibson ES-355. He played starts, then the Hentors, and then a brief time with PRS after they re-formed on Vapor Trails, but went back to Gibson, with customized Les Paul models, many with a piezo saddles in a floating Floyd, later to become the Lifeson model, with Life-o-sound (2 outputs, one being the piezos). Personally, I never cared for the Wall or Hentors instruments, but what was even worse was Lifeson's endorsement of GK (Gallon Kruger) amps (yuck) which were used after the Marshall amps, but before he discovered Hughes & Kettner, which he played live until the end, only adding his signature Lerxt botique amp, not unlike the HiWatt amps he started with back in the 70s up through 2112. Dong get me started on all of the effects they used over time, key boards, wireless systems or Palmer speaker simulators, when Alex finally went D.I. But I will say that for the final 20 years of rush, he used Yamaha processors and Fractal AxFX, where Geddy ended with SansAmp and an Orange going through a Palmer. But don't discount the BadAss bridges on most of his bases as a contributor to his amazing tone. (Ok... That was long! Sorry)
I don't see anyone answering your question, but Geddy is playing a Wal bass (and Alex is playing a Signature guitar, and Neil is playing Ludwig drums). This was a time when they all were playing "off brand" equipment for a while.
Being a big Rush fan I have to agree with your assessment on how freaking good they all are as musicians. Your breakdown is awesome and very educational.
This is the most informative, fascinating, and coherent breakdown or reaction video I've ever seen. You know your subject backward and forward, and you have a high level of speaking energy that projects enthusiasm gives excellent clarity and immediacy to your exposition. Now I goota go see more of your channel!
Thanks so much! Comments like this is the reason all the work put into creating these videos are worth it. More to come! Appreciate you! 🤘
@@BassFreedom I love your enthusiasm for this song and Geddy's playing. I see from the comments that this was some people's introduction to Rush. Thank you for that. The world must hear these three virtuosos.
2:14 Can agree on the air drum effect at a Rush concert. I saw them play in Rotterdam in 2009 (I think it was) and there were dudes there who took their drum sticks just to air drum more convincingly.
Great video, and great analogy. Geddy's prowess is unmatched by anyone else I've heard. Rush's prowess is hard to beat for absolute musicianship by anyone. Yes comes close, but different style completely. I saw Rush only 6 times starting in Oct 77, and they were just amazing every time. There are bands who sound good on the record and suck live, many of them. Rush is one of those bands who manage to sound better live, than what comes out of those speakers in your living room. Their mastery of the craft is evident whatever song they decide to put up for consumption. It is sad that their days came to a close with the passing of Neil, but Rush will hold a place in my musical mind always. Thank you for the video.
There is a lot of great players out there! But as far as tight and complex very few can stand with Rush!
You earned my like!! Since I got nailed by the Delta virus in 2021 I think I played my Bass twice. Kinda got a spark but it's bed time. Great Job Andrew! May have to check out your channel! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎
Love Rush - as a drummer, I have always mostly focused on the drums. Go figure. However, after listening to them for the last 35 years, I love falling in love with Rush all over again, via Bass & guitar. Alex and Geddy are brilliant.
Great analysis. Never got to see them live in Australia, we missed out, but have enjoyed all their records. Thank goodness for videos and youtube.
Know how you feel. I'm so glad that I heard them the first time in '76, but I also feel ripped off that they never toured our great country. RIP Neil Peart.
Been a big fan since 1978 and I remember Molly Meldrum mentioned the album Moving Pictures on Countdown in 1981 and talked of a possible tour which sadly never happened.
RUSH is in IT'S OWN CLASS!!✌❤🤗 Part of the Soundtrack of My Youth
Of the many RUSH songs I won't attempt to play on the bass, this is THE one I don't even bother with, simply because I don't believe I can play fast enough to keep up. I've been listening to RUSH for 50 years, having first heard Fly By Night in the spring of 74'. My eleven year old brain was lit on fire hearing that music. Especially after hearing Anthem and then Bytor and the Snowdog. It was a far cry from anything else I heard - and I grew up with a jazz and classical guitarist for a dad and 3 other brothers who listened to heavy metal bands and of course, there was, Hendrix, Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad, and every kind of Prog Rock band exploding onto the scene. RUSH stood apart from it all and in my opinion, still does
Interesting to realize that , according to Alex, none of them had any but the most basic music lessons until much later. Phenoms, all three.
I love that Wal bass sound!
It's actually played on a Rickey
Just to tidy up your intro, Alex is a licensed pilot and was inspired when listening to the Morse code identifier for the Toronto nav radio. Morse code for YYZ is (dash dot dash dash, dash do dash dash, dash dash dot dot. Thus the 10/8 time required to imitate it.
It’s a Wal bass to answer your question at the beginning.
Literally came to the comment section to say this LOL 2:27
true dat. Cheers!@@bretwalker2295
Yeah, this lad wasn't even born when "hold your fire" album came out. That was the era.
@@bretwalker2295 Yep, me too.
I saw them in concert, and they were the three loudest musicians on the planet. I'm not a mosh pit type person, but you can't help but head slam to this.
Well done! Great breakdown of this song and baseline! Incredible song!
The Morse code for YYZ was actually first heard during a Training flight with Alex a student pilot and his flight instructor with Geddy and Neil in the back seats... when Alex and his instructor tuned in the Identifier Neil heard the code and told Ged that would make a great rhythm. THis is how it was told by Geddy in an interview.
The story behind the genesis of this piece of music goes like this: Alex is a pilot. Alex was piloting a small aircraft near Toronto International (Pearson) and both Geddy and Neil were aboard. The radio was squawking and Neil heard the YYZ airport morse code identifier within the aircraft and asked Alex about it. They thought it was a neat sequence which they could play with musically. The rest is history.
Glad you clarified that it's Y.Y.Zead as RUSH is a Canadian band. It's Y.Y.Zee as translated by our U.S. compatriots.
Take off, hoser.
Zed
Zed rules !!. There is only one country I know where its pronounced Zee. Pilots and ham radio operators (even in the US) mostly say Zed (Zulu) to differentiate from Cee and Dee and Eee etc.
@@Snowdog070 Using the phonetic alphabet isn’t the same thing as just saying the letters. Pilots, ham, police, and military use words in place of just the letter names. You don’t say “ped” or “ed” or “ded” so why say “zed?” B, C, D, E, G, P and Z all have the same sound but you only differentiate one of them?
Last point taken but being an amateur radio operator myself I can say that even US operators mostly say Zed with Zulu being the worldwide phonetic expression for Z sometimes called NATO Phonetics, ie. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie etc. It is what it is. Only one country says Zee.@@rapid13
Fantastic video! Great analysis and transcriptions with examples to see/hear. I am currently reading Geddy's book "My Effin' Life" while listening to him read it to me on Audible. It is fascinating, and I have a whole new level of appreciation for Geddy upon learning about his background and early career stories. You're right about YYZ, it IS hard to play! Your video here is superb, nice work!
Thanks Blake!!🤘
Thank you for pronouncing Peart's name correctly. Even Hawkins pronounced it wrong during the induction WAY after Peart told us all how to pronounce it in "Jason Segel & Paul Rudd Meet Rush"
Two things, you mentioned Dirk's hair, he called that his Racoon Hair phase. The second and more important, glad that you picked this particular video. I've always loved the Wal Bass years. I've been playing bass for over 38 years now and have YET to lay my hands on one, much less see one in person, aside from the concerts of course. I love the tone to them, and was somewhat successful in getting my Ric to come close, never did with my Fender Jazz. But the Wal's have such a distinctive sound, much like the Ric's, which I suppose why Geddy went for it back then. Well done on the breakdown! Thanks.
Dirk !!
Great video! As far as the implied chording, I’m going to beg to differ. I’d call the first chord an A6 and the second a C6, although the notes are the same respectively as F#m7 and Am7. It just sounds to me as though they are starting on the root for each run. This song beautifully typifies a brisk walk through the Toronto airport, with its ecelectic set of sounds and moods. I met Geddy at a CD signing back in late 2000- he was very gracious- a true gentleman.
This is Rush at their purist. Just 3 of the greatest musicians you've ever heard playing their rear ends off in perfect unison, unencumbered by lyrics and melody.
I was 16 when this album came out. After I bought it, and heard this song I was dumbfounded as to how 3 guys could possibly produce such a huge sound. Needless to say, I was the best air drummer on the block (Tom sawyer)... lol...... Cheers to RUSH. One of the greatest bands of all time!!! Thanks for being in our lives
I air-drummed to Tom Sawyer and Red Barchetta 12” single when at Uni in the early 80s - just loved Rush. Still do 🇨🇦🇫🇴
Huge rush fan, Geddy specifically. I would name Henrik Linder as candidate to carry the torch. Three piece as well - Dirty Loops.
Thank you for this video! I heard Tom Sawyer for the first time when I was 11, and instantly became a fan. Had no idea who Rush was, but after hearing that song I listened to the classic rock station that played it, hoping to hear the DJ announce who it was. I believe they had released "Power Windows" about that time. They are truly inspirational and unmatched virtuosos.
This was a great video man. I liked and subscribed.
That still sends a chill up my spine 👀at 61 years mold 🤣
One of the 1st bass lines I learned....Geddy lee is GOD
This performance is significantly faster than the album version. 😮
Don't forget it was nominated for a grammy for best rock instrumental but lost to Behind My Camel by The Police, a mellow and almost-ambient piece that was pretty much just Andy. Musically compared to YYZ, "Behind my Camel" is really minor league but these things were popularity contests.
This is so great. As a bassist, YYZ is such a blast!
Thank you. Loved the breakdown and your playing along to show the lines. Very cool.
Your enthusiasm is infectious! Thanks!
Your Great!! You play your version i believe. Rush were under-rated for years. Now!! They are Greater than ever! 😊😮😮😊😊
At 6:26 even Neil looks up at Alex and is like “Damn!”
The untold story here is the Neil and Geddy laid down this rhythm section and Alex came in not only “keeping up with it” but just slaying the rhythm, bass lines and beautiful dynamic solos that are as inspiring as the rhythm section. Rush is a trinity. I use”is” on purpose. They still live on…
This video randomly popped up in my feed and I'm glad it did. Excellent breakdown, and excellent playing.
Thank you for recognizing the Canadian pronunciation of Z.
Great video. Thank you.
The Theory break down is good for us, but I am sure that Geddy and Alex were not thinking like that. As strange and counterintuitive as it sounds, RUSH write and play by Feel.
This song was built by Geddy and Neil in a Jam that Alex was flying Remote Control airplanes for, he came in later and added his Guitar parts which probably happened over the next week or so as they refined it to a 3 min song. He was into Allan Holdsworth at that time and that is the inspiration for the Lead Lines (Chorus) and Lead.
Geddy is a Monster Bassist's with a very heavy hand, Beating the Bass while still keeping control. And even in the KeyBoard days there are more singable Bass lines on one album that most bands entire catalogue.
Heard a reactor say Alex’s solos reminded him of Kirk from Metallica😂😂. Lifeson has this phrasing that matches his humour. He likes things that he can jig with live. His solos are in left field. That’s why no one sounds or plays close to him.
I've been trying to get those solos for ages - this was the best instructional vid I've yet come across (and I've been looking!). Thank you!
Awesome Mark! Thanks man! 🤘
Every real person knows that this is the best Band ever. Nothing comes close 🙏🏼✌🏼
Great video! I share that admiration for Rush and many other proggers! BTW there is a song with wonderful bass lines (almost taking the lead) called Northern Lights by Renaissance. A very playful bass sound in I Hear Your Voice by Jadis, at some parts doubled by the electric guitar. And some wonderful bass work can also be heard in the bridge section on Dark Ages by my all-time favourite band Jethro Tull.
Amongst the many things that impressed me about Rush, was Geddy staying true to the 4-string bass, and not messing around with 5 or 6 string rigs.