Rush - Subdivisions (REACTION!) 

What you hear Neil playing on these recordings is exactly how he played them live every single time, note for note, beat for beat. Dude was a beast. GOAT.

I am a drummer. Saw them many times. He played it EXACTLY like it was played on the album. When you listened to him in concert you gained an even greater sense of awe at his talent.

Neil played Subdivisions note for note, beat for beat, every single night.. No deviations.. That's why he was and will forever be THE PROFESSOR.... 🥁

I've listened to Subdivisions over 1,000 times in last 40 years...this is still a stone cold masterpiece in songwriting, arrangement and performance.

Alex lifeson is one of the most underrated guitarist ever. He is brilliant

The greatest 3 piece band in history. Hands down.

"Nowhere is the dreamer or the misfit so alone." That was my childhood.

Neil said playing a Rush concert was like running a marathon and doing math at the same time. Unreal, otherworldly talent

I hear this song and I’m instantly 10 years old at the arcade playing Centipede and Zaxon.

To think that so many people stopped listening to Rush after Moving Pictures is a shame. Brilliant song from a gem of an album.

What is really mind-blowing is Geddy not only playing complex bass parts AND singing, but then playing keyboard parts AS WELL! TRIPLE THREAT!

Steward Copeland......of The Police, one of the best drummers in music ever asked Neil Peart about the air drummers that play along with him at Rush concerts, "Dude....How do you get that? I want that." Neil: "You have to play it the same way every night. So they know it and they can play along with you." Steward: "Ok, well I ain't playing it the same every night. Can't do it."

This song changed my life back in the day. YES...the musicianship is a masterpiece, but the lyrics really capture the essence of growing up in the late 70's and 80's in suburban America. Brilliant.

Stewart Copeland said recently in an interview with Rick Beato, he told Neil he wanted 40,000 air drummers at each concert when The Police played live, how did he get that reaction show after show and Neil told Stewart "You gotta play the same thing every night" and Peart did just that, his mission was to play as close or as correct to the studio version as possible.

Trust me.............Hearing it live is no different! The GOAT has his own table! RIP Neil

My all time favorite Rush song. When my son was 10 or 11 he had a lightbulb insight about this song - he said, "It's kind of like the story of the City mouse and the Country mouse - you don't like where you are at or used to, but when you finally get to that other environment that you dreamed of, you see the reality and you start to miss where you came from."

Ive seen RUSH 14 times. Trust me, Niel pulled this stuff off perfectly EVERY SINGLE TIME! The whole band was the most professional and polished band in the game. They NEVER let their fans down!

This song.....on the car stereo....while driving on an empty highway at night....in the summer....!?! Stellar.....goosebumps!!

I wish my dad were still alive to watch your reactions to Rush. Can't help but think he would love yall.

Neil plays every note of this song live to perfection! It was amazing to see live (twice). The great NEIL PEART

Finally, my favorite Rush song. Glad you guys loved it.

This song is a masterpiece. Every part is composed and live... Neil plays every part as in the studio version.

Geddy's bass line taking us into the chorus is so nice.

This song has a special place in my heart. My late brother and I shared a love for Rush and this song in particular. Thank you for the reaction ❤

Guys, you would be surprised (or maybe not) to see this song live. Yes, Neil nails his parts with precision every night. Geddy moves back and forth between playing keyboards and bass, and even Alex while playing guitar also plays bass for a few parts with foot pedals while Geddy is playing bass. They really are an incredibly talented band!!

I was a 15-year-old freshman in high school when this song came out and I felt like the lyrics were written specifically with me in mind. Rest in peace Neil, you are missed every day.😢

My absolute favorite Rush song! The beat is sick. Still, in my 50's, when this comes on the volume goes up to 11. Thanks guys!!

Huge RUSH fan here. your description of Geddys voice is spot on, Ive always said their music takes me on a journey and Geddys voice has a kind of an innocence that helps the journey along. thank you much for the enjoyment.

10:29 One amazing thing about Neil is that, yes, he does play it the exact same way live. Literally hit for hit. He was a monster.

It's hilarious that you say "no way he could play that the same way every night" because Neil is famous among drummers for doing exactly that. You guys should check out a live version of this song

This song cemented Rush as a favorite. It came out as I was struggling to fit in 2000 miles from where I grew up. Struggling with my parent’s divorce. ‘Subdivisions’ spoke to how I felt at the time, and still do sometimes to this day. Thanks for reviewing.

The live versión in Cleveland "Time Machine tour" IS glorious. Three men playing like gods

Peart had memorized every nuance and every beat of these songs when performing them live. There were thousands of fans air-drumming right along with him in those shows, and they would know if even a single tom hit was missed. Phenomenal. Also, note that the lyrics also mention a person whom after moving into hectic city life, pauses to remember the quiet comfort of his suburban upbringing. It’s multi-layered, profound lyric writing at an unparalleled level.

Neil Peart's nickname was "The Professor" because he DID play it the same each time. If you watch a live performance when they scan to the audience, you'll see an army of "Air" drummers, all playing the exact same fills and bars in unison, because Neil played all embellishments the same way, each show.

RUSH equals talent that will never be matched.

Seen Rush live over 30 times and they did this song pretty much every concert after 1984 and Neil played every lick exactly every night, like he did for every song. Peart never changed anything live except his drum solos, otherwise, every song sounded like the alum cut every night. Geddy’s bass, singing and keyboards were always identical and so was Alex Lifeson. There was a couple songs, like La Villa Strangiato, where Alex would improvise his guitar solo a bit, but 99% of the time, every guitar solo was the same, every note, every chord, every arpeggio, every harmonic and even every pinch harmonic was perfect, just like the original cut from the album. In fact, I don’t think I have ever heard many bands, other than Rush, who could faithfully reproduce their recordings as precisely as they could. They were amazing and I will miss them a lot. They’re one of a kind for sure.

Neil Peart was not just an incredible, technical drummer, but was also a well read intellectual who wrote all of Rush's lyrics. And during the choruses, it's Neil's voice you hear saying "Subdivisions".

RIP Neil. RIP John Rutsey. There will never be another band like Rush.

I saw RUSH in the 80s, 90s, and 00s. They ALWAYS sound perfect. They play exactly like the albums. They were one of the greatest live bands I've ever seen.

I love this song. It came out when I was 16. Lyrics and musicianship as always top notch, just a bit different sonically. Welcome to the 80's. I love what it says about growing up..... cruising the big city for action. Then once you're grown, you long for the peace and quiet of the suburbs. Excellent review!

Neil Peart said this is his all time favorite song to play, and you can literally hear why. GOAT

Neil nailed it live every night.

Rush's reputation for virtuosic performers and performances is well-earned. What this reaction highlights is what great composers they were - each of their parts integrate perfectly, even as they change time signatures and keys, and the drums always compliment Peart's musical counterparties. Great musicians, but also great creators.

Ahh, man…this is what I love about you guys. I’m 53. I’ve been listening to this since I was 11. I saw RUSH play this live at least 8 times, and was brought to damn tears every time. This music means so much to the fans….but after 40 fuckin years, you can start to take it for granted. You two help us to hear it for the first time again. THAT is music appreciation at its best. Just now when Alex’s guitar solo reached its peak, I got chills. Thank you for that.

They are very sincere in their “corny” lyrics. They mean it

They could play this song 1000 times and Neil would play it note for note every single time, that was what he was.

At 10:51 Find any live recording of this song that you can, and Peart played it note-for-note practically every time. He actually took great pride in that skill.

Peart is and always will be the most mechanically sound drummer of all time. It’s not just his insane ability that astounds, but rather his surgical precision of filling rudimentary spaces with unique atmospheres. The pop on his snare is warm and crisp at the same time. He blends rhythms of jazz, funk and R&B disguised as rock. Just an absolutely phenomenal talent. RIP 🙏

Every time a Rush album came out, the bar on drumming was raised.

This song shows off some of the things that I'm sure influenced Danny Carey, some of those fills and accents, and the syncopated odd-meter hit. Neil Peart opened up so many avenues of expression. One of my fav Rush tracks.

The song that made Rush my all time favorite! Remember listening to this on repeat on RU-vid. When I went to bed after listening to this song 100 times. One time this song came on the radio the moment I went to bed after already listening to it a 100+ times... that confirmed my belief this was my favorite band of all time!!!

I grew up in the Subdivisions of Toronto (Scarborough) when RUSH put this out and man, I swear Neil Peart wrote this song just for us!! It describes my teenage years so well I can picture with clarity the "Basement Bars and Backs of Cars" Geddy is singing about!!! Thanks for, showing this one and you're welcome for the experience!!

Neil Peart’s nickname is “The Professor” for a reason. He was a living drum clinic for other percussionists to study. A masterful artist. As far as I’m concerned, he is the G.O.A.T., hands down. R.I.P.- Neil Peart; long live “The Professor”.

I just watched an interview with Stewart Copeland where he mentioned that Neil Peart played every fill exactly like the album every night because he didnt want to disappoint the fans that would air drum in the audience

The way Neil makes the smoothest, technical drums sound so effortless... always blows me away.

Love love love Rush, what a pure and amazing band. What blows my mind about this song is that the first time I heard it, that synth sound and line just felt instantly nostalgic which is so mindblowing to me. Everyone in the band a humble virtuoso and genius. If you're a reader, check out Peart's books. Incredible writer and thinker. what a wonderful man and band. Love that ya'll listened to this one.

This song is the definition of perfection-from the drumming to the lyrics to the bassline, the synths, and the tastefully beautiful guitar solo. Everything, absolutely everything is perfect.

The instrumentation, syncopation and groove during Alex's guitar solo from all instruments was, as you say, 'nasty'. Unfrickingbelievable the sounds and technicality Rush created.

You hear exactly what the GOAT is doing on the album, at the concert! That's exactly why Mr. Neil Peart is the top of the drumming heap! R.I.P. Neil 🐐

Absolutely right on man with the Reading Rainbow analogy.

RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary

Rush always prided themselves on being able to reproduce their studio work live. And they always did!

Imagine a world where you've reacted to 100s of jams and knowing you have at least 50 years of jams you haven't got to yet. It is amazing seeing you guys enjoy music I've loved my whole life. 2112 was my 1st exposure to Rush, and I knew, these guys were different. Enjoy your journey.

Suburbia in the early 80's. This music brings me right back to those days.

I had the privilege to see Rush live. Neil was such a perfectionist he was almost note for note to the studio version.

thank you guys for helping me listen to this "for the first time again" through your ears. you guys are wonderful.

Neil played this (and pretty much every other song they wrote) the same way the last time he played it as he played in the recording. He memorized every song and pretty much replicated it live every night on stage. So, there is a method to the madness in his playing. That's what made him so great. RIP Professor!

George nailed it. This is one of the best drum performances from Neil and probably my favorite Rush song.

RUSH and TOOL-insane lyricism, amazing guitar and base and two of the best drummers ever.

I was fortunate to grow up in Toronto during the 70-80s and went to every Rush concert I could afford. Usually at Maple Leaf Gardens but also other venues like Massey Hall and Exhibition Place. Sometimes they were the opening band and then more often they were the headliners. Max Webster very often opened for them and you should check them out too. This is so much the music of my teen years.❤

He was even better live. (Seen 24 times). More dynamic. And like Gen Zs work a stick shift, He wasn't thinking about drumming, he eas just experiencing the song the way his body & subconscious always had. Thats when you can improvise without losing time, and truly be an Artist, a "virtuoso" of your craft. It's what is special in being an innovator. The requirements happen subconsciously and your conscience paints over the top. Applies to Musicians, Carpenters, welders, engineers, and fo sho Athletes. ...IMVHO. 🌈✨ The more you know. ✌️

My favourite Rush song. Song 2 on Signals is The Analog Kid and is basically a sequel to Subdivisions. The misfit dreamer dreams of escaping the suburbs. It’s more upbeat and positive and is my second favourite Rush song. Absolutely glorious. You should do that one next.

Just to clarify for Ryan. Yes, he played it note for note. Every time. That's why he was the professor. This is also during the 'no repetitive fills' era. Neil's goal was to do a different fill every time. That's why it sounds like mini-solos.

I always read a social commentary into this song. How our society has changed with the changes in our own habitat. Subdivisions divide society into tribal units where the common interest of neighbors have had an impact upon how we live our lives. The value of being accepted by those around you becomes of paramont importance forcing a tradeoff of what may be our own individual strengths and abilities. "Conform or Be Cast Out". This is a departure from America's rural past where the farming community depended upon individual contribution to a smaller family unit. It is an amazing early 1980s comment on the changes to society that is still ongoing today.

Subdivisions is a perfectly timeless song. The message holds true today.. I listen to this song and to me, it is about life and current events at any given time in history.

As a drummer, this is my favorite Rush song to play along to. Every part is so meticulously crafted, and as you guys pointed out at the end it is a perfect balance of groove and technicality. No one can do it like Neil could!

Love you guys. This was pure pleasure to watch. When watching you respond to a song we've loved for decades, in a way we get to hear it with fresh ears and a renewed appreciation. Thank you guys.

This dude was a machine and this song was played identically night after night. The end in particular takes a lot of stamina.

It is actually a great idea to put a statue of Neal Peart at Pearson Airport (YYZ). Rush were one of the best things to come out of Canada, along with the Hip and Tea Party. The Tea Party has that same effect of sounding like an orchestra even though there's just three of them. Speaking of which, "Have we heard all the dope shit?" Hell no. Check out the Tragically Hip - New Orleans is Sinking, which you will love, and the Tea Party - Sister Awake, which I don't know what you'll think of but it's definitely unlike anything else you've listened to, and you'll appreciate the musicianship.

Man this band means so much to me. I was lucky enough to see them 12 times before they packed it up. I know that’s not much compared to a lot of older fans but I was 22 years old when I saw them last so I’m pretty proud of how many of their concerts I made it to. They were my first concert ever when I was 9 years old. My dad took me and I saw every following show with him. We really bonded over this band and unfortunately he passed in 2016 so whenever I listen to them I just have memories of the shows I went to with him and listening to them in the car. It’s hard to listen to them without tearing up honestly. We went to Toronto for a show on their last tour and my dad and I made it to the R40 DVD that they recorded that night. I’m glad you guys enjoy Rush. They’ve been one of the biggest parts of my life.

Last time I saw Rush live (R30 tour) they played this song. ❤️🤩 one of my favorite bands.

These guys are so fun to watch. Their enthusiasm for music is infectious!

THIS was the 1 Rush song I've been waiting for you guys to react to. Love the content, thanks for getting around to it, one of my favorite Rush songs. Pearts drumming is completely out of this world and drives the song start to finish.

Watch it live .....it's ALWAYS the same every time ....that is what is incredible

Neil's technical proficiency, was almost inhuman. Every time he played was exactly as precise as it was on the album. I'm 60 years old; and have seen RUSH many, many times; and every time, it was an awesome experience.

One of my favorite songs. Can play it on guitar and keys, but that drumming is a standout. Superb drumming from Mr. Peart.

Gentlemen I am about to give you the biggest compliment i can. I have heard this song 1,000+ times and watching your review and analysis made it sound to me like it was the 1st time hearing it. I discovered different aspects I never noticed that you both pointed out. Love your reactions. Be well, keep doing what your doing and God bless.

Peak 80's sound. Can't get any better than this

George singing "Chase your dreams and something your fears" in a cheesy Geddy voice made me laugh out loud!!! I love Rush, but yeah, they do be like that sometimes! Well done!!!

Rush can replicate the studio live like no others. PERIOD🤓

I can't wait for ya'll to hear Red Barchetta, and Witch Hunt. Both very deep concepts, the first fun and exhilarating, the second dark and creepy. Neil Peart was also an incredible lyricist.

Never really got into Rush but I've always loved this song! Glad you guys enjoyed it.

Loved it when you recited the Lyrics and broke down the said feelings of the Words. Well dissected and true.

The best Rush reaction video ever. Just continue with the entire first side of Signals. Banger. This is why you guys are the best.

Its funny they site Reading Rainbow, because it was about 10 years after this and this was the sound they were trying to copy at that point.

Rush was even BETTER in concert!!!! Even BETTER!!!!

The song is about growing up being a teenager and trying to fit in with certain groups. It can be hard being teenager cause you really don't know where you belong and you're also trying to figure out who you are. This song was definitely fitting at the time that it came out. The world was changing, the introduction to technology, politics going crazy, hormones, video games etc. Neil was a great lyricist and hands down the best drummer the world has had the pleasure to listen to and or witness in concert. RIP Neil "The Professor" Peart.

Yes, it does sound the same live!

I love this- these guys are not only entertaining as hell but they are extremely perceptive about music and instrumentation. Full of grins with this one. Y'all brought me to tears with your appreciation of the great Neil Peart.

The best Rush song. Still get goosebumps after decades of listening to this album.