RUSH WEEK! Guitarist reacts to Rush - La Villa Strangiato 

Rush week lol, ya gonna need a month, preferably a year.

There is nothing better on YT than finding a musician that is just discovering Rush. These men are absolute monster musicians. Geddy and Neil were regularly recognized as some of the best at their instruments but I always felt Alex always got a little slighted. Not by Rush fans!! We know!! But by others. His use of harmonics, pinch and others, and the way he voiced chords and played his solos, I think he’s one of the most original and best ever! Can’t wait for you to dig into Signals and Power Windows. Keyboards came out front more during those years but the space that Alex found to play in was genius. Listen to Analog Kid, Digital Man and Middletown Dreams. I will enjoy watching this journey. I’m 51 and saw Rush 40 times live. They are truly the best!

This song was based on one of Alex’s nightmares. I don’t think anyone plays guitar like Alex Lifeson. He’s a master of emotional playing. His chords, his leads are an adventure.

It is a remarkably fast 10 minutes, many people talk about Rush time warps. Hours go by while listening to Rush but it seems like mere minutes. They always leave me wanting more. Keep exploring Tommy and I think you will be glad that you did. Your quiet reaction speaks volumes.

And his gob was smacked...

Holy shit what a song! Just got better and better.

This song is sub titled "An Exercise in Self Indulgence", which I think is pretty apt. One thing I really love about Rush is how each of them stretches in their role while playing. You're listening to the guitar, but then you hear the crazy bass riff, then you start sleeping on the drums & Neil reminds you why he's called "The Professor". It's not like a regular band, where the bass & drums are kind of placeholders while the lead guitar does its thing.

One of my favorite quotes ever is in the Movie “Beyond the Lighted Stage “ is when Vinnie Paul from Pantera was talking about comparing yourself to other musicians and he said “Yeah, I can play YYZ, but can you play La Villa Strangiato?”☠️☠️☠️☠️🎧🎧😂😎

Waiting for day 2112

Pretty tight band, I think they have potential 😳

Notice Alex is triggering effects with foot pedals...so cool.

Wait till you get to "Xanadu live Exit Stage Left", "2112 - The Cartoon Version" and "Working Man - Time Machine Tour in Cleveland" This song is based on a nightmare that the lead guitarist, Alex Lifeson had with the different movements of the song being the different parts of a nightmare. I've always imagined the abrupt end to the song related to the moment when your jarred awake from the nightmare when there is no resolution. I believe when they decided to record this video, the studio wanted to use the recorded track and mix the video and they said no, record is live this was meant to be live. They went in and knocked that out. I remember hearing an interview, I believe with Neil talking about how nearly every song was written to be played live. They rarely wrote a song just for the album, but the albums were what they had to produce to play live.

I'm classing you as a RUSH fan now. I hope, like me, in 42 years time you will find out how heart warming it is to see people discovering their music for the first time. You've barely scratched the surface man - I'm looking forward to your journey 👍🤘👏

Yep, that's how I felt too when I heard it for the first time. Alex Lifeson is one of the greatest ever.

Alex so under rated, it's criminal! RIP Neil!

Alex wrote this music based on several of his dreams, including nightmares. There was so much to it that the band took days to finally make a studio version they could actually play, but it took much longer to adjust it to the point where they could play it live all the way through. But these guys were so good that they could be playing some of the most complex guitar and bass pieces, Alex playing the synth with his foot, Getty playing keyboards, and still have the ability to joke around onstage. Truly amazing.

Don't feel bad. It's actually a great reaction! Because, anybody who has the slightest appreciation for music reacts the same way when they first hear this...completely dumbfounded! Hahaha! We all did, it's just that amazing. Just let it sink in and immerse yourself in the wonder and magic that is Rush! By the way, they have 167 songs. Are you going to be ok? 😅👍

Nooooobody expects the Spanish Inq... I mean La Villa Strangiato. "Sh*t, what have I just watched" is pretty much all that needs to be said really. This is why I love watching reaction videos. In some SMALL way, I can recapture just a little bit of that awe and wonder you can only get when you watch this sh*t for the first time. ;) Great work, and keep on the Rush rabbit hole journey, you have BARELY approached the field where the rabbit hole is...

One thing Rush learned was patience in a song, holding back, building up brick by brick and then it's just fire and beauty to the ear. And several times they do it in a song like this.

I've been listening to this amazing instrumental for 40+ years & I still get the chills when Alex goes into his solo...

Listen the studio version too. Its incredibly tight. ESL is at another level, believe it or not. But any versions are great. Great reaction!

The main recurring riff came from Alex playing along to Hannah Barbara cartoons in TV. After it was released it was realized that the riff was from Raymond Scott's "Powerline". Being the super classy guys that they are they immediately contacted Scott's heir to offer apologies and write a check. The family gave their blessing. Artists AND gentlemen.

THANK YOU for leaving in the "mind blown", long pause after it ended. Every bit as much a part of the Reaction. 👍🏽🤘🏽🔥 Definitely a song one listens to in a darkened room, laying down, eyes closed, with headphones cranked.

Rush took a lot of pride and attention to detail in trying to sound as close to studio recording of their songs when they played them live. Of course, this is almost impossible but it was that challenge to do so that made them sound so incredibly tight as a live act.

How I wish I could go back in time, to the 70's when my best friend had bought the first decent stereo system I ever got to mess around with, and he had just bought RUSH 2112. You kinda remind me of me on that day.

Never have I clicked a link so fast!! Welcome to their instrumental masterpiece!! Again, masterclass in musicianship, but that is par for the course when it comes to Rush!! They pulled out every trick in the book with this one. Alex brought the melodic, the atmospheric and definitely the SHRED!! Geddy did his typically amazing acrobatics with smooth bass grooves & perfectly placed synth/keyboard lines. And Neil, well, Neil was Neil. The Professor was in fine, FINE form!! This was, is and forever will be the gold standard for musical perfection!! Rarely has 10 minutes passed so fast! I'm glad you enjoyed it so!

There are a LOT (and oh boy do I mean LOT) of Rush fans who basically refuse to acknowledge anything the band did after 1982, but to legit musicians who never stopped following the band, Rush's peak musically and maturity wise was the 2002-2015 period. And let me be clear, I'm talking about LIVE performances. Anything from Rush in Rio, R30 Tour, Snakes and Arrows Tour, Time Machine Tour, Clockwork Angels Tour, or the R40 Tour will absolutely blow your mind in terms of musicality and maturity. Unless you're not into that sort of thing, then stick with the 70's stuff haha. Thanks for doing these!

Rush is a rabbit hole, for sure! They have so many A+ songs from different era's. From their first album, a Blues rock and very Zep/Sabbath like. then on up through the 70 with longer, more experimental pieces into Prog Rock/Prog metal territory, through to the late 70's early 80's and shorter more compact pieces, In to the synth ers and back to rock in the 90's always maintaining the high quality standards to detail but never making superstar status until late in their careers.They were the best kept secret in Rock and their millions of loyal fans were with them every step of the way!

And I love your reaction. This is what RUSH does to people when you realize just how good they are/were.

It's called being rendered speechless. For Rush fans this is a reaction we've all experienced and love seeing others experience. It validates our being fans as a great number of us have been fans from the days when they weren't appreciated as they are today.

I love when someone here's a part of music that blows them away, their faces response looks like they're disgusted by something. wonder why we react like that

Someone else has probably said it already, but you should listen to the studio version as well. Maybe it's not as impressive as playing it live, but from a technical standpoint, it may be one of the greatest pieces of modern music I've ever heard.

My older brother had Hemispheres in his Cutlass on 8track. I was 2 years younger and it sent me on my way .

My five and three year old sons know RUSH in the first few seconds of ther songs. My eldest says "How can they make so many sounds with only three guys? Are they the best band in world?" I tell him that RUSH is the most humble band ever, who happen to have the greatest players Canada has produced. They blow minds over and over again, and yet they never wanted the praise. They just pushed themselves to just get better and better, never resting on their laurels. Your reactions are genuine and I cannot wait for more RUSH reactions from you.

Simply Blown away just incredible musicians and an out of this world tune.

If you want great live rush instrumentals look no further than LEAVE THAT THING ALONE time machine tour, and one of their final great performances WHERES MY THING, HERE IT IS live in Dallas. Best wishes from a fellow up north (east). Ps if you want some guitar and bass to blow you away have a look at STEVE VAI, I'M THE HELL OUTTA HERE-- CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL, with a great bass player Billy sheehan. Also another great instrumental NOW WE RUN (SteveVaiHimSelf). Also keep an eye and ears on the drummers great performance in now we run.

If you haven't done Xanadu off of Exit Stage Left (live), you really owe it to yourself to give that a spin. 10/10 masterpiece.

This was about an Alex nightmare........well now you have fallen into his hole.....LOL. These are the three best players ever. "Leave that thing alone" Time Machine tour is a Lee bassist solo gem. Peart solo in Frankfurt is another gem. These two mentioned along with this Alex masterpiece will give you a taste of how each can bring smiles.

Dude,im telling ya!! Xanado,exit stage left,live version from 1981.you will b blown away!!!!!!!

In the Rush documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage", Metallica's Kirk Hammett describes Alex's part in this song as "the perfect guitar solo".

It's always good when someone like Alex puts my guitar playing in perspective...

I saw them live twice. Best concerts ever. RIP Neil.

Studio version please !!!!! This is great but that solo in the studio version is one of the most beautiful segment of music I've ever heard. You can't help to listen, close your eyes and be overwhelmed with the beauty of that middle section. Xanadu has to be next...This time take the live version from ''Exit stage left''... You'll give up your religious beliefs !!!!!!!! Trust all of us Rush fans on this one and take it to the bank!

Your 'live' reactions essentially mirror mine...and I grew up listening to RUSH and have attended a half dozen of their concerts. Indeed, RUSH is an amazing amalgam of musical talent. Great reaction!

About 1980 I showed up to beer fueled party, and somebody put "2112" on the turntable. I've ever since been a rabid fan. Folks, take in as much as you can. It's done, but like the great writers and composers, it's there for our taking.

“What have I just watched”? Perfection my friend... perfection. Or as I like to call it RUSH!!!

This song, in particular, showcases all three rather equally. My favorite bit is the snare-work during the quieter bits. Love this.

I think it is safe to say; Your mind has officially been blown! THAT IS, THE RIGHT REACTION

The original opening was on a classical guitar. It’s even more like waking up on a summer’s day.

A musical masterpiece. Welcome to your RUSH years. I’m on my 41st year in this rabbit hole. Loving every minute of it! 🍁🍁🍁

Kirk Hammett said in "Beyond the Lighted Stage" that the solo in this song, the way it starts so soft and builds and builds made him realize what a guitar solo could be. That it wasn't just the notes you were playing, but the notes you weren't playing... Also, this song was written beyond their already prodigious skills at the time. They tried to record it in one take, but had to splice the studio version together. Their skills obviously caught up with thier ambition. ;)

This particular video was in fact live. Minus the audience. This was filmed during an afternoon sound check.

The general term for this song is 'eargasm' .... and it certainly is that!! You said a ton during this reaction .... just none of it verbal - - your face was very expressive ;-)

The greatest rock instrumental made. EVER.

I saw Rush in Manchester a few times - such good musicians, all three of them giving 100% for 3 hours, amazing xD

Honestly.. you didn't need to make it wordy.. your reaction at the end said it all. Again.. you made me smile all the way through. Never though I'd get such pleasure from watching discover Rush for the first time. BTW.. when Eddie Van Halen was asked " what does it feel like to be the best guitarist in the world?" he replied " I don't know... you'd better ask Alex Lifeson...

Pretty much my reaction 40 or so years ago when I heard that for the first time.

The light show during this one always mov d me....those green lazers through the smoke....

I'll tell you what you just watched. You just watched 3 of the best musicians that ever graced the stage.

One of their best! I once tried to air-drum this whole song, and by the 6th or 7th minute I couldn't take it any more. :)

Great reaction because it’s how we all felt the first time we heard this song - and every time since 🤷🏻‍♂️🍺😀

Greatest instrumental ever. Before Rush week is over, may I suggest Headlong Flight from the Clockwork Angels album, it’s their final album and it’s incredible.

What have you just listened to??? You have just listened to three masters of the craft. Keep digging deeper into the Rush rabbit hole - you will not be disappointed.

Here's two of the things I've heard said about Rush. Eddie Van Halen was asked in an interview what it's like to be the best rock guitarist. He replied, "I don't know, you'd have to ask Alex Lifeson." Dave Grohl once said "Neil Peart is your favorite drummer's favorite drummer."

That was Rush. Great performance.

Interviewer: “So Eddie (Van Halen), what does it feel like to be the best guitarist in the world”. Eddie: “I don’t know, ask Alex Lifeson”. The most underrated guitarist on earth!

What I believe is so great and timeless about this, and really what sets Rush apart from other 'instrumental-prone' acts -- yes, this features a lot of complex instrumentation, varied bits, odd time changes and dynamics... but its not a jam session. Jam sessions force the audience to only be in awe of the instrument mastery with no other hook to keep interest. But this has a strong motif or two, which everything revolves around, in a subtle yet definite organized way. So even non musicians can really enjoy the listening experience, in particular the ability to be transported into a story or series of loosely related stories without lyrics. I can't emphasize enough how much we ought to appreciate these guys for choosing to keep their eye on the thematic ball, even in the late seventies when they were criticized the most for their musical self indulgence... they always knew to shape a musical conversation around strong themes and make sure to circle back around in the end. Just like any great story-teller or convesationalist, they don't just wander off into a thousand different tangents and topics without being tethered to the main themes characters or topics. Everything connects in a continuous flow even with all the seemingly abruptly changing sections.

7:37 "Listen to the bass as well": RIGHT before that mini bass solo. Perfect timing. This song liberally quotes an old jazz tune, "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott from the late 30's. I think the guys probably figured it was public domain, or they just didn't care, because they actually got sued by Scott and his estate, but long enough after the initial release of the song that the statue of limitations had passed. Turns out, old jazz dudes weren't listening to prog-metal in the 70's and 80's very much. The story is that Rush's label did actually pay a token royalty, even though the case was thrown out.

Nothing against ESL Xanadu, but it is of the same era as this video and it's a very long, complex and awesome piece of music, but it's the same era. If you are only doing 2 more pieces for Rush week, please please please consider Headlong Flight from Clockwork Angels (2012) as one of them. They were in their late 50's and hadn't lost a single thing from their playing. 7 minutes of awesome madness. Working Man live in Cleveland from Time Machine is a new twist on their very 1st hit (song released in 1974, reimagined in 2010) shows how they never lost a beat - a wonderful live performance and a strong recommendation for other song left in Rush week. There are 10 more things I want to recommend, but those 2 should be in your Rush week to keep your whet your apatite for even more in the future. I did like the 'mind blown' searching for words after they finished (as you will be at the end of 2112, at the end of Cygnus X-1 Book II, at the end of Xanadu, at the end of Natural Science, at the end of The Garden, at the end of ...) Is it possible that La Villa is the second best song off of Hemispheres (let that sink in)?

What have you just watched . . pure genius . . nice stunned reaction.

Transition from first guitar solo into that staccato part flawless. All the the transition are amazing 🤩

"Xanadu" Exit Stage Left (1981). Live performance. You'll be glad you saw it.

The GREATIST rock song EVER!!!! Fantastic reaction!!

Kirk Hammett said that this guitar solo was a huge influence on him. Check out the documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage"

I have seen several reactions of this video and I am so tickled. I can see that you were genuinely blown away. Funny that you said that you felt like you were waking up to this. The foundation of this song is Alex's recurring nightmares, which he transposed to his guitar playing... yes the sweet percussion and fat/jazzy bass are phenomenal and enhance it, but this is one of Alex's greatest pieces of work. He is commonly the least revered member of this solid triangle of this unsurpassed greatness. Word on the street is that the late great Eddie Van Halen was quoted (after being asked "what is it like to be the greatest guitarist today ") : "I don't know, why don't you ask Alex Lifeson "

I’ve been a RUSH fan for 44 years and I’ve always known them to be the best at what they do. I love watching and listening to reactions from people that have never seen or heard them before. It’s always the same. They are unbelievable.

It's OK, most people are speechless after watching this performance!

video 1: the song seems simple but good! video 2: the song has many layers. These guys are good! video 3: These guys are masters at this. video 4: "shit, what have I just watched? [ SILENCE ] " Man I am following the videos in order. It is a real pleasure to see a musician (you) discovering Rush in front of my eyes. To discover the quality of the musicians step-by-step, the seamless interaction between them, the depth of the techniques they use. As you mentioned in the first video 'It sounds simple from a distance' but when you focus on the details, it is mind-boggling. You moved from a first listener to become completely hooked after just 4 songs. Keep doing more videos like these. =D

Great reaction!! If people are good at reacting this is their usual answer “I “DONT KNOW WHAT TO SAY TO THAT....” well we want to hear them say after that, that was great... I GOTTA HEAR MORE...MUCH MORE!!

Being a guitar player myself, I love watching people react to this for the first time. You can see why the subtitle of this piece is 'an exercise in self indulgence.' They purposefully wrote something that would be extremely difficult to play, the stories of them trying to record this in one take are hysterical. The different sections are inspired by strange nightmares that Alex Lifeson was having at the time.😆

It often times takes a minute to digest a Rush performance. Especially the first time seeing it. They were so good it's mindblowing. They way they multitask on time is unbelievable. You should hear the live version of that of exit stage left. Awesome! That was their magic in live performances. It's one thing doing it in the studio but on stage is quite another. Alot of bands do great in studio. But when they get to the stage it sounds like shit. But with Rush when they bring it to the stage it's even better than what you heard on record. They were simply amazing. And still are , I never get tired of hearing Rush.

Lol @ “I need to go have a lie down”! The cool part is I very much understand and can appreciate your meaning. :) I’m new to your channel and discovered it while watching reaction videos. I saw a thumbnail of you reviewing “The Spirit of Radio” and, of course, had to have a watch and then Subscribed, lol. I enjoy your reactions quite a bit, as you are thoughtful in your ponderings when your listening and after the songs end. I am very sorry that you didn’t get to see Rush play live. I saw my first Rush show in 1978 when I was 16 and saw them at every opportunity after that which, thankfully, was many times (but never enough). :) It pleases me to meet someone that just got turned on to Rush and who seems to enjoy them as much as I do! Keep up your entertaining reactions and enjoy the ride, sir!!

Absolute awesome reaction!!! 🙏🏾

You are best reactor to Rush on You Tube to be honest. Doesn’t matter that you are speechless..this is probably one of their best compositions. One of my faves...

Let's say overwhelmed in a nice way!

It can be overwhelming as you say. Enjoy the ride!

I love that you're reacting to this like I did the first time, just got more and more hyped as it went and could hardly handle how fucking RAD this band is.

Thanks for this reaction. Rush has this effect on musicians. I'm a drummer and have been listening and learning from Rush since 1981. I have been to several of their concerts and the one thing I learned is that there is no limit to what you can do musically. These 3 precious musicians have now occupied a space in history that cannot be taken by anyone else. They have set a standard of music virtuosity and creativity that can never be matched at this level ever. They will be missed. I do hope that you react to Freewill. My favorite song and my favorite guitar solo for multiple reasons. You'll see when you check it out. Please. Thank you.

This is actually live, not the studio version with them fake playing.

I consider this piece to be the best instrumental rock song ever made. Simple as that.

Love that song, fantastic album, prog rock at its best! They are masters. Love your physical reaction in addition to your comments. Thanks. Need a bit more about the time signatures. Complexity shows how great they are. More Rush please!

Waking up on a nice summer's day. Exactly, I think of the sun rising everytime I ever listen to the beginning of this really cool Rock instrumental. Probably the best rock instrumental next to their own material and Frankenstein By Edgar Winter

The studio version intro is a Spanish-style acoustic solo, which gives it a very different feel than the intro in this version.

Thanks. My favorite band, so I’m biased....but. They are truly epic. Gave me chills, again.

It was great to see your mind blown as was mine when I first heard this instrumental. If you've not already done so, listen to the studio version of this, which was in some ways different in the way it was performed from the "official video," which was obviously a live performance, end-to-end.

Been listening to that song for 40 years, never gets old. I say keep going with the 10 minute songs. Natural Science and The Camera Eye....studio verrsions.

Astonishment and speechlessness are fine reactions. I was lucky enough to see Rush live for the first time in 1982, while they were on the Moving Pictures tour. I was 14, and my jaw is still on the floor. You have so much to discover. I envy you.

there's a reason they made it into the rock n roll hall of fame and have over 40 year career

Rush will be remembered in 500 years (as well as the Beatles and Zeppelin) as we remember Beethoven (as well as Bach and Chopin)

This right here is why I watch Rush reaction videos. That look of amazement where it’s just blown your mind. Thank you once again for another reaction. Sounds like you get it. They are never going to be mainstream but they’re going to reward you if you listen. Their earlier stuff is amazing but their later stuff, while shorter, has amazing layer to it too. Early I’d go 2112, Hemispheres, or Fountain of Lamneth. They set the bar for long involved songs that keep your interest. Advise would be find their lyric videos because you’re going to need them to follow the story. Later you have Far Cry, Headlong Flight and The Garden. In the middle is Time Stand Still, Big Money. There are literally too many to choose from. I always get to this point and go but what about this song so don’t know how to finish it. Lol.