Theatre Kid Reacts to Rush: Vital Signs 

"An ounce of perception A pound of obscure" Neil's lyrics are phenomenal poetry!

Got "My Effin' Life" for Christmas. Can't wait to dive in.

Not only did they make rotisserie chickens they would donate them to local homeless shelters after the show. 😊

I love that you're not just going through the motions on these Rush reactions, but you're fully into the bizarreness that this band embraces, as we all should. I did get the prediction correct, can't wait for the next one Charis! Thanks!

Le Studio was a legendary recording studio set in the rolling hills and lakes of the Laurentians in Morin Heights Quebec - about 1-1/2 hours from my house. Rush recorded several albums there. It was like a cottage on the lake and the bands and crew could stay in cabins and enjoy the serenity and scenery when not recording - the studio also had a lot of glass walls so the scenery was present even indoors. A few great bands also recorded there like Bowie, The Police, Bryan Adams, Chicago, Nazareth and lots of other Canadian bands that you can hopefully eventually discover on your chanel. As far as the chicken rotisseries go - Saw Rush live on the Snakes and Arrows tour (There's a behind the scenes doccumentary on the set up for that concert in Montreal) and yeah there were real chickens roasting on several racks - every so often a stange hand wearing a chef's hat came out on stage to baste them. you could actually smell them cooking from the first few rows. The crew feasted on them after the show, Witchhunt live from Snakes and Arrows tour would be a good one for you to do and see the chickens. They are always doing quirky fun things on stage - Alex's pedal effects board is often surrounded by Barbie dolls with flirty signs - Alex's groupies - and there are usually toy dinosaurs placed on and in some of the K&K amplifier heads that Alex uses. - one was even a fish tank at some point (They have a glass front ) - Please react to this song or Monkey Business from the same tour live. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-201GNUsxO6g.htmlsi=QklsJ2-6zh0uP05C

The Spirit of Radio from the Snakes and Arrows tour is the chicken video you're looking for!

Now you are into Rush you should check out the documentary ‘Beyond the Lighted Stage’. Gives you a real insight into who they are and how they evolved as a band.

Love your reactions! Witch Hunt is another excellent song!🎸🤘

Le Studio no longer exists. It went out of business in 2008, and the building burned under "suspicious circumstances" in 2017.

That's hilarious! I said that not even an hour ago😂 been going through all the rush reactions today and loving it! Check out their later stuff to find the chickens. Check out the snakes and arrows tour the main monkey business.

Le Studio, where this and Tom Sawyer were filmed and recorded, was a legendary recording studio in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec. It was destroyed just a few years ago by a suspicious fire.

If you could have seen their R40 tour in 2015, you would have seen every stage setup they had ever done as it was not only a retrospect of their music, but also their stage setups. It was their final tour sadly, but they really made it amazing. The rotisserie, dryers, etc were moved on and off stage as they performed and went from new songs and stage, drifting slowly towards their beginning songs and stage. Neil went through a couple different drum setups as well.

My first concert was Moving Pictures - I won 2 tickets by calling in to WXKZ KZ106 in Chattanooga, TN. My buddy and I took a greyhound bus to Knoxville to watch the show. I was already a fan but the concert was mind blowing and I have been a devoted fan ever since. I have thoroughly enjoyed your Rush reactions and am so happy you appreciate their genius. You are gifted, as well, and I find myself laughing and crying through your videos because it is special to see someone enjoy the discovery of something that has been an important part of my life.

The Rotisserie chickens were on the Snakes and Arrows Tour. You will see interesting stage props on other live shows like a popcorn maker, a sausage maker, a refrigerator, the dryers which they actually pulled t-shirts out of and threw them out to the audience, Alex's barbie dolls and dinosaurs, steampunk stage props, the brain. Such fun!

Since you're a theatre kid, you may enjoy watching Rush engage in a little theatre of their own?! This is a skit they showed to start the show during their 2011 Time Machine Tour. No worries...it's G-rated. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HXKoZxi1cUU.html

🎸 Alex Lifeson is the "Witchiest Boy" of all 3 of them. 😊 He's such a natural goofball! 🥰🐰

This song is one of my absolute favorites from rush. Love everything about it

Charis, Love that you understand the complexities of Rush. These 5 songs will blow your mind. "Natural Science" "Witch Hunt" "La Villa Strangiato" "Jacob's Ladder" "Freewill" all live. Alex Lifeson his birth name is Aleksandar Zivojinvic. Alex's parents are immigrants from Serbia. Please watch the Dinner video of Neil, Geddy and Alex. It's hilarious.

"Gets up, flips record back over, puts needle down on track 1: Tom Sawyer. Listens to entire record. Again" - 1981 me at the end of Vital Signs

Probably the best "deep cut" to be found on any Rush album. It reeks of having fun in the studio and has probably the best (or top 3) bass riffs Geddy ever wrote! Starting with this album and recurring a number of times in the following 25 years, Rush would stick on these really different sounding but completely awesome in their own right songs as the last track. "Countdown", "Mystic Rhythms", "Available Light", "Ghost of a Chance", and "Everyday Glory" to name a few. Most were never played live. I would have killed to see "Available Light" become a live song...so dynamic and cool! For me was always second best track on Presto behind the title song.

I can't rub my belly & pat my head at the same time, never mind do what Neil did. The guy was a human octopus.

RUSH was a thinking man rock band! RIP THE PROFESSOR (on drums)💔👍✌

Add: - Big Money - Red Sector A To your list of RUSH songs to listen to and pay close attention to Neil's lyrics... he always passes on wisdom.

I love that Geddy sings "evalate from the norm" and they kept it in!

🤗 You are the perfect new Rush fan! 😁 We totally love that you "get" Rush! 🥰🐰

“Everybody got, mixed feelings about the function and the form, everybody got to deviate from the norm.”👍🔥🔥🔥

As many times as I've heard this, I never caught the vibrato on "escalate". But I did catch where he mistakenly sang "evalate". It's not distracting, soI'm glad they kept that little goof.

Back then the bongos were also a convenient place to rest his ash tray. A habit he soon gave up.

Around this time, Neil was really into the Police and other 80s British bands. You can definitely hear The Police in this song. Although Geddy definitely doesn’t sound like Sting!

Professors drum solo live in Frankfurt

One of my favorite RUSH songs, blessed to have seen them nine times!

This is my favorite song by Rush because of the lyrics.., and the odd almost reggae vibe.

The device Neil is wearing in this video is a special recording device. It only picks up the hit of the sticks on the drums and cymbals and does not record the reverb inside the drum chamber. So the drums sound incredibly crisp on this song. I wish they would have used it again elsewhere

Another great reaction. Just love your personality Charis! The chickens on stage were in fact a " real thing ". Please see the Spirit of Radio live Snakes and Arrows Tour.

Drumming can be simple, for certain songs of types of music but that’s not usually what Rush does, haha! That said, during this song, Neil actually does break it down to ultra-simple, New Wave-y kind of beat. Back in 1981, all the Rush fans, especially the drummers (like me) were a bit shocked at that part of the song! It is cool though! It fits the part of the song so perfectly. Later in the song, when that part comes up again, Rush cranks up the volume and thrust of the song and Neil gets to play that part much more as he usually would (I.e., lots of power) but the earlier part, which was much more dynamically quiet and simple, really sets up the burst of intensity that comes later. Cool! So glad you liked it!

Ok, Charis. Geddy had a bank of rotisserie chicken ovens (think Boston Market if you have those where you live) behind him during their Snakes and Arrows Tour. I don't want to provide a link only because I don't know what songs you have left. Any live version of a song from that concert tour will show you the rotisseries. And also, I think, the row of Barbie fan girls lined up at Alex Lifeson's feet cheering him on 😆 These guys were goofball comedians in the best way 😄.

This has been an awesome December Thank you gorgeous 🥰

I just love your reactions, you definitely deviate from the norm, and it is so fun to watch. 😂😍😊

You want to see do witch hunt snakes and arrows tour to see the chicken or between the wheels both are sick tunes 2:46

Le Studio was a residential studio in the province of Quebec Beyond Rush, the Cult, Celine Dion, Bowie, the Police, Bryan Adams, Vladimir Vysotsky, the BeeGees, Cat Stevens, Sarah McLachlin, Asia, Chicagom and others made recordings there.

The random house is a recording studio. Le studio was very well known at that time. Also, the bongos are congas😅

Vital Signs was played on radio and even MTV ( the video you're showing) a lot. It was always my favorite song from this massively successful album.

Great song- and great drums. Everything he does is complicated

The rotary chicken grill machines were used on the Snakes & Arrows tour 2008. (2007-2008)

Le Studio is where they recorded the album, sadly it closed down and was torn down

Le Studio, many huge bands recorded there. Fell into disrepair and burned down by vandals.

Leave That Thing Alone----Live In Cleveland. Great Reactions!

Pleasantly surprised that u r so into checking out Rush and their music... Rush does not appeal to many women (Geddy Lee admitted that their music was 'inherently weird' and thankful that they found such a huge, loyal audience) ... On their 1990 tour for the album 'Presto', Rush had the band Mr. Big (who had a hit single 'Addicted to that rush'... ironic, huh?) opening for them - Geddy Lee thanked the band because that tour was the 1st time he had seen women in their concert crowds in 2 decades of touring 😂 Rush fans were predominantly men and the 'brainy' crowd... women preferred going to see Poison or Kiss in concert back then. 'Vital signs' was the closing track on 'Moving pictures' in 1981... and u can tell that Rush was experimenting more w/ electronic music... They went full-on synthesizers in 1982 w/ the 'Signals' album and carried on that way until 'Hold your fire' in 1987 w/ their synth records.

I love how they have picture-in-picture as they show Geddy playing more than one instrument at a time, then cut to him sitting between the bongos with no instruments and just singing. Those who know Rush know he does all three at the same time when they play live. Another thing I've noticed over the years is that Alex loves to play around with reggae rhythms on guitar... he sneaks it in every now and then as his did in this song and live, they'd rearrange some songs to have reggae intros or breaks. Speaking of rhythms, in many, if not most, Rush songs, Geddy uses a similar rhythm to his bass-lines and his phrasing of the lyrics. This is one that they don't match, and as a bassist, I know I could never do that- I could barely sing (badly) and play.

Charis one of your singing videos pop up on my phone after watching it I really think you should watch The U.S. Army singing "Time Stand Still" a tribute to Neil Peart! You're passionate about singing you will enjoy. LFG "KID"

Other than the chicken ovens on stage behind Geddy, you need to see the group of barbie dolls in from of Alex's foot pedals all holding up signs. The running joke is that Rush concerts are made up of mostly guys so Alex wanted a little balance, so I think it was the other two or the crew or Alex himself that made him a crowd of Alex groupies :D.... Also their Time Machine intro skit/short film is something to check out, pure comedy.

I think you would enjoy Natural Science (Live) , great vocals!

It's wild how different Side A and Side B of Moving Pictures is. It's almost like two different albums. Side A's songs are all guitar driven, classic rock Rush, Side B is keyboard and synth driven, where Rush was heading in the future.

It's awesome to experience these songs through fresh eyes that appreciate them! If you truly like this band, I'd suggest a couple films that give great insight into the trio. Beyond The Lighted Stage was a documentary released in theaters in 2010 and chronicles their beginning and evolution with tons of interviews of the members. Time Stand Still chronicles their final tour and they explain many of their stage hijinks. They're not just a great band but really just great people!

Not sure if they were really cooking chickens, or it was fake. I'd like to find that out too, but the reason they used all these goofy props on stage was because, as technology changed, Geddy didn't need all his amplifiers on stage like in the old days, but Alex likes his amps, so in order to balance out the look on stage, Ged started putting weird props on his side of the stage, like washers & dryers, vending machines, and chicken roasters, but I don't know if they were real and actually cooking chickens, maybe somebody else knows.

AHHhhhhh... "Vital Signs"... the quintessential RUSH hit (as IF that's possible for you to PICK song writing structure so relevant to today's modern music & compare to the wonders of THIS ERA of RUSH). "Vital Signs", takes the listener through a journey of what it means to be human & of HUMANITY (notice the references to the vital signs part referring to the topic of health, the fatigue of life's bitter side, & the constant struggle of finding love/relationships/what you do for happiness, whether it be your career or your artistic experience). Neal Peart is a AWESOMELY TALENTED lyricist, that he could take such mundane concepts & weave such MAGIC, it really is UNCANNY how GREAT the concept works in his song writing SKILLSETS. Truly LEGENDARY & sadly not noticed by rock masses (until they REALLY listen HARD & get passed the song's reggae feel). Do you feel it??? Of course you do... 'cuz your a MUSICIAN/SINGER!!!! I look forward to seeing your reactions... & sharing in the journey/experience while you explore the WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL, MOST GREATEST PROGRESSIVE POWER TRIO IN THE WORLD... the ALMIGHTY, the ONE, the ONLY... RUSH!!!! Enjoy your day... Peace, Love, & Liberty. MIC DROP 🎤.

For a super cool Drum focused video watch Neil's Drum solo live from Frankfurt.

Stranger Things needs to use this song in an episode.

Story about this song. I saw the Moving Pictures tour (I saw a whole bunch of their tours). Of course they play all the songs on the album. I thought coming in the crowd would throw tomatoes at them when they played Vital Signs. I wasn't far off. They got booed mercilessly. It was such a departure from their metal/power songs. Back in the early 80s a new era of rock was spawned. The Knaack, The Cars, Devo, Police, many others. It was music that metal heads hated. But here we are with Rush sounding just like them. But the joke was on the audience. Listen to the lyrics...and especially during the long fade out to drive home the point. Elevate from the norm. Their message: Elevate from the norm. Don't pigeonhole yourself. Expand your minds. The music was a perfect match to the words. BTW, Rush could rap too (Roll the Bones).

Neil is not just the drummer he writes most of the lyrics

CHICKENS --- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-thMm9GELnck.html (Free Will) or ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cfzoWlc06C4.html (Limelight)

I love all your Rush reactions! I've been following them all. If I could recommend a Rush song definitely check out 'La Villa Strangiato' amazing song that really showcases the bands musical talent!

Geez Geddy is in 1 spot to do his foot pedals dear, lol

They are called congas, not bongos, and he doesn't play them, just uses them to hold his ashtray!

The Police could only hope to write a song this good! They gave Rush a hard time in the press back in the day, But Stewart Copeland, Police's drummer was secretly in love with Neil Peart.😁They were great friends for many years!!

Two words for you young lady. YOUR AWESOME!!!

Drummers... have you ever seen the drum cam video of 'Pneuma' by Tool? HIGHLY, highly recommended!

Fun reaction as always. this song has always been a favorite of mine off Moving Pictures. s WOuld love to see your reaction to Between the Wheels live in Germany

This was part of their “Police” phase with lots of reggae influences.

Back in the 70 s they had stacks of Amps before technology, The washers and popcorn makers were put in their place to fill the void all in fun

I do love the fact that they included the washers and dryers, as well as the rotisserie on stage as a representation of the amps as a joke. 😅😊

Elevate, evalate, escalate. Listen closely! Great song!

you missed in the fade out where Geddy screams

Really great album.

Snake and Arrows - Spirit of Radio - the chicken is there

You need to watch Neil during a drum solo. The 2 best are the one in Frankfurt, Germany (search "Neil Peart Drum Solo - Rush Live in Frankfurt") or the one in "Malignant Narcissism" (search "Neil Peart Rush Drum Solo"). The video quality in the 2nd one is awesome, as is the music AND you'll see the rotisserie chickens. LOL

Thank you for "Rushmas". Got me thru Christmas. I'm 67, and have been a fan of Rush since their television debut in 74'. Your doing a awesome job.

I played drums (not professionally) for over 40 years, it’s more addicting than most things.👍

This was one of their early "New Wave" influenced songs. I got to see Rush and Max Webster on this tour back in 1981, and the live version was just as good as the album.

I think the bongos would help him feel the vibrations of the music !

Three virtuosos in one band. Three of the best humans in one band. The greatest band that has ever assembled. Keep going. Please don’t stop. You have only touched tip of iceberg. Xanadu….Exit Stage Left.

I bet you are a trip at parties.

Brilliant

Keep doing RUSH. There's alot of it but it's all good. Like Steely Dan, they never wrote a bad song.

Watch this for the chickens - Rush - Natural Science (Snakes & Arrows Live)

Awww, Charis, no hint for the next video? Chucks, maybe I missed it. Thanks for posting!

Alex lifeson on guitar

Geddy’s altar is acktually congas not bongos, but it’s cool.. everything’s cool..

KYUSS - Blues for the Red Sun - u’ll enjoy every song krikey croc.

You have to do the song countdown, With the video.

You need to see his drum solo,live in Frankfurt germany

A new Rush nerd is born. Welcome! 😘

BASS TONE!!!

Rush - Anthem

This song is underappreciated. Moving Pictures is loaded with good songs. Sadly, this one often gets overshadowed by the "hits".

Read The Chrysalids, you'll see where the lyrics got their influence. The Chrysalids is set in the future after a devastating global nuclear war. David, the young hero of the novel, lives in a tight-knit community of religious and genetic fundamentalists, always on the alert for any deviation from the norm of God's creation. (Good Reads)

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QuL_euRslTc.htmlsi=VKD0O5sQ9y3SYuiv THE ROTISSERIE CHICKEN VIDEO -- WITH THE CHICKEN'S HEAD ROOSTER!

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QuL_euRslTc.htmlsi=VHlmc0Wg6Y5zUeOh This has the best Rotisserie moment of the show. Neil nearly lost focus when this happened.

Alex Lifeson. His name is Alex Lifeson. Lifeson who is called Alex. Or call him Lerxst. Just don’t call him late for dinner. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I Love You! :) ♥