Classical Composer Reacts to Working Man (Rush) | The Daily Doug (Episode 453)

#rush #rushreaction #workingman #laborday

In this episode of #thedailydoug, I'm again returning to music by Rush to pay homage to Labor Day here in the United States. This is the first time that I have listened to any music off of Rush's debut album, and I very much enjoyed the song. I hope you enjoy!

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[paulkostyack]

I was 6 years old when this came out & loved it!! Totally hooked after Neil Peart joined...Drummer here for 48 years....

[Duncan_Idaho_Potato]

Funny story: When Working Man was first played on that Cleveland radio station in 1974, Rush still did not have a record deal. The album was entirely self-produced and self-funded. No one in Canada was interested. Cleveland rock radio DJ Donna Halper had received a copy from a Canadian friend/associate. Tellings of this tale have varied over the years, but it looks like the real reason the song was played for the first time was that Halper had to use the bathroom and dropped the needle on the longest track on the album, Working Man. The phones lit up immediately, the song was an instant hit in that city, and Rush very soon had an American record deal as a direct result. It's just funny to think that the phenomenon that was Rush began because a radio DJ in Cleveland had to poop... and of course that the song spoke directly to the working men and women of Cleveland, Ohio.

[chrisandersen]

The last song in the last Rush show officially was Working Man August 1, 2015. In Los Angeles.

[zepgirl]

One of the best and my favorites from Rush! As you said, you can crank this and let that blues rock sound wash over you! I was fortunate to have seen them twice and one of the best bands ever! If you haven't done so, take a listen to the entire album as it is superb.

[tsisqua]

Just found you, and I'm loving it! Subscribed! Thank you.

[michaelschroeck]

I love your channel! I have never has a music appreciation class ever. I can’t tell one cups from another. So when you pick these things out it astounds me! But for you and those like you it is part of the territory!! I love it though!

[orange]

This on "All the Worlds a Stage", and then transitions into "Finding My Way" and then into Peart's drum solo is an awesome live recording.

[debilarge]

Keep in mind....the were 20 years old! Geniuses at work.

[John_Mack]

In Canada its also Labour Day... bit different, we have a "u"....

[bradleyjohnson]

I love how you can sit at the piano and riff on any song. Just hearing it. As a hobby musician, that is just so fricking impressive. I wish I could do that.

[gwooledge]

Radio stations have been playing this song all weekend. ;)

[chrispalo]

It's funny how your facial expressions mirror my own when I first listened to Rush extensively.

[Sunnywarm]

I LOVE that you have “Close to the edge” over your shoulder!!!

[lastborn]

The drive time afternoon DJ at a local rock station has stated this was part of his “coffee break” playlist … no dead air, just aire fresheners … on the other side of the Rush radio play storyline …

[wuphat]

Geddy's voice aside, this song, especially the extended jam portion, has strong Black Sabbath vibes. This could have easily been on Paranoid.

[sants.guitar]

Imagine working in a harsh Cleveland industrial job. Slaving away all day and hearing this song in the radio for the first time ever. All because whoever was on the radio put the “bathroom” song on.

[gmas]

1979...I used to play this song every day, right before going to work, as dishwasher in our college cafeteria! Happy Labor Day!

[moluscass]

7:25 - melodic figure used in The Trooper

[francisseidel]

Rush with Dave Grohl on Drums did an excellent live version of this combined with 2112 Overture this past weekend at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert. Excellent choice.

[Stoneylfm]

That’s right! Rock on 🤘🏼🤛🏼 that’s my shiz right there.