Rush ~ Leave That Thing Alone ~ Time Machine - Live in Cleveland [HD 1080p] 2011

MysticRhythmsLive
MysticRhythmsLive
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Published 2021-03-16
"Leave That Thing Alone" is the ninth track from Rush's fifteenth studio album titled "Counterparts", recorded at Le Studio (Morin-Heights, Quebec) and McClear Pathé (Toronto, Ontario) from April–June 1993 and released on October 19, 1993. Rush chose English producer Peter Collins who had co-produced Power Windows (1985) and Hold Your Fire (1987) with the band. Lee said that the band had remained friendly with Collins, and noticed he had developed as a producer since they had last worked with him, including his work with more American rock bands. "As soon as we talked. We knew it would be great [...] and he agreed with the vision of what we saw; and his comments, criticizing the last couple records, sonically anyway, were very much in line with the direction we wanted to go, and we thought, 'Bingo! Here you go, this is what we need."

Counterparts marks a continuation in the band's transition from synthesizers to guitar-oriented music which had started on Presto (1989). Lifeson said that this was the first time since Moving Pictures (1981) that there was a conscious decision to have the guitar take a predominant role which resulted in a more satisfying album for him. The writing sessions were met with increased tension between Lee and Lifeson, matters of which began on the Roll the Bones Tour over musical differences. Lifeson had constantly asked for Lee not to use any keyboards for the album but Lee brought them into the studio which created "an immediate atmosphere". Lee maintained that keyboards were used on Roll the Bones merely to embellish the songs and wished to use them in the same manner for Counterparts. "But Alex was making assumptions that I wanted keyboards all over the place. It was a very volatile situation". Lifeson said that the two had "greater emotional ups and downs" during the writing stage than any other previous Rush album and partly blamed various personal "external pressures" that did not relate to either's personal lives.

"Leave That Thing Alone" is an instrumental which the group decided to do because they have fun writing them as ideas get put down for them quickly. Lee and Lifeson clarified that despite the connection between it and the instrumental "Where's My Thing?" from Roll the Bones where they both have "Thing" in the titles, there is no further link between the two. Lifeson rated the track's melody as particularly strong.

During the Counterparts, Test for Echo, and Vapor Trails tours, and featured on the Different Stages and Rush in Rio live albums, "Leave That Thing Alone" preceded Peart's drum solo and was played with an extended ending to showcase Lee's bass work. It was then omitted from the set lists until 2010's Time Machine Tour.

Counterparts reached No. 2 in the US, one of their two highest-charting albums in the country, and No. 6 in Canada.

* This track was the third song nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1994, losing to Pink Floyd's "Marooned."

* BD, if you're reading this, I think you will like this song! Geddy Lee really unleashes on his bass guitar, especially during the end of the song. Enjoy!


Geddy Lee - Bass
Alex Lifeson - Guitar
Neil Peart - Drums


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All Comments (17)
  • @ianandrew4368
    This instrumental is guaranteed goosebumps and just a joy to watch to watch Geddy ,Alex and Neil play their hearts out .Love the Steam punk set too.Feel blessed to have seen them Live ....
  • @user-hx8vv9hk4p
    Saw them 3 times live ❤❤❤😂🎉 they're better live than ❤the album
  • @IAmInfinitus208
    The best bass solo Ged's ever done for this song, he's pretty much channeling The Ox's thunderfingers here! Also, cooking chickens! 🤣
  • @davids1632
    Geddy the RUSH crushing the bass the drums holding steady, guitar extra melodic. Great sound with this instrumental gem.
  • @bd5933
    My own personal footnote - thank you😊 Whilst the bass will always be mentioned in this video, it’s the sound of Alex’s guitar that fascinates me - it reminds me of The Edge from U2. Yes, Geddy does unleash himself in this one. Great drumming technique from Neil too. Thanks again Dan.
  • @BigIsk52
    I loved it. You're right Dan, Geddy is awesome.
  • @coltan1521
    Legend has it that Geddy was arrested after the concert for absolutely murdering his bass.