Rush: Xanadu (A farewell to kings, 1977)

"Xanadu" was a song recorded by the Canadian progressive rock trio Rush, for their 1977 album "A Farewell To Kings". It is approximately eleven minutes long, beginning with a five-minute-long instrumental section, then transitioning to a narrative written by lyricist Neil Peart, inspired by the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem "Kubla Khan".

In Peart's lyrics, the narrator describes searching for something called "Xanadu" (although it is not explicitly stated what this is, references to the poem "Kubla Khan" imply that it is a mythical place based on the historical summer capitol of the Mongolian Empire) that will grant him immortality. The narrator finds Xanadu and attains immortality. A thousand years pass, and he is left "waiting for the world to end", bitter in the reality of his successful quest.

"Xanadu" is the first Rush song in which synthesizers are an integral part. Unlike the previous "2112" or "Caress Of Steel" albums, "Xanadu" used both guitar and synthesizer effects, and thus represented a transitional phase for the group. The song also marks Rush's clear foray into program music, a type of art music that attempts to render people musically an extra-musical narrative. Previous albums had displayed some elements of program music. Subsequent Rush albums during the late '70's and early '80's would see the group explore program music more systematically.

"Xanadu" required each member to utilize an array of instruments to effect the performance. Alex Lifeson used a double-necked Gibson electric guitar (one twelve-string, the other six-string) as well as synthesizer pedals; Geddy Lee made use of a double-necked Rickenbacker (bass and twelve-string guitar) as well as extensive synthesizer arrangements (through both pedals and keyboards) while singing; and Peart took on various percussion instruments (notably temple blocks, tubular bells, bell tree, glockenspiel and wind chimes) in addition to his drum kit work.

The music and artwork in this video are exclusive property of Rush members (Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson) and Anthem/Mercury Records. No Copyright infrigement intended.