Afterimage by Rush

Album: Grace Under Pressure (1984)

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This second song on the album is written for Robbie Whelan, a friend of Rush drummer Neil Peart who was an assistant engineer at the Le Studio in Laurentian mountains where they recorded many of their albums. Robbie taught Neil how to cross-country ski and skied with him to work at the studio often. On the way to the Le Studio in 1983, Robbie was killed.
"Courage is grace under pressure" is a quote by Ernest Hemingway. Peart is an avid reader of many authors including and especially Hemingway. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Mike - Mountlake Terrace, WA, for above 2

Comments: 9

Jimmy from Belfast, United KingdomThe opening line says it all...'Suddenly you were gone' no fancy intros, no messing about, no frills of a build up in lyric.....it's wham! just as so often happens in life itself.
Rufus from Wheeling, WvMy favorite from the GUP release.

"suddenly you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon. . ."
Derek from Columbus, OhIn one of his books (Roadshow, maybe...?) I think Neil said Robbie was killed in a motorcycle accident.
Trevor from Santa Barbara, CaAn incredible song, with possibly the most epic drum fill and guitar squeal in Rush or rock history.
Jaakko from Pudasjärvi, FinlandThe solo is just... I feel like I would be in a different world every time I hear it.
John from Asheville, NcOne of my favorites from Grace...top 3 anyhow.
Todd from Poynette, WiI have read that Robbie was killed in a car accident. This song is a great tribute to Neil's dear friend who lost his life in his prime.
Ben from Chelsea, MeThis is my favorite song off "Grace Under Pressure." I wonder how he was killed.
Jordan from Port Hope, CanadaBeautiful solo by Alex on this song. Great song both musically and lyrically.

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