Afterimage
by Rush

Album: Grace Under Pressure (1984)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • 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.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.