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

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Maxi Priest

Maxi PriestSongwriter Interviews

The British reggae legend tells the story of his #1 hit "Close To You," talks about his groundbreaking Shabba Ranks collaboration "Housecall," and discusses his latest project with Robin Trower.