Band Of The Century

"It's official, Rush is the most important Canadian band of the century, according to JAM! readers. Results of an online poll conducted during the final weeks of 1999 gave the power trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart an early lead that was never relinquished. The only real challenge to Rush's dominance came in recent weeks, when the death of The Band's bassist Rick Danko seemed to fortify support for the group, pushing them to within three points of Rush. To indicate how strong recent voting has been for The Band, consider that at one point, Rush had a two-to-one lead over their nearest competition in the voting. As of New Year's Eve, Rush finished with 22 percent of the vote, followed by The Band with 19 percent. The Tragically Hip, who treated fans to a surprise concert at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto before hosting a large slate of groups at the Air Canada Centre on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, finished third with 13 percent." - JAM! Showbiz, Dec. 31, 1999

"I would say this kind of recognition, especially when it comes along during a period of inactivity from a band point of view, that you get a real charge out of something like that. It makes you feel really good, because it makes you realize something you've done with your life has had some effect. I just like to thank our fans for being as amazing as they have been all these years ... I count my blessings." - Geddy Lee, JAM! Showbiz, Jan. 18, 2000