Neil Peart "Rock drummers killed the solo themselves"

In a new interview with the L.A. Times, "Rock drummers killed the solo themselves", Neil Peart says "It got to be so predictable and manipulative. They cheapened it by making it a clap-along or a boring ramble."  The writer goes on to say "one section of Peart's 'Der Trommler' solo...is something like playing badminton with two rackets while typing with your feet." - latimes.com, January 22, 2006

"Chemistry", by Jon Collins

Chemistry, the latest Rush biography, is now available. At 272 pages, the book tells Rush's story from the meeting of eleven-year-olds Gary Weinrib and Alex Zivojinovich through the 30th Anniversary tour some 40 years later. In addition, the book includes a "Personology" appendix, 54 pages with brief notes on most if not all of the people involved with Rush over the years, including detailed notes on key figures.

"Meticulously researched over three years, Chemistry draws on over 50 new interviews with those closest to the band. As the most detailed biography of Rush ever written, this book pulls together the threads and investigates the reasons that have enabled this band to succeed against the odds."

The Piano Tribute To Rush

The Piano Tribute To Rush, the third Rush tribute album by Todd Mark Rubenstein, who previously released Exit Stage Right and The String Quartet Tribute To 2112, is now available. Like previously released Rush tribute albums, the tracklist mainly consists of Rush's earlier work, with "The Big Money" being the 'newest' track covered. The album also includes an original track titled "Syrinxian Moonlight". - Jan. 10, 2006

"Pulsing through the drum beats and guitar riffs of Rush’s songs are undeniable melodies. These hooks are brought to the surface on The Piano Tribute to Rush. The elemental soul of such hits as "The Spirit of Radio" and "Tom Sawyer" is extracted from their complex arrangements with simple piano. A must-have release for any Rush fan, this album promises to appeal to anyone with an appreciation for great songs and incredible musicianship." - Vitamin Records

"Rush: Music In Review 1974-1981"

Music In Review 1974-1981, a 48 page book and 2 DVD set from the UK, is also now available in the US. An unofficial release, this product claims to be the "ultimate critical review" of Rush. The UK company behind this project has previously released similar packages featuring other bands, which led many UK Rush fans to be skeptical from the start. The commentary on the DVD's is provided by various radio DJ's and/or music critics who are filmed on camera as they provide their 'opinion' of Rush's work, and the content flows in a biographical nature. The criticism is mixed, although for the most part the reviews are mostly good. However, for fans with more than a basic knowledge of Rush, erroneous comments such as Peart having a degree in percussion, that Red Barchetta is semi-autobiographical about Neil and his uncle[!], or the simple yet inexcusable mispronunciation of "Peart" throughout, become very tiresome.