Rush "Breaking Through The Gender Barrier"

Selina Martin's Disaster Fantasies was released June 29th, including a "thoughtful cover" of "The Spirit Of Radio (click here for a sample).

"Toronto singer-songwriter Selina Martin, whose upcoming album Disaster Fantasies will include a thoughtful cover of the 1980 Rush hit Spirit of Radio talks about the gender disparity among the band’s fans." - Globe & Mail, June 5, 2010

The PRS “Hollowbody 12” Endorsed by Alex Lifeson

"In May of 2010, the first “Hollowbody 12” prototype from the PRS factory was sent to Alex Lifeson for his feedback. He delivered the following comment: “The playability is instantly silky and facile, the tone bright, clear and shimmering, and the finishing details are a testament to the PRS craftsmanship. The broad fretboard is a joy to play, and I was blown away by the intonation–of course, split saddles!! Why doesn't everyone do that?” Alex Lifeson gave his opinion, and now you can too. PRS will be building these guitars, to order only, as of July 1, 2010. Please see an authorized PRS dealer for details." - PRS.com, June 16, 2010 - Thanks to RushTheBand for the headsup!

Rush Receives Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

"Rush, Canada's most successful rock band, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, appropriately in front of the Musicians Institute on Hollywood Boulevard. On hand to induct the musicians were Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland's WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the enduring band's 1974 self-titled debut album...Frontman-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson were in attendance to claim the 2,412th star on the Walk of Fame. Noticeably absent was drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who was riding a motorcycle to the band's first tour date in Albuquerque on Tuesday." - Hollywood Reporter, June 25, 2010

• Click here for Rush at the HollywoodChamber.net
• Click here for the Hollywood Walk of Fame's YouTube channel
• Click here for CNN's coverage of the event
• Click here for photos of the ceremony courtesy of The Canadian Music Scene

"Porcupine Tree - Atlanta" download only live album to benefit Mick Karn

Porcupine Tree have released a download only live album to benefit bassist Mick Karn. If you are unfamiliar with live Porcupine Tree, this is a great way to check them out, and it's for a great cause!

"Porcupine Tree - Atlanta: This download comprises a complete 2 hour live performance from the Fear of a Blank Planet tour. The show was recorded and mixed to the usual PT standards in order to provide material for a planned live album, but when the decision was taken to film much of the same repertoire in Holland for a major DVD release instead, the Atlanta recording ended up back in the vault. Now PT have now decided to make it available in complete form as a download only release in order to raise funds for Mick Karn's treatment for cancer. Although the repertoire is similar to that on the Anesthetize DVD, the performance has its own atmosphere, and also includes the first ever officially released live recording of 'A Smart Kid'. Please note that all Porcupine Tree's profits from the sale of the Atlanta download will go directly to the Mick Karn Appeal. Burning Shed's profits will go to Macmillan Cancer Support."

Knucklebonz Rock Iconz™ Limited Edition Rush Statues

Knucklebonz, the makers of the Rush Starman figurine, are releasing statuettes of Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson circa '78/'79. The Neil Peart sculpture is shipping Fall 2010, with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson's statues available to reserve via pre-ordering, exact ship date to be determined. For more info visit Knucklebonz.com. - Thanks to Pat Komadoski for the headsup!

"Tom Sawyer" on "The Hard Times Of RJ Berger"

During last night's series premiere of the all new MTV original series "The Hard Times Of RJ Berger", after most of the players are ejected from the school's basketball game, RJ is forced to suit up and "Tom Sawyer" was heard. - Thanks to Andy Newby and Colin Riggs for the headsup!

Rush Referenced on "Wizards of Waverly Place"

During the opening scene of Saturday's episode of "Wizards of Waverly Place" (season 3 episode 20), Alex and Harper discover that Max has a girlfriend. To keep his girlfriend a secret from his parents, he has told her his name is 'Tom Sawyer'. Alex exclaims "'Tom Sawyer'? That is such an obvious lie, it's the name from the Rush song." Harper interjects "...and the classic book!" and Alex concludes "Wow that song was good, I didn't know they made a book out of it!" Click here for the video clip. - Thanks to Robert Mooty for the heads up!

Rush Pulls Spirit from Rand Paul's Campaign

"In Web ads and at campaign appearances, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul sometimes has called on the music of the band Rush to give his message a little pop. It turns out the campaign wasn't using the music with the band's permission, according to Rush's attorney, Robert Farmer. Farmer, general counsel for the Anthem Entertainment Group Inc. in Toronto, which is Rush's record label, has sent a letter to Paul campaign officials informing them that they have violated copyright laws - and urging them to stop. 'This is not a political issue - this is a copyright issue,' Farmer said in an interview. 'We would do this no matter who it is.' Besides, all three members of Rush - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart - are Canadians, not Americans, he pointed out." - Louisville Courier-Journal, June 2, 2010 - Thanks to J Grismore for the headsup!

Geddy Lee endorses Orange Bass Amps

"Orange Amps are proud to announce rock legend Geddy Lee of Rush is now using their Orange Bass amps...For more information on orange amps visit Orange Amplifiers. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!