The limelight keeps finding Rush authority from Tonawanda

The Buffalo News have published a Sunday feature on Rush fan Ray Wawrzyniak, who you might remember from the recent documentary Time Stand Still.

"Ray Wawrzyniak, a teacher at Willow Ridge Elementary School in the Sweet Home School District and family man from the Town of Tonawanda, also happens to be one of the world’s foremost experts on the history of Rush"

Read the full story here.

Rush "2112 40th Anniversary Edition" Now Available

Order 2CD/DVD Edition

Order 3 LP Edition

Order Super Deluxe Edition

After celebrating over 40 years together with the same trio line-up, UMe continues the celebration of the Rush catalog with the release of three 40^th anniversary expanded editions of the band’s classic 1976 album 2112.  Click here to order the 2CD/DVD edition, the three-LP 200-gram vinyl edition, or the Super Deluxe edition incorporating both CDs, the DVD, all three LPs plus bonus items (detailed below).

On December 16, 2016, 2112—40th will be released in three distinct variations. The 2CD/DVD edition will include a newly remastered CD of the original 2112 album by Abbey Road Studios, and an additional CD of rare, live and previously unreleased material including newly-recorded tracks from 2112 featuring Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters along with Nick Raskulinecz, Billy Talent, Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree, Jacob Moon and Alice In Chains. The set’s third disc is a DVD featuring a newly restored vintage 1976 Rush concert recorded at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ, plus bonus videos of the Grohl/Hawkins/Raskulinecz track and Billy Talent track, and a new 25+ minute interview featuring Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and longtime producer & engineer Terry Brown. The new 2112 remaster originally appeared on the much-acclaimed 2015 hologram vinyl edition of the album; this marks the Abbey Road Studios master first time on CD.

UMe is also releasing a three-LP 200-gram vinyl edition incorporating all of the aforementioned audio material, plus a special laser-etched LP side, the 2015 hologram on 2112’s side B and a unique turntable mat featuring the band’s iconic Starman character. Fans will also have the option of purchasing a Super Deluxe edition of 2112, incorporating both CDs, the DVD, all three LPs plus its bonus items, and several exclusive collectable items including two 12-inch x 12-inch lithos, one featuring Hugh Syme’s original Starman pencil sketching, the second showcasing a 1976 Massey Hall ticket stub; a reprint of the 1976 Massey Hall handbill and three buttons featuring each band member, all housed in a box lined with velvet flocking. For the first 1,000 Super Deluxe pre-order purchases at Rush.com, us.udiscovermusic.com and udiscovermusic.com, the purchaser will receive a limited edition 7-inch pressing of the album’s first single “The Twilight Zone” (b/w “Lessons”) and a custom red star 45 large hole adapter ring, both newly designed by Hugh Syme.

All three versions of 2112—40th feature extensive liner notes by renowned rock historian Rob Bowman, and newly designed artwork by longtime Rush art director Hugh Syme. The set’s rare recordings include “Solar Federation,” spotlighting the isolated Neil Peart vocals that close the song “2112” in “Grand Finale,” two outtakes from the 1976 Massey Hall concerts including “Something For Nothing” and a nearly complete 15+ minute performance of “2112,” as well as a recently-rediscovered live version of the album track “The Twilight Zone,” which has only been performed twice in the band’s long history.

The cover versions of "Tears" performed by Alice In Chains, "A Passage To Bangkok" (sample) by Billy Talent, and "Twilight Zone" by Steven Wilson are now available on Youtube.

Tracklistings below.

Rush Referenced on Family Guy's Christmas Episode

Last night's episode of Family Guy (season 15, episode 9, "How the Griffin Stole Christmas"), included another Rush reference (just two weeks after their last reference).   Stewie says "Oh God, I ruined Christmas, like The Little Drummer Boy when he really got into Neil 'Pert'" which is followed by a quick scene of the Little Drummer Boy in the manger, who drops his ancient drum to break into a drum solo on a Peart-like drum kit.  Check out the scene here. - Thanks to John Lindsay for the headsup!

Geddy Lee remembers Greg Lake

Geddy Lee has commented on yesterday's passing of Greg Lake, fellow bassist and founding member of the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP).

"We've lost yet another great artist and talented bassist...What a devastating year 2016 has been... ELP were one of my faves ..first Keith Emerson and now Greg Lake. RIP boys....and thanks for the music... #GregLake #KeithEmerson #ELP" - Geddy Lee,  December 8, 2016

Official Rush Coloring Book and Holiday Greeting Cards by Fantoons

Fantoons has announced the release of their officially licensed 52 page RUSH coloring book packed with art and humor and about the greatest power trio that ever crossed the earth! The mighty RUSH!  Everyone can have fun and relax with this oversize coloring book which measures at 12" x 19". Priced at just $15.99, you can order it here.

In addition, Fantoons now have a line of official Rush Christmas cards which can be ordered here, as well as Hanukkah cards available here. 

And if you missed out on its original release, be sure to check out Rush Toons By Fantoons Vol. 2112, a 170+ page book packed with RUSH comic strips, parodies, art and illustrations. - Thanks to David Calcano at Fantoons for the headsup!