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From today's Rush newsletter, there are two offers from Geddy and Alex for the holidays. Geddy Lee has made a small number of bottles available for auction from
his private cellar collection. The bottles include a sticker
declaring them "from the cellars of Geddy Lee" and feature the insignia
made up for the wine club Geddy & Alex formed while on the road
during the R30 tour (original membership:2). The auction closes on
Sunday December 17 at 9:00 PM ET. Make your bid here. * The wines in this auction will be available to ship early 2018, or Zachys will hold them for free until the end of March.
Meanwhile Alex Lifeson is now a guest contributor to his pal Dave Bidini's local
Toronto community arts paper, the West End Phoenix. Alex's short stories
are illustrated by artist Casey McGlynn. We're offering 100 signed
first issue editions here with proceeds going to support the local West End Phoenix.
Alex Lifeson to Guest on New Fu Manchu Album
Fu Manchu will release their 12th studio album, Clone of the Universe, on Feb. 9, 2018. A follow-up to 2014's Gigantoid, this new project contains an appearance by Alex Lifeson, guitarist for Rush. Click here to preorder the mp3 album.
Lifeson guests on "Il Mostro Atomico," an 18-minute, album-closing song that's broken up into four sections. Fu Manchu are calling it the heaviest track they've ever recorded and, as guitarist and singer Scott Hill said in a press release, they're itching to test it out in concert.
“We are excited to get out and play this stuff, especially 'Il Mostro Atomico,'" he said. "We think it’s some the strongest music we’ve ever done. We really love the overall sound of the album and having Alex play on it is just incredible. It gives it that special validation for the idea that we had to try something like a side long song.” - ultimateclassicrock.com, December 4, 2017
Spectacularly Majestic! - Ray Wawrzyniak
A Farewell To Kings 40th Anniversary Edition Now Available
The 40th Anniversary edition features the Abbey Road Mastering Studios 2015 remastered edition of the album; a complete Rush concert recorded in February 1978 at London's Hammersmith Odeon, newly mixed by longtime Rush engineer and original A Farewell to Kings producer Terry Brown from the multi-track live tapes; four newly-recorded cover versions of songs from the original album by Dream Theater, Big Wreck, The Trews and Alain Johannes; and an instrumental studio outtake of the spacey sound effects from “Cygnus X-1” the band has creatively titled “Cygnus X-2 Eh”. The set also includes an elaborate new 40th anniversary cover treatment by longtime Rush creative director Hugh Syme, who has also created a new piece of artwork for each of the album's six songs, an extensive 12,000-word liner notes by Grammy®-winning rock historian Rob Bowman. The vinyl editions include a 32-page vinyl-sized booklet and a special 12-inch turntable mat.
Available options:
- 3 CD Edition
- 4 LP Edition
- Super Deluxe Edition, combines the complete contents of the 3 CD and 4 LP Editions, as well as one Blu-ray Audio disc containing a brand new 5.1 surround mix of the album by four-time Grammy® nominated surround sound producer Steven Wilson, along with three original 1977 promo videos from a newly found 2-inch quad video master significantly improving the video quality for “Closer To The Heart.” The Super Deluxe Edition includes several exclusive items, including a unique King's Ring, with custom velvet pouch and neck chain; two lithographs with original artwork by Hugh Syme; the 12-inch turntable mat featuring distinctive artwork by Hugh Syme; and a reproduction of Rush's original 1978 A Farewell To Kings tour program.
Related News:
- Say Hello Again To Rush's 'A Farewell To Kings' - PRNewswire, October 19, 2017
Long-haired microbes named after Canadian band Rush
From today's University of British Columbia Science News:
Three new species of microbe found in the guts of termites have been named after members of the Canadian prog-rock band Rush, owing to the microbes’ long hair and rhythmic wriggling under the microscope.
“A Spanish postdoc, Javier del Campo, asked me to recommend some good Canadian music, and I suggested he listen to Rush,” says Patrick Keeling, a University of British Columbia microbiologist and senior author on the paper describing the new species. “He came back to me and said ‘Those microbes we’re finding have long hair like the guys on the album 2112!’”
The microbes in question are covered with flagella, which are long threads that cells use to move around. Many cells have a few flagella, but these little rockers have more than ten thousand very long flagella, giving them flowing hair that even Farrah Fawcett might envy.
And while Rush may not be famous for their dance moves, the tiny creatures also have rhythm. They bob their heads and sway their bodies in microscopic dances, prompting the researchers to baptize the new Pseudotrichonympha species P. leei, P. lifesoni, and P. pearti after musicians Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.
The prototypical Canadian power trio is known for songs such as “Natural Science,” “Tom Sawyer” and “Closer to the Heart,” and lyrics drawing on themes from science and literature, such as the seminal 1976 album 2112.
The microbe named after drummer and lyricist Peart contains a rotating intracellular structure never seen before. The researchers dubbed this the “rotatosome,” and even though they tested several theories, they still can’t figure out what it does.
“We have looked at a lot of crazy cells in my lab, and none of us has ever seen anything like this,” Keeling says.
While taxonomy can be a dry topic, some biologists inject a bit of fun with species names. Previously, Keeling’s team found another termite microbe which they named Cthulhu, after the terrifying tentacled entity in H.P. Lovecraft’s stories. Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti may come from the same place as Cthulhu (a termite’s hindgut), but these dancing, long-haired creatures seem much friendlier."
Fantoons' "Where's Geddy Alex & Neil?"
"We've crafted scenarios inspired by ALL Rush albums (studio & live) between the Rush (1st LP) until Hold Your Fire, packed with references and different levels of difficult, for everyone to have fun finding the greatest power trio on earth (whether they are Rush fans or not, everyone can play)- Thanks to David Calcano for the headsup!
The book is 12.5 x 9.5 inches! 38 pages and 14 Rush worlds: Rush, Fly by Night, Caress of Steel, 2112, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and many more!
People will be able to find Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart in their different 'fashions' through this crazy worlds that we've created for everyone to enjoy.
This book is an official RUSH publication."
Alex Lifeson cameo in Trailer Park Boys' Out of the Ballpark
Lerxst sighting! Alex Lifeson appears in the Trailer Park Boys' latest, "Out of the Ballpark" coming to Netflix November 24th. Catch him in the trailer below. - Thanks to John Patuto at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!
Rush Cover Feature on the December issue of Prog
Alex Lifeson dontates "20,000 Feet Over The Sea" original painting to 2017 A Brush of Hope
ole Looking for Equity Partner
"Ole, owner of rights to songs from Timbaland to Canadian rockers Rush, aims to ramp up acquisitions and double its profit as it looks for a new equity partner.
"The closely held Toronto-based rights management company had been trying to sell itself for the past year but its asking price of about $600 million was too high for prospective buyers, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the deliberations were private.
"Ole declined to comment on any previous sale process but the company isn’t currently trying to sell itself, Chief Executive Officer Robert Ott said in an email. It is looking for a new equity investor however as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan seeks to cash out after investing more than C$150 million ($119 million) in the company, Ott said in an interview at Bloomberg’s Toronto office." - For more visit Bloomberg.com, November 1, 2017
"The closely held Toronto-based rights management company had been trying to sell itself for the past year but its asking price of about $600 million was too high for prospective buyers, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the deliberations were private.
"Ole declined to comment on any previous sale process but the company isn’t currently trying to sell itself, Chief Executive Officer Robert Ott said in an email. It is looking for a new equity investor however as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan seeks to cash out after investing more than C$150 million ($119 million) in the company, Ott said in an interview at Bloomberg’s Toronto office." - For more visit Bloomberg.com, November 1, 2017
"Closer To The Heart" Record Store Day Release
"Canadian rock legends Rush have been making music for more than five decades. The songs on this RSD 7" are "Closer to the Heart" and "Madrigal," both released in 1977 on A Farewell to Kings. This single is being re-released for RSD Black Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the LP. This 7" has a large center hole, and new art by longtime Rush album designer Hugh Syme. It also comes with a custom 7" adapter and is to be timed with the 40th anniversary of A Farewell to Kings box set re-issue."For more info visit recordstoreday.com
Geddy Lee on The Big Interview with Dan Rather Premieres Oct. 24
"On this episode of The Big Interview, Geddy Lee welcomes Dan into his home to chat about his fascinating career. From trying to identify who they were as a band in the early days of Rush to a life of fame, Lee speaks candidly about his journey in rock & roll. Learn more about the Rush star in this new episode of The Big Interview with Dan Rather premiering Tuesday, October 24th on AXS TV." - axs.tv, October 18, 2017
The interview is available to view on itunes here.
The interview is available to view on itunes here.
'A national hero': Geddy Lee, Dan Aykroyd, Steven Page reflect on Gord Downie
TORONTO — As Canadian musicians tearfully reflected on the legacy of Gord Downie on Wednesday, many used a word the late Tragically Hip frontman himself belted out onstage in his signature howl: “Courage.”
Downie’s advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, his fortitude in touring one last time, and his fundraising efforts during his fight with terminal brain cancer were incredibly brave and galvanized a nation in a way that will be felt for decades, said his peers.
“He’s a national hero,” said Rush frontman Geddy Lee. “There are lots of different ways that people handle this kind of thing and mostly, if you look at people like David Bowie, et cetera, how they handled their illnesses, they chose to handle it very quietly — and he did not.
“He wanted to go out doing what he loved to do, and trying to do as much good with the time he had left, so for me that’s a courageous act.”
In May 2016, Downie revealed his diagnosis with glioblastoma, an incurable form of cancer. He died Tuesday night “with his beloved children and family close by,” according to a statement on the Tragically Hip’s website. He was 53.
Click here for more.
Downie’s advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, his fortitude in touring one last time, and his fundraising efforts during his fight with terminal brain cancer were incredibly brave and galvanized a nation in a way that will be felt for decades, said his peers.
“He’s a national hero,” said Rush frontman Geddy Lee. “There are lots of different ways that people handle this kind of thing and mostly, if you look at people like David Bowie, et cetera, how they handled their illnesses, they chose to handle it very quietly — and he did not.
“He wanted to go out doing what he loved to do, and trying to do as much good with the time he had left, so for me that’s a courageous act.”
In May 2016, Downie revealed his diagnosis with glioblastoma, an incurable form of cancer. He died Tuesday night “with his beloved children and family close by,” according to a statement on the Tragically Hip’s website. He was 53.
Click here for more.
Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass coming Fall 2018
Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and RUSH bassist Geddy Lee’s Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass is a gorgeous, fully illustrated love letter to rock ’n’ roll’s rumbly bottom end, complete with a guided tour of Lee’s extensive vintage bass collection, personal anecdotes, observations and history, from one of the world’s most revered and beloved masters of the instrument.Stay tuned for additional details as they emerge. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
This lavishly illustrated book presents one facet of Lee's own personal journey. The bass guitar has been his passport, his vehicle, his fuel; this book will be his account of a life lived on the stage and a view of the world he’s seen on the road.
With contributions from arts journalist Daniel Richler and Lee’s trusted bass tech, John “Skully” McIntosh, with photography by Richard Sibbald, Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass will have something for every reader, from RUSH fans who want to know the inside story of Lee’s relationship with the instrument that has given him so much in his life, to the most knowledgeable musicians and collectors. This will be the definitive book on the bass, from one of the most respected players in history.
Aside from the HarperDesign trade edition, there will be limited run of signed and numbered deluxe editions available as well.
Neil Peart writes a 100th Birthday Tribute to Buddy Rich
Geddy Lee guest on AXS TV's The Big Interview with Dan Rather October 24th
Geddy Lee is one of many musicians who’ll be chatting with Dan Rather on the upcoming season of AXS TV’s The Big Interview. The latest run of shows premieres Tuesday, October 10, with an episode featuring Ozzy Osbourne‘s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. Other stars slated to appear on new installments of The Big Interview include Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee, ex-R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt. The Big Interview airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT from October 10th through December 5.
Geddy Lee talks about his Signature SansAmp, the GED-2112 with Tech 21
Back in January I shared how Geddy Lee had teamed up with Tech 21 to create a signature SansAmp. Tech 21 has just posted the first part of a new video interview with Geddy where he talks about the results of his collaboration, his Signature SansAmp, the GED-2112 with Andrew Barta (president, inventor of the SansAmp and designer of all things Tech 21). - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
Geddy Lee Signature Model Jazz Bass guitar signed by Rush to benefit Heavy Metal Truants Auction
Heavy Metal Truants is a fund-raising collector founded by Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood and journalist Alexander Milas in association with CharityStars.com. They are currently auctioning a veritable smorgasbord of rock memorabilia and once-in-a-lifetime experiences in a massive online event.
All proceeds go to three very special charities - ChildLine, Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff Robins Music Therapy.
In addition to Queen, Metallica, Megadeth and Iron Maiden, other superstars from the rock and metal arenas have donated items to the auction. These include Pink Floyd, KISS, Thunder, Marillion, Steve Vai, The Who, Slayer, Joe Bonamassa and Opeth.
The auction is live now and closes today, 27 July 2017. Among the remarkable items that feature in the auction are a Barry Novis painting of the late George Harrison from The Beatles; A unique Iron Maiden collectors cymbal and drumsticks signed by all of the band; a VIP meet-and-greet with Metallica; A Caribbean cruise with KISS; The Who 50th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall microphone signed by Roger Daltrey; a Fender Stratocaster Guitar signed by the remaining members of The Who: Pete Townshend & Roger Daltrey; a Dean guitar signed by Megadeth and a Brian May (Queen) signed Red Special Guitar.
This is the second auction Charity Stars and The Heavy Metal Truants have held this year after six items including a Les Paul Guitar signed by Metallica, a Fender Geddy Lee Signature Model Jazz Bass guitar signed by Rush, and The lyrics of Bon Jovi's classic ‘Livin' On A Prayer’ personally handwritten by Jon Bon Jovi went up for sale in June.
Click here for details.
All proceeds go to three very special charities - ChildLine, Teenage Cancer Trust and Nordoff Robins Music Therapy.
In addition to Queen, Metallica, Megadeth and Iron Maiden, other superstars from the rock and metal arenas have donated items to the auction. These include Pink Floyd, KISS, Thunder, Marillion, Steve Vai, The Who, Slayer, Joe Bonamassa and Opeth.
The auction is live now and closes today, 27 July 2017. Among the remarkable items that feature in the auction are a Barry Novis painting of the late George Harrison from The Beatles; A unique Iron Maiden collectors cymbal and drumsticks signed by all of the band; a VIP meet-and-greet with Metallica; A Caribbean cruise with KISS; The Who 50th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall microphone signed by Roger Daltrey; a Fender Stratocaster Guitar signed by the remaining members of The Who: Pete Townshend & Roger Daltrey; a Dean guitar signed by Megadeth and a Brian May (Queen) signed Red Special Guitar.
This is the second auction Charity Stars and The Heavy Metal Truants have held this year after six items including a Les Paul Guitar signed by Metallica, a Fender Geddy Lee Signature Model Jazz Bass guitar signed by Rush, and The lyrics of Bon Jovi's classic ‘Livin' On A Prayer’ personally handwritten by Jon Bon Jovi went up for sale in June.
Click here for details.
Rush donates autographed guitar for The Kaitlyn Bates Initiative
In the evening, a fundraising dinner hosted by Segato will start at 7 p.m. Rush has donated a one-of-a-kind acoustic guitar valued at more than $5,000 that was made for and presented to the group during their induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Modern era category in 2010 as a rock group. All three members of Rush signed the guitar along with fellow inductee Robert Charlebois. The special edition ES 1016 Boucher guitar is made by Quebec-based Boucher Guitars and comes with a case. The name Rush is inlaid in pearl in the neck of the guitar. It can only be won by purchasing a ticket to the Sept. 22 Kaitlyn Bates fundraiser. The winner must be in attendance for the draw. Visit www.kaitlynbatesinitiative.ca to purchase tickets at $100 for the gala. - Thanks Chris for the headsup!
"Tom Sawyer" featured in "Ready Player One" teaser trailer
The first teaser trailer of the Steven Spielberg directed "Ready Player One" features "Tom Sawyer". This is good news, as the original novel written by Ernest Cline upon which the film is based includes Rush references sprinkled throughout, including a major scene based on "2112". - Thanks to Stewart Gilray for the headsup!
Geddy Lee surprise performer at Second City Show to Benefit Jake Thomas and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario
Last night (July 18th) Geddy Lee made a surprise appearance singing "Take Off" along side the McKenzie Brothers (Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis), in a Second City benefit show which raised $325,000 for Thomas' nephew Jake Thomas, who was paralyzed from the waist down after a snowmobiling accident. Jake is the son of Ian Thomas, whose band opened for Rush in the 70's. Funds also went to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario.
The charity show featured comics Dave Thomas and Rick Moranis on the Second City stage, alongside fellow former “SCTV”-ers Martin Short, Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara.For more info:
Second City says the intimate evening saw the McKenzie brothers riff on craft beer, political correctness and inventing rap on their first album. Meanwhile, Short revived his manic manchild Ed Grimley and performed as clueless Hollywood reporter Jiminy Glick, who conducted a celebrity interview with Rick Mercer.
O’Hara and Levy reprised their “SCTV” characters Bobby Bittman and Lola Heatherton, while former “Saturday Night Live” star Dan Aykroyd offered up some auctioneering and blues.
Geddy Lee was a surprise musical guest, who led a rousing rendition of Bob and Doug’s hit “Take Off.” That was in addition to appearances by musicians Paul Shaffer, Ian Thomas and Murray McLauchlan, and comics Dave Foley, Kevin McDonald and Scott Thompson of The Kids in the Hall, and Robin Duke and Katherine Greenwood of Women Fully Clothed.
Rush Reference in Mages of Mystralia
Alex Lifeson guest on three tracks on Marco Minneman's "Borrego" coming July 31st
"It is my utmost pleasure to announce my new album, BORREGO. An album inspired by the hauntingly beautiful Anza Borrego desert landscape and its stories.Click here to order.
The album also features ALEX LIFESON from RUSH on guitar, who also co-wrote one of the center pieces of the album and delivered amazing and beautiful guitar arrangements on 3 of the tracks. And then, JOE SATRIANI, who performed stunning guitars on 4 of the songs.
I feel very honored and grateful for having these legendary artists with me on this release. Other fantastic contributors are Elizabeth Carey on violin, Brigitte Roka and Donna Zed on vocals. And Tony Levin on bass for one of the CD bonus cuts. Watch this space for more clips and news. This is the official Pre-Release.
The album will ship July 29th, 2017. Order at: lazybones.com and marcominnemann.com.
Hope you’ll enjoy the ride on the desert highways.
Much love,
Marco”
Geddy Lee says he’s thrilled Toronto’s ‘capybabies’ named for band
Rock fans of will recognize the names as a tribute to the three members of legendary Canadian band Rush: Guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer Neil Pert and singer Geddy Lee, who on Saturday said the band is “thrilled to hear that three cute little furry creatures from South America now bear our names.”
“Thanks to all who voted to give us this special honour,” he said, through his publicist. “By the way, which one is me? In the picture I saw none of them were wearing glasses.”
Click here for more.
Toronto's Trio of Capybara Pups Could Be Named After Rush
An online vote opened by Friends of the High Park Zoo lists "Alex, Geddy, Neil" as a combination of names for the cubs, who were born earlier this year. The poll says that "submissions from the public ranged from local landmarks to popular trios and adorable nicknames."
Click here for more.
Golfing in the Limelight: Rocco Mediate and Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson - PGA.com
In 1992, Rocco Mediate was preparing to play in the 74th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, when he learned his favorite band Rush would be in town at the same time. So, he sent an invite to the members of Rush to join him for a round of golf at Bellerive. Guitarist Alex Lifeson accepted the offer, and the two played a round close to the time of the PGA Championship. It was one of the first rounds of golf Lifeson—who was inducted along with fellow bandmates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2013—ever played.
The golf bug struck a sweet chord with Lifeson. Since then, Mediate and Lifeson went on to appear together in one of the first episodes of “Playing Lessons from the Pros” on Golf Channel. During his touring days with Rush, Lifeson was known to play golf regularly and reportedly had a handicap in the single digits. In 2006, Lifeson became a co-owner of the Tom Fazio-designed Coppinwood Golf Course near Toronto. When Mediate played the Canadian Open in 2010, he sported a Rush hat during a round and was also seen wearing Coppinwood apparel.
Despite his low handicap, Lifeson characteristically uses self-deprecating humor to describe his golf game. "I remember how thoughtful and considerate Rocco was," said Lifeson in 2013. "He spent a great deal of time with me, a truly novice golfer, on the range hitting a million 7-irons. The thing is, he still spends time with me on the range, so either he's a dear friend or I'm a pretty lousy golfer...or maybe both! This photo is of that day."
Looks like a match made in “Rocco Roll Heaven!”
Q&A: Rush Receive Humanitarian Award, Explain Quiet Stance on Philanthropy - Samaritan magazine
In a new interview with Samaritan magazine, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson discuss Rush recently being awarded the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award, as well as their stance on philanthropy in general. Check it out here.
"From Cradle To Stage" by Virginia Hanlon Grohl (featuring Geddy Lee's mum!)
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From Cradle to Stage, the new book by Virginia Hanlon Grohl hits bookstores April 25th. The mother of Grammy-winning rock star Dave Grohl, Virginia retired from a thirty-year teaching career, then jumped on tour buses and planes to travel to rock shows throughout the U.S. and Europe with her son and the Foo Fighters. Her next tour, travelling to meet the mothers of other stars, provided the profiles for her first book, From Cradle to Stage. As she watched her son's star rise, she often wondered about the other mothers who raised sons and daughters who became rock stars. Were they as surprised as she was about their children's fame? Virginia often wondered about the mystical force that urges some of us to listen, to play, to surround ourselves with music. She wanted to talk about it with the other mothers whose sons and daughters were sharing stages with Dave, and she decided to seek them out wherever they were. So began a two-year odyssey, where she had conversations with such women from all over the world. One of the chapters in the book is dedicated to Geddy Lee; in it Virginia interviews Ged's mother, Mary Weinrib, about what influenced their child to choose a musical career, and the prevalence of music in their family home. Click to order.
Rush, Sarah McLachlan, Adam Cohen & More Canadian Artists Talk Marijuana Legalization
Yesterday on 4/20 Billboard posted "Rush, Sarah McLachlan, Adam Cohen & More Canadian Artists Talk Marijuana Legalization":
Billboard asked more than two dozen Canadian artists what they thought of Trudeau’s vow to make marijuana legal, and -- if they are all for it -- if they could name a strain, what would it be called and what would it cure or be good for?...Singer/bassist Geddy Lee at first offers Lerxst Kush as their strain name. "That’s him,” he says of guitarist Alex Lifeson. “That’s his nickname.” But then Lifeson comes up with Lerxst Couch instead. “It’s not my forte,” says Lee, “But it is his.” “It is my forte,” says Lifeson. What would Lerxst Couch cure? “It would cure boredom,” says Lifeson. “I was going to say it would cure ambition,” says Lee, laughing. “That’s more appropriate,” Lifeson agrees, laughing too.
Rush Awarded the 2017 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award
Leading up to the event, Billboard.com posted Why Rush Might Be the Most Generous Band In the World:
On April 20, Rush will receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award for its social activism and support of humanitarian causes, as well as for recognition of its remarkable music career. The award will be presented during the annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards gala dinner in Toronto, an event during Canadian Music Week.
"They're giving us an award for doing what everyone should do," Geddy Lee tells Billboard. "It should be a part of everyone's upbringing and routine of life: You share when you've been blessed with good fortune. The world needs a lot of work, and there are not enough workers. We try to help where we can."
Alex Lifeson talks Rush's future and A Farewell to Kings 40th Anniversary Release
In a brand new interview with SiriusXM's "Debatable", conducted at last week's Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in New York, the arthritis-stricken Lifeson stated about RUSH's current status: "I would say that it's unlikely that we'll tour again as RUSH. Really, we toured for forty-one years, and I have to say that first year off, I felt like I was grieving for my career and the band, but truly, forty-one years of touring the way we toured, I shouldn't feel badly about that."
RUSH recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its landmark 1976 album "2112" with a deluxe reissue featuring rare live and previously unreleased material, and, according to Lifeson, "right now there's some work being done on a similar thing with [1977's] 'A Farewell To Kings'." He said: "We're not really involved in that so much; it's a record-company thing, or a publisher thing. We like to be slightly involved, in just giving approvals and make sure that everything's done in a way that we would like to see it."
Even though there are no plans for RUSH to regroup in the foreseeable future, Lifeson revealed that "Ged and I will probably do something together. He's been really busy. He's working on his own little book project. He's become quite a bass guitar collector, and he wants to do a little thing on the history of the instrument. So that's keeping him super busy." As for Peart, Lifeson said: "I'm not sure what Neil's doing these days. He's on the West Coast. He's always got something going on."
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alex-lifeson-says-its-unlikely-rush-will-ever-tour-again/#O5BJOlu1aZsTbi0T.99
RUSH recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of its landmark 1976 album "2112" with a deluxe reissue featuring rare live and previously unreleased material, and, according to Lifeson, "right now there's some work being done on a similar thing with [1977's] 'A Farewell To Kings'." He said: "We're not really involved in that so much; it's a record-company thing, or a publisher thing. We like to be slightly involved, in just giving approvals and make sure that everything's done in a way that we would like to see it."
Even though there are no plans for RUSH to regroup in the foreseeable future, Lifeson revealed that "Ged and I will probably do something together. He's been really busy. He's working on his own little book project. He's become quite a bass guitar collector, and he wants to do a little thing on the history of the instrument. So that's keeping him super busy." As for Peart, Lifeson said: "I'm not sure what Neil's doing these days. He's on the West Coast. He's always got something going on."
Read more at http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alex-lifeson-says-its-unlikely-rush-will-ever-tour-again/#O5BJOlu1aZsTbi0T.99
In the Limelight: the Alex Lifeson ES-Les Paul
Rush sighting in USA Today Crossword 4/9
Geddy Lee speaks backstage at the Rock Hall 2017 induction
Geddy Lee addresses why he didn't play a Rickenbacker during "Roundabout", and of Chris Squire's influence.
Yes Joins Its 'Heroes' in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Newsweek
“And we thought we waited a long time to get in the Hall of Fame,” said Rush bassist Geddy Lee, as he and Rush
guitarist Alex Lifeson delivered a moving tribute Friday to
progressive-rock giants Yes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
ceremony in Brooklyn.... more from Newsweek.com
Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson Talk 'Over-the-Top' Yes Fandom
Rollingstone.com has posted a followup story with some backstage comments from Geddy Lee.
"As I said during my speech, I was turned on to them through their second album Time and a Word," Lee tells Rolling Stone after exiting the stage. "I've been a huge fan ever since, just an over-the-top fan of them for years."
As a bassist, Lee was thrilled to be able to perform "Roundabout," a song he considers to be "one of the great bass songs ever written, in the history of recorded music." After already agreeing to induct Yes, Lee had been asked to join them for a performance by the late and influential bass player Chris Squire's widow and the remaining members of the band. "Seeing as I was going to be here anyway, why not?"
As Lee said during his induction speech: "It's not overstating things to say it changed the way I played and listened to music forever. So here we are, decades later, and the music of Yes is still echoing down through the years, showing me that music truly is a continuum."
Lifeson shared the profound influence of the band on his life during the induction speech as well. "Yes were my gateway band in so many ways," the guitarist says. "There's nothing so fleeting yet enduring about the way music feels when you're 17 years old."
Read Rush's Enthusiastic Yes Rock Hall Induction Speech/Geddy on Roundabout
Lifeson: We're honored to be here tonight doing this. It's really, really great. We all start somewhere. For me, my journey with Yes began when I was a teenager gently fishing out the Yes album out of its sleeve being just a bit freaked by the disembodied head on the cover, placing the needle on the groove, sitting back, letting the music wash over me. I may have smoked a cigarette or something [laughter] but Yes were my gateway band in so many ways. There's nothing so fleeting yet enduring about the way music feels when you're 17 years old.
As Yes played in my room, I played too. I spent hours picking my way through songs like "Starship Trooper" and "Yours Is No Disgrace." How wonderful is that swirling outro in "Starship Trooper"? I must've played that a million times. But I loved their music. Even more, once I learned to master ... not that I never really did. I never did them justice. But I loved them still. Yes helped give me the gift of music, which is everything as you know. They made me want to be a better musician and that provided some of the determination to one day stand on this stage giving tribute to this amazing band.
I'll leave you with this: the musical choices we make in our youth help to mold who we become. Choose the guitar intro for "Going for the One." Choose learning to play "Starship Trooper" on a cheap secondhand guitar. Choose Chris Squire's amazing bass tone. Choose Jon Anderson's ethereal vocals. Choose Fragile. Choose wearing a cape before Rick Wakeman did. This guy right here. Choose staying out all night to see your favorite band. Choose "Roundabout." Choose the glorious guitar work in "Owner of a Lonely Heart." So beautiful. Choose the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And definitely, choose Yes.
Lee: Blah, blah, blah. [Laughter] I'd like to ask the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to indulge me a few moments to share some personal experiences of Yes, the band. So picture this: in the early Seventies, I spent from one to three years in Grade 10 in high school seated at the back of the class with my new pal Oscar. He sat just across from me, and the teacher's words were bouncing aimlessly off us as Oscar riffed on some of our favorite Monty Python skits. He had me at the dead parrot gag. How could we not become friends? But it wasn't just the Ministry of Silly Walks that we bonded over.
I could still recall one of the days that we opted out of school and were sitting cross-legged on the floor of Oscar's room as he introduced me to an album called Time and a Word by a band called Yes that I never heard of. I still thrill to the bass part in "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed" the way I did the first time I heard it that day. For years people asked me why I played a Rickenbacker bass, and all I have to do is point to that album, that song and Chris Squire's incredibly original playing. Then Oscar played me "Yours Is No Disgrace" then "I've Seen All Good People." We both sat there open-mouthed as the songs rose up around us and our musical worlds shifted and fell from its axis. I might've been a young musician jamming in basement grooves in Toronto, but through Yes, I was tuning into a wider world of possibilities. One where music seemed to have no limitations.
It was a crisp night in 1972 when Oscar and myself and this guy, Alex Lifeson, wind up overnight around the block in what was then Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens to finally witness Yes live for ourselves. The sky was a high dome of stars, and as I recall, Alex kept us going by nipping to the store and bringing back honeydew drinks. Really. I could close my eyes now and I'm back there. Intellectually, visually, viscerally sitting in row 10. It was like nothing I'd ever seen or experienced before. It was actually profound.
It's not overstating things to say it changed the way I played and listened to music forever. So here we are, decades later, and the music of Yes is still echoing down through the years, showing me that music truly is a continuum. On behalf of Oscar, my good friend and Alex's Neil, who is not here tonight, Alex and myself, I say thank you, Yes. It's our great, great privilege and our great honor to right a terrible wrong and to finally welcome Yes into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Aimee Mann Talks New Album, ‘Mental Illness,’ and Working with Rush on "Time Stand Still"
In a new interview with Guitar World, Aimee Mann looks back on recording with Rush 30 years ago.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Rush’s “Time Stand Still,” to which you contributed a memorable vocal. How did your involvement with the band come about?- Thanks to Stephen Humphries for the headsup!
I’m not sure if they had heard a song of mine or someone told them about me, but they contacted my manager at the time and asked me if I wanted to sing on it. I didn’t know Rush’s stuff that much but I thought, why not? I liked the song and thought the part was really pretty. Originally, Geddy Lee was singing it. He’s got such a powerful voice and I remember saying to him, “Dude, your falsetto is so great. You shouldn’t have me.” But they really wanted to have a different singer on it. I’m very proud that I had that opportunity.
Rush "Cygnus X-1" Record Store Day 2017 special release this April 22
Rush will be releasing "Cygnus X-1" books 1 and 2 on 12-inch 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl EP for Record Store Day this April 22nd:"2017 marks the 40th anniversary of A Farewell To Kings and to kickstart the celebration, Books I & II of "Cygnus X-1" are newly compiled together for the first time ever as an audiophile 180g vinyl EP with brand new artwork by longtime Rush artwork creative director Hugh Syme. SIDE A: Cygnus X-1: Book 1 SIDE B: Cygnus X-1: Book II".
The release will be limited to 5000 copies and will be available at select independent record store locations for Record Store Day on April 22nd. To find participating store locations and to learn more about Record Store Day, visit the website at recordstoreday.com. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the headsup!
Shredders!: The Oral History Of Speed Guitar (And More) featuring foreword by Alex Lifeson
"From Cradle to Stage" by Vignia Hanlon Grohl coming April 25th
Rush to induct Yes into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
As is sometimes the tradition at the music industry back-patting event, past inductees are invited back to introduce members of the new class.
In homage to their fellow prog-rock torchbearers and kindred spirits, Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will step onto the Barclays Center stage to wax lyrical about Yes and then hand the honour to Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White, Tony Kaye, Trevor Rabin and Chris Squire’s wife Scottie who is accepting on her late husband’s behalf.
A huge fan of Yes, Geddy Lee said in 2013 that it was “disappointing” and “just wrong” that Yes weren’t inducted alongside his band that year.
Alongside Rush, it has been confirmed that Neil Young will be introducing Pearl Jam. The two acts share a mutual admiration and performed together at the 1993 MTV Music Awards and collaborated on Young’s 1995 record ‘Mirror Ball’.
Young is repaying the favour to Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder who inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1995 calling him "a great songwriter, a great performer, a great Canadian."
Completing the trio of 2017 inductor announcements, Jackson Browne will introduce folk icon Joan Baez at the ceremony.
Also being inducted this spring are Journey, Electric Light Orchestra and the late rapper Tupac Shakur.
-thirds of Rush will introduce Yes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on 7th April. As is sometimes the tradition at the music industry back-patting event, past inductees are invited back to introduce members of the new class.
Geddy Lee Teams with Tech 21 for Signature SansAmp GED-2112
The Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 is a bass preamp in a single rackspace unit that features parallel pre-amping – meaning two separate internal preamps that run in parallel. It has a Drive section based on the SansAmp RPM as well as a Deep preamp section that dishes out a low end boost.
“Saturation goes from clean in lower settings to increased harmonics and tube-like compression in higher settings,” the company writes. “To keep things lean and efficient, the EQ curve is pre-set to Geddy’s personal specs. You can use either section independently or blend them externally direct to a mixing board as well as to two amplifiers.”
Other features include a Blend control, a sweepable semi-parametric EQ, dedicated 1/4-inch and XLR direct outputs for each preamp section, an effects loop with Mix 50/50 switch, a tuner output, a clean 1/4-inch output, and a front panel A/B switch.
“The GED-2112 is really a continuation of my long-time approach to bass tone,” Lee says. “A ‘deep clean’ tone coupled with the ‘edgy crunch’ I get from the SansAmp RPM now all in one box. With selectable A/B inputs, and separate balanced and unbalanced direct outputs, this box is the foundation for great bass tone in any setup. Plus it’s green!”
The Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp: GED-2112 is expected later this year with a street price of $369.
Visit notreble.com for more info.
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