Clockwork Lives optioned for film or television

Clockwork Lives, the followup to the novel Clockwork Angels, was first published in hardback in 2015, and as a graphic novel this past June.  Today author Kevin J. Anderson announced:

"Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart have optioned their steampunk fantasy adventure CLOCKWORK LIVES to writer/producers Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes (Arrow, The Flash, Warehouse 13).  CLOCKWORK LIVES is set in the universe of the concept album CLOCKWORK ANGELS by legendary rock band Rush and Anderson’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same title. Anderson and Rush drummer and lyricist Peart wrote CLOCKWORK LIVES as a companion to ANGELS in a novel published by ECW Press and a new graphic novel from Insight Editions."

Also check out our interview with Kevin J. Anderson where he discussed both novels as well as some of his other Rush related writings.

Dream Theater's James LaBrie discusses their cover of Xanadu from the A Farewell to Kings 40th Anniversary Edition

Although released last December, ole TV has posted a new five minute video with Dream Theater's James LaBrie and engineer Rich Chycki to chat about DT's cover of the Rush classic 'Xanadu,' from the 40th Anniversary release of A Farewell To Kings. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush sighting on The Big Bang Theory

It took 12 seasons, but Rush has finally been referenced on CBS' The Big Big Theory.  In tonight's season premiere, “The Conjugal Configuration”, Sheldon and Amy are on their honeymoon and check into room 2112. - Thanks to B-man for the headsup, and to Cygnus-X1.net for the screenshot.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert: Encore" featuring Rush's Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert: Encore is now available with a September 21st release. This is the first official release to include RUSH's induction ceremony performance. Although the release's description states "Rush performing fiery classics Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio", it is assume it also includes the full induction ceremony and speeches.  Click here to order.

     Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors rock music's pioneering figures during a prestigious black-tie ceremony. As the Hall of Fame enters its third decade, it's these singular induction ceremonies-featuring the biggest names in classic rock from the '60s, '70s and '80s-that have become nearly as epic as the artists they celebrate. This 2 Blu-ray Disc set features poignant reunions, moving and often hilarious induction speeches, and 44 iconic performances.

    Among the highlights from the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 induction ceremonies:

    * The legendary Canadian power trio Rush performing fiery classics Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio for their fervent fans.
    * Red Hot Chili Peppers leading a searing all-star jam session of Higher Ground anchored by Slash and Ron Wood.
    * Heart going Crazy on You before being joined onstage by fellow members of Seattle rock royalty from Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.
    * Alice Cooper ripping into ferocious versions of Eighteen and Under My Wheels before closing the set with Rob Zombie on School's Out.
    * The Hurdy Gurdy Man Donovan is joined onstage by John Mellencamp for a chilling performance of Season of the Witch.

    Features complete Hall of Fame induction speeches, including:
    * Don Henley inducting Randy Newman
    * Neil Young inducting Tom Waits

Edge Factor's "Master's of Resonance" now available at introductory rate on iTunes

Edge Factor's documentary film Masters of Resonance is now available for presale on iTunes to own at a special promotional rate of $9.99.   Click here to preorder. The film, which tells the story of DW Drums culminating in Neil Peart's masterpiece R40 drumkit, can be preordered for the next 30 day presale for $9.99 now through October 19th.  Thereafter the film will be released and the price will increase to $19.99

A pre-release screening for Rush fans was held Friday, June 22nd, as part of the Rush Family Reunion event at the Fox Theatre in Toronto, with an eventual world premiere at the Grammy Museum presentation in LA on August 8th

"Storyteller and Founder of Edge Factor, Jeremy Bout once believed that a drum was a glorified pail with a lid on it. All drum kits sound the same if you hit them with a keen sense of rhythm, right? Then he met John Good, Co-Founder of DW Drums and realized, "Boy, was I wrong." The innovation, craftsmanship, and sheer brilliance behind the science of drum making inspired Jeremy and the filmmakers at Edge Factor to share the legacy of John and the DW team, in the music documentary film Masters of Resonance.

"This film takes you on a journey from the forest to the stage and pulls back the curtain on drum making. It begins with sustainably harvesting the wood in the forests of Michigan, then shows the design, manufacturing, and painting operations in the DW Drums factory. The finished product is revealed, as completed drum kits are played by many of the biggest names in the music industry. These processes are perfectly demonstrated as the DW Drums team creates the iconic Rush R40 tour drum kit, using 1500 year old Romanian bog oak. Along the way, you will witness the unique relationship that these drum makers share with musicians, as Jeremy interviews world class drummers from the DW Drums roster.

"Rush drummer Neil Peart, beautifully captures the message of the film when he asks, "What could be more transcendent than a musical instrument?" It's the team's unending pursuit of excellence, willingness to embrace failure to find solutions, and the dedication of each team member that empowers DW Drums to create objects that live forever in the music they create.

Alex Lifeson presented with custom built Harper Guitar

Jacob Harper of Harper Guitars recently built a custom guitar for Alex Lifeson. The guitar's fret inlays included interpretations of Rush album art, and the pick guard in inlayed with ‘blah blah blah.'. For high quality pics of the guitar visit Harper Guitars Facebook page. You can check out a low quality video of Alex playing the guitar and thanking Jacob here, and also check out this local news feature about the event. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

CRASH: The World's Greatest Drum Kits From Appice to Peart to Van Halen

One of Neil Peart's drumkits is featured in the new book CRASH: The World's Greatest Drum Kits From Appice to Peart to Van Halen published yesterday by Insight Editions. Click here to order. Modern Drummer is also running a contest to win an autographed copy, click here to enter.

"Crash: The World’s Greatest Drum Kits, is a visual journey through the world of rock & jazz drumming, features commentary from drummer, collector, technologist and sound authority David Frangioni and photography from iconic rock photographer Mark Weiss. Drum kits from musicians such as Carl Palmer, Neil Peart, Ringo Starr, Carmine Appice, Buddy Rich, Eric Singer, Keith Moon, Peter Criss, Alex Van Halen, Lars Ulrich, Louie Bellson and many more are pictured in all their well-played glory. With over 60 kits represented, Crash is the ultimate visual guide to the world of rock drumming and the iconic drum sets that defined a genre."

 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Funko Fan Expo Canada 2018 Limited Edition Rush Figurines

Fan Expo Canada is coming to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 30th through September 2nd.  One of the Fan Expo's exclusive items is a Rush limited edition set, which will only be available at the show.   For more info visit FanExpoCanada.com. - Thanks to Rosmakloma for the headsup!

A farewell to kings: Canada's Rush really seems to have retired - National Post

Today Canada's National Post published an opinion piece by Colby Cash titled  "A farewell to kings: Canada's Rush really seems to have retired".   Fans around the world are finally getting used to (and supporting) the boys retiring with grace.   Check it out here.

Neil's R40 Drum Kit now on display at Percussive Arts Society in Indianapolis

Yesterday Neil Peart's drum tech Lorne "Gump" Wheaton tweeted:

"Yesterday I set up R40 to be displayed soon at Percussive Arts Society in Indianapolis, IN. It will be there for the next 2 years. Drop by and check it out."

Check out their website at pas.org.

Stewart Copeland Remembers When the Police ‘Threw Bombs’ at Rush

While hosting "Classic Rock Week" on HDNET Movies this week, during a break while airing Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981, drummer Stewart Copeland talked about the time the Police came up as part of the U.K. punk scene and saw Rush as the enemy.

"They're Canadian. They are the best guys on the planet. I don't know if being Canadian has anything to do with it, but Rush are one of the best hangs in show business. Back when my band, the Police, was a struggling punk rock band, just trying to make noise and cause attention and throwing bombs wherever we could. Rush? That's some place where we threw bombs."

"And years later, it turns out Rush - the guys in the band - Neil Peart, is so Canadian that he didn't even mind," he recalls. "And we became really great friends in spite of the fact that we used to criticize his band when we were just trying to get attention. I think he's old and wise and Canadian enough to understand all that. They couldn't be nicer if they were New Zealanders, also a nation that only produces good people." - Thanks to Ultimate Classic Rock for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson guests on Jim McCarty's Walking in the Wild Land

Alex Lifeson makes a guest appearance on the new album by Yardbirds' drummer Jim McCarty titled Walking in the Wild Land.  The album was released March 9th and and can be purchased here.  Produced by long time Rush producer Terry Brown, Alex appears on the track "Soft In A Hard Place" which you can hear below, and in addition, Hugh Syme makes an appearance on the album.

Last month, McCarty talked to MetalExpressRadio.com about the Rush connection that saw Alex Lifeson, Terry Brown and Hugh Syme become involved in his record:

You were able to call on a couple of Toronto residents to help you out. How Alex Lifeson of Rush get involved in your record?
I know the music scene here and have a lot of friends out here. Alex is a big fan of the Yardbirds and Rush did covers of Heart Full of Soul and Shape of Things on their Feedback EP a while ago and he also worked with Terry Brown who produced some of the older albums. Terry thought it'd be a good idea to ask him and Alex thought it'd be a great idea to do it.
Did you work together in the studio on Soft In A Hard Place?
He recorded his parts in his own studio and sent them over.
Did you give him an idea of what you wanted from his contribution or did he pretty much get a free hand?
That's quite a softish song and he put that hard edge into it which worked well with the song. He basically did what he thought would go with the song and I think it turned out great. I'm really happy with it.
Would you like to work with him again in the future?
Well you never know. We're going to get together and have a chat and see where it takes us. I don't know what he's doing now that Rush is finished and he'll probably have his own group but I'll find out when I see him next.
In keeping with the Rush connection, Terry Brown co-produced and mixed the album. What did Terry influence the recording process?
I've known Terry for a while but I was recording with George Koller and Tom Reynolds the keyboard player in the studio and I played some of it to Terry and he took them a little further. He said he'd mix it as he had some ideas of what to do. It was his idea to use the flugel horn on Charmed. He put quite a few touches into it that I really liked.
There's is also ANOTHER Rush connection on your album with Hugh Syme adding keyboards and orchestration to Changing Times, Dancing Leaves and So Many Questions. What you were looking for from him?
It was Terry's idea as I wanted some string parts and he said Hugh was very good at that. Hugh is actually an artist rather than a professional musician and he did a great job. I wanted something quite subtle and he did it just the way that I wanted. Hugh is English and he brought a real English feel to it.

- Thanks to the B-man for the headsup!

Check out Alex Lifeson in a new clip from tomorrow's episode of Crawford

Alex Lifeson guest stars this week on Crawford! And here he is as Cynthia's cereal mogul boss, urging her to 'get on a mission for better nutrition'.  Tomorrow at 9/930NT on CBC!

2019 35th Anniversary "Grace Under Pressure" Calendar

2019 will see the 35th Anniversary of Rush's Grace Under Pressure, and the band will celebrate the album with their 2019 official wall calendar.  Click here to order. 

Clockwork Lives, the graphic novel now available

Order Here

"Some lives can be summed up in a sentence or two. Other lives are epics." The followup to the best selling Clockwork Angels, Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart return to the world of the Watchmaker with all new stories told through the colorful characters of Clockwork Lives, hitting bookstores today.

In this graphic novelization which contains many familiar characters from Clockwork Angels, "Marinda Peake is a woman with a quiet, perfect life in a small village who long ago gave up on her dreams and ambitions to take care of her ailing father, an alchemist and an inventor. When he dies, he gives Marinda a mysterious inheritance: a blank book that she must fill with other people's stories - and ultimately her own."

The graphic novel was created with a team of artists offering unique touches for each of the 13 chapters/character's stories. The hardcover book itself is absolutely gorgeous, printed on durable paper and sporting an all new cover by Hugh Syme. Like its predecessor, Clockwork Lives is well steeped in the world of Rush, yet it is done tastefully and without becoming overbearing or (pardon the pun), comical. How? Whether it is through a simple turn of phrase lifted from a Rush lyric, or through the many graphic nods to the Rush universe (such as the inclusion of a Hemispheres album cover "painting" hanging on a character's office wall, not to mention the "cameo" by Lee Lifeson and Peart themselves), we are frequently reminded of what brought us all here in the first place.

Enjoy your visit back to the world of Rush and the Watchmaker. Available June 26th, you'll want to make sure you get a copy of the Clockwork Lives graphic novel before it's gone.  Click here to order.

Alex Lifeson guest stars in the new CBC comedy "Crawford"

Premiering tonight across Canada on the CBC June 14th at 9/930NT is the new comedy series Crawford.  Created by Mike Clattenburg, who also created Trailer Park Boys, Alex Lifeson has a small role as Taylor, boss of actress Jill Hennessy's (Crossing Jordan) character Cynthia.  Cynthia is "the matriarch, who is an award-winning cereal executive for a product called Sugar Maple Pops.  Alex is "Cynthia’s mentor and the man who gave her a shot with Super Maple Pops, Taylor is a little worse for wear, with an aura of fast-food grease about him."

"I got asked to do a small role...I thought I couldn't do it - that it was something for real actors. But I ended up doing a few episodes. It definitely was not in my comfort zone. But if you throw a challenge at yourself and dive into it, it can be really gratifying." - Alex Lifeson, Globe and Mail, January 18, 2018

“He’s phenomenal,” says Hennessy, a RUSH fan.  (Hennessy herself has released two albums: her last, I Do, in 2015.)  Given the musical connections, the Star says it’s surprising that Clattenburg hasn’t got Lifeson and Hennessy busking in a Toronto subway in a giant ironic wink to the audience.  “That would so work!” says Hennessy. “My character didn’t finish high school, she was in a band. And one of her future fans was her boss (Lifeson) at the cereal company. So yes, I think somebody should talk to Mike about that scene. Could you maybe put in a word for me?” - The Star, January 30, 2018

Geddy Lee talks to the CBC about Toronto's Historic Massey Hall

Toronto's 124 year old Massey Hall is about to about to close for two years as it undergoes major renovations. Today the CBC published a collection of interviews with various artists including Geddy Lee and the Barenaked Ladies, with featured videos as well.  Click here for more.

A Farewell to Kings 40th Anniversary Edition nominated for PROG's Reissue of the Year

Click here to vote now for RUSH's ‪A Farewell to Kings 40th Anniversary Edition in PROG magazine's 2018 Progressive Music Awards!  The event takes place at the Underglobe in London, on the site of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, on Thursday September 13.  Click here for details. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Adds Pujols' Signature to his 3000-Club Baseball

On May 4th Albert Pujols of the L.A. Angels became the 32nd player to reach 3,000 hits and just the fourth to do so with 600 home runs. When the Angels rolled into Toronto Tuesday night the 22nd to play the Blue Jays, well known baseball collector Geddy Lee was on hand to request Pujols to add his signature to a special ball, which contains EVERY batter who has hit 3,000 hits.  Check out the video of the event here. - Thanks to CygnusX1-net for the headsup!

Rush references on Billions' May 20th episode

Well this escalates quickly - during last night's episode of the Showtime series Billions (titled "Icebreaker", aired May 20), the following epic conversation takes place between Axe (Damian Lewis) and Taylor (Asia Kate Dillon): 

• Businessmen "How soon do you want the money?"
• Axe "The Year 2112 we'll do the raise as a celebration of Rush's second best album, that's why we got you in here today."
• Taylor - "You mean Moving Pictures is #1. But I think it goes Hemispheres, then A Farewell to Kings, then 2112 then Pictures."
• Axe - "Well, you would...."

- Thanks to Tod Odonnell and Ronney Monteith for the headsup!