Neil Peart's "Riding The Golden Lion"

As many die-hard Rush fans know, Neil Peart wrote five books which he distributed privately before publishing his first mass produced book, The Masked Rider. So far, only the cover of one of these private editions, The African Drum, has been widely seen, and only the titles of the other books have been known. I received an email from a fellow fan who has all of Neil Peart's privately published books. These are obviously extremely rare, and he was kind enough to scan the cover and transcribe the first seven pages of Riding the Golden Lion. Enjoy!

"Rush Beat On Different Strings" - Frets Magazine

"Rush Beat On Different Strings", a new interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, is included in the spring issue of Frets Magazine. In the interview, they discuss their acoustic guitars and songwriting, including the interesting tidbit that it was Lee who wrote the guitar introduction to "Closer to the Heart". The complete article is online at FretsMag.com.

Neil Peart, "My Laurentian Soulscape"

The January/February 2006 issue of Canadian Geographic Magazine includes a one page article by Neil Peart titled "My Laurentian Soulscape" where he writes about the songs inspired by and recorded in the Laurentiens at Le Studio. - Feb. 22, 2006

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.

Geddy Lee Interview With Fender

"The renowned Rush bassist/vocalist on the R30 anniversary DVD, band history, cool covers, 'flamenco bass,' the Fender Jazz and more..." - Fender.com, December 20, 2005

Neil Peart's "Anatomy Of A Drum Solo"

Anatomy Of A Drum Solo, the second instructional drumming video by Neil Peart, was released Dec. 20th, 2005. For more information click here.

"Anatomy of a Drum Solo presents newly-recorded, in-studio footage of Neil discussing, in detail, his approach to soloing. Using a solo recorded in September, 2004 in Frankfurt, Germany, as a framework, Neil talks about each segment of this nine-minute tour de force that is a feature of each Rush performance. He describes the inspiration and the conceptual thinking behind each part of the solo and discusses, and often demonstrates, the technique necessary for playing that segment. Also included are two 'explorations' - completely improvised workouts at the drums, each over thirty-minutes long; a never-before-released solo recorded in Hamburg, Germany in September, 2004 ("Ich Bin Ein Hamburger"); 'O Baterista', Neil's Grammy Award-nominated solo (previously released on the Rush in Rio DVD); two full Rush performances from Frankfurt ’04, all shot from the perspective of the drum cameras; interviews with Lorne Wheaton, Neil’s drum tech, and Paul Northfield, Rush co-producer and engineer; a full-color booklet, a photo gallery and more." - HudsonMusic.com

Rush On Rockline

"Canadian rock legends RUSH will be the featured guests on the nationally syndicated radio show 'Rockline' airing Wednesday, December 14. The live show begins at 8:30 p.m. PT / 11:30 p.m. ET, and fans are encouraged to call in with questions during the program at (800) 344-ROCK (7625). To find a station near you, check out www.rocklineradio.com." - December 1, 2005

R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour Video

R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour DVD was released November 22, 2005. Filmed using 14 hi-definition cameras in 16x9 widescreen format on September 24, 2004, at the Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany, the first disk of the 2 DVD set contains all but eight tracks of the Frankfurt concert, while the second contains interviews plus rare and classic footage from the late seventies to the Tsunami relief benefit concert in 2005, as well as two Easter Eggs. Also included in the The Deluxe Edition are two limited edition RUSH guitar picks and a souvenir backstage pass, as well as a two audio CD version of the show; CD's will not be sold separately but will be available via Anthem/Atlantic Records on all digital download services. Click here for the tracklist, video clips, plus additional news and reviews.

Lerxst At The Orbit Room

Alex Lifeson made a rare appearance on stage at The Orbit Room with The Dexters last night to celebrate the Orbit Room’s 11th anniversary. Playing along side with The Dexters for what might have been the first time in eleven years, they actually played a Rush song on stage – a version of the Spirit Of Radio! The set also included "For What It’s Worth" (see Feedback) and Jefferson Airplane's "White Rabbit"

Rush Plans New Tourbook Compilation And 'Complete' Video Collection

"...the members of Rush plan to announce a new official book to add to their list of items being released during the next year. The book will consist of every tour book the band has ever had and combine them all for one large historic pictorial of the group's 31-year history. The book is currently under construction, but is likely to hit stores by January 2006. The book will come in a limited special leather edition that will feature autographs of all three band members with a slipcase. A standard version of the book will run for $100...A complete video collection is also in the works for release in late 2006 including the bands later years under Atlantic Records. " - All Headline News, October 2, 2005

Geddy Lee Interviewed in "Metal: A Headbangers Journey"

Metal: A Headbangers Journey, a 2 DVD documentary including interviews with Geddy Lee, will be released on DVD September 14th:

"Journeying through America and Europe, following tours and attending open-air metal fests, the filmmakers document people’s opinions about the scene. Fans weigh in, as well as metal gods including Rush’s Geddy Lee..."

Peart Helps Raise $60,000 For Houston Charity

As detailed in this Rush.com press release, Neil Peart helped raise $60,000 for a Houston based charity in conjunction with ProMark.

Toronto Wins Rights To Canadian Music Hall of Fame

"Although the awards have been handed out since 1978, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame will now have an official home where it can honor its members. The building will be located in downtown Toronto at the intersection of Yonge and Dundas where over 50 million people travel down yearly...Geddy Lee of the rock trio Rush was inducted along with his bandmates in 1994 when the band celebrated 20 years of being a signed recording act. Now it is 11 years later and Lee believes it is only right that inducted members have a place to hang their hats. He says, 'I'm very happy to hear that Toronto will be the home for the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. It is a great way for Canadians to celebrate our musical heritage and will be a fine cultural addition to our city.' The Hall will officially open its doors in 2007." - All Headline News, June 17, 2005

8th Annual White Ribbon Concert

Alex Lifeson teamed up with Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy and All Systems Go/ex-Doughboy guitarist/vocalist John Kastner to perform two covers, The Beatles' "Rain" and Neil Young's "Don't Cry No Tears", at the White Ribbon benefit concert against violence against women held at The Phoenix in Toronto. Lifeson previously worked with Kastner remixing the All System Go track "Fascination Unknown" which appeared as a single in 2003.

Rock 'N' Roll Never Forgets Holocaust's Horror

"...Perhaps the most well-known of Holocaust-influenced rock songs as it first appeared on the band's hit 1984 album Grace Under Pressure, and has been a staple of the band's live shows ever since. The seeds for this harrowing rocker were planted 60 years ago in April of 1945 when British soldiers liberated the Nazi concentration camp Bergen-Belsen. Rush lead singer Geddy Lee's mother, Mary Rubenstein, was among the survivors. 'I once asked my mother her first thoughts upon being liberated,' Lee said. 'She didn't believe (liberation) was possible. She didn't believe that if there was a society outside the camp how they could allow this to exist... ' Lee related the story to band drummer and lyricist Neil Peart and also wrote the music. Peart came up with lines such as: 'Are we the last ones left alive?/ Are we the only human beings to survive?' 'The whole album,' Lee said, 'is about being on the brink and having the courage and strength to survive.'" - Palm Beach Post, May 6, 2005

Carrie Nuttal's "Rhythm And Light"

The photographic art book by Carrie Nuttall, Rhythm And Light, showcasing photos of husband Neil Peart, was published in January.

"This photo book features intimate portraits of legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart at work in a Toronto recording studio, as captured by photographer Carrie Nuttall. A must have for Rush’s extensive fan base, as well as enthusiasts of both drumming and photography. Carrie Nuttall is a professional photographer who has worked extensively in both the music and fashion industries. She lives in Los Angeles, CA. $60.00 hardcover" - RounderBooks.com

Hughes & Kettner Introduces Alex Lifeson Signature TriAmp

"For decades, the powerhouse trio Rush has been the standard bearer of progressive rock. And the legendary threesome's virtuoso axe-man Alex Lifeson, with his jawdropping arsenal of distinctive sounds, is the driving force behind Rush's eclectic blend of genre-defying classic rock with a cutting-edge attitude. Hughes & Kettner zenTeras and TriAmps have been Alex's first-choice amps for years. Now he has tricked out a TriAmp to design the amp of his dreams. Opting for his fave tolex and groovy purple backlighting to illuminate the plexi front panel, he kitted out a new line of amps featuring precisely the specs of the TriAmps he played on Rush's world tour. Every Alex Lifeson Signature Amp ships with the Rush Tour book, an original Alex Lifeson pick, a special release Rush CD, and a certificate signed by Alex. Alex is known for his commitment to children's health, well-being and education, particularly of impoverished kids in the third world. To support this cause, UNICEF will receive a donation in the amount of $50 for every Alex Lifeson Signature TriAmp sold. The Alex Lifeson Signature Amp hits US stores in April 2005. Manufacturer's suggested RP is $2,799. For more information, visit their web site at www.hughes-and-kettner.com." - namm.harmony-central.com, January 23, 2005

"We have developed a Triamp signature model for Alex, and he has asked that all proceeds due to him for this amp should be given to Unicef. So, we will donate 50 Euros from the sale of each Alex Lifeson Signature Triamp to Unicef on his behalf. Thank you Alex." - hughes-and-kettner.com