Alex Lifeson Interview with "Modern Guitars"

Long time Rush fan Skip Daly recently interviewed Alex Lifeson for Modern Guitars magazine regarding the latest DVD release, Snakes And Arrows - Live. The interview was posted today on the Modern Guitars website. As Skip has been a diehard Rush fan for over 20 years, the interview goes beyond the typical interviews we have seen in recent years. The whole interview is recommended reading, but one key point of the interview include this discussion of the long awaited for Vapor Trails "remix". Another key topic is a discussion of Alex's recent discovery of long lost tapes from his vault! - Thanks to Skip Daly for the headsup up!

Drummer Bill Bruford on "Burning For Buddy"

Bill Bruford: The Autobiography is coming this spring. The drumming great recently posted an excerpt from the book on his blog, where he discusses the trials of the Burning For Buddy sessions, produced by fellow drummer Neil Peart in 1994:

"An altogether grander 1994 project centred on Neil Peart, the charming and successful drummer with Canadian rockers Rush, who had taken it upon himself to make a series of recordings of Buddy Rich’s music...The idea was for an A-list of the most celebrated drummers of the day to do a couple of tunes each from the standard Rich Orchestra repertoire. The resulting CDs were to be called Burning For Buddy, and time was duly booked at the Power Station recording studio in Manhattan.

'For reasons best known to himself, Neil thought I’d be suitable for this project and got in touch to explain the plan. He suggested a couple of tunes, and I, with what must have seemed like arrogance but in fact was that old insecurity, said fine, but how about one of his and one of mine? Neil asked for a demo of my proposed tune, which was duly approved, and I went off to see English trumpeter and arranger Chris Batchelor to have the composition transcribed." - click here for more. - Thanks to Pat McCallister for the headsup!

Rush on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hard Rock

On Monday December 29th VH1 premiered their "100 Greatest Songs of Hard Rock" special. Coming in at #19 was "Tom Sawyer", with remarks from Judas Priest, Sebastian Bach, & others. Bach jokingly remarks people would need a separate I-pod just to fit the entire rush catalog on it!

Snakes & Arrows Live CD and Video

Snakes & Arrows Live was released as a 2CD set on April 15th. Recorded over two nights in Rotterdam during the 2007 leg of the tour, the album captures the entire concert set.

"With this one, we recorded both nights and there are songs on there from both nights -- so it gives you a bit more comfort. You're a bit more relaxed about it knowing if you screw it up at night one, you can nail it on night two. All in all I think we played very well those two nights." - Geddy Lee, Jam!Showbiz, April 14, 2008

The video was released November 24th, and debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Music Video chart, selling 25,000 units the first week.  Snakes & Arrows Live is RUSH's first concert film to be released on Blu-Ray, as well as a 3 DVD set.  Click here for the Snakes & Arrows Live news archive.

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - December 2008 "December In Death Valley"

Neil Peart has updated his website with the latest installment of "News Weather & Sports". Titled "December In Death Valley", Neil shares with us his motorcycle trip he took through the California desert on December 4th. In one point of his narrative, Neil discusses the ghost town of Amboy, which is pictured on the Snakes & Arrows desert road image.

'Leaving the park at Twentynine Palms, I continued north on the road to the ghost town of Amboy, and Roy’s Motel, which appeared in Ghost Rider. In fact, unknown to most people, Amboy also appears on the booklet cover of the Snakes and Arrows CD, and lately, on the new concert DVD, plus at the beginning of the "What’s That Smell?" film that played before "Far Cry" during our concerts this past summer. I watched it every night from my "waiting-chair" behind Geddy’s ampline (er, rotisseries), before the second set, and it always gave me a smile. Back in 2006, when Hugh Syme and I were trading ideas for that Snakes and Arrows cover, we discussed a surreal desert highway scene. As a reference, I sent him one of my Ghost Rider photographs, taken on a stretch of old Route 66, looking west toward the cluster of crumbling buildings at Amboy, with the unmistakable Amboy Crater in the distance. Hugh ended up "building" the scene on that original photo, which had been taken in 1998 (as a slide, in those days). Like the Monument Valley ten-years-apart photo that appeared in a story earlier this year, "South by Southwest," I decided to pause for a ten-year anniversary shot of Route 66 and Amboy.'

Another interesting point are his comments regarding an abandoned song titled "Telescope Peak" written in the time of Vapor Trails.

'In the glimmer along the peaks, I saw a dusting of white around the highest summit, Telescope Peak, where I hoped to hike the following day. Telescope Peak was an important place in Ghost Rider—and in my life, really. In October 1999, when I had been rambling aimlessly around the West for the better part of a year, trying to find some way to face the world again, I hiked to that 11,049-foot summit. The next day, I rode on to Los Angeles, where I met Carrie, and my whole life changed completely (and needless to say, positively). An irresistible metaphor seemed to arise there—that I had climbed to the highest point in Death Valley from the lowest, then descended to travel onward and find Life again. In the book Ghost Rider I had used Telescope Peak as an important symbol, and had written some lyrics called "Telescope Peak," too, around the refrain of "the last lonely day." Those lyrics hadn’t found a musical home with my collaborators, Alex and Geddy, during the songwriting sessions for our Vapor Trails album in 2001, but fair enough—those guys shared enough of my grief, in life and in art. In any case, the best lines from "Telescope Peak" were recycled into other songs, like "Ghost Rider" and "How It Is," so nothing was lost...Early next morning I rode about sixty miles across the valley and up Emigrant Canyon Road, aiming for a hike in the Panamint Mountains. I was still thinking of going for the "big one," Telescope Peak, as I wanted to close that circle of more than nine years ago—revisit the place that had also inspired another line in "Telescope Peak" that ended up in "Ghost Rider:" "From the lowest low to the highest high."'

For the complete entry visit NeilPeart.net.

"Hope: Live For The Art Of Peace" - Nominated for a Grammy

A live version of "Hope", subtitled "Live For The Art Of Peace", was included on the Songs For Tibet - The Art Of Peace benefit album released August 12, 2008.  This version was nominated for the Best Rock Instrumental Performance Grammy in 2009 (their sixth nomination). The winner was "Peaches In Regalia" by Dweezil Zappa, from Zappa Plays Zappa.

"'This album will focus people's attention on the importance of Tibet, the gifts of its culture, and the crisis the Tibetan people are facing today,' said one of the album's organizers, Michael Wohl. The album is due for global release on iTunes on August 5, three days before the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. It will then be available through other outlets the following week, the statement said. Wohl, from the Art of Peace Foundation, said the timing of the release was deliberate. 'We wanted to express our support for the Tibetan people and their message of peace through music, a fundamental means of expression, at a time when the eyes of the world are on China.'" - AFP News, July 22, 2008

Orchestra Jazz Rush - Available Light on "Wave Mechanics Union"

"Available Light", performed by progressive jazz group Wave Mechanics Union, is one of eleven classic tracks available on Second Season.  Released October 1, the album offers a full-scale jazz band supporting vocalist Lydia McAdams.  The group has recorded striking new arrangements of songs from progressive rock giants Yes, Rush, Pink Floyd, Queen, King Crimson, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Police, and more. The brainchild of composers Ryan Fraley and Ralph Johnson, along with vocalist McAdams, the project seeks to honor the sometimes complicated sounds of progressive rock with jazz treatments.  Visit progjazz.com for more information.

Rock Band and Rock Band 2

The complete Moving Pictures master tracks are now available for download for the video game Rock Band as of Sept. 23rd. The full album is $10.99 (880 Microsoft Points) or $1.99 (160 Microsoft Points) per track individually. These are the first "original versions" of "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight"; previous Rock Band versions were covers.

The Rock Band website has posted a video interview where Geddy and Alex discuss the making of Moving Pictures. This is the second part of the previously posted video interview where they discuss finding the lost "Working Man 'alternate solo'" and the making of their debut album.

In addition to the Moving Pictures tracks, on July 8th, the master track of "Closer To The Heart" and the "Working Man (Vault Edition)", were made available for download; on July 22 the "Working Man (Vault Edition)" was made available for download on iTunes:

"The version features a never before heard guitar solo that Alex Lifeson did during the original recordings back in the 70’s. The song was re-mixed by Rich Chycki who is known for his work on R30 and Snakes & Arrows. A great addition to the Rush song library!" - Rush.com, July 21, 2008

Rock Band 2, the followup to last years smash hit, was released Sept. 15th. Included in the track list is "The Trees" by Rush, another "vault edition" (this one reported by to be the audio track from the live promo video recorded in 1978).

"Featuring a track list with more than 100 on-disc and downloadable tracks from some of the most hallowed bands of the rock pantheon, Rock Band 2 challenges rockers to master lead guitar, bass guitar, drums and vocals...Compatible with ALL past and future downloadable content - even tracks you downloaded for Rock Band back in 2007 - so you can play a never-ending, face-melting set."

Alex Lifeson's New Year's Eve At The Ritz

The final remaining lawsuit between Alex Lifeson's son, Justin, and the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, has been settled. The claim which had been reinstated by an appeals court back in May seeking damages from the Ritz-Cartlon and its manager, has now been dismissed as the two parties have settled confidentially out of court. The same article also gives the terms of the settlement between Alex Lifeson and Deputy Standford back in March of this year:

"In a separate lawsuit filed in Collier Circuit Court, Stanford sued Alex Zivojinovich in July 2005, citing permanent and progressive injuries that included neurological and dental damage that required implants. She and her attorney, Paul Finizio of Fort Lauderdale, went through mediation with Zivojinovich and attorney Paul Weekley, but reached a 'total impasse' in February. In March, court records show, they settled and Zivojinovich paid her $75,000 for her injuries. Stanford’s signed 'release of claims' says the settlement is the 'compromise of a doubtful and disputed claim and that the payment is not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of Zivojinovich.' Although it wasn’t sealed in the court file, the three-page release says the terms are confidential and not to be disclosed to the public or media without consent of the parties involved. Finizio declined comment, citing the confidentiality clause."

For a running history of the case, click here.

Neil Peart, Parts Manager

The story is well known by Rush fans: before joining Rush, a young Neil Peart sought fame and fortune in the music scene of London, before becoming disillusioned and returning home to work as parts manager for his father's Tractor Parts dealership. This was less than a year before he answered an ad for a local band looking for a drummer in the summer of '74.

Ed at Rushisaband has unearthed a rare find: the December 1973 newsletter for Dalziel Equipment Ltd., the equipment dealership of which his father was co-owner. Pictured in the newsletter are a young Neil Peart, as well as his father, Glen. What is ironic is that Neil's bio reads:

"After an 18 month stay in London, England, Neil decided to come home and seek his fame and fortune..." They had no idea...

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - July 2008 "Independence Day"

Neil Peart has updated his website with the July 2008 installment of "News, Weather & Sports": "Independence Day". Neil writes about performing in Atlantic City, traveling up through New England, and includes a lengthy and hilarious interlude on helmet safety. The report opens with a short tirade on the injustice of comp tickets which are denied most hard core fans (and in this case those given to a casino's "big losers"), and at the same time Neil shows he's not as out of touch with his fans as some may think.

Rush Cover Feature In August's "Classic Rock"

Rush is the featured artist on the August issue of the UK's Classic Rock magazine. The cover headline reads Rush. Surviving tragedy. Defying fashion. Rock's uncoolest band take on the world. Again. The seven page feature was written around the Vegas show and tells of Rush being true to their convictions and the devotion of their fans. Scans of the article are available here, thanks to Niels for providing them!

Rush Tour #8 Among Rock and Pop Tours

Rolling Stone has published its Midyear Music Biz Report Card, showing Rush coming in at #8 among the year's rock and pop tours with $18.3 million in earnings, not too shabby for a second leg tour (last year Rush came in 6th with $21 million in earnings as reported by USA Today). The Top 10 Rock and Pop Tours for 2008 are: 1. Bon Jovi ($56.3 million), 2. Bruce Springsteen ($40.8 million), 3. Van Halen ($36.8 million), 4. Kanye West ($31.6 million), 5. Jay-Z/Mary J. Blige ($30.7 million), 6. Spice Girls ($23.3 million), 7. The Police ($23.3 million), 8. Rush ($18.3 million), 9. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers ($17.8 million), 10. Hannah Montana ($17.1 million) - RollingStone.com, July 29, 2008

Rush On Colbert Report/Playing Rock Band

On Wednesday July 16th, Rush appeared on The Colbert Report. The complete episode is available on Colbert's website. Before taking the stage, however, Rush answered the challenge and performed "Tom Sawyer" as part of the video game Rock Band. How did it go? After playing the song, Geddy quips "I'm joining another band..."

"...The Canadian band Rush, which hasn’t performed on U.S. television in more than three decades, will play their classic 'Tom Sawyer' on the Comedy Central show Wednesday (11:30 p.m. EST). The Geddy Lee-led trio, which is currently on tour, hasn’t played on U.S. television since 1975..." - Associated Press, July 15, 2008

Working Man (Vault Edition) Single

Originally released for Rock Band on July 8th, today Rush has released the "Working Man" (Vault addition) on iTunes!

"The version features a never before heard guitar solo that Alex Lifeson did during the original recordings back in the 70’s. The song was re-mixed by Rich Chycki who is known for his work on R30 and Snakes & Arrows. A great addition to the Rush song library!" - Rush.com, July 21, 2008

Rush's Old Stage Costumes Unearthed

"Ever wondered where Rush's fondly remembered satin kimono costumes (pictured below) ended up? Be honest now – you have, haven't you? Well, now it can be revealed. Jap (sic) band Onmyo-Za have Geddy, Alex and Neil's old duds in their possession and are wearing them with plide! (Alright, so we know these sorta outfits are de rigeur in Japan's Visual Kei scene, but give us a break, will ya?!) Onmyo-Za have been described as a Japanese thrash-pop answer to Nightwish, and you can check them out playing their fine opus Kasha No Wadachi here." - ClassicRockMagazine.com, July 21, 2008 -Thanks to Brian Sullivan for the headsup!

More Rush From "The Rolling Stone"

Apparently surprised at the reaction by Rush fans to their recent article, "Rush Never Sleeps" (which appears in the July 10-24 issue), the the folks over at Rolling Stone have posted their defense on their website. When the issue hit news stands, many online Rush fans commented that while much of the article was positive, the overall tone seemed an attempt to justify why the magazine was sinking so low as to write about Rush, and that it included many negative connotations on both the band and its stereotypical "nerdy" fans.

The magazine also recently posted their "Rush: The Complete Album-by-Album Guide" and is now defending itself with a new online article titled "Rush vs. Rolling Stone: A Qualitative Analysis", where they write:

"In the 2004 edition of the Rolling Stone Album Guide, Rush's albums received an average of 2.7 stars. Technically, those ratings put them somewhere between 'fair' and 'good' in the RS canon, which, needless to say, will not satisfy the fans at RushMessageBoard.com."

Classic Rock's "Buyer's Guide To Rush"

The current issue of the UK's Classic Rock magazine includes a "Buyers Guide To Rush". The story, which is now offered on their website, sifts through Rush's catalog listing the "Essential: Classics" as Moving Pictures & 2112; albums which are "Superior" as Permanent Waves, A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres & Signals; albums which are "Good: Worth Exploring" as Power Windows, Roll The Bones, & Snakes & Arrows; and lists Feedback as the one album to "Avoid". Journalist Neil Jeffries also succinctly breaks down their career and gives credit to each of the band members in turn:

"Rush’s continued existence is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside the enigma that is the famously fan/limelight-avoiding and well-read Peart. Yet Rush are a three-piece band of equal parts, and similar attention is long overdue for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Although frequently derided for his occasional choice of high-register singing, Lee has a fine, folky voice; he’s no slouch on a synth, either...Lifeson, too, is an underappreciated player, and deserves to be ranked alongside David Gilmour for his fluid soloing, and Jimmy Page for other-worldly riffs."

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - June 2008 "When The Road Ends"

Neil Peart has updated his website with the June 2008 installment of "News, Weather & Sports": "When The Road Ends". Peart begins this tale sharing the woes of traveling roads still blocked by Winter snows, comments that he has viewed the finished edit of the Snakes & Arrows Live DVD "...it looked really good, and we had played well, so it was enjoyable to view...", touches on the Red Rocks concert postponement, and other worthwhile tidbits.

Geddy Lee Donates Baseball Collection To Negro Leagues Museum

"Close to 200 baseballs, all autographed by former Negro Leagues baseball players or backers, have been donated to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum by a somewhat surprising fan ... Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee. It’s among the largest single donations the museum has had, according to director of marketing Bob Kendrick. It also represents some history the museum didn’t previously have. 'Some of these guys have been dead for some time, and we could not get these (signatures) before no matter what their significance was in the Negro Leagues,' he said...Lee, whose band performs Saturday at Starlight, dropped by the museum last year unannounced, Kendrick said. 'I wasn’t here, but another employee walked him through the museum, and apparently he fell in love with the place,' Kendrick said. 'He already had a huge respect for the Negro Leagues, as the collection shows, and this brought it home to him.'" - Kansas City Star, June 4, 2008.

• Video story from KansasCity.com
• Click here for a related news item at MLB.com