Rush Referenced On "Rookie Blue"

During last night's episode of Rookie Blue, titled "Big Nickel", during a long car ride to pick up a prisoner McNally asks Swarek "What kind of music do you like listening to?" Swarek replies "Rush, I'm a big Rush fan". She answers "Who?" and he says "I like The Who too. Classic Rock, you know.". Watch the full episode here (the reference occurs at the 13 minute mark). - Thanks to Tom for the headsup!

Guitar Legends 30 Greatest Classic Rock Guitar Heroes

Alex Lifeson is one of Guitar Legends' 30 Greatest Guitar Heroes on sale now. Alex is featured on pages 48/49. Unfortunately, the article is a reprint of an story which first appeared in Guitar World 14 years ago; click here to view. - Thanks to Tom Cesco and RushFanForever for the headsup!

Chicago Rain Out Make Up

Last night Rush returned to Chicago after the July 7th rain out, which led to one fan suing the band seeking reimbursement for the ticket but also his airfare and other travel expenses (story below). As a thank you for standing in the downpour on July 7th, RUSH gave fans attending the August 23rd makeup performance an exclusive baseball hat which includes the stitching ""The Rain Date Chicago-2010" - Thanks to Timmy Samuel for the photo!

Related News:

• Rush fan sues over canceled Chicago show: "He’s filed a class action suit, not only seeking reimbursement for the ticket but also his airfare and other travel expenses...." - Chicago Sun Times, July 9, 2010
• "The rained out Wednesday, July 7 performance at Charter One Pavilion has been rescheduled to MONDAY, AUGUST 23. All tickets for the previously scheduled performance will be reactivated and honored at the rescheduled date. If fans feel that the barcodes may be illegible, they should ensure they bring picture ID and the credit card which was used to purchase the tickets. Refunds - if required at point of purchase through August 22nd. Questions can be directed to TicketMaster customer service at 800-653-8000" - Rush.com, July 12, 2010
• They keep rockin' in the rain: Outdoor Concerts, Sometimes the show can't go on if danger looms: "Mark Campana, president of Live Nation Midwest Music, said the plug was pulled after a group meeting with the Live Nation tour producer and local staff, Rush's manager and the band's production team. Rush was not involved in the meeting. 'The key was the amount of water that had fallen,' Campana said. 'The wind caused the water to blow onstage. We all decided not to test the electrical system. We could have cranked up the electricity, but we felt a test could cause harm to people since they were already in the theater. Equipment was set up. We are always going to err on the conservative side when it comes to safety.'"- Chicago Sun Times, July 15, 2010

"Time Stand Still: The Collection" Essay and Wallpaper Images

Last March, Universal Music released their first Euro-only Rush greatest hits compilation since 1981's Rush Through Time. Covering Rush's Mercury years (1974-1987), Time Stand Still: The Collection features a unique mix of tracks from that era which have never before been released on a single cd compilation.

Besides the linernotes essay which can be found here, the artwork is unique as it features live images taken on tour in Europe in the 1970's, including one photo of Rush on stage at the Hammersmith Odeon during the A Farewell To Kings Tour (i.e. the two night stand which yielded disk three of Different Stages). In addition, three of Geddy's retired basses as pictured in the photos, including his single and doublenecked Rickenbackers as well as his teardrop shaped Fender Precision. All images have converted into Wallpaper images and have been added to the Album Art Gallery here. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for providing the linernotes scans!

Tracklist: The Spirit Of Radio, Tom Sawyer, Freewill, Fly By Night, The Big Money, Time Stand Still, Limelight, Finding My Way, By-Tor And The Snow Dog, A Passage To Bangkok, Distant Early Warning, The Trees, Closer To The Heart

Alex Lifeson Featured in September's "Premier Guitar"

Alex Lifeson is featured in the September issue of Premier Guitar magazine. Alex is found on page 26, in the "Opening Notes" section, which includes a full page photo taken last month in Sarnia, Ontario. - Thanks to Seth Hansen for the headsup!

Rush: A Brief History Of Time

John at Cygnus-X1.net has added another installment of old Rush articles and interviews to his Rush: A Brief History of Time collection. The collection is really growing, and makes for some fascinating reading into the history of Rush.

Donna Halper's Used Bin Radio Podcast Now Available

Rush discoverer Donna Halper appeared on Used Bin Radio last Tuesday, July 20th. The podcast of the show is now available here. Used Bin Radio airs each Tuesday at 11pm EST/8pm PST; tune in by clicking: www.purerockradio.net then click "LISTEN". - Thanks to Stephen Humphries and RushFanforever for the headsup!

Mediate To Sport Rush Hat During Canadian Open

"If all the world’s pro athletes were forced to make an in-their-prime career change, it wouldn’t take a pollster to project the majority vote. They’d mostly morph into rock stars, or rap stars. And you could count Rocco Mediate, the PGA Tour pro, among the first in line to make the switch. At least this is what Mediate was saying on Monday between practice putts at St. George’s Golf and Country Club in Etobicoke, where the RBC Canadian Open will commence its 101st edition on Thursday. Mediate, who famously tangled with Tiger Woods in an 18-hole playoff at the 2008 U.S. Open, is a big music fan. He is also a close friend of Alex Lifeson, the Toronto-bred guitarist for the rock band Rush. And Mediate admires the acclaimed trio so much that this week he’ll be a rare sight among PGA types. Not currently under contract to sport the obligatory logo of a sponsor on his cap, he’ll pull on headwear bearing the logo of Lifeson’s band. 'I absolutely would trade my job for Alex’s. Tomorrow,' said Mediate, 47. 'He still loves what he does...and he’s a psycho golfer. Psycho. He plays literally every day...He’s probably about an eight handicap now, which isn’t bad.'...Mediate, though he offered kind words for the St. George golf course, seemed much happier to tell of the vicarious pleasure he takes in Rush’s continuing success. The golfer was in L.A. a few weeks back to watch the band rehearse for its ongoing summer tour. And there he was Monday, wearing the name of a rock institution on a place usually reserved for the highest bidder. 'I just called Alex this morning and said, ‘I need more hats, damn it,’ ' Mediate said. 'This one’s looking a little worse for wear — I’ve been wearing it so much — but I love it.'" - Canadian Open challengers ready to rock, July 19, 2010

Lucky Uke's cover of "The Spirit Of Radio"

In June Quebec ukulele band Lucky Uke released a light hearted 12 track album of classic rock covers which includes "The Spirit Of Radio". The complete song can be heard at luckyuke.com (look for the player in the upper left cover of their home page), and the track and/or album can be purchased here. - Thanks to Patric Lafortun for the headsup!

Rush Featured in July's Prog Magazine

Rush is once again is featured on the cover of Classic Rock Presents "Prog" Magazine. The July 2010 issue has a 6-page article including interviews with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, as well as documentary filmmakers Sam Dunn and Scot McFayden. To purchase online, click here. Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Neil Peart, Drum Magazine's 2010 Drummer Of The Year

The current issue of Drum Magazine includes their annual Drummie Awards. For the 4th straight year, Neil wins Drummer Of The Year, and also was runner up for best Live Performer as well as best Progressive Rock Drummer. For the complete list visit DrumMagazine.com. - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

"My Favorite Headache" and "Victor" Reissues

Last December, Wounded Bird Records reissued Alex Lifeson's long out of print solo project Victor, which had been out of print since its original release by Atlantic Records in 1996. Now, Wounded Birds is reissuing Geddy Lee's solo album, My Favorite Headache, listed on their website at $12.99.

Formed in 1998, Wounded Bird Records is a label that specializes in the reissue of albums from the 60's, 70's and early 80's on compact disc. All of their releases are properly licensed from the owner of the original masters, in most cases the original record label and sometimes the artists themselves. - Thanks to Blake Willis and RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush "Breaking Through The Gender Barrier"

Selina Martin's Disaster Fantasies was released June 29th, including a "thoughtful cover" of "The Spirit Of Radio (click here for a sample).

"Toronto singer-songwriter Selina Martin, whose upcoming album Disaster Fantasies will include a thoughtful cover of the 1980 Rush hit Spirit of Radio talks about the gender disparity among the band’s fans." - Globe & Mail, June 5, 2010

The PRS “Hollowbody 12” Endorsed by Alex Lifeson

"In May of 2010, the first “Hollowbody 12” prototype from the PRS factory was sent to Alex Lifeson for his feedback. He delivered the following comment: “The playability is instantly silky and facile, the tone bright, clear and shimmering, and the finishing details are a testament to the PRS craftsmanship. The broad fretboard is a joy to play, and I was blown away by the intonation–of course, split saddles!! Why doesn't everyone do that?” Alex Lifeson gave his opinion, and now you can too. PRS will be building these guitars, to order only, as of July 1, 2010. Please see an authorized PRS dealer for details." - PRS.com, June 16, 2010 - Thanks to RushTheBand for the headsup!

Rush Receives Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

"Rush, Canada's most successful rock band, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Friday, appropriately in front of the Musicians Institute on Hollywood Boulevard. On hand to induct the musicians were Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland's WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the enduring band's 1974 self-titled debut album...Frontman-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson were in attendance to claim the 2,412th star on the Walk of Fame. Noticeably absent was drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who was riding a motorcycle to the band's first tour date in Albuquerque on Tuesday." - Hollywood Reporter, June 25, 2010

• Click here for Rush at the HollywoodChamber.net
• Click here for the Hollywood Walk of Fame's YouTube channel
• Click here for CNN's coverage of the event
• Click here for photos of the ceremony courtesy of The Canadian Music Scene

"Porcupine Tree - Atlanta" download only live album to benefit Mick Karn

Porcupine Tree have released a download only live album to benefit bassist Mick Karn. If you are unfamiliar with live Porcupine Tree, this is a great way to check them out, and it's for a great cause!

"Porcupine Tree - Atlanta: This download comprises a complete 2 hour live performance from the Fear of a Blank Planet tour. The show was recorded and mixed to the usual PT standards in order to provide material for a planned live album, but when the decision was taken to film much of the same repertoire in Holland for a major DVD release instead, the Atlanta recording ended up back in the vault. Now PT have now decided to make it available in complete form as a download only release in order to raise funds for Mick Karn's treatment for cancer. Although the repertoire is similar to that on the Anesthetize DVD, the performance has its own atmosphere, and also includes the first ever officially released live recording of 'A Smart Kid'. Please note that all Porcupine Tree's profits from the sale of the Atlanta download will go directly to the Mick Karn Appeal. Burning Shed's profits will go to Macmillan Cancer Support."

Knucklebonz Rock Iconz™ Limited Edition Rush Statues

Knucklebonz, the makers of the Rush Starman figurine, are releasing statuettes of Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson circa '78/'79. The Neil Peart sculpture is shipping Fall 2010, with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson's statues available to reserve via pre-ordering, exact ship date to be determined. For more info visit Knucklebonz.com. - Thanks to Pat Komadoski for the headsup!

"Tom Sawyer" on "The Hard Times Of RJ Berger"

During last night's series premiere of the all new MTV original series "The Hard Times Of RJ Berger", after most of the players are ejected from the school's basketball game, RJ is forced to suit up and "Tom Sawyer" was heard. - Thanks to Andy Newby and Colin Riggs for the headsup!

Rush Referenced on "Wizards of Waverly Place"

During the opening scene of Saturday's episode of "Wizards of Waverly Place" (season 3 episode 20), Alex and Harper discover that Max has a girlfriend. To keep his girlfriend a secret from his parents, he has told her his name is 'Tom Sawyer'. Alex exclaims "'Tom Sawyer'? That is such an obvious lie, it's the name from the Rush song." Harper interjects "...and the classic book!" and Alex concludes "Wow that song was good, I didn't know they made a book out of it!" Click here for the video clip. - Thanks to Robert Mooty for the heads up!

Rush Pulls Spirit from Rand Paul's Campaign

"In Web ads and at campaign appearances, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul sometimes has called on the music of the band Rush to give his message a little pop. It turns out the campaign wasn't using the music with the band's permission, according to Rush's attorney, Robert Farmer. Farmer, general counsel for the Anthem Entertainment Group Inc. in Toronto, which is Rush's record label, has sent a letter to Paul campaign officials informing them that they have violated copyright laws - and urging them to stop. 'This is not a political issue - this is a copyright issue,' Farmer said in an interview. 'We would do this no matter who it is.' Besides, all three members of Rush - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart - are Canadians, not Americans, he pointed out." - Louisville Courier-Journal, June 2, 2010 - Thanks to J Grismore for the headsup!