Rush News from Power Windows

V-DRUMS ON STAGE!...exit stage left.

Roland.com has added a new article featuring Neil Peart and his V-Drums. An advertisement featuring Neil and his drums appears on page 3 of the Nov/Dec issue of Canadian Musician.

"I first introduced Roland V-Drums into my setup in 2001, during the writing and recording of our Vapor Trails album. On the subsequent tour, they became a fixture in my drum solos, as well as to trigger samples throughout our live show. I also played the V-Drums on our 30th Anniversary tour in 2004, on the Snakes and Arrows album and tours in 2006, '07, and '08 (thus they appear on the Rush in Rio, R30, and Snakes and Arrows Live DVDs and CDs), and now on our 2010 Time Machine tour. Over the years, the V-Drums have continued to improve in touch sensitivity, and in sound quality and variety, and I still find them not only fun to play, but a great creative addition to my percussion world." – Neil Peart, Roland.com, November, 2010

Website Updates: Multi-screen Smartphone Wallpapers and Firefox Personas

I've updated two features of the Downloads section of Power Windows:

Smartphone Wallpaper Update: Recently I upgraded my cel phone to a Droid which has multi-screen panning wallpaper functionality. First order of business was to update the graphically intensive Smartphone Wallpaper page to include a set of wallpapers specifically created for this wallpaper size. These images have also been tested on the HTC Sense desktop. Ideally I would like to create a Droid App with a core set of Rush wallpapers, but that's currently above my level of expertise...

Firefox Personas: Personas are free "skins" for the Firefox browser. I did some investigating and found a shortage of Rush Personas, so I took the time to create a few; the current collection contains ten album Personas (there were 11, but Firefox dropped my Hemispheres Persona due to "nudity"!). You can find my collection here.

As always, additional Smartphone wallpapers or Firefox Personas can be added upon request. These downloads are of course free of charge, but Tips Are Welcome!

Rush Featured In AT&T High-Speed Internet Television Commercial

In a new television commercial for AT&T High-Speed Internet which has the tagline "now everyone can explore the world from home", a man wearing a Rush tshirt featuring the logo from the debut album is shown visiting various retail stores on a giant computer mouse. The mouse represents that he is shopping online, and he eventually stops at a music store to purchase a matching Rush "onesie" for his newborn baby girl. You can see the video here.

Both the tshirt and onesie featured in the commercial are available at the Rush Backstage Club. Proceeds from the sale of this product and revenues received by Rush for the use of this product in the AT&T spots will be donated to War Child Canada in Haiti.

Bubba's Book Club - December 2010 Issue

Neil Peart has updated the "Bubba's Book Club" section of his website, where he gives his literary recommendations for your consideration. In this issue, Neil reviews The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, by Michael Chabon, and The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver. About The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, Peart writes:

"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2001, and I know of no reason not to start by saying, 'I love this book'...The story brings together Sammy Klayman, growing up in Brooklyn, and his cousin Josef Kavalier, a refugee from the Nazi takeover of Czechoslovakia, in the late 1930s. Together they invent a superhero, 'The Escapist,' whose origins are richly woven into the pair’s youthful experiences and scars. The newly-Americanized Sammy Clay and Joe Kavalier become part of the 'golden age' of comics, in the 1940s and ’50s, and wrestle with exploitative bosses, government paranoia, confused sexuality, longing and loss, and the whirl of history in those turbulent times. The Depression, fascism, the Holocaust, World War II, the bizarre outbreaks of fear and witch hunts of the late ’40s and early ’50s, all are brought dramatically to life through the lenses of Kavalier and Clay."

This is a rare occasion in that I have actually read one of the books Neil has reviewed (not the first time, but it's not typical by any means!). I happened to read Kavalier & Clay a couple of years ago, and also give it a veritable two thumbs up. It was a novel that took me by surprise, as it was much bigger in scope than I first anticipated. I might also add that a film adaptation was in the works reportedly starring Tobey Maguire, Jamie Bell and Natalie Portman, but according to the author in 2007 the project "just completely went south for studio-politics kinds of reasons...".

The Orbit Room 16th Anniversary Party

The Orbit Room held its 16th Anniversary Celebration Party on Friday night, and as usual Alex Lifeson was in attendance (as was Terry Brown). Alex joined in with The Dave Murphy Band and The Dexter's to perform "For What It's Worth" and "White Rabbit", two songs they previously released on Second Anniversary At The Orbit Room back in 1996, as well as Kashmir, Won't Get Fooled Again, Peter Gunn, Tom Sawyer, In The Mood, and Limelight. Videos for all songs are available here. - Thanks to RushGirl for the headsup!

Rush ‘Living Legends’ At Classic Rock Awards

Rush is the recipient of this year's 'Living Legend' award at the Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards held November 10th at London's Roundhouse. The Classic Rock 'Living Legend' award is bestowed on a rock act for their enduring influence and remarkable achievements in the world of rock music. As one of rock's most influential bands, Rush joins an illustrious list of previous legendary recipients such as Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper and Lemmy.

"We are thrilled to receive the 'Living Legend' award from Classic Rock. It's much better than the alternative! Seriously, we are humbled and very appreciative." - Geddy Lee, ClassicRockMagazine.com, September 28, 2010

"As a Canadian, I'm slightly embarrassed. Obviously musicianship awards mean the most to us. That was the whole reason we got into it. You try not to think of yourselves in terms of legendary status - it's extremely unhealthy. I try to look at it as a thank you for a long career." - Geddy Lee, "Rush Still Living In The Limelight", BBC.com, November 10, 2010

Neil Peart Featured In "The Drummer: Classic Rock"

Neil Peart is one of the drummers featured in Modern Drummer's special collector's issue "The Drummer: Classic Rock" (November 2010 issue). - Thanks to Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

"An educated, entertaining, essential addition to every drummer's library—and to the history of modern drumming—The Drummer: Classic Rock Collector's Edition magazine builds on content from Modern Drummer's Top-selling The Drummer book with expanded coverage of drumming royalty from the golden age of rock 'n' roll. Featuring: John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Alex Van Halen, Neil Peart, Carl Palmer, Keith Moon, Ian Paice, Mitch Mitchell, Ringo Starr, Bill Bruford, Charlie Watts, Jim Keltner, Phil Collins, Russ Kunkel, John Densmore, Liberty DeVitto, Carter Beauford, Don Brewer, Robert Wyatt, Neal Smith, Clive Bunker, Danny Seraphine, Barriemore Barlow, Carmine Appice, and many more." - ModernDrummer.com

Rush Receive "Legend Of Live" Honor at Billboard Touring Awards

Rush was named this year's Legend of Live at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards held November 4th in New York. The Legend of Live honors groups or individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business, and acknowledges the recipients' commitment to the art of performing live and reaching fans through the concert experience.

"'With a remarkable body of live work over the years, altering the course of rock music and raising the bar as to what can be done onstage, along with the band's continued commitment to playing live, we think Rush are uniquely deserving of this award,' says Ray Waddell, Billboard's executive director of content and programming, touring and live entertainment. 'From the early days in the bars and clubs of Toronto to stadiums, amphitheaters and arenas around the world, Rush have epitomized professionalism and the spirit of live rock 'n roll, and they boast some of the most passionate and loyal fans in rock.'" - Billboard.com, September 29, 2010

"Rush: Chemistry" Paperback Now Available

Originally released in hardback in 2005, Jon Collins' biography Rush: Chemistry received a North American paperback release November 1st.

"Against a background of disinterest from the media and a refusal to compromise their music, Rush’s success was by no means guaranteed. Since the beginning, only the determined efforts and downright stamina of the band members and those around them were sufficient to counter the wall of silence. Sharing a single-minded determination to take on the system and win, Geddy, Alex and Neil have never rested on their laurels. Pushing themselves to achieve technical excellence, never avoiding the challenge of taking on new musical influences, through huge changes of fashion and major personal tragedy, the entity we know as Rush has endured. Thirty years on, the band is still creating new music and packing arenas and stadiums around the globe. 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."

"Subdivisions" DLC for Rock Band 3

"Subdivisions" is part of the Rock Band DLC for November 2nd. With the addition of keyboards in Rock Band 3, you'll be able to play the keyboards in addition to guitars and drums! The track is the original master recording. - Thanks to Michael Ruiz for the headsup!

"Get your first taste of Rush Pro Mode-style next week when the single 'Subdivisions' comes to the Rock Band 3 Music Store! The song comes from Rush's 1982 album Signals and is one of five Rush songs inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in March 2010. The track will be available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii on November 2 for $1.99. The Pro Guitar/Pro Bass upgrade expansion is $0.99." - Rockband.com, October 29, 2010

The Rush App Now Available For Android and iPhone

The Rush Time Machine App is now available for the iPad, as well as the iPhone and Android smartphones. With the app, fans can get exclusive up to the minute news, music, and more in the palm of their hands. For more info visit rushapps.com.

Nelly Furtado Covers "Time Stand Still"

Canadian pop singer Nelly Furtado performed a cover of "Time Stand Still" for the Canadian film Score: A Hockey Musical. The film premiered across Canada Friday, October 22nd, and the soundtrack album containing Nelly's cover is now available.

"She was part of a Canadian film called Score: A Hockey Musical. We got a call that she wanted to sing that song. It's really sweet of her to do that. I don't know how she came about choosing that song, but she obviously responded to it." - Geddy Lee, BBC.com, November 10, 2010

Geddy Lee Featured on October's "Musician's Friend"

The October Rhythm issue of the Musician's Friend catalog features Geddy Lee on the cover. For the online version, click here.

Rock Aid Armenia Reissue: "Smoke On The Water: The Metropolis Sessions"

Originally released in 1990 on Rock-Aid Armenia, The Earthquake Album, the all star recording of "Smoke On The Water" is being reissued as Smoke On The Water: The Metropolis Sessions on November 22 (preorder the cd or (download from itunes). A benefit for the victims of the earthquake in Armenia on December 7, 1988, "Smoke on the Water" was recorded by an all star group of performers (see below) including Alex Lifeson.

"Smoke On The Water" was recorded over five sessions from July 8th to September 24th, 1989. Neil Peart had agreed to take part but was unable due to scheduling conflicts. Alex was in attendance for only the final session on September 24th:

"The one person from Rush who thankfully was able to make it was Alex Lifeson. He felt that there was enough solos on the record so he prepared some guitar lines that would underpin the song and give it some groove. You can hear his playing at the start of the guitar solos, in the Paul Rodgers verse and he's the one playing the crash chords at the end of the song. He did it all in one take. John Brough and I [Jon Dee, Founder of Rock Aid Armenia] were producing the session that day and we were duly impressed. When Alex left the room we just stared at each other and raise our eyebrows in awe." - RockAidArmenia.com

"Smoke On The Water" includes: Lead guitarists: Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Brian May (Queen) and Geoff Beauchamp. Vocalists: Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Bryan Adams, Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company). Bass guitar: Chris Squire (Yes). Keyboards: Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Keith Emerson (ELP), Geoff Downes (Asia, ex-Yes). Drums: Roger Taylor (Queen).

For more information including an extensive history of the project including and photo gallery visit RockAidArmenia.com - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Neil Peart: Fire on Ice, Making of "The Hockey Theme" DVD Now Available

Neil Peart: Fire on Ice, Making of "The Hockey Theme" is now available on DVD exclusively from Drum Channel.

"Neil Peart gives a behind the scenes tour of the making of "The Hockey Theme". Canada's TSN (The Sports Network) decided to recreate the hockey theme; they wanted to use iconic Canadians to help in the revisal. The Hockey theme is recognized as Canada's second national anthem so when they decided to recreate it, they wanted to use the best, and the first person that came to mind was Rush drummer, Neil Peart. Neil also discusses a custom drum kit made by DW Drums with all of the different hockey team logos on it. Total Content: 92 minutes" - DrumChannel.com (thanks to AndyO for the heasdsup!)

"Caravan" featured in TSN hockey opening montage

Last night TSN debuted their new pre-game video montage featuring "Caravan" as the theme song. As players talk about "thinking big" as the season begins, Geddy chimes in "I can't stop thinking big...". The video concludes with Neil Peart's recording of The Hockey Theme. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush's "Resist" Included On "The Rounder Records Story"

"Resist" from Rush In Rio is one of 87 tracks found on the new 4CD anthology, The Rounder Records Story, released October 12, 2010. - Thanks to Squintyt4e for the heads up!

"For forty years, Rounder Records has been on a singular mission to record the magnificent range of American roots music styles-bluegrass, New Orleans R&B, old time fiddling, singer-songwriter, blues, country, rockabilly, roots rock, Cajun and a few that cross enough boundaries to be genres of their own. The 87 songs selected for this 4CD set show the true breadth of the label's catalog, from the old time folk music of Ola Belle Reed to the Grammy sweeping triumph of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. The discs are arranged by decade, and it is fascinating to hear both the underlying consistencies and the ongoing evolution of the label's vision, while the list of musicians includes many of the defining names in roots music. Includes extensive notes by Washington Post journalist Geoff Himes." - Rounder.com

Neil Peart Discusses Coleridge's Xanadu

Today's Guardian newspaper includes the story "Bard reputation: pop stars pick their favourite poets". Neil Peart is one of those "pop stars" quoted and discusses the inspiration of Samuel Taylor Coleridge on "Xanadu" (note, these comments are very similar to those he previously wrote in Roadshow):

"In 1975 I was trying to write a song inspired by the dark mood and subtle psychology of the film Citizen Kane, which features the opening lines of Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. I looked up the poem and was overwhelmed by its imagery and emotional power. The song Xanadu was taken over by the poem in a way that has never happened since. I added the 'adventure travel' aspect to the song's story before I'd traveled further than the rock clubs of North America. I portrayed Coleridge's idea of immortality as a grim curse – Citizen Kane is the opposite: mortality as a punishment. There's a joke that goes, 'Rush is what happens when you let the drummer write the songs', which is funny, but of course I only write the lyrics. The line in the song Animate – 'daughter of a demon lover' – pays homage to these powerful lines from Kubla Khan: 'As e'er beneath a waning moon was haunted/ By woman wailing for her demon lover.' Now that's rock." - Neil Peart, The Guardian, October 7, 2010 - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

"Hockey Night in Canada" theme song drum kit now in HHOF

Neil Peart recorded an all new version of the "Hockey Theme" for TSN which premiered Thursday, January 12th. Click here to view the video, (click here for video featuring Neil only). The video is also available for purchase from iTunes US, while the theme is available from iTunes Canada. The master recording of "The Hockey Theme" is also available for download for only 99 cents (80 Microsoft points; 100 Wii Points) on Xbox 360, Wii, and PlayStation 3.

The Hockey Hal Of Fame website has announced "The drum kit used by Neil Peart, famed drummer of Canada's legendary rock group RUSH is now on display inside the TSN/RDS Zone. The drum set was used by Peart to record TSN/RDS's updated 'Hockey Night in Canada' theme song." - HHOF.com Thanks to RushIsABand.com for the headsup!

Click here for more on the recording of the Hockey Theme

Neil Peart Interviewed for "Mike Heppner and the Talking Man Project"

Neil Peart once reviewed Mike Heppner's second novel, Pike's Folley, for Bubba's Book Club. Peart is one of a group of participants interviewed by Heppner for an article titled Excerpts from Mike Heppner's Man Talking Project. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

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