Rush’s “2112″ Comes to Rock Band

Two weeks ago, a Rush three-pack containing 'Fly By Night,' 'The Spirit of the Radio (live)' and 'Caravan' was made available on the Rock Band Music store.

Today, Rock Band announced that it will be releasing '2112' in its entirety on the Rock Back Store December 31st:

"Rush's ambitious seven-part suite '2112' will come to the Rock Band Music Store to ring in 2012!

In 1976, legendary Canadian rock trio Rush released their groundbreaking fourth studio album, 2112. With its opening track – a 20-minute, seven-part suite known as '2112' – Rush painted a picture of a sci-fi world in the midst of a revolution, controlled by technology. An alternate take of this epic suite, largely considered one of the most important pieces in progressive rock, comes to Rock Band just in time for the New Year.

'2112' will be offered as three separate playable packages: one combines 'Overture' and 'The Temple of Syrinx'; the second features 'Discovery' and 'Presentation'; and the final track brings 'Oracle: The Dream,' 'Soliloquy,' and 'Grand Finale.'

Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 players have the option to purchase the single Rush '2112' pack, which features all three of the above tracks, as well as one, 20-minute marathon medley of all seven parts of the suite, exclusively available in this special pack. Additionally, as a bonus, players who purchase the pack will receive Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrades for all three packages, as well as a Pro Guitar and Pro Bass upgrade for the medley for free!

These tracks will be available in Europe on PlayStation 3 on January 18th.

The tracks will be available as the "Rush '2112'" pack for $5.49 with all tracks available for purchase individually for $1.99 on Xbox 360 & PlayStation 3, and $2.00 on Wii. Tracks marked with "X" will offer Pro Guitar and Pro Bass expansions for $0.99 per song if purchased individually." - RockBand.com, December 28, 2011 Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Update

Update December 27th: "Rush Complete Recording Of ‘Clockwork Angels’" - UltimateClassicRock.com

Update December 21: "Rush Have ‘Wrapped’ New Album Recording" - Gibson.com

Rich Chycki has posted on Twitter today December 20th: "2 months at Revolution Studio in Toronto. Thanks for the hospitality guys! #wrapped"

"A Look Back At Rush’s ’2112′"

From Ultimate Classic Rock:

"As we cross over the milestone of our 2,112th post, we’d be fools if we didn’t use the occasion to look back at the classic 1976 Rush album ‘2112.’..." - click for more

The Canadian Music Scene Interview with Terry Brown Part 2

TCMS has posted a new video interview with Terry Brown subtitled "The Rush Years".  You can view the video here.

Neil Peart Podcast interview with TSN Radio; Win Neil's "Hockey Theme" Snare

Neil Peart appeared live on Canada's TSN Radio yesterday afternoon and discussed the new album, training and getting old(er), and the "Hockey Theme" snare which Canadian residents can win at TSN.ca.  You can hear Neil's interview here, click on the "5" square (note, the interview may not be playable in all browswers, it definitely works in Google Chrome in case you have trouble). - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Canadian residents: Here is your chance to win one of three limited edition snare drums – replicas of the drum used by Neil Peart on the recording of the NHL on TSN’s 'Hockey Theme'" http://tsn.ca/contests/snagthesnare/

Interview with Dean Bobisud and Tom Bronkema On Peart's "Chromey" Kit

The Critical Mass blog has posted a new interview with Dean Bobisud, owner and restorer of Neil Peart's classic 1974 chrome Slingerland drum kit that was used to record the seminal 70s classic albums Fly By Night, Caress Of Steel, 2112 and the live double album All The Worlds A Stage, and Tom Bronkema, one of a select few who works with and travels with "Chromey" as it tours across the U.S. and Canada raising money for cancer awareness. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Update On Clockwork Angels - Guitar World January 2012 Issue

The January issue of Guitar World includes a new interview with Alex Lifeson where he discusses Clockwork Angels.  Here's the full article, thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

... Alex Lifeson stops short of calling Rush's upcoming Clockwork Angels a concept record, but he does admit that a theme runs through most the songs. "We have Caravan and BU2B; both of which we released already and played on the Time Machine tour," he says, referring to the group's extensive 2010-2011 outing. "Those two, along with three other songs, form a suite. The story of Clockwork Angels is in those five tracks."

Longtime Rush fans, who grew up on such multi-song narratives as 2112 and Hemispheres, will no doubt applaud the group's return to its prog-rock roots. They'll also be thrilled to learn that the band isn't paying mind to the length of its compostitions. "We're definitely stretching out," Lifeson says. "Most of the songs are over six minutes. We're having fun with them, seeing where they want to go."

The guitarist estimates that Rush has eight songs finished. One track, however, is putting up a fight. "We wrote it, scrapped it, then rewrote it and shelved it again," Lifeson says, laughing. "Right now, we're still considering it. Something's there that we don't want to lose."

The band is working once again with prodcucer Nick Raskulinecz, who in addition to helming albums for the Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains and Evanesence, oversaw Rush's 2007 release, Snakes & Arrows. "Nick is fantastic," Lifeson says. "He's very enthusiastic, has great ideas, gets incredible sounds, and he's so adaptable to our twists and turns."

That includes a more stripped-down, instrumental approach. "The last few records have been quite produced, with many layers of guitars and vocals," he says. "This time, we'd like to keep things simple and direct.

"We'll see if that sticks," he adds after a moment's though. "I might listen to the finished record and go, 'Needs more guitar!'..."

Nektar To Include "Spirit Of Radio" On Upcoming Covers Album

Veteran English progressive rock band Nektar have announced that they'll be releasing an album of cover songs including a cover of "The Spirit of Radio", tentatively set to include ELP's Keith Emerson on keys.  For more info visit Nektarsmusic.com. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush Three-Pack for Rock Band Music Store Coming December 13th

Today Rockband.com announced:

"Three tracks from Canadian rockers Rush are set to hit the Rock Band Music Store on December 13th! 'Fly By Night,' from 1975’s album of the same name kicks off the pack, followed by a live cut of Rush's 'The Spirit of the Radio,' one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s '500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll'. The pack is rounded out by 'Caravan,' which was released as a single earlier this year. These three tracks are just the tip of the iceberg for Rush fans; we’ll have even more exciting Rush/Rock Band news before the year’s out, so stay tuned!" - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Exciting news for Rockband players.  I'll try to find out the source of live version of "The Spirit of Radio", and whether its a version we've heard before, or if its a previously unreleased live version (this was the case with Guitar Hero 5, which included a previously unreleased live performance of The Spirit of Radio recorded in Manchester, England, on June 17, 1980).

Alex Lifeson's Favorite Christmas Songs

In a new feature from MusicRadar.com, 11 rock stars pick their favorite Christmas songs, including Alex Lifeson: "I always liked the Little Drummer Boy because of the tonality of the song. There was always something very plaintive about it. It wasn’t one of those 'up,' joyous Christmas songs, which tend to get a little overdone. Actually, I did a version of it a while ago that came out nice. "On the other hand, I do like upbeat Christmas songs, so I’d say my second pick would be Joy To The World – not anybody’s version, in particular; I just like the song itself. It's spirited and very 'Ho, ho, ho!' [laughs]" Here is Alex Lifeson's "Little Drummer Boy" which appeared on Merry Axemas Vol. 1 in 1997. - Thanks to RushFanForever the the headsup!

Billboard: "Geddy Lee Talks Rush Legacy: 'Moving Pictures,' Their Next Album & More"

Billboard just posted a new interview with Geddy Lee, where they refer to his voice as "stratospheric...one of rock's natural wonders". Although he hasn't sung anything "stratospheric" since Hemispheres over 30 years ago, it's still nice to get some national press. Geddy discusses the new live album, the recent documentary, the last tour, his baseball memorabilia, and the upcoming album Clockwork Angels. Click here for the interview.

Rush Miniature Instruments from Axe Heaven - Free Holiday Shipping

Just in time for the holidays, Axe Heaven miniature guitars is running an exclusive special for Power Windows readers of free shipping on all domestic orders, and an overall 10% discount for international orders of $75 or more.

Power Windows is proud to offer meticulously created miniature replica guitar, bass and drum kit collectibles from Axe Heaven. When it comes to RUSH, their instruments are as inconic as the music they created. Now you can own miniature reproductions of the band's most memorable guitars and drum kits for a reasonable price. These collectible guitars are perfect for the home or the office, letting your acquaintances know where your allegiances lie; in addition, their low cost makes them a great gift.

Axe Heaven's miniatures are unbelievably remarkable in their attention to precise proportion and detail, and we at Power Windows have worked with Axe Heaven to insure these miniatures have been reproduced as closely as possible. Each 1:4-scale replica miniature collectible is made of solid mahogany wood and metal parts, hand crafted and airbrushed with outstanding detail. All guitar orders include stands.

To receive special shipping,  just enter the below coupon code while checking out at AxeHeaven.com.

• For free shipping for all domestic orders: coupon code FS2011
• For an overall 10% discount off of international orders over $75: coupon code TEN2010

Neil Peart Drum Channel/Jammit Promotion

"Drum Channel and Jammit announce a special promotion offering exclusive free access to the RUSH track 'YYZ' available only to Drum Channel members. Jammit allows users to isolate the drums from the rest of the instruments on the legendary 'YYZ' track, learn the track and then record your own version. The promotion allows signed up members of Drum Channel to get the song free and download a free Neil Peart interview at the same time.

"Jammit is the number one app to learn to play your favorite songs. It allows you to isolate the drums (or other instruments) from the original master recording. Jammit features the most accurate transcriptions available today, with beautifully formatted notations and tablature. It is quick and easy to navigate, has repeat bars with adjustable snap-to-grid looping, and does not change the pitch when the track is slowed down. Once you have learned the track, you can remove the original drums and record your own before sending it to your friends or teacher.
For more information, visit www.drumchannel.com." - Thanks to Blabbermouth.net

Tom Cochrane's "Voices" with Alex Lifeson Limited Edition Now Available

As previously announced, Alex Lifeson has collaborated on the title track of a new four song EP with Tom Cochrane and Andrew Cole titled Voices.  Today, Cochrane announced on Facebook (where you can also hear a sample of the song):

"At Midnight TONIGHT 12am EASTERN STANDARD TIME we are letting the first 30 Super Limited Edition packs go on SALE!!! Visit www.tomcochrane.com to score yours! PLEASE NOTE a further 20 sets will be available at www.andrewcolemusic.com "

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Limited Edition Autographed Art Print for Kidney Foundation Rush

Alex Lifeson has donated another painting to A Brush Of Hope, this one is being offered as a limited numbered print.  For the A Brush Of Hope Facebook page:

"ALEX LIFESON limited edition prints ON SALE NOW! Here is a sneak peek at the print. The image is 8 X 10. The page itself is 13 X 15. This is something special! There are only 250 prints available, each one with an original signature by Alex himself! Price is only $250, plus $20 for shipping and handling ($25 to the USA). International purchasers should contact us for a shipping quote). Just in time for Christmas!! It comes with a certificate of authenticity too!"

The print is available now through the kidney foundation's website.- Thanks to Tim Fox and RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee Honoured By Scholarship Endowment

Geddy Lee has had a wine scholarship created in his name.  "The honour has been conferred on the Rush vocalist and bass guitarist by his fellow directors at the charitable foundation Grapes for Humanity.  The board voted unanimously to create a scholarship in his name, in perpetuity, for a student of winemaking at Niagara College in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  To establish the scholarship Grapes for Humanity Canada has committed $26,500, which will be matched by the Ontario provincial government.  The income will be used to provide an annual scholarship for a student in the second year of Niagara College’s Wine and Viticulture Technician programme who intends to pursue a career path in winemaking after graduation.  'Niagara College is thrilled that Grapes for Humanity Canada is making this significant investment to support student learning and success, and the wine industry,' Niagara College Foundation CEO Sean Kennedy said." - Decanter.com, November 27, 2011

GuitarWorld.com's "25 Greatest Acoustic Songs In Hard Rock"

GuitarWorld.com has added their list of "The 25 Greatest Acoustic Songs In Hard Rock", and coming in at #8 is "Closer To The Heart":

"By 1977, Rush had firmly established themselves as fine purveyors of glorious 20-minute sci-fi opuses that could fill entire album sides. But on this, their fifth studio release, the Canadian prog trio demonstrated their ability to be hooky, concise and, with "Closer to the Heart," radio-friendly. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the song's gentle, ringing 12-string acoustic guitar intro is that it was written by bassist Geddy Lee, rather than guitarist Alex Lifeson.  The same figure is later repeated after a particularly ripping electric guitar solo-only this time the 12-string acoustic is smartly doubled by a six-string electric. When it comes to Rush, of course, the contributions of drummer extraordinaire Neil Peart can never be overlooked. Here, he adds plenty of bells and whistles throughout. Okay ... they're actually chimes." - Guitar World, November 23, 2011

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time"

RollingStone.com has posted a new list of their 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.  This time, they left the choosing to the professionals, a panel of guitarists including Alex Lifeson.  In addition, Alex mades the list, coming in at #98:

"Even if he had never progressed beyond the brain-rattling riffing of '2112' and 'Xanadu,' Rush's guitarist would have left his mark on Metallica and other like-minded metalheads. But he went on to fill out Rush's power-trio sound with a seamless mix of lush arpeggios and rock crunch that sounded like at least two players at once. 'The guitar just had to make a broader statement,' he says. Alex Lifeson reserves his most daring playing for his solos – just try wrapping your head around the extra­terrestrial lunacy of 'Freewill.'"

"Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland": more website updates

Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland hits store shelves November 8th.  Rush.com is reporting that the DVD is #1 in Canada & the US and #2 in the UK.

Update: more website additions, including the Moving Pictures: Live 2011 linternotes transcription, and more importantly, new wallpaper additions using the vinyl release's back cover, offered both as desktop wallpaper, as well as a Smartphone wallpaper.- Thanks again to John at Cygnus-X1.net!

This website has been updated to include various Live In Cleveland offerings, including transcriptions of both the CD and video linernotes, as well as the ever necessary Winamp skin plus the usual Smartphone, PSP and desktop wallpaper album art additions. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the interior album art images!

You can purchase the video on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well as CD.  There is also be a separate vinyl release for Moving Pictures: Live 2011.  (Note, the Blu-Ray is an exclusive Best Buy purchase for the first 30 days of the video's release)

• Click here for the Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland video linernotes and news archive
• Click here for the Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland Transcript Archive

Modern Drummer, December 2011 (addendum now online)

Neil Peart is on the cover of the December 2011 issue of Modern Drummer now on newsstands.  Modern Drummer has posted a web only addendum to their Neil Peart interview:

"Here's more from our interview with Neil, where he talks about his new DVD, playing at KoSA and on Letterman, and deepening his grasp of drumset ergonomics with his teacher and dear friend Freddie Gruber (who sadly passed away at age eighty-four not too long after our conversation; you’ll find a tribute in the February 2012 issue of MD). The Rush rhythm master begins by musing on how all of us drummers share a special bond." - ModernDrummer.com, November 21, 2011

 - Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headsup!