Anthrax To Cover "Anthem" On Upcoming Covers EP

UPDATE 8/4: Artisan News Service spoke to Anthrax's guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Frank Bello regarding their upcoming covers EP which will include a cover of Rush's "Anthem".  You can watch here.

"The RUSH song is a bit of a bitch; I can't say that's an easy one. But it's a song we all know and we're all familiar with, so then, of course, you take on the challenge of just really trying to nail it and do it justice." - Scott Ian

"I have to get every little part of Geddy down, 'cause I'm a fanatic with that stuff, and I have to," Bello said. "I'm still working on little bits. It's great. I love it." - Frank Bellow.

- Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

UPDATE 8/1: In a story posted at Loudwire.com back in June, it was revealed that Anthrax is covering "Anthem" on an EP to be released on or around September 13th to celebrate the one year anniversary of their album Worship Music:

“To commemorate the first year of ‘Worship Music’ being out, we’re putting together a little companion EP with some fun s--t on it,” he said. “It started out as what I call ‘The ’70s EP.’ It’s made up of some cover songs from our favorite bands – consisting of Rush, Thin Lizzy, Boston, Journey… We’re still working on it now, but I think it’s gonna be really cool.”

Fan can expect to hear Anthrax’s takes on AC/DC’s “T.N.T.,” Boston’s “Smokin’,” Journey’s “Keep on Runnin’” and Rush’s “Anthem.” The EP is due around September 13. - Loudwire.com, June 20, 2012

 - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the update!

In a new interview with WVOX.com, Anthrax's Frank Bello says that their next album will include a "RUSH classic":

"We’re doing some cover versions of songs and re-releasing the record in the fall with some special cover songs such as a RUSH track and a BOSTON song. It’s gonna be great. Some really cool stuff which I think people are really going to dig." - Frank Bello, BW&BN, July 30, 2012 - Thanks B-man for the headsup!

Guitar Center Announces 2012 RockWalk Inductions/Rush Sweepstakes

More news has been announced regarding Rush's Guitar Center RockWalk induction.  From a press release published yesterday:

"Guitar Center is proud to announce their upcoming 2012 RockWalk induction ceremonies featuring multi-platinum and Grammy winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, Multi-Platinum and Grammy winning Latin rockers Mana, and renowned rock trio Rush.  Each Guitar Center RockWalk induction will be held at the retailer's historic Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard. The inductions, which are invite only, will include an induction speech and ceremony, in which the musicians' handprints will be immortalized for the millions of music fans who visit Hollywood each year. Each of the new inductees' handprints will reside in the RockWalk alongside other accomplished musicians and innovators such as, Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Run-D.M.C. and Queen, among numerous others.

Schedule of Upcoming Guitar Center RockWalk Inductions:   Rush – November 20, 2012" - PRNewswire, August 2, 2012 - Thanks to B-man for the headsup!

In addition, as previously announced Guitar Center is holding a Rush Sweepstakes to celebrate their 48th anniversary.  The grand prize includes a VIP trip for 2 to see Rush in Los Angeles, a chance to win $1,000,000 during the GC Anniversary Dice Roll, attendance at GC's RockWalk induction of Rush, a Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, and $500 spending money.  Not bad.  For details and to enter click here. - Thanks to John Stevenson for the headsup!

Classic Rock Presents Rush - Clockwork Angels Special

UPDATE August 1: The complete transcript is now online!

UPDATE July 6: "Classic Rock Presents Rush Clockwork Angels - a special iPad version of the official deluxe fanpack for the album featuring bonus exclusive video interview with Rush's Geddy Lee. Now available to download with or without the album (please note album music remains inside the fanpack and cannot be extracted to iTunes)".  Click here to purchase.

UPDATE May 29: Rush and Classic Rock have just shared a 10 page "sampler" of the fan pack which you can view here.

Although the US release date is June 12th, the UK release date is not until July.  However, UK fans can get it on June 11th as part of the Classic Rock Presents Rush - Clockwork Angles fanpack:

"The album - Rush's first since 2007 and their first on Roadrunner Records - will go on sale officially in the UK in July. However, the new record will be available from 11 June as part of an exclusive fanpack put together by our good friends at Classic Rock.

On sale a full three weeks before the regular UK album release date, Classic Rock Presents Rush - Clockwork Angels (fanpack edition) features the new album in full plus a 132 page magazine that forms the 'ultimate sleevenotes' to the new record, with extensive and exclusive interviews with Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.

Inside is everything you need to know about Clockwork Angels: full track-by-track rundown by the band, an interview with producer Nick Raskulinecz, long time cover artist Hugh Syme and more - all with exclusive unseen shots.

Other features include: Gene Simmons on Rush in the '70s, Rush's live rig and set-up, plus the band's full back catalogue reappraised by former producer Terry Brown, Manic Street Preacher and superfan Nicky Wire, Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and more.

Pre-order Classic Rock Presents Rush - Clockwork Angels" - MusicRadar.com, April 11, 2012

"Conquering Mount Rush-More" - Kerrang! Now Online

On July 20th, Rush.com shared that there is a new Rush feature in the latest issue of Kerrang! magazine, with the tagline "Conquering Mount-Rush-more - the 10 steps that made Rush rock's biggest, geekiest cult."

Thanks to John Patuto at Cygus-X1.net, the transcription is now available for your reading pleasure.

"Clockwork Angels: The Novel" special signed/numbered editions

REMINDER: The Gold and Silver editions are now on sale!

Author Kevin J. Anderson and Rush.com have announced the following regarding special signed/numbered editions of Clockwork Angels - The Novel:

"ECW Press and ShowTech have created two wonderful special editions for Clockwork Angels: The Novel, limited to a total of 600, every one numbered and autographed by Neil Peart and me.  The Gold and Silver editions go on sale THIS FRIDAY July 27 at 10 AM ET.

"Gold Edition—This is really one of the coolest limited editions I’ve ever seen.  The final manuscript for Clockwork Angels: The Novel was 302 pages long. Neil and I autographed every page of the manuscript. This signed manuscript page is matted and framed, and accompanied by a limited art print of one of the book’s illustrations, signed by artist Hugh Syme. It’s a large, beautiful frame.  So, if you get manuscript page 45, you are the only person in the world who has that page.

"Neil and I also signed and numbered bookplates for a special edition of the novel itself, embossed and slipcased, copies #1-302.  If you get manuscript page 45, you get copy #45 of the numbered slipcased edition.  The package including the framed signed ms. page, signed art print, and numbered slipcased edition sells for $299.95.  ***Sales begin at 10 AM ET Friday, July 27*** Follow the link Gold Edition.

"Silver Edition—Copies #303-600 of the embossed, autographed, numbered, and slipcased edition of Clockwork Angels: The Novel are available as the Silver Edition, selling for $74.95.  ***Sales begin at 10 AM ET Friday, July 27*** Follow the link Silver Edition.  Copies will also be available at the Rush Store.

"We expect these to sell out quickly. If you are interested in a copy, be sure you’re ready at 10 AM ET." - Kevin J. Anderson, kjablog.com, July 23, 2012

What Is the Best Prog Rock Album of All Time? - RollingStone.com

UPDATE: Today Rollingstone.com posted the results of their readers poll, and three RUSH albums made the Top 10:

10) Rush - Moving Pictures
8) Rush - Hemispheres
2) Rush - 2112

RollingStone.com is asking for your vote of your favorite prog rock album of all time.

Is it 2112 by Rush? The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway by Genesis? Script for a Jester's Tear by Marillion? Vote for whatever album you want, but please just vote once and only for a single album.  Click here to vote. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

"The Wreckers" - The Second Single from Clockwork Angels

Yesterday Roadrunner Records announced:

"Rush has chosen 'The Wreckers' as the second single from their latest album, Clockwork Angels, which hit #2 on the Billboard charts in its first week of release, with sales of over 104,000 copies."

The song hits radio today, don't forget to pester your local stations  to play new Rush!

Click here for "Rush, ‘The Wreckers’ – Song Review" at UltimateClassicRock.com.

- Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson On "Nights With Alice Cooper" Podcast Available

As previously announced, Alex Lifeson joined Alice Cooper on his radio program, "Nights with Alice Cooper" back on June 21st. The interview is now available on Alice's podcast page. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

"Full Steam" - M Music & Musicians Magazine

M Music & Musicians Magazine has published a new online feature with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson titled "Full Steam".  From their June issue, they talk about receiving the Governor General's award, recording Clockwork Angels, and the state of the music industry, among other topics.

Kevin J Anderson To Appear at RushCon/Discusses Clockwork Angels Audiobook

Author Kevin J. Anderson, who is writing Clockwork Angels: The Novel (now available for preorder here) and as audiobook here), announced on Friday that he will be appearing at RushCon in Toronto this October.  In addition, he posted the following regarding a special afterward for the Neil Peart read audio book:

"...this afternoon I was in the studio recording a special afterword for the Brilliance unabridged audio edition of the novel (which is read by Neil Peart).  Over the past two days, I worked with artist Hugh Syme to develop a lavish illustrated booklet, 32 pages, which is exclusive to the physical edition of the audiobook. It’s been approved by Neil and already off to press. The audio will be released simultaneously with the hardcover novel on September 1, and both are available for preorder now." - Kevin J. Anderson, July 19, 2012

For more on Kevin J. Anderson, visit his entry on this website's "Rush Inspired Literature, Film, And Pop Culture References" page here. You might also be interested in Neil's introduction to Landscapes, Anderson's short story collection. Lastly, check out Anderson's blog post from 2010 telling of his spending time with Neil during Rush's visit to Colorado on the Time Machine Tour.

Sonic Reality's "Moving Signals & Waves - A Tribute To Rush" Featuring The Drums Of Neil Peart Coming This Summer

Today SonicReality's Dave Kerzner posted to his Facebook page "I'm producing, engineering and playing keys on a full album of Rush covers featuring Neil Peart of Rush on drums via his Sonic Reality sample library "Neil Peart Drums" plus special guests from bands like Yes, Porcupine Tree, Asia FJP, It Bites, Triumph and more. Due to be out on iTunes and on CD by the end of the Summer. :)!"

This is the second Rush tribute by Sonic Reality featuring Neil Peart on drums; click here for info regarding  XYZ - A Tribute To Rush released this past April.

Plates of prog rock: An epic nine-course meal inspired by Rush - National Post

As announced back in June, this weekend saw the "Rush As Food" benefit dinner in Toronto.  The dinner consisted of nine courses representing different Rush songs.  For the full story visit the National Post.com:

The 16 diners at the $150-a-plate, three-hour-plus “Rush as Food” meal (proceeds of which went to the Art Gives Hope charity founded by the band’s late photographer Andrew McNaughtan) ranged from foodies who had never seen the band play live to rabid fans discussing their favourite live Lifeson guitar solos and the merits of new album Clockwork Angels. All were frequently smiling, and not just because of the copious glasses of Entre Nous (an agreeably fruity Pinot Noir by Crowley Wines in Oregon, named after a song on Rush’s 1980 album, Permanent Waves).

Geddy Lee talks Rush's Clockwork Angels, track-by-track - MusicRadar.com

Musicradar.com has just posted a new interview with Geddy Lee, "Geddy Lee talks Rush's Clockwork Angels, track-by-track" (click for full article).

"Following chats with producer Nick Raskulinecz and guitarist Alex Lifeson, we sat down with Geddy Lee, bass player and vocalist with Canadian rock gods Rush to get his insight on the recording and writing sessions of their latest album, Clockwork Angels.

"Written before, in and around the Time Machine tour, Clockwork Angels was perhaps the most eagerly anticipated album by the band to date, but it has since proved to be worth the wait – becoming acclaimed as one of the group's finest collections and selling over 103,000 copies in the US in its first week alone.

"We spoke to Geddy Lee to find out his opinions on the album, the story that binds the collection together and how the fractured writing sessions benefited the concept"

Geddy Lee Cameo In CBC's "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town" - Now On DVD

UPDATE: Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is now available for purchase here.

Sunday February 12th, the CBC broadcasted a 100th Anniversary film adaptation of Stephen Leacock's Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town.  Geddy Lee has a cameo in the film; he is seen in a barber chair with a towel over his head throughout the film, which he removes during the credits to reveal himself.  - Thanks to RushIsABand and RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee: The Grapes Of Rush - Samaritan Magazine

Geddy Lee is featured in a new story posted today at SamaritanMag.com.  The story tells how Grapes for Humanity began, and includes a brief interview with Geddy and his contributions to the organization.  "The wine trips along with the sale of Rush memorabilia have raised more than $350,000 for Grapes for Humanity Canada, confirms Grapes For Humanity’s Tony Aspler." - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Featured in Summer issue of Guitar World

Alex Lifeson is interviewed in new summer issue of Guitar World magazine.  The feature story is titled "Rock Around The Clock". - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson's "My '77" in Summer Issue of Classic Rock

The Summer 2012 issue of Classic Rock magazine includes various artists' look back on the music of 1977.  Alex Lifeson is interviewed on page 85, and discusses 1977 and the recording of A Farewell To Kings. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Geddy Lee interviews with MusicRadar.com

MusicRadar.com has posted five new videos from the Geddy Lee interview which has been published piecemeal over the last few weeks.  In part 1 Geddy tells how the Time Machine tour delayed the new album.  In part 2 Geddy tells how studios have evolved and how Rush have changed their recording approach.  In part 3 Geddy talks about recording Clockwork Angels.  In part 4 Geddy talks about switching instruments on The Wreckers.  And in part 5, he talks about recording drums for Clockwork Angels. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the heads up.

Geddy Lee To Be Featured In Upcoming Documentary Film "Jaco"

Geddy Lee will be one of many musicians to be featured in the upcoming documentary film about the bass great, Jaco Pastorius.  Pastorius was 35 years young when he passed away in 1987.

Geddy has cited Pastorius as one of his influences over the years, and used a fretless Fender Jaco Pastorius tribute bass to record "Malignant Narcissism" on Snakes & Arrows.

Tentatively titled "Jaco", the film is being financed by Metallica's Robert Trujillo. For more info visit USAtoday, or visit the film's Facebook page. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush: They Don't Fade Away - The National

From today's TheNational.ae, "The group's 20th studio album Clockwork Angels recently debuted at Number 2 in the US and Number 1 in Canada. Lee explains Rush's enduring appeal."  Click here for the full interview.