Contest to celebrate the release of Joe Bergamini's "Neil Peart: Taking Center Stage" Book

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest celebrating the release of Joe Bergamini's new book, Taking Center Stage which was officially released yesterday.  The questions were a bit tricky - in all, only 20% of the entries received were correct!  Most frequently, people forgot to take into account the bass drum on the electronic kit while the second biggest error were entries that gave the color of Neil's Roll The Bones kit, when we were asking for the color of the Counterparts kit!  The winners are:

• Ray Kolek - One autographed Bubbas coffee mug
• Martin Wade - One autographed copy of Far & Away
• Nathan Wlazelek - One signed closing statement Neil wrote for the Taking Center Stage DVD, printed on parchment paper, framed
• Charles Friedel - One large autographed poster of the Anatomy of a Drum Solo DVD cover
• Christopher Muller - One large autographed poster of the Anatomy of a Drum Solo DVD cover

Here's a message from Joe where he reviews the correct answers:

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest and I hope you all enjoy the book. Here are the correct answers to the questions:

1. What percussion instrument did Neil use only on the Counterparts tour, and then remove from his kit (The acoustic instrument; not including digital samples of its sound)?
Answer: A tambourine

2. How many bass drums did Neil use on the Roll the Bones tour?
Answer: 2 (Although there's only 1 on the front kit, the rear kit had one as well!) I know this may have seemed like a trick question because I wrote about Neil going from two bass drums on the front kit to one, but from the diagram you can clearly see there was a total of two bass drums: one for the front kit and one for the rear. It seems that some folks answered "3," counting the Gong Bass Drum, so we are accepting that answer, although despite its name, drummers consider this basically a huge tom, and wouldn't count it as a bass drum. But because of this confusion, we accepted 2 or 3 as correct answers here.

3. What was the color of Neil's drumset for the Counterparts tour?
Answer: Dark Cherry or Black Cherry are both correct answers.

Congratulations to the winners!
Joe Bergamini

Thanks again to Joe Bergamini and Hudson Music for putting on this fantastic contest, and thanks to all those who entered!

New Neil Peart Book: "Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime of Live Performance" by Joe Bergamini

Now available, Joe Bergamini, who worked with Neil on the Taking Center Stage DVD, has written a companion book with Neil's supervision officially released online October 15th.  At 208 pages, this full color coffee table book covers Neil's live performances with Rush documenting every tour since 1974, including drum transcriptions, dozens of photos, magazine covers, rare advertisements, etc.  From the press release:

Hudson Music has announced the upcoming release of a new book about drumming legend Neil Peart, written by well-known drummer and writer Joe Bergamini. Neil Peart not only wrote the foreword for the book, but also supervised the project and provided additional factual editing. This book is the most complete retrospective on Neil’s career available in print today. Originally conceived as a companion to the groundbreaking 2011 three-disc DVD set of the same name, this book combines astonishingly detailed musical transcriptions, historical writing, instructional text, and a beautiful collection of photographs to create a book that every drummer and every fan of Neil and Rush will want to add to their collection.

At the heart of the book are note-for-note musical transcriptions of 17 songs that are included on the Taking Center Stage DVD. These transcriptions are exclusive to this book, since they are taken from the performances on the DVD, documenting how Neil currently approaches the songs. Songs include, “Tom Sawyer,” “YYZ,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Free Will,” “Subdivisions,” “Time Stand Still,” “Marathon,”  “La Villa Strangiato,” “The Trees,” “Caravan,” “BU2B,” “Far Cry,” and many others.

The book is divided into chapters corresponding to each and every Rush tour from the time Neil joined the band in 1975, up to the present. Each of these chapters contains extensive text discussing the musical approach of the band at the time, the construction of the drum parts, and Neil’s setup. Accompanying this are exquisitely detailed diagrams of each of Neil’s drum sets, produced after extensive research into the exact instruments that were used on every tour. Tying everything together are stunning photos taken over the past 30 years and color reproductions of just about every drum company advertisement that has featured Neil during his career.

“Working with Neil on the Taking Center Stage DVD was a dream come true, and this book, to me, is the true completion of the project,” says author (and Hudson Music Senior Drum Editor) Joe Bergamini. “I always wanted to do a coffee-table style book that would not only include drum transcriptions, but also include colorful photos, interesting text, and historical magazine covers and ads that documented Neil’s career. I designed the book with all Rush fans in mind (not just drummers), and I think they will enjoy reading and looking it at as much as I enjoyed working on it.”

Includes:
• Fifteen chapters devoted to Neil’s musical approach and equipment on every Rush tour since 1975.
• Note-for-note drum transcriptions of 17 songs taken from the Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime of Live Performance DVD, including Rush classics like “Tom Sawyer,” “YYZ,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Free Will,” “Subdivisions,” “Time Stand Still,” “Marathon,”  “La Villa Strangiato,” and many others.
• Detailed text from both Neil and author Joe Bergamini, explaining his equipment and his approach to the songs.
• Exclusive photos, some never before published, showing Neil and his drums in vibrant detail.
• Detailed diagrams and explanations of all of Neil’s drum sets.
• Other interesting images, such as Neil’s Modern Drummer® magazine covers and print advertisements from DW, Tama, Sabian, Ludwig, Pro-Mark, and Zildjian.

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - October 2012

Neil Peart has just published his latest "News Weather and Sports" update, with "The Better Angels".  Neil shares with us the details of the motorcycle tours spent on the first leg of the Clockwork Angels tour, the setlist variations of the tour and the addition of the "Clockwork Angels String Ensemble".

Interview: Rush's Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee - Premiere Guitar November 2012

The November issue of Premiere Guitar magazine features Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on the cover (see those little guys at the bottom?), and includes an extensive interview with Geddy and Alex where they talk about the recording of Clockwork Angels, the writing process, and their gear.  And the best part?  PG has made the full interview available on their website. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

"Rush As Food" - The Cookbook

Back in July, Toronto chef Matt Kantor hosted the "Rush As Food" benefit dinner in Toronto with proceeds going to Andrew MacNaughtan's "Art Gives Hope" charity.  Kantor has just published a cookbook of the event, Rush As Food - The Cookbook, currently available exclusively on iTunes:

"Rush as Food: The cookbook" documents the dinner series by Matt Kantor, who deconstructed nine rush songs into food for a charity event.  This event was held in Toronto in July of 2012, proceeds of this dinner to benefit "Art Gives Hope", the WorldVision project stated by Andrew MacNaughtan, long time Rush photographer who passed away earlier in the year.  Each dish contains background, recipes, photographs and in some cases videos and interactive components, making this a must have cookbook for any home enthusiast or die-hard Rush fan."

The Andrew MacNaughtan Art Store - First Editions While Supplies Last

"Before his death in January 2012, MacNaughtan had been the principal photographer for rock icons Rush, photographing all their tours, promotional materials and album art.  A long and storied relationship that began in the early 80's, Andrew a life long Rush fan, approached the band with a unique request, could he photograph them for his fledgling Music Magazine and Fan Club? For some reason the band saw something in young Andrew and slowly allowed him to be immersed in their world, first as an assistant in their offices then as the band assistant on the road. Eventually they allowed him to take that picture - and the rest is history.

"Andrew never lost the joy of being a Rush Fan, he was always excited to hear new music or see the latest concert and the fact that he got to take part in the creative process was a privilege he never took for granted.

"This was the inspiration for The Andrew MacNaughtan Art Store; to give back to the fans and to share his experiences with those he knew would truly appreciate it. He enjoyed meeting other fans who shared in his excitement, and he was extremely touched with the amazing reaction to his work.
So although difficult, with full cooperation of the band and Andrew's estate, we are pleased to be able to continue sharing his work. We will continue the important work of his foundation "Art Gives Hope" and look forward to expanding on his vision and goals.

"A small inventory of Andrew's work with Rush will be made available. Although it's still a difficult time for all involved, everyone felt sharing these prints was the best way to continue to honor Andrew's work. There is a limited supply of these first edition, autographed prints so check them out now while they last." - AndrewMacNaughtan.net

Alex Lifeson "Guitar Player" November 2012 cover feature transcript

Alex Lifeson is on the cover of the new November issue of Guitar Player hitting newsstands on October 2.  The cover tagline reads "Blending Old & New on Clockwork Angels".   The complete transcript of the feature article "Alex Lifeson: Like Clockwork" is now online for your reading pleasure.  Alex talks about his current gear and effects, the recording of the album, back catalog songs that he "expected" to perform live on the current tour, Pete Townshend as an influence, and more. - Thanks to John Patuto of Cygnus-X1.net for the transcript!

"Neil Peart Is Obsessed" - Sabian.com

Sabian has posted to their website "Neil Peart is Obsessed", a 10 minute video with Neil where he talks about writing, reading and cymbals. After talking about how touring led him to riding and reading, he gives the background of each of his books, and also discusses the various motorcycle trips he has taken. The interview closes with his discussion of his current cymbals used on the Time Machine Tour. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand.com for the headsup!

Pianist Brad Mehldau Discusses Rush In "Arcana VI: Musicians On Music"

American jazz pianist Brad Mehldau recently published the essay "Rock Hemiolas" in the new book Arcana VI: Musicians on Music, edited by John Zorn.

Mehldau has also placed the essay on his website.  In it, Mehldau on Rush, odd time signatures, music theory, etc.:

"When I was in sixth grade, I had a band – a power duo with my best friend Bill who played drums, called The Rolling Pebbles. Bill did most of the singing, but I had a couple of vocal features, and one was 'Subdivisions' from Rush. Bill and I were nuts about Rush, and that was the title track of their latest record at the time [sic], and the first single. 'Subdivisions' was the first song I played that used the odd time signature of 7/4. It planted the seed of all things '7' in my brain and I followed up much later, exploring that rhythmic meter in the jazz format with my trio."   For more visit BradMehldau.com.

- Thanks to David Suspanic for the headsup!

Geddy Lee Remembers Sam The Record Man

Canadian businessman Sam Sniderman, known as the founder of Sam the Record Man record store chain, passed away on Sunday at the age of 92.  Yesterday Geddy Lee remembered Sam in a new article with the Winnipeg Free Press:

"Sam took great pride in being the best friend of Canadian musicians. I remember the first time we were awarded a Canadian Gold Record; it was presented to us by Sam at a dinner arranged at Sam the Chinese Food Man restaurant. Sam truly helped change the way Canadians view homegrown talent." - Geddy Lee

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson on Q with Jian Ghomeshi - video now online

UPDATE (9/24): Previously only available as an audio interview, the full video interview of Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson's appearance on Q with Jian Ghomeshi, which originally aired on the CBC June 12th, is now available for your viewing pleasure.

"Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of legendary Canadian rock band Rush talk about their latest studio album 'Clockwork Angels'...After nearly 38 years, twenty studio albums and thousands of live concerts together they talk intimately about how they stay fresh in the studio and when they know it will be over." - CBC.ca, June 12, 2012

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Governor General's Awards

Rush received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement at Ottawa's Rideau Hall on Friday, May 4th.  You can view their acceptance speech at GGPAA.ca.

"We are especially appreciative for the presentation of this lifetime achievement award now - while we are still active (Too active, our families might say!)" said Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in an emailed statement..."Since our performance 'lifetimes' aren't quite over yet, this high honour is not just a reward; it is an inspiration. We will continue to try to earn it." - Neil Peart, WinnipegPress, March 6, 2012

“That was great, it was fun and it made me proud to live in a country that recognises the performing arts and celebrates excellence in various fields.  A lot of the people were not mainstream artists but they’ve been working their whole lives perfecting their craft. In Canada we’re always fighting for support of the arts. In a lot of countries they subsidies a lot of industries but when it comes to the arts they view it as a gift. Yet the arts can be a very profitable thing to invest in. It’s as valid as investing in the car industry or whatever. So when you see an event like that which celebrates excellence in the performing arts, it sends a very positive message to the artist and the country and it informs young people that the arts matters and don’t be discouraged and follow your passion. Which is what we did.” - Geddy Lee, TapeToTape, May 15, 2012

South Park co-creator Matt Stone took to the stage to recognize Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart:

"I remember buying their cassettes, tearing home on my BMX, running inside and throwing them into my Walkman, and sitting down to my drum set and just destroying my mom’s afternoon.  Rush was definitely the first band I ever loved." - Matt Stone, Ottawa Citizen, May 7, 2012

The band Inner Volition, the garage band that appeared in the short film "Inner Rush" last month, thank Rush in a short story on Canada's National Arts Center website, May 15, 2012: A Heavy Metal Thank You

• Click here for a video of the news story showing the award ceremony
• Click here for a video of the Rush Tribute performance by the NAC orchestra and what may be the Bach Children's Choir (this is the exact choral arrangement recorded in the film White Noise 2)
• Inner Rush, the National Film Board of Canada’s online film tribute Rush
• MPs, ministers get a Rush from award-winning band's Commons visit - The Canadian Press, May 3, 2012
• Rush, Mary Walsh celebrated in Ottawa - CBCNews, May 4, 2012

Photo Galleries

• George Pimentel (includes great shots of Rush with Pete Townshend)
• The Governor General official website
• The Canadian Music scene
• Ottawa Citizen
• TheStar.com

Rush Smartphone App - Version 1.1 Now Available for iPhone

Today the Apple store released version 1.1 of the official Rush smartphone app with many new features.  Included in these features, as demonstrated by the screenshots in the Apple store, are the polka, country and disco versions of "The Spirit of Radio" performed by "Rash" from Gershon's Diner on the Time Machine Tour.   It is assumed that an update of the Rush Droid App will follow shortly.  The complete new features are as follows:

• All new art work from the Clockwork Angels Rush Tour for retina display.
• New list of the 2012-2013 tour dates with all new social media features
• 3 never heard before versions of Spirit of Radio (Rash)
• Never seen before images of Rash at Gershon’s Diner
• New Wallpapers
• New section titled 'Entre Nous' that allows quick access to social media
• The Music Player has been revamped and includes new music from Rush’s latest Clockwork Angels album
• Ability to control the music from anywhere within the app

Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Album Reviews

Here's a list of Clockwork Angels reviews, with more to come:

• Rush, Clockwork Angels - JamBands.com, September 19, 2012
• RUSH Clockwork Angels One of This Year’s Strongest Releases - Guitar International, September 11, 2012
• The Fountain of Clockwork Angels - David Mack, July 13, 2012
• New album brings Rush closer to the heart - Joplin Globe, August 17, 2012
• Music Review: Rush - Clockwork Angels - blogcritics.org, August 14, 2012
• Rush Clockwork Angels - cokemachineglow.com, July 5, 2012
• Rush - Clockwork Angels - The Quietus, August 3rd, 2012
• Rush: 'We've found a groove ... It's only taken 38 years' - The Sun, July 27, 2012
• On My Turntable: Rush – Clockwork Angels - JamesStafford.com, July 18, 2012

Neil Peart on the cover of "Drum!" October 2012 - Transcript Online

Neil Peart is on the cover of the October issue of Drum! magazine. The cover feature Neil Peart: Master Class: "The Rush technician lets us in on the process behind the inimitable rhythmic signature of Clockwork Angels is now online, courtesy of John at Cygnus-X1.net.

Win A Copy of Alfred Publishing's "Clockwork Angels" Guitar and Bass Tab Books

UPDATE: TMR Zoo is holding a contest to win a copy of both the Clockwork Angels guitar and bass tab books recently released by Alfred Publishing.  The contest is open to all US residents and will run through October 17th. For details and to enter click here. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Alfred Music Publishing has just published two Clockwork Angels tab books, one each for both bass and guitar, as part of their Authentic Bass TAB series.  Over 100 pages each, both books contain complete tablature for all songs, as well as complete lyrics.  Click here for Clockwork Angels: Authentic Bass TAB; click here for Clockwork Angels: Authentic Guitar TAB.

Second San Diego Show Added for November 21 - Tickets On Sale Today

A second San Diego show will go on sale today for November 21st.  Although there has been no announcement from Rush.com, both the Rush Music Today website (the site that handles the fan pre-sales) and VIP Nation now have a show listed for Wednesday, November 21st at the Valley View Casino with fan and VIP pre-sale tickets on sale TODAY at 12PM PST. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Prog Magazine's "Progressive Music Awards" - Rush wins Album Of The Year

Prog magazine's first annual Progressive Music Awards were awarded September 5th, and Rush's Clockwork Angels won Album of the Year.  Also nominated was the Sectors box set in the Grand Designs category, losing to the Pink Floyd Immersion reissues.

 Rush recorded a short video of  their receiving their award, including their acceptance speech, which you can watch here.

For complete details, visit the awards page, as well as coverage by the BBC News.

"They’re Not With the Band" - New York Times

Today the New York Times published an article about the fitness benefits of drumming, which includes a few comments with Neil Peart.  We learn of weight he lost during Clockwork Angels tour warm ups and his pre-tour regimen:

Neil Peart...said that in the three and a half weeks of rehearsals...he dropped at least 10 pounds....This year’s pre-tour training regimen began in February. Three times a week, Mr. Peart would bike 20 minutes to his local Los Angeles Y.M.C.A., swap his helmet for a bandanna, and spend 30 minutes on the cross-trainer (keeping his heart rate near his recommended maximum), followed by calisthenics, yoga sun salutations (he held each pose for a count of 20 Mississippi) and the return bike ride home. (His favorite workout track? Silence. 'The only activity I combine with music is driving,' Mr. Peart said. 'For me, exercise is an act of will.').  Click here for the full story.

- Thanks to AndyO for the headsup!

"Hold Your Fire. 25th Anniversary Retrospective" - LSMedia.com

Today is the 25th Anniversary of the release of Hold Your Fire, Rush's 12th studio album.  To commemorate the event, the Liverpool Student Newspaper has published a retrospective review of the album.  Check it out here. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!