Rush Miniature Instruments - 15% off for the Holidays

Just in time for the Holiday season, Axe Heaven has revamped their website, including an all new replica of Geddy Lee's '72 Jazz Bass authorized by Fender.  To celebrate, Axe Heaven is offering a 15% discount for Power Windows readers.

Looking for the perfect gift for that special Rush fan (or yourself)?  Check out:

• Alex Lifeson's Gibson EDS-1275 Doubleneck or his Gibson ES-355
• Geddy Lee's Rickenbacker 4001 or Fender Jazz 
• Neil Peart's Snakes & Arrows Drum Kit
• Save by purchasing the RUSH three piece miniature gift set, which includes the complete Neil Peart Snakes & Arrows drum kit set, Alex Lifeson's ES-355 and Geddy Lee's 4001

To receive your discount, just enter the coupon code "PWRPROMO15" while checking out at AxeHeaven.com.

Lorne "Gump" Wheaton's new website now online

Lorne "Gump" Wheaton, drum tech for Neil Peart since 2000, has just launched an all new website at lornewheaton.com. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

Official Rush 2013 Calendar Now Available

The Official 2013 Rush Calendar is now available at  Barnes & Noble.  The calendar features artwork from the Beyond The Lighted Stage documentary film.

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

Its been just a month since Neil's last update, and he has graciously updated his site with his latest report from the road.  In "Witness To The Fall", Neil chronicles the second leg of the Clockwork Angels tour, including his observations of the U.S. Presidential election, meeting his first drum teacher Don George for the first time in 45 years, as well as how they were affected by hurricane Sandy as well as the untimely death of Ray Danniels' son Shane who passed away of a brain tumor on November 1st.

"Tom Sawyer" Heard On NBC's "Up All Night"

During last night's episode of "Up All Night" starring Christina Applegate, the Brinkley's flight is canceled and after rushing to the store to buy last minute Thanksgiving dinner supplies, they come home to find Scott and his friends have invaded their house and are doing keg stands while "Tom Sawyer" is blaring out of the stereo. The episode is currently available at NBC.com. - Thanks to Richard Benak for the headsup!

2112 "Super Deluxe" Edition - Rich Chycki Comments

Rich Chycki shared the following on his blog (November 8, 2012):

"Let's go back in time a bit to late December 2004. I had just finished a 19-hour studio day working with Rush (for the first time) on a Tsunami Relief Charity which was broadcast on CBC in Canada, also late 2004. When I first met with Alex [Lifeson] in early 2005 about the possibility of doing more work together on R30, our first conversation veered off to a coffee laden all out bond-fest about how exciting 2112 would be remixed in 5.1. Our second subject was the mixing of R30 – go figure.

"In a nutshell, this concept has been in stasis for quite some time and it's a pinnacle moment with such a revered artist (and with my gratitude meter completely pinned) that we finally see this project come to light.

"Like the other Rush surround releases to date – Moving Pictures, A Farewell To Kings, Fly By Night, and Signals –  2112 has been remixed at a 96 khz 24 bit high resolution from the original multitrack masters in a 're-creation' direction taking advantage of the 3-dimensional soundscape of surround, rather than a complete re-interpretation of the mix.  I have had quite a few questions about the technical side of the process so time depending, I'll try to get an article put together about it and get it posted here or published."

According to an announcement at Musictap.net, Universal/Mercury will be releasing a "Super Deluxe" CD/Blu-Ray reissue of 2112 this December 18th.

Rich Chycki has confirmed via Twitter, that as a Blu-Ray disk is included, this will include a 5.1 surround sound mix: "Yep, words out. I've been working on the surround remix of Rush's 2112 for months. Queue rear waterfall.”

This release comes just one year after the release of the Sectors boxed set; at the time, it was surprising that the box did NOT include a 5.1 mix of 2112 - now we know why.  One might also assume that 2112 is the first of many 5.1 reissues to be released in the upcoming years... - Thanks to John Patuto at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Geddy Lee Interview for Warner Music Poland from May 2012

Warner Music Poland just posted a 21 minute video interview with Geddy Lee recorded last May.  You can watch the video here or on Youtube.

Fender Squier "Rush Clockwork Angels" Edition Bass

The Rush Backstage Club has just added the Fender Squier "Rush Clockwork Angels" Edition Bass, retailing at $559 US.  This is a customized version of the generic Fender Squier Vintage Jazz Bass which Fender lists on their page for $499.

Get your very own RUSH branded Squire Clockwork Angels Bass. Featuring the Clockwork Angels "Wings" logo on the pick guard and a the "Rush" logo branded into the head of the guitar, this limited edition release is the ultimate addition to your RUSH (or guitar) collection.

Customized Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass '77: From the age of Funk and dawn of Punk comes this retro-inspired Vintage Modified Jazz Bass! Features include a gloss Black-finished Agathis body and one-piece maple neck with attractive white binding and white pearl block inlays on the 20-fret maple fingerboard. That soulful sound emanates from a pair of single-coil Duncan Designed? Jazz Bass pickups; other features include chrome hardware and machine heads, black plastic Stratocaster knobs, a three-ply Black/White/Black pickguard, and a four-saddle chrome bridge.

Rush to film Phoenix & Dallas shows on Clockwork Angels Tour

Rush.com has just posted some big news:

Rush will capture the Clockwork Angels tour by filming in Phoenix and Dallas on Nov 25th and 28th respectively. Be a part of the show – get your tickets here for Phoenix or Dallas.

The shows are being filmed for an upcoming DVD set for release in 2013.

Its no surprise that this tour would be filmed, it was just a question of "where".

Rush wins Band of the Year and Album of the Year at the 2012 Classic Rock Awards

Classic Rock magazine has announced the winners of the  2012 Classic Rock Awards. Rush walked away with Band of the Year and Album of the Year awards.  As they couldn't attend the ceremony as they were performing in Seattle, they did send out the tweet "Sorry we couldn't be there, playing in Seattle but thanks to @ClassicRockMag readers for the Album of the Year and Band of the Year awards!" For complete details visit ClassicRockMagazine.com.

The winners at the eighth annual Orange Amplification Classic Rock Roll of Honour have been revealed at a gala evening at the Roundhouse in London. The event was hosted by Duff McKagan (Guns n’Roses, Velvet Revolver, Loaded) with Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx presenting his Sixx Sense show from the ceremony.

ZZ Top were presented with the coveted Living Legend Award by last year’s winner, Jeff Beck. The Texan three-piece join an exclusive club including Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop. Among the other winners were Rush for Album of the Year and Band of the Year, Pink Floyd for Film/DVD of the Year and Reissue of the Year; Status Quo for Classic Album; The Damned for Outstanding Contribution and Rival Sons for Breakthrough. Anthrax were named Metal Gurus and manager Tony Smith was named VIP. The late Jon Lord was given the Tommy Vance Inspiration Award. Lynyrd Skynyrd, who won the Comeback Award, played a 30-minute set for invited guests after a gala dinner.

Classic Rock editor in chief Scott Rowley said: “You would never know it from listening to the radio or watching TV – but while you were all getting excited about Psy and Fun and Nicki Minaj, it’s actually been a great year for new rock music.  We’ve heard brilliant new albums from ZZ Top, Rush, Aerosmith, Kiss, Springsteen, Slash, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Van Halen. Some great new artists are coming in to their own: Rivals Sons, Tracer, Howlin’ Rain, Gary Clark Jr – the list goes on.  Classic Rock is proud to keep on supporting rock music, classic and brand new, and the Roll of Honour has become a office party for the rock industry.”

- Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson's "Drumbeats" Back In Print

Neil Peart's first collaboration with author Kevin J. Anderson, is a short horror story titled "Drumbeats", about drummer on a bicycle trip in Africa who discovers more than he bargained for.

"...Kevin did all the work; I just supplied some African background and French dialogue." - Neil Peart, NeilPeart.net, Fall 2005

Originally published in the long out of print short story collection Shock Rock II in 1994, "Drumbeats" is now available in the new collection Tesseracts Sixteen: Parnassus Unbound, edited by Mark Leslie:

"This anthology features speculative fiction short stories with art, music, literature and culture themes. It is the latest volume of the long-running Tesseracts series and features stories for a new generation of readers. This anthology joins a 26-year legacy which features the writing and editing of more than 250 of Canada's best-known authors." - Thanks to Mark Leslie for the headsup!

Royal Philharmonic Plays The Music Of Rush - Now Available

The Royal Philharmonic Plays The Music Of Rush, by the world-famous Royal Philharmonic orchestra, is now available (click to purchase).

Tracklist: The Spirit Of Radio, Tom Sawyer, Limelight, Working Man, Fly By Night, 2112 Overture, Closer To The Heart, Subdivisions, Red Barchetta

"From the world-famous orchestra that brought you symphonic interpretations of Queen, Pink Floyd and ABBA comes a brand new set of studio recordings celebrating the music of Canadian Prog Rock legends, Rush!  Includes dramatic reinterpretations of the Rush classics Tom Sawyer, The Spirit Of Radio, Red Barchetta, Limelight and more!  Conducted by BAFTA award winning musician and composer Richard Harvey!"  - Official Press Release

 Bravewords.com has published additional details regarding this release:

Purple Pyramid Records (a division of Cleopatra Records) will release THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Plays The Music Of RUSH on November 13. Nearly sixty musicians and thirty vocalists transform nine of Rush’s greatest hits into even more intricate, soaring orchestral works.

The RPO covers the best-known classics, from 'Working Man', the self-titled debut album track that launched Rush’s career in the US to 'Subdivisions' from Signals, the album that proved electronic rock could reside in the top ten. The band’s most successful record, Moving Pictures, is represented by rousing versions of 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Red Barchetta'.

The Canadian trio known as Rush has been recording and touring for more than forty years. Rush has earned 24 gold and 14 platinum (three multi-platinum) records. They are third (behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones) for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band, and have sold more than 40 million units worldwide. Rush has won many Juno Awards and was a 1994 inductee to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart are consistently acknowledged as some of the most proficient musicians in music today.

The RPO, formed in 1946 and based in London, has been called The Nation’s Favourite Orchestra. It has had internationally known maestros like Andre Previn and Louis Clark, and has toured the world. The RPO is a best-selling and adventurous recording entity as well. In 1969, it recorded a concerto for DEEP PURPLE, composed by the band’s organist Jon Lord. It earned a top ten U.S. single in 1982 with Hooked on Classics. Over the years, RPO has orchestrally arranged PINK FLOYD, OASIS, QUEEN, R.E.M., MADONNA and ABBA.

Special guest guitarists include Steve Rothery of MARILLION on 'Working Man' and Adrian Smith of IRON MAIDEN on 'Red Barchetta. The Windrush Choir provides backing vocals and solos.

The Orchestra was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, conducted by BAFTA Award-winning musician and composer Richard Harvey. Harvey performed with the prog rock group Gryphon and as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist (specializing in mediaeval and Renaissance periods), worked with many folk and rock musicians such as Richard and Linda Thompson, Kate Bush, and Sweet. He has toured and recorded with John Williams, and has performed and composed film/TV soundtracks for more than thirty years. The album was produced by James Graydon and Richard Cottle, who also arranged all the music.

Listen to '2112 Overture' at this location

- Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

"In The Studio" with Redbeard, Signals 30th Anniversary Special Now Online

Tonight "In The Studio" with Redbeard will be airing a special celebrating the 30th anniversary of Signals, released September 9, 1982.  Both Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart will be part of the radio show as they discuss the album.   The complete interview is now available at  InTheStudio.net. - Thanks to Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

A Rush of Covers from Kiev

UPDATE: George and Timur have put together a fantastic video of their cover of "By-Tor and the Snowdog" which you can view here.

Here is a treat for all you Rush fans out there.  I received an email from George Oransky from Kiev.  George is a life long Rush fan, who tells me he is "a lonely studio player, not such a performer".  He also said that he used to play Rush songs "a time long ago" with some friends who shared an affinity for a band that was virtually unknown in Kiev at the time.

George has been recording Rush songs in his home studio and posting them to his website.  What makes them interesting is that his 11 year old son Timur provides the vocals and the combination is quite stunning.  Be sure to check their cover of By-Tor and the Snowdog, you'll thank me later.

Clockwork Angels Billboard Charting Hitsory

RUSH's Clockwork Angels debuted at #2 on the Top 200 with 103,000 sold the first week.  In terms of actual detailed numbers, the morning of June 20th SoundScan reported the following: Total: 104,707; LP (Vinyl): 2,361; CD: 72,007; Digital: 30,339. Meanwhile up in the Great White North, Clockwork Angels debuted at #1 with 19,625 copies sold; LP (Vinyl): 367; CD: 14,311; Digital: 4,947.
After eight weeks, Clockwork Angels rose back to #13 on the Billboard Top 200, thanks to a $0.99 MP3 album sale at Amazon.com during week 7; the album previously rested at #70 on the chart, and dropped like a rock all the way back down to #81 for week 9.

Clockwork Angels dropped out of the Billboard Top 200 after spending 20 weeks on the chart.  Weeks 19 and 20 it held on at #163 but finally dropped off after week 20.  For the current chart info visit Billboard.com - November 10, 2012

"At No. 2 on the Billboard 200, rock band Rush clocks its best sales week in 10 years as "Clockwork Angels" debuts with 103,000. The group last sold more when 2002's "Vapor Trails" bowed at No. 6 with 110,000. "Clockwork Angels" is Rush's second album to hit No. 2, following 1993's "Counterparts." A No. 1 album continues to elude the act" - Billboard.com, June 20, 2012

"Legendary rock band Rush has made a remarkable U.S. chart debut with their 20th studio album "CLOCKWORK ANGELS." The renowned trio's first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner Records has entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #2 with sales in excess of 104,000 units, matching the highest chart debut of their illustrious 38-year career.  "CLOCKWORK ANGELS" has also debuted at #1 in the band's native Canada. In other international news, the album has already achieved the band's highest chart debuts in over a decade from Japan - #2, Norway - #10, Germany, Holland - #11, and Switzerland - #21. In addition to the commercial success, "CLOCKWORK ANGELS" has also received a raft of critical acclaim, including Rolling Stone and USA Today who heralded the release as "an ambitious, sophisticated effort by a band that sounds surprisingly vital after 20 studio albums." In the UK -- where the album was also released as an exclusive non-chart eligible fan pack format which included a 132 page booklet covering the entire history of the band -- "CLOCKWORK ANGELS" garnered a 5 out of 5 review in The Sun, Britain's largest newspaper. Had the 40,000 fanpacks sold been chart eligible, the album would have debuted at #1 in the UK as well." - MarketWatch.com, June 20, 2012

"The legendary Toronto prog-rockers' 20th studio album debuted at No. 1 with sales of 20,000, according to data provided by Nielsen SoundScan.  'Angels' is the Holy Trinity’s first studio album since 'Snakes & Arrows,' which went gold in Canada back in 2007." - Toronto Sun, June 20, 2012

Alex Lifeson Tops CBC's "25 Greatest Canadian Guitar Players"

Alex Lifeson tops CBC's list of the "25 Greatest Canadian Guitar Players" ever:

"The most impressive thing about Rush guitarist Lifeson may be his ability to keep up with his virtuoso bandmates Neil Peart and Geddy Lee. For over 4 decades, Lifeson has been seamlessly transitioning from complicated rhythm patterns to searing solos. His influence on shredders is undeniable, though his own playing borrows from jazz, reggae and funk. Guitar nerds love him for heady prog finger exercises like '2112' and 'YYZ.' Everyone else loves him for timeless rock riffs like 'Working Man' and 'The Spirit of Radio.'" - CBC, November 7, 2012 

Rush Covered On Nektar's "A Spoonful Of Time"

As announced back in December of last year, the long awaited collection of covers by veteran English progressive rock band Nektar is set for release in North America November 27th (preorder here).  Included in this collection of classic prog rock tracks is a cover of Rush's "The Spirit Of Radio". 

• The first ever covers album from Prog Rock legends, Nektar, finds the band joined by an incredible gathering of musical heroes from a wide variety of genres!
• Artful, energetic twists on The Doors’ “Riders On The Storm,” Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” Rush’s “Sprit Of The Radio,” Roxy Music’s “Out Of The Blue” and more!
• Features performances by members of Yes, King Crimson, Symphony X, Opeth, Marillion, Asia, The Moody Blues, Dream Theater, Tangerine Dream, and more!

Although the Rush cover was originally rumored to include ELP's Keith Emerson on keys, the guest musician is Marillion's Mark Kelly. For more info visit Nektarsmusic.com. - Thanks to Ton Jansens for the headsup!

"Clockwork Angels: The Novel" - Kevin J. Anderson

RockCellarMagazine.com has published a new interview with author Kevin J. Anderson where he discusses the novel Clockwork Angels: The Novel.

Clockwork Angels: The Novel, by Kevin J. Anderson, from a story and lyrics by Neil Peart, is now available.  The novel is available in hardback from ECW Press, and on audiobook available from Brilliance Audio - read by Neil Peart.  The Novel premiered at #18 on the New York Times bestseller list.

Here is a collection of related news and interviews:

• Rush’s “Clockwork Angels” – The Steampunk NovelInterview with Author Kevin J. Anderson About Writing with Neil Peart - RockCellar, November 1, 2012
• Rockin’ That Steampunk" by Kevin J. Anderson at Tor.com, October 3, 2012
• New Novel Adapted From Rush's Steampunk Album by Kevin J. Anderson - HuffingtonPost.com, September 20, 2012
• The Big Idea: Kevin J. Anderson - whatever.scalzi.com, September 6, 2012
• "Kevin J. Anderson talks Clockwork Angels, his new novel with Rush drummer Neil Peart". - Io9.com, September 6, 2012
• Hunt for one of ten Golden Tickets inside Clockwork Angels: The Novel - ECWPress.com, September 4, 2012
• Interview: Kevin J. Anderson - Roadrunner Records, September 2, 2012
• Exclusive Book Excerpt: Rush Expand on LP With 'Clockwork Angels: The Novel' - RollingStone.com, August 31, 2012
• Writing The Book On Rush's Lyrics - Toronto Globe And Mail, August 24, 2012
• Kevin J. Anderson On Collaborating With Rush, Steampunk, And Fan Expo - Quill & Quire, August 24, 2012
• An Interview With Clockwork Angels' Author Kevin J. Anderson - Huffington Post, August 20, 2012
• Exclusive Interview: Kevin J. Anderson On Clockwork Angels - SciFiPulse.net, August 17, 2012
• Q+A With Kevin J. Anderson - SwerveCalgary.com, August 10, 2012
• Bestselling Author Kevin J. Anderson And Rush Drummer And Lyricist Neil Peart Collaborate On Clockwork Angels: The Novel - ECW Press, May 29, 2012

"In an innovative combination of music and literature, the new album Clockwork Angels by legendary rock band Rush has been converted into a full-length 'steampunk' science fiction novel by international bestselling SF author Kevin J. Anderson and Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

"The music throughout the Clockwork Angels album-the band's 20th studio album-forms the backbone of a colorful adventure story, which is now fully realized in Clockwork Angels: The Novel (ECW Press, hardcover, September 2012). The story tells of a young man caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos. On a quest to follow his dreams, he travels across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy, with lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, airships and steam engines, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life.

"...'For something like 20 years, Kevin and I discussed working on a project together that would marry music, lyrics, and prose fiction,' he says. 'The right idea and timing eluded us for a long time, but at last, both converged perfectly.' Clockwork Angels: The Novel seemed a natural.

"Peart approached Anderson with the idea several years ago, when Rush was in the early stages of creating the album. As the lyrics and music were completed, the two brainstormed the story, characters, setting, adventures, and ideas, sometimes with a flurry of a dozen e-mails per day. The artist Hugh Syme-who created eight illustrations for the CD booklet and original works for the novel-also provided inspiration.

"'This is a dream project for me,' Anderson says. 'I have always envisioned epic stories when listening to Rush music, and now working with Neil, it's possible to translate those stories to the printed page. Clockwork Angels: The Novel turned out even better than we had hoped. I think it's one of my very best books.'

"'As my 38 years with Rush will attest, I very much enjoy collaboration with like-minded artists,' Peart says. 'Working up this story with Kevin was one of the easiest, yet most satisfying projects I have ever shared-easiest, because we almost always simply agreed with each other's ideas, and most satisfying because I am so proud of the result.'" - ECW Press

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.

Macrograph's "Snow Dog" Now Available

Snow Dog, the third release by digital artist Graham Whieldon is now available.  The digital print is 41" x 22" and is a limited edition of 100.  For more information visit Macrographs.com. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Neil Peart Clockwork Angels Collector’s Edition Stick Six-Pack

A new six-pack collection of Neil Peart Clockwork Angels Collector's Edition drumsticks will be hitting stores soon.  According to the press release:

ProMark is excited to announce the release of the highly anticipated Neil Peart Clockwork Angels Collector’s Edition Stick Six-Pack. The one-of-a-kind collection commemorates RUSH’s current worldwide tour.

The top selling ProMark Shira Kashi™ oak drumsticks have been given the golden touch, autographed by drummer Neil Peart and copper-ink branded with six RUSH tour logos. Each brick contains six pairs of sticks and Collector’s Edition labels to satisfy any die-hard RUSH fan.

Dealers now have a chance to get their hands on these legendary collections, however, only a limited amount will be produced. The offer is valid through December 2012.

“The Neil Peart Model has been a consistent top seller for ProMark, and the demand to commemorate the current tour from our dealer and consumer base has been exceptional,” said Dick Markus, ProMark Product Manager.

- Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!