Geddy And Alex "On The Air With" Eddie Trunk

Last last month, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appeared in the studio with Eddie Trunk.  The interview was filmed, and is the debut episode of "On The Air With", available at EddieTrunk.com.

Rush Feature In The March Issue of UK's "Metal Hammer"

Preparing for the upcoming Rush UK tour, the March issue of Metal Hammer magazine includes a new interview with Geddy Lee titled "Rush And The Weird Rise Of Prog Metal". The article covers the history of Rush from 1968 through present day, and also includes Geddy's comments regarding next years 40th anniversary:

"I don't think about things like the 40th anniversary. We have no plans to celebrate it. We did enough for the 30th. So, if anything is being planned, it will be without our involvement. We are still looking forward, not back."

- Thanks to John Patuto for the headsup and the transcript!

Rush Feature In March 28th RollingStone

There is a new Rush feature in the new March 28th issue of RollingStone magazine:

"Rush's Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee might loathe disco and know almost nothing about rap, but the prog giants are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month...Lee and Lifeson stopped by RS, - and we played them a song by each of their fellow inductees."

The article includes their responses to each of the songs played from their fellow artists. You can read the full article here.  - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup and providing the original article!

Anthrax's "Anthems" Now Available

UPDATE 3/19: In a new interview with radio.com, Anthrax's Scott Ian commented on Rush and the Rock Hall of Fame (thanks Bman for the headsup!):

"I'm certainly a Rush fan but [Drummer] Charlie [Benante] and [bassist] Frankie [Bello] and Joey are like, Rush nerds.  They know every single thing about Rush...People take Rush seriously, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but everyone has a respect for that band whether you like them or not." - Radio.com, March 19, 2013

Anthrax's new EP Anthems, hits the store shelves today, March 19th.   The tracklist includes Anthem (RUSH); Jailbreak (THIN LIZZY); TNT (AC/DC); Big Eyes (CHEAP TRICK); Smokin' (BOSTON); Keep On Runnin' (JOURNEY).  Click here to order the CD now; click here to buy it on iTunes.

"When I was first learning to play drums, I would strap on my headphones, play along with [All the World's a Stage] and be transformed.  I remember talking with Cliff [Burton] and Kirk [Hammett of Metallica] back when we first met, and we all agreed how much of an influence Rush was on all of us. I don't [know] if you would hear anything that sounds like Rush in Anthrax's music, but the passion, the drive, the musicianship and the appreciation is all there." - Charlie Benante, Rollingstone.com, January 18, 2012

"It was a lot of fun, especially because a lot of those (songs) aren't, I guess, normal for us or like so much of our repertoire - although they are because they're songs we all knew. Maybe on paper the idea of us doing something like that seems weird, until you hear them and then it makes sense." - Scott Ian, Billboard.com, January 4, 2012

It was first reported that Anthrax was working on a Rush cover back in April of last year, when a video was posted of drummer Charlie Benante laying down his drum track. Further news broke in August of the covers EP including a video interview with the Artistan News service where guitarist Scott Ian confirmed:

"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."

The Q's Canadian 70s rock anthem winner announced

"Inspired by the passionate fight going on in Massachusetts right now over which song will become its official state rock song. We decided to launch our own Q contest to find Canada's official 70s rock anthem and you sent us a deluge of nominations.

"The Q team powered through the flood of entries and after some passionate deliberations a winner was chosen... RUSH. 'Closer to the Heart'." - CBC.ca, March 15, 2013

Rush to play Festival d’ete, Quebec City, July 10th

Quebec City, March 15, 2013 – With a new critically-acclaimed album out, Rush is bringing their epic Clockwork Angels Tour to the Festival on July 10. They’ll be playing the Bell Stage on the Plains of Abraham in what will be their only show in Québec. And what a show ─ this will be a huge production with projections, special effects and even the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble to add a complex layer of sound to both their new work and their rich repertoire.

Remembering the enthusiastic Festival crowds in 2010, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson are excited to be back. “We know that Rush will blow our many rock fans away. And because this is their only stop in the province, we expect people to be coming in from all over to see these three world-famous rock stars who are still going strong after almost 40 years”, program director Louis Bellavance was proud to say.

Band of the Year and Album of the Year winners at the 2012 Classic Rock Awards in London, Rush will soon be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

75,000 passes for the Festival d’été de Québec will go on sale Saturday, March 16 at infofestival.com.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to Appear on VH1 Classic's "On Tap"

From VH-1 Classic: "Rock legends and soon to be Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of RUSH will be Nik Carter's guests Wednesday, March 13th on On Tap! Check out this Sneak Peak On Tap Exclusive! — with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at On Tap Rock Bar."   For more info visit vh1classicontap.com.

Rush Referenced on VH-1's "For What It's Worth"

Rush was referenced on Friday's episode of VH1's new pop culture memorabilia series For What It's Worth.  The hosts visit photographic archivist Michael Ochs who has one of the world's largest collections of rock and pop culture photographs including a few a few photos of Rush.  You can watch the episode here (Rush is referenced at 5:20 in).   In addition, VH1.com has a short bonus clip. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush announces 2nd Halifax Show for July 14th

Rush will be celebrating Bastille Day in Halifax.  Today, Rush.com announced:

"After the first show on July 12 sold out in minutes, Rush changed their schedule to accommodate a second show for the city they haven’t been to in over 2 decades and announces a second show in Halifax on July 14 at the Metro Centre. 'We are thrilled that the good folks of Halifax have forgiven our long absence from their beautiful city and have decided to come out and celebrate with us!!” said Geddy Lee. Come rock with Rush in Halifax on July 14!'" Rush.com, March 11, 2013

El Doom's Cheeky Rush Tribute

"El Doom And The Born Electric will be offering an exclusive tour shirt on their UK trek with Kvelertak starting this week.  The Norwegians’ cheeky merch item is their take on Rush’s iconic ‘Starman’ logo – but frontman El Doom insists it’s all just a coincidence.  He explains: 'I wanted to make a special shirt for this tour of the UK, and one day in my studio I somehow found myself standing in this strange but familiar position.  And what do you know? Suddenly it somehow looked like this. Don’t tell Geddy…'" - ProgRockMag.com, March 4, 2012

Conan O'Brien Mentions Rush During His Monologue

During last night's monologue on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, when discussing how the Cardinals in Rome have begun the process of choosing a new Pope, Conan says:

"The top choice for the new Pope could be a Canadian. Isn't that amazing? If elected Pope his first act would be to grant sainthood to Wayne Gretsky, Celine Dion and Geddy Lee from Rush!"

He then goes on to point out a few folks in the audience who cheered his joke, remarking that they were a little Rush section over there, and saying that he just outed them as Rush fans. You can watch the monologue here. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush Mention In "Treasure Detectives" Preview Feature

Yesterday Yahoo! News published a teaser story and slideshow for the series premiere of CNBC's Treasure Detectives, which premiered last night, March 5th, at 9:00pm ET.  In a case of life imitating art, the online story tells of the discovery of a rare original Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia, the car featured in the song "Red Barchetta", that had been "preserved for for fifty-odd years":

"This 1950 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia was not really lost, but it was out of the public eye for nearly half a century (much like the car stashed in a barn in the 1981 song "Red Barchetta" by Rush). This rare intact example of the original Ferrari racing car (only 166 were made, per the name) went from disuse to the cover of the September/October 2006 issue of Cavallino Magazine and then was shown at the 2007 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Fla."

I do need to correct the author of the above, it is not true that "only 166 were made, per the name".  In fact, only thirty-eight of these hand built masterpieces were produced, from 1947 to 1953. The first "sports car" (as opposed to a race car) ever shown on a Ferrari chassis, the 166 got its name from the 166 cubic centimeters of capacity from each of its twelve cylinders.  It is unknown if the car was featured in the television broadcast. - Thanks to Eric Minassian for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Featured In Guitar World, April 2013 Issue

The all new (April) issue of Guitar World magazine is now on sale, and includes an interview with Alex Lifeson where he talks about Rush's upcoming Hall of Fame induction and the new, deluxe reissue of 2112.  In the interview, he also discusses possible rarities from the vault to be played on future tours:

"I've often wanted to bring back 'The Twilight Zone,' because it's such a quirky little song. It would be really cool to attack it again with sort of our new way of approaching our older material."

So we've got that tease to look forward to!  Check out the full article here. - Thanks to John with Cygnus-X1.net for sharing the transcript!

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - March 2013

Neil Peart has just updated his website with "Winter Latitudes" the latest edition of News, Weather & Sports.   Neil talks about cross country skiing in sub-zero Quebec during his two week vacation there in February, mentions an inspiration to the song "Marathon", hiking the Santa Monica mountains near L.A., and spending time with his family.  Check it out now.

"Counterparts" SACD by AudioFidelity Now Available

buy now

The release of the SACD (Super Audio CD) edition of Rush's Counterparts by AudioFidelity has finally been released today - click here to purchase.

This will be one of the company's first SACD releases in over 10 years, and their first Rush release since the release of their Roll The Bones Gold CD on August 2, 2011.

In addition, we have learned that AudioFidelity has requested the master tapes of Presto for their next Rush release! - Thanks to Matt Yenkala for the headsup!

Geddy Lee visits the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show in NYC

UPDATE March 4: NYC's Q107.3 just posted a bonus video with Geddy Lee from his visit last week where we asked to get his take on a few topics ranging from the most surprising thing he has on his iPod to what makes perfect Poutine…  Click here for the video.

Geddy Lee joined the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show in NYC today in the studio to talking about RUSH’s upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, touring, baseball, how proud his is of his kids and more.   Click here for the full video of his interview and photos. - Thanks to Alexis Greenan for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Introduces His Signature Lerxst® Omega Guitar Amplifier

Mojotone and Alex Lifeson are releasing an exact replica of the custom amplifier used in his guitar rig. Dubbed the Lerxst Omega, the amp will be available to the public immediately:

The Lerxst® Omega amplifier was created by Mojotone based on a vintage Marshall amp Lifeson used in the studio while recording the band's latest album, "Clockwork Angels." With select modifications made to the circuitry and an overwhelming attention to aesthetic detail, this 25/50 watt amp is a marvel in the world of modern sound amplification. And for a guitarist like Alex, who has one of the most distinctive and recognizable tones in rock music, the Lerxst has to live up to a high level of expectation.

"It sounds so good!" stated Lifeson, moments after receiving the very first build of his new signature amp. "We pulled the Marshall last night after A/B-ing the two. The tonal character is quite similar, but the response of the Lerxst® has greater immediacy, sustain and grip."

Mojotone--in direct partnership with Alex Lifeson--will produce the all hand-wired Lerxst® Omega amp ($2,995) and matching Celestion G-12M loaded Tall 4x12 speaker cabinet ($1550). The amp and cabinet will be available via the lerxstamps.com website immediately.

 For more info visit prweb.com.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on VH-1's "Big Morning Buzz"

Today Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appeared on VH-1's Big Morning Buzz with Carrie Keagan.  Check it out here.

Ottawa Bluesfest 2013 Lineup Announced, Includes Rush

The 2012 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup has been announced, and Rush is included with a concert on July 8th.  The early bird sale, which gives a discount on the festival pass, starts tomorrow (though tickets for singles shows do not appear to be going on sale until a later date). All ticket information including day tickets, VIP tickets and pricing will be listed tomorrow as of 10AM EST at capitaltickets.ca. For more details visit http://ottawabluesfest.ca/ - Thanks to Jodey Derouin for the headsup!

Rush Sighting In Rob Zombie's "The Lords Of Salem"

Rush fan Rob Zombie's new film, The Lords Of Salem, hits theaters on April 19th.  Check out this preview from Time Out New York:

"If you've come to admire the directorial career of Rob Zombie (don't laugh, horror haters), then you know his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie, who appears in all of his work. She gives a rich performance in Rob's new one, as a Rush-loving DJ turned coven member."

- Thanks to Carl Flynn for the headsup!