"Rush: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Excellence" by Robert Freedman

Robert Freedman, author of the Rush Vault website, is a journalist and communications professional who has just announced the publication of his book Rush: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Excellence.  The book is Freedman's analysis of the Aristotelian philosophy embedded in Rush's lyrics over their 40-year recording career, and can be purchased directly from the publisher here.

"Rush is often referred to as a libertarian rock band, but really what the band is channeling is an Aristotelian individualism, a philosophy that strongly resonates with today's 40-somethings. This helps explain the band's resurgence in popularity, culminating in its 2013 induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 'Rush: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Excellence' brings together the excitement of the band's progressive music, performed by three musicians whose mastery of their instruments has won them the admiration of their peers, and the surprising philosophical sophistication of their music's lyrics.  The book is a systematic look at the Aristotelian philosophy embedded in the band's lyrics over its 40-year recording career.

Although the topic of the book is academic, the writing is sharp, down-to-earth, and leavened with a dry wit. Anyone interested in the band's music, popular culture, and philosophical ideas simply explained will enjoy this entertaining and thought-provoking work.

As a cultural phenomenon, Rush is worthy of serious study, and although other books have looked at the philosophical character of the band's music, this is the first time the music over the band's entire 40-year career is demonstrated to fall under a single, unified theory: Aristotelian individualism.

Even readers who have pored over earlier books on Rush will enjoy this unifying theme. 'Rush, Rock Music and the Middle Class' (by Chris McDonald), says Rush is an avatar of middle class values. While the work ethic and value structure of the middle class is part of the band's philosophy, that is just a subset of the band's Aristotelianism, as shown by Robert Freedman here. The unified Aristotelian philosophy is also different from what's discussed in 'Rush and Philosophy' (edited by Durrell Bowman and Jim Berti) looks at the band's music through multiple philosophical filters and no attempt is made to look at the music through a single, unifying lens. Another book that studies Rush lyrics, 'Mystic Rhythms' (Carol Selby Price ad Robert M. Price), provides an interpretation of selected lyrics but does not systematically look at any philosophy. Rather, it approaches the lyrics as literary analysis and provides no overarching theoretical framework."

For more info, visit the author's book page here. - Thanks Robert for the headsup!

“Clockwork Angels” Comic Book #4 of 6 now available

The fourth of the six part Clockwork Angels comic book series is released today, August 6th.  The standard comic store cover series can be ordered directly from Boom! Studios at this link, and the limited edition cover featuring key lyrics from Rush songs that are tied to the comic is also available via BOOM! Studios as well as the Rush Backstage Club.

Rush 40th Anniversary Reissue Box Set Nominated for Prog's "Storm Thorgerson Grand Design Award"

Rush have been nominated for an award at this year’s Prog Awards in the following category: STORM THORGERSON GRAND DESIGN AWARD, for the Rush 40th Anniversary Reissue Box Set.

This year the Awards take place at the prestigious Underglobe beneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, on Thursday September 11.

Voting closes Friday, August 8th... you can vote via the website here: http://awards.prog.teamrock.com

Rush Featured in Prog's "100 Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time"

Today Prog magazine shared the fact that on Wednesday the latest issue of Prog magazine is coming out, featuring the 100 Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time - as chosen by the readers and a host of prog stars. As you can see, Hemispheres, 2112 and Moving Pictures are pictured on the cover!

Pop Culture References Update - August 2014

It's time for the latest round up of Rush References in Pop Culture!

• Chipotle's "Recipe For The Perfect Fountain Drink" by Bill Hader, introduced May 15, 2014. Part of Chipotle restaurant's "Cultivating Thought" author series featuring original essays by various luminaries, Hader's recipe includes "1 drum solo from 'YYZ' (Rush) of Sprite."
• Forty minutes into the Lifetime network film Return To Zero which aired May 17th, this conversation takes place at a bar between Aaron (Paul Adelstein) and his coworker Dana (Sarah Jones):
  

  Dana: "3 beers and you are already sloppy. You're not getting laid tonight." Aaron: "Poor Geddy Lee." Dana: "Who's Geddy Lee?" Aaron: "The lead singer of Rush...He is also head of the rhythm section of my personal humpty-hump band." Dana: "Hmmm... Poor little Geddy Lee." Aaron: "He's not little. He's of average to maybe above average height." Dana: "I'm sure he'll be able to lay some sweet beats down once the band gets back together." Aaron: "Jesus Christ ... he's the bassist."

• Playing House, the USA Network television series, aired May 20, 2014.  During the episode "Drumline" (Season 1, Episode 5), Maggie attends her high school drumline reunion where she reconnects with an old crush that she and her friend Emma refer to as the guy "in the Rush t-shirt", and he is later shown wearing a Fly By Night t-shirt. The girls end up getting arrested and when Rush t-shirt guy picks them up from jail in his van Maggie is now wearing the Rush t-shirt. In the final scene of the episode "Limelight" is heard.
• Tapas & Beijos (Slaps & Kisses), April 5, 2011 - present. In this Brazilian sit-com, a Snakes & Arrows-era Rush poster can be seen on the back wall of actor Fabio Assuncao's apartment.
• The Bridge, the FX television series, aired July 9th.  In the season 2 premiere of this police drama (watch it here), Daniel (Matthew Lillard), goes to see his AA sponsor (Brian Baumgartner) who is wearing a Rush Grace Under Pressure t-shirt, and the following conversation takes place:

Daniel: "Rush? Really?" Sponsor: "Yeah - I like Rush. So what?" Daniel: "Are you Canadian?" Sponsor: "No. I'm just a fan." Daniel: "Do you like them when you're sober? I mean that's impressive. I mean 2112 is an okay album but" Sponsor: "Hemispheres dude?!" Daniel: "Hemispheres is like...ok it's fine...I may be buzzed now but tomorrow I'll be sober and you sir, will still be a Rush fan."

• Coincidence? A recent astronomical discovery is a red star called "HV 2112"! 
• In the new television program titled Rush, during the episode "Don't Ask Me Why" (season 1, episode 2, aired July 24, 2014), Dr. Rush attends an MMA figher who asks, "So, Rush like the band?" to which he replies "Sure, like the band."
• And finally, on June 1st the Netflix original program Trailer Park Boys: Live in Fu**in' Dublin was released. After Bubbles, Ricky and Julian recreate and lip synch Rush's classic video for "Closer To The Heart", Bubbles learns he won a Rush internet contest to determine their greatest fan when Alex Lifeson sends a video confirming Bubbles and three friends will be flown to Dublin in Rush's jet to see the band. The movie later includes a partial live performance by Bubbles of "Closer to the Heart" and "Limelight", and during the credits Rush's original video for "Closer to the Heart" plays along side the Trailer Park Boys lip synch version.

Click here for our complete list of Rush references in Pop Culture.

- Thanks to sgtgaratty, Chris Branch, Sami Mandelbaum, Nicole Wiesinger, Jeff Lucas and RushIsABand for the headsup!

Lee and Lifeson to be honoured with a Toronto park

Update, August 2: "Limelight for Rush: Toronto rockers get a park named in their honour" - Toronto Star, August 2, 2014

“I know my mom is very happy!” frontman Geddy Lee told the Toronto Star.  “We met with the park architects and were really impressed with the thought and plans they have for it,” Lee said. 

Early designs for the area include art installations, a collaborative performance space and even a small bandshell for “acoustic concerts,” according to Willowdale Councillor John Filion, who first hatched the tribute plan two years ago.

“I was standing around one night with a fellow music lover trying to think of somebody who had grown up in Willowdale who was a famous artist or musician,” Filion said. “We both came up with the name Geddy Lee almost simultaneously.”

The councillor contacted Lee with the idea, and he immediately got on board — albeit with one condition.  “He said he was interested and honoured, but also suggested it be named after Alex Lifeson, too,” Filion said.

According to rock lore, Lee and Lifeson met as students at the nearby Fisherville Junior High School, where they first forged the musical bond that would eventually blossom into one of rock’s most prolific power trios.  “It is where I met my best friend and bandmate,” Lee said. “We were humbly honoured by the suggestion to name the park after us.”

Update, July 16: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson: Rush members’ names proposed for art park in Willowdale" - North York Mirror, July 16, 2014

 "...Lee and Lifeson are expected to be honoured when a unique creative space in Willowdale is named the Lee Lifeson Art Park. A report on the proposed name is scheduled to come before North York community council Aug. 12.

"The name has been applauded by residents at two community meetings and Lee and Lifeson are pleased with the honour, Willowdale Councillor John Filion said. “They were wonderful about it. They asked a lot of questions,” he said about meeting with the band mates about the idea in May. “They said they would be honoured to have a park like this named after them.”

"The park will be built next year northeast of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue between Hillcrest and Princess avenue, east of Gladys Allison Place. While it will be a local space meant for area residents, it will be more than an ordinary park.

"“Two years ago, I came up with the idea to create a park that would focus on the arts and would be a celebration of creativity, where people could go to be creative or go to enjoy others’ creativity,” Filion said. “All the arts will be represented there but the focus will be on music and sound. This is really a new concept, there isn’t a prototype anywhere. It’s nothing we’re copying from anywhere else.” When it came time to think of a name for the park, Lee and Lifeson’s names “just jumped off the page,” Filion said.

Audio Fidelity Presto SACD Edition Giveaway Contest

UPDATE: The contest is closed, congratulations to our winners!

The latest Audio Fidelity hybrid SACD release is Rush's Presto.   Although it has a release date of July 15th, copies are now shipping.

To celebrate this release, Audio Fidelity is offering a 20% Discount to readers of the Power Windows website.   To receive your discount, simply head over to www.audiofidelity.net, click on the Presto "buy" button, and then enter SCARS20 when prompted at checkout.  The discount code will remain active through September 30, 2014.

In addition, Audio Fidelity is giving away Presto Hybrid SACDs to three lucky Power Windows readers!  The winners of the contest are Terry Goyette, Patrick Kelly, and Patrick Foster, who correctly answered these three Presto trivia questions:

1. What Presto track was not performed on tour until 2010?
   
   Answer: "Presto" was first performed live on the Time Machine Tour.
   
   
2. What Presto track title references a line in a movie?  Name both the song and the movie.
   
   Answer: "Anagram (for Mongo)" references "Candygram for Mongo" in Blazing Saddles
   
   
3. And now the hard one: what Presto track was originally intended to be an instrumental?
   
   Answer: "Hand Over Fist" - "We did plan on putting an instrumental song on this album, but in the process of putting it together, Neil kept on sending us all these lyrics...so we were saving all these bits for an instrumental song, and this one lyric came down the chute and it really suited what we had going for our instrumental track, so we decided, 'oh well, to hell with the instrumental, lets use the lyric,' and that song turned into 'Hand Over Fist'." - Geddy Lee, "Rockline", December 4, 1989

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Tiffin University's "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society"

According to an article published in today's Tiffin, Ohio, Advertiser-Tribune, this fall Tiffin University students will have the opportunity to take a 15 week course of Rush titled "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society":

This fall, Canadian rock band Rush is coming to town in the form of a new class to be offered at Tiffin University.

The course, "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society," is to explore the musical and cultural issues of the 1970s and '80s, according to course instructor and adjunct professor Nathan Santos.

The History of John Rutsey and Rush - UltimateClassicRock.com

40 years ago this past weekend was when John Rutsey last performed with Rush.  Within days, Neil Peart would take up the drum throne.  On Friday UltimateClassicRock.com posted "The History of John Rutsey and Rush" recounting both Rush's early history, as well as how he was remembered recent years. 

"John Petrucci of Dream Theater Discusses '2112' - The Record That Changed My Life" - Guitar World

Today Guitar World posted a new story where John Petrucci of Dream Theater discusses '2112', "The Record That Changed My Life":

“If I had to pick a favorite band of all time, it would be Rush.

"As a teenager, I was already familiar with the group and its albums like Moving Pictures and Signals. But once I discovered 2112, it opened me up to this whole concept that rock music could be bigger than just a tune—that it could be used as a vehicle to tell a story or to transport you to some other world.

"The idea of a big piece like that being broken down into numbered sections like they were chapters in a book was just unbelievable to me, and it’s a technique that I continue to use to this day.

“I have so much respect for [Rush drummer] Neil Peart, especially as a lyricist. And 2112 was the first time I heard something where, lyrically, it didn’t have to just be about the typical rock and roll topics, that it could be about something more heady or esoteric, something that makes you think. That really influenced me as a lyricist.

“I was also blown away by how a three-piece band could sound so majestic and huge and play in a style that’s inherently rock and roll yet still pushes the boundaries of what they’re doing musically—this idea of being experimental, using different time signatures and not really being concerned about song length and traditional constraints. I can’t tell you how huge of an impact that had on me. 2112 basically set the course for my musical career and how I approached Dream Theater.”

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee "Family" Feature in Classic Rock's 200th Issue

Yesterday the UK's Classic Rock magazine's mammoth 200th issue hit the newsstands, and in the Family section there is a new interview with Geddy Lee.  The subheading reads "The Rush Man On Life And Love Outside The Band," and I have transcribed the article for your reading pleasure here. - Thanks to Reed Lover for sending the article!

Geddy Lee Featured in Terroni magazine #6

Geddy Lee is featured on the cover of the current issue of Terroni magazine.  Included is "A Conversation With Geddy Lee" where he talks about his 40 year obsession with fine wine, and the intro of the article does confirm Rush is in the midst of planning a 41st anniversary tour. The issue is online and can be viewed here.  - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee Featured In "Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine"

Geddy Lee is one of a host of musicians interviewed in Primus, Over the Electric Grapevine: Insight into Primus and the World of Les Claypool, the new book by Greg Prato.  Set for release on September 16, you can preorder your copy here.

"Usually when the “alternative rock revolution” of the early 1990s is discussed, Nirvana’s Nevermind is credited as the recording that led the charge. Yet there were several earlier albums that helped pave the way, including the Pixies’ Doolittle, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Mother’s Milk, Jane’s Addiction’s Nothing’s Shocking, and especially Primus’ 1991 album Sailing the Seas of Cheese.

"This fascinating and beautifully curated oral history tells the tale of this truly one-of-a-kind band. Compiled from nearly fifty all-new interviews conducted by journalist/author Greg Prato—including Primus members past and present and many more fellow musicians—this book is sure to appeal to longtime fans of the band, as well as admirers of the musicians interviewed for the book.

"Interviewees include: Tim Alexander, Trey Anastasio (Phish), Matthew Bellamy (Muse), Les Claypool, Stewart Copeland (The Police), Chuck D (Public Enemy), Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Larry LaLonde, Geddy Lee (Rush), Mickey Melchiondo (Ween), Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Matt Stone (South Park), Tom Waits, and many more."

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee Supports "Save the Sam The Record Man Sign"

UPDATE: Last week the final resting place of the "Sam The Record Man" sign was decided when the Toronto City Council voted to have the sign moved to the roof of 277 Victoria Street, a city-owned building on the east side of Yonge-Dundas Square, and have Ryerson University pick up the bill.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2013: After closing their doors in 2007, the Sam the Record Man Yonge street location in Toronto was later purchased by adjacent Ryerson University.  Part of the purchase agreement was Ryerson's promise to eventually remount the iconic dual disk neon Sam The Record Man sign.  After backing out on that promise, a Facebook page SOS: SAVE OUR SAM the Record Man Sign was launched, and an online petition has been created.  Geddy Lee has given his support of the effort, with the following letter sent to the Toronto City Council:

"The Sam the Record Man store and sign were important fixtures in Toronto's musical landscape as well as its Civic history. Sadly, all that remains now are our memories of the store and this magnificent neon sign. Ryerson and the city of Toronto should absolutely preserve what myself and many of its citizens consider to be an important symbol of our past and of that store's contributions to our culture." -Geddy Lee

To give your support of the effort, sign the petition! - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

"Diehards" by Erin Feinberg, featuring essay by Neil Peart

After an initial small release in 2013, the photography book Diehards by Erin Feinberg has been reissued with a July 1, 2014 publication date.  Diehards turns the camera the other direction and focuses on the energy and spirit that fuels every live show—the fans.  The book includes original essays from Bruce Springsteen and Neil Peart, an excerpt of which follows:

"In London, England, on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, I took another photograph from my drums, this time at the end of the show, just before the encore...Returning to London to play with Rush in the late ‘70s had been hugely important to me, and so it remained every time—at the Hammersmith Odeon, the Wembley Arena, and this time, at the new O2 Arena. Like playing in Toronto, Montreal, or—in recent years—Los Angeles, London was a kind of 'hometown gig' to me.""

Inspired by the diverse character and culture of music fans, Feinberg spent a decade photographing audiences across all genres and from every vantage point. From the “Deadheads” out in the parking lots, to the “Kiss Army” up in the rafters; the fans screaming around the stages for U2 and Lady Gaga, to the mosh pits at the Warped Tour and Mayhem Music Festival; Feinberg captured the raw energy and emotion in more than one­ hundred stunning images of fans under the spell of the music.

“I discovered a unique bond among these enthusiasts that transcends language, ethnicity, gender, and even the very music we are celebrating—because the music defines who we are.” Says Feinberg, “Through my lens I’ve witnessed fan subcultures born of this devotion.”

A wide range of audiences are seen throughout Diehards – the fans of U2, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, Jimmy Buffet, The Grateful Dead, Phish, Bob Dylan, Judas Priest, Metallica, Motorhead, Ozzy Osbourne, Jay Z, Public Enemy, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga, Marilyn Manson, James Taylor, Bon Jovi, The Rolling Stones, the Ramones, Madonna, Social Distortion, Against Me!, Green Day, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, the Foo Fighters, Motley Crue, Aerosmith, Rush, The Flaming Lips and many more.

For more info visit diehardsbook.com. - Thanks to Amy Franklin for the headsup!

"Presto" SACD by AudioFidelity Delayed Until July 15th

Presto, the latest AudioFidelity SACD (Super Audio CD) release by Rush, has been delayed until July 15th.  This is a limited release, preorder here.

Music Radar's "40 guitarists on their favourite players"

Music Radar has posted a story featuring "40 guitarists on their favourite players".  Included is Alex Lifeson who discusses his favorite guitarist, Steve Morse:

"I've come across many players over the years and I've learned a lot from a lot of players, but I think one of the most underrated players - and he's respected, but he just didn't get the recognition he deserved - is Steve Morse.

"I remember when we were playing with The Steve Morse band and he'd be there when we were there at soundcheck, at three or four o'clock in the afternoon, and I'd just watch him and he'd be wandering around the hall playing and warming up.

"They'd always play a different song every night for their soundcheck and he was just such an amazing player. He has such an amazing ability. I always thought that he should have been huge in whatever he did. He was definitely successful in whatever bands he worked in, but I don't think that he ever had the kind of recognition that he so deserved. So I'd have to say Steve Morse."

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson and the Kidney Foundation of Canada - Where Hope Resides

As The Kidney Foundation of Canada marks its 50th Anniversary in 2014, their 50th Anniversary magazine includes 50 Canadians affected by kidney disease who have shared their own very personal stories. Included is Alex Lifeson; in "Where Hope Resides", he tells of his father's own diagnosis and kidney failure. You can read it here. - Thanks to Rushfanforever for the headsup!

Rush receive honorary doctorate of music degrees from Nipissing University

UPDATE 6/18: Related News

• Mrs. Lee finally has a doctor for a son - North Bay Nipissing News, June 18, 2014
• Geddy and Alex on North Bay radio - kissnorthbay.com, June 13, 2014
• Rockers Take Top Honor - North Bay Nugget, June 13, 2014

As was previously announced, during yesterday's convocation ceremony Rush received honorary Doctorate of Music degrees from Nipissing University in North Bay, Ontario.  Click here for a video of the ceremony.  While they were unable to attend in person, both Geddy (video) and Alex (video) upload acceptance speeches.  

..."Convocation is the highlight of the year and we are honoured that these extraordinary individuals will help us celebrate our graduates," said Dr. Mike DeGagné, President and Vice-Chancellor of Nipissing University. "The nine honourees are remarkable Canadians who have helped make our world better. It is very rewarding that they each recognize the distinct value of Nipissing University and support our mission and vision to the extent that they are accepting our highest honour, solidifying their connection to our institution..."

- Thanks Donovan, Ed, John and Darren for the headsup!

Rush Rediscovered LP Box Set Now Available - Unboxed by Kim Mitchell

UPDATE: Yesterday on his radio show Kim Mitchell unboxed the ReDISCovered boxed set.  You can see it here.  - Thanks to Gavin Oliver for the headsup!

Today Rush reDISCovered, the Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) reissue of the debut album RUSH on vinyl to mark Rush's 40-year recording career, part of Universal's reDISCovered vinyl series, is now available. If you haven't already you can order your copy here.

Following the April 29th release of Rush reDISCovered, Rush's debut re-entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #127.

In March of 1974, Rush released their self-titled debut through the band's own indie label, Moon Records in Canada, and quickly sold out of the initial 3500 copies originally pressed. Moon Records would soon become Anthem Records, which launched in 1977, and continues to serve as the band's only Canadian record company.

To mark the band's 40-year recording career Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) will celebrate with the vinyl reissue of the original Moon Records (pre-Mercury) release of Rush, as part of Universal's reDISCovered vinyl series. Housed in a sturdy, custom box with a lift-off top, this landmark album is pressed on 200g, audiophile grade vinyl, from the original 1974 analog stereo masters, cut to copper plates using the Direct Metal Mastering (DMM) process at the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Rush also features the original Moon Records jacket art, complete with the original MN-100-A/B Matrix etching, and will include a 16"x22" reproduction of the first Rush promo poster, three 5"x7" lithographs of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey, a 12"x12" Rush Family Tree poster, and a digital download card for a free digital copy of this newly remastered release.

Featuring the band's original line up, Lee, Lifeson and Rutsey, Rush's eponymous 1974 debut features eight hard-hitting rockers including "Finding My Way," the fast-paced "Need Some Love," "Take A Friend," "What You're Doing," the southern rock vibe of "In The Mood," and their U.S. breakthrough anthem "Working Man" which was made famous by Cleveland, Ohio's WMMS radio station. Other tracks include the more melodic "Here Again" and the atmospheric "Before and After," which gradually builds into a burst of power chords and heavy guitar riffs.

---

"There are so many memories associated with the re-release of our very first album that one hardly knows where to begin. Like most first albums, it is sort of a miracle that it came into being at all. We originally recorded most of the songs in a studio in downtown Toronto, between the hours of 2 a.m. until 8 a.m. AFTER we had finished playing 5 sets a night at a local rock club. You can imagine the logistics of that.. good thing that we were so.. er... resilient!

We managed to record an album's worth of material in a matter of days and the engineer who worked with us then mixed the entire record in one evening. After the club date ended we came in to hear the final mix and we were crushed with disappointment, it sounded so ..well... polite .... nothing at all like the way we sounded live and not at all what we wanted. He simply did not understand us. So the next day we ran to our manager for help and we were directed to an ex-pat British engineer and producer named Terry Brown.

We met with Terry and instantly felt we were on better footing. After he had come to hear us play live, he suggested that we come to his studio, Toronto Sound, and re-record many of the overdubs and record a few of the "newer" songs that we had written and then re-mix the rest. It wasn't perfect but it sounded sooo much better and more importantly it sounded like us! Terry saved the album.. no question about that! It began a very happy collaboration between us that endured until 1981 after we had completed the Signals album." - Geddy Lee on the making of Rush self-titled debut album