Don Henley Remarks on Rush's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Don Henley has come out in the past as not being a fan of Rush, but in a recent interview with the Montreal Gazette he talks about Rush's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the fans in attendance, and Alex Lifeson's acceptance speech in particular:

DH: "Yeah, the Rush fans - I encountered them when I inducted Randy Newman into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Rush was being inducted the same night. They were a drunken, rowdy bunch. (Laughs) They shouted down Oprah Winfrey! It was funny. But Rush, they were very charming. Which one was it who got up and did a whole acceptance speech just using the words “blah blah blah”?

MG: That was Alex Lifeson.

DH: It was brilliant. It was fucking brilliant. Because you knew what he was saying, because of his inflection and his hand movements and stuff like that. It just brought the house down. I’ll never forget that. But I was lucky that night, because I got to go on first before their audience got toasted. So they were fairly quiet while I was on. I left after my bit was done, but I understand it got pretty ugly. Anyway …

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson Receive Key to the City at Lee-Lifeson Art Park Opening in Toronto

On Saturday, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson receive the Key to the City of Toronto at the Lee-Lifeson Art Park opening in Toronto.  Video coverage is below.  Here's some detail from Billboard.com:

“We’re obviously thrilled and amazed that someone would want to do something like this and put our names on it, and we’re really happy for the community that there’s some investment arts and leisure for this neighbourhood,” said Lee.
“This park will still be here weeks after we're gone,” quipped Lifeson.

The mothers of both musicians were in attendance, shielded from the elements under the tented stage.

The ceremony for The Lee-Lifeson Art Park began with a performance by Jacob Moon of “Subdivisions,” the rooftop cover he did in 2008 that is now approaching a half-million views on YouTube.  George Stroumboulopoulos then interviewed Lee and Lifeson, asking about the park dedication, as well as the album 2112 (they sat on 2112 stools), and what they have been doing since their final tour, R40, ended in 2015.

“We may do house calls — maybe,” joked Lifeson.

“It’s been an adjustment this past year,” he added, seriously. “We’ve been following up on some interests that we both have. We’re learning to get used to the idea and it’s taken a while, but I feel confident about a lot of things and music is definitely still one of them. And I’m sure that we’ll do something in the future. You can’t just stop playing and writing music.”

Said Lee, “I play almost every day that I’m around the house. I’ve been traveling a lot with my wife. We’re very big into seeing the world and taking advantage of this break in my career, whatever it may be, but I love playing and I play a lot and sooner or later the right thing will happen.”

The two members of Rush — solidified as a trio with drummer Neil Peart — have always lived in Toronto, where they raised families. Lifeson started the band in Willowdale in 1971, with Lee joining that May.  Peart joined in 1974, finalizing a lineup that has remained intact all these years.

“Our friendship started very close to here and our musical life together began very close to here,” said Lee, 63, recalling “the first night he [Lifeson] got me high in the park.” (“Quiet, our moms are here,” said Lifeson, also 63).

One of their first gigs, which cost 50 cents to get in, was also around the corner at St. Gabe’s (Saint Gabriel’s Parish), put on with their long-time manager Ray Danniels, who was at the park dedication.

Asked by Stroumboulopoulos what it means to them that the park is an “art” park, Lee said, “Art is the thing that elevates you out of whatever situation you’re in. Art is constant for that. Art is the thing that you pour your heart into, that whatever you’re doing, whatever aspect of life, whatever situation you find yourself in, art elevates it. It heals. It’s given us everything in our lives, so to be associated with that kind of thought and that kind of concept is amazing, fantastic.”

The idea for the 7000 sq. metre art park originated with Councillor John Fillon in 2012, who also came onstage to say a few words.

“We wanted to name the park after them, not because they’re rock stars, not just because they’ve sold many, many millions of albums and sell out concerts around the world and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but also because they are such extraordinary musicians, and this park is about creativity and encouraging the creative spirit, encouraging people to just work on their craft and become great and do something great,” Fillon said. “So it is wonderful to have the park named after such inspiring musicians.”

Mayor John Tory then gave the pair the Key to the City.

Below is Geddy and Alex's interview with George Stroumboulopoulos:

Rush Referenced in Forza Horizon 3

Xbox's "Forza Horizon 3" racing game is scheduled for release on September 27th, but some copies have already shipped.  One of the driveable cars featured in the game is the 1948 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta, the car that inspired Rush's "Red Barchetta".  As seen in this screen shot, the game confirms "Ferrari's Barchetta ('small boat') been the subject of a famous classic rock song" and that "the roar of the V12 and its visually stunning shape will make practically any historic Ferrari fan long for, as the song goes, a better vanished time."  You can purchase the game here. - Thanks to Craig Heslop for the headsup!

Neil Peart's "Far And Wide: Bring That Horizon To Me!" Now Available

"Far And Wide: Bring That Horizon To Me!", the new 312 page hardcover book written by Neil Peart about the R40 tour, is now officially available, with a release date of September 13.  If you haven't already be sure to order your copy now.

 "Thirty-five concerts. 17,000 motorcycle miles. Three months. One lifetime.

"In May 2015, the veteran Canadian rock trio RUSH embarked on their fortieth anniversary tour, 'R40'. For the band and their fans, 'R40' was a celebration and, perhaps, a farewell. But for Neil Peart, each tour is more than just a string of concerts, it's an opportunity to explore backroads near and far on his BMW motorcycle. So if this was to be the last tour and the last great adventure, he decided it would have to be the best one, onstage and off.

"This third volume in Peart's illustrated travel series shares all-new tales that transport the reader across North America and through memories of fifty years of playing drums. From the scenic grandeur of the American West to a peaceful lake in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains to the mean streets of Midtown Los Angeles, each story is shared in an intimate narrative voice that has won the hearts of many readers.

"Richly illustrated, thoughtful, and ever-engaging, Far and Wide is an elegant scrapbook of people and places, music and laughter, from a fascinating road — and a remarkable life."

Producers Terry and Phill Brown to be the subject of two intimate q&a sessions in London October 8 and 9

Teamrock.com is reporting that Rush producer Terry Brown and his brother Phill, who has worked with Led Zeppelin, Talk Talk and Jimi Hendrix, are to be the subject of two intimate q&a sessions at Metropolis Studios in London, from 2pm on October 8 and 9.

Hosted by prog and Classic Rock magazine's Jerry Ewing and Malcolm Dome, these will see the Brown brothers talking about their 50 year careers in studios, during which they have both recorded some of the most iconic artists of the period.

Click here for more. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

9th Annual Medlock Krieger Celebrity Invitational and All Star Concert

Yesterday Alex Lifeson participated in the 9th Annual Medlock Krieger Celebrity Invitational and All Star Concert benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California.   Heavymetalhill.com has posted a variety of photos and videos from the event, including live performances of The Spirit of Radio and Limelight, and the below interview with Alex as well. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

"The Body Electric" makes Exclaims' Eight Favorite Songs About Robots

"The Body Electric" single

Yesterday Exclaim.com posted their "Eight Favorite Songs About Robots", including:

Rush – "The Body Electric"

No strangers to exploring the world of science fiction in song, Rush's "The Body Electric" tells the story of "an android on the run" in search of freedom from its electronic existence. In linking the world of robotics to the human race with the song's protagonist's individualist aspirations, the song's chorus features bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee singing the binary code '1001001,' which translates to a capital I.

And here's some irony: "The Body Electric" comes from the band's 1984 record Grace Under Pressure, on which machines — namely, Lee's synthesizers and Neil Peart's electric drums — played a prominent role in their songwriting.

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee, avid autograph collector, travels to Miami to get signatures from Ichiro and Bonds

Geddy Lee, lead singer from the group Rush, made a trip to Miami with the purpose of securing some autographs.

Lee, 63, is a native of Toronto and he's a lifelong baseball fan, as well as a collector. The Rush front man was on a mission to get a couple of autographs, and he secured the signatures of Ichiro Suzuki and hitting coach Barry Bonds.

The significance is Lee has a number of autographs from players in MLB's 3,000-hit club, and 500-home run fraternity. He now adds Ichiro and Bonds.

Ichiro reached the 3,000-hit milestone last Sunday, and Bonds holds the MLB home run mark with 762. Through the years, Lee also has obtained Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker autographs, as well as a Mickey Mantle bat.

"I'm off the road now, and I'm hanging around, digging the summer," Lee said.

A friend of the singer asked why not travel to South Florida to take in a few baseball games? Plus, Lee also has a Marlins' contact, having long known, John Silverman, the team's equipment manager. Like Lee, Silverman is Canadian.

"He said, why don't we meet in Florida?" Lee said. "We can get Barry to sign a ball, and meet Ichiro, and just hang out for a few days. So it's a fun trip."

Before the Marlins faced the White Sox, Lee visited the clubhouse, meeting a number of players.

The Marlins responded by blaring on their song system, a number of Rush songs, including "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight."

"You get a little embarrassed, but at the same time it's a little cool that there are fans in the clubhouse," Lee said. "It's a great feeling. I've been a lucky guy in my life. I've had a long career, and I've crossed a few generations now, and I'm able to exploit from my own career to meet guys I respect. It's a great kind of holiday for me."

For the full story check out MLB.com.

Tiffin University's "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society" - Fall 2016 Edition

Two years ago we reported on Tiffen University in Ohio's 15 week course titled "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society", which included a guest speaker appearance via Skype by Donna Halper.  Professor Nathan Santos is teaching the course once again at Tiffen, beginning on August 22nd as an elective/special topics course.  - Thanks to Professor Santos for the headsup!

The Music Box Tribute To Rush

Well this one went right by me until now... There have been complete Rush cover albums that are prog rock, death metal, classical, and more (click here for a complete run down), but this one is perhaps the strangest one I've heard. Released back in October 2014, check out the Music Box Tribute To Rush. That's right, music box.

The History Of Rush by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson - TeamRock.com

Yesterday TeamRock.com posted the fourth part of their interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson.  In this installment, they discuss the events that have transpired since their rebirth beginning with Vapor Trails in 2002.  This is the fourth in their series which began back in February.

• The Early Years
• From 2112 to stardom
• Moving Pictures and the 1980s
• From Rebirth To Retirement

Geddy Lee - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum a testament to the critical role of sports in society

Geddy Lee's 2008 donation of over 200 autographed baseballs has become on of the most popular exhibits in the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City:

"The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City has an unlikely Canadian connection by way of Rush, Toronto’s most famous progressive-rock exports. Geddy Lee, the band’s frontman, who is also a diehard Blue Jays fan and noted collector of baseball memorabilia, donated a collection of more than 200 baseballs signed by Negro Leagues players to the museum. It’s the largest collection of its kind in the world and one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.

"'And it’s all due to the benevolence of one Geddy Lee, a white, Canadian rocker,' museum president Bob Kendrick says, laughing. 'It just goes to show this story has no boundaries, it has no limitations, it touches virtually every one who experiences it.'

"Lee, who won the collection at auction, never disclosed what he paid, Kendrick said.
'... I tell people all the time: I can’t say I was a big Rush fan before, but I’m a big Rush fan now.'"

Click here for the complete story.

Neil Peart featured in DW Drum's latest Edge Factor

Neil talks about drumming, and John Good talks about the R40 drum kit, in a segment included in DW Drum's latest "Edge Factor" film. Check it out here beginning at the 9 minute mark. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

FYI Industry Profile: Pegi Cecconi

FYI Music News has posted a new interview with Pegi Cecconi. a key cog in the Rush machine, Pegi has served as SRO/Anthem's Vice President behind Ray Danniels for literally decades.

As the long-time right hand for [SRO/Anthem President) Ray Danniels, Cecconi has had a pivotal role in the rise of Rush to the title of ‘world’s biggest cult band.’ For instance, she executive produced the longform DVDs that have become a major revenue stream for the band (and SRO/Anthem).

The fiercely loyal and feisty Cecconi is exactly the kind of business person any artist would love in their corner. She notes that “Rush are as big as they are because of Ray Danniels’ total loyalty. I was brought under that wing. When I fight for fuckin Rush, as far as I’m concerned they’re the Beatles, there’s nothing else. You sit there with people having big stars, and we’d be the pain in the ass- ‘you’re not getting this or that.’ That part was fun. Ray’s thing was I want more so you’d figure out what more you could give them.”

As we lured the reluctant interviewee down memory lane, we got a chuckle out of her anecdote about her first dealings with Ray Danniels and Rush. “I met Ray when I was booking bands at my high school, Roland Michener Secondary School in South Porcupine, Ontario. He was my agent and he used to try to sell me Rush. I'd say’ no way. I can get a four-piece band for the same price as a trio. If Rush had ever played my high school the shit would have been beaten out of them!’

“I started with Ray but he wouldn’t give me a job. My first job was as an agent with Tommy and Vic Wilson, who had the Concept 376 agency. At the time it was on 57 Spadina in Toronto. I had a job working with Cliff Hunt there. I made 60$ a week but I was on commission and I was suddenly making $400. That was good money for 1972.”

 Click here for more.

Geddy Lee talks about his affection for the Tragically Hip

Geddy Lee candidly spoke to CBC Music’s Kerry Martin about his affection for the Tragically Hip as part of an upcoming radio pre-show to be broadcast before the live broadcast of the final date of The Hip's Man Machine Poem tour in Kingston, Ontario on August 20th.

"The first time you listen to one of their records it kind of sneaks up on you,” Lee says. “It sounds simpler than it is. There is a particular way the power of those guitars work together.… [They] always sound sinewy and muscular. Then you put Gord's voice and his lyrics on top of that, and after repeated listening, you really start to love it. It just gets inside you. I think that's a trademark of the Hip."

Click here for more. - Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson to appear on upcoming Rik Emmett album

According to Hennemusic, Alex Lifeson will make an appearance on two tracks on the new album by fellow Canadian guitarist, Rik Emmett, planned for release in November of this year. Lifeson and Emmett have worked together twice in the past, appearing together on "Beyond Borders" with the Canadian Guitar Summit, released as a 45 rpm flexidisk included in Guitar Player magazine, July 1987. The following year, they appeared on "Hands of Man" as part of The Big Picture on Dream On The Horizon: A Tribute To The Olympic Spirit! Also appearing on Emmett's album are original Triumph bassist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore, the original Triumph lineup who last worked together in the studio on 1987's "Surveillance" before the guitarist exited the lineup in 1988. - Thanks to the B-man for the headsup!

Tom Sawyer featured on "The Infiltrator" Soundtrack

The Infiltrator stars Brian Cranston (Breaking Bad) as a U.S. Customs official who uncovers a money laundering scheme to take down Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.  The soundtrack will be released Friday, August 12th, and includes a number of 80's rock hits including Rush's "Tom Sawyer", which plays at the beginning of the film.  Check it out here.  - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Help the Alexander Family - A Rush Fan in Need

Jeff Alexander is a Rush fan who has passed his love of Rush on to his two sons.  Jeff has also served in the U.S. Army and Navy.  Last month Jeff's house exploded, with him in it.  You can read about the explosion here.  A fundraising page has been created to help the family with expenses, any help you can send a fellow Rush fan's way will be greatly appreciated:

"On June 10th, 2016, Jeff woke up and was getting ready to head to work. He was excited because the next day he was flying to AZ to be reunited with Stephanie and the kids, and bring them back to Montana. As he was doing his laundry, a huge explosion occurred, and then a fire destroyed the home. 

"Stephanie is with him, and other family members are arriving as well.  While he has medical insurance, it doesn't cover the costs that his family will be incurring as they deal with this devastating tragedy. There will be travel costs and many expenses in the future weeks and months. Please help this young family out as they face an uncertain future. Your gift is truly appreciated."  If you would like to donate, click here.

- Thanks to Trip Kinzie for the headsup!

Neil Peart's hockey themed drumkit now on display at Canada's National Music Center

Neil Peart's hockey themed kit used to record "The Hockey Theme" for TSN (and in the accompanying documentary, Fire on Ice), is now on display at Canada's new "National Music Center" in Calgary.  Click here for more info.

Geddy Lee praises The Who's "Live At Leeds"

Geddy Lee praises The Who's Live At Leeds in a new feature posted yesterday on Teamrock.com:

“I was a big Who fan. I still am. Like a lot of people, it started with My Generation for me. I used to go up to Sam The Record Man in town to get my music. That’s where I got Live At Leeds one Saturday morning. And the bass in My Generation, I mean, John Entwistle, my god, he was such an absolute influence on me and his playing on Leeds is unsurpassable. I’m a big fan of 'Summertime Blues' on that album, which we covered, to a large degree because of their version.

“I got to see The Who in Winnipeg, Manitoba of all places. They were incredible, but Moon was already gone by then. I never saw them with him, I’m very sad to say. No matter what they do, Pete Townshend’s writing has always been at the very top of his craft, the quintessential combination of heavy and melodic. Even today, Live At Leeds sounds so alive, it’s a real piece of that period of rock. It’s like a bootleg, the artwork, the tone; that was their attitude I think. It was raw: ‘Here it is’.”

 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!