Home"Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of RUSH visited the House for an extensive conversation with host and landlord, George Stroumboulopoulos. This unedited, extended version explores the 40th anniversary of 2112, their final tour, the internal dynamic, songwriting, the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame induction, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, electronic dance music and touches on what’s next for the Holy Triumvirate."- Thanks to Rushbandforever for the headsup!
Rush on The Strombo Show
Rush were guests on The Strombo Show last night to discuss 2112-40th among other things, and their interview segment is now available for listening here.
Masters of Resonance an Edge Factor featuring Neil Peart coming 2017
A Message from Jeremy Bout, Producer/ Host of Edge Factor:
"Before running a CNC machine, I thought about buying stuff, not making it. Before I met the team at DW Drums, I thought a drum was a pail, and a Luthier was a theologian. Before making this film, I thought a musical instrument was a simple object used to make melodies. Then I spent time with John Good and Neil Peart and realized… Boy, was I wrong.
In 2010, I left the grinding shop and my 5 axis CNC machine to pick up a video camera and tell stories of people who are making things and changing lives. I had no experience in the film industry, no connections to the “big dogs” in manufacturing and no idea of where this decision would take me. But I knew I wanted to share stories of makers connecting their minds to their hands to bring new ideas to life. After the release of our first film, a teacher told me how it inspired one of his students to see manufacturing in a new light, and how that student “now knew what he wanted to do with his life” - he was going to become a maker. That day, the heart of Edge Factor was born.
40 shows and several TV series later, something happened last year that sparked a story we never expected: we became part of the DW Drums family. Masters of Resonance is a music film that takes the audience on a journey from the forest to the stadium and tells the story of how a fallen tree rises and lives again, in the music it creates.
I will never forget sitting with Neil Peart and hearing him record voice over for this film, “The entire history of a tree, year by year, can be read in the circular grooves that mark its annual cycle - its growth rings… Like those growth rings, popular music also reflects the 'weather' of its times: evokes and embodies the moods and movements that gave it context.” These thoughts have echoed in my mind and marked my awakening: Our lives have all been marked by the Masters of Resonance.
Disclaimer: We’re not experts in the music industry. We don’t know the history of every great drummer who’s ever lived. It is with fear and trepidation that we sharing our journey, as we explore the relationship between trees, drum and guitars makers, world-class musicians and the memories their music creates in our lives. We’re storytellers feeling like we have stepped onto sacred ground in our quest to make learning relevant as we inspire the next generation of makers and artists.
We could not be more excited to announce the Masters of Resonance film, produced by Edge Factor is coming in 2017."
Starring: Drum Workshop Inc. (DW Drums), Taylor Guitars, Neil Peart, RUSH, Cody Lovaas, Blair Sinta, Cobus Potgieter, newsboys (official), Duncan Phillips, Mona Tavakoli, Tommy Clufetos and many, many more... To learn more, go to www.mastersofresonance.com
[August 30, 2016] The upcoming Edge Factor documentary "Masters of Resonance," which tells the stories of makers and musicians such as John Good from DW Drums, and Neil Peart from Rush, is currently in post-production. Today Edge Factor posted this Instagram video that includes CGI and footage of Neil Peart from their forthcoming film. - Thanks Mark for sharing!
RUSH - 2017 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award Recipients
Canadian Music Week has announced Rush - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart - as the 2017 recipient of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award. The multi-platinum trio will be honoured for their achievements and longstanding career in the music industry, social activism and support of humanitarian causes at the annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Centre on Thursday, April 20th, 2017.
"We are so incredibly honoured to receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award. The depth of Allan and Gary Slaight's generosity, consideration and benevolence has no measure. We will strive to carry forward their spirit of charity and goodwill." - Rush
"My father Allan Slaight believes that giving back to one's community is something we should all strive to do and the members of Rush have made a point of this throughout their career, starting with a United Way benefit-concert at Maple Leaf Gardens in the early '80s when Allan was Chair of the Campaign," said Gary Slaight, President and CEO Slaight Communications Inc. "In recent years, the group has raised money for food banks, Casey House, the Kidney Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, AIDS research; the list goes on. Alex, Geddy and Neil have been in my family's rock 'n' roll life since the early days when we started Q107 in the late 1970s, and it gives me real pleasure today to thank these three exemplary musicians, on behalf of the Slaight Family, in awarding them with the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Award. Good deeds deserve acknowledgement and this is one group that exemplifies the spirit of giving."
David Clayton-Thomas' Cuban-Salsa cover of "Closer To The Heart" found on 'Canadiana'
David Clayton-Thomas, best known as the lead vocalist of Blood, Sweat & Tears, recently released Canadiana, an album of covers of classic Canadian songs. Included is a Cuban-salsa cover of Rush's "Closer To The Heart". He talks about recording the song in four short videos, the first of which is included below. You can buy the album here. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
Rush's "Moving Pictures" wins Polaris Heritage Prize
This year's winner in the "1976-1985" public vote is Moving Pictures. For the complete list of winners visit polarismusicprize.ca. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
Record Store Day, Black Friday Special: "12 Days of Christmas/Take Off" Vinyl Single
- Thanks to Joe Pesch for the headsup!
Godsmack's Sully Erna on Neil Peart
Godsmack's "Serenity" from their 2007 album Faceless was inspired by Neil Peart's Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road."Well, certainly for my musician side of me, I think it's meeting some of the people that were my childhood heroes. Being able to meet Neil Peart a couple of times, that was, for me… I didn't need to meet anyone else after that. As much as I love the Steven Tylers and the Joe Perrys and the James Hetfields, Neil Peart… that guy changed my life as a musician. I quit school because of RUSH… Other than that, it was, like, really, that's all I did — I studied RUSH. I sat home and strapped on headphones and played 'Moving Pictures' and 'Exit… Stage Left' and 'Signals' and all these great albums." - For more visit Blabbermouth.com
David Phillips' "From The Riser, A Drummer's Perspective II" with foreword by Neil Peart now available
David Phillips is proud to launch his latest book, From The Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II, a follow up to the critically acclaimed A Drummer’s Perspective.The beautifully designed, From The Riser is a photographic celebration of many of today’s greatest drummers and percussionists. It unashamedly captures the energy, emotion and elegance of the world’s best, playing with the world’s greatest bands.
The book features two hundred and seventy previously unseen photographs taken exclusively by the author. It includes over one hundred and thirty legendary drummers including Neil Peart (Rush), Gary Wallis (Pink Floyd), Graham Broad (Roger Waters), Deen Castronovo (Journey), Gavin Harrison (King Crimson), Ginger Baker (Cream), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Marco Minnemann (Joe Satriani), Martin Axenrot (Opeth), Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Stewart Copeland (The Police), Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa), Todd Sucherman (Styx) and many more. Included alongside the many striking images is a record of Phillips’ cherished collection of backstage passes, set lists and other memorabilia.
Rush’s Neil Peart, who penned the foreword for the book says ‘not many photographers have captured that performance art as well as David …. One accomplishment is simply collecting photographs .... but the greater gift is delivering such iconic images.’
Phillips is an intuitive, talented, self-taught photographer who, as a drummer himself, demonstrates a natural affinity with his subjects particularly when working in a live environment. Capturing portraits of drummers has become second nature to him and his work in Artists Relations provides extraordinary contact with an incredible range of musicians and bands.
This ambitious book, with over one hundred and eighty pages, is a lavish tribute to drumming and drummers, which reflects Phillip’s intuitive knowledge and deep respect of all things percussion. It is a complete compendium, packed with expressive, jaw-dropping photos. To get shots like this you have to understand drummers, drums and playing live.
From The Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II retails for £29.99 ($39.99,€35.50) and is only available to purchase from the Author’s website http://www.music-images.co.uk/
"Subdivisions" covered by Allegaeon on "Proponent for Sentience"
Don Henley Remarks on Rush's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
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”?- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
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 …
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.Below is Geddy and Alex's interview with George Stroumboulopoulos:
“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.
Rush Referenced in Forza Horizon 3
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
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
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| "The Body Electric" single |
Rush – "The Body Electric"- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!
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.
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
The History Of Rush by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson - TeamRock.com
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