Shredders!: The Oral History Of Speed Guitar (And More) featuring foreword by Alex Lifeson

Music journalist Greg Prato has published a new book titled Shredders!: The Oral History Of Speed Guitar (And More) which features a foreword by Alex Lifeson.  "How fast can you play? What guitar do you have? Who is better, Van Halen or Steve Vai? For metal fans in the 80s, these were common and important questions. Tune in to MTV, pick up a magazine, or walk into an instrument store, and more often than not you'd be exposed to what is now known as shredding - the fast, virtuoso soloing popularized by musicians like Vai and Van Halen, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads and Dimebag Darrell. Inspired by these pioneering guitarists, thousands of young musicians would spend hours at home in their bedrooms, perfecting both their playing and their poses. Though shredding fell out of favor during the grunge/alternative rock era, it has become increasingly popular again in recent years, spurred by the rise in popularity of bands like Children Of Bodom, DragonForce, and Trivium. Drawing on more than 70 exclusive interviews with key shredders past and present, author and guitarist Greg Prato has assembled the definitive guide to the fastest players of them all."  Click here to order.  For Lifeson's forward, see below.

"From Cradle to Stage" by Vignia Hanlon Grohl coming April 25th

From Cradle to Stage, the new book by Vignia Hanlon Grohl is set for release April 25th.  The mother of Grammy-winning rock star Dave Grohl, Virginia retired from a thirty-year teaching career, then jumped on tour buses and planes to travel to rock shows throughout the U.S. and Europe with her son and the Foo Fighters. Her next tour, travelling to meet the mothers of other stars, provided the profiles for her first book, From Cradle to Stage.  As she watched her son's star rise, she often wondered about the other mothers who raised sons and daughters who became rock stars. Were they as surprised as she was about their children's fame? Virginia often wondered about the mystical force that urges some of us to listen, to play, to surround ourselves with music. She wanted to talk about it with the other mothers whose sons and daughters were sharing stages with Dave, and she decided to seek them out wherever they were. So began a two-year odyssey, where she had conversations with such women from all over the world. One of the chapters in the book is dedicated to Geddy Lee; in it Virginia interviews Ged's mother, Mary Weinrib, about what influenced their child to choose a musical career, and the prevalence of music in their family home.  Click to order.

Rush to induct Yes into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Planet Rock is reporting "Two-thirds of Rush will introduce Yes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on 7th April.

As is sometimes the tradition at the music industry back-patting event, past inductees are invited back to introduce members of the new class.

In homage to their fellow prog-rock torchbearers and kindred spirits, Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will step onto the Barclays Center stage to wax lyrical about Yes and then hand the honour to Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe, Alan White, Tony Kaye, Trevor Rabin and Chris Squire’s wife Scottie who is accepting on her late husband’s behalf.

A huge fan of Yes, Geddy Lee said in 2013 that it was “disappointing” and “just wrong” that Yes weren’t inducted alongside his band that year.

Alongside Rush, it has been confirmed that Neil Young will be introducing Pearl Jam. The two acts share a mutual admiration and performed together at the 1993 MTV Music Awards and collaborated on Young’s 1995 record ‘Mirror Ball’.

Young is repaying the favour to Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder who inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1995 calling him "a great songwriter, a great performer, a great Canadian."

Completing the trio of 2017 inductor announcements, Jackson Browne will introduce folk icon Joan Baez at the ceremony.

Also being inducted this spring are Journey, Electric Light Orchestra and the late rapper Tupac Shakur.
-thirds of Rush will introduce Yes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on 7th April.  As is sometimes the tradition at the music industry back-patting event, past inductees are invited back to introduce members of the new class. 

Geddy Lee Teams with Tech 21 for Signature SansAmp GED-2112

If you got to catch Rush in the past twenty years, you would have seen Geddy Lee on stage with household appliances in lieu of a bass amp. Going direct means relying on preamps for his sound, and now he’s helped to create a signature SansAmp with Tech 21.

The Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp GED-2112 is a bass preamp in a single rackspace unit that features parallel pre-amping – meaning two separate internal preamps that run in parallel. It has a Drive section based on the SansAmp RPM as well as a Deep preamp section that dishes out a low end boost.

“Saturation goes from clean in lower settings to increased harmonics and tube-like compression in higher settings,” the company writes. “To keep things lean and efficient, the EQ curve is pre-set to Geddy’s personal specs. You can use either section independently or blend them externally direct to a mixing board as well as to two amplifiers.”

Other features include a Blend control, a sweepable semi-parametric EQ, dedicated 1/4-inch and XLR direct outputs for each preamp section, an effects loop with Mix 50/50 switch, a tuner output, a clean 1/4-inch output, and a front panel A/B switch.

“The GED-2112 is really a continuation of my long-time approach to bass tone,” Lee says. “A ‘deep clean’ tone coupled with the ‘edgy crunch’ I get from the SansAmp RPM now all in one box. With selectable A/B inputs, and separate balanced and unbalanced direct outputs, this box is the foundation for great bass tone in any setup. Plus it’s green!”

The Tech 21 Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp: GED-2112 is expected later this year with a street price of $369.

Visit notreble.com for more info.

The limelight keeps finding Rush authority from Tonawanda

The Buffalo News have published a Sunday feature on Rush fan Ray Wawrzyniak, who you might remember from the recent documentary Time Stand Still.

"Ray Wawrzyniak, a teacher at Willow Ridge Elementary School in the Sweet Home School District and family man from the Town of Tonawanda, also happens to be one of the world’s foremost experts on the history of Rush"

Read the full story here.

Rush "2112 40th Anniversary Edition" Now Available

Order 2CD/DVD Edition

Order 3 LP Edition

Order Super Deluxe Edition

After celebrating over 40 years together with the same trio line-up, UMe continues the celebration of the Rush catalog with the release of three 40^th anniversary expanded editions of the band’s classic 1976 album 2112.  Click here to order the 2CD/DVD edition, the three-LP 200-gram vinyl edition, or the Super Deluxe edition incorporating both CDs, the DVD, all three LPs plus bonus items (detailed below).

On December 16, 2016, 2112—40th will be released in three distinct variations. The 2CD/DVD edition will include a newly remastered CD of the original 2112 album by Abbey Road Studios, and an additional CD of rare, live and previously unreleased material including newly-recorded tracks from 2112 featuring Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters along with Nick Raskulinecz, Billy Talent, Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree, Jacob Moon and Alice In Chains. The set’s third disc is a DVD featuring a newly restored vintage 1976 Rush concert recorded at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ, plus bonus videos of the Grohl/Hawkins/Raskulinecz track and Billy Talent track, and a new 25+ minute interview featuring Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and longtime producer & engineer Terry Brown. The new 2112 remaster originally appeared on the much-acclaimed 2015 hologram vinyl edition of the album; this marks the Abbey Road Studios master first time on CD.

UMe is also releasing a three-LP 200-gram vinyl edition incorporating all of the aforementioned audio material, plus a special laser-etched LP side, the 2015 hologram on 2112’s side B and a unique turntable mat featuring the band’s iconic Starman character. Fans will also have the option of purchasing a Super Deluxe edition of 2112, incorporating both CDs, the DVD, all three LPs plus its bonus items, and several exclusive collectable items including two 12-inch x 12-inch lithos, one featuring Hugh Syme’s original Starman pencil sketching, the second showcasing a 1976 Massey Hall ticket stub; a reprint of the 1976 Massey Hall handbill and three buttons featuring each band member, all housed in a box lined with velvet flocking. For the first 1,000 Super Deluxe pre-order purchases at Rush.com, us.udiscovermusic.com and udiscovermusic.com, the purchaser will receive a limited edition 7-inch pressing of the album’s first single “The Twilight Zone” (b/w “Lessons”) and a custom red star 45 large hole adapter ring, both newly designed by Hugh Syme.

All three versions of 2112—40th feature extensive liner notes by renowned rock historian Rob Bowman, and newly designed artwork by longtime Rush art director Hugh Syme. The set’s rare recordings include “Solar Federation,” spotlighting the isolated Neil Peart vocals that close the song “2112” in “Grand Finale,” two outtakes from the 1976 Massey Hall concerts including “Something For Nothing” and a nearly complete 15+ minute performance of “2112,” as well as a recently-rediscovered live version of the album track “The Twilight Zone,” which has only been performed twice in the band’s long history.

The cover versions of "Tears" performed by Alice In Chains, "A Passage To Bangkok" (sample) by Billy Talent, and "Twilight Zone" by Steven Wilson are now available on Youtube.

Tracklistings below.

Rush Referenced on Family Guy's Christmas Episode

Last night's episode of Family Guy (season 15, episode 9, "How the Griffin Stole Christmas"), included another Rush reference (just two weeks after their last reference).   Stewie says "Oh God, I ruined Christmas, like The Little Drummer Boy when he really got into Neil 'Pert'" which is followed by a quick scene of the Little Drummer Boy in the manger, who drops his ancient drum to break into a drum solo on a Peart-like drum kit.  Check out the scene here. - Thanks to John Lindsay for the headsup!

Geddy Lee remembers Greg Lake

Geddy Lee has commented on yesterday's passing of Greg Lake, fellow bassist and founding member of the progressive rock bands King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer (ELP).

"We've lost yet another great artist and talented bassist...What a devastating year 2016 has been... ELP were one of my faves ..first Keith Emerson and now Greg Lake. RIP boys....and thanks for the music... #GregLake #KeithEmerson #ELP" - Geddy Lee,  December 8, 2016

Official Rush Coloring Book and Holiday Greeting Cards by Fantoons

Fantoons has announced the release of their officially licensed 52 page RUSH coloring book packed with art and humor and about the greatest power trio that ever crossed the earth! The mighty RUSH!  Everyone can have fun and relax with this oversize coloring book which measures at 12" x 19". Priced at just $15.99, you can order it here.

In addition, Fantoons now have a line of official Rush Christmas cards which can be ordered here, as well as Hanukkah cards available here. 

And if you missed out on its original release, be sure to check out Rush Toons By Fantoons Vol. 2112, a 170+ page book packed with RUSH comic strips, parodies, art and illustrations. - Thanks to David Calcano at Fantoons for the headsup!

Rush Announce Donation to Gord Downie Brain Cancer Research foundation

Earlier this month, Canadian Music Week announced that the members of RUSH would be the 2017 recipients of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award at Canadian Music Week in April. Part of this prestigious Humanitarian award includes $40,000 to be made to the recipient’s charity of choice.  The members of Rush – Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart – have unanimously decided to direct the funds to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook.

“We are pleased to direct this generous donation from the Allan Slaight Humanitarian award to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook. Many Canadian families have been affected either directly or indirectly by this terrible disease. Through Gord’s courageous efforts this cause is now getting the attention it desperately deserves. As a fellow musician and friend it’s our turn to help support his efforts to fight Brain Cancer now.” – RUSH

“We are thrilled to learn Rush has made such a donation,” commented Dr. James Perry, head of neurology at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “The Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research will help give us the tools we need to find ways to treat the untreatable. Right now we are investigating new drugs, surgical techniques and genetic therapies. We are using ultrasound to reach tumours that couldn’t be reached before. The funds so generously donated by RUSH will support us as we continue our pioneering work, to the benefit of brain cancer patients not only across Canada but around the world.”

To join Rush and make a personal donation to the Gord Downie Fund for Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook , go to www.sunnybrook.ca/gord.  The Allan Slaight Humanitarian award will be presented at the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday April 20, 2017 in the Grand Ballroom at the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel.

Grapes For Humanity dinner raises $40,000 for Amani Home for Street Kids in Moshi, Tanzania

Enjoying their time off, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson recently attended a Grapes For Humanity charity dinner in late September/early October which raised $40,000 for the Amani Home for Street Kids in Moshi, Tanzania.  From the GFH website:

"Joe Canavan, a great supporter of Grapes for Humanity, invited eleven of his friends to join him at Barberian’s Steak House on Elm Street, Toronto, for this fund-raiser dinner. The celebrity guests were Geddy Lee and Alex Liveson of Rush who regaled the company with stories of their touring and recording. The wine flowed…like wine and Barberian’s owner, Arron Barberian pledged $2,000 to the cause: the construction of a new home for street kids in Moshi, Tanzania.

"For the record, the wines were: Bouchard Ursules Champagne, F.X. Pichler 2007 Loibner Berg Riesling, Hirtzberger 2007 Honivogl Gruner Veltliner, 1997 Guigal La Mouline Côte Rôtie, 1999 Jamet Côte Rôtie, 2000 Ogier Côte Rôtie Belle Helene, 2001 Jasmin Côte Rôtie, 2003 Jamet Côte Rôtie, 1997 Dows Port"

- Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Wine expert Mark Oldman's new book features Geddy Lee

Wine expert Mark Oldman's latest wine book, How to Drink Like a Billionaire (Regan Arts), was released last month.  In the book, Mark talks about how he learned about the wine word "minerality" when he interviewed Geddy Lee and how that word is essential to understanding wine.  You might recall that Mark interviewed Geddy and Alex–both grape nuts–for his previous books. One of the clips with Alex is here.

As the holidays approach, Mark and his team are introducing a "2112 Wine Book Giveaway (Nov 21 to Dec 12)" whereby RUSH fans who buy two (or more) copies of Billionaire, get a copy of his previous award-winning wine book, Oldman's Brave New World of Wine, for free (and signed).

1. Starting now until December 12th, purchase two (2) or more copies of How to Drink Like a Billionaire on Amazon (and don’t forget to write a review!).
2. Email the Amazon receipt to alf@markoldman.com with your mailing address.
3. Oldman will mail you a FREE, signed copy of Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine–just in time for the holidays!

Rush Reference on Family Guy

It's been awhile since Rush was referenced on Family Guy (remember Chester Cheetah?).  Tonight's episode of Family Guy (season 15, episode 7, "High School English") included the cast reenacting three commonly taught classic pieces of literature: The Great Gatsby, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men.  The Huckleberry Finn segment ends with Huck and Tom Sawyer attending a Rush concert (Tom says "they wrote a song about me").  The episode is now available for viewing here.

"Rush: Time Stand Still" The Documentary now available

Rush: Time Stand Still arrives on home video today on DVD and Blu-ray.  In addition to the documentary, the video release offers over an hour of bonus features including previously unreleased pro-shot footage from the Presto tour, titled "Live from the Rabbit Hole".  Click here to order.

For video samples, the detailed tracklist and more, check out the Time Stand Still discography page.

The film premiered in thearters across the US on November 10th, with an encore screening on the US as well as the UK on November 17.  The theatrical showings also includes the 20-minute mini-documentary "A Salute to Kings" featuring Gene Simmons, Chad Smith, Ann & Nancy Wilson, and others, which is not available on the home video release (an Easter egg perhaps?).

"This feature-length documentary film chronicles the final major tour for legendary rock band Rush. It is an intimate view 'under the hood' of a historic moment from the perspective of the band, their fans, crew, and management. Featuring interviews with the band throughout their sold-out 2015 40th Anniversary tour, the film also shows rarely seen backstage footage capturing the final moments of life on the road. Highlighted as well is the impact on the band's fans and the world that has been built around the beloved Canadian trio. This is the final touring chapter of a band that has meant so much to so many fans around the world. With narration by Paul Rudd. Running time: 1 hour 37 minutes of documentary footage with an additional 67 minutes of never-before-released bonus content."

Alex Lifeson comments on "For What It's Worth" - Rollingstone

Rollingstone posted a new feature regarding the 50th anniversary of the event which led to Stephen Stills writing Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth".  The song was released as a single on January 9, 1967, and later included on the second pressing of Buffalo Springfield (originally released on December 5, 1966, second pressing released on March 6, 1967).  Rush covered the song on their Feedback EP, and in the article, Alex Lifeson shares his memories of the song.

Rush's Alex Lifeson recalls first hearing the song while driving in the family car in the Toronto suburbs. "I'm not sure if it was the first time I heard it, but I clearly remember driving with my dad and wearing blue granny glasses, which I thought were so cool," Lifeson says. "It was a sunny day, and I put the radio on and 'For What It's Worth' came on. I still recall feeling so moved by that song. It sounded so cool to me, that combination of the acoustic and electric guitars and the lyrics. Canada was a haven for objectors to the war, so we had a different view on what was happening in Vietnam."

During its early days, Rush used to jam on the song – "a 10-minute arrangement with a seven-minute guitar solo and a bass solo and then back into the chorus," Lifeson chuckles – and later recorded it on their 2004 covers set, Feedback. "I suggested it and it was an important song for all of us," he says. "Even when I hear that song now, I get goosebumps. I always think of the ride with my dad. It's one of those really special, magical songs. It may be my favorite song of all time."

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Martin Popoff's "Rush: Album by Album" coming spring 2017

Rock journalist Martin Popoff has penned Rush: Album by Album, set for release by Voyageur Press on May 1, 2017.

"Find out what 20 rock journalists and writers have to say about Rush's 20 studio albums. Formed in Toronto in 1968, the rock trio Rush has gone on to multiplatinum success behind the distinctive high register and virtuosic bass-playing of frontman Geddy Lee, the legendary drumming and lyric-writing of Neil Peart, and the guitar heroics of Alex Lifeson. Despite having just four chart-topping singles since the release of their debut LP in 1974, Rush has nonetheless sold more than 25 million albums in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide. Indeed, the Canadian trio may be the definition of an 'album band,' and this new book from prolific rock journalist and acknowledged Rush authority Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band's discography by moderating in-depth, frank, and entertaining conversations about all 20 of Rush's studio albums. Inside, the author gathers 20 rock journalists and authors who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about every release. Together, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, as well as a handsome discography. Popoff also includes loads of sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, information on where and when the albums were recorded, and sidebar facts about the albums, their songs, and the band."

Popoff has previously written Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home & Away and Rush: The Unnofficial Illustrated History.

Rik Emmett & Resolution 9's "Res 9" featuring Alex Lifeson now available

The highly anticipated new album by Canadian guitarist, Rik Emmett, "Res 9" is now available.  The album features Alex Lifeson on two tracks, playing a 12 string guitar on the album opener "Human Race", and the third guitar solo on "End of the Line". The album is now available here.

"When Rik asked me to play on his new album, I didn't hesitate for a second.  He's the consummate musician, a wonderful guitarist, and a terrific person, and it's always my pleasure to work with him any chance I can get. There is a rock purity in his songwriting and performance, and it's just so much fun to get together and throw ideas around. He's always so up and open for anything — even a notoriously uncooperative Rickenbacker 12-string!"- Alex Lifeson

On September 28th, Rik Emmett released a lyric video for the song "Human Race" featuring Alex Lifeson which you can watch below.   He followed that up on November 3rd with a lyric video for "End of the Line", featuring Alex Lifeson and Dream Theater’s James LaBrie.

See below for the official trailer as well as lyric videos for "Human Race" and "End of the Line".

Alex Lifeson's 2016 A Brush Of Hope Painting - "Aquarium"

Alex Lifeson has painted another original piece for A Brush of Hope - Celebrity Paintings for The Kidney Foundation of Canada to raise money for the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

UPDATE: the ebay auction closed November 8th at noon, ending in a final sale price of $8,700 Canadian.

“This year, my painting subject is called “Aquarium”, a sort of “fish on acid” theme or what you might expect if you were visiting a lovely Martian family, strolling through their living room, drink in hand,” commented Lifeson. “Please have a look and if interested, bid. As always, proceeds go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada to continue research in the hope for a cure for kidney disease.” - Alex Lifeson

DVBBS collaboration with Alex Lifeson on "Closer To The Heart"

According to a story posted today at broadwayworld.com, Canadian-born duo DVBBS (pronounced 'dubs') have collaborated with Alex Lifeson to record a new version of "Closer To The Heart" which will be available for download in early 2017.  

"When we first had dinner with Ray Daniels, Rush manager, we couldn't be any more excited hearing the stories," Chris said. "I grew up a drummer so Neil Pert was a legend to me and a strong influence my whole childhood and music career."
"They're the greatest Canadian band of all time so when we were given the chance to remake a song and implement new music and production with Alex Lifeson, you can imagine how excited we were."
"Can't wait to play people the song, and bridge the gap between generations," says Alex. 

Click here for more.

2017 Rush Calendar Now Available

The 2017 Rush Calendar is now available and can be ordered here.

"Every year Rush fans come out of the woodwork to get their calendar and once again, you'll be ready. This 2017 edition is sure to satisfy. It runs for 16 months and begins in September of 2016 and runs through December 2017."