Neil Peart reviews Bill Bruford's book "Uncharted"

Drummer Bill Bruford has penned a new book, Uncharted; Creativity and the Expert Drummer, published on January 17th.  Fellow expert drummer, Neil Peart, reviewed the book for the University of Michigan Press, and what is notable are his credentials are given (by him?) as "former drummer and lyricist".  Hmm...

“After forty years of creating professional music, pretty much all of it to his taste (passing rare), Bill Bruford has laid down the torches — and tried to capture their flame in words. Begin by running your eyes down the list of Bill’s collaborators. The expert performers and teachers will attract any reader with more than a passing affection for music. Simply put, it is a lights-out masterpiece of useful insight and passionate, reflective wisdom."
—Neil Peart, former drummer and lyricist, Rush

- Thanks B-man for the headsup!

How the end of Rush let Alex Lifeson be 'as creative as I want to be' - Globe and Mail

While many fans have continued to hope for new music from Rush, today Toronto's Globe and Mail posted a new interview with Alex Lifeson, where he states:

"It's been a little over two years since Rush last toured. We have no plans to tour or record any more. We're basically done. After 41 years, we felt it was enough."

Click here for more.

Clockwork Lives - The Graphic Novel now available for preorder

Coming June 19th, the hardcover edition of the all new graphic novel edition of Clockwork Lives is now available for preorder. This is graphic novel version of Kevin J. Anderson's novel Clockwork Lives, released back in 2015. Click here to order.

Set in the world of Clockwork Angels, "Clockwork Lives is a novel in its own right, a story wrapped around a steampunk Canterbury Tales, and some of those tales are of familiar characters from Clockwork Angels (Golson the Strongman, The Fortune Teller, Guerrero the pickpocket, for example) and there are also many cross connections and cameos. You can read it on its own, but if you have read Clockwork Angels, you will get a bigger smile on your face." - Kevin J. Anderson

- Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headusp!

Offers from Geddy and Alex for the Holidays

From today's Rush newsletter, there are two offers from Geddy and Alex for the holidays.  Geddy Lee has made a small number of bottles available for auction from his private cellar collection. The bottles include a sticker declaring them "from the cellars of Geddy Lee" and feature the insignia made up for the wine club Geddy & Alex formed while on the road during the R30 tour (original membership:2).  The auction closes on Sunday December 17 at 9:00 PM ET.   Make your bid here. * The wines in this auction will be available to ship early 2018, or Zachys will hold them for free until the end of March.

Meanwhile Alex Lifeson is now a guest contributor to his pal Dave Bidini's local Toronto community arts paper, the West End Phoenix. Alex's short stories are illustrated by artist Casey McGlynn. We're offering 100 signed first issue editions here with proceeds going to support the local West End Phoenix. 

Alex Lifeson to Guest on New Fu Manchu Album

Fu Manchu will release their 12th studio album, Clone of the Universe, on Feb. 9, 2018. A follow-up to 2014's Gigantoid, this new project contains an appearance by Alex Lifeson, guitarist for Rush.  Click here to preorder the mp3 album.

Lifeson guests on "Il Mostro Atomico," an 18-minute, album-closing song that's broken up into four sections. Fu Manchu are calling it the heaviest track they've ever recorded and, as guitarist and singer Scott Hill said in a press release, they're itching to test it out in concert.

“We are excited to get out and play this stuff, especially 'Il Mostro Atomico,'" he said. "We think it’s some the strongest music we’ve ever done. We really love the overall sound of the album and having Alex play on it is just incredible. It gives it that special validation for the idea that we had to try something like a side long song.” - ultimateclassicrock.com, December 4, 2017

Spectacularly Majestic! - Ray Wawrzyniak

When Rush's latest documentary Time Stand Still was released, many fans were introduced to superfan Ray Wawrzyniak for the first time.  He brought a sincerity to the film when he gave us an enthusiastic tour of his Rush collection.  Wawrzyniak is the subject of a new interview with metal-rules.com where he takes us in depth into his Rush collection.  Check it out here. - Thanks Ray for the headsup!

A Farewell To Kings 40th Anniversary Edition Now Available

Rush has announced the release of the A Farewell To Kings 40th Anniversary Edition in a variety of formats, hitting store shelves December 1st.   Of special note is that all sets include the COMPLETE February 20, 1978 Hammersmith Odeon show (previously released in edited form on Different Stages), newly remastered by Terry Brown from the multi-track live tape.  A Farewell to Kings, Rush's fifth studio album, was originally released in 1977, and played a major role in establishing Rush as an internationally popular and respected band.  A Farewell to Kings also introduced the trio's first successful radio hit "Closer To The Heart," album tracks “A Farewell To Kings,” “Madrigal,” “Cinderella Man,” as well as enduring fan favorites with "Xanadu” and "Cygnus X-1."

The 40th Anniversary edition features the Abbey Road Mastering Studios 2015 remastered edition of the album; a complete Rush concert recorded in February 1978 at London's Hammersmith Odeon, newly mixed by longtime Rush engineer and original A Farewell to Kings producer Terry Brown from the multi-track live tapes; four newly-recorded cover versions of songs from the original album by Dream Theater, Big Wreck, The Trews and Alain Johannes; and an instrumental studio outtake of the spacey sound effects from “Cygnus X-1” the band has creatively titled “Cygnus X-2 Eh”.  The set also includes an elaborate new 40^th anniversary cover treatment by longtime Rush creative director Hugh Syme, who has also created a new piece of artwork for each of the album's six songs, an extensive 12,000-word liner notes by Grammy®-winning rock historian Rob Bowman.  The vinyl editions include a 32-page vinyl-sized booklet and a special 12-inch turntable mat.

Available options:

• 3 CD Edition
• 4 LP Edition
• Super Deluxe Edition, combines the complete contents of the 3 CD and 4 LP Editions, as well as one Blu-ray Audio disc containing a brand new 5.1 surround mix of the album by four-time Grammy® nominated surround sound producer Steven Wilson, along with three original 1977 promo videos from a newly found 2-inch quad video master significantly improving the video quality for “Closer To The Heart.”  The Super Deluxe Edition includes several exclusive items, including a unique King's Ring, with custom velvet pouch and neck chain; two lithographs with original artwork by Hugh Syme; the 12-inch turntable mat featuring distinctive artwork by Hugh Syme; and a reproduction of Rush's original 1978 A Farewell To Kings tour program.

Related News:

• Say Hello Again To Rush's 'A Farewell To Kings' - PRNewswire, October 19, 2017

Long-haired microbes named after Canadian band Rush

From today's University of British Columbia Science News:

Three new species of microbe found in the guts of termites have been named after members of the Canadian prog-rock band Rush, owing to the microbes’ long hair and rhythmic wriggling under the microscope.

“A Spanish postdoc, Javier del Campo, asked me to recommend some good Canadian music, and I suggested he listen to Rush,” says Patrick Keeling, a University of British Columbia microbiologist and senior author on the paper describing the new species. “He came back to me and said ‘Those microbes we’re finding have long hair like the guys on the album 2112!’”

The microbes in question are covered with flagella, which are long threads that cells use to move around. Many cells have a few flagella, but these little rockers have more than ten thousand very long flagella, giving them flowing hair that even Farrah Fawcett might envy.

And while Rush may not be famous for their dance moves, the tiny creatures also have rhythm. They bob their heads and sway their bodies in microscopic dances, prompting the researchers to baptize the new Pseudotrichonympha species P. leei, P. lifesoni, and P. pearti after musicians Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.

The prototypical Canadian power trio is known for songs such as “Natural Science,” “Tom Sawyer” and “Closer to the Heart,” and lyrics drawing on themes from science and literature, such as the seminal 1976 album 2112.

The microbe named after drummer and lyricist Peart contains a rotating intracellular structure never seen before. The researchers dubbed this the “rotatosome,” and even though they tested several theories, they still can’t figure out what it does.

“We have looked at a lot of crazy cells in my lab, and none of us has ever seen anything like this,” Keeling says.

While taxonomy can be a dry topic, some biologists inject a bit of fun with species names. Previously, Keeling’s team found another termite microbe which they named Cthulhu, after the terrifying tentacled entity in H.P. Lovecraft’s stories. Pseudotrichonympha leei, lifesoni, and pearti may come from the same place as Cthulhu (a termite’s hindgut), but these dancing, long-haired creatures seem much friendlier."

Fantoons' "Where's Geddy Alex & Neil?"

Check out the latest official Rush book from Fantoons, "Where's Geddy Alex & Neil?", a hardcover 'Where's Waldo-esque' book that is now available for pre-order at a special price for a limited time at http://etsy.me/2mPcnDR

"We've crafted scenarios inspired by ALL Rush albums (studio & live) between the Rush (1st LP) until Hold Your Fire, packed with references and different levels of difficult, for everyone to have fun finding the greatest power trio on earth (whether they are Rush fans or not, everyone can play)

The book is 12.5 x 9.5 inches! 38 pages and 14 Rush worlds: Rush, Fly by Night, Caress of Steel, 2112, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, and many more!

People will be able to find Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart in their different 'fashions' through this crazy worlds that we've created for everyone to enjoy.

This book is an official RUSH publication."

- Thanks to David Calcano for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson cameo in Trailer Park Boys' Out of the Ballpark

Lerxst sighting!  Alex Lifeson appears in the Trailer Park Boys' latest, "Out of the Ballpark" coming to Netflix November 24th.  Catch him in the trailer below. - Thanks to John Patuto at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Rush Cover Feature on the December issue of Prog

Rush is on the cover of the December issue of the UK's Prog magazine, which you can purchase online here.  Teamrock.com has posted one of the features online; you can read "The real story behind how Rush made A Farewell To Kings" here. 

Alex Lifeson dontates "20,000 Feet Over The Sea" original painting to 2017 A Brush of Hope

Alex Lifeson has again donated an original painting to the annual A Brush of Hope charity auction, which benefits The Kidney Foundation of Canada.  This year's contribution, "20,000 Feet Over The Sea" was nabbed for a final bid of $9,600.

ole Looking for Equity Partner

"Ole, owner of rights to songs from Timbaland to Canadian rockers Rush, aims to ramp up acquisitions and double its profit as it looks for a new equity partner.

"The closely held Toronto-based rights management company had been trying to sell itself for the past year but its asking price of about $600 million was too high for prospective buyers, according to two people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the deliberations were private.

"Ole declined to comment on any previous sale process but the company isn’t currently trying to sell itself, Chief Executive Officer Robert Ott said in an email. It is looking for a new equity investor however as the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan seeks to cash out after investing more than C$150 million ($119 million) in the company, Ott said in an interview at Bloomberg’s Toronto office." - For more visit Bloomberg.com, November 1, 2017

"Closer To The Heart" Record Store Day Release

The 10th annual Record Store Day is this coming Black Friday - November 24th - and this year Rush is releasing a special limited edition 7" single of Closer To The Heart featuring all new art by Hugh Syme:

"Canadian rock legends Rush have been making music for more than five decades. The songs on this RSD 7" are "Closer to the Heart" and "Madrigal," both released in 1977 on A Farewell to Kings. This single is being re-released for RSD Black Friday to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the LP. This 7" has a large center hole, and new art by longtime Rush album designer Hugh Syme. It also comes with a custom 7" adapter and is to be timed with the 40th anniversary of A Farewell to Kings box set re-issue."

For more info visit recordstoreday.com

Geddy Lee on The Big Interview with Dan Rather Premieres Oct. 24

"On this episode of The Big Interview, Geddy Lee welcomes Dan into his home to chat about his fascinating career. From trying to identify who they were as a band in the early days of Rush to a life of fame, Lee speaks candidly about his journey in rock & roll. Learn more about the Rush star in this new episode of The Big Interview with Dan Rather premiering Tuesday, October 24th on AXS TV." - axs.tv, October 18, 2017

The interview is available to view on itunes here.

'A national hero': Geddy Lee, Dan Aykroyd, Steven Page reflect on Gord Downie

TORONTO — As Canadian musicians tearfully reflected on the legacy of Gord Downie on Wednesday, many used a word the late Tragically Hip frontman himself belted out onstage in his signature howl: “Courage.”

Downie’s advocacy on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, his fortitude in touring one last time, and his fundraising efforts during his fight with terminal brain cancer were incredibly brave and galvanized a nation in a way that will be felt for decades, said his peers.

“He’s a national hero,” said Rush frontman Geddy Lee. “There are lots of different ways that people handle this kind of thing and mostly, if you look at people like David Bowie, et cetera, how they handled their illnesses, they chose to handle it very quietly — and he did not.

“He wanted to go out doing what he loved to do, and trying to do as much good with the time he had left, so for me that’s a courageous act.”

In May 2016, Downie revealed his diagnosis with glioblastoma, an incurable form of cancer. He died Tuesday night “with his beloved children and family close by,” according to a statement on the Tragically Hip’s website. He was 53.

Click here for more.

Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass coming Fall 2018

Cooke Agency has announced that Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass is tentatively set for release this coming fall, 2018.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and RUSH bassist Geddy Lee’s Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass is a gorgeous, fully illustrated love letter to rock ’n’ roll’s rumbly bottom end, complete with a guided tour of Lee’s extensive vintage bass collection, personal anecdotes, observations and history, from one of the world’s most revered and beloved masters of the instrument.

This lavishly illustrated book presents one facet of Lee's own personal journey. The bass guitar has been his passport, his vehicle, his fuel; this book will be his account of a life lived on the stage and a view of the world he’s seen on the road.

With contributions from arts journalist Daniel Richler and Lee’s trusted bass tech, John “Skully” McIntosh, with photography by Richard Sibbald, Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass will have something for every reader, from RUSH fans who want to know the inside story of Lee’s relationship with the instrument that has given him so much in his life, to the most knowledgeable musicians and collectors. This will be the definitive book on the bass, from one of the most respected players in history.

Aside from the HarperDesign trade edition, there will be limited run of signed and numbered deluxe editions available as well.

Stay tuned for additional details as they emerge. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart writes a 100th Birthday Tribute to Buddy Rich

Neil Peart has come out of retirement - in a fashion. After withdrawing from the public eye for over a year, he has come out to give his thoughts on Buddy Rich on the occasion of the drummer's 100th Birthday celebration in the October issue of Rhythm magazine. - Thanks to Ed Stenger for the headsup and to John Patuto for sharing the transcript!

Geddy Lee guest on AXS TV's The Big Interview with Dan Rather October 24th

Geddy Lee is one of many musicians who’ll be chatting with Dan Rather on the upcoming season of AXS TV’s The Big Interview.  The latest run of shows premieres Tuesday, October 10, with an episode featuring Ozzy Osbourne‘s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne. Other stars slated to appear on new installments of The Big Interview include Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee, ex-R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe and E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt.  The Big Interview airs  Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT from October 10th through December 5.

Geddy Lee talks about his Signature SansAmp, the GED-2112 with Tech 21

Back in January I shared how Geddy Lee had teamed up with Tech 21 to create a signature SansAmp. Tech 21 has just posted the first part of a new video interview with Geddy where he talks about the results of his collaboration, his Signature SansAmp, the GED-2112 with Andrew Barta (president, inventor of the SansAmp and designer of all things Tech 21). - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!