KISS's Paul Stanley: RUSH was the 'Most Exciting' Opening Band KISS Has Ever Had

During a recent SiriusXM Town Hall (see below), the members of KISS were asked to name some of the best bands that opened for them:

Eric Singer: "I thought RUSH was the best. I saw RUSH open for KISS. I thought they were the coolest opening band. That was the 'Fly By Night' tour— early '75. KISS had 'Hotter Than Hell' out and RUSH had just gotten Neil Peart and they had 'Fly By Night'."

Paul Stanley: "I think for us, RUSH was most exciting. When we first had them playing with us in Canada and John Rutsey was still the drummer. The first album was so… It was HUMBLE PIE, it was ZEPPELIN. They obviously found their footing in something they wanted to do later on. They were always great."

Geddy Lee Interviewed in Classic Rock Dec 2018 issue

The new December issue of the UK's Classic Rock magazine hits newsstands on November 13th, and includes a new, lengthy interview with Geddy Lee where he discusses a variety of topics including Geddy's Big Beautiful Book Of Bass currently set for release December 18th.

The magazine is currently available at issuu.com, and has been transcribed by Cygnus-X1.net and is available here. - Thanks to RushFanForever and John Patuto for the the headsup!

Rush Referenced on Family Guy (Again)

Rush was referenced yet again on Family Guy, during last night's episode, "Regarding Carter." After Brian references the time that Peter was, "the only one not wearing black jeans at a Rush concert", we see the following concert scene flashback unfold:

• Peter: Play "Tom Sawyer"!
• Geddy: We already did. And what are you wearing?!
• Peter: What? These are my concert khakis.
• Geddy: Beat him! Beat him in 6/8th time! And don't let him escape to the completely unoccupied ladies' room!
• Peter: (getting pummeled and begging on the ground ) Uh... No. Please! Uncles who voted for Gary Johnson! Leave me alone!
• Geddy: And now a song about radio towers!

You can see the clip here, courtesy of Cygnus-X1.net!

Alex Lifeson performs with Chicago's Jason Scheff at 11th annual Scott Medlock-Robby Krieger Golf Classic

On Sunday, October 28, following a round of golf, Alex Lifeson took part in the 11th annual Scott Medlock-Robby Krieger Golf Classic's All-Star Concert to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California. Lifeson performed "Freewill", "The Spirit Of Radio" and "Limelight" with the help of CHICAGO's Jason Scheff on bass and vocals. Check out video footage below (courtesy of California Rock News).

Longtime friends Scott Medlock and Robby Krieger (THE DOORS) organized the event to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It has become one of the largest, single event fundraisers of the year for the hospital.

Anthem/ole's Andy Curran talks Hemispheres and Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Reissues

In a new interview published Friday by MusicLifeMagazine.net, among other topics Anthem/ole's Andy Curran talked about the upcoming Hemispheres and Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Reissues:

At the core of the Ole reissue have been a series of 40^th anniversary editions of Rush albums, starting in 2016 with 2112, and followed up last year with A Farewell to Kings. Later this year will see the issuance of a package commemorating the 40^th anniversary of the Hemispheres album, which features Rush concert favourites such as La Villa Strangiato, The Trees and Circumstances.

“For Farewell, we had some younger artists contribute versions of songs for that album, including Big Wreck, Billy Talent and Foo Fighters. But this time we wanted to do something different, so we dug deep into the archives over here at Anthem and were able to come up with a really cool live concert almost in its entirety from the Pink Pop Festival in 1979. In terms of a choice of rarities, this was a recording where if you searched diligently you might have been able to find bits and pieces of it online from people who had recorded it. We worked closely with the Pink Pop Festival and a radio station and television station in the Netherlands that broadcasted it and got the full show. Which was really cool, because Elvis Costello was on the bill, and so were The Police – a very eclectic lineup in 1979,” he explained.

“But part of 2112 had been clipped off, so we found a full recording of 2112 where I think it was recorded from the board, from the same Hemispheres Tour in Phoenix, Arizona. Then there was also a bunch of really great photos that the band gave from their collection taken during the recording at Rockfield in Wales. Rich Chycki also did a great job remastering the album itself in 5.1. I think that the fans will be happy with it. The new art and all the images in the package by Hugh Syme are beautiful. I grew up with this band and loved them and used to go see them at Massey Hall and Maple Leaf Gardens, and some of the photos we got from the band’s collection to put in the booklet excited me, so I know they are going to make a lot of fans happy.”

As a true fan of Rush, Curran takes the job of compiling and re-releasing material very seriously, because he knows first hand the loyalty of the band’s fans and the high standards to which Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart wish their legacy to be persevered. But it’s also boatloads of fun being able to metaphorically and even literally root through the attic of your favourite band, finding hidden and long lost gems.

“There are times when I am literally pinching myself because, first off, I can’t believe I am actually working with these guys, and secondly that they trust me with it. It’s like being part of their inner circle. And then it’s so amazing to find something that no one has ever seen or heard before. When you find something the is unique and special, it’s very cool. There is some visual stuff that I am going through right now, that they documented during the time when I was literally a kid buying tickets and going to see them. One of the reasons I bought a Rickenbacker was because of Geddy Lee. My God, its like being a kid in a candy store at times,” he said.

“My job is to make sure that we keep the integrity of what that band did and deliver first class stuff. Anything I find always has to go back to those guys for approval. Recently I found a recording from a hotel of something they did and Geddy looked at me after hearing it and said, ‘the world can never hear that.’”

There will not be a 40^th anniversary Rush re-issue in 2019, with the next one come in 2020 with a Permanent Waves package, but Curran said his boss at Ole, Robert Ott, has lot of projects for him, including a remastering and re-issuing of the first Coney Hatch album, and a possible second Max Webster package.

“There is also some talk about potentially doing an Anthem Records box set to celebrate four decades of the label. People may have forgotten some of the other artists they were involved with, whether it was B.B. Gabor, or Wireless or Ian Thomas or Larry Gowan, Bob and Doug McKenzie – there are so many cool things from that catalogue. So, we’re deep into discussions about celebrating Anthem Records too.

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson's 2018 A Brush Of Hope Painting - "Self Portrait #2" - sells for $12,111

UPDATE: The auction just ended with Alex's painting selling for selling for $12,111 Canadian.

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.

This year's painting is "Self Portrait #2", and bidding ends October 23rd.  Click here to bid. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee on Rush’s Prog-Rock Opus ‘Hemispheres’: ‘We Had to Raise Our Game’ - RollingStone.com

Rollingstone.com has published a new interview with Geddy Lee, "The Rush frontman is promoting the upcoming 40th-anniversary reissue of Hemispheres (out November 16th), which includes a 2015 remaster, a new 5.1 surround sound mix, promo videos and a previously unreleased 1979 performance from the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands...Along the way, he also discussed his upcoming bass book, the possibility of future solo work and the current state of Rush — who, in 2015, concluded what could be their final tour." 

Clockwork Lives optioned for film or television

Clockwork Lives, the followup to the novel Clockwork Angels, was first published in hardback in 2015, and as a graphic novel this past June.  Today author Kevin J. Anderson announced:

"Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart have optioned their steampunk fantasy adventure CLOCKWORK LIVES to writer/producers Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes (Arrow, The Flash, Warehouse 13).  CLOCKWORK LIVES is set in the universe of the concept album CLOCKWORK ANGELS by legendary rock band Rush and Anderson’s New York Times bestselling novel of the same title. Anderson and Rush drummer and lyricist Peart wrote CLOCKWORK LIVES as a companion to ANGELS in a novel published by ECW Press and a new graphic novel from Insight Editions."

Also check out our interview with Kevin J. Anderson where he discussed both novels as well as some of his other Rush related writings.

Dream Theater's James LaBrie discusses their cover of Xanadu from the A Farewell to Kings 40th Anniversary Edition

Although released last December, ole TV has posted a new five minute video with Dream Theater's James LaBrie and engineer Rich Chycki to chat about DT's cover of the Rush classic 'Xanadu,' from the 40th Anniversary release of A Farewell To Kings. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush sighting on The Big Bang Theory

It took 12 seasons, but Rush has finally been referenced on CBS' The Big Big Theory.  In tonight's season premiere, “The Conjugal Configuration”, Sheldon and Amy are on their honeymoon and check into room 2112. - Thanks to B-man for the headsup, and to Cygnus-X1.net for the screenshot.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert: Encore" featuring Rush's Induction

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In Concert: Encore is now available with a September 21st release. This is the first official release to include RUSH's induction ceremony performance. Although the release's description states "Rush performing fiery classics Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio", it is assume it also includes the full induction ceremony and speeches.  Click here to order.

     Each year, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame honors rock music's pioneering figures during a prestigious black-tie ceremony. As the Hall of Fame enters its third decade, it's these singular induction ceremonies-featuring the biggest names in classic rock from the '60s, '70s and '80s-that have become nearly as epic as the artists they celebrate. This 2 Blu-ray Disc set features poignant reunions, moving and often hilarious induction speeches, and 44 iconic performances.

    Among the highlights from the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 induction ceremonies:

    * The legendary Canadian power trio Rush performing fiery classics Tom Sawyer and The Spirit of Radio for their fervent fans.
    * Red Hot Chili Peppers leading a searing all-star jam session of Higher Ground anchored by Slash and Ron Wood.
    * Heart going Crazy on You before being joined onstage by fellow members of Seattle rock royalty from Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.
    * Alice Cooper ripping into ferocious versions of Eighteen and Under My Wheels before closing the set with Rob Zombie on School's Out.
    * The Hurdy Gurdy Man Donovan is joined onstage by John Mellencamp for a chilling performance of Season of the Witch.

    Features complete Hall of Fame induction speeches, including:
    * Don Henley inducting Randy Newman
    * Neil Young inducting Tom Waits

Edge Factor's "Master's of Resonance" now available at introductory rate on iTunes

Edge Factor's documentary film Masters of Resonance is now available for presale on iTunes to own at a special promotional rate of $9.99.   Click here to preorder. The film, which tells the story of DW Drums culminating in Neil Peart's masterpiece R40 drumkit, can be preordered for the next 30 day presale for $9.99 now through October 19th.  Thereafter the film will be released and the price will increase to $19.99

A pre-release screening for Rush fans was held Friday, June 22nd, as part of the Rush Family Reunion event at the Fox Theatre in Toronto, with an eventual world premiere at the Grammy Museum presentation in LA on August 8th

"Storyteller and Founder of Edge Factor, Jeremy Bout once believed that a drum was a glorified pail with a lid on it. All drum kits sound the same if you hit them with a keen sense of rhythm, right? Then he met John Good, Co-Founder of DW Drums and realized, "Boy, was I wrong." The innovation, craftsmanship, and sheer brilliance behind the science of drum making inspired Jeremy and the filmmakers at Edge Factor to share the legacy of John and the DW team, in the music documentary film Masters of Resonance.

"This film takes you on a journey from the forest to the stage and pulls back the curtain on drum making. It begins with sustainably harvesting the wood in the forests of Michigan, then shows the design, manufacturing, and painting operations in the DW Drums factory. The finished product is revealed, as completed drum kits are played by many of the biggest names in the music industry. These processes are perfectly demonstrated as the DW Drums team creates the iconic Rush R40 tour drum kit, using 1500 year old Romanian bog oak. Along the way, you will witness the unique relationship that these drum makers share with musicians, as Jeremy interviews world class drummers from the DW Drums roster.

"Rush drummer Neil Peart, beautifully captures the message of the film when he asks, "What could be more transcendent than a musical instrument?" It's the team's unending pursuit of excellence, willingness to embrace failure to find solutions, and the dedication of each team member that empowers DW Drums to create objects that live forever in the music they create.

Alex Lifeson presented with custom built Harper Guitar

Jacob Harper of Harper Guitars recently built a custom guitar for Alex Lifeson. The guitar's fret inlays included interpretations of Rush album art, and the pick guard in inlayed with ‘blah blah blah.'. For high quality pics of the guitar visit Harper Guitars Facebook page. You can check out a low quality video of Alex playing the guitar and thanking Jacob here, and also check out this local news feature about the event. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

CRASH: The World's Greatest Drum Kits From Appice to Peart to Van Halen

One of Neil Peart's drumkits is featured in the new book CRASH: The World's Greatest Drum Kits From Appice to Peart to Van Halen published yesterday by Insight Editions. Click here to order. Modern Drummer is also running a contest to win an autographed copy, click here to enter.

"Crash: The World’s Greatest Drum Kits, is a visual journey through the world of rock & jazz drumming, features commentary from drummer, collector, technologist and sound authority David Frangioni and photography from iconic rock photographer Mark Weiss. Drum kits from musicians such as Carl Palmer, Neil Peart, Ringo Starr, Carmine Appice, Buddy Rich, Eric Singer, Keith Moon, Peter Criss, Alex Van Halen, Lars Ulrich, Louie Bellson and many more are pictured in all their well-played glory. With over 60 kits represented, Crash is the ultimate visual guide to the world of rock drumming and the iconic drum sets that defined a genre."

 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Funko Fan Expo Canada 2018 Limited Edition Rush Figurines

Fan Expo Canada is coming to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from August 30th through September 2nd.  One of the Fan Expo's exclusive items is a Rush limited edition set, which will only be available at the show.   For more info visit FanExpoCanada.com. - Thanks to Rosmakloma for the headsup!

A farewell to kings: Canada's Rush really seems to have retired - National Post

Today Canada's National Post published an opinion piece by Colby Cash titled  "A farewell to kings: Canada's Rush really seems to have retired".   Fans around the world are finally getting used to (and supporting) the boys retiring with grace.   Check it out here.

Neil's R40 Drum Kit now on display at Percussive Arts Society in Indianapolis

Yesterday Neil Peart's drum tech Lorne "Gump" Wheaton tweeted:

"Yesterday I set up R40 to be displayed soon at Percussive Arts Society in Indianapolis, IN. It will be there for the next 2 years. Drop by and check it out."

Check out their website at pas.org.

Stewart Copeland Remembers When the Police ‘Threw Bombs’ at Rush

While hosting "Classic Rock Week" on HDNET Movies this week, during a break while airing Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981, drummer Stewart Copeland talked about the time the Police came up as part of the U.K. punk scene and saw Rush as the enemy.

"They're Canadian. They are the best guys on the planet. I don't know if being Canadian has anything to do with it, but Rush are one of the best hangs in show business. Back when my band, the Police, was a struggling punk rock band, just trying to make noise and cause attention and throwing bombs wherever we could. Rush? That's some place where we threw bombs."

"And years later, it turns out Rush - the guys in the band - Neil Peart, is so Canadian that he didn't even mind," he recalls. "And we became really great friends in spite of the fact that we used to criticize his band when we were just trying to get attention. I think he's old and wise and Canadian enough to understand all that. They couldn't be nicer if they were New Zealanders, also a nation that only produces good people." - Thanks to Ultimate Classic Rock for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson guests on Jim McCarty's Walking in the Wild Land

Alex Lifeson makes a guest appearance on the new album by Yardbirds' drummer Jim McCarty titled Walking in the Wild Land.  The album was released March 9th and and can be purchased here.  Produced by long time Rush producer Terry Brown, Alex appears on the track "Soft In A Hard Place" which you can hear below, and in addition, Hugh Syme makes an appearance on the album.

Last month, McCarty talked to MetalExpressRadio.com about the Rush connection that saw Alex Lifeson, Terry Brown and Hugh Syme become involved in his record:

You were able to call on a couple of Toronto residents to help you out. How Alex Lifeson of Rush get involved in your record?
I know the music scene here and have a lot of friends out here. Alex is a big fan of the Yardbirds and Rush did covers of Heart Full of Soul and Shape of Things on their Feedback EP a while ago and he also worked with Terry Brown who produced some of the older albums. Terry thought it'd be a good idea to ask him and Alex thought it'd be a great idea to do it.
Did you work together in the studio on Soft In A Hard Place?
He recorded his parts in his own studio and sent them over.
Did you give him an idea of what you wanted from his contribution or did he pretty much get a free hand?
That's quite a softish song and he put that hard edge into it which worked well with the song. He basically did what he thought would go with the song and I think it turned out great. I'm really happy with it.
Would you like to work with him again in the future?
Well you never know. We're going to get together and have a chat and see where it takes us. I don't know what he's doing now that Rush is finished and he'll probably have his own group but I'll find out when I see him next.
In keeping with the Rush connection, Terry Brown co-produced and mixed the album. What did Terry influence the recording process?
I've known Terry for a while but I was recording with George Koller and Tom Reynolds the keyboard player in the studio and I played some of it to Terry and he took them a little further. He said he'd mix it as he had some ideas of what to do. It was his idea to use the flugel horn on Charmed. He put quite a few touches into it that I really liked.
There's is also ANOTHER Rush connection on your album with Hugh Syme adding keyboards and orchestration to Changing Times, Dancing Leaves and So Many Questions. What you were looking for from him?
It was Terry's idea as I wanted some string parts and he said Hugh was very good at that. Hugh is actually an artist rather than a professional musician and he did a great job. I wanted something quite subtle and he did it just the way that I wanted. Hugh is English and he brought a real English feel to it.

- Thanks to the B-man for the headsup!

Check out Alex Lifeson in a new clip from tomorrow's episode of Crawford

Alex Lifeson guest stars this week on Crawford! And here he is as Cynthia's cereal mogul boss, urging her to 'get on a mission for better nutrition'.  Tomorrow at 9/930NT on CBC!