Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Join Dave Grohl at Taylor Hawkins Tribute - UltimateClassicRock.com

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush performed at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in London, delivering a tight three-song set that felt equal parts like an homage to the fallen drummer as well as their own, the late Neil Peart, who died in January 2020.

"Now if there's one band that I always associated Taylor Hawkins with, it's these next two guys," Dave Grohl told the Wembley Stadium audience. "Taylor got up and played with these two guys once in their hometown of Toronto, Canada. And I have to say, it was not only one of the greatest nights of my life, watching him do that, but perhaps one of the greatest nights of his. So would you please welcome to the stage, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from Rush!"

With Grohl behind the kit, the trio — augmented by multi-instrumentalist and producer Greg Kurstin — launched into a blistering take on the opening overture from the 2112 album. The moment quickly demonstrated that the days of rehearsal they had engaged in leading up to the event had primed them well for the performance.

Following that with "Working Man," the AOR staple plucked from Rush's 1974 self-titled debut, a couple of things became clear. First, Lee and Lifeson delivered an astounding full-length version of the track (despite the evening running long), nearly 50 years after the pair first played it together, with the vocalist and bassist proving that he was in good form on all fronts. The guitarist matched Lee at every turn, playing a dizzying solo as Grohl bashed away in perfect synchronization. Not many drummers can step into Peart's shoes — or would dare to — but the shaggy-haired Foo Fighter pulled it off admirably.

"So, for Alex and I, it's a privilege to be up here to play with Super Dave, and Greg," Lee shared with the crowd. "In 2008, as Dave told you, we got a call from Foos' management, asking if we'd come to the Toronto show and show up so that Taylor could play one of his favorite Rush songs with us. We obliged and that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

"So tonight, in honor of that — and in honor of our own lost brother," Lee added with a reverential pause, acknowledging the formidable absence of Peart, "we'd like to play that song."

With that, they offered a reprise of the moment Hawkins joined them for "YYZ," with former David Bowie drummer Omar Hakim stepping in this time for what became a spirited run through the legendary instrumental classic from the Canadian group. Kurstin handled the signature keyboard parts for the song — a satisfying way to wrap up the emotional tribute.

"Bless you all, bless Taylor," Lee told fans at the conclusion of the song as they exited the stage.

Read More: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson Join Dave Grohl at Taylor Hawkins Tribute

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to perform at the Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson along with a slew of other artists will join the Foo Fighters at the Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts taking place September 3rd in London and September 27th in Los Angeles.  For more info visit https://www.foofighters.com/news/taylor-hawkins-tribute-concerts/

TODAY #TaylorHawkinsTribute

Show begins at 4:30pm BST - You won’t want to miss the start!

Watch live anywhere in the world here: https://lnk.to/MTVYT

 

Alex Lifeson Guest on Aaron Fink's "Dear Universe"

In 2001 Alex Lifeson produced Lifer's debut self titled album. Lifeson has stayed in touch with the band members over the years and Lifer's Aaron Fink has released a new album titled Dear Universe, which includes Alex Lifeson on the track "Forever Is Yours". Check out this interview with Fink talking about the album. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson perform at South Park's 25th Anniversary concerts at Red Rocks

Last night saw the second night of South Park's 25th Anniversary concerts at Red Rocks in Denver, hometown of South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker.  During the concert, a South Park video began featuring an animated Geddy and Alex, before they appeared in person to perform "Closer To The Heart" along with Primus and Matt Stone on drums.  This is the first time Geddy and Alex have appeared on stage performing a Rush song since the final Rush concert in 2015.  Check out the full video of performance below.

Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee guest on "Jack Songs", Jeff Berlin's tribute to Jack Bruce

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appear on bass legend Jeff Berlin's tribute album to Jack Bruce titled Jack Songs, released this past Wednesday and available exclusively via CD or digitally at jeffberlinmusicgroup.com.  Lifeson performs a guitar solo on the Cream medley "Creamed", while Lee performs bass on "Smiles Story and Morning Grins".  

From the press release: "Jack Songs isn't a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack's musical life after Cream. Jack's solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years. In arranging the music, I was inspired by Giles Martin's production of The Beatles Love CD. His production work on this CD is fantastic. I tried to follow his example of his fitting various Beatle song quotes from different tunes into each tune by doing a similar thing by combining different Jack songs. Rather than computerized manipulation of music that was already recorded, I arranged the music so that each song on 'Jack Songs' would end up as an individual work comprised of various parts of other songs in them. I never would have thought of this without Giles showing me this path." - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson appears in "The Breach"

Alex Lifeson appears in the upcoming horror film The Breach, releasing this month in Canada. Lifeson appears in the film's trailer. 

"Based on the novel by Nick Cutter (The Troop) and screenplay written by Cutter and Ian Weir, THE BREACH tells the story of John Hawkins, counting down his last days as Chief of Police in the tiny town of Lone Crow nestled deep in the desolate woods of Northern Ontario. But when a mangled body with uncanny wounds washes up on the shores of the Porcupine River, he’s pulled into a horrific mystery that defies comprehension. Hawkins and coroner Jacob Redgrave suspect the mis figured body is that of theoretical physicist Cole Parsons, also known as the 'The Electromagnetic Czar of the University of Tulsa', who recently disappeared. The two investigators enlist Meg Full bright, local charter boat captain and Hawkins’ former beau, to take them to the place where Parsons was last seen alive. There, they find a house haunted by secrets: an eerie presence moves through the rooms, and in the attic sits a bizarre machine cobbled together from junk parts and electrical wire... a device with a will of its own."

"An All-Star Tribute To Rush" tribute collection now available

Magna Carta Records is reissuing all the content from its previous releases, Working Man (1996), Subdivisions (2005) and New World Man (2010), as an all inclusive 2 CD set, An All Star Tribute To Rush, on June 24th.  (Curiously, only one track from the previous three releases, Didacts and Narpets, is not included in this set).  Click here to order An All Star Tribute To Rush.

"Iconic vocalists and venerated musicians come together on this bombastic tribute to prog rock superstars RUSH. The collection contains unique interpretations of tracks from throughout RUSH's stellar career, including their biggest hits "Tom Sawyer", "Spirit Of The Radio", "Working Man", "Red Barchetta" and many more. It features performances by Sebastian Bach (SKID ROW), Steve Morse (DEEP PURPLE), James LaBrie (DREAM THEATER), Stu Hamm (JOE SATRIANI), Andreas Kisser (SEPULTURA), Jani Lane (WARRANT), Alex Skolnick (TESTAMENT), Kip Winger (WINGER), FATES WARNING, Billy Sheehan (MR. BIG), Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), Jack Russell (GREAT WHITE), John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER), Jake E. Lee (OZZY OSBOURNE), George Lynch (DOKKEN) and more."

 - Thanks to Ed @ Rushisaband for the headsup!

Clockwork Destiny, the final volume in the Clockwork Angels novel series, now available

Clockwork Destiny, the third and final volume in the New York Times–bestselling, award-winning steampunk trilogy by Kevin J. Anderson and legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart, is now available.   Originally slated for release April 5, 2022, author Kevin J. Anderson let it be known "Due to supply-chain problems, @ECWPress" the book was pushed back and finally released June 14".  Click here to order.

In Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, readers met the optimistic young hero Owen Hardy, as well as the more reluctant adventurer Marinda Peake, in an amazing world of airships and alchemy, fantastic carnivals and lost cities. Now Owen Hardy, retired and content in his quiet, perfect life with the beautiful Francesca, is pulled into one last adventure with his eager grandson Alain. This final mission for the Watchmaker will take them up to the frozen lands of Ultima Thule and the ends of the Earth. Marinda Peake must undertake a mission of her own, not only to compile the true life story of the mysterious Watchmaker, but also to stop a deadly new group of anarchists. The Clockwork trilogy is based on the story and lyrics from the last album of musical titans Rush, with Anderson and Peart expanding the world, stories, and characters. The two developed the final novel in the trilogy in the last years of Peart’s life, and more than a year after his passing, Anderson returned to that unfinished project, with the full support of Peart’s wife, bringing Owen and Marinda’s stories to a satisfying and stirring conclusion.

"Rush - The Complete Scores" - Hal Leornard music - now available

Rush - The Complete Scores, featuring the full musical transcription from Hal Leonard music and lyrics from 40 Rush songs is now available.  Originally scheduled for a July 24th release, the book was moved up to April 22nd.  Order here.

Few bands have built as dedicated following as Rush did in their over 40 years together. These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees were some of the most influential, innovative, and talented musicians this world has ever seen. Our deluxe set pays tribute to their legacy for all fans and musicians to treasure for years to come. This hardcover collection features full transcriptions of every instrument, every note, every lyric, and every nuance of 40 Rush classics. Beautifully packaged in a protective sturdy slip case. Songs include: Animate • Anthem • Bastille Day • The Big Money • Caravan • Circumstances • Closer to the Heart • Distant Early Warning • Driven • Entre Nous • A Farewell to Kings • Fly by Night • Force Ten • Freewill • The Garden • Jacob's Ladder • La Villa Strangiato • Lakeside Park • Leave That Thing Alone • Limelight • The Main Monkey Business • Malignant Narcissism • Natural Science • New World Man • One Little Victory • A Passage to Bangkok • Presto • Red Barchetta • Show Don't Tell • The Spirit of Radio • Subdivisions • Test for Echo • Time Stand Still • Tom Sawyer • The Trees • 2112-I Overture • 2112-II the Temples of Syrinx • Where's My Thing • Working Man • Xanadu • YYZ.

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

"Moving Pitchers" EP by Charlie Benante coming for Record Store Day - April 23, 2022

This Saturday is Record Store Day, and although there is no official Rush item in the mix, Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante is releasing an EP titled Moving Pitchers, which includes his covers of “Subdivisions”, “Red Barchetta” “Freewill”, “La Villa Strangiato”, “YYZ”. Check it out here. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Edition now available

The 40th Anniversary Edition of Moving Pictures is now available.  The set is available in multiple formats: the basic 3CD and/or 5LP Deluxe Editions feature the original album along with the complete, previously unreleased Toronto concert from March 25, 1981.  A Super Deluxe boxset is also available containing all cd's, lps, a blu-ray containing the first-ever Dolby Atmos & new 5.1 surround album mix as well as multiple videos, and more.   Click here to order:

3CD: https://amzn.to/3hmXnGG
5LP: https://amzn.to/3IqEtdL
Super Deluxe: https://amzn.to/3sp2igv

"Celebrating 40 years of Moving Pictures with a Super Deluxe boxset fully loaded for fans! The 2015 album remaster is on CD 1 for the first time. CDs 2 & 3 feature the complete, unreleased Toronto concert from March 25, 1981. All vinyl has been cut half-speed Direct-To-Metal Mastering for the first time ever on five 180-gram audiophile LPs. Blu-ray Audio disc presents the first-ever Dolby Atmos & new 5.1 surround album mix including the brand-new video for “YYZ” + 3 music videos for “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight” & “Vital Signs.” Hugh Syme brilliantly created brand new, stunning 40th anniversary artwork with new illustrations for each song, all showcased in the 44-page hardcover book alongside liner notes by Kim Thayil, Les Claypool, Taylor Hawkins, Bill Kelliher and Neil Sanderson. Exclusive collectibles include a Red Barchetta model car, Neil Peart signature MP40 drumsticks, two metal guitar picks – each with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson’s signatures engraved, 1981 Moving Pictures replica tour program, MP40 enamel pin, 3D lenticular “Moving Pictures” motion litho, 18”x24” Toronto 1981 concert poster, Toronto concert replica ticket, 12”x36” Rush 1973-1981 poster, YYZ luggage tag, an All Access World Tour ‘81 insert, and 6 printed lyric sheets originally hand-drawn by Neil Peart – all housed in a premium lift-top box."

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson - House of Stombo interview

To commemorate the release of the 40th Anniversary release of Moving Pictures, the Strombo Show presents Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush in a sit down interview in Toronto for House Of Strombo.

 

Envy of None - now available

"Envy of None", the new album by Alex Lifeson, Andy Curran, Alf Annibalini and vocalist Maiah Wynne, is now available.  Click here to order.

“Andy approached me about four years ago, shortly after the last Rush tour, about adding some guitar on some of the things he was doing. I did that. A few months later, he sent another one, and did that. Then we started getting more serious, and then we found a great singer, Maiah Wynne. So we’ve basically done an album’s worth of material. I’m really excited about that.” - Alex Lifeson, GuitarWorld.com

"I'm someone who has a lot of ideas and I love this project because it was challenging to make the guitar sound like it wasn't a guitar. That was a cool concept for me. I'm sure that some Rush fans might be disappointed - maybe not - but if they're expecting me to be Alex Lifeson of Rush rather than Alex Lifeson, songwriter, then they might be disappointed." - Alex Lifeson, Toronto Sun, April 3, 2022

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Remember Taylor Hawkins: ‘A True Artist to His Very Core’

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson remembered Taylor Hawkins in a pair of poignant social media posts Saturday, hours after the Foo Fighters drummer’s death at the age of 50.

Hawkins and Dave Grohl together delivered the induction speech when the prog-rock legends were welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Foo Fighters duo then performed “2112” alongside Rush during the Rock Hall ceremony.

“We are so very shocked and saddened to hear the devastating news of the sudden passing of our musical brother Taylor Hawkins,” Lee and Lifeson wrote Saturday.

“He was such an incredibly positive source of music, energy and love, and a true artist to his very core…there are simply no words to adequately express just how much he will be missed by all – including Alex, myself and the entire Rush family. Our hearts, love and sympathy go out to Taylor’s family as well the Grohls, and the extended Foos family…”

In a separate post on his personal Instagram account, Lee wrote about the time he joined the Foo Fighters onstage during a concert in Rush’s hometown in Toronto. - Rollingstone.com, March 27, 2022

Geddy Lee guest appearing on CBC's Murdoch Mysteries Monday, March 21

Yesterday CBC's Murdoch Mysteries announced that Geddy Lee will be appearing on next week's episode, on Monday, March 21st, on CBC and CBC Gem.  Their Twitter feed included a teaser video which includes a short clip of Geddy in a speaking role. 

Alex Lifeson auctioning off over 60 vintage guitars and other memoribiliia May 20-22

Alex Lifeson is auctioning off "over 60 vintage guitars and other career memorabilia", including his white Gibson ES-355TD, his Hentor Sportscaster, and more, with Julian's Auctions May 20th, 21st and 22nd, live from New York City's Hard Rock Cafe and online at JuliensAuctions.com.  

"Part of our “Music Icons” auction happening on May 20th, 21st and 22nd, “Property From The Archives of Alex Lifeson” will feature over 60 vintage guitars and other career memorabilia from the personal collection Alex Lifeson, the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist and co-founder of Rush. One of the greatest rock groups of all time, selling more than 40 million records worldwide during the band’s four-decade history" 

Visit Julian's Auctions for details.

The world premiere of the official music video for “YYZ”

Check out the world premiere of the official music video for “YYZ” from Moving Pictures created by Fantoons, and be sure to stay tuned through the very end! 

 

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has a new band. Meet their talented singer - AI.com

Today Alex Lifeson's new band Envy of None launched their new single, "Look Inside" which you can view below.  In addition, AI.com published a fantastic new interview with singer Maiah Wynne which you can check out here.

Grapes for Humanity’s ‘Gift of Sight’ RUSH Limited-Edition Curated Deborah Samuel Collection Sale

Grapes for Humanity is pleased to announce the ‘Gift of Sight’ online sale of three alternate front album covers, three alternate back album covers, and twelve alternate interior album art photographs of both Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee taken from the original ‘Moving Pictures’ photo shoot. Funds raised will support the Genius 100 Himalayan Cataract Project. The collection will offered to the public starting on December 16th, 2021. Click here for details.

Rush Pinball coming via Stern Pinball

Stern Pinball, Inc. proudly announces a new line of pinball machines celebrating the iconic Canadian progressive rock band, Rush. Rush pinball machines are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE) models.

Rush first burst onto the scene when its song, Working Man, crossed the pirate radio airwaves from Toronto, Canada to Cleveland, Ohio and then onto the rest of North America and the world. Their magnum opus, 2112, represents one of progressive rock’s greatest works. Rush’s music remains in constant rotation to this day. Absolutely uncompromising in every conceivable way, the band featured bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and the late drummer, percussionist, and lyricist Neil Peart.

Stern’s Rush pinball machines, reflect the energy, excitement, and experience of a live Rush concert. In this epic music pinball adventure, players will travel with Rush through time.

Immersed in exclusive Rush concert footage and guided by custom speech from Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and fellow Canadian Rock Hall of Famer, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, players will experience Rush and their iconic music as never before. This Rush pinball concert under glass features sixteen iconic songs, accentuated by sound and lighting effects. Songs include Headlong Fight, Far Cry, One Little Victory, Working Man, 2112, Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio, Freewill, Cygnus X-1 (Book One: The Voyage and Book Two: Hemispheres), The Big Money, Subdivisions, Limelight, Fly By Night, La Villa Strangiato, Bastille Day, and Red Barchetta.

Rush pinball machines include Stern’s new Insider Connected™ system, which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of players in a variety of ways. Stern Insider Connected provides dynamic entertainment and player engagement features. Insider Connected also provides an operator focused toolset to drive location play and remotely manage every aspect of the machines. Registration for Insider Connected is available at insider.sternpinball.com/.

Travel back in time with Rush by shooting pinballs through a custom sculpted, electromagnetic Time Machine. Players will explore Red Barchetta, Subdivisions, and Fly By Night Multiball action. The Rush Premium and LE model pinball experience includes a motorized ramp with custom lighting effects and a custom sculpted Clockwork Angels Clock, inspired from Neil Peart’s bass drum from their Time Machine Tour. This motorized clock illuminates, and when it strikes midnight players will be transported to a Headlong Fight Multiball frenzy.

Additional features on the Premium and LE models include a custom subway system, locking pinballs to unleash a high energy Far Cry Multiball. The ‘Dead End’ vertical upkicker propels pinballs up an additional wireform ramp return for non-stop pinball action. As an encore, a three-bank of musical drop targets guard a secret ball lock for players to discover an adrenalized Freewill Multiball to continue their musical pinball journey.

Limited to 1,000 LE machines globally, the highly collectible LE version includes the Expression Lighting System™. With 96 intelligent RGB LEDs, the Expression Lighting System enables full color spectrum control. Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events. The LE version also includes an exclusive full color mirrored backglass inspired by Clockwork Angels, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high gloss and powder-coated guitar-shaped pinball armor, a custom designer-autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Stern Chairman and CEO Gary Stern.

“Partnering with Rush, we created a musical pinball experience that every fan will want to explore. Incredible music, memorable toys, unique mechanical pinball action, and custom speech will make players feel like they are on tour with the band,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO. “In memory of Neil Peart, we have also decided to support the Neil Peart Research Award sponsored by the Glioblastoma Foundation as it researches cures for this deadly brain cancer.”

Rush pinball machines will be showcased virtually to the press and public for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 5th – 8th.

Rush pinball machines and accessories are available now through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world. - Rush.com, January 4, 2022

Stern Pinball shared some behind the scenes footage from Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and fellow Canadian Rock Hall of Famer, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies studio session.