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Rush Reunion at Superstar Birthday Party/Alex Jams with Extreme
"U.S. Protests Mexi-Canadian Overpass"
"U.S. Protests Mexi-Canadian Overpass", detailing the building of an overpass from Mexico to Canada which bypasses the U.S. One U.S. citizen complains "the honking, the chickens, the sound of thousands of cars going back and forth to Canada and Mexico is more than I can take. I can hear those goddamn radios blaring Mariachi music and Rush all day and night." - The Onion, May 15, 2002
Coming Soon: Rush.com
With little fanfare but after a long legal battle, Rush has won the rights to www.rush.com from cybersquatter Bob Ames.
"Work is being completed on the official Rush website www.rush.com and it will have all the bells and whistles. You'll find tour dates, streaming music, words from the guys, and more!" - Rush Backstage Club, April 5, 2002
Alex Lifeson's "Andromeda"
Alex Lifeson composed and performed the theme music for the first season of Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda, the Star Trek creator's final series which premiered the week of Oct. 2, 2000. The theme is now available as the opening song of the Andromeda soundtrack album. It is rumored that star/executive producer Kevin Sorbo (of Hercules fame) never liked the theme, and was behind changing the theme after the first season. "It all began when co-executive producer Robert Hewitt Wolfe was talking to executive story editor Ethlie Ann Vare, a former rock journalist (Hollywood Reporter, E! Entertainment Television, ROCK magazine). He said that the top band on his wish-list to do music for Andromeda would be Rush. Inspired, Vare made some strategically-placed calls. Since Alex Lifeson is as big a science fiction lover as some science fiction fans are Rush lovers, he seemed a good fit for the job. Lifeson composed and performed the Andromeda theme, 'March of the High Guard'. Lifeson created the whole piece in his home studio, overdubbing an astonishing 20,000 guitars for a sound quite unlike any other main title theme on television." - www.andromedatv.com, Aug. 2000.
"The strongest composition on this collection is actually Alex Lifeson's invigorating 'Season One Main Title.' The cue lasts for only 59 seconds, but it packs a punch that, for the most part, is lacking throughout the rest of the CD...With the exception of Lifeson's lone contribution, the 25 cues on the collection are all written and played by Matthew McCauley...While McCauley's artificial Andromeda arias are invariably expressive, his tunes are also consistently mediocre and, in many respects, surprisingly rough-edged." - Scifi.com Review
Dave Bidini "The Sweet Rush Of Adolescence"
In The Sweet Rush Of Adolescence, a touching article by The Rheostatic's frontman Dave Bidini, Dave reminisces about his teenage years and "Rush, the first band with which I was truly obsessed with", changing tastes while growing up, and eventually recording with hero Neil Peart in 1992 for the Rheostatic's album Whale Music:
"The Barenaked Ladies were there, too; they'd laid in their background vocal to 'California Dreamline' earlier in the day and together we watched Neil warm up, a chimeric figure in his beaded African hat under the low studio lights. Head lowered, torso centered, feet kicking, his hands glancing over the drums, Neil played all afternoon. His touch was soft when it had to be, but propulsive, too, like a distance runner tugging the flow of blood to his heart. It's one thing to see your hero perform from a distant seat in Maple Leaf Gardens, but it's something else to feel close to his work, as I did that day. At one time in my life, I'd dreamed of what it would be like to simply attend a Rush concert, and there I was at the studio, not 20 feet from where he was crafting a part for a song that would appear on our album....As Neil commanded his kit, he painted my adolescence before me, evoking everything about it." - Dave Bidini, Toronto Star, January 6, 2002
Rocket Science "Foolscap"
The long awaited debut album from Rocket Science, Foolscap, was released October 9th, from Sonic Unyon Records. Foolscap was co-produced and recorded by Geddy Lee in his home studio, and includes his nephew Rob Higgins on bass and vocals. Geddy also provided backing vocal on "Space Suit" (previously available on Rocket Sciences' 5 song EP)."It is rock, rock with a kind of technical edge to it. I have a home studio and we have been working here and gone into the smaller studios around town to do some sessions now and again. It has been fun for me and I think fun for them as well." - Geddy Lee, JAM! Showbiz, Jan. 18, 2000The album is available in most Canadian retail record stores, but is only available outside Canada via mail order at this time. To order, send a check or money order for $15.49 (Canadian) or $10 (US) payable to Rocket Science, to 54 Phoebe St., Toronto, ON, Canada M5T1A9. - Rocket Science Online
Chronicles DVD Now Available
Geddy Lee September 2001 "Guitar Center" Interview
Alex Lifeson Produces Lifer
Produced by Alex Lifeson, the eponymous second album by the band Lifer was released August 14th. An edited version (minus explicit lyrics) is also available. Lifer (formerly 'Driver'; formerly 'Strangers With Candy') landed a six-album record deal with Universal/Republic Records after winning first-place in February 2001's MTV Ultimate Cover Band Contest.Regarding their choice of producer, guitarist Aaron Fincke said, "We wanted a player, rather than just a standard producer," and said that the band expects to "sell a couple hundred thousand more copies" of their album because of Lifeson's reputation as a musician and performer. "We can only do so much with our songs, but he helped to clean up all of them." - The Crusader Online (Susquehanna University Newspaper), November 17, 2000.
Geddy Lee's "My Favorite Headache"
"Following more than a quarter-century of success with Rush - including 22 albums, all certified RIAA gold-or-better, with cumulative worldwide sales of over 35 million - My Favorite Headache finds Lee joined in the studio by guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Ben Mink and drummer Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden). The album's 11 diverse new Lee compositions were co-written with Mink (best known for his collaborations with k.d. lang [webmaster note: better known to Rush fans for Mink's electric violin on Signal's "Losing It", also as a member of "FM" who toured with Rush in the early 80's]). This landmark recording sees Lee taking on a number of instruments - along with his bass and vocal duties - including piano, guitar, percussion, and various programming elements. Recorded in Seattle, Vancouver, and Toronto, the album was produced by Lee, Mink, and renowned studio whiz David Leonard (Santana, Barenaked Ladies, Prince), and also features drummer Jeremy Taggart (Our Lady Peace) on one track." - Atlantic Records/Geddy Lee Newsletter, September 19, 2000
RUSH Makes VH-1'S 100 Greatest Artitsts Of Rock
Rush was voted as #28 on the five part/five hour program hosted by Carmen Electra which aired in mid-November. During the program, Rush was supported with comments by Vinnie Paul, Vernon Reid and Sebastian Bach:
"My first impression of Rush was "God On Drums." Neil Peart... I mean everything he did was unbelievable. And you can't forget Geddy and Alex man. God... great great band." - Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
"Musically... you know they've carved an incredible niche. They've created their own language." - Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
Sebastian Bach (Skid Row): "I actually proposed to my wife because of one of their songs...um...and I heard these words and it just kind of....{slapping himself}....it kind of slapped me back into reality and I went back and put the ring on her finger cause of... cause of a Rush song."
Rush Quoted In Esquire To Inspire Votes
Neil Peart Remarries, Rush To Record In Early 2001
"Peart tied the knot with photographer Carrie Nuttall in a small private ceremony Sept. 9 in Montecito, Calif., near Santa Barbara. The couple is planning a larger reception for Oct. 8, also in Southern California, the bride's home region. Peart has been on a long hiatus from Rush since the death of his daughter in a car accident in 1997 and the loss of his wife to cancer less than a year later. The drummer is now expected to re-join bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in a Toronto studio early in 2001..." - CDNOW, Sep. 20, 2000
US Congress Debates Coolness Of Rush
"Washington, DC - Continuing its long-running debate on the subject Monday, members of Congress argued the merits of Canadian power trio Rush. 'The philosopher and the plowman, each must play his part?' asked House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-TX). 'C'mon. Neil Peart must be the most pretentious lyricist in arena-rock history. Gentlemen, forget these bloated, overrated '70s dinosaurs.' Countered longtime Rush loyalist Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR): 'Keep talking, man, the tunes say it all: 'Passage To Bangkok'? 'By-Tor And The Snow Dog'? That part in 'Red Barchetta' where [Rush bassist/vocalist] Geddy [Lee] sings about the gleaming alloy aircar shooting toward him two lanes wide? Look me in the eye and tell me that doesn't rock, motherfucker!' The deliberations are expected to continue throughout the week." - The Onion, vol.36, issue 27, August 9, 2000. The Onion is a nationally syndicated news parody, via print, radio, and internet media.
Rage Against The Machine Choose Not To Cover "Working Man"
"Among contenders to be recorded for inclusion on the album include Dylan's 'Maggie's Farm,' Eric B. and Rakim's 'Microphone Fiend,' EPMD's 'I'm Housin',' the Rolling Stone's 'Street Fighting Man,' Devo's 'Beautiful World,' and Rush's 'Working Man'..." - CDNOW, July 27, 2000
Alex Lifeson on "The Dexters: Hip To The Tip - Live At The Orbit Room"
Band Of The Century
"It's official, Rush is the most important Canadian band of the century, according to JAM! readers. Results of an online poll conducted during the final weeks of 1999 gave the power trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart an early lead that was never relinquished. The only real challenge to Rush's dominance came in recent weeks, when the death of The Band's bassist Rick Danko seemed to fortify support for the group, pushing them to within three points of Rush. To indicate how strong recent voting has been for The Band, consider that at one point, Rush had a two-to-one lead over their nearest competition in the voting. As of New Year's Eve, Rush finished with 22 percent of the vote, followed by The Band with 19 percent. The Tragically Hip, who treated fans to a surprise concert at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto before hosting a large slate of groups at the Air Canada Centre on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, finished third with 13 percent." - JAM! Showbiz, Dec. 31, 1999
"I would say this kind of recognition, especially when it comes along during a period of inactivity from a band point of view, that you get a real charge out of something like that. It makes you feel really good, because it makes you realize something you've done with your life has had some effect. I just like to thank our fans for being as amazing as they have been all these years ... I count my blessings." - Geddy Lee, JAM! Showbiz, Jan. 18, 2000
"I would say this kind of recognition, especially when it comes along during a period of inactivity from a band point of view, that you get a real charge out of something like that. It makes you feel really good, because it makes you realize something you've done with your life has had some effect. I just like to thank our fans for being as amazing as they have been all these years ... I count my blessings." - Geddy Lee, JAM! Showbiz, Jan. 18, 2000
Canadian Walk Of Fame
Rush was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame outside Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall on Thursday, May 27th.
Alex and Geddy were on hand, although all four members (past and present) intended on being present. Neil chose not to go at the last second, and out of respect for Neil, John Rutsey did not attend either. Thanks to Rob Miceli for the photos! - May 27, 1999.
Alex and Geddy were on hand, although all four members (past and present) intended on being present. Neil chose not to go at the last second, and out of respect for Neil, John Rutsey did not attend either. Thanks to Rob Miceli for the photos! - May 27, 1999.
Sammy Hagar Biography Would Have Questioned Rush Manager's Loyalties
A chapter in a book about the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, to have been published later this month, detailed the alleged circumstances resulting in his leaving Van Halen. These circumstances involved their hiring of long time Rush manager, Ray Danniels, who has managed Rush since their debut album. The book has been put on hold, as Sammy Hagar won an injunction preventing its release and Ray Danniel's reportedly threatened the author with lawsuits. Click here for more.
Rush Awarded "Order Of Canada"
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