Billy Corgan expresses the ongoing inspiration of Rush

It's no secret that Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins) is a Rush fan.  He is a self proclaimed "fanboy", and besides expressing his love of the band in Beyond The Lighted Stage, spoke at Rush's Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony.

In a new interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Corgan discusses how "his inspirations are now bands that continue to make music but without artistic pretense, such as Neil Young, Iggy Pop, and particularly Rush. He says the Canadian rock giants have taught him that 'the right way to get older is no apologies, do your thing, and when you get out there, you can still walk off the stage feeling you’re one of the best at what you do.  You don’t feel they’re leaving anything on the table or phoning it in,' he says. 'That’s the spirit that made you love them in the first place.'”  Check out the full interview here. - Thanks to David Cooper for the headsup!

"Alex Lifeson On John Wesley" in Guitar Player, October 2014 issue

The new October issue of Guitar Player magazine (featuring Slash on the cover) includes a major feature on John Wesley (Porcupine Tree) titled "Dose Of Reality; John Wesley's No-Holds-Barred Rock Reflections".  Wesley's new album, Disconnect (cd/itunes), includes a guest appearance by Alex Lifeson on the track "Once A Warrior".  The Guitar Player feature includes the sidebar "Alex Lifeson On John Wesley" written by Alex himself. - Thanks to Anil Prasad for the headsup!

Rush Referenced Again on FX's "The Bridge"

As explained in my previous update, the season premier of FX's "The Bridge" (aired July 9) included a scene where Daniel (Matthew Lillard), goes to see his AA sponsor Gary (Brian Baumgartner) who is wearing a Grace Under Pressure t-shirt and the two discuss Rush. 

In the followup episode "Lamia" (aired August 20), Daniel is at his apartment (wearing the Grace Under Pressure shirt from the previous episode) with Gary (who is wearing a Rush explosion t-shirt), doing cocaine and listening to "The Spirit of Radio".

- Thanks to everyone who alerted me, and to RushIsABand for the sceenshot.

Alex Lifeson in His Own Words - Gibson.com

Today is Alex Lifeson's 61st birthday!  Take a break from celebrating and check out Gibson.com's "Alex Lifeson in His Own Words", a collection of "what Alex has said over the years about his guitar craft and worldview to other websites and magazines. Words of wisdom, wit and fun." - Thanks to Kevin Nash for the headsup!

Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell Talks Peart in new Guitar Player Interview

In a new interview with GuitarPlayer.com posted last Tuesday, Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell talks about his collaborations with Neil Peart and their ongoing friendship:

"Recording with Neil Peart, the legend, is actually just like recording with Neil Peart, one of your best friends. He’s one of my favorite human beings. But what you quickly realize with Neil is that he’s just a guy who has a job, and he’s really good at his job. When we were doing our last record, Burning the Days, he and I decided to try to write a song together. It was a song called 'Even Now' and it went really well and he ended up playing drums on it. On Echoes From The Underground he plays on 'Instamatic' and 'South for the Winter.' One thing people might not realize about Neil’s drumming is how much he plays for the singer. It’s uncanny how sensitive he is to the voice. He wants to build you up as a singer and build up the vocal performance. As the singer in the band, it’s really incredible to hear him propel me forward and raise me up. 'Instamatic,' to me, is one of the greatest performances of his incredible career. It’s a master class in rock drumming and I was thrilled beyond belief to have him appear on our record."

Kevin J. Anderson announces new Anthology of Rush Short Stories

Kevin J. Anderson announced on Saturday that he will be putting together an anthology of Rush-based stories he will be coediting with John McFetridge for ECW (publishers of Clockwork Angels). "We have a gang of award-winning and bestselling authors already lined up to contribute stories based on Rush songs". In addition, he will be writing a novella called "2113". 

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - August 2014

Neil Peart has updated his website with the latest edition of News, Weather & Sports titled "Magnetic Mirages".  Neil tells us of his detailed visits to the Channel Islands off the California coast this past spring on Michael Mosbach's boat, the SS Obtuse.

Geddy Lee's ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Geddy Lee of accepts "Les Claypool"'s ice bucket challenge - and in The Spirit of the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, puts it forward to musician Ed Robertson of BNL, actor Jay Baruchel and baseball legend Randy Johnson.

Don't forget to donate!
http://www.alsa.org/

"The Stoic Wisdom of Neil Peart" - Progarchy.com

Progarchy.com has posted the essay "The Stoic Wisdom of Neil Peart", a thoughtful analysis on how Neil's lyrics follow the teachings of Stoicism.  Without knowing it I think I'm a Stoic!

Neil Peart to participate in Music Radar's Drum Expo 2014

Music Radar has announced that Neil Peart will participate in the Drum Expo 2014, which will go live this Wednesday and Thursday.  The Expo will feature a number of online interviews, drum lessons and more from a some of rock's biggest drummers including Rush's Neil Peart.  Visit Music Radar for details.

"Rush: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Excellence" by Robert Freedman

Robert Freedman, author of the Rush Vault website, is a journalist and communications professional who has just announced the publication of his book Rush: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Excellence.  The book is Freedman's analysis of the Aristotelian philosophy embedded in Rush's lyrics over their 40-year recording career, and can be purchased directly from the publisher here.

"Rush is often referred to as a libertarian rock band, but really what the band is channeling is an Aristotelian individualism, a philosophy that strongly resonates with today's 40-somethings. This helps explain the band's resurgence in popularity, culminating in its 2013 induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 'Rush: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Excellence' brings together the excitement of the band's progressive music, performed by three musicians whose mastery of their instruments has won them the admiration of their peers, and the surprising philosophical sophistication of their music's lyrics.  The book is a systematic look at the Aristotelian philosophy embedded in the band's lyrics over its 40-year recording career.

Although the topic of the book is academic, the writing is sharp, down-to-earth, and leavened with a dry wit. Anyone interested in the band's music, popular culture, and philosophical ideas simply explained will enjoy this entertaining and thought-provoking work.

As a cultural phenomenon, Rush is worthy of serious study, and although other books have looked at the philosophical character of the band's music, this is the first time the music over the band's entire 40-year career is demonstrated to fall under a single, unified theory: Aristotelian individualism.

Even readers who have pored over earlier books on Rush will enjoy this unifying theme. 'Rush, Rock Music and the Middle Class' (by Chris McDonald), says Rush is an avatar of middle class values. While the work ethic and value structure of the middle class is part of the band's philosophy, that is just a subset of the band's Aristotelianism, as shown by Robert Freedman here. The unified Aristotelian philosophy is also different from what's discussed in 'Rush and Philosophy' (edited by Durrell Bowman and Jim Berti) looks at the band's music through multiple philosophical filters and no attempt is made to look at the music through a single, unifying lens. Another book that studies Rush lyrics, 'Mystic Rhythms' (Carol Selby Price ad Robert M. Price), provides an interpretation of selected lyrics but does not systematically look at any philosophy. Rather, it approaches the lyrics as literary analysis and provides no overarching theoretical framework."

For more info, visit the author's book page here. - Thanks Robert for the headsup!

“Clockwork Angels” Comic Book #4 of 6 now available

The fourth of the six part Clockwork Angels comic book series is released today, August 6th.  The standard comic store cover series can be ordered directly from Boom! Studios at this link, and the limited edition cover featuring key lyrics from Rush songs that are tied to the comic is also available via BOOM! Studios as well as the Rush Backstage Club.

Rush 40th Anniversary Reissue Box Set Nominated for Prog's "Storm Thorgerson Grand Design Award"

Rush have been nominated for an award at this year’s Prog Awards in the following category: STORM THORGERSON GRAND DESIGN AWARD, for the Rush 40th Anniversary Reissue Box Set.

This year the Awards take place at the prestigious Underglobe beneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, on Thursday September 11.

Voting closes Friday, August 8th... you can vote via the website here: http://awards.prog.teamrock.com

Rush Featured in Prog's "100 Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time"

Today Prog magazine shared the fact that on Wednesday the latest issue of Prog magazine is coming out, featuring the 100 Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time - as chosen by the readers and a host of prog stars. As you can see, Hemispheres, 2112 and Moving Pictures are pictured on the cover!

Pop Culture References Update - August 2014

It's time for the latest round up of Rush References in Pop Culture!

• Chipotle's "Recipe For The Perfect Fountain Drink" by Bill Hader, introduced May 15, 2014. Part of Chipotle restaurant's "Cultivating Thought" author series featuring original essays by various luminaries, Hader's recipe includes "1 drum solo from 'YYZ' (Rush) of Sprite."
• Forty minutes into the Lifetime network film Return To Zero which aired May 17th, this conversation takes place at a bar between Aaron (Paul Adelstein) and his coworker Dana (Sarah Jones):
  

  Dana: "3 beers and you are already sloppy. You're not getting laid tonight." Aaron: "Poor Geddy Lee." Dana: "Who's Geddy Lee?" Aaron: "The lead singer of Rush...He is also head of the rhythm section of my personal humpty-hump band." Dana: "Hmmm... Poor little Geddy Lee." Aaron: "He's not little. He's of average to maybe above average height." Dana: "I'm sure he'll be able to lay some sweet beats down once the band gets back together." Aaron: "Jesus Christ ... he's the bassist."

• Playing House, the USA Network television series, aired May 20, 2014.  During the episode "Drumline" (Season 1, Episode 5), Maggie attends her high school drumline reunion where she reconnects with an old crush that she and her friend Emma refer to as the guy "in the Rush t-shirt", and he is later shown wearing a Fly By Night t-shirt. The girls end up getting arrested and when Rush t-shirt guy picks them up from jail in his van Maggie is now wearing the Rush t-shirt. In the final scene of the episode "Limelight" is heard.
• Tapas & Beijos (Slaps & Kisses), April 5, 2011 - present. In this Brazilian sit-com, a Snakes & Arrows-era Rush poster can be seen on the back wall of actor Fabio Assuncao's apartment.
• The Bridge, the FX television series, aired July 9th.  In the season 2 premiere of this police drama (watch it here), Daniel (Matthew Lillard), goes to see his AA sponsor (Brian Baumgartner) who is wearing a Rush Grace Under Pressure t-shirt, and the following conversation takes place:

Daniel: "Rush? Really?" Sponsor: "Yeah - I like Rush. So what?" Daniel: "Are you Canadian?" Sponsor: "No. I'm just a fan." Daniel: "Do you like them when you're sober? I mean that's impressive. I mean 2112 is an okay album but" Sponsor: "Hemispheres dude?!" Daniel: "Hemispheres is like...ok it's fine...I may be buzzed now but tomorrow I'll be sober and you sir, will still be a Rush fan."

• Coincidence? A recent astronomical discovery is a red star called "HV 2112"! 
• In the new television program titled Rush, during the episode "Don't Ask Me Why" (season 1, episode 2, aired July 24, 2014), Dr. Rush attends an MMA figher who asks, "So, Rush like the band?" to which he replies "Sure, like the band."
• And finally, on June 1st the Netflix original program Trailer Park Boys: Live in Fu**in' Dublin was released. After Bubbles, Ricky and Julian recreate and lip synch Rush's classic video for "Closer To The Heart", Bubbles learns he won a Rush internet contest to determine their greatest fan when Alex Lifeson sends a video confirming Bubbles and three friends will be flown to Dublin in Rush's jet to see the band. The movie later includes a partial live performance by Bubbles of "Closer to the Heart" and "Limelight", and during the credits Rush's original video for "Closer to the Heart" plays along side the Trailer Park Boys lip synch version.

Click here for our complete list of Rush references in Pop Culture.

- Thanks to sgtgaratty, Chris Branch, Sami Mandelbaum, Nicole Wiesinger, Jeff Lucas and RushIsABand for the headsup!

Lee and Lifeson to be honoured with a Toronto park

Update, August 2: "Limelight for Rush: Toronto rockers get a park named in their honour" - Toronto Star, August 2, 2014

“I know my mom is very happy!” frontman Geddy Lee told the Toronto Star.  “We met with the park architects and were really impressed with the thought and plans they have for it,” Lee said. 

Early designs for the area include art installations, a collaborative performance space and even a small bandshell for “acoustic concerts,” according to Willowdale Councillor John Filion, who first hatched the tribute plan two years ago.

“I was standing around one night with a fellow music lover trying to think of somebody who had grown up in Willowdale who was a famous artist or musician,” Filion said. “We both came up with the name Geddy Lee almost simultaneously.”

The councillor contacted Lee with the idea, and he immediately got on board — albeit with one condition.  “He said he was interested and honoured, but also suggested it be named after Alex Lifeson, too,” Filion said.

According to rock lore, Lee and Lifeson met as students at the nearby Fisherville Junior High School, where they first forged the musical bond that would eventually blossom into one of rock’s most prolific power trios.  “It is where I met my best friend and bandmate,” Lee said. “We were humbly honoured by the suggestion to name the park after us.”

Update, July 16: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson: Rush members’ names proposed for art park in Willowdale" - North York Mirror, July 16, 2014

 "...Lee and Lifeson are expected to be honoured when a unique creative space in Willowdale is named the Lee Lifeson Art Park. A report on the proposed name is scheduled to come before North York community council Aug. 12.

"The name has been applauded by residents at two community meetings and Lee and Lifeson are pleased with the honour, Willowdale Councillor John Filion said. “They were wonderful about it. They asked a lot of questions,” he said about meeting with the band mates about the idea in May. “They said they would be honoured to have a park like this named after them.”

"The park will be built next year northeast of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue between Hillcrest and Princess avenue, east of Gladys Allison Place. While it will be a local space meant for area residents, it will be more than an ordinary park.

"“Two years ago, I came up with the idea to create a park that would focus on the arts and would be a celebration of creativity, where people could go to be creative or go to enjoy others’ creativity,” Filion said. “All the arts will be represented there but the focus will be on music and sound. This is really a new concept, there isn’t a prototype anywhere. It’s nothing we’re copying from anywhere else.” When it came time to think of a name for the park, Lee and Lifeson’s names “just jumped off the page,” Filion said.

Audio Fidelity Presto SACD Edition Giveaway Contest

UPDATE: The contest is closed, congratulations to our winners!

The latest Audio Fidelity hybrid SACD release is Rush's Presto.   Although it has a release date of July 15th, copies are now shipping.

To celebrate this release, Audio Fidelity is offering a 20% Discount to readers of the Power Windows website.   To receive your discount, simply head over to www.audiofidelity.net, click on the Presto "buy" button, and then enter SCARS20 when prompted at checkout.  The discount code will remain active through September 30, 2014.

In addition, Audio Fidelity is giving away Presto Hybrid SACDs to three lucky Power Windows readers!  The winners of the contest are Terry Goyette, Patrick Kelly, and Patrick Foster, who correctly answered these three Presto trivia questions:

1. What Presto track was not performed on tour until 2010?
   
   Answer: "Presto" was first performed live on the Time Machine Tour.
   
   
2. What Presto track title references a line in a movie?  Name both the song and the movie.
   
   Answer: "Anagram (for Mongo)" references "Candygram for Mongo" in Blazing Saddles
   
   
3. And now the hard one: what Presto track was originally intended to be an instrumental?
   
   Answer: "Hand Over Fist" - "We did plan on putting an instrumental song on this album, but in the process of putting it together, Neil kept on sending us all these lyrics...so we were saving all these bits for an instrumental song, and this one lyric came down the chute and it really suited what we had going for our instrumental track, so we decided, 'oh well, to hell with the instrumental, lets use the lyric,' and that song turned into 'Hand Over Fist'." - Geddy Lee, "Rockline", December 4, 1989

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Tiffin University's "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society"

According to an article published in today's Tiffin, Ohio, Advertiser-Tribune, this fall Tiffin University students will have the opportunity to take a 15 week course of Rush titled "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society":

This fall, Canadian rock band Rush is coming to town in the form of a new class to be offered at Tiffin University.

The course, "Rush: Progressive Rock and Modern Society," is to explore the musical and cultural issues of the 1970s and '80s, according to course instructor and adjunct professor Nathan Santos.

The History of John Rutsey and Rush - UltimateClassicRock.com

40 years ago this past weekend was when John Rutsey last performed with Rush.  Within days, Neil Peart would take up the drum throne.  On Friday UltimateClassicRock.com posted "The History of John Rutsey and Rush" recounting both Rush's early history, as well as how he was remembered recent years. 

"John Petrucci of Dream Theater Discusses '2112' - The Record That Changed My Life" - Guitar World

Today Guitar World posted a new story where John Petrucci of Dream Theater discusses '2112', "The Record That Changed My Life":

“If I had to pick a favorite band of all time, it would be Rush.

"As a teenager, I was already familiar with the group and its albums like Moving Pictures and Signals. But once I discovered 2112, it opened me up to this whole concept that rock music could be bigger than just a tune—that it could be used as a vehicle to tell a story or to transport you to some other world.

"The idea of a big piece like that being broken down into numbered sections like they were chapters in a book was just unbelievable to me, and it’s a technique that I continue to use to this day.

“I have so much respect for [Rush drummer] Neil Peart, especially as a lyricist. And 2112 was the first time I heard something where, lyrically, it didn’t have to just be about the typical rock and roll topics, that it could be about something more heady or esoteric, something that makes you think. That really influenced me as a lyricist.

“I was also blown away by how a three-piece band could sound so majestic and huge and play in a style that’s inherently rock and roll yet still pushes the boundaries of what they’re doing musically—this idea of being experimental, using different time signatures and not really being concerned about song length and traditional constraints. I can’t tell you how huge of an impact that had on me. 2112 basically set the course for my musical career and how I approached Dream Theater.”

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!