Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant helped save Rush in their darkest hour, says Geddy Lee

Geddy Lee is interviewed in the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, as alluded to in this teaser story from Louder.com:

Following the death of drummer Neil Peart’s 19-year-old daughter Selena in a road accident in August 1997, Rush took an extended hiatus from the music business, with none of the trio - vocalist/bassist Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and Peart - sure whether they’d ever share a stage again.

But speaking in the new issue of Classic Rock magazine, Lee says that a phone call from one of the trio’s long-time heroes, former Led Zeppelin frontman Plant, helped drag the musicians out of the darkness.

“Page & Plant were touring [1998 album] Walking Into Clarksdale and they came to Toronto,” recalls Lee, referencing the Zeppelin duo’s July 4, 1998 appearance at the city’s Molson Amphitheatre. “Someone kept calling our office saying they were Robert Plant and they needed to speak to me. No one believed it, but turns out it was him.”

“We were on hiatus after Selena [Neil’s Peart’s daughter] had passed away and we were not in a good place. I called Robert back, and he wanted us to come to the show, and I was pretty down in the dumps at that point. And he said, ‘No, come to the show, we’ll talk.’ He understood what was going on with the band. I remember him saying: ‘You’ve got to re-join life, and sooner is better than later. So get your ass down here.’ So I called Alex up and said we’re going to see Page & Plant.”

"RUSH - A Visual Time Capsule: Moving Pictures-Permanent Waves-Hemispheres" now available

Photographer Bill O’Leary is back with his fourth photo book overall, RUSH - A Visual Time Capsule: Moving Pictures-Permanent Waves-Hemispheres. Featuring images – many previously unseen – of the trio in concert from what many consider their peak artistic period (1979-1981), the book perfectly captures the visual aspect of this era of Rush, in which they stormed the charts and headlined arenas throughout the world. The book also features a foreword by renowned rock journalist/author, Greg Prato.  Click here to order.

Geddy Lee Draws Attention To ‘The Marijuana Conspiracy’ Featuring His Daughter In The Cast

Geddy Lee celebrated the annual cannabis celebration, 420, by making a new announcement on his official Instagram account:

“I don’t usually post things about my kids on social media, but today I’m making an exception to shamelessly promote a film in which my daughter Kyla Young is a member of the ensemble cast.

It’s called The Marijuana Conspiracy and it comes out today, 4/20 a.k.a Marijuana Day, which is also my BFF Alex’s *favourite* day of the year because, well, he is the Pothead of the Universe and effin proud of it! So congrats to my lovely daughter Kyla Young , on her film debut! You go girl!”

- RockCelebrities.net.

‘The Spirit of Radio’ Covered by 20-Person Collective The Polyphonic Spree

The Polyphonic Spree emerged in the 2000s as a large collective of musicians led by former Tripping Daisy frontman Tim DeLaughter, often donning signature white choral robes and often exploring a more orchestral and choral sound with a number of wind and brass instruments factored into the mix. They scored their best known song with 2003's "Light and Day."

Now the group has stepped up with their first ever covers album titled Afflatus released today, April 16th. 

Speaking of the decision to take on Rush's 1980 hit "The Spirit of Radio," DeLaughter states, "‘The Spirit of Radio’ actually goes back to high school. I covered it with my high school band, Regency, so for nostalgic reasons, we thought it would be fun to try it with the Spree.”

For more visit https://loudwire.com/rush-spirit-of-radio-covered-polyphonic-spree/

Alex Lifeson to appear live on "Make Weird Music" January 30th

Alex Lifeson will be appearing live on the Make Weird Music YouTube channel this Saturday, January 30th at 6PM EST.  Alex will be interviewed by Andre Cholmondeley and topics will include 25th anniversary of Alex's solo album Victor, and the 40th anniversary of Moving Pictures.  Click here to tune in. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart: The Illustrated Quotes now available

Neil Peart: The Illustrated Quotes, the latest book produced by Fantoons, is now available.  Originally set for hardcover release November 17, the release was delayed until January 19, 2021.  Co-written by David Calcano and Lindsay Lee who chose some of their favorites quotes and created elegant single panel cartoons as a love letter to Neil Peart’s written word.  Click here to order.

Oxfordshire Neil Peart charity show Prog For Peart set for July

Solstice, The Far Meadow, 25 Yard Screamer, This Winter Machine, Rain, warmrain, The Paradox Twin, IT and Hats Off Gentlemen, It's Adequate are among the bands on the bill for a Neil Peart tribute concert, Prog For Peart, which will raise money to combat Glioblastoma Multiforme; the killer disease that claimed the life of the Rush drummer.

Prog For Peart is two concerts each featuring eight prog bands held on two days to be held at The Northcourt, a 200 capacity venue in Abingdon, Oxfordshire on Friday 2nd July and Saturday 3rd July starting at midday on both days and running through until midnight.

 Tickets are priced at £33.23 for each day with weekend tickets at £49.75. Click here for details.

Kevin J Anderson's "Clockwork Destiny", book three in the Clockwork Angels trilogy on the way

Yesterday author Kevin J. Anderson posted "Some good news after last week's sad Rush anniversary: I just signed the contract with @ecwpress for CLOCKWORK DESTINY, the third novel in the Clockwork Angels trilogy, based on an idea Neil had while working on The Percussor's Tale. He and I brainstormed the story but he knew I'd have to write it without him. This is being done with the full approval of his wife. I'll start writing this spring."

Geddy Lee to Appear at Vancouver Symphony Gala

Geddy Lee will take part in a virtual evening of music and stories put on by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.  "The Show Must Go On: Stories of Resilience" will feature Lee, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, country singer k.d. lang, former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page, other classical musicians and the VSO.  You can learn more about the Feb. 18 event and buy tickets at the Symphony's website. Prices start at $100. For an additional fee, wine and a charcuterie will be delivered to your home.

RollingStone.com: "The Spirit of Neil Peart"

Today on the first anniversary of Neil Peart's death, RollingStone.com posted "The Spirit of Neil Peart", an emotional look back on Neil's life, which includes new interviews with Geddy and Alex, as well as Neil's wife, Carrie Nuttall.   The story at last touches on what Neil's final years were like, and also goes on to speculate about what we may see in the future.

Lesley Choyce remembers Neil Peart

Lesley Choyce, Neil's first book publisher, put together a video of remembrance for Neil:

"Here is a link to a recording -- a sort of podcast, I guess -- of my tribute to Neil Peart that I wrote last winter after his death on January 7, 2020. Neil and I were friends since the 1990s and I published his first book, The Masked Rider, in 1996. We kept in touch over the years and this is my story of our unusual friendship. With the anniversary of his death coming up, I thought I’d record a version of what I wrote. Doug Barron produced the accompanying video."

Driven: Rush in the ’90s and “In the End” by Martin Popoff coming April 27th

Driven: Rush in the ’90s and “In the End”, book three in the Rush Across the Decades series, is now available for preorder, set for release April 27.

 "In this conclusion to his trilogy of authoritative books on Canada’s most beloved and successful rock band, Martin Popoff takes us through three decades of “life at the top” for Rush’s Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Though this era begins with the brisk-selling Roll the Bones and sees throngs of fans sell out international tours, there is also unimaginable tragedy, with Peart losing his daughter and his wife within the space of ten months and, two decades later, succumbing to cancer himself. In between, however, there is a gorgeous and heartbreaking album of reflection and bereavement, as well as a triumphant trip to Brazil, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and ― some say surprisingly ― the band’s first full-blown concept album to close an immense career marked by integrity and idealism."

 Driven: Rush in the ’90s and “In the End”, book three in the Rush Across the Decades series, following Anthem: Rush in the 1970's and Limelight: Rush in the 80's.

Neil Peart's 1974 "Chromey" drumkit up for auction - sells for $500,312

"The kit...was offered as a prize in a 1987 Modern Drummer contest which was won by Mark Feldman of New York. He later then sold it to its current owner [Dean Bosibud]. It’s now back on the market.  Bonhams auctions is taking care of the sale. The expected selling price is between $100,000-160,000 (US$80,000-120,000). For details go here.

 Update: The auction ended today and the kit sold for US $500,312.  

Hudson Music announces Neil Peart Drumset Scholarship

Hudson Music have announced that they are sponsoring a Neil Peart Drumset Scholarship in partnership with the Percussive Arts Society (PAS.org). PAS will begin accepting applications for the scholarship in March of next year. The scholarship will annually award 4 drummers the opportunity for online drumset lessons from well-known artists/educators. Hudson Music produces instructional how-to videos and lesson books for drums, bass and guitar, including Neil Peart's Anatomy of a Drum Solo and Taking Center Stage instructional videos. More details will be forthcoming, so be sure to follow Hudson Music on Facebook for updates. You can watch a promotional video for the scholarship below or on YouTube. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the heads up.

"Rush - The Day I Was There" by Richard Houghton Now Available

Rush - The Day I Was There is now available.   Published November 13, 2020, the book contains over 400 fan memories of seeing Rush live and tells their story through previously unpublished eyewitness accounts.  The author/compiler of the book is Richard Houghton, who lives in Manchester, England. Richard is the author of more than a dozen music books and his The Day I Was There series encompasses acts including Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath.

"When Rush concluded their R40 tour in 2015, fans of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart knew extensive touring was off the agenda. But they hoped for a one off reunion gig or a festival appearance. With the untimely death of drummer Neil Peart in January 2020, those dreams were shattered. Across more than 40 years, the band that had sold over 40 million albums and played in excess of 2,400 shows around the world were no more.

"With previously unseen photos and fan memorabilia, Rush – The Day I Was There brings together over 400 previously unpublished eye witness accounts to allow the reader to take a journey back in time and recapture the experience of seeing live the greatest ever power trio in rock."

Rush - The Day I Was There is available to order from This Day In Music Books now: https://thisdayinmusicbooks.com/product/rush-the-day-i-was-there/

Alex Lifeson's 2020 A Brush Of Hope Painting "Forked" sells for $7,373

UPDATE: Alex's painting sold for C $7,373.00. 

"Alex Lifeson has been painting and offering his works to raise money for the Kidney Foundation through their annual Brush of Hope campaign for years.  Today Alex revealed his new painting up for auction for 2020, titled FORKED.  'A small point of interest, “Forked” was created entirely by using a fork, not brushes.' – Alex Lifeson

"This year the 10-day Brush of Hope auction, hosted on eBay.ca, will run from October 21st, 12pm – October 31st, 12pm noon Atlantic Standard Time /11am ET/8am PT).

"Auction Bid Link for “Forked” – http://bit.ly/BOH2020Lifeson

"In addition to the painting auction, Limited Edition Signed Prints of his 2019 work, titled “Minus 20” are now available at http://bit.ly/AlexLifesonPrints

"Thank you for supporting the Kidney Foundation!" - Rush.com, October 22, 2020

"The Missing Tourbooks Collection" from Rush

"While leafing through your Rush tourbook collection, have you ever noticed there are three studio album tours with no tourbook? We had to correct this! We went back in time, collecting photos, artwork, gear lists and much more from the tours for RUSH, Fly By Night, and Caress Of Steel. Purchase all three as a collection, and receive a bonus litho as part of the package! Shop now https://bit.ly/3433ERR" - Rush.com, October 16, 2020

Limelight: Rush in the ’80s (Rush Across the Decades #2) by Martin Popoff Now Available

Limelight: Rush in the ’80s (Rush Across the Decades) , book two in the three part Rush biography collection by Martin Popoff, is set for release on October 13th, 2020 from ECW Press. Preorder the hardcover edition at Amazon.

"In the follow-up to Anthem: Rush in the ’70s, Martin Popoff brings together canon analysis, cultural context, and extensive firsthand interviews to celebrate Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart at the peak of their persuasive power. Rush was one of the most celebrated hard rock acts of the ’80s, and the second book of Popoff’s staggeringly comprehensive three-part series takes readers from Permanent Waves to Presto, while bringing new insight to Moving Pictures, their crowning glory. Limelight: Rush in the ’80s is a celebration of fame, of the pushback against that fame, of fortunes made ― and spent …

In the latter half of the decade, as Rush adopts keyboard technology and gets pert and poppy, there’s an uproar amongst diehards, but the band finds a whole new crop of listeners. Limelight charts a dizzying period in the band’s career, built of explosive excitement but also exhaustion, a state that would lead, as the ’90s dawned, to the band questioning everything they previously believed, and each member eying the oncoming decade with trepidation and suspicion."

"Why Rush’s Record Label Changed the ‘Caress of Steel’ Cover Art" - Ultimate Classic Rock

Today UCR.com have posted a new interview with Rush art director Hugh Syme, where he talks about the Caress of Steel Album cover. 

"I was a huge [M.C. Escher] fan.  My original drawings were in pencil: clean, monochromatic, simple homages to Escher. But when the record label got ahold of these, they thought it wasn't rock and roll enough, so they added this chromium lettering and swung the tint of the whole image over to a brown sepia tone — none of which was requested or under my purview at the time.  When the band said, 'What happened?,' I said, 'I don't know,'" he adds. "That began the premise that they would consider most A&R people attending their sessions — and, more so, their comments — as unwelcome. Because they weren't interested. And when they realized that other people were meddling in the process when it came to my art, they said, 'Don't listen to anyone. We're talking to you directly.' That set up a feature in my life.  That album worked out well. I don't look back fondly on the outcome, but that's OK," he says. "It was more just me being indulgent — art directors are pretty selfish. We do what we want to do, and what a gift it was to work with a band like Rush. They — excuse the quote — allowed that deviation from any norms because that's what they aspired to do themselves as artists."

Read More: Why Rush's Record Label Changed the 'Caress of Steel' Cover Art | https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-caress-of-steel-album-art/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Big Sugar's "Hemi-Vision" 25th Anniversary Edition featuring foreword by Alex Lifeson

Canadian rock band Big Sugar are releasing the 25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of their album Hemi-Vision next Friday, September 25th, and Rush's Alex Lifeson is providing a foreword to the liner notes:

"A deluxe edition reissue of Hemi-Vision will touch down September 25 through Universal Music Canada digitally, on CD and as a 2xLP set pressed to 180-gram bright green and orange vinyl.  The deluxe package puts the original album alongside six previously unreleased bonus tracks, rare photos and memorabilia from the band's archives, and extensive liner notes by Gordie Johnson with a foreword from Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson." - exclaim.ca