Legendary Artist Hugh Syme Unveils New Online Gallery Shop

Hugh Syme is a Canadian award-winning illustrator, designer and graphic artist who recently unveiled a new online SHOP portal gallery for fans and followers of his work at www.HughSymeArtShop.com. Syme is best known for his amazing artwork and cover concepts for world famous musicians and bands including Rush, Dream Theater, Celine Dion, Whitesnake, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, David Coverdale & Jimmy Page, The Allman Brothers Band, Styx, Alice Cooper, Graham Nash, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire, Queensrÿche, Joe Bonamassa, The Band, Tesla, and many more.

He has also been commissioned for work in the corporate world by the likes of Disney, Virgin, Paramount, Universal Studios, Microsoft, Forbes, Sam Adams, Time Warner, Verizon Wireless and many major pharmaceutical companies.

50 years, and counting, creating timeless works of art, Syme has decided to broaden his online presence in recent years with an expanded website, a personalized story-based Instagram account, participation in the music interviews-based Music Buzzz Podcast and now, with increasing demand, the online gallery where fans can shop and purchase signed prints of some of Syme’s ever-evolving artwork.

“Ironically it took a global pandemic for me to get out and start doing art gallery showings and sharing more of my work online,” said Syme. “I have always received inquiries and the like from those interested that it just seemed natural to pause for a minute and create an online portal where followers of my art could shop for prints, all produced on museum grade, acid-free fine art papers, using 13 UV resistant and archival inks.”

The shop also includes prints for order from Syme’s personal portfolio that will continue to be updated and expanded as the shop evolves. “I am always creating, whether it be for a music project, a commissioned portrait, a commercial assignment, or even for my personal collection,” said Syme. “Some of my favorites are pieces never or rarely seen by the public.”

Syme is also a musician who plays piano, keyboards and guitar and can be heard on albums by the Ian Thomas Band (of which he was a member for five albums), Jim McCarty (of The Yardbirds), Alice In Chains (keyboards on their cover of "Tears" for the Rush 2112 40th Anniversary box set) and Tiles (progressive rock band from Detroit). Syme also appears as guest keyboardist on four studio albums by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and longtime friends, Rush, including the legendary synthesizer intro to “2112: Overture”.

Alex Lifeson presents SOCAN Cultural Impact Award to Tom Cochrane for "Life Is A Highway"

On Monday, October 17th, Alex Lifeson was on hand at the 33rd annual SOCAN Awards to present fellow Canadian musician Tom Cochrane with the Cultural Impact Award for his 1991 song "Life Is A Highway".  Alex also joined Cochrane along with Bill Bell, Dala, Davide Direnzo, Molly Johnson, Jeff Jones (member of Tom Cochrane's band, and also a previous member of Rush), Sam Roberts and Julian Taylor to perform the song.

"I played with him on occasion and performed 'Life Is a Highway,' as well," ... "I am a friend, a collaborator, and like many, many others of his millions of fans around the world, I am a huge admirer of his work. Neruda is one of my all-time favorite records," Lifeson threw in of the 1983 album by Cochrane's original band Red Rider. "Tom is an amazing artist and songwriter, and with 'Life Is a Highway,' he created the perfect analogy of what we all go through. It is a magical blend of music and lyrics with an infectious chorus that sticks with you, and a theme that is inspiring and uplifting. It truly captures our journeys down the highway of life, the high roads, the detours, the dead ends, the U-turns, and especially the fear of running outta gas, the challenges that we all face in order to reach our destinations." Lifeson said the song's "joyous melody" is a hopeful reminder that no matter how many roadblocks life presents, "we will always find a way around them," adding, "It is the perfect message, especially over the past few years and what we've all experienced." - Billboard.com

Funko Pop! Albums: Exit Stage Left

The Funko Pop Albums collection includes Rush Exit Stage Left, and is tentatively scheduled for release on January 24th, 2023.  The Pop! Albums line features popular music albums. The background of the box shows a replica of the album cover.  The boxes contain one or more standards Pop! figures to recreate the primary image on the cover or band members at the time of the actual album's release to complete the look.   This Funko Pop features a characterization of Paula Turnball, the same model who first appeared on the cover of Permanent Waves, then reprised her role on Exit Stage Left.  Preorder now.

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!