Neil's Red Tama Kit Sells On Ebay

In 1986, Neil Peart replaced his red Tama drumkit which had been used since the Moving Pictures tour.  At that time, he wrote:

"Early in 1986, I started to think that it was time for a new drumkit. My red Tamas had been through four or five serious tours, and had been used in the recording of Signals, Grace Under Pressure, and Power Windows. They still sounded and looked great, but were getting a little tired, and besides, every four or five years I just like a change - perhaps a different sound and look." - Neil Peart, Modern Drummer, May 1987

The drums were soon awarded in a Modern Drummer contest to Jack Hess, who sold them twelve years later on ebay for $26,100. In the last two years, the drums have appeared on ebay more than once, and May 2nd, 2003, they were sold again on ebay for $14,621.12. Today I received an email from the buyer who wrote:
"Thought u may like to know that I have recently purchased the drum kit via ebay for an undisclosed sum, it is currently being restored to full glory in florida, before being shipped to myself in UK, where eventually I will loan it to the Birmingham or Bristol Hard rock cafe for display.. Ian Coley" Ian, the entire Rush community thanks you! - June 5, 2003

Alex Lifeson "Famous Plates"

Alex Lifeson participated in the "Famous Plates" charity event at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex in Toronto on May 14th. The event featured "gourmet delights, inspired by famous entertainers and prepared by top Canadian chefs", where the chef created a 'Signature Celebrity Dish' unique to that celebrity which was served to the patrons. It is rumored that Lifeson also performed live but no confirmation has been found. For additional information visit FamousPlates.com.

Rush #21 of Rock's Richest 50

The April 3rd issue of Rolling Stone contains the story "Rock's 50 Richest". The tallies are based on the year 2002, and Rush came in at #21, with touring net at $13.4 million. However, revenue from recording is listed as $0; shouldn't this total reflect sales of Vapor Trails?

"Rush released their first new album in six years, Vapor Trails, and followed it up with a tour that brought the Canadian power trio an $18 million guarantee. The band's devoted following helped the outing gross $27 million in sixty-two cities. But that's a lot of moving around - compare it to Billy Joel and Elton John's tour, which grossed $65 million for thirty-four shows in fourteen cities - so a good chunk of that got eaten up on the road." - RollingStone.com, Apr. 3, 2003 issue

Canadian Museum of Civilization to Honor Rush

"...the museum has received a major gift of rock memorabilia from the Toronto-based arena-rock giants to be displayed in the permanent exhibition of popular culture...guitars, drum kits and a samples of their gold and platinum records. 'It's an honour for us to be included in the national collection,' said Lifeson. 'To know that the spirit of our contribution to Canadian music will live on for years, and that it will be shared by so many, makes us very proud.'" - Jam!Showbiz, April 2, 2003