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Rush At 40: Geddy Lee Talks the Past, Present and Future - Paste Magazine
Pop Culture References Update (and more) - December 2015
It's time for the next update of Rush References in Pop Culture. Since my last update two months ago, quite a few items have already come to light.
During the Nike commercial "Short A Guy" which premiered back in July (and I'm sure you've seen a dozen times), a kid is first asked to join a game of pickup basketball, before being asked to join various other sports activities with associated athlete celebrities. When he joins the marathon he is given bib number 2112.- Adam Sandler first performed version 4 of his "Chanukah Song" live in concert in San Diego on November 18th, and this updated version includes Geddy Lee among notable Jewish celebrities. You can watch the performance here.
- Rush has been referenced on the animated series Family Guy twice in the past, and for their 248th episode (titled "Fighting Irish") which aired May 3, 2015, Peter tries to lure Liam Neeson into a fight by selling black jeans from a vendor cart. Among other taunts he yells "Don't be the only one at the Rush concert without a pair of black jeans!"
- During episode 3 of the new Marvel Netflix series, Jessica Jones ("AKA It's Called Whiskey") which aired November 20, 2015, the numbers for an address that are spoken aloud are "2112".
In 2011, Ernest Cline published his first novel, Ready Player One and it was a sensation among Rush fans (including this one). His followup novel, Armada, was published back in July, and like its predecessor, also includes a few Rush references. Taken from the story itself, the book even includes artwork for an 80's cassette "Raid The Arcade Mix" tape which features "Vital Signs", and a character who plays to a continuous loop of Moving Pictures:
"...He was bobbing his head in time to his favorite Terra Forma battle soundtrack song, 'Vital Signs' by Rush. Ray claimed that its unique time signature matched up perfectly with the alien Spider Fighter drones' erratic swarming patterns, making it easier for him to anticipate their movements and rate of attack. He also claimed that each of the other songs on Rush's Moving Pictures album was perfect for battling a different Sobrukai drone. Personally, I'd always assumed this was just an excuse he'd concocted for playing that same album on a continuous loop, day after day.
- The video game Guitar Hero Live was released October 20, 2015, and "Limelight" is one of the songs available in the game's TV mode. For more game details including videos click here.
- During the October 30th episode of Dr. Ken (season 1, episode 5), after being dosed with a pain-killer lollipop, Pat (Dave Foley) is listening to headphones, and yells to people in the office "Do you like RUSH?! This drum solo is sick!" You can view the episode here.
- Caustic Casanova's new video for "Show Some Shame", from their new album Breaks released September 25th, is a near complete recreation of Rush's "Time Stand Still" video, including the same spins, camera girl, industrial pillar, etc. The video begins with a Rush Chronicles style placard, and ends with the tribute "We thank Geddy, Alex and Neil for over 40 years of timeless music. Freeze this moment a little bit longer.
X-Men: Apocalypse is set for release on May 27, 2016, and as seen in the official trailer (at the 1:50 mark), Quicksilver (Evan Peters) wears a 'Moving Pictures' t-shirt.- Since my last update, there has been another Rush sighting on The Goldbergs. During the episode “Boy Barry” (season 3, episode 5, aired October 21st), the high school sax player is seen two more times throughout the episode (apparently on two different days) wearing the same Moving Pictures t-shirt (does he ever wash that thing?).
As covered previously, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson guest starred on NBC's Chicago Fire in an episode titled "2112" which aired Tuesday, November 17th. The storyline involves Rush performing a concert in Chicago and a few lucky Firehouse 51 fans snag free tickets to the show. You can view the episode here.- ESPN's pregame show on December 13th featured Cincinnati Bengals fan Jeff Wagner, who hand makes banners for every home game. Interviewed while wearing an R40 Live tour shirt, Jeff says he starts off creating his banners by "turning on Rush, greatest rock band in the history of the world." Check out his story here.
- In John McEnroe's biography Serious, published June 10, 2002, he talks of being a fan of Rush, and of getting a guitar lesson by Alex Lifeson.
- We've recently added a couple of songs to the Rush covers page:
- "The Spirit of Radio", performed by Rekha on Milky Ocean (iTunes), was released October 15, 2005. You can hear it Youtube.
- "Witch Hunt", performed by MolchMon on Expose, was released November 19th. The track is available on their bandcamp page.
- And finally, here are two fairly recent documentaries that have been released which feature Rush:
Rush are interviewed in the Rob Cohen documentary Being Canadian, released April 26, 2015. In the documentary, famous Canadians (and some non Canadians) are interviewed in an effort to explain Canada to the world. Check out the trailer here; Rush are at 1:36.
Geddy Lee is one of the many musicians interviewed in Jaco: A Documentary Film, which premiered November 22, 2014. The film tells the story of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius (a short snippet of Geddy discussing fusion music from the documentary can be seen here).
The 10 best stand-up comedians, by Geddy Lee - TeamRock.com
TeamRock.com has posted "The 10 best stand-up comedians, by Geddy Lee." As the title suggests, Geddy lists his top 10 comedians; check out the story here.
My Planet Rocks: Geddy Lee - Tomorrow Night Dec 20
My Planet Rocks has previously seen some of the world's greatest rock
stars take to the airwaves. Since the series first began, the likes of
Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, Lemmy from Motorhead, The
Who's Pete Townshend, Meat Loaf, Alice Cooper, blues legend Gary Moore
and the late, great Ronnie James Dio have all taken control of the radio
station for an hour and given the world a glimpse into their lives.
Listen to My Planet Rocks every Sunday at 7pm.
This week (20th December) - Rush frontman, Geddy Lee! - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Listen to My Planet Rocks every Sunday at 7pm.
This week (20th December) - Rush frontman, Geddy Lee! - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Geddy Lee talks R40 Live and future prospects: "Our touring life might be over" - MusicRadar
RUSH Deliver Fully Loaded 1985 Model Complete With Power Windows - Now Available
1981’s Moving Pictures had catapulted Rush to international stardom while capping off what was the classic ‘70s era Rush. 1982‘s Signals would signal the end of their longtime relationship with producer Terry Brown, and by 1985 Rush would take a new approach to the studio, with producer Peter Collins pushing the band to rethink everything, with spectacular results.
Rush lyricist/ drummer Neil Peart saw an uncanny number of socio-political issues to write about with songs like “The Big Money”, “Manhattan Project”, and “Marathon” while guitarist Alex Lifeson would breath new life into his guitar parts, stretching and creating news sounds for every new composition.
As bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee expresses to InTheStudio host Redbeard, Power Windows initially sounded like a silly name for an album, but it soon stuck.
“The album is about power ,the power of big business, of money. The power of government. The power of love in “Emotion Detector”. The power of dreams. So we wanted to have that in the title somehow, but all of the titles sounded so corny... At one point we were going to call the album Windows, but it sounded too jazz -like. Nobody thought of Power Windows because it sounded so silly at first. It sounded like a joke. And the more we thought of it, the more we liked it. “ - Geddy Lee
RUSH Power Windows @ 30/ InTheStudio interview is now available to stream here.
Power Windows 30th Anniversary "In The Studio With Redbeard" coming December 14th
Rush is marking the 30th anniversary of 1985’s Power Windows with “The Big Money”,”Manhattan Project”,”Marathon”, “Mystic Rhythms”; and we will add 1993’s terrific hard-rocking Counterparts sporting “Animate”,”Stick It Out”, and the emotionally powerful “Nobody’s Hero“. Rush’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson host this thoughtful conversation In the Studio the week of December 14. -Redbeard- Thanks to Lance Buckhammer for the headsup!
ESPN Features Rush Fan Jeff Wagner
Today's ESPN pregame show featured Cincinnati Bengals fan Jeff Wagner, who hand makes banners for every home game. Oh, and he starts off by "turning on Rush, greatest rock band in the history of the world." Check out his story here. - Thanks to Dave DeSantis and Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Neil Peart interviewed in December issue of Drumhead Magazine
There is a new interview with Neil Peart in the December issue of Drumhead magazine: "Neil Peart reflects on 50 years of hitting things with sticks". In the interview, Neil has seemingly announced his retirement with his comments:
"Lately Olivia has been introducing me to new friends at school as "My dad--He's a retired drummer." True to say--funny to hear. " He goes on to reflect "and it does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to... take yourself out of the game. I would rather set it aside then face the predicament described in our song "losing it" ("Sadder still to watch it die, than never to have known it")"The complete article is now available here. It also includes "Notes for Neil", a sidebar piece where many of today's drummers congratulate Neil on his (touring) retirement. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the headsup, and to John Patuto for the transcript!
"Rush Committed To At Least One More Studio Project" - MusicExpress
Today Canada's MusicExpress chimed in on the question of Neil Peart's retirement with a new interview with ole general manager, Andy Curran, who replied “It’s just a rumour as far as I know”, but the article went on to say that the band is committed to at least one more
studio project. Check it out here. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Geddy Lee 'optimistic' over band's future - BBC
Geddy is in the UK doing press interviews this week to promote R40 Live, and in a new interview with the BBC again says "I'm one of three members and everybody has a kind of different idea about what they'd like to do with the rest of their lives. So I'm not really sure at this point whether there will be more tours or not. But I remain optimistic." You can read the full interview here. - Thanks to Ed at RushisaBand for the headsup!
Geddy Lee clarifies Peart retirement rumours - Prog
In a response to yesterday's fan panic after news surfaced that Neil was "retired" following his story which appears in the new issue of Drumhead, Geddy Lee has stepped up to clarify Neil's statement:
Lee tells Prog: “There’s really nothing to say. I think Neil is just explaining his reasons for not wanting to tour, with the toll that it’s taking on his body. That’s all I would care to comment on it. We’ll get together eventually and chat about things. But in my view, there is certainly nothing surprising in what he said. Neil just feels that he has to explain with all the thousands of people asking, ‘Why no more tours?’ He needs to explain his side of it."
Asked whether he feels Peart's quote was taken out of context, Lee adds: “I think that’s absolutely right. That’s their job. Talking about something when there’s nothing to talk about.”
Rush at 40: Still Breaking Boundaries, Still Down with the Nerds - Noisey.com
Q&A With Rush ‘Starman’ Hugh Syme
R40 Live CD/Blu-Ray/DVD Now Available
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The album debuted at number 1 on Billboard's Top Rock Albums chart (dated Dec. 12) with 24,000 copies sold, according to Nielsen Music.
Rush.com officially announced the release of R40 Live on September 25th when they shared the audio of Roll The Bones, featuring the new celebrity rap. The "Roll The Bones" single is also available to purchase here. The second single, "Closer To The Heart", was released October 23, and "Tom Sawyer" was released November 6, 2015. The official trailer was posted on October 8th, and in the ensuing days videos for "Jacob's Ladder", "Closer To The Heart," "The Spirit of Radio," "Tom Sawyer," "Subdivisions" and "Xanadu" have been shared; all videos can be seen below.
For more information, check out the official press release from Rush.com, and additional news and reviews of the album below:
- Rush R40 Live Concert Film Nov 20 - Rush.com, October 8, 2015
- RUSH R40 Interview With Joanne Wilder @ Q107, November 19, 2015
- RUSH Answer Questions From Their Fans Interview @ Q107, November 19, 2015
- Rush R40 - PopMatters.com, November 20, 2015
- Rush share stories behind their iconic songs - Entertainment Weekly, November 20, 2015
- Geddy Lee on how Rush cranked back the clock one song time at a time on R40 Live - digitaltrends.com, November 20, 2015
- Rush Debuts at No. 1 on Top Rock Albums With 'R40 Live' - Billboard.com, December 2, 1015
- 'Rush R40 Live' - Examiner.com, December 4, 2015
- Rush Debuts at No. 1 on Top Rock Albums With 'R40 Live' - Billboard.com, December 12, 2015
Click below for additional videos:
Geddy Lee on 40 years of Rush - The AV Club
Rush Debuts at No. 1 on Top Rock Albums With 'R40 Live'
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R40 Live follows previous chart-toppers Clockwork Angels in 2012 and Snakes & Arrows in 2007.
While Top Rock Albums launched in 2006, Rush's history on the Billboard 200 dates back four decades. The new album debuts at No. 24 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's 24th top 40 title. Rush first reached the region with another live release: All the World's a Stage: Recorded Live (No. 40, 1976).
R40 Live is also the first live album to crown Top Rock Albums since the Beatles' On Air: Live at the BBC Volume 2 on the Nov. 30, 2013, chart. Additionally, Rush's new release opens atop Hard Rock Albums, where it's the band's second leader, following Clockwork Angels. (Could R40 Live be the final live album of Rush's storied career? When the band announced the R40 Live Tour earlier this year, its accompanying press release stated that the trek "will most likely be their last major tour of this magnitude.") - Billboard.com, December 12, 2015
Rush makes their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame votes - KSHE.com
Today KSHE radio in St. Louis posted a short interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson where they discuss their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame votes:
One perk of getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame -- you get to vote for who else you think should be enshrined.
So who would 2013 inductees Rush put in? We recently spoke to Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, and they were both surprised to learn that one of this year's nominees, Chicago, aren't already in. Geddy says, "Great band. We all listened to those early CTA [Chicago Transit Authority] records." And Alex adds that they were very "influential." Asked who he'll vote for, Geddy said, "Yes and Deep Purple 100 percent."
Other notable nominees this year include Cheap Trick, The Cars and Steve Miller. The Class of 2016 will be announced in mid-December.
Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - November 2015
"Jaco", including interview with Geddy Lee, now on DVD
R40 Live Sirius XM radio premiere Nov. 9/Sirius Townhall November 13 (segments now online)
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Sirius XM's Classic Rewind will be broadcasting the R40 Live radio premiere Monday night at 6PM on Pat St. John's show. In addition Sirius XM will holding an exclusive Town Hall in New York - "This exclusive event will take place on Friday, November 13 at SiriusXM’s NYC studios and will feature original members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson answering questions from an intimate studio audience about their legendary 40-year career..." Click here for more information. - Thanks to David Wholihan and Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson talk to Joanne Wilder @ Q107
Last week Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson talked to Joanne Wilder @ Q107 Toronto to discuss the R40 Tour and Live album. Two videos have been posted thus far which you can view below. In the second video, Geddy and Alex field fan questions, we'll keep you posted if additional segments are added.
"10 Things We Learned From Rush's Michael Moore Interview" - Rollingstone.com
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson guest star on Chicago Fire episode titled "2112" now online
You can view the episode here.
"The co-creators of 'Chicago Fire' light up like a five-alarm fire when talking about Tuesday's episode featuring the legendary rock band Rush. 'We've been friends with the Rush guys for years,' Michael Brandt said. 'They're hilarious. Total hams. They did us a favor.' Two-thirds of the Canadian trio - lead singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson - guest star in Tuesday's installment, titled '2112,' the name of the band's fourth album. The storyline involves Rush performing a concert in Chicago. A few lucky Firehouse 51 fans snag free tickets to the show. 'We've been thinking about [having them on] for four years, so the fact that they finished their last tour and said that they would do it is awesome,' co-creator Derek Haas told me during an interview Monday at NBC press day in Chicago...The initial plan for the episode focused more on race cars than rock stars. 'We originally were approached by NASCAR to do a crossover episode,' showrunner Matt Olmstead said. 'We explored it. As oftentimes happens ... logistics got the best of everybody. So we had to pull that storyline. Instead of getting tickets to a NASCAR event, why not have the firefighters get freebies to a concert, Olmstead suggested. 'Derek's like, "Rush! It's gotta be Rush!"' Olmstead said. 'Thus began the whole process of clearing rights to music. Those guys [Haas and Brandt] wrote the Rush substitute storyline in about five minutes. That came from deep, deep, deep. Lifelong dream realized for those two guys.'" - TVTrippin.com, November 12, 2015
"Rush's Alex Lifeson Says There's Life After R40 Tour: 'I Don't Think It Is the End' - Billboard.com
Continuing their promotion of Friday's release of R40 Live, Alex Lifeson spoke with Billboard.com about the band's future plans:
Rumors of Rush's demise have been greatly exaggerated -- at least according to guitarist Alex Lifeson.- Thanks to Rushfanforever for the headsup!
The Canadian trio's R40 tour earlier this year -- documented on the new R40 Live CD and home video set due Friday -- was accompanied by reports that it would mark the end of Rush, mostly owing to physical ailments suffered by Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. It may well prove to be the last tour of its kind for Rush, but the band is still very much alive and ongoing, as far as Lifeson is concerned.
"That question was posed many times: Is this is? Is this the end?" Lifeson tells Billboard. "I don't think it is the end, and we never really said this is definitively our last tour. I think it's likely to be our last major tour, but we're still in contact, very close contact with each other, all three of us, and I don't think it's certainly the end of the band. There are still lots of things we want to do. It's not to say that we wouldn't do something in the future on a smaller scale, and there's always the fun project of making a record, which we've all loved forever. Right now I think we're just kind of relaxing and taking it in and getting reconnected with our families and friends and more of a domestic life, and then we'll kinda sort of review it, I think, in the new year and see what we want to do."
Lifeson adds that reports about his arthritis were a bit overstated -- "Who my age doesn't have some aches and pains?" explains the guitarist, who still boasts an impressive 10 handicap for golf -- but Peart's issues with tendinitis are more debilitating. "It's a very difficult endeavor for Neil," Lifeson says. "It's very physical, and it hurts. It's painful for him to play for three hours the way he does, so it's come to a point in his life where he just can't tour anymore." So as much as there's a resolve to do more with the band, there's also an open-endedness that's different from other hiatuses during Rush's career.
"Coming off the tour in August, it was a little bit of an adjustment, particularly to Geddy [Lee] and myself, coming to terms that this could possibly be the end of touring, and what does the future hold for being up onstage and playing," he says. "I think we were in just a little bit of a state for awhile, but we're settling down and it's not bad just kinda kicking back and having this [R40 Live] come out."
R40 Live was filmed and recorded during hometown shows on June 17 and 19 at Toronto's Air Canada Centre. The set, which comes in five different configurations, captures an ambitious, reverse-chronological presentation in which Rush celebrated its career with time-appropriate props and instruments, right down to an encore segment featuring Rush playing songs from its debut album in a high school gymnasium setting, with amplifiers sitting on chairs and stools.
"It seemed to be the right thing for us to do this one in Toronto," Lifeson says. "We also had the luxury of having two shows, which is always a great thing for a setup. I think the first night was good, but we had some technical glitches, which you always have when you record, but the [second show] felt great. It was one of the best shows on the tour, we thought, so we had some really good material to work from, and having the two nights and the two different sets, we could include stuff that we played on the [first] night in the final version."
As Rush goes into hiatus mode again, Peart is preparing for the Nov. 20 publication of Clockwork Lives, his second science-fiction novel co-written with Kevin Anderson, while Lifeson has been working on electronic music projects with his son and singer Tyler, and both he and Lee have been "buying up crazy amounts of old vintage equipment, guitars and basses, so we're still active and have it in our blood." And they're not buying those things just to look at them.
"I'm getting very itchy," Lifeson says. "There's nothing specific we're looking at, but I think ultimately I'd like to get back in with Ged and start writing and then have Neil join in and take it from there. That's how we always start: [Lee] and I jamming, and we'll do that for a little while, and then Neil will start sending lyrics and we'll kind of piece it together with what we're doing. So I'm hoping that's somewhere in the near future." - Billboard.com, November 16, 2015
Geddy and Alex talk to RollingStone.com (Video)
Today RollingStone.com posted a five minute video with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson where they answer fans' questions. You can check it out here.
Days before Rush's new CD/DVD/Blu-ray package, R40 Live, hit stores, singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson stopped by Rolling Stone headquarters to talk about the new release, and answer questions our readers submitted on Twitter and Facebook. They were happy to field any inquiry, whether it was about their most embarrassing onstage moment, the pronunciation of Neil Peart's last name or their favorite superhero.
Of most interest to Rush fans will be their take on the future of the group as a live act, which right now seems to be firmly in Peart's hands. "Are we going to tour again?" asked Geddy Lee. "That's the question that I'd like to know myself."
That said, they're not closing the door on recording new music together. "We don't have any immediate plans for that," says Lee. "Right now we're on holiday. I hope once the new year rolls around and the juices get flowing and we get hungry again we can talk about that." Does that mean the band is definitely not done? "Not in my mind," said Lee. "But I can't speak for everyone." - RollingStone.com, November 16, 2015
Geddy and Alex on the Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show
Today Geddy and Alex appeared live on the Jim Kerr Rock & Roll Morning Show on New York's Q104.3 to talk about the release of R40 Live. During the 17 minute interview, besides the new video topics also include the Blue Jay's playoff run, Randy Johnson, appearing on Chicago Fire, their relationship with Donna Halper, the future of Rush, and more. You can watch the video below.
Geddy Lee on the cover of "HOSS" Magazine Coming Nov. 19/Enter the 'Closer To The Heart With Rush' Contest
"The HOSS feature story on Lee inside reveals his passion for collecting vintage bass guitars, some of which line the walls of his studio and home, and how his passions extend to wine, baseball and his commitment to philanthropy.- Thanks to Paul Fitzgerald for the headsup!
An avid Toronto Blue Jays fan, Lee’s home in Toronto is decorated with scores of baseball memorabilia of sorts, reports HOSS Magazine. In 2008, he donated almost 400 signed baseballs from his personal collection – all them autographed by former Negro League baseball players – to the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Lee is also an active board member with Grapes for Humanity, a charitable organization that works with the international wine community to raise funds benefiting humanitarian causes around the world.
HOSS Magazine also reveals that he has a vast wine collection: red or white, he has literally hundreds of brands decorated throughout his home. And let’s not forget his gargantuan wine cellar that houses over 5,000 bottles curated from some of the best vineyards around the world, including a host of very hard to find Burgundies.
Both his homes in both Toronto and London feature art that he and his wife have collected over the years that is captive and engaging – artistic in every sense. In a unique sort of way his art collection mirrors his creative, sophisticated and open minded inner-self.
In this HOSS issue, Lee revealed to writer Philip Wilding that his interest in art was piqued by notable photographers, like André Kertész, Paul Strandand, and Alfred Stieglitz. He then shifted his sights towards fine art, and discovered this interested on a major U.S. tour with Rush in the late 1980s.
“It didn’t matter what city I was in, I would go to an art gallery. What kept me sane on that tour was learning about art,” says Lee.
“You can learn a lot by buying the books and going to every gallery you can and seeing what they have there – letting your eyes take it all in,” he says.
Lee indicates in the feature story that he got into baseball ephemera because he has long loved the game. And then he found that something like a ball signed in 1917 made him want to look at 1917 America. For him art is the same. Whatever artist you become enamored with you absorb his life and times, the story behind that existence.
“Case in point, I’m a child of the 50s, so I have great respect for the artists that came in the early part of the 20th century and survived the war,” says Lee. “And their art survived too and has gone on to become important. I think that’s why I’m fascinated by that period of history to a certain extent. They and their work endured. Art goes on and touches us and our history.”
The four-page feature on Lee is a must-read, according to Sean Rice, who is the publisher of HOSS Magazine.
“From the recording studio to the stage, to his homes filled with the things he is passionate about – wine, baseball and art, Lee is fascinating on every level,” says Rice. “Our feature tells a unique story about Lee and his passions, and Rush fans will no doubt have a ‘closer to the heart’ experience with Geddy when they read our in-depth feature on him.”
Rush Feature in New Prog Issue #61 Coming November 18th - Interview Now Online
In terms of the future of Rush, Alex says "I think we need to have a little space, a little time off to regroup and think about what we want to do in the future. If and when we want to record another record and if there's a possibility of us doing something in the future, I don't know. The ball is in Neil's court, clearly." He goes on to say "I write stuff all the time. I have a whole library of bits and pieces and complete songs that I've written at home and in the studio. I think if it looks unlikely that we're going to do much in the near future then I will definitely get into something like that next spring. What sort of project it turns out to be I'm not quite sure, but it will be a musical project. I can't sit around and I just love doing it so much."
Rush on the cover of the Nov/Dec issue of Canadian Musician "Travelling Back In Time With Rush"
Ole Acquires Anthem Entertainment Group, Home of Rush
"ole is very excited about entering the label services business and building on the foundation of Ray Danniel's storied company, ole chairman and CEO Robert Ott said in a statement. "ole is proud to continue to be the home of Rush and the other great artists with Anthem. We look forward to working closely with Anthem's artists and business partners to further success."- Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headsup!
As part of the deal, Anthem's long-time A&R director Andy Curran joined ole as GM of labels services/A&R; bringing along Tyler Tasson as manager of label services, while Anthem vp Pegi Cecconi will work as an ole consultant.
"I am pleased that Anthem and its ongoing legacy have found a new home with ole," said Danniels, who will continue as president of SRO Management, which represents Rush and other artists. Daniels said that the deal with ole and Ott gives Anthem Entertainment and Anthem Records a vision for the future while "protecting its past."
Earlier in 2014, ole acquired the Rush publishing catalog, known as Core Music Publishing, and earlier in 2015, the Mark-Cain publishing catalog from Anthem Entertainment. That deal included 40 albums from such Canadian artists as Max Webster, Ian Thomas, Lawrence Gowan, The Reason, Coney Hatch, Boys Brigade, Rikers, Spoons, and Aerial.
The latest deals give ole another 2,100 master recordings and 1,200 audio/visual masters.
In the U.S., Anthem acts are distributed by the Warner Music Group and Concord. Rush, the label's best-selling act, has scanned more than 15 million album units since the advent of Nielsen SoundScan, now known as Nielsen Music, in 1991.
Alex Lifeson, guitarist and co-founder of Rush, said, "I'm pleased to see that Anthem Records has landed with ole, the home of our music publishing catalog. I wish them great success with their new label business. Congratulations to our longtime manager Ray Danniels and CEO of ole, Robert Ott on completing their deal!"
Neil Peart Cover Story Interview with Modern Drummer
Yesterday Modern Drummer magazine posted a new feature interview with Neil Peart, which is their "(record) ninth MD cover-story interview". The full interview is now available here.Modern Drummer meets Peart backstage in his dressing room at the New Jersey stop of the R40 tour. The drummer greets us and apologizes for being sock-less. He lies on the couch and points to his feet, which look like Father Time–affected, wear-and-tear evidence of half a century of bringing the power night after night.
Permanent Waves' Paula Turnbull makes VH1's "True Stories Of Iconic Women From Classic Rock Album Covers"
Paula Turnbull – Permanent Waves by Rush (1980)
Shot by photographer Fin Costello and graphically rendered by designer Hugh Syme, the cover of Rush’s Permanent Waves LP makes an unmistakably powerful statement. Its visual centerpiece (albeit off to the right side) is fashion model Paula Turnbull, who poses as a sexy, clueless, panty-flashing 1950s glamour queen on a suburban street where, behind her, Armageddon rages unacknowledged.
Before a single needle hit Permanent Waves’ first groove, Paula’s expertly evocative still photo performance announced that, on the album within, humanity’s premiere prog-metal power trio would be exploring new sounds and different aesthetics—specifically, those of the then hyper-happening new wave movement.
Paula worked steadily as a model before and after Permanent Waves, but her best-known other work occurred two years later, when she reprised her role as the same intriguingly oblivious sexbomb on the cover of Rush’s tremendous live album, Exit… Stage Left.
Howard Ungerleider discusses the R40 Live Tour in November issue of Total Production International
Counterparts and Test For Echo Vinyl Reissues Now Available
The vinyl reissues will continue into next year with the final release being Snakes & Arrows. Previous vinyl reissues include Rush reDISCovered, Fly By Night (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound), Caress of Steel, the 2112 hologram edition, A Farewell To Kings (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound), Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures (vinyl and vinyl/t-shirt bundle), Exit...Stage Left, Signals (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound), Presto and Roll The Bones. These vinyl reissues also include a 320kbps MP4 vinyl ripped Digital Audio album download, and can also be purchased separately as high resolution Digital Audio.
Alex Lifeson's 2015 A Brush Of Hope Painting
Greetings, all!Alex has been A Brush of Hope's feature artist since 2006. His paintings and limited edition prints (available at http://www.kidney.ca/
I wanted to reach out to all of you to ask for your support of the Kidney Foundation’s Brush Of Hope auction to raise funds for kidney research.
I’ve supported this special programme for many years and my paintings have done well, thanks to the kind generosity of friends and good citizens so please consider helping out with this latest installment or a signed print.
This year’s new installment is titled, “Blind Date Picnic” and you can find it at the eBay link below. It’s a rather strange painting that has been described in some early circles as: “weird, horrid, ugly, familiar, hilarious, terrifying and ridiculous”, all the same thoughts I had when I painted it. When my wife saw it just as I completed it, her helpful comment was, “Oh my God!”…then she started crying.
Now, who can resist such an exciting conversation piece? Imagine your friends dropping by to view your latest art acquisition and leaving immediately in tears and a queasy stomach.
If that one doesn’t spark emotion, you can also get signed prints of previous paintings “Self Portrait #1” and “Greek Salad”. Each print is numbered and signed personally by me.
Every penny counts and your support is truly appreciated.
Thank you!
Alex
New original: BLIND DATE
Signed Prints: SELF PORTRAIT #1 and GREEK SALAD
Neil Peart's "Magnetic Memories: Four Decades In The Studio With Rush" - DRUM! Magazine, December 2015
Rush Referenced on ABC's Dr. Ken
Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - October 2015
Presto and Roll The Bones Vinyl Reissues Now Available
The vinyl reissues will continue into next year with the final release being Snakes & Arrows. Previous vinyl reissues include Rush reDISCovered, Fly By Night (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound), Caress of Steel, the 2112 hologram edition, A Farewell To Kings (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound), Hemispheres, Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures (vinyl and vinyl/t-shirt bundle), Exit...Stage Left and Signals (vinyl and blu-ray pure audio in 5.1 surround sound). These vinyl reissues also include a 320kbps MP4 vinyl ripped Digital Audio album download, and can also be purchased separately as high resolution Digital Audio.
Geddy Lee talks to the Dan Patrick Show
UPDATE 10/23: The current issue of Sports Illustrated includes a portion of Dan Patrick's
interview with Geddy Lee in his "Just My Type" column.
This morning Geddy Lee appeared on The Dan Patrick show. Besides talking about the Toronto Blue Jays (especially last night's seventh inning) and their advancing to the ALCS for the first time since 1993, Dan asked Geddy about his baseball memorabilia, singing the Canadian National Anthem at the '93 All Star Game, etc. When Dan asked what Rush's future plans are, and Geddy confirmed "It's going to be hard to get us back on the road at this point...There's no plans to tour." You can hear the complete interview below.
This morning Geddy Lee appeared on The Dan Patrick show. Besides talking about the Toronto Blue Jays (especially last night's seventh inning) and their advancing to the ALCS for the first time since 1993, Dan asked Geddy about his baseball memorabilia, singing the Canadian National Anthem at the '93 All Star Game, etc. When Dan asked what Rush's future plans are, and Geddy confirmed "It's going to be hard to get us back on the road at this point...There's no plans to tour." You can hear the complete interview below.
Rush lead singer Geddy Lee joined the show to talk about being in the stands last night for the Blue Jays’ dramatic win over the Rangers. Lee actually said things got scary for a little while in that crazy seventh inning. But he discussed his passion for the team and baseball.
Speaking of diehard fans, Paul Pabst jumped in with some hard-hitting questions … like “do you ever get tired of kicking ass?” - DanPatrick.com
"Limelight" featured in all new "Guitar Hero Live"
Caustic Casanova's "Show Some Shame" Video
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and that is definitely demonstrated by Caustic Casanova's new video for "Show Some Shame", from their new album Breaks released September 25th. Posted today to their YouTube channel, the video is a near complete recreation of Rush's "Time Stand Still" video, including the same spins, camera girl, industrial pillar, etc. The video begins with a Rush Chronicles style placard, and ends with the tribute "We thank Geddy, Alex and Neil for over 40 years of timeless music. Freeze this moment a little bit longer." - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Pop Culture References Update - October 2015
- Back in May, we reported how ABC's The Goldbergs included a Rush motivational poster hanging on the wall of guidance counselor Tim Meadows' office. A couple of weeks ago, during "A Chorus Lie" (aired September 30), Erica Goldberg’s homecoming dance suitor, the lead sax player in the high school band, wore three different Rush t-shirts throughout the episode (Moving Pictures, Fly by Night and Hold Your Fire).
- The video game Assassins Creed: Rogue (November 14, 2014), has 25 primary missions, and 10 of them are named after Rush songs: The Way The Wind Blows, One Little Victory, Freewill, The Colour of Right, Circumstances, Armour and Sword, Scars, Bravado, Caress of Steel, and Cold Fire.
- On the back cover of German thrash metal band Kreator's album Coma of Souls (November 6, 1990), their drummer Ventor is wearing a Presto concert t-shirt.
- There have been many very notable and noticeable Rush references on FX's animated television series Archer, and here is one of the more subtle ones: during "Edie's Wedding" (s6, e4, aired January 29, 2015), Krieger exclaims "Great Bacchus Plateau it worked!"
- During the It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia episode "Psycho Pete Returns" (January 28, 2015), near the end three people disembark a train car numbered "2112".
- During the Battle Creek episode "Cereal Killer" (April 5, 2015), a policeman talking about having his wedding in the back yard says "...little drip next door bangin' on his drums like he's Neil freakin' Peart."
- Here's one for fans who know their producers! During The Following episode "The Hunt" (April 6, 2015), the FBI are at the offices of a security company that was used to hack into the FBI computers; the hacker is shown entering the office of his co-worker Peter Collins to frame him.
- During the Discovery Science Channel's How It's Made, 3-D printers (March 30, 2015), the host is wearing a Time Machine tour shirt.
- The September 27th episode of Adult Swim's Rick and Morty, had a difficult to catch "2112" sighting. About nine minutes into "Look Who's Purging Now", Morty contacts his granddaughter back on earth to send help, and sends gives her a 13-digit code to unlock a device which includes the sequence two-one-one-two. The episode is available here.
- About 11:30 into the Pawn Stars episode "Smarty Pants" (October 16, 2014), a framed green Fender Telecaster signed by Rush along with a photo of the band on the Presto tour is briefly shown. You can watch the episode here.
- One for the fans of MST3K! In Rifftrax Live: Sharknado 2 (September 18, 2015), at about the 1:11:26 mark, a high pitched singer from the soundtrack is heard, to which Bill Corbett quips "Man, the only thing worse than the band Rush is someone imitating the band Rush."
- Charlie Gibbons' novel Ellison & Amos (March 28, 2013), was inspired by Neil Peart, and is about a rock-and-roll legend who loses everything of meaning and embarks on a motorcycle journey only to face his greatest fear: The fan.
- The Foo Fighters have been performing "Tom Sawyer" each night during their 2015 tour, and for their concert in Oklahoma City on September 29th, the Foos created a concert poster featuring Dave Grohl striking a 2112 Starman pose with the Foo Fighters' logo.
- BJ Hyman's novel Day Zero: The Book Of Patrick (March 25, 2015), references Geddy Lee and "Working Man" on page 14.
- The documentary Who The F**k Is Arthur Fogel, about the Canadian music promoter which premiered in March 21, 2013, includes an interesting bit about Rush with Geddy Lee and Ray Danniels starting at the 9 minute mark.
- I've already documented how Jack Black sings the guitar solo to "Jacob's Ladder" in the film High Fidelity. Coincidentally (or not...), in that very same scene, Dick the sales clerk is standing at a rack of albums, and directly in front of him you can see the back cover of All The World's A Stage.
- I've also documented many Rush references on Canada's 1980's series Degrassi Jr High. One we've just learned about is the episode "Can't Live With 'Em" part 2 (s3 e2, aired November 7, 1988), when Joey speaks to Wheels' grandmother on the telephone, "Force 10" is heard in Joey's basement.
- The recent August 24th Reality Check comic strip features Neil Peart.
- During last month's Apple 3D Touch Demo, Craig Federighi demonstrated new 3D Touch features of the iPhone music app at the 2:40 mark, and said "Maybe I want to listen to a song by my favorite band" as he hovered over the app and Signals' "The Analog Kid" was shown.
- On the September 26th broadcast of the UK quiz show Mastermind, contestant Tom Mead chose Rush as his subject to be quizzed on and scored a 12.
Clockwork Lives by Kevin J Anderson & Neil Peart - A Review
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That's not the only obvious difference between the two novels, however. Known for his sprawling epics, Kevin J. Anderson seemed constrained with Clockwork Angels, having to limit the content to appropriately follow the narrative set forth by the Rush album. With Clockwork Lives, there are no such constraints, and we are treated with a sprawling tale which takes us across the world of the Watchmaker, where Marinda finds herself crossing paths with the Anarchist, the Wreckers, the Carnies, and many other familiar figures from the first novel, including Owen Hardy. Clockwork Lives is not a sequel to Clockwork Angels, however. Rather, it's a companion novel in the same universe which actually takes place at the same time and crosses paths with the events in the first novel, and can be enjoyed by itself if you passed on Clockwork Angels.
Clockwork Lives is also an extra special feast for Rush fans. Like its predecessor, it is loaded with Rush references and lyrics, but to this reader, they were less obvious, more subtle, and therefore more apt to bring a smile when recognized. In addition, Geddy, Alex and Neil are even represented, but I don't want to spoil it…
A review of this novel would be remiss if I didn't mention the physical nature of the book itself. The cover is faux oxblood red leather and embossed with gold leaf, and the pages appear to be printed on smooth parchment. Each new adventure is begun with an all new illustration drawn by Nick Robles, who provided the art for the Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel. It truly is a work of art and is a must-have for anyone Rush fan's library. Make sure to pick this up before the first edition sells out. It's fantastic!
Rush's Moving Pictures short listed for inaugural Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize
Rush on the cover of Professional Lighting and Production Fall 2015 issue
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