As he alluded to back in September, Geddy Lee spent time during the pandemic to write his autobiography. Today his book "My Effin' Life" was announced for a November 14th publication date. Click here to preorder:
https://amzn.to/43iYOgb
So, how did I kill time during the pandemic? Little did I know that as of March 2020 I'd be locked down for over a year and a half—the longest time I'd spent in Toronto since I was nineteen and hit the Northern Ontario bar circuit with Rush.
Although Nancy and I had to cancel a bunch of adventures we'd been planning, there were some shiny silver linings to be found at home: teaching my grandson the finer points of baseball and birdwatching, tending to my pups (one of whom was quite ill) and spending the evenings with my lovely better half, glass of Armagnac in hand, as we watched every European mystery show ever produced. Oh, and another thing: I began to write. Words, that is.
My friend and collaborator on the Big Beautiful Book of Bass, Daniel Richler, saw how I was struggling in the aftermath of Neil's passing, and tried coaxing me out of my blues with some funny tales from his youth, daring me to share my own in return. So I did—reluctantly at first, but then remembering, oh yeah, I like wrestling with words. It's a less physical version of arguing with musical notes, without a Ricky doubleneck breaking my back! And soon my baby-step stories were becoming grownup chapters. Being the nuclear obsessive that I am, I'd write and re-write them, reassessing perspectives in the narrative not just by scouring my memory banks but my diaries and piles of photo albums too. I was piecing together a mystery of a different kind.
I'd then send these improved and even illustrated stories to Daniel, who'd clean up some of the grammar and remove a lot of the swearing (I love to fucking swear), and presto! In a voice that sounded, well, just like me, a presentable, epic-length account of my life on and off the stage was taking shape: my childhood, my family, the story of my parents' survival, my travels and all sorts of nonsense I've spent too much time obsessing over. And Daniel said, "I think you're writing a book. An actual memoir, in fact." To which I replied, “Hmm… I guess I am.”
I'm rounding third on this as-of-yet untitled memoir, which will be published by HarperCollins, edited by Noah Eaker, and is scheduled for release in Fall 2022.
Envy Of None's critically acclaimed debut is available on picture disc LP exclusively for RSD. The ambient, cinematic darkness that the collective creates evokes a powerful atmosphere that will excite superfans & new audiences alike. Alex Lifeson & Andy Curran's long-time friendship was the catalyst for the band's inception - but Envy Of None is not defined by its members resumes - they aren't Rush or Coney Hatch & far more than the sum of its collective parts. Above the beautiful cacophony of guitars, synths, bass & drums sits the fragile melodies of 24-year-old vocalist Maiah Wynne - the newest name in Envy Of None's impressive personnel. Hearing Mariah's voice intertwined with the music will bring back memories of when you heard Shirley Manson of ‘Garbage' or Amy Lee of ‘Evanescence' for the first time. Wynne brings charm & beauty to these recordings in spades - with floating hooks & emotive lyrics transcending the oftentimes textural aesthetic. The Storm Thorgerson-esque visuals that grace the cover may remind fans of Lifeson's earlier work - Andy Curran explains: “[the] hipgnosis style artwork of albums like ‘Pink Floyd' & ‘Led Zeppelin' & others were so eye catching, surreal & attention grabbing & we wanted to scratch that itch. We were instantly drawn to Lebanese photographer Eli Rezkallah at Plastik's photography & design work. We fell in love with a bunch of his work - we had a hard time choosing something because he had so many great images”. However, the 70's prog/Rush comparisons may end with the artwork - the music that this ensemble creates treads new ground with each track throughout their 42-minute debut, from industrial/electronic influences on post-progressive soundscapes. Envy Of None create a sound that will haunt, comfort & ignite. "If you can picture maybe Massive Attack with a little bit of some electronic stuff with Nine Inch Nails influences, with this beautiful, fragile, sweet voice & some very, very dark heavy sounds" - Andy Curran (Envy Of None) Following on from the excitement that followed the initial release in 2022, Kscope are proud to present a limited Picture Disc edition for Record Store Day 2023. For details visit RSD2023.
Coming April 21st, Alex Lifeson appears on "Moonage Daydream" by Easy Star All-Stars on their new album, Ziggy Stardub, a reggae cover album of David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars.
"The mesmerizing rendition strips the gritty sound of the original, leaving a slick and sultry cover in its place. Lifeson closes out the track with an ethereal guitar solo, while Naomi Cowan's vocals flow through the chilled track, blending his celestial guitar stylings seamlessly. Perfectly balancing an aura of psychedelic and reggae, the essence of Bowie's classic sci-fi song finds a new purpose in this genre-crossing performance. ... Lifeson reveals he already had admiration for Bowie going into the recording of the track. 'Bowie was such an incredible artiste and the reggae concept for the project was an interesting approach. Naomi Cowan's vocals were inspiring to track to and the arrangement was fun to play to, as it should be." - Consequence of Sound, Feb 22, 2023
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”.
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
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 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.
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/
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!
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.
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 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."
"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."
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, 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.
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!
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:
"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."
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", 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 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
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"
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!
Today Alex Lifeson's new band Envy of None launched their new single, "Look Inside" which you can view below. In addition, AI.com published a fantastic new interview with singer Maiah Wynne which you can check out here.
Grapes for Humanity is pleased to announce the ‘Gift of Sight’ online sale of three alternate front album covers, three alternate back album covers, and twelve alternate interior album art photographs of both Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee taken from the original ‘Moving Pictures’ photo shoot. Funds raised will support the Genius 100 Himalayan Cataract Project. The collection will offered to the public starting on December 16th, 2021. Click here for details.
Stern Pinball, Inc. proudly announces a new line of pinball machines
celebrating the iconic Canadian progressive rock band, Rush. Rush
pinball machines are available in Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition (LE)
models.
Rush first burst onto the scene when its song, Working Man, crossed
the pirate radio airwaves from Toronto, Canada to Cleveland, Ohio and
then onto the rest of North America and the world. Their magnum opus,
2112, represents one of progressive rock’s greatest works. Rush’s music
remains in constant rotation to this day. Absolutely uncompromising in
every conceivable way, the band featured bassist, keyboardist, and lead
vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and the late drummer,
percussionist, and lyricist Neil Peart.
Stern’s Rush pinball machines, reflect the energy, excitement, and
experience of a live Rush concert. In this epic music pinball adventure,
players will travel with Rush through time.
Immersed in exclusive Rush concert footage and guided by custom
speech from Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and fellow Canadian Rock Hall of
Famer, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies, players will experience
Rush and their iconic music as never before. This Rush pinball concert
under glass features sixteen iconic songs, accentuated by sound and
lighting effects. Songs include Headlong Fight, Far Cry, One Little
Victory, Working Man, 2112, Tom Sawyer, The Spirit of Radio, Freewill,
Cygnus X-1 (Book One: The Voyage and Book Two: Hemispheres), The Big
Money, Subdivisions, Limelight, Fly By Night, La Villa Strangiato,
Bastille Day, and Red Barchetta.
Rush pinball machines include Stern’s new Insider Connected™ system,
which enables players to interact with the game and a global network of
players in a variety of ways. Stern Insider Connected provides dynamic
entertainment and player engagement features. Insider Connected also
provides an operator focused toolset to drive location play and remotely
manage every aspect of the machines. Registration for Insider Connected
is available at insider.sternpinball.com/.
Travel back in time with Rush by shooting pinballs through a custom
sculpted, electromagnetic Time Machine. Players will explore Red
Barchetta, Subdivisions, and Fly By Night Multiball action. The Rush
Premium and LE model pinball experience includes a motorized ramp with
custom lighting effects and a custom sculpted Clockwork Angels Clock,
inspired from Neil Peart’s bass drum from their Time Machine Tour. This
motorized clock illuminates, and when it strikes midnight players will
be transported to a Headlong Fight Multiball frenzy.
Additional features on the Premium and LE models include a custom
subway system, locking pinballs to unleash a high energy Far Cry
Multiball. The ‘Dead End’ vertical upkicker propels pinballs up an
additional wireform ramp return for non-stop pinball action. As an
encore, a three-bank of musical drop targets guard a secret ball lock
for players to discover an adrenalized Freewill Multiball to continue
their musical pinball journey.
Limited to 1,000 LE machines globally, the highly collectible LE
version includes the Expression Lighting System™. With 96 intelligent
RGB LEDs, the Expression Lighting System enables full color spectrum
control. Positioned in pockets cut into the cabinet sides to provide
color themed full playfield illumination, this integrated playfield
lighting system is synchronized to custom light shows specifically
designed for every song and dynamically responsive to game events. The
LE version also includes an exclusive full color mirrored backglass
inspired by Clockwork Angels, iconic custom cabinet artwork, custom high
gloss and powder-coated guitar-shaped pinball armor, a custom
designer-autographed bottom arch, exclusive inside art blades, upgraded
audio system, anti-reflection pinball playfield glass, shaker motor, a
sequentially numbered plaque, and a Certificate of Authenticity signed
by Stern Chairman and CEO Gary Stern.
“Partnering with Rush, we created a musical pinball experience that
every fan will want to explore. Incredible music, memorable toys, unique
mechanical pinball action, and custom speech will make players feel
like they are on tour with the band,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO.
“In memory of Neil Peart, we have also decided to support the Neil Peart Research Award sponsored by the Glioblastoma Foundation as it researches cures for this deadly brain cancer.”
Rush pinball machines will be showcased virtually to the press and public for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 5th – 8th.
Stern Pinball shared some behind the scenes footage from Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and fellow Canadian Rock Hall of Famer, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies studio session.
Rush are cracking open the vaults to unveil previously unreleased pictures from their Moving Pictures cover shoot. Photographer Deborah Samuel captured the iconic album cover image along with the covers for Permanent Waves, Exit … Stage Left and Signals. The outtakes are now available to the public for the first time with the release of the Deborah Samuel Collection.
The collection includes three alternate front covers and three alternate back covers for Moving Pictures, along with 12 interior album art photographs of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee. Proceeds from the collection will go to Grapes for Humanity, which has partnered with Definitive Authentic to support the Genius 100 Foundation's Gift of Sight campaign and the Himalayan Cataract Project. The funds will help the organizations perform sight-restoring surgeries in under-resourced regions where HCP operates.
"I clearly remember the day Deborah set up for this cover and especially the interior series of the Moving Pictures photographs," Lifeson said in a statement. "I was jumping around in the dark with a bright strobe flashing away, which was disorienting to say the least, but the results fit so well with the album concept, and I loved the final photos she produced. I’m thrilled to revisit them and make the covers and these interior photos available in support of Grapes For Humanity."
Added Lee: "I'm very thankful to Deborah for generously making these rare photographs available to our fans, the proceeds of which will help bring sight to the sightless."
You can view the collection or make a purchase at the Moving Pictures 40 website.
Hugh Syme discusses his work over the years with Rush in the new issue of Prog Magazine. There's also an Art Of Hugh Syme calendar with the issue too! Get it in store. Or buy online here.
Blabbermouth has reported that Alex Lifeson is among the guest musicians who will perform at the 17th annual Andy Kim Christmas, set to take place on December 8 at the Massey Hall in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Andy Kim Christmas has been gathering friends and fans together to celebrate the spirit and generosity of the musical community with all proceeds going to charity. Last year, the concert brought people together from coast to coast on television, raising over $200,000 to bring its cumulative money raised to over $1.8 million. The program is the brainchild of music legend, and one of the evening's performers, Andy Kim.
During this one-of-a-kind charity event, patrons will be treated to a classic variety entertainment show that includes holiday performances by some of the country's most sought-after singer/songwriters and performers. Scheduled guests are BILLY TALENT, THE SHEEPDOGS, Ron Sexsmith, Alex Lifeson, Jully Black, Tyler Shaw, Sloan, William Prince, Mary Margaret O'Hara, Jake Clemons, MEN WITHOUT HATS, PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS, Theo Tams, Beverly Mahood, Georgia Harmer and CHOIR, CHOIR, CHOIR.
Thank you RushFanForever for the headsup, for more visit Blabbermouth.net.
UPDATE 12/9: The highlight of last night's show was an all-star, Led Zeppelin medley featuring Alex Lifeson and others, performing The Battle of Evermore and a portion of Stairway to Heaven.
Coming December 1st, RushBackstageClub have put together a 208 page book drawing together a selection of gig posters from their 45+ year history. "Within these pages, you’ll learn about the first time Neil Peart ever took the stage with Rush, how Santa Claus (!) opened for Rush, and just how extensive their touring really was. You’ll see ads and gig posters promoting everything from Rush’s first concert in America to the largest crowd they ever played (a benefit show in Toronto) to their final act, at the fabled Forum in Los Angeles. A must for fans of one of the most storied rock acts of all time, Rush." Click here to order.
Tom Morello has announced the details of his new album The Atlas Underground Flood, which features a variety of guest performers including Alex Lifeson on the track "I Have Seen the Way" (along with Kirk Hammett & Dr. Fresch). Speaking of the new album, Morello said "The Atlas Underground Flood finishes what The Atlas Underground Fire started. Fire and Flood are my London Calling. Admiring The Clash at their apex moment, I sought to make a double album where artistic intent supersedes genre. I aimed to forge a central curated vision to tie together a sonically fearless, wild, and wide-ranging musical ambition with a tremendous cast of collaborators. And of course, there are many guitar solos.” Coming December 3rd, the album is now available for preorder.
Blabbermouth announced that Neil Peart was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Percussive Arts Society (PAS) at this year's Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis on Thursday, November 11. Peart's wife Carrie Nuttall and daughter Olivia accepted the award on his behalf at the event, where they were joined by Chris Stankee, global director of artist relations for Sabian cymbals.
A photo of Nuttall giving her acceptance speech, with Olivia and Chris standing nearby, was shared by fellow drummer Dave Stark on Facebook. For more info visit Blabbermouth.net.
Alex Lifeson has again donated to the annual A Brush of Hope - Celebrity Paintings for The Kidney Foundation of Canada. This year Alex has donated an original charcoal sketch titled "1971": "Drawn in 1971, then 18 year old Alex completed this sketch of a live model while attending an art class during the formative years of Rush. Piece is charcoal on art paper, measures 18"x24" and is hand signed and dated on the front by Alex Lifeson." Go here to bid.
"This was written during the mix session of Clockwork Angels while in LA for months starting early 2012. I did an interview with High Times and the interviewer brought along a friend, an esteemed grower who provided a sample of his creation named Cherry Lopez. Because I was on an EST body clock, I was up most mornings @ 5:00 AM. I'd order coffee, sit on my hotel room balcony, read the paper and wake and bake then dive into making some fun sounds while the city was waking up. I had some borrowed acoustic and electric guitars for the duration, thankfully, as sitting around waiting to go to the studio was tedious and certainly, a bowl of Cherry kept my appetite healthy." - Alex Lifeson.com, Oct 29, 2021
Join Modern Drummer magazine in celebrating the life and legacy of Neil Peart by inspiring an up and coming, young drummer with an incredible opportunity! In memory of Neil, with the support of his family, Modern Drummer is proud to present an up-and-coming drummer with the annual “Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship”.
The scholarship, originally announced at the 2020 Modern Drummer Festival by Carrie Nuttall-Peart, provides the recipient with 52 weeks of free drum lessons from world-class drum instructor Dom Famularo, along with a 1 year subscription to Modern Drummer All Access, plus a selection of classic Rush album releases from Universal Music Enterprises.
Potential recipients of the scholarship must be qualified entrants to participate. A “qualified entrant” is defined as someone who is between the ages of 14 and 21, is not a professional musician, and is not a party to any sponsorship or entertainment contract that, in Modern Drummer’s judgment, conflicts with the spirit of the scholarship.
Potential recipients must submit up to a 2-minute video of their playing AND a short essay describing why this scholarship will be significant to both their life and their drumming. The impact on their drumming that has been inspired by Neil’s playing and legacy.
All submissions must be received prior to November 26, 2021. Click here for more.
Today the Ohio State Marching Band celebrated the music of Rush, and I may be prejudiced as a Rush fan, but it was incredible, and is a must see below! I'm sure Neil would be proud!
To honor the early 2020 passing of one of the greatest drummers in history, Rush’s Neil Peart, the Ohio State Marching Band added a little more percussion to the mix for the halftime show Saturday.
Peart was a member of the progressive rock band for more than 40 years before he died from cancer. To help recreate Peart’s sonic impact, the percussion section was expanded by 20 toms and 20 extra cymbals mounted on four racks. They were at the front of the formation and played by the band’s five percussion alternates for this week.
The band blistered through some of Rush’s greatest hits, including “Red Barchetta,” “Fly by Night” and “Tom Sawyer.” Formations replicated Peart and Rush guitar player Alex Lifeson, and spelled out “2112” and “YYZ,” titles to Rush songs. - Ohio State News, Oct 9, 2021
Originally published in 2015, The Art of Rush: Serving A Life Sentence, the newly expanded and updated coffee table book will be released next month by IDW Publishing on October 12th. Covering his complete 40 plus year tenure as Rush's art director, the book contains Syme's original illustrations, paintings, photography, and the incredible stories behind each album that he has designed with the band since 1975. The book's narration was written by music journalist Stephen Humphries and includes in-depth interviews with each Rush band member and the artist. The second edition is newly expanded and updated to include content released by the band since 2015.
Last week I spoke to Hugh about The Art of Rush: Serving A Life Sentence and more. During the time we had available, I asked Hugh questions about his Rush art that I had not seen asked before and that took us on a roundabout journey talking about his Life Sentence as the de facto art director for Rush, a title that he never assumed to be set in stone...
Coney Hatch bassist Andy Curran, who has been working with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson in a project dubbed Envy Of None, has issued the following update:
'We’re excited to announce that we have composed new music for the
upcoming Amazon Original, All Or Nothing Toronto Maple Leafs, available
only on Prime Video October 1.' Click here for more.
Following
a successful global cinema release, Trafalgar Releasing and Anthem
Entertainment are proud to announce that starting on October 1 at 9 p.m.
ET through Sunday, October 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET, RUSH fans worldwide can
view Rush: Cinema Strangiato - Director's Cut at home, on demand.
Visit www.cinemastrangiato.com
for more information and to purchase access for $15. On Friday,
October 1 at 9 p.m. ET, RUSHCON will host a live virtual “Interactive
Watch Party” for fans to connect and discuss the film when it premieres
online. Those who purchase a watch party ticket will maintain access to
the content for the entire duration of the VOD window, but only those
who log in during the live October 1 event will be able to participate
in the chat. Click here for more.
Geddy Lee, who had been twice honoured for major humanitarian awards by the Canadian music industry alongside his bandmates, will accept a solo Lifetime Achievement Award this Saturday (Sept. 11) for his philanthropy at the Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) gala in Toronto.
Held annually during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) — this year outdoors at a private residence with safety protocols in place — the exclusive affair has raised more than $33 million to help provide access to education for the impoverished youth in Haiti, including the building of a free high school on a seven-acre campus in Port-au-Prince and a five-acre film and music tech training campus in Jacmel.
The award honours “[Lee’s] commitment to philanthropy,” the press release states, citing his support of Brain Cancer research, Toronto Food Bank, Alberta Floods, Doctors without Borders, Grapes for Humanity, United Way, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and Casey House.
Geddy Lee has apparently teamed up with Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson for a "super-secret" project. Speaking to Classic Rock magazine, Robertson discussed the bond he shares with Lee, before revealing that he's working with the Rush low-end master on something that he "can't talk about." "Geddy is somewhere between my surrogate father and imaginary big brother," Robertson told Classic Rock. "I love him so much. I was in the studio with him yesterday for a super-secret project that I can’t talk about." - GuitarWorld.com, September 8, 2021
Today Rush and Henderson Brewing Co has announced via Facebook that they are launching RUSH Golden Ale in Canada on August 30th, not available outside Canada. Better people, better food, and better beer indeed!
It started during the R40 tour when, after a gig, someone handed frontman Geddy Lee a bottle of Robinson’s “Iron Maiden -Trooper” beer. Geddy took one look at it and jokingly asked where the Rush beer was. That quip stayed in the mind of the band, and recognizing the growing craft beer movement, particularly in their hometown of Toronto, the band decided to look into it seriously.
Beer has always been an important part of the touring experience for the band. That first after-show beer helping to draw a line between the focus of performing and the wind-down that follows. After hundreds of shows in so many countries around the world, the band really began to see how different beer could be.
“When I get off stage, I really, really enjoy an ice-cold beer, it’s like a little reward,” commented Geddy Lee on a recent visit to Henderson Brewery.
The band chose Henderson as they are one of the fastest growing micro-breweries in Canada and have won many gold medals for their beer. As is true with all of Rush ethos, quality is key. It didn’t hurt that the hometown brewery also had a love for the band given Henderson had previously released a “Put Your Scarf On Geddy” limited edition Canadian Imperial Stout in 2016.
In the summer of 2020 Rush and Henderson began taste testing many prototype brews and early in 2021 the band and the brewery both felt they had come up with a brew they could stand behind. Subtlety complex, refreshing and satisfying and uniquely Canadian, as the beer gets its taste from Canadian ingredients, including Rye.
“Rush Canadian Golden Ale is golden in colour with a dense ivory head. It has an earthy aroma with hints of orange-peel, pine and spicy rye. While the emphasis is on refreshment, there are elements of pine, rye spice and a citric hop flavour that add to the subtle complexity of the beer,” remarked Alex Lifeson, the band-proclaimed Beer Scientist.
Rush Canadian Golden Ale launches across Canada August 30th, with distribution primarily in Ontario to start.
Gooding & Company is thrilled to announce its offering of the world-renowned rock drummer and lyricist Neil Peart’s collection of classic cars at its 17th annual Pebble Beach Auctions. The incredible opportunity to bid on these extraordinary classic cars, dubbed the “Silver Surfers” by the legendary musician, will take place at the company’s two-day sale on August 13 and 14.
Lot 110: Corvette sold for $368,000 Lot 111: Maserati sold for $274,400 Lot 112: Shelby Cobra sold for $1,160,000 Lot 113: Aston Martin DB5 (did not meet reserve price and will sell later) Lot 114: Jaguar e-type sold for $318,500 Lot 115: Lamborghini Miura sold for $1,325,000 Lot 116: Maserati Spider sold for $522,000
Alex Lifeson has added three early demos recorded "over twenty years" ago to his website, calling them Lerxst Demo Archives. Included are three tracks, "Kroove" (which you may recognize as "Bittersweet Bundle of Misery" from the R30 live set), "Bango Bob" and "Serbs".
"The Holy Trinity of Rock returns to the big screen on September 9, 2021, when Rush: Cinema Strangiato - Director's Cut brings Rush fans together in movie theatres once again worldwide – this time to celebrate 40 years of Moving Pictures. This global fan event takes an alternate “director’s cut” of 2019's feature, giving audiences a special look into R40 LIVE, with a revamped setlist including new additions of bonus tracks "One Little Victory" and “Red Barchetta” as well as "Cygnus X-1 / “The Story So Far” featuring Neil's final recorded drum solo masterpiece. Additional favorites include songs such as “Animate”, “Closer to the Heart", "Subdivisions", and “Tom Sawyer" along with backstage moments and candid footage left on the cutting room floor. The Director’s Cut also includes soundcheck performances of the fan-favorite "Jacob's Ladder", exclusive interviews with Tom Morello, Billy Corgan, Taylor Hawkins, producer Nick Raskulinecz, The Trailer Park Boys, violinist Jonathan Dinklage and more surprises." - CinemaStrangiato.com
As you may have seen, Neil Peart’s meticulously curated car collection, dubbed the “Silver Surfers,” will be going up for auction next month at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance.
Neil’s love of classic cars was a lifelong passion, and prior to his passing, he was extremely proud to have completed his final book titled, “Silver Surfers.” The following passage from his first coffee table book explains, in his own words, how the collection name came about:
“The title Silver Surfers for my collection of cars occurred to me while driving my DB5 up and down the Pacific Ocean. Because it felt right to me, I guess – the idea that I was just one of the wave riders….
In search of natural peace, I often drove out that way and up in to the Santa Monica Mountains. Out past Malibu to Ventura County, I’d weave along barren ridges of rock and vegetation, the ocean always on one big side. The waves were slow and gentle, or churned out a powerful, rolling rhythm…”
We are happy that his wish to see this book published will be fulfilled, with a release date to be announced. This will certainly be a loving homage to the man and one of his true passions.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Geddy and his family.
Mary Weinrib — a Holocaust survivor and mother of Rush bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee — has died. Weinrib passed away last Friday (July 2), weeks shy of her 96th birthday. She was 95.
An obituary calls Weinrib's life "an inspiring story of perseverance, survival and triumph." She was born in 1925 in Warsaw, Poland, and grew up in Wierzbnik, a Jewish shtetl that was part of Starachowice, Poland, that was occupied by the Germans beginning in 1939.
Weinrib "endured the labour camp at the munitions factory in Starachowice and the concentration camps at Auschwitz, where she met and fell in love with her husband Morris Weinrib, and at Bergen-Belsen, where she was finally liberated in April 1945."
Mary and Morris would be reunited and married in 1946 and emigrated to Canada soon after. Following her husband's sudden death in 1965, Mary took over managing the family's variety store north of Toronto in Newmarket while raising three children.
The obituary adds that as "an early supporter and a fixture at Rush concerts," Mary plastered the windows of the store with Rush posters upon the release of the group's first album in 1974, and "gave albums away to any kids who wanted them but didn't have the money to buy them."
More recently, Mary Weinrib appeared in the 2010 band documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and alongside her son Geddy in Dave Grohl's docu-series From Cradle to Stage, which explores the relationships of successful musicians and their mothers.
Of their conversation, Grohl said in the episode, "It was funny for me to sit with Geddy and his mom because... he changed my life. Rush really changed my life. I loved music. I loved singing in the car to AM radio. But I never listened to the drums until I heard Rush. As we were sitting with Geddy and his mom, I was thinking...if it weren't for her I might not be a drummer."- Exclaim.ca
Alex Lifeson released his first new music in nearly a decade when he shared the instrumentals “Kabul Blues” and “Spyhouse” to coincide with the arrival of his new Epiphone guitar earlier this month. But fans won’t have to wait nearly that long for the next chapter, as Lifeson has completed 10 songs for an upcoming project with an aim to release them later this year.
“Alex and I are involved in a side project called Envy of None,” bassist Andy Curran tells UCR. “It’s like, if you can picture maybe Massive Attack with a little bit of some electronic stuff with Nine Inch Nails influences, with this beautiful, fragile, sweet voice and some very, very dark heavy sounds. That’s kind of what this project sounds like.” For more visit ultimateclassicrock.com
More info was published in an interview with Sweet Water, as transcribed by GuitarWorld.com:
“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,” Lifeson recalled when quizzed about the origins of the project. “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 that we hope to release sometime soon. I’m really excited about that.”
On when fans can expect to hear the album in full, Lifeson added, “We’re just working on that part. All the music is recorded. We are mixing currently. We’re in a good place, but it is very challenging. The industry is so, so very different than it was certainly 10 years ago, never mind last year,” he added. “We’ll see. Hopefully late summer, early fall we might have something. But we are very, very excited about it. It’s pretty cool stuff, I think.”
For twenty years Neil Peart and his drum technician, Lorne "Gump" Wheaton were at the pinnacle of presenting the very best in rock drumming performance.
Known affectionately as Neil "Bubba" Peart, by bandmates and the stage crew family, together, they became "Bubba Gump".
Through all the album concepts; the drumsets, the snare drums, and the cymbals became the reference for the best in drumming design, pure sonic power and incredible inspiration.
There are no comparisons!
Together, Soul Drums and "Bubba Gump" are offering the best known snares and drums from the Test for Echo era, Vapor Trails, Snakes and Arrows, Clockwork Angels and the R40 tours.
These incredible instruments represent the art, history and science of modern rock drumming and celebrate the legacy of a true master.
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