Montréal Guitare Trio cover Tom Sawyer on "Der Prinz" - Coming February 18th

Coming February 18th, Canada's Montréal Guitare Trio will be releasing their latest album, "Der Prinz", which will include a fantastic acoustic cover of "Tom Sawyer". Although now available for preorder on iTunes for release on February 18th, the cd is currently scheduled for U.S. release on March 18.

You can see the trio perform the track live here.

"Live Sound Engineering Techniques: On Tour with Rush with Brent Carpenter" - Lynda.com

This past December 13th, the subscription based education website Lynda.com posted a 78 minute course video with Rush's Sound Engineer Brent Carpenter on tour with Rush on the Clockwork Angels tour.  From their website:

"Follow along with Brent Carpenter on tour with Rush, as he demonstrates what it is like to be a live sound engineer for a major rock show. We shadow Brent and the Rush sound crew as they prepare for the Denver, Colorado, show on their Clockwork Angels tour, where the band is set to perform for 12,000 fans. After the gear is loaded into the venue, Brent explains how he and the crew set up the rigging, amp racks, and fly the speaker arrays to make sure well-balanced stereo sound reaches every seat in the arena. He also shows how he sets up his console to mix the onstage sound for Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart and configures the in-ear monitor system and balance of audience mics for each member of the band. Then we get to sit backstage with Brent and watch what he does during line check, sound check, and the actual show. After the fans file out, see how all the equipment comes back down and is packed away so the cycle can start all over in the next city."

Topics include: Choosing the PA for the venue; Setting up points, motors and cables, and trusses; Getting the best use of both analog and digital signal paths; How Rush gets that Geddy, Alex, and Neil live sound; Setting up the digital monitor mix console; Doing the line check and sound check; Using audience microphones to connect the band to their fans; Getting even coverage in a large arena; Working the monitor console and the power of snapshots; Loading out of the venue.

For a video introduction see below. - Thanks to Rand Stringer for the headsup!

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - February 2014

Neil Peart has just updated his website with the latest edition of News, Weather & Sports titled "Bubba And The Professor".  Neil begins by contrasting his two selves...:"Can’t you just picture the ’60s sitcom, or wacky road movie, that would follow that title? Why, I can hear the theme music. The story would hinge on the classic “odd couple” setup, where a methodical, high-minded, would-be aesthete and intellectual is handcuffed to an easygoing neanderthal everythingaholic drummer.  You know, like the two polar sides of one character are tricked into sharing a long, difficult journey?  Oh wait-that’s my life.  What tales our nicknames can tell. The two in this title have been conferred upon one individual-your reporter-at different times in his life. You may imagine they come with a story or two."  Check it out in full here!

Rush Crew Winners at the Tourlink Top Dog Awards

Rush's Front of House sound engineer Brad Madix and video designer David Davidian both won their respective categories last night at the Tourlink Top Dog Awards ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Howard Ungerleider accepted the awards on their behalf.  The Top Dog Awards are bestowed upon the very best of the best in the touring community as voted by their peers. - Thanks to Greg Nosek for the headsup!

Walmart "Creating American Jobs" Commercial Featuring "Working Man"

On Thursday Walmart kicked off a new advertising campaign announcing their pledge to invest $250 billion in products that support American jobs over the next 10 years.  One of the television commercials used in the campaign features Rush's "Working Man".  Check it out here. - Thanks to Tim Murphy for the headsup!

Signals Feature in new issue of Prog magazine

The new issue of the UK's Prog magazine, featuring Genesis' Mike Rutherford on the cover, includes a feature on Signals.  From the cover teaser, "RUSH, on creating Signals, a synth rock opus." - Thanks RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart writes foreword for David Phillips' "From The Riser, A Drummer's Perspective II"

In 2010, photographer David Phillips published A Drummer's Perspective: A Photographic Insight into the World of Drummers, a collection of photographs of the world's greatest drummers.  Three years in the making, the followup (part II) is tentatively set for publication later this spring.  The book features Neil Peart on the cover, and in addition Neil also wrote the foreword.

For more info visit http://www.music-images.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/ADrummersPerspective - Thanks David Phillips for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson guest appearance on Keram Malicki-Sanchez album Come to Life

Canadian actor and musician Keram Malicki-Sanchez has started an online campaign via IndieGogo to raise the funds for his album titled Come to Life.  Seven years in the making, the album has been completed and boasts the work of 20 supporting musicians, including Alex Lifeson. Malicki-Sanchez met Lifeson while working on the film Irvine Welsh's Ecstasy, where Lifeson played the role of Dr. Figg.  Lifeson also serves as executive producer on the album.

"Alex did more than just play on the record, he became a mentor and executive producer, and in turn brought mixer Rich Chycki (RUSH, Aerosmith, Jonny Lang, Pink) on to mix 'Mary Magdalene' which set a new standard for the rest of our mixes and mastering engineer Andy Vandette (Metric, David Bowie, Porcupine Tree) to master the the songs, thus some of the most important people responsible for making Rush records sound like they do." - Indiegogo.com

You can read more about the project and the fund raising campaign here. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Peart & Anderson Tinker With Rush's "Clockwork Angels" at BOOM! - Comicbookresources.com

Comicbookresources.com just published a new article regarding the upcoming "Clockwork Angels" comic book series including a short interview with Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson, as well as an exclusive look at the artwork.

Peart took a few moments out of his busy schedule to talk with Comic Book Resources about his history with comics before Anderson went into more detail about the series. "When I was growing up in the '50s and '60s, comic books were a very important part of my life. I devoured hundreds of them, I realize now -- all of the superheroes, and everything else from Archie and Veronica to 'Classics Illustrated,'" Peart told CBR News. "On a family car trip, I might be allowed to select two new comic books from a drugstore rack, and that was about as thrilling as could be for a suburban Canadian boy. Over the years, I shared all the typical flashlight-under-the-blankets experiences. Comic books entertained me, delighted me, inspired me, and definitely taught me a few things, too," Peart continued. "In Grade 8 I won a public-speaking medal for a speech about General Douglas McArthur that was 'researched' in one of the World War II comics that were also popular in that era."  Peart then analyzed his relationship with comics and how that led to this latest adaptation of "Clockwork Angels." "It occurs to me now that not only have I grown up with comic books, but comic books have grown up with me," he explained. "The rise of the graphic novel has been a wonderful evolution, and I am very pleased that 'Clockwork Angels' will be appearing in that genre. Kevin's words and Nick's art are making my visions live and breathe -- a phenomenon I call 'artificial reality' -- and it is exciting to be a part of it."

Kevin J. Anderson also added his comments, and it is confirmed that it will be a 6-issue series with the first issue coming out on March 19th.  For more click here.

Rush album cover featured in iTunes Radio developer preview

Yesterday the website macrumors.com posted a review of the latest Macintosh iOS 7.1 Beta 5 upgrades. One of the items mentioned is that iTunes Radio will now includes a "Buy Album" button; as seen here the album which they used to demonstrate this option is Rush's "The Spirit of Radio Greatest Hits". - Thanks to Blake Willis for the headsup!

Dream Theater discuss Rush Influence on their latest, "The Looking Glass"

Prog-metal group Dream Theater's recent self titled album was released back in September and is available on both CD and iTunes. Music Radar interviewed guitarist John Petrucci where he discussed the Rush influence on the album's track "The Looking Glass":

"The song is definitely a tip of the hat to RUSH. We're such fans - they've been a huge influence on us, and we continue to admire and look up to them. One of the great things about them is how they write really uplifting songs with positive messages, but they always sound cool. It's really interesting. 'The Spirit Of Radio', 'Limelight' - those are big, big songs with big arena-rock riffs in a major key. Even 'Free Will' has that. The songs aren't dark, but they're tough. It's really hard to write something that can cut both ways like that, but that was my goal. 'The Looking Glass' has a few different stylistic changes: There's the RUSH arena-rock major riff, but the verses are tricky as far as time signatures, and the style is a little darker. The pre-choruses are very pretty and flowing - they're in half-time - and the choruses open up and get really hooky. From verse to pre-chorus to chorus to riff, you've got a lot of musical styles, and that helps to keep things interesting."

Click here for more, including the new video for "The Looking Glass". - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Power Windows Website turns 16!

Today is the 16th Anniversary of the launch of the Power Windows website at 2112.net.  We went live on February 1st, 1998!

Thanks to everyone who have contributed to this site over the years both in terms of content and Paypal contributions to make it what it is, and thanks again to Blake Willis of 2112.net!

Looking for your ticket stubs!

Greetings readers, I'm looking to improve the quality of my ticket scan archive, and would like your help.  Can you scan for me any of your tickets?  Must be HIGH QUALITY SCANS on white background, not photographs, and email them to me here?  The sooner the better!  Thanks in advance for your help!

Alex Lifeson PRS Acoustic Signature Guitar Premiered At NAMM 2014

PRS Guitars has announced the new Private Stock Alex Lifeson Thinline acoustic guitar, new for NAMM 2014. While the craftsmanship and attention to detail are very consistent with other PRS Private Stock acoustics, this instrument embodies some new design elements that take the instrument in a unique direction. The Alex Lifeson signature PRS acoustic is slightly thinner than the company's Angelus Cutaway and Tonare Grand and is constructed in such a way that it lends itself to louder stage volumes and the rigors of the road.

"During the 2013 RUSH 'Clockwork Angels' tour, I had the opportunity to spend some time with a PRS Angelus Cutaway," said Lifeson. "It quickly became my pre-show warm-up guitar, and I spent many hours in many hotel rooms lost in the gorgeous sound and tone of that beautiful instrument.

"I'm very happy to announce that I have collaborated with PRS to develop an Alex Lifeson signature model based on this superlative platform. If you're like me, you won't be able to put it down."

The Alex Lifeson signature acoustic is made in PRS Guitars' Maryland shop and features a bearclaw spruce top and koa back and sides with a mahogany neck and ebony bridge, fretboard, and headstock veneer. It is adorned with Mother of Pearl and Paua "Birds in Flight" inlays and Paua purfling along the top, fretboard, and headstock veneer.

"We are honored to work with Alex, a guitarist with world-renowned acclaim, experience, and talent," said Jack Higginbotham, president, PRS Guitars. "It would be difficult to find a better person to lend a discerning ear and such voluminous experience to a project like this.

"Our goal has been to develop a musical instrument that can perform equally well at home, on the stage, in the studio, or in the practice room. With Alex, we have found the perfect balance of all the above in an elegant package."

The PRS Private Stock Alex Lifeson Thinline acoustic will be available starting in the spring of 2014. More details can be found at www.prsguitars.com/lifeson.

- Thanks to Blabbermouth.net for the headsup!

DW Drums Collector's Series Icon Snare Drums Premiered at NAMM 2014

The 2014 NAMM show is currently underway in Anaheim, California, and DW Drums has premiered its new Collector's Series Icon snare drums.

"Created by DW Drum Designer, John Good, to pay tribute to some of the most iconic drummers in the history of Rock, the all-new line of Icon snare drums honors Neil Peart of Rush, Roger Taylor of Queen, and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd. The snare drum sizes and shell configurations are as played by each artist, with one dramatic new design element.  The finish is painstakingly laser-cut, then hand-inlayed from a variety of jaw-dropping exotic wood veneers. For Neil Peart’s drum, the Time Machine motif is realistically recreated in the wood, while Queen’s ornate, Freddie Mercury-designed crest is depicted, as is Pink Floyd’s famous Dark Side of the Moon prism and waveform image. Each drum is protected with clear gloss lacquer and includes Collector’s Series® snare drum standard features such as our MAG™ throw-off system with 3P (3 position) buttplate, True-Hoops™, True-Tone™ snare wires, True-Pitch™ tuning, and DW Heads by Remo USA®. Also included are a premium DW snare bag, certificate of authenticity, and a legend that describes the woods used for each specific drum. For more information on this iconic collection, visit: www.dwdrums.com."

You can download the brochure here. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

Total Guitar 250 - Alex Lifeson included in Toni Tony Iommi Feature

The 250th issue of Total Guitar magazine is now on sale and features Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi on the cover.  Inside, the magazine includes a feature on Tony where he is interviewed by other guitar greats he has influenced, including Alex Lifeson:

"For our 250th issue, we're celebrating the legend that is Tony Iommi. We rounded up key metal and rock players that have been influenced by Tony's playing - including, Jim Root, Tom Morello, Gus G, Zakk Wylde, Max Cavalera, Zacky Vengeance, Mikael Akerfeldt, Alex Lifeson and loads more – and got them to put their questions to Tony.  We also take a look at Tony's playing style throughout his career with excercises and tips, plus there are five essential alternative Black Sabbath riffs that we think you should know."

- Thanks to Rushisaband for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels graphic novel update with PREVIEWSworld

PREVIEWSworld has just shared a new interview with Clockwork Angels co-authors Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart where they discuss the graphic novel edition coming soon from Boom! Studios.  Included is a sneak peak at a couple of new images, including The Anarchist.  Click here for more.

"Love Me Some Rush" - Lance Hardy Photography

Here's something off the beaten path.  Last September, photographer Lance Hardy posted to his blog "Love Me Some Rush", a series of photographs where Rush album art is projected onto nude models.  I should say in advance, it is tastefully done!  Check them out here! - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the headsup!

"There are momentous times in your life that you never forget. They vary in poignance and significance, yet the events (becoming history) that paint our individual lives leave indelible memories. For me, one such key memory is the moment I was truly introduced to a band named RUSH.....So where does all this bring me today? Well then… I simply wanted to take this incredible, unforgettable influence in my life and have a little fun making some fun images my way. RUSH album art is incredible and consistently well done by artist Hugh Syme. My tribute, using this life spanning art in a fun photo shoot with always awesome Cassidy and my gorgeous co-conspirator." - Lance Hardy, September 18, 2013

Clockwork Angels tour makes Pollstar's top tours of 2013

Pollstar.com has released their list of the Top 100 Worldwide and Top 200 North American tours for 2013. Rush's Clockwork Angels tour came in at #64 ($14.9 million) on the North American list and #82 ($21.2 million) on the Worldwide list. Note that the numbers reported don't include the festival shows in Sweden, Ottawa or Quebec City. On the worldwide chart, Rush is listed as playing 34 shows with an average gross of $642,424 and attendance of 8129. On the North American chart, they are listed as playing 25 shows with an average gross of $620,833 and attendance of 8338. You can check out the complete lists at Pollstar.com and get the detailed show-by-show breakdown from Billboard for all of the US shows in the tour section. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rhythm Magazine's "The Story Of The Drum Solo" - Dec 2013 issue

The December 2013 issue of Rhythm is a special drum solo issue.  Included is the feature story "The Story of the Drum Solo" which focuses on the history of the drum solo, and includes pieces of interviews with several drumming greats, including Neil Peart.  John at Cygnus-X1.net has transcribed the article, you can check it out here!

Clockwork Angels: The Novel - Coming to Paperback May 13th

Kevin J. Anderson's "Clockwork Angels: The Novel", based on the story by Neil Peart, is coming to paperback May 13th.   Preorder it here.

"Kevin J. Anderson and Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart have collaborated to convert the legendary rock band's latest album, Clockwork Angels, into a full-lengh steampunk novel. The music throughout the Clockwork Angels - the band's 20th studio album - forms the backbone of a colorful adventure story, which is now fully realized in Clockwork Angels: The Novel. The story tells of a young man caught between the grandiose forces of order and chaos. On a quest to follow his dreams, he travels across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy, with lost cities, pirates, anarchists, exotic carnivals, airships and steam engines, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life." - ECW Press

Clockwork Angels, The Novel is also available in hardback, ebook, and audiobook, as well as the difficult to find limited edition Watchmaker's Edition.

Thinking Big: Rush's "Clockwork Angels" Concept Album to Be Graphic Novel - Huffington Post

Today's Huffington Post posted a new article promoting the CA graphic novel. Looks like the final cover has been revealed as well!

At San Diego Comic Con, Anderson showed several comic publishers the Hugh Syme artwork from the novel. He pitched them the idea of expanding the multi-media platform from music to prose to comics. "All of the companies were interested, but said they would have to consider it, have meetings, run numbers," Anderson says. But when he talked with Ross Richie, founder and CEO of Boom! Studios, he received an entirely different response. In an e-mail, Richie wrote, "HOLY CRAP!!! Rush!!!! WHOA!!!! This is so cool!!!!!" Anderson smiles. "That was more in keeping with the enthusiasm we were looking for."

Boom! signed up for a six-issue series that Anderson would script himself with input and art development from Peart, to be collected as a trade paperback graphic novel when the comic run was complete.

Then began the hunt for an artist who could create the images evoked by the concept album and the novel. After Boom! submitted several possibilities, both Anderson and Peart loved the work of newcomer Nick Robles, a Louisiana-based artist, whose style perfectly captured the world of the Watchmaker, the Anarchist, and Owen Hardy.

Peart says, "I am excited by this opportunity to realize the visions that Kevin and I have shared for a few years-and I am excited by Nick's excellent art. So far we have made great strides in creating characters with true personality, and scenes of imaginative and original 'artificial reality.' (Now there's a concept...)"

"I've never felt so gratefully overwhelmed with a project, and the faith put in me," says Robles. "I hope this is the start to a wonderful career, and I can't wait until the first book is finished and in print."

The first monthly issue debuts in March and is currently available for preorder here.

 Click here for more.

"Donna Halper: Rush and Radio"

On New Year's Eve, Radiogirl podcast posted a new interview with Donna Halper:

"Donna Halper is best known for bringing Rush to the USA, but she's had a long career in radio. She talks about the radio business; her start in radio at Northeastern University, where she was the first woman on the air; her consulting biz; if radio can be revived; overcoming obstacles; her books and essays about baseball and the media; women in radio; being weird; how she got on the air; Arnie Ginsburg; why she hated Cleveland; getting fired for not doing drugs; sexual harassment; being persistent; WMMS in Cleveland, where she introduced Rush to the United States; why Rush is different; her friendship with them; why it took a long time for Rush to get into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; what Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart are like...and lots more." - podcast.radiogirl.us, December 31, 2013

"Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel" Now Available For Preorder

"Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel" is now available for preorder directly from the publisher, Boom! Studios.  Shipping in March, the first issue can be ordered for $3.99, or the full six issues can be ordered for $29.99; it is unspecified whether all individual issues will be the same price.  Shipping is included in the subscription cost.

40th Reissue of "Rush" Coming in 2014

According to The Globe And Mail, a reissue of RUSH's 1974 debut album to celebrate the LP's 40th anniversary will be made available next year. The source of the information is Universal Music Canada's VP of catalog marketing Ivar Hamilton, who says the members of RUSH are "very involved" in the process of putting the package together. Click here for more. - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Canadian Music Scene's Interview with Allan Weinrib and Dale Heslip regarding the Rush Concert Videos

The Canadian Music Scene has posted a new interview with Allan Weinrib and Dale Heslip where they discuss the in concert-videos from the last four concert tours, as well as the filming of the Clockwork Angels Tour.  Check it out here!
- Thanks to Paul Beaulieu for the headsup!

Neil Peart Advertisement for Aerostitch

On Friday, Aerostich equipment for riders sent out an email blast which includes a word from spokesman Neil Peart.  Their online store is offering 30% the original "Transit" jacket and pants, of which is a satisfied owner.  Click here for more details of the sale. - Thanks to Larry Barnes for the headsup!

Middle-Earth Anthems: 10 Classic Hard Rock Songs That Pay Homage To The Hobbit

The second installment of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy hit theaters this weekend, and VH-1 posted their list of "10 Classic Hard Rock Songs That Pay Homage To The Hobbit".  Included in the list are "Rivendell" from Fly By Night, and "The Necromancer" from Caress of Steel.

12 Days of RUSH - Daily Prizes December 13th through the 24th!

Today Rush sent out the following blast; make sure you're signed up!:

Happy Holidays to all of our RUSH fans! We are getting in the holiday spirit and giving you 12 Days of Rush. Starting Friday December 13, we will be giving away a special RUSH prize each day until the 24th. What will be decking the halls? Check back on Rush.com, @rushtheband on Twitter or Rush on Facebook each day from December 13th to the 24th to see what new prize will be unveiled. Prizes may include a new RUSH DVD, a set of Bobblehead dolls or even something rare and collectible!

Since you're getting this email, you are already included in the list for the draw each day. However, we kindly ask you to update your info here so we can be better at sending area-specific emails to you for specific shows and events. Rush mailing list: http://www.rush.com/email/. Winners will be chosen at random. Please note, you only need to sign up once to be in the drawing each day. Good luck!

"'Clockwork Angels' a heavenly comics debut for Rush" - USA Today

Today the USAToday published a short article containing a sneak peak and the upcoming comic book series Clockwork Angels.  Based on the novelization written by Kevin J. Anderson, the six issue story is tentatively scheduled to debut in April, 2014:

"It's just a beautifully painted world in the music that I tried to capture in the novel and now tried to turn into a different direction," says Anderson, who's working with artist newcomer Nick Robles.  "Who knows, we might have ice follies someday or a Broadway musical."

Even if songs such as Carnies, BU2B and Seven Cities of Gold never make it to official show tune status, Clockwork Angels has grown far bigger than Peart ever imagined.

"Kevin and I had talked for years about combining a novel and an album in some fashion, but I guess the idea had to grow up as Kevin and I did — gaining maturity and confidence in our own separate crafts, while gaining the life experience necessary to give the story its scale and depth," Peart says.  "So, rather than a longtime dream realized, this project is more like a fantastic new dream unfolding before us."  For more visit USAToday.com

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Video for Cyril Neville's "Working Man" cover

Back on September 10th, Cyril Neville released his latest blues album, Magic Honey. Included is a cover of Rush's "Working Man", which is being promoted with a new video directed by Mark Bergeron.  According to Neville:

"My son Omari turned me on to that song. It wound up on my CD Magic Honey, and now we do it in the Royal Southern Brotherhood, closing out the show every night. We’ve been rocking houses from one end of Europe to the other with it." - Cyril Neville, TwistedSouth.com, December 9, 2013

- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson talks Clockwork Angels - MusicRadar.com

UPDATE: Today MusicRadar.com has posted part two of their recent video interview with Alex Lifeson, where he discusses his live rig for the Clockwork Angels tour, and the design process behind his signature Gibson.

On Black Friday MusicRadar.com posted part one of an interview with Alex Lifeson where he discusses the Clockwork Angels tour and the subsequent live release.  Check it out below:

Rush 40th Anniversary "Google Doodle" Campaign

An effort has been started for Google to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the original Canadian release of Rush's debut album with a special Google Doodle.  For more info visit RockTheInternet.com.

Rich Engler's "Behind The Stage Door", includes foreword by Alex Lifeson

Pittsburgh concert promoter Rich Engler has just written a new book titled Behind The Stage Door.  The book includes a foreword written by Alex Lifeson.

"Behind The Stage Door is a ride through the years and a compilation of 80 tracks (chapters) and over 300 photos, posters, and admats from Rich Engler’s personal collection.  For anyone who loves rock n’ roll, this book is a must." - richengler.com

Click here for more info.

"Guest List: Geddy Lee" Included in latest issue of Rolling Stone

The new December 19th issue of Rolling Stone magazine (featuring Will Ferrell on the cover) includes Geddy Lee in the "Guest List" column where he discusses his favorite songs.  Click here for the transcript. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the  headsup!

Heaven Below covers Subdivisions featuring William Shatner

Get from iTunes

Los Angeles based band Heaven Below covers Subdivisions on their new EP, Sleeping Giants, released on iTunes on Monday. The song features the legendary William Shatner; a video for the song has also been released.

"Clockwork Angels Tour" Live Release Now Available - Opens At #1

The Clockwork Angels Tour live video and album was released November 19th.  The  video premiered at #1 on Billboard's Video Chart, while the live album version opened at #33 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart. - Thanks to Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Two years in the making, the audio is available CD/iTunes while the video has been released on both DVD and Blu-Ray; get it here: CD/iTunes/DVD/Blu-Ray. Thanks for supporting Power Windows!

UPDATE:

• I have transcribed the linernotes; check them out here!
• Best Buy stores in the U.S. are offering an exclusive video/t-shirt bundle; the same bundle is being sold in Canada at HMV.
• There is an Easter Egg, simply arrow up on the main menu.

Rush have unveiled details for their first new recording since being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. On November 19th, Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour will be released simultaneously via Anthem/Roadrunner Records on CD and iTunes, and the companion DVD/Blu-Ray on Anthem/Zoe Vision/Rounder.

Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour was filmed and recorded last November at the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas, during Rush's highly successful Clockwork Angels Tour. The eleven month-marathon world tour crossed North America twice and ventured overseas to Europe in support of the band's acclaimed 2012 studio release Clockwork Angels.

In capturing the tour's electrifying three hour set, Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour pairs Rush classics ("Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit Of Radio," "2112"), with a nod to the 80's Rush era (The Analog Kid," "Territories," "Subdivisions") alongside newly reworked arrangements specifically for the tour featuring the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble ("Headlong Flight," "YYZ," "Red Sector A"). The string section marks the first time the trio has brought additional musicians on the road with them. To showcase their latest studio release, the epic set list also features nine tracks off Clockwork Angels. Other highlights include tracks rarely performed and never before recorded live ("The Body Electric," "Middletown Dreams"), in addition to three separate drum solos by the incomparable Neil Peart.

Beyond the incredible live performances, the DVD includes a 25-minute tour documentary titled "Can't Stop Thinking Big", featuring interviews with all 3 members, exclusive and behind the scenes footage, and offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the Rush tour machine and insight into the band members themselves. Other special features on the DVD include the trio of hilarious shorts created specifically for the tour as well as interviews and outtakes captured during their filming. Additional filmed sketches and a rare soundcheck performance of perennial favourite "Limelight" round out the exclusive offerings.

Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour comes on the heels of Anthem/Atlantic's September 30th release of Vapor Trails Remixed, a newly remixed version of the band's 2002 album VAPOR TRAILS and 7-disc boxed set THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1989-2007, which features every studio album Rush recorded for Atlantic Records.

RUSH: CLOCKWORK ANGELS TOUR
Release date: November 19th
DVD (Anthem/Zoe Vision/Rounder)
CD (Anthem/Roadrunner Records) - Rush.com, September 16, 2013

See below for the tracklist and special features details.

Peart/Rush featured on new compilation - "Hockey Anthems: 1st Period-The Legends"

Neil Peart's rendition of "The Hockey Theme" and Rush's "The Spirit of Radio" are included on the new compilation Hockey Anthems: 1st Period-The Legends released this past Tuesday. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush releases 10” Picture Disc of “The Garden” for Black Friday Record Store Day

Rush has announced the release of a 10” Picture Disc of “The Garden” for Black Friday:

After a successful campaign last year for Record Store Day, Rush is again partnering with independent retail for an exclusive 10” picture disc for Black Friday – November 29th.

The 10” includes two versions of “The Garden” – the closing track from 2012’s Clockwork Angels. Side A features the studio version from the album, while Side B includes a live version of the song with the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble taken from the upcoming live release Clockwork Angels Tour. Designed by Crankbunny (Norma V. Toraya), the 10” features artwork from her stunning animated screen projections shown during the performance of The Garden during the Clockwork Angels tour.

This special 10” will be limited and available only for this special celebration of independent music retailers.

For a list of participating stores in your area, click here.

Parnelli Awards Video Director of the Year - David Davidian

The trade magazine PLSN, (projection, lights & staging news) has announced this years Parnelli Awards winners. David Davidian has won for best Video Director this year for his work on the Clockwork Angels Tour.  For more info visit PLSN.com. - Thanks to Greg Nosek for the headsup!

La Villa Strangiato Now on Jammit

Today "La Villa Strangiato" was made available on Jammit.  Jammit is a music app which allows you to play along to your favorite songs by giving you the ability to isolate instruments in the original master recording while you play along.  For more info visit Jammit.com. - Thanks to Peter Ulintz for the headsup!

Greg Critchley's long career includes drumming for Neil Peart's sister and partnering with Alex Lifeson

Hilton Head's "M Monthly" has posted an online interview with Greg Critchley, a songwriter and production engineer who has worked with many in the music industry who started out in a small town outside of Toronto.

"Greg was selected to join the house band at the Orbit Room in Toronto, where he partnered with hall of fame guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush. The relationship led to collaborative studio projects with country music stars Clay Aiken, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, the Dixie Chicks and Jo Dee Messina. A favorite stage memory is captured in photograph in his office of him playing the drums with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush. 'You’ve got to understand that growing up in Toronto and being a kid who played drums, all I dreamed about was one day being good enough to sit in and play with Neil Peart,' Critchley said. 'I was fascinated by him as a kid.'...He shared a story of the band learning to play Rush songs, and then inviting Neil’s younger sister over to the house to watch them play. 'I don’t know if Neil ever knew that or not. If so, he never said anything and I’ve never asked him.'"

Check out the full interview here.

Alex Lifeson on the Prog Magazine Radio Show - interview now online

Alex Lifeson was on the Prog Magazine Radio Show yesterday afternoon at www.teamrockradio.com.  Alex spoke with Phillip Wilding for the final hour of the show.  In case you missed it, you can hear the show on-demand here.

Alex was recently in London for the Classic Rock Awards where he won the Spirit Of Prog award and has been promoting the CD and DVD/Blu-ray for Clockwork Angels Tour Live.

"Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson discusses the band’s road less traveled" - Dallas News

Ad from the 1974 Dallas show

Yesterday the Dallas News has posted a new interview "Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson discusses the band’s road less traveled".  Mostly a Q&A about the current live DVD filmed in Dallas, he also looks back on Rush's first performance in on  Oct. 17, 1974, at the Travis Street Electric Company:

"And I remember having such a great show in Dallas that night,” says Lifeson. “We were playing a lot of our bar set — stuff we put together very quickly with Neil off the first show. We played ‘Bad Boy,’ the Beatles song. We were out with Uriah Heep, Rory Gallagher, Nazareth, relegated to a 20-minute, half-hour sets. So we would pick up these club dates where we would play for a couple of hours, and that was a really exciting night, because nobody knew who we were, and we won the crowd over that night. The place was just roaring by the end of it, and we all just thought, ‘Texas is awesome!’”

Check out the full interview here.

"Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel" Coming In April 2014

Kevin J. Anderson announced today that BOOM! Studios will be releasing a graphic novel version of his book Clockwork Angels: The Novel over six issues next spring.  To be scripted by Anderson, the first issue is tentatively scheduled to be published next April, 2014.  Neil Peart, along with Anderson, have approved an as of yet unnamed artist suggested by BOOM!  Like the original novel, the graphic novel will include various references to Rush lyrics from the back catalog.

Clockwork Angels: The Novel, by Kevin J. Anderson from a story and lyrics by Neil Peart, was published by ECW Press on September 4, 2012.  An audiobook is also available, including the limited edition "Watchmaker's Edition" read by Neil Peart.

Gene Simmons talks Rush in KISS Kruise 3 Q&A session - Remembers June 1, 1975 Show

On, June 1, 1975, when touring in support of Fly By Night, Rush opened for The Tubes and KISS at The Winterland in San Francisco, California.  As told by Gene Simmons in a Q&A on the recent KISS Kruise held three weeks ago, it was a memorable night for Gene who explains how when they arrived hungry at the venue, the promoter, Bill Graham, refused to provide food and refreshments for Rush, while he HAD been provided for KISS and "the Tubes had a big spread", a band which was also managed by Graham.   KISS stepped in and Simmons told the promoter, "You're going to feed these guys or we're not getting up on stage." You can see the discussion here. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Tour video coming to VH1 Classic And Palladia December 1st

According to DirectTV's online schedule, the Clockwork Angels Tour video will make its television premiere at 9 P.M. Sunday, December 1st, on both VH1 Classic and in HD on Palladia. The schedule shows a run time of 2:30, so it is likely not the full show. - Thanks to Ed @ RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush 'Haven't Stopped or Quit… Just Relaxing' - Billboard

Billboard.com has just posted a new interview with Alex Lifeson in advance of tomorrow's live release, Clockwork Angels Tour. Alex reiterates that the band are taking the next year off, but does acknowledge:

"We committed to a year, so that's going to take us through to the end of next summer, for sure. That's the minimum. We haven't stopped or quit. Right now we're just relaxing. We're taking it easy and just enjoying our current employment...typically get a little bored, and so we enjoy writing and working together and I wouldn't doubt that some time in the new year we'll probably gravitate towards each other and start doing some writing. It's going to be interesting to see where we do go next. You know, the album is dying as a format. We're so used to it and we're so old school in that format, but will we get more mileage by doing a few new songs at a time, or do we do another album? It's hard to say what the future holds, and it's just changing so rapidly. It's always hard to speculate where you're going to go."

On next years' Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Alex says:

 "I put my votes in...Certainly with Deep Purple and Yes and Nirvana, I think they're all candidates, and I think Kiss deserves to be in there, too. We have lots of great memories of working together with them, and I think they've been influential and worked for a very long time and worked very hard. I think for all the indifference we had before, actually going through it and feeling the love in the room and the sense of community we felt with all the other musicians that are in there, it's a good thing provided it's inclusive and it's broad."

"The World According to... Rush" - Gibson.com

Gibson.com has posted a compilation of quotes from Rush over the years from various sources called "The World According to... Rush".  Check it out here! - Thanks to Falcon Gtho for the headsup!

Leonard Lawrence Elementary School's 3rd Grade Language Test

Who says school is no fun?

Check out this 3rd grade language studies test recently administered by teacher Robert Baker at Leonard Lawrence Elementary School in Omaha, Nebraska!  Mr. Baker is one dedicated fan; it even includes a dig aimed at Steve Lillywhite who reneged on his agreement to produce Grace Under Pressure! - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for sending this in!