Rush News

"Small Beginnings: Models fueled Rush drummer's passion for cars"

Hagerty.com has posted an interview with Neil Peart where he discusses his long time love of collecting cars, beginning as a child collecting models, continuing when touring with Rush building models, and to this day, collecting dream cars including a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (better known as James Bond's car). - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!
Since 1974, Neil Peart has been the drummer and lyricist for the legendary Canadian rock band Rush. Rush holds an enviable position right behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for the number of most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band. Not too shabby, and neither is his collection of cars, which includes a 2001 BMW Z8, 1964 Aston Martin DB5, 2010 Aston martin DBS, and a recently acquired 1963 Corvette Spilt-Window coupe, which happens to be one of his childhood dream cars.

Neil Peart Guest On Upcoming Vertical Horizon Album

March 23rd UPDATE: Vertical Horizon has posted this video update of Neil recording his drum parts this past Monday the 16th. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the heasdsup!

March 21st UPDATE: Today Sabian Cymbals posted photos to their Facebook page of Neil Peart recording tracks with Matt Scannell on Friday March 16th.- Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

In 2009, Neil Peart appeared on three tracks on Vertical Horizon's Burning The Days.  In a video recorded live at last month's NAMM show, Drum Workshop's John Good let leak that DW has prepared a new custom drum kit for Neil to use on the upcoming sessions for the new Burning Horizon album.  Vertical Horizon's Matt Scannell later posted this update:
"Okay this BIG news has come out online, and it's not definite yet ... but we're working to make it happen. I won't comment publicly online about it yet, but since it's out there I wanted you to see this. Neil and I are working on the scheduling, and DW has kindly made him a new kit to try and facilitate. Thanks for your support. Matt" - February 28, 2012

'Metal Evolution' Coming To DVD

Metal Evolution, the 11 episode VH1 Classic series by the creators of Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, will be released on DVD March 27th.  According to Noisecreep.com, who is also hosting a contest to giveaway a copy:
"Metal Evolution is VH1 Classic's top-rated 2012 series to date. The three-disc set, featuring all 11 episodes of the show hosted by noted metal aficionado, anthropologist and filmmaker Sam Dunn, crisscrosses the globe to bring viewers along on an intense journey through the genre's musical history, spanning more than four decades. Special features include an informative interview with Dunn from VH1 Classic's 'That Metal Show.'..Dunn and his partner, filmmaker Scot McFayden, based 'Metal Evolution' on the groundbreaking and much-debated 26 sub-genre 'Heavy Metal Family Tree' that details the music's fascinating and complex lineage. Using this genealogical chart as a road map, each episode unleashes the very essence of metal - beginning with Pre-Metal, traveling through Early Metal, New Wave, Glam, Thrash, Grunge, Nu Metal, Shock Rock and Power Metal and arriving at the Progressive Rock of today as the explosive series finale."- Noisecreep.com, March 22, 2012 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush On "Archer", Season Three Finale

Tonight was the season finale of the FX animated series, Archer.  During the episode "Space Race: Part 2", Dr. Krieger's van was once again painted with a Rush mural; this time it was "Caress of Krieger". - Thanks to Benny Prince for the headsup!

This was the fourth reference of Archer in the last 12 months.  Last April, Dr. Krieger's van was painted with an "Exit Stage Left" mural.  Next, during this year's season premier in January, Dr. Krieger had a new van sporting a mural featuring a recreation of the Hemispheres cover, with the words "Krieger Vanispheres" as the headline.  A finally, just two weeks ago, we learned Krieger is a drummer trying to master "Y-Y-Zed".

Clockwork Angels Now Available For Preorder

Rush's long awaited 19th studio album (20th if you count Feedback), Clockwork Angels is now available for preorder here. Support Power Windows, preorder your copy now!  Thanks in advance for your help!

Help A Fellow Rush Fan & Cancer Survivor Help Others Beat Cancer!

Samantha Dyar experienced something that most RUSH fans could only dream about. She was 16 yrs old and on July 20, 2008 she got to spend a day behind the scenes at a RUSH concert including hanging out backstage with Geddy, Alex and Neil. She also was called to the stage and had a song dedicated to her by the band. Click here to see photos of that day.  The only downside, she was there courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation because she had cancer.

Sam is a survivor, and is using her success story to fund-raise for Children's Miracle Network Hospital - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  Originally, Sam's goal was $250, but she has already raised over $4,000!  We're helping get the word out - if you would like to donate to her cause, please do so here.  To help track of were the donations are coming from, add "Compliments of a fellow RUSH fan from Power Windows!".  Thanks in advance, and also thanks to all those that have already donated!

Neil Peart confirmed for LA Music Academy's Drummer Reality Camp

Neil Peart will one of the special guests at this year's "Drummer's Reality Camp" taking place June 27th-30th in Los Angeles.  Sponsored by Drum Channel, Guitar Center, and LA Music Academy College of Music, the camp gives aspiring drummers a change to hang out and learn from the greats.  Neil is slated to partake in a special roundtable discussion on the third day of the camp (Friday).  For complete info and pricing visit LAMusicAcademy.edu. - Thanks to Andy Olson for the headsup!

Jammit Launches On The Mac

Yesterday Rush announced on Facebook that they have continued their partnership with Jammit with the release of "2112", "Limelight", "YYZ" and "Tom Sawyer" on Jammit for Mac (with the note "coming soon for Windows").  Jammit gives you access to the original Rush multi-track masters, with instrument-specific versions available for drums, bass, guitar and vocals, with the precise notation and tablature.
"Most music over the last 50 years was recorded to a multi-track format, allowing individual volume control over each instrument in the band. Those tracks are blended together into the mix that we’ve all become very familiar with over the years. Jammit has partnered with Rush to give you access to those separate elements of classic Rush songs so you can hear every nuance of Geddy's bass and vocals, Neil’s drums, and Alex’s guitar performances.  Jammit also gives you synchronized notation and tab, section looping, variable slow mode and a performance recorder so you can interact with 2112, Limelight, YYZ and now Tom Sawyer in ways that were not possible…until now. Travel back in time to when these classic Rush songs were born, and experience Rush like you have never before!" - jammit.com/artist/rush

RUSH To Receive 'Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award' At 'Revolver Golden Gods' April 11th

"New honorees, presenters, performers and special guests have been announced for the fourth annual Revolver Golden Gods, presented by Epiphone, America's only hard-rock and heavy-metal award show. The event will take place Wednesday, April 11, at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles and is almost sold out. Fans without tickets can still watch the show though, as it will be broadcast live in its entirety on XBOX LIVE, as well as on the XBOX and Revolver Facebook pages. The award show live broadcast is the first ever of its kind and kicks off globally at 6 p.m. PDT/9 p.m. EDT.

"The Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by XBOX LIVE, will go to prog-rock pioneers RUSH, who will release their highly anticipated 19th studio album, "Clockwork Angels", this year on Roadrunner Records. (Previous honorees include hard-rock and metal legends MÖTLEY CRÃœE, Lemmy Kilmister of MOTÖRHEAD and Ozzy Osbourne.) The award will be presented by Jack Black and Kyle Gass of TENACIOUS D, whose new record, "Rize Of The Fenix", hits stores on May 15. RUSH's Neil Peart commented, "We are honored and delighted to receive this honor — especially because it will be presented by Jack and Kyle. Our 'lifetimes' are not over yet, and we dearly hope our 'achievements' are not either, so I suppose you could say that to us this is the 'So Far, So Good' award." Of presenting the award, Black commented, "RUSH was the most impressive band, musically, when I was just learning about rock. Weirdly, they got your body moving in interpretive-dancing ways, but it was still aggressive. Their stuff was just so complex and so tasty!" - Blabbermouth.net, March 12, 2012 (Thanks to Frank Ray and RushFanForever for the headsup!)

Rush Makes Billboard's "Top 40 Money Makers 2012"

Rush has made Billboard magazine's list of "Music's Top 40 Money Makers 2012", coming in at number 32 with $5,819,304 in earnings:
The Canadian prog-rock power trio remains a mighty draw on the road, thanks to the band's deep catalog of anthems like "Tom Sawyer," "Closer to the Heart" and "The Spirit of Radio," and the chops of bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. The band's Time Machine tour continued through the first half of 2011, grossing $14.1 million in the United States and netting $4.8 million. Rush also made noise at retail, generating U.S. album sales of 431,000 units. Adding to the revenue mix: a concert recording titled "Time Machine: Live in Cleveland 2011" debuted and peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 in November, with the live show kicking off a new deal with Roadrunner Records. - Billboard.biz, March 9, 2012 - Thanks to squintyt4e for the headsup!

Rush On "Archer", yet again!

Rush was referenced yet again on FX's Archer.  During yesterday's episode "Skin Game", in the opening scene Krieger brings Archer to his lab which holds a large Neil Peart-esque drumkit, replete with double bass drums with "Thunder" and "Dome" written in the font from the debut album. Archer says "Wow, amazing, you can play 'YYZ'", to which Krieger replies "First of all, it's YY-zed. And second of all, no I can't get it, it's impossible."  Later, in the next scene (after the opening credits), in regards to creating an android of Katya, Krieger says "How dare you fail to recognize my greatest accomplishment to date?", and Pam replies "What, you finally nailed YYZ?"  Krieger shouts "It's Zed, and...no, Neil Peart (Pert) stands alone..." - Thanks to Benny Prince for the headsup!

This is the third Rush reference on Archer. Last April, Dr. Krieger's van was painted with an "Exit Stage Left" mural.  And during this year's season premier in January, Dr. Krieger had a new van sporting a mural featuring a recreation of the Hemispheres cover, with the words "Krieger Vanispheres" as the headline.

Neil Peart Featured In Ginger Baker Documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker"

UPDATE: A second preview of the Ginger Baker documentary has been posted at HollywoodReporter.com, and this one includes a couple of shots of Neil Peart discussing Ginger and Cream. Check it out here. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart is one of a host of musicians featured in the new Ginger Baker Documentary Beware of Mr. Baker. Rollingstone.com has posted the first trailer of the film (click here to view), and although Neil is not featured in the clip, he is listed as one of the featured artists.
If you've got a problem with Ginger Baker, go ahead and hit him in the nose. He'd welcome it. "I ain't gonna sue you. I'm gonna hit you back," the crazy drummer tells the camera in this trailer for the new documentary Beware of Mr. Baker, which screens multiple times at SXSW in Austin beginning March 10th. Eric Clapton, Johnny Rotten, Carlos Santana, Charlie Watts and Neil Peart are just a few of the legendary musicians who attest to the musical gift of the drummer, best known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith before discovering the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti. Most of them can also vouch for Baker's ferocious approach to life. "Maybe you have to be a little mad to play the way he does," says Marky Ramone. - RollingStone.com, March 1, 2012

Sonic Reality Update: Additional Neil Peart Library in the Works?

There have been two Sonic Reality libraries featuring the sampled drums of Neil Peart: "Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1: The Kit" and "Vol. 2 The Grooves".  On Sunday the Sonic Reality Progressive Rock Project updated their Facebook page with the following.
"Right now I'm working on an extra Neil Peart kit from the original session that was never released. This will be part of a stereo kit library for Reason, SampleTank, Battery and some other formats we're going to be supporting. Sounds great! Some other cool unreleased things like a Queen style kick and snare from the British rock sessions. I've been going through the sessions to find things we missed the first time around."
Stay tuned for more!

Neil Peart Artist Calendar from Drum Workshop

Neil Peart is one of the featured Artist Calendars offered as a print resolution download from DW Drums.  For the full collection of Artist Calendars visit DWDrums.com. - Thanks to Mark Rosenthal for the headsup!

No More "Limbo" for "Limbaugh" - Rush Pulls Music From Limbaugh Show

According to the Huffington Post, Rush has formally demanded that Rush Limbaugh cease and desist using the band's music as bumper music on his show.  Here is the full text of their lawyer's letter to the show:
The Rush Limbaugh Show 1270 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 RushLimbaugh.com Premiere Radio Networks.

Ladies & Gentlemen:
I am the attorney for Rush, their management company, S.R.O. Management Inc., their music publishing company, Core Music Publishing and their record company, The Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.
According to media reports, Rush Limbaugh, Premiere Radio Networks and The Rush Limbaugh Show have been using Rush's recorded music as part of what is essentially a political broadcast.
The use of Rush's music in this way is an infringement of Rush's copyrights and trademarks. The public performance of Rush's music is not licensed for political purposes and any such use is in breach of public performance licenses and constitutes copyright infringement. There are civil and criminal remedies for copyright infringement, including statutory damages and fines.
(see sections 501-513 of Title 17 of the United States Code http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html)
In addition, the use of Rush's music in this manner implies an endorsement of the views expressed and products advertised on the show, and is in breach of not only copyright and trademark rights, but also, of section 51 of the New York Civil Rights Law (excerpt attached).
Accordingly, we hereby demand that you immediately stop all use of Rush's music and confirm that you will do so.
Yours very truly,
Robert A. Farmer
Director of Legal Affairs
S.R.O. Management Inc.,
Core Music Publishing
The Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.
- Thanks to Ed Dobbins for the headsup!

Related Links

Geddy Lee referenced on "Switched At Birth"

Geddy Lee was referenced during last week's episode of ABC Family's Switched At Birth (Tuesdays at 8/7c).  Late in the episode "Write A Lonely Soldier", Daphne (who is deaf) is making out in a car with a boy named Wilke when she stops him and says she wants to communicate with him in sign language.  Wilke responds "Alright, what's the sign for Wilke's the greatest bass player since Geddy Lee?"  The episode is online at ABC Family's website. - Thanks to Giraldo Perez for the headsup!

Books on Tape: The Top 10 Collabs Between Authors and Musicians

The new Clockwork Angels novelization is the impetus behind a new story from Spinner.com:
"Can you imagine a world where, instead of fossil fuels, modern machinery runs on the power of steam and everyone's favourite band is Rush?  If so, you've glimpsed into the alternate reality that unfolds in the forthcoming steampunk novel from sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson. The best-selling scribe of over 100 genre books, including titles for the 'Star Wars,' 'Dune,' and 'X-Files' franchises, is writing a companion novel to 'Clockwork Angels,' the upcoming studio album from Canadian prog-rock giants Rush.

"'I take my inspiration from many sources, but music has always been a key to my literary imagination, more than just a soundtrack but a trigger for images, scenes, and strange worlds,' Anderson tells Spinner.  In fact, he dedicated his first novel, 'Resurrection, Inc,' to the Rush album 'Grace Under Pressure,' a nod that spawned a friendship with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart which eventually led to the 'Clockwork Angels' collaboration. Spinner.com, March 2, 2012 (click here for the full story) - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush Cover Versions Update

I've recently added four cover versions to the Discography's Rush Covers page and thought I would share them.  All four are unique and worth checking out:
  • "Subdivisions", performed by Anita Athavale on In The Noise, January 11, 2007.  This version has a soft rock/adult contemporary vibe; just a female vocal with piano accompaniment.  Hear it here (begins at the 0:30 mark).
    "Making the album, I was in a place where I was about to put music down: try something else, be normal, make some money, buy a house, whatever else I was supposed to do. That song made me think about choosing that other life." - Anita Athavale
  • "Losing It", performed by the Maurizio Rolli Big Band on Rolli's Tones, August 4, 2009.  An import from Italy, this is an extremely well done jazz band performance which is fairly true to the original arrangement.  A saxophone solo takes the place of Ben Mink's violin.  Hear it here.
  • "Subdivisions", performed by Artok on Above Ground, December 28, 2010.  From Canada, this version pointedly does not include keyboards; that part is faithfully reproduced on guitar.  Hear it here.
  • "Bravado", performed by Gregorian on Masters Of Chant Chapter VIII, September 30, 2011.  Another import, Gregorian is a German band headed by Frank Peterson that performs Gregorian chant-inspired versions of modern pop and rock songs.  Again, a very interesting version.  Hear it here.
- Thanks to Joe Pesch, RushFanForever and Nik Ramone for the headsup!

Did Rush suffer from the Sophomore Slump?

Music journalist Jeff Wagner discusses how the "Sophomore Slump" has affected various "metal" bands, and includes Rush in his discussion:
"Easy call. 'Rush' is like Led Zeppelin and Cream jamming and eating back bacon together. It's fully capable and crammed with energy. But it's derivative. 'Fly by Night,' however, adds Neil Peart to the mix, widens the musical scope, and offers monumental songwriting efforts like 'Anthem' and 'By-Tor and the Snow Dog.' No contest here. 'Fly by Night' wins." - Jeff Wagner, Noisecreep.com, March 1, 2012 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Neil Peart Featured in April "Motorcyclist" Magazine - Article Now Online

UPDATE: The article "Workin' Them Angels" is now available online at Motorcyclistonline.com.

The April 2012 issue of Motorcyclist Magazine contains the feature article "Workin' Them Angles" written by executive editor Brian Catterson.  Brian, a long-time Rush fan who has written about his rides with Peart in the past (see Cycle World, February 2003), talks about how he had always hope to meet Neil, how he eventually did - and also discusses riding with Neil during the final leg of the Time Machine Tour. In addition to the main article, there are two sidebars, "The Bike That Changed My Life: 2006 BMW R1100GS" with Neil Peart, and a short final article, "How We Roll". - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

"Site Updates" Page Addition

There is a new addition to the Power Windows website, the "Site Updates" page.  You'll find it on the Menu under the "News" button.  This page has been created to document additions to this website which might not necessary be worthy of sharing on the main "News" page, such as additions to the "Inspirations", "References" or "Downloads" pages, or the occasional historical addition to the "Tour" page.  More notably, it will document the frequent ongoing updates to the "Transcript Archive".  To be notified of updates, you can also subscribe to my Twitter feed, and/or "Like" us on Facebook.

New Yorker Satire References Rush

Here's a bit of satire just in from The New Yorker on the "newer, sexier constitutions":
Canada has ratified the first update to its Charter of Freedoms and Rights since its adoption in 1982. Based on the song “Limelight” by its most famous native sons, the prog-rock band Rush, it protects Canadians’ pursuit of “the universal dream”—provided that, as the song says, citizens “put aside the alienation, get on with the fascination, the real relation, the underlying theme.” Ratification was briefly in jeopardy due to a heated debate in Ottawa’s House of Commons over whether singer Geddy Lee in fact sings “theme” or “spleen,” but Prime Minister Stephen Harper saved the day; he cast the deciding vote after checking the correct lyrics on the Internet. Afterward Harper told a relatively (for Canada at least) anxious nation, “that’s why you get an iPhone.” - New Yorker.com, February 29, 2012

"Working Man" heard in "Goon"

Rush's "Working Man" is heard in the new movie Goon starring Seann William Scott which was just released in Canada this past Friday, February 24th.  The film will have a limited run in the US starting March 30th; for more details visit imdb.com. - Thanks to Paul Dryer for the headsup!

"2112" Featured on BBC 2's "Sound of the 70s"

2112 was the featured album on BBC Radio 2’s "Sound of the 70s Show" with Johnnie Walker today, February 26th.  This is a national radio station and the program was broadcast during prime-time. Check out the BBC iplayer in the next few days to hear it online.  While not a particularly informative show from a Rush point of view, simply being played on the UKs most popular radio station is a pretty big deal! - Thanks to David Cooke for the headsup!

Masterdisk Chief Engineer Andy VanDette On Remastering Rush for iTunes

Masterdisk Chief Engineer Andy VanDette, who recently remastered Rush's Mercury catalogue for the Sectors boxed sets, spoke to Arstechnica.com about the creation of compressed versions of each song specifically for the iTunes Store.
"VanDette explained how mastering varies depending on the age of the original recordings as well as the final output format. Many master recordings for Rush albums are from vinyl's heyday, he said. 'Back then we would try and hide as much top end as possible, knowing that the end users' styli would be crap.  Most listeners today swear they love the bottom end on vinyl, but I remember in the heyday of vinyl, it was all about top end.  If we could only have a clear top end without all those pops and clicks' we thought,' he said, noting the tendency of low-end record players to introduce unwanted noise. 'Back then, bottom was the enemy. It made the grooves [in the vinyl] too wide, and forced us to turn down the overall level of the disc.'"

"The constraints of vinyl aren't a concern when mastering for a CD, so it's possible to boost overall levels as well as low frequencies without ruining the rest of the mix. 'While remastering the classic Rush albums, I added as much LF as I could, always aware not to cloud the classic 'ping' on Neil's snare, muddle Geddy's voice, or bury Alex's guitar,' he said.  'These are some finely balanced mixes, even 35 years later,' VanDette said. 'I wanted to make sure the listener still heard the classic album come through, without it being too loud, boomy, or modern sounding.  Mastering for iTunes was a different challenge.  You can't get around it-when you throw away 80 percent of the data, the sound changes. It was my quest to make the AAC files sound as close to the CD as possible; I did not want them to be any more loud, hyped, or boomy sounding than the CD.'"

"Because iTunes tracks are typically played back on decidedly average earbuds or computer speakers, there is a tendency for some producers to boost bass frequencies to make up for the tinny sound. However, VanDette said, doing so is not really the answer. For one thing, there's no guarantee that playback will always happen on sub-par equipment...Creating iTunes-specific masters for Rush's albums required a more nuanced approach than just boosting the bass. 'The delicate mix balances of a Rush album dictated that I could only 'nudge' the bottom, not really boost it.  For iTunes mastering I focused on making up for the losses created by the iTunes AAC algorithm. Generally, I heard changes in level, bottom, top, punch, and imaging.'  But not every album, or even every song, could be treated the same way. 'On a live album I found the center image was lower, making Geddy's vocal too low in the mix,' VanDette said. 'It was rare to be able to use one static setting for an entire album.'"
 For the full article visit arstechnica.com. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush Beyond The Lighted Stage Coming to Israel

The Israel premiere of Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage will take place on Sunday at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque at 10 p.m. The debut will be followed by midnight screenings on March 2, 9, 23 and 30.
"...it’s only fitting that it’s a fan of the Canadian progressive rock heroes who’s bringing the film Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage to Israel.  'I first started listening to Rush when I was in Israel on a Youth Aliya program in 1981,' says New York native Alex Gutman, who immigrated to Tel Aviv in 2009...Ever since he arrived in Israel, where he works as a 'technology evangelist' by day, Gutman has been in touch with promoters and with Rush’s management about bringing the band here to perform.  But when he heard about the film, he decided to begin with a more modest venture and get the buzz going about the band."
For more info visit jpost.com.

"Changing Hemispheres" Transcript Online

Last November 22nd, a new documentary was released from the UK titled "Changing Hemispheres" which you can order here.  The package includes four all region DVDs, a 116 page book with "masterful and comprehensive text packed with great photographs of the band" as well as "audio interviews with the band members compared and contrasted with the views of a leading team of music journalists, insiders and musicologists."

John with Cygnux-X1.net was taken the time to transcribe the 166 page book for your reading pleasure, which you can read here. - Thanks John for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Update - PROG confirms May release

The new issue of Classic Rock Presents Prog has hit the newsstands, and includes a brief interview with Geddy Lee.  The article confirms that Clockwork Angels will be released in May, and Geddy talks about excitement over the band's switch to the Roadrunner label, after having a poor experience with Atlantic.
"There was something about the people at Roadrunner, they were so into rock, into what we're all about as opposed to some of the Atlantic guys...we were very unhappy with the way we were treated at Atlantic UK, I don't think they really got us, so it was good to go somewhere that did."
Geddy also discusses his eagerness for the next tour:
"The last tour was so great...I can't wait to experience that again.  People seem ta little less afraid to show that they're Rush fans.  I think we all enjoyed it, I don't think I've ever seen Neil enjoy a tour so much."
- Thanks Tony for the headsup!

Geddy Lee on the Moog Taurus Pedals

Moog.com has posted a three part video interview on their site where Geddy Lee discusses the Moog Taurus Pedals.
"Moog visited Geddy Lee in his Toronto studio to get his take on the Taurus pedals, old and new. This is the first of a 3-part series relaying touching stories and musical innovations from the start of Rush's reigning fame to now. In this installment, Geddy talks about his first introduction to the Taurus sound and what he would like to see next from Moog...Minitaur." - Moog.com, January 5th, 2012 Thanks to Jim Pomeranz for the headsup!
The small device near Geddy is the new Taurus Minitaur, which Moog announced at NAMM 2012.

4front's "Malice In Wonderland" Now Available

Joe Bergamini, senior drum editor with Hudson Music and co-producer of Neil Peart's Taking Center Stage DVD, who appeared with him in it as interviewer, is also a talented drummer for the instrumental progressive rock band 4front.  Both Bergamini and 4front's guitarist/keyboardist Zak Rizvi were with the popular New York based rush tribute band "Power Windows" for 11 years.
Their new album, "Malice in Wonderland", is now available; checkout a preview track "Big Scary Monster" now.  The album includes the song "Many Places in a Rush", a tribute to Rush, and features album art designed by Rush's long time art designer Hugh Syme.
"4Front is an instrumental progressive rock band that combines the classic sound of prog with many other stylistic elements to create cinematic soundscapes that will capture your imagination. Combining top-notch playing, intricate arrangements, odd time signatures, and symphonic themes, 4Front prides themselves on being accessible to the regular rock listener via a strong focus on songwriting, not just technical playing. Fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Kansas, Symphony X, The Dixie Dregs, and Genesis will feel like they have known this band forever. But 4Front’s pallette of influences is much deeper, ranging from Billy Joel and Joe Jackson to film composers like John Williams and Randy Newman."  For more info visit www.joebergamini.com/ or www.facebook.com/4frontband.

Members From Opeth, Mastodon, Staind And Machine Head Talk About Their First Rush Memories

"There's a lot of love for Rush. When the Canadian prog-rock trio signed to Roadrunner Records in 2011, it seems that the band had found their spiritual home, with many Roadrunner artists declaring a lifelong love for Lifeson, Lee and Peart.  Check out the clip to see interviews with members of Staind, Opeth, Machine Head and Mastodon in which they talk about what made them Rush fans and much more." - MusicRadar.com, Febraury 8, 2012 (Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!)

Geddy Lee Featured in the March issue of Decanter Magazine

The March issue of the UK's Decanter magazine includes a short interview with Geddy Lee in the "My Passion For Wine" column. Geddy talks about how he first became a collector and what his current preferences are.  Below is a brief excerpt; thanks to Douglas Wilson for the headsup!
"I was introduced to fine wine while touring in the late 1970s. Alex Lifeson (Rush's lead guitarist) had a big interest in wine so promoters would sometimes give us wine as gifts...Alex and I always reward ourselves after a show with a good bottle of wine. It's a kind of hobby of mine to find a good bottle in whatever city we're touring in and surprise Alex with that."

Rush "Sectors" - Replacement Disks Now Available

UPDATE: Rush.com has announced that the replacement disks for the Sectors boxed sets are now available:
"Replacement 'Fly By Night' CDs and 'A Farewell To Kings' DVDs are now available.
For US & Canadian fans, please contact Universal customer services team on:
e-mail: FishersCustSvc@umusic.com
Phone: 1-800-288-5942

For fans in the UK & Ireland please contact:
UK e-mail: mk.customerservices@umusic.com
UK Phone: +44 (0) 845 250 0965

For fans in Germany please contact:
Germany e-mail: rush@universal-music.de

For fans in any other country please contact your original Sector store where you made the purchase for assistance in getting your replacement discs.  Universal will ensure corrected discs get to the Sector-buying fans worldwide as soon as they possibly can." - Rush.com, February 7, 2012
The band confirmed the problem back in December, shortly after the sets first went on sale:
"We are aware of some slight technical issues surrounding the CD of 'Fly By Night' inside the Sector 1 box set release and the DVD for ‘A Farewell To Kings’ inside the Sector 2 box set that some fans are experiencing. It stems from a production flaw and it is currently being addressed. As soon as production is completed a formal announcement of how to replace the discs will follow shortly. Please be aware that there may be a time delay in shipping and receiving the disc and we sincerely apologize for this inconvenience – Geddy, Alex & Neil" - December 2, 2011
  • SECTOR 1: Rush, Fly By Night, Fly By Night (5.1 DVD), Caress of Steel, 2112, All The World's A Stage - buy now
  • SECTOR 2: A Farewell To Kings, A Farewell To Kings (5.1 DVD), Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Exit Stage Left - buy now
  • SECTOR 3: Signals, Signals (5.1 DVD), Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, A Show Of Hands - buy now
In a new interview with Masterdisk Chief Engineer Andy VanDette, Andy discusses the new remasters completed for the new Sectors boxed sets.  Andy tells how through Richard Chycki he first was brought in to master Snakes & Arrows Live in 2007, and has also mastered all other Rush releases since that time.  He briefly discusses the state of the original master tapes, the previous Rush remasters, and issues that were discovered in the remastering process. Click here for more. - themasterdiskrecord.com, November 28, 2011
  • Rush.com has added two interviews featuring Mercury-era interviews with Geddy, Alex & Neil, compiled from the archives of InTheStudio.net in celebration of the Sectors Box set release.
  • Multiple wallpaper images from the boxed set booklets have been added to the Desktop Wallpaper page. - Thanks to John @ Cygnus-X1.net for the raw images!
  •  Universal Music has confirmed all 15 albums were remastered in 96/24 then downconverted for CD in 44.1/16; only the DVD has the full 96/24 lossless audio.  However, all 15 albums are going to be available as full 96/24 downloads at HDTracks.com for about $18 each.
  •  Click here for the preview trailer.
"Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) celebrates the legacy of Canadian rock trio Rush with the release of three separate six-disc box sets which together spans their entire historic Mercury Records recording career. Each "Sector" contains five of their 15 Mercury albums in chronological order, all transferred to high resolution 96kHz/24-bit audio and digitally remastered for optimal quality. In addition, each volume includes an exclusive booklet packed with unpublished photos, original album lyrics and credits, and features one album from each set specially remixed on DVD in high resolution 96kHz/24-bit, 5.1 surround sound and stereo, compatible with both DVD-Audio players and DVD-Video players. Each album is packaged in a replica vinyl mini-jacket of the original album release with all three box sets forming a Rush CD road case." - Sectors Press Release

"Based on the strong feedback from the Moving Pictures 5.1 remix, Universal Records had asked me to remix Fly By Night, A Farewell To Kings and Signals in surround to be included in their ‘Sector’ series of box set releases currently underway. Like Moving Pictures, all the multitrack masters I worked with were transferred from the original analog tapes at 96 kHz/24 bit resolution and this quality was maintained right down to the finished master. Listeners are in for a revelation of new detail for these releases." - Richard Chycki, richardchycki.com, October 15, 2011

Rush Featured On "Metal Evolution"

UPDATE: Click here to view the full episode of the Progressive Metal episode of "Metal Evolution" which heavily features Rush!

"Progressive metal" is featured on the final episode of Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen's Metal Evolution which premiered in the US on February 4th on VH1 Classic.  The episode aired the previous Friday, January 20th, MuchMoreMusic in Canada.    Sam Dunn had already stated that Rush will be heavily featured, and in fact all three members of Rush as well as early producer Terry Brown are interviewed.  Other progressive metal bands interviewed include Dream Theater, Queensryche, Yes and King Crimson to name a few.  Click here for more information. - Thanks to Mike Salvini for the headsup!

2.1.12 National Rush Day Wrap Up and American Idol Tryout

Today was Rush Day, February 1st, 2012 (2.1.12), a once in a lifetime occurrence as it will not happen again for another 100 years.  It was a popular day around the net, including various news stories from multiple sources, and culminated in the 2112 listening party hosed by RushCon and Rush Radio at tinychat.com/rushcon.

2.1.12 was also the day of the first known performance of a Rush song on American Idol.  Coincidence?  The song was of course "Tom Sawyer", sung by David Weed of Mountain Home, Idaho.  Unfortunately, David did not make it through to Hollywood, but it was satisfying to hear Randy Jackson say that the singer doesn't sound like Geddy, because Geddy "sounds really good".

Here's a collection of the features that appeared online today:

Rush Tragedy - Andrew MacNaughtan Dead of Heart Attack at 47

We are saddened to pass along the tragic news that Rush's long time friend and photographer, Andrew MacNaughtan, passed away of an apparent heart attack yesterday in Los Angeles at the age of 47.  He will be missed! 
"We're deeply shocked and heartbroken to learn of the sudden passing of our close friend and long-time photographer, Andrew MacNaughtan. He was a sweet person and a very talented artist. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. – Geddy, Alex & Neil" - Rush.com, January 26, 2012
Here is a portion of tonight's story from the Toronto Star:
"Toronto photographer Andrew MacNaughtan, longtime documenter of Rush’s exploits and the man behind dozens of iconic portraits of Canadian celebrities, passed away suddenly in Los Angeles on Wednesday.  MacNaughtan, in his mid-40s, reportedly suffered a heart attack while in California shooting his old friends, Rush....MacNaughtan’s sharply designed photographs, familiar to most Canadians from magazines and album covers even if they never knew his name, constitute a veritable Who’s Who of CanCon star power. He shot everyone from Bryan Adams, Celine Dion and the Tragically Hip to Peter Mansbridge, Margaret Atwood and the Trailer Park Boys during his career. A three-time Juno winner for album design, he also directed the occasional music video for such artists as Great Big Sea and Michael Bublé. (He won a fourth Juno for Music DVD of the Year for Rush in Rio.)   MacNaughtan’s most recent work was nevertheless something of a departure. He published a collection of photographs taken during his travels in Kenya and Tanzania [in November 2010] entitled Grace: Africa in Photographs. Proceeds from the book went to Art Gives Hope, a charity MacNaughtan founded in 2006." - Toronto Star, January 26, 2012
Andrew MacNaughtan started his career from the most auspicious of beginnings.  A huge Rush fan, he knocked on Geddy Lee's front door at the age of 17 and asked for a autograph!  Andrew also started his own Rush fan club, and through Howard Ungerleider he submitted to the band live photos he had taken.  The band loved them and they appeared in the Grace Under Pressure tour book.  That led to a full time gig shooting the Power Windows tour, and it wasn't long before he was shooting album covers for other artists.  His first studio photos of Rush appeared in the Presto album jacket; he is responsible for suggesting to Geddy that he wear his glasses for the photo shoot.  Andrew discussed how he got involved with the band in an interview with The Spirit of Rush fanzine in 1991 which you can read here.  More recently, to promote Rush In Rio Andrew was interviewed in 2003 by Brad Parmerter for FYE.com, which you can read here.

Neil Peart has written a memorial for Andrew MacNaughtan at NeilPeart.net.  Neil starts at the beginning of their relationship, remember how Andrew's live photos of Rush had caught his eye ("they were more vivid, somehow—highlighting both the drama of the rock stage and the personalities of the players"), through the years when Andrew was with the band as both personal tour assistant and photographer ("As for Andrew’s own nicknames, Alex, Geddy, and I...finally settled on 'Zulu.' Perhaps because he was the 'anti-Zulu.'...another of Andrew’s self-confessed qualities was his extreme 'whiteness.' I used to joke that making dinner for him was always easy: meat, potatoes, and over-cooked vegetables"), through the later years including introducing Neil to his wife Carrie. 

 Related News

Rolling Stone Readers' Poll: Geddy Lee #10 Most Unique Voice

RollingStone.com has just posted the results of their latest Readers' Poll: "Which Singer Has The Most Unique Voice?"  Coming in at #10 is Geddy Lee:
"Stephen Malkmus said it best: "What about the voice of Geddy Lee? How did it get so high? I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy?" I'll answer the last question first: Yes, Geddy speaks with an ordinary voice. In fact, his speaking voice is, if anything, a little on the deep side. You'd never know from talking to him that he's capable of hitting such amazing high notes. Lee's unconventional voice sometimes makes it tougher for Rush to appeal to a first-time listener, but it's hard to imagine the group with any other singer at the helm." - RollingStone.com, January 25, 2012

Sabian's Players' Choice Cymbals Announced

UPDATE: Today Sabian announced the winners of the Sabian Players' Choice Cymbals.  Sabian's Artist Relations man Bob Rupp showed MusicRadar.com the four cymbals that were chosen as the new Players' Choice models by an elite panel of judges: Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Dave Weckl and Terry Bozzio.  Click here to view

The cymbals were chosen by viewers online through CymbalVote.com: "Sabian is introducing four new cymbals at next year's NAMM show - and they want you to choose which metals they unveil.  From 17 October you can head over to www.CymbalVOTE.com and take your pick from the 12 new cymbal models Sabian has created as part of the Players' Choice scheme. At the site you'll be able to see Sabian artists such as Mike Portnoy, Dave Weckl, Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, Dave Elitch and Stefanie Eulinberg playing the cymbals.  One cymbal will be eliminated each week until only four remain and these four will be unveiled at NAMM.  For more information, please visit www.CymbalVOTE.com." - Musicradar.com, thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Gregorian Cover of "Bravado"

Gregorian is a German band headed by Frank Peterson that performs Gregorian chant-inspired versions of modern pop and rock songs. Their latest album Masters Of Chant Chapter VIII, released last September 30th, includes a cover of Rush's "Bravado".  The album is available here, and you can listen here. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the headsup!

Rush on "Archer", again

Back in April of last year, Rush was referenced on FX's "Archer", when Dr. Krieger's van was painted with an "Exit Stage Left" mural

Last night, during the season three premiere, "The Man From Jupiter", Dr. Krieger has a new van sporting a mural featuring a recreation of the Hemispheres cover, with the words "Krieger Vanispheres" as the headline.  Click here for a recap of the episode which should be online in a few days. - Thanks to Paul Jacobi for the headsup, and Ed at RushIsABand for the screencapture!

"A Brief History Of Time, Part 8"

John Patuto at Cygnus-X1.Net has updated his collection, Rush: A Brief History of Time, an on-going collection of articles and advertisements about Rush that spans every decade from the 70's onward. In Part VIII, John has added 46 new articles; one from the 70's, thirty-one from the 80's, three from the 90's, two from the 2000's and seven from the current '10 decade. The majority of the articles focus around the release of Moving Pictures and Rush's tour in support of their best selling album. - Thanks John for the headsup!

"Mover" Mike Dixon Discusses the Moving Pictures album cover

Back in 2006, videographer Greg Nosek interviewed Mike Dixon, easily recognizable to Rush fans everywhere as one of the movers on the Moving Pictures and Exit Stage Left album covers.  Just under three minutes long, you can view the interview at GregNosek.com.

In the interview, Mike discusses the various 'actors' on the Moving Pictures cover, beginning with the mover on the far left, his friend Bobby King.  Bob King was on Hugh Syme's design team, and is credited for assisting Hugh on A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres and Archives.  Dixon goes on to tell how Bob King is not only one of the movers, but is also the original Starman on 2112, as well as Dionysus on the Hemispheres cover (i.e., the naked guy).  In addition, the mover holding the Starman painting is Kelly Jay, who sang for the Toronto band Crowbar (Crowbar performed with Rush at the Minkler Auditorium prior to '74, an advertisement for this show is in the Different Stages linernotes collage).  Dixon also confirms photographer Deborah Sammuels is the Joan of Arc character and that her relatives are the family on the right (this conflicts with information provided in the Rush biography Chemistry, which states "Hugh borrowed friends, neighbours and even his hairdresser's parents").

Besides the video, be sure to also check out Nosek's "Strange Bird Gallery", which includes a few images which Rush fans will be interested in.  Thanks Greg for sharing!

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - January 2012

Neil Peart has updated his website with the January 2012 edition of News, Weather and Sports: "At the Gate of the Year". After sharing his thoughts on the Pagan Winter Festival, Neil discusses the completion of the writing and recording of Clockwork Angels, and confirms that plan to start mixing in the New Year.  He discusses in depth the method of recording the drums on the new album; here is just a short sample:
"Rush songs tend to have complicated arrangements, with odd numbers of beats, bars, and measures all over the place, and our latest songs are no different (maybe worse—or better, depending). In the past, much of my preparation time would be spent just learning all that. I don’t like to count those parts, but rather play them enough that I begin to feel the changes in a musical way. Playing it through again and again, those elements became 'the song.'  This time I handed that job over to Booujzhe. (And he loved it!) I would attack the drums, responding to his enthusiasm, and his suggestions between takes, and together we would hammer out the basic architecture of the part. His baton would conduct me into choruses, half-time bridges, and double-time outros and so on—so I didn’t have to worry about their durations. No counting, and no endless repetition. What a revelation! What a relief!...By these methods, each song’s drum part was composed, arranged, performed, and recorded in just a few hours, rather than many days, as in the past. Also, each performance occurred only once, with magic-or lucky-moments from a few takes combined into one that was fresh and spontaneous."
He also shares his thoughts on the passing of his friend and teacher, Freddy Gruber, who he had overheard saying "I had quite a ride. I wish I could do it all again.", and how he had included those sentiments in one of the new Rush song, "with one character reflecting on his life in that fashion."  So now we know that the new Rush album has characters!- January 11, 2012

Rolling Stone Readers' Poll: Rush #6 Most Anticipated Tour of 2012

Rolling Stone readers have chosen the top 10 most anticipated tours of 2012.  The Clockwork Angels tour comes in at #6:
Rush are putting the finishing touches on their new LP Clockwork Angels at the moment and hope to have it in stores this spring. We spoke with Rush frontman Geddy Lee in October about their plans beyond that. "There will be a tour," he said. "I can't tell you exactly when. Maybe the summer or maybe the fall. We need some time to organize all that, but we have started to do that. But yes, there will be a follow-up tour to support the record." The group did their 1981 classic Moving Pictures on the last tour, so we suggested to Lee that they bust out 2112 next time out. "I think that's something that would be fun to try," he said. "It's definitely possible." - RollingStone.com, January 11, 2012 Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Sonic Reality's R.A.W. Artist Pack: Neil Peart Drums Vol. 2 The Grooves

"As a follow up to Sonic Reality's Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1 The Kit, in 2012 Vol. 2 The Groove series is about to begin. Here is an opportunity to get a pre-release version of the the Neil Peart Drums R.A.W. Artist Pack featuring Rex, Apple Loops and Wave drum grooves performed by Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the band Rush, which was recorded by producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains). This title focuses on the hard rock grooves of Rush in the style of songs from Rush's 'Roll The Bones' album up through 'Snakes and Arrows'. Over 500 groove patterns to work with in any combination with flexible tempos so they can fit into any style of music you re working on. It's like having Neil Peart play drums on your songs! Don't miss this chance to get a preliminary introductory price on an incredible new drum groove library from Sonic Reality! Neil Peart Drums R.A.W. Artist Pack is the ultimate collection of album quality stereo mixed drums for your music!  Click here to order.

Included Grooves: Armor Grooves, Cry Grooves, Dream Grooves, Ghost Grooves, MagNarc Grooves, Main Monkey Beats, Spind Grooves, The Larger Beats, Victory Grooves, Way The Wind" - esoundz.com, January 10, 2012 - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Peart and Lee make #2 on Gibson's 10 Great Rhythm Sections

Today Gibson.com posted a short feature "Drum ’n’ Bass: 10 Great Rock Rhythm Sections".  Coming in at #2, behind only Led Zeppelin's Bonham and Jones, are Geddy Lee and Neil Peart:
"Canadian power trio Rush gained a following thanks to their virtuoso instrumentals and radio-friendly progressive rock style. Geddy Lee proved the quintessential hard rock frontman, with his oh-so distinct tenor – and a bass player, to boot! It’s Lee’s attention to bass grooves and vocal melodies and his perfect fit with drummer Neil Peart – who, consequently, is to praise for much of Rush’s songwriter – that makes this ranking a no-brainer." - Gibson.com, January 11, 2012

Modern Drummer 2012 Readers’ Poll

Modern Drummer magazine is holding its 2012 Readers' Poll; Neil Peart is nominated in two categories: Best Prog Drummer and Best Instructional DVD.  Click here to vote! - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Time Machine Tour: Pollstar's #51 top grossing tour of 2011

Pollstar has released their list of the 200 top-grossing North American concert tours of 2011 and the Time Machine Tour came in at #51. This is quite respectable considering the fact that Rush only played 26 North American shows in 2011, grossing a total of $18.3 million/averaging $732,000 per show. Click here for the full list. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Update in latest Classic Rock

The new issue of Classic Rock (#167) is out, and it includes their "2012 Preview: Direct from the Studio; the inside stories on this year's big albums".

Included is a two page update on Clockwork Angels (click here for the article).  Although there isn't any new earth shattering news that hasn't been said already, it does state that the album will be released in May. - Thanks to ReedLover for the headsup!

Geddy Lee to Appear on VH1 Classic's "Metal Evolution" January 7th

This coming Saturday, January 7th, VH1 Classic's "Metal Evolution" will document the evolution of grunge and the subsequent demise of hair metal and glam rock.  Geddy Lee will be interviewed, to discuss the Seattle scene and how Rush assimilated grunge into their music. - AudioInkRadio.com, Janurary 3, 2012