Rush.com: Finland pre-sale, Sweden Rock Festival, and more

HELSINKI, FINLAND – PRE-SALE STARTS THURSDAY MAY 24 @ NOON local time!
JUNE 10 – FINLAND, Helsinki @ Hartwall Arena

VIP Tour Package
Visit: http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=finland&query=detail&event=511111&interface=lne
Fan Pre-Sale
http://www.lippu.fi/tickets.html?fun=erdetail&affiliate=nfi&doc=erdetaila&erid=779381

JUNE 2nd 2013 – HOLLAND, Amsterdam @ Ziggodome
General on-sale starts July 2nd and fan pre-sale will start July 1. Links will be sent out closer to the date.

JUNE 8th 2013 – SWEDEN, Solvesborg @ Sweden Rock Festival
Rush made big news this week when they announced they would play their first European festival gig since '77! General On-Sale: September 25

Great seats are still available through our TOUR PACKAGE for some of the UK and GERMAN dates:
UK Tour Packages:
http://www.livenation.co.uk/vip/artist/rush-tickets
German Tour Packages:
Köln: www.ticketmaster.de/event/36167/?camefrom=de_va_01579
Berlin: http://www.ticketmaster.de/event/36147/?camefrom=de_va_01213

Rush Featured in PROG #26 On Newsstands Today

There are two Rush features in the new PROG magazine, issue #26 featuring Squackett on the cover, hitting newsstands today.

Besides the extensive five page feature interview with Geddy Lee, "Angels Upstairs", the issue also includes a very rare interview with Rush's long time graphic artist Hugh Syme in the "Art For Arts Sake" column.

Along with a detailed discussion of Clockwork Angels, Geddy has this to say regarding the Vapor Trails remix.

"[remixing Vapor Trails and including it in a deluxe edition of Clockwork Angels] was an idea but it's now been shifted down. Rather than remix the entire album we might now take a bunch of different songs from albums and get different people to remix them for fun, rather than just do Vapor Trails. It's an idea in flux."

- Thanks to Tony Riviere for the headsup!

Geddy Lee's Ludicrous Machines: Rush Frontman Talks New Album, Tour - Spin.com

Spin.com has posted an new interview with Geddy Lee.  In "Geddy Lee's Ludicrous Machines: Rush Frontman Talks New Album, Tour", Geddy talks about this being the first album length concept, and the difference between this album and previous concept pieces:

"I wanted the songs to be a collection that could stand on their own, outside of context of the whole story. When you look at a collection of songs like those on the Who's Tommy, you could pull "I'm Free" out of that and it still stands on its own. But in connection to the story, it takes on another interpretation. So there was a lot of discussion about that. I think at one point, Neil was a little frustrated with my determination to keep the story-line minimal in a sense...The three times we attempted side-long concept pieces in the past, the music was really like one song broken up into many parts. The thread connecting the music on Clockwork Angels is the story-line. That's the key difference."

and the lack of overdubs on this record:

"this time we wanted to restrict the way we used overdubs. We wanted it to be very much a three-piece record."

and in regards to the upcoming tour:

we're gonna expand upon the whole steampunk element that we brought on the "Time Machine Tour." We're gonna have fun with that whole kinda machinery and we're designing rear-screen things and have a fun little movies. Hopefully it can all tie together in some ludicrous way."

Alex Lifeson Talks To "Metal Express Radio"

Metal Express Radio, has posted a great new interview with Alex Lifeson where he talks about Clockwork Angels, the R30 tour setlist, the Sectors boxed sets, the Vapor Trails remix, and more.

Of "Caravan" and "BU2B", Alex confirms:

"We just re-mixed them.  We wanted them to have the same character mix wise as the rest of the record.  Now they are much more attached to the whole album rather than being standalone tracks."

He also talks about the guitar solos on the title track and "The Garden":

"the solo in “Clockwork Angels” and also the solo in “The Garden” which are two of my favourite solos that I`ve ever done, were throwaway solos. After we`d written those songs and worked on the arrangements, Geddy went away for a few days, so I continued working and filling things in a little bit and I threw down a couple of solos in just a few takes and that was it."

And regarding the Classic Rock Fan Pack, he confirms it is to help sell physical product versus downloading:

"Yeah, and the great thing about it is that it gives you something to look at when you`re listening to the record.   It`s like back in those days where you`d have a beautiful album jacket in your hands.  That whole tactile experience has gone from music and at least with the Fan Pack it gives you a little bit of an opportunity to have that again."

Click here for the full interview. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush "Classic Rock" Cover Boys for July 2012

Rush is featured on the cover of the July issue of Classic Rock magazine.  The cover reads "Steampunks, Musical Scientists, Goofballs - The Rise and Rise of the World's Biggest Cult Band".  The issue has a seven page feature on the band including an interview given during the mixing of the album, as well as an album review giving it 9/10. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Neil Peart's "Clockwork Angels" Tour Book Essay Now Available Here

Neil Peart's tour book essay "The Future as Seen From the Past (Or: "Yesterday's Tomorrowland")" is now available for your reading pleasure. (Note, while the tour book itself is not yet available, the transcript is available on http://www.roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artist/Rush under the "Biography" tab).

Neil tells all about the making of the album and discusses the album's influences:

"The plot draws from Voltaire's Candide, with nods to John Barth's The Sot-Weed Factor, Michael Ondaatje and Joseph Conrad for 'The Anarchist,' Robertson Davies and Herbert Gold for 'Carnies,' Daphne du Maurier for 'The Wreckers,' Cormac McCarthy and early Spanish explorers in the American Southwest for 'Seven Cities of Gold.'

"Diane Ackerman's use of a few alchemical symbols as chapter heads in An Alchemy of Mind. ...you can find brimstone at one o'clock for the faith-bashing "BU2B," gold at six o'clock for "Seven Cities of Gold," earth at eleven o'clock for "The Garden," and so on. (The "U" in Rush stands for "amalgamation.")"

Thanks Stew for the headsup!

Rush.com Newsletter "Toronto Show #2 on sale Friday May 18th!"

Rush.com has just sent the following:

Toronto Second Show Ticket Details:
Tour Package - Friday May 18th @ noon local time with password "headlong" for first 24 hrs
http://vipnation.com/programs/rush
Fan Club – Friday May 18th @ noon local time until Sunday May 20th @ 5pm local time
http://rush.musictoday.com
AMEX Pre-Sale for card holders - Saturday, May 19, 2012 @ 10am - Wednesday, May 23, 2012 @ 5pm
Public on-Sale – Thursday, May 24, 2012 @ 10am

RUSHCON:
Thanks to the folks over at RUSHCON who run the 'By-the-fans, for-the-fans' event where fans have an opportunity to raise money for an important charity whilst having an amazing time learning more about the band, getting to know each other and connecting with other fans from around the world. Over the past 11 years- we hear how much those that attend enjoy it! As this second Toronto show goes on sale for October 16th, please note that RUSHCON will be held in Toronto on October 12-14th. For more details please go to http://www.rushcon.org/

Scan Your Ticket Stubs And Other Memorabilia - Rush Tour Archive

As another Rush tour is about to begin, I ask that you please take the time to scan your ticket for the Rush Tour Archive. I have been maintaining this archive for many years now (since the demise of the National Midnight Star), and have a stub or advertisement for every show of the last ten years.

If you can please take a moment to scan your ticket and email it to me, or if you do not have a scanner, take a quality photograph, please do.

In addition, if you have any ticket stubs or advertisements, handbills, photographs of marquees, etc, from previous tours, perhaps you can fill in the gaps? Who knows, you might have a stub for a show that has been forgotten in the depths of time.

My ultimate goal is to be able to provide a complete archive of the touring history of Rush for everyone to see.

"Classic Albums Moving Pictures/2112" Now On Netflix

"Classic Albums Moving Pictures/2112", originally released in 2010 on DVD and BluRay, is now available for instant viewing on Netflix here.

- Thanks to Aaron Scifres for the headsup!

MIDIpedals.com Interview With Jack Secret

There is a new audio interview with Jack Secret at MIDIpedals.com:

"MIDIpedals.com interview with longtime Rush keyboard tech, Tony Geranios (aka Jack Secret) from March 2012. He talks about the early days with Rush, connecting the non-MIDI Taurus Pedals to Geddy’s Oberheim synths, and about the redundant MIDI and sampling setup when they are touring. Tony has also worked with Blue Oyster Cult and Bob Seeger in the past as well. Part 2 is coming soon, which will include info on what role he has played in setting up the gear when Rush is in the studio, as well as tour rehearsals."  Click here for the interview, March 10, 2012

Update (April 25): MIDIPedals.com has posted an update:

"A couple of weeks after posting Part 1, Tony called me and hoped to finish up the interview. When he called I was not prepared to record the call, and let him know I would need to call him back. I am assuming Rush has started tour rehearsals, so he has been busy and we haven’t been able to do Part 2 because we haven’t been able to schedule a second interview. Here are a few questions I emailed to him and his answers. I call it Part 1.5 in hopes we can do Part 2 soon."  Click here for the interview, April 25, 2012

Update (May 16): MIDIPedals.com has posted Part 2 of the video interview, you can hear it here.

- Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand.com and John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!

Rush.com newsletter: "Germany Fan Pre-Sales, VIP Packages and General Ticket Onsale Information"

Rush.com has just sent the following:

June 4th 2013 – Cologne, Germany @ The Lanxess Arena (Einlass: 19 Uhr,Beginn: 20 Uhr)
June 6th 2013 – Berlin, Germany @ O2 World Arena (Einlass: 19 Uhr, Beginn: 20Uhr)
The Exclusive fan pre-sale for RUSH tickets in Germany will begin Tuesday, May 15th at 9:00 AM (local time) on Ticketmaster. Public On-sales will begin on Saturday May 19th at 9 AM (local time). Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.de
(Hotline: 01805.969 000 555, Verbindungspreise: 0,14 €/Min. aus dem deutschen Festnetz, max. 0,42 €/Min. aus dem deutschen Mobilfunknetz) VIP packages will also be available to purchase, RUSH VIP Clockwork Angels Tour Package Includes:

• One reserved ticket located within the first 15 rows of the stage
• Exclusive Rush Tour Gift Item
• Official Tour Program
• Set of Official Guitar Picks
• Commemorative Concert Ticket
• Commemorative Tour Laminate

UK Fan Pre-Sales, VIP Packages and Regular Onsale Information
May 22nd 2013 – Manchester, England @ The MEN Arena
May 24th 2013 – London, England @ The O2 Arena
May 26th 2013 – Birmingham, England @ The LG Arena
May 28th 2013 – Sheffield, England @ Motorpoint Arena
May 30th 2013 – Glasgow, England @ SECC
Fan Club and Website pre-sales begin on Wednesday May 16th at 9 am local time
Planet Rock, Live Nation pre-sales begin on Thursday May 17th
Public On-sale will be Friday May 18th at 9am local time and will be available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk, www.livenation.co.ukor www.ticketline.co.uk
The link to purchase UK fan club pre-sale tickets is: http://www.ticketline.co.uk/rush?presale=ilapzxf VIP packages will also be available for purchase at: http://www.livenation.co.uk/vip/artist/rush-tickets RUSH VIP Clockwork Angels Tour Package Includes:

• One reserved ticket located within the first 15 rows of the stage
• Exclusive Rush Tour Gift Item
• Official Tour Program
• Set of Official Guitar Picks
• Commemorative Concert Ticket
• Commemorative Tour Laminate

More European dates to be announced shortly.
Due to demand, a second show has been added in Toronto!
Oct 16, 2012 Toronto, Canada @ Air Canada Centre
Ticket pre-sales will begin next week. Details to come!

Geddy Lee UK Radio Interviews

Geddy Lee was in the UK last week to promote Clockwork Angels; here are three radio interviews now online:

• Planet Rock aired an exclusive interview with Geddy Lee during Darren Redick’s show, Thursday 10th May 2012 from 2pm (UK time).
• Geddy Lee appeared on BBC's "After Midnight With Steven Rainy" Friday night.  UK residents can listen here; everywhere else, click here, and skip to the 23:15 mark.
• For Geddy Lee's appearance on UK's Real Radio XS on May 10, click here.

Clockwork Angels Tour - UK Tour Dates Announced

Rush.com has added the first of the UK tour dates for 2013, with the proviso "more dates to be announced":

May 22, MEN Arena, Manchester
May 24, O2 Arena, London
May 26, LG Arena, Birmingham
May 28, Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
May 30. SECC, Glasgow

Tickets will go on sale at 9am this Friday, May 18th. Stay tuned for purchase links.

"A Different Kind of Progressive" at National Review online

Be sure to check out "A Different Kind of Progressive" at National Review online.  Author Bradley J. Birzer goes into detail on the "progressive rock" genre, and at one point describes the impact of the lyrics of Neil Peart:

"It’s hard to imagine that my generation has not been significantly influenced by the libertarian lyrics of Neil Peart of Rush. I write this with absolute certainty regarding myself, and with only a little trepidation do I speak for many when making this huge claim. “From a better, vanished time . . . ” Peart understood.  As I watched Rush play “Tom Sawyer” on The Colbert Report a few years ago, none of the song’s power or intensity seemed diminished to me. In ridiculous public-school detention in 1981, as a lonely and confused 13-year-old, I could relate to Peart’s “his mind is not for rent to any god or government.” While I’ve certainly and happily rented my mind (for what it’s worth) to JPII and B16, I’ve never given a moment — even in charity — to the government. A year later, when Peart wrote, “Some will sell their dreams for small desires,” I assured myself I would fight for integrity and human dignity. Do I give the NRO reader the mind of a 14-year-old raised in a dysfunctional family in otherwise idyllic Kansas? Yes, I do."

He also gives an interesting view of why prog bands have been virtually ignored by the mainstream North American press, and by relation, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

"...progressive rock generally is very European in its structure and in the atmosphere it creates. Because progressive rock has always tended to sidestep or ignore blues-based rock, mainstream periodicals such as Rolling Stone and journals of opinion such as the New York Times have assumed progressive rock is a betrayal of progressive culture rather than an embracing or enhancing of it.  After a very short flirtation with prog, music critics rejected the genre as pretentious and over-the-top."

- Thanks to Tim Weiss for the headsup!

Jason Plumb Discusses Alex Lifeson's Guest Appearance on "All Is More Than Both"

UPDATE (May 9): In a new interview Jason Plumb tells how Alex Lifeson came to play on his album:

"The Alex Lifeson thing, that happened by absolute fluke," he says of the Rush guitarist's work on the track Losin'.  "We started going through the songs and wondering which iconic Canadian guitarist could make an appearance on the record. . . . I thought, 'Well, Alex Lifeson, that would be really amazing. If we could get (him) that would be a real coup.' And he actually just happened to walk into the control room some days later." - Calgary Herald, May 9, 2012

The new album by Jason Plumb and the Willing, All Is More Than Both, is now available.  The album contains the song "Losin'" featuring Alex Lifeson which you hear here.

Released March 27th, guest performers include Alex Lifeson, Ed Robertson, Chic Gamine, Serena Ryder, Steven Page, The Broken Heartstrings and more.  Back in September, producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda posted this live video of Alex Lifeson in the studio recording the guitar solo for "Losin'".

"An inspired take by Alex Lifeson at Revolution Recordings.  We just got the sounds up and this was his first pass.  We did many more but this early one was filmed.  A guest guitar solo for Jason Plumb’s upcoming album." - Michael Phillip Wojewoda, mpwmusic.com

Another video on Wojewoda's YouTube channel has the caption "guest guitar overdub on Jason Plumb's record".

Sonic Reality Releases Neil Peart Drums Vol. 2 The Grooves plus a FREE exclusive sample pack download on eSoundz.com/neilpeartdrums

May 8th, 2012, Sunrise, Florida – Legendary drummer of Rush Neil Peart and Grammy-winning producer Nick Raskulinecz have teamed up with music software developer Sonic Reality to create the new “Neil Peart Drums Vol. 2 The Grooves” sound collection. Over 600 grooves performed by Peart are now available in a variety of loop formats such as Rex, Apple Loops, Acidized Wave, R.A.W., Stylus RMX and more to come. Musicians can use these drum grooves to write their own music, practice, jam or play Rush covers inside their computer recording software or iPads and mobile devices.

“When we did the Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1 Series we wanted to present a digital recreation of Neil’s amazing DW kit so it could be played from any midi controller such as a keyboard or an electronic drum kit” says Sonic Reality CEO Dave Kerzner “But for Vol. 2 we now also have the isolated drum tracks of Rush songs performed by Neil and cut up into 1-2 bar patterns that can be re-arranged and used in new music made by any musician or songwriter.”

Offering the first “virtual reality drum session” with one of the top rock drummers in the world, Neil Peart Drums Vol. 2 The Grooves gives musicians an opportunity that’s not only a dream come true for Rush fans but anyone looking for album quality rock drum loops for their music.

THE NEIL PEART DRUMS FREE SAMPLE PACK For a limited time Sonic Reality and eSoundz.com are offering an additional FREE set of 72 loops taken from the Rush song “YYZ” in their R.A.W. series Rex, Apple Loops and Wave formats from http://www.esoundz.com/neilpeartdrums

These exclusive drum loops are currently not available in any Neil Peart Drums products or anywhere else. You can hear these loops in action here:

YYZ: A cover of the Rush instrumental “YYZ” done by Sonic Elements featuring Billy Sherwood of Yes, Dave Kerzner of Sonic Reality and Neil Peart Drums: http://soundcloud.com/sonicelements/yyz

TRIFECTA: Here’s an example of the same grooves of YYZ used in a different musical context which is an original song called “Trifecta” by Sonic Elements also featuring Billy Sherwood of Yes, Dave Kerzner of Sonic Reality and Neil Peart Drums: http://soundcloud.com/sonicelements/trifecta-pt-1-wip

For more info on Neil Peart Drums and a download of the Free Sample Pack go to: http://www.esoundz.com/neilpeartdrums

For more info on Sonic Reality: http://www.sonicreality.com/

To Follow the Sonic Elements Progressive Rock Project by Sonic Reality Visit:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sonicelements
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/sonicelementschannel

- Thanks to Dave Kerzner for the headsup!

Producer Nick Raskulinecz talks Rush's Clockwork Angels

MusicRadar.com has posted a new interview with Rush producer Nick Raskulinecz where he discusses the making of Clockwork Angels.

"There a certain responsibility you have no matter what record you're producing," he says. "You want to help the band make the best record they possibly can, and with Rush, that can be a very tall order. Rush fans hold the band very dear to their hearts. You want to honor that, but you also want to push the band forward and allow them to be the best they can be right now." He pauses slightly, then adds with a laugh, "Of course, that stops when we're done for the night. That's when I sit down with the guys and go, 'All right, let's talk about 1977!'

"Two weeks or so into it, as Geddy and Alex were writing more music, we all kind of looked at one another and said, 'Hey, this is really turning into something. It's tying together.' Then one day, Neil walked in the room and said, 'It's done. I finished it.' For the next 20 minutes, Neil talked about this vision he had for the concept of the record, and it was one of those moments I'll never forget. Listening to him, watching him speak – it was amazing! I wish we were filming him so we could put it on YouTube. And right there, the whole record just clicked. Once Geddy and Al heard where Neil was going, they churned out some amazing music. I think Headlong Flight came the next day."

Click here for more.

Rush featured in Governor General's Performing Arts Awards short film "Inner Rush" - Now Available

Starting Saturday, May 5, at 10:30 p.m. ET, Canadians everywhere can watch the National Film Board of Canada’s online film tributes to rock legends Rush, filmmaker Deepa Mehta, comedienne Mary Walsh and more, as the NFB honours the 2012 laureates of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards at the NFB.ca Screening Room and via the NFB’s apps for smartphones, tablets and connected TV.

For the fifth consecutive year, the NFB has brought together acclaimed Canadian filmmakers and NFB producers to craft a series of short signature works honouring the recipients of Canada’s most prestigious performing arts awards, presented at the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on May 5, 2012. Included in this year's tributes is the film "Inner Rush":

Inner Rush celebrates the career of legendary rock trio Rush and members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. Recipients of the Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award, Rush have had the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums in rock history after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Inner Rush is directed by Toronto-based filmmaker and cinematographer Chris Romeike and produced by Gerry Flahive.

Rush Visit Canada's House of Commons

UPDATE (May 4):

"Rush member Alex Lifeson said he was thrilled at his reception on Parliament Hill on Thursday.
“It’s really quite an honour. We’ve been a band for a very long time and musicians since we were 15 years old and to come all the way here after so many years is really exceptional for us and we’re very, very proud of it,” he told CBC News.

"South Park’s Matt Stone will pay tribute to Rush’s Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart and Geddy Lee at a gala at the National Arts Centre on Saturday. Stone is a friend of Rush member Neil Peart and appears in a documentary about the power trio – Rush Beyond the Lighted Stage." - CBC.ca, May 4, 2012

In advance of tomorrow's Governor's Award presentation, all three members of Rush dropped by Canada's House of Commons today for a little bit of hand shaking:

OTTAWA - Lots of visitors stop by the public galleries of the House of Commons to watch question period, but few are closer to the heart of politicians than a visiting rock star.

The prog-rock puns were flying faster than Neil Peart's drumsticks as MPs and ministers paid tribute to the members of Rush and other Canadian artists in the Commons.

"Mr. Speaker, there they go, another rush to excuses when they get caught," NDP MP Charlie Angus said as he posed a question to the government on the government's use of limousines.

The iconic Canadian band are in Ottawa along with seven other recipients of the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, the country's highest artistic honour.

Rush Feature In "Classic Rock Presents PROG" April Issue - Includes More Clockwork Angels Details

The April 2012 issue of Classic Rock Presents PROG is now available, and includes the two page story "Angels Are Go!".  The article shares for the first time additional Clockwork Angels track details, including the following from Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson:

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson originally worked on the music together in a basement studio, sometimes with Lifeson giving Peart two demos of a tune - one with a drum machine illustrating rhythmic ideas, the other a click-track. "Alex had put together one collection of ideas that turned out to be most of the song Clockwork Angels,' says Peart. "As soon as I heard its rhythmic feel, which was so different for us, my response was 'I want to play that!'"

Carnies and Headlong Flight were of 'furious jams', and there was an 'immediate spark of connection' with Seven Cities Of Gold, Alex Lifeson says, "We talked about having a raucous beginning that related to the middle 'solo' section, and as the song evolved it took on the appropriate character; entering the city with all the wild, dangerous sensory experience it offers." Peart asserts that Lifeson's solo on The Garden was, "A few takes recorded casually and assembled into an improvised performance that remains his personal favourite." Audiences throughout the Time Machine tour will have already heard the opening tracks, first single Caravan and its B-side BU2B, which were written early in the process. The Wreckers was the result of Lee and Lifeson swapping instruments during writing sessions but, "Once we switched into recording mode," says Peart, "it was back to the same old us."

Click here for the full transcript.  Thanks Reed Lover for the original article!

"Clockwork Angels: The Novel" Author Kevin J. Anderson: "My Record Collection"

Author Kevin J. Anderson, who is writing Clockwork Angels: The Novel (now available for preorder here), recently shared his comments on his record collection including his favorite band, Rush:

"When I wrote my first novel it was inspired by the Rush album Grace Under Pressure. I remember signing a few copies and sending them to the offices of their label Mercury Records. A few months later I got a letter from Neil Peart and we've been corresponding and good friends ever since. I dedicated the novel The Edge Of The World, which we based the Roswell Six record on, to Neil and we've written short stories together and he wrote the foreword to my short story collection [Landscapes].  I guess Rush are probably my favourite band. Over the decades they have consistently sought to improve and their work is amazing. Their new record, Snakes And Arrows, is just jaw-dropping" - for more visit ProgRockMag.com, April 5, 2012 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

For more on Kevin J. Anderson, visit his entry on this website's "Rush Inspired Literature, Film, And Pop Culture References" page here. You might also be interested in Neil's introduction to Landscapes, Anderson's short story collection. Lastly, check out Anderson's blog post from 2010 telling of his spending time with Neil during Rush's visit to Colorado on the Time Machine Tour. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Lo-Fi Resistance - "Chalk Lines"

Prog fans, here's another upcoming release you will want to check out.  Dave Kerzner, the man behind SonicReality, and Sonic Elements XYZ: A Tribute To Rush Featuring Neil Peart Drums, is also an accomplished keyboardist who recently appeared on Steven Wilson's Grace For Drowning.

Coming this fall, Kerzner will be appearing on Randy McStine's next Lo-Fi Resistance album Chalk Lines along with Porcupine Tree's Gavin Harrison (all tracks) and Colin Edwin (sharing tracks with John Giblin).  The band may also go out on a mini-tour with additional guitars by John Wesley (three-fourths of Porcupine Tree as a touring band - not bad!). 

The album releases this fall, but a the single version of the title track was released today, May 1st.  Check out a sample of the Chalk Lines single here; to purchase the single, click here.

Clockwork Angels Tour Announcement

The Clockwork Angels tourdates have been announced at Rush.com.  The complete Clockwork Angels tourdates can be found in my Tour Archive here  (click tourdates under Clockwork Angels). Click here for the tour trailer from Artisan News Service, "Rush Headlong Flight Into 2012 Tour, Talks Music Biz Advice."

Rush has issued this press release, which includes details on special pre-sales for Citi cardmembers through Citi's Private Pass Program beginning April 23rd in select markets.  In addition, there are now purchase links listed at LiveNation, Ticketmaster and MusicToday.  The press release also announces there will be a special VIP Tour package available at vipnation.com which includes:

• One reserved ticket located within the first 15 rows of the stage
• Exclusive Rush tour shirt
• Collectible tour poster (numbered, limited)
• Official tour program
• Specially designed tote bag
• Set of official guitar picks
• Commemorative concert ticket
• Commemorative tour laminate

Related News

• Clockwork Angels tourdates
• Rush Announces Clockwork Angels Tour - PRNewswire.com, April 19, 2012
• Rush Headlong Flight Into 2012 Tour, Talks Music Biz Advice - Artisan News Service, April 22, 2012

Rush Featured in June 2012 issue of MOJO

The June 2012 issue of MOJO magazine will be on newsstands shortly, and includes an 8 page feature on Rush.

The cover includes the tagline "RUSH. Alienation. Weed. Epic Insanity!", and MOJO.com gives the details "How the highbrow Canuck proggers fed on Tolkien, Ayn Rand, weed and whiskey, survived critics and personal tragedies to become 'the biggest cult band in the world.'".

Although I haven't seen the final product yet, included in the story are tour posters and ticketstubs from the Power Windows "Tour Archive". - Thanks to Stephen Humphries for the headsup!

New Petition To Urge VIP Nation To Reverse VIP Policies

Feeling dissatisfied with your VIP ticket purchase?  An new online petition has been created to urge VIP Nation to reveal the location of the VIP seating. From the petition:

VIP Nation's new policies state that one can buy a VIP package (that guarantees one a seat within the first 15 rows of a venue) through their website for around $300 USD but will not know one's actual seat until the day of the show. It is gathered from this new policy that this is to prevent resale of tickets to professional brokers who would then in turn make a huge profit at the band's expense. However, this is a huge gamble- one could ostensibly buy a VIP package and end up with a seat on the far aisle of the 15th row of an arena- a terrible view for the amount of money paid for it. This is quite different than the Time Machine Tour VIP packages that told one immediately where one's seat would be. This will not stand.

It is assumed that these policies apply to all VIP ticket sales and were not created specifically for Rush fans.  VIP Nation's frequently asked questions is available on their home page.

RushPetition.com Is Back - What Do You Want to Hear On Tour

RushPetition.com is back for another tour, and is encouraging fans to pick their 5 favorite Rush songs from a list of songs that Rush have not played live in the last 20 years.  Click here to vote!

- Thanks to Skip Daly for the headsup!

Rush Reference On Fringe (April 20th)

There was a Rush sighting on last Friday night's episode of Fringe.  During the episode "Letters In Transit" (season 4, episode 19), guest star Henry Ian Cusick uses the password "092112#" written on a piece of paper to get into the "old" (alternate universe's) Massive Dynamic building. - Thanks to Bill Oross for the headsup!

This is the second Rush reference on the popular Fox television program.  Two years ago, during the episode "The Man from the Other Side" (season 2, episode 19), "Tom Sawyer" was heard on a car radio in opening scene.

Headlong Flight Now Available For Digital Purchase

Headlong Flight is now available as a digital download via iTunes here as well as via CDUniverse should you desire an MP3 version.  View "the official lyric video". 

"'Headlong Flight' was one of those songs that was a joy to write and record from beginning to end. Alex [Lifeson] and I had blast jamming in my home studio one day before the 2nd leg of the Time Machine Tour and I did not revisit that jam until a year later. Alex and I assembled the song to be an instrumental and its original title was 'Take that lampshade off yo head!' but once we saw the lyrics Neil had written for 'Headlong Flight,' I knew that the spirit of the lyrics matched the instrumental perfectly and it was just a matter of making them fit and writing the melodies." Geddy Lee, PRNewswire.com, April 19, 2012

"In late 2011, my drum teacher Freddie Gruber, towards the end of his long and adventurous 84 years, was reminiscing among friends and former students. Often he would shake his head and say, 'I had quite a ride. I wish I could do it all again.' That is not a feeling I have ever shared about the past -- I remain glad that I don't have to do it all again. While working on the lyrics for 'Headlong Flight,' the last song written for Clockwork Angels, I tried to summarize my character's life and adventures. My own ambivalence colored the verses, while Freddie's words inspired the chorus 'I wish that I could live it all again.'" - Neil Peart PRNewswire.com, April 19, 2012

Related News

• Exclusive Stream: Rush Return With Heavy 'Headlong Flight' - RollingStone.com, April 18, 2012
• Rush takes off on new single, 'Headlong Flight' - HitFix.com, April 19, 2012
• Rush comes alive with 'Headlong Flight' - CelebrityCafe.com, April 19, 2012
• 'Headlong Flight' – Song Review - UltimateClassicRock.com, April 20, 2012

Clockwork Angels Tour Presale

Rush has announced via their newsletter that the Clockwork Angles tour presale will begin at noon today, Monday April 23rd. For a full list of shows and general ticket information, visit http://www.rush.com/clockworkangelstour.php

The first round of Clockwork Angels Tour pre-sales start this Monday, April 23 for Manchester, Philadelphia, Newark, Brooklyn, Boston, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Buffalo, Chicago & Detroit.  Be sure to register in advance at  VIPNation.

For the pre-sales, you have the option of:
1 – Tour Package pre-sale starts Monday 4/23 at noon local time and is exclusive with password headlong for the first 24 hours
2 – Rush Fan Club pre-sale starts Monday 4/23 at noon local time and closes Wednesday 4/25 at 5pm local time
3 – CitiCard holders pre-sale starts Tuesday 4/24 at 10 am local time and closes Thursday 4/26 at 3pm local time

Additional pre-sale markets will be announced soon.

RUSH CLOCKWORK ANGELS TOUR PACKAGE

Packages will be exclusive to Rush fan members for the first 24 hrs!
Passcode: headlong (lower case, case sensitive)

Package Includes:

One reserved ticket located within the first 15 rows of the stage
Exclusive Rush Tour Shirt
Collectible Tour Poster (numbered, limited)
Official Tour Program
Specially Designed Tote Bag
Set of Official Guitar Picks
Commemorative Concert Ticket
Commemorative Tour Laminate

We will also be offering an exclusive Clockwork Angels Tour hoodie, only available via this offer upon check-out.

To purchase your Tour Package, please visit http://vipnation.com/programs/rush/

RUSH FAN CLUB PRE-SALES

The Fan Club tickets are only available during the PRE-SALE. Reserve the best seats in the house through our special Rush fan pre-sales. These presales only last three days, and only certain cities/dates are currently available with more presales being added each week. Check back soon if you don’t see your date. At the end of your ticket purchase, you will have the opportunity to pre-order Exclusive Rush.com Tour Merchandise.

The Fan Club Presale Merchandise includes a BRAND NEW Clockwork Angels T-Shirt design.

In addition, when you order Fan Club Tickets and the Exclusive Merchandise you will be automatically entered to win a meet and greet with members of the band at your show (one winner plus guest per city). To purchase Presale Tickets and Presale Merchandise please visit http://rush.musictoday.com

Just a reminder that those fans that are CITI® card members will have access to pre-sale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass® Program beginning April 23rd in select markets. For complete presale details visit http://www.citiprivatepass.com

Sonic Reality's "XYZ A Tribute To Rush" Featuring The Drums Of Neil Peart Now Available For Download (CD's shipping soon)

UPDATE April 21: The download version of Sonic Elements XYZ - A Tribute To Rush featuring Neil Peart Drums is now available from esoundz.  The CD version will be shipping soon.

Sonic Reality's Neil Peart Drums is a sample library featuring recordings of Neil Peart playing the Snakes and Arrows’ Custom DW Drum Kit.  The Sonic Elements project was put together by Sonic Reality CEO Dave Kerzner featuring various musicians from around the world playing classic rock covers and originals using the library samples.   For more info, check out Everything You Wanted To Know About Sonic Reality's Neil Peart Drums: An Interview With Dave Kerzner by Andrew Olson.

You can purchase the music on CD or download, or you can download Neil Peart Drums to do a virtual jam with him yourself! All is here: http://www.esoundz.com/neilpeartdrums (XYZ can be ordered at the bottom of the page).

Tracklist:
1) Tom Sawyer: Vocals, Guitar - John Wesley (Porcupine Tree); Keyboards - Dave Kerzner; Bass - Billy Sherwood
2) Red Barchetta: Vocals, Guitar - Rik Emmett (Triumph); Keyboards - Dave Kerzner; Bass - Matt Dorsey
3) YYZ: Guitar, Bass - Billy Sherwood; Guitar - Alastair Greene; Keyboards - Dave Kerzner
4) Limelight: Vocals - Randy McStine; Guitars - John Wesley; Keyboards - Dave Kerzner; Bass - Billy Sherwood
5) Trifecta (Bonus Track): Guitars, Bass - Billy Sherwood; Keyboards - Dave Kerzner
6) Times Gone (Pre-Order Only Bonus Track): Guitars, Bass - Billy Sherwood; Keyboards - Dave Kerzner
On all: Drums - Neil Peart Drums by Sonic Reality

Steel Assassin's Cover "Red Sector A" on "WWII: Metal Of Honor"

On May 15th, Boston heavy metal band Steel Assassin will release their new album WWII: Metal Of Honor. As announced back in July, one of the tracks on the album is a cover of RUSH's "Red Sector A".  You can order the album here; click here to hear it.  Guitarist Mike Mooney recently discussed the song with High Roller magazine:

"I actually made a demo of the song about five years ago basically for my own purposes. I've always loved the way Geddy (Lee) sings that song, there's a hopelessness and longing in his voice that is brilliant, but there's also a quality of urgency that I thought would translate well to metal, so I basically changed up the tempos and really kept everything else the same. I call Rush my 'desert island' band, meaning if I were ever stranded on desert island and could only listen to one artist, it would be Rush. Kevin and I are both huge fans all the way back to their earliest days. Their writing in a lot of ways is very metal, but they are so much more diverse than just that. 'Red Sector A' also ties in rather neatly with the military concept of our record. We were at my house combing through some demos for the new record, when I came across my old version of it, and all at once it struck me, this would be an awesome addition to the World War II theme. I began the campaign right then to have this song on the album, Kevin instantly agreed and the rest would follow. Lyrically and musically it's a perfect compliment to this record and the whole band is really excited about it."

Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand.com for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson interviewed in June's "High Times" Magazine

Alex Lifeson is interviewed in the current (June 2012) issue of High Times magazine.  From their website:

"A rock legend recalls high times on and off the road, including the time our first issue inspired the creation of a legendary pot song."

Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand.com for the headsup!

Toronto's NewsTalk 1010 Podcast: Donna Halper on "The Rock & Roll Hall of Lame"

Donna Halper was interviewed by Jim Richards of Toronto's News Talk 1010 this past Monday, April 16th.  In the interview Donna shares how Rush have not been nominated because a couple of the judges don't like Rush.

To download the podcast click here for Jim Richard's podcast page, and scroll down to "April 16 2012 Podcast". - Thanks to Frank Panacci for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels - Desktop and Smartphone Wallpaper

Now that the album art has been officially announced, I have added three new images to the Rush Desktop Wallpaper album art page. Included are the Clockwork Angels cover, the new group photo, the Headlong Flight single cover, and in addition I've updated my "Rush Art Gallery" wallpaper which features every studio and live album arranged by release date.

UPDATE: By request, I've added some Clockwork Angels wallpapers of the iPhone/Droid variety...

‘Tom Sawyer’ #48 on Ultimate Classic Rock's Top 100 Classic Rock Songs

From UltimateClassicRock.com:

Rush grab their much deserved slot on our Top 100 Classic Rock Songs list with a track that found the band once again breaking new ground artistically.

The unmistakeable sonic boom synthesizer intro of ‘Tom Sawyer’ launches side one of 1981’s landmark ‘Moving Pictures.’ Thanks largely to this song, the LP reached the top five of the Billboard album charts and would eventually become the band’s bestselling record.

From the band’s perspective, every single second of ‘Tom Sawyer’ would be hard fought for in the studio as they worked to get things exactly right.

What began — as it often does — as simple noodling at soundcheck evolved into a much more complex undertaking. Fortunately their efforts paid off and ‘Tom Sawyer’ was quite well received, to put it mildly.

Geddy Lee featured in Fender Promo Video "2012 American Standard Series: Still the One"

Yesterday Fender posted a new video to Youtube to celebrate the 2012 American Standard series. Included are guitar and bass greats including Eric Johnson, Wayne Kramer, Chris Shiflett, James Burton, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Nate Mendel, Marcus Miller, Geddy Lee and Billy Gibbons extolling the virtues of Fender's time-honored big four—the Stratocaster®, Telecaster®, Precision Bass® and Jazz Bass® guitars. - Thanks to Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush Receive Revolver Magazine’s Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award

As reported today by UltimateClassicRock:

At Revolver Magazine’s Golden Gods Award ceremony Wednesday (April 11) night, Rush received the Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award. Previous winners of the award were Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister and Motley Crue.

After giving a plug to the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, Tenacious D presented the band in their typical style, with Kyle Gass and Jack Black trading lines of praise about the band. “For almost 40 years, this band has been blowing our minds and expanding everyone’s definition of rock,” Gass said.

“Can anyone imagine a world without ‘Tom Sawyer?’” Black continued as the duo proceeded to name other Rush classics. “These songs and many others have become part of our collective DNA. They either inspired you enough to pick up an instrument and practice like hell”

To which Gass replied, “Or, let’s be honest, discouraged you from even trying to approach their technical prowess.”

Drummer Neil Peart was the only member of the band on hand to accept the award. Bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee was in Japan, and guitarist Alex Lifeson, who Peart claimed is “the funniest man in the world,” was in Toronto.

Although known for his challenging and wordy lyrics, Peart was uncharacteristically brief and direct in his acceptance speech. He simply wanted to “express our gratitude. Our lifetimes aren’t over, our achievements aren’t over, so this is like ‘So far, so good,’ and we’ll keep trying to get better. Thank you.”

Clockwork Angels Press Release - Album Coming June 12, Single April 19th

RUSH.com has been updated, including the following press release:

CELEBRATED ROCK TRIO’S FIRST STUDIO ALBUM IN FIVE YEARS SET TO ARRIVE ON JUNE 12TH

NEW SINGLE “HEADLONG FLIGHT” LANDS AT ROCK RADIO ON APRIL 19TH

Rush has unveiled details of its highly anticipated, new album, “CLOCKWORK ANGELS.” This is the first new collection of original material in over five years and their first studio release via Anthem/Roadrunner records. “CLOCKWORK ANGELS,” the band’s 20th studio album, will be released on June 12th.

The recording of “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” began in April 2010 with Grammy Award winning producer Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Deftones) – who also collaborated with the band on their last studio album, 2007’s “SNAKES & ARROWS.” Rush co-produced both records. The first two songs, “Caravan” and “BU2B,” were completed during that first session at Nashville’s Blackbird studios and performed nightly during the wildly successful Time Machine Tour, which ran from June 2010 to June 2011. Work on “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” resumed in the fall of 2011 at Revolution Recording in Toronto after the tour’s finale, with additional strings (arranged by David Campbell) recorded at Hollywood’s Ocean Way Studios earlier this year. Lyrically, “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” chronicles a young man’s quest across a lavish and colorful world of steampunk and alchemy as he attempts to follow his dreams. The story features lost cities, pirates, anarchists, an exotic carnival, and a rigid Watchmaker who imposes precision on every aspect of daily life. The novelization of “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” is being written by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson in collaboration with Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.

Rush will herald the release of “CLOCKWORK ANGELS” with a new single “Headlong Flight” landing at rock radio on April 19th. Details of a full-scale North American tour to support the new album will be announced shortly. - Rush.com, April 11, 2012

Tracklist: 1. Caravan (5:40); 2. BU2B (5:10); 3. Clockwork Angels (7:31); 4. The Anarchist (6:52); 5. Carnies (4:52); 6. Halo Effect (3:14); 7. Seven Cities Of Gold (6:32); 8. The Wreckers (5:01); 9. Headlong Flight (7:20); 10. BU2B2 (1:28); 11. Wish Them Well (5:25); 12. The Garden (6:59)

More details are included in this exclusive by PROG magazine:

"...And on this new album, Neil Peart got inspiration for his lyrics from a variety of authors, including Voltaire, Cormac McCarthy, Michael Ondaatje, Joseph Conrad and Daphne Du Maurier...In addition, Peart became fascinated with ancient traditions, which also had an impact on the album.  'I learned about an entire set of runic hieroglyphs for elements and processes,' says Peart. 'As the lyrical ‘chapters’ came together, I chose one symbol to represent each of them.'  You can see these symbols in the clockface on the album cover, which has been painted by Hugh Syme.  Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson worked on the music in a basement studio, with Lifeson sometimes giving Peart two demos for specific tunes. One of these would feature a drum machine to outline certain rhythmic ideas, while the other had just a click track. And on one song, The Wreckers, Lee and Lifeson swapped over instruments during the writing sessions." - Rush New Album Exclusive - ProgRockMag.com, April 11, 2012

Although not yet announced, we have also learned that the album will be available on HDTracks.com in lossless 96kHz/24-bit FLAC.

Updates/Related News:

• Rush's 'Clockwork Angels' Hits June 12; See a Trailer for the Band's First Album in 5 Years  - Billboard.com, April 11, 2012
  
• Rush Returns With "CLOCKWORK ANGELS"  - Marketwire.com, April 11, 2012
• Classic Rock Presents Rush - Clockwork Angels fanpack - Musicradar.com, April 11, 2012

Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland Nominated for Juno "Music DVD Of The Year"

Time Machine 2011: Live In Cleveland was nominated for the 2012 Juno Award for "MUSIC DVD OF THE YEAR". Other nominees for the award included Feist: Look At What The Light Did Now, Tegan and Sara: Get Along, Peter Katz Live At The Music Gallery and David Francey: Burning Bright.

The Juno Awards were held April 1st at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, and hosted by William Shatner who performed a medley of rock songs including Tom Sawyer (here's a video).

Unfortunately, Rush did not win the Juno.  Awarded March 31st during the pre-broadcast ceremony, the Music DVD of the Year Juno to Toronto's Leslie Feist for Feist: Look at What the Light Did Now.

Rush Reference: Clutch's "10001110101" on 2005's Robot Hive/Exodus

From the "better late than never department...", an old friend of mine recently turned me on to the band Clutch.  Today, I had one of those Rush "moments" when I heard a familiar phrase in the lyrics.  Released June 21, 2005 on the album Robot Hive/Exodus, while the title of the song "10001110101" is similar to a lyric from "The Body Electric", it also includes an obvious Rush tribute in the chorus:

"Man alive the jive and lyrics, radioactive, don't come near it
Temple of Syrinx having the bake sale of the year."

You can check it out here.

Rush Guitarist Alex Lifeson Paints The Town Blue For Kidney Foundation

"It seems touring the world with one of the biggest rock groups of all time isn't enough for Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson as he splatters a canvas with blue paint. However Lifeson wasn't exhibiting a new creative direction for himself, rather he was taking part in a charity gala for The Kidney Foundation called 'Paint The Town Blue' in his native Canada.

"The event saw the 'Tom Sawyer' guitarist alongside contemporary artist and fellow Canadian decorate a series of blank canvases before inviting guests to showcase their own artistic talents. The event was an overall success and a major help towards achieving the organisation's goal of raising up to $50 million for the charity. Toronto, Canada - 29.03.201" - ContactMusic.com, April 3, 2012 (click for video)

Clockwork Angels Album And Tourbook Covers Leaked

Finally, the album cover to Clockwork Angels, Rush's long awaited 19th studio album has been revealed/leaked.  The image replicates the clock-face from the "Caravan" single, floating in a red storm background.  The time on the clock is 9:12, or "2112" in military time.

And as I've posted before, starting at the one o'clock position on the Clockwork Angels clock face, the symbols are Brimstone, Purification, Mercury, Winter, Zinc, Sun, Aquarius, Essence, Neptune, Lead, Earth, and Copper.

In addition, the Clockwork Angels tour book cover has also been leaked, and it includes a dalmatian standing on a sidewalk staring at a red fire-hydrant painted on a the wall; through cracks in the wall clockworks are seen.

- Thanks to MJZ and Ed at RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush To Appear On The Cover Of The Rolling Stone! - April Fools!

UPDATE: I hope you all enjoyed our April Fool's joke!


According to a source from Rolling Stone magazine, RUSH will finally appear on the cover of the Rolling Stone!  Still riding high on the popularity generated from Beyond The Lighted Stage and the Time Machine Tour, the magazine has taken this opportunity to showcase RUSH with their first ever cover feature in support of the release of Clockwork Angels.

The magazine, which includes the feature story "Clockwork Excellence: Canucks Still Ticking After Nearly 40 Years", will also reportedly include an extensive collection of photos taken at Revolution Recording in Toronto, as well as a feature covering the band's history with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The source confirmed that RUSH will be featured in the April 21st, 2012 issue, and provided this working copy of the cover (click here for a high resolution image) with the promise that that RollingStone.com will be updated soon with a story excerpt and photo gallery.

RollingStone.com has added a brief excerpt of the cover story, "Clockwork Excellence", as well as this extensive photo gallery (click to enter).

Although the Rolling Stone has not always appeared friendly towards RUSH, this trend began to turn when support for the band was provided in 2008 with their feature story "Rush Never Sleeps", and the followup online feature "Rush vs. Rolling Stone: A Qualitative Analysis".

The Rolling Stone has also reached out to others in the Rush community to share the news, including Ed Stenger and John Patuto at RushIsABand.com and Cygnus-X1.net, leading me to believe that this is the start of the Clockwork Angels media storm which we will see over the next few months.

Anthrax Recording Cover of Rush's "Anthem"

Anthrax are recording a cover of "Anthem" for an upcoming Rush tribute album.  Yesterday Blabbermouth.com posted this video of drummer Charlie Benante laying down his drum track.  No further details are available. - Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!

Points North's 'Road Less Traveled' Now Available, includes Rush tribute

California progressive rock trio Points North's debut album, Road Less Traveled, was released March 13th on Magna Carta Records.  The all instrumental album includes the track "Grace Under Pressure", which is a tribute to Rush.

"The track 'Grace Under Pressure' (originally titled 'Blue Zone B') is a prime example of the band's ability to time travel while (musically speaking) keeping one foot in the present. 'Hearing Rush's Moving Pictures, from 1981, was a turning point for me,' says Barnett.  The song reimagines Alex Lifeson's 1980s guitar style as a 21^st Century invention (think Rush's 'Red Sector A' with a post-Cold War twist). 'The mid-period Alex Lifeson style is where he really focused on chord textures and inner voicings,' says Barnett, who picked up the violin at age five and switched to guitar in his early teens. 'It's not something you hear that often in an instrumental song, because so often those types of songs are about the lead line. In our song the bass is carrying the melody and root notes.'" - Magna Carta Records

Creosote Covers "Mystic Rhythms" On "Area Man" Now Available

Creosote's Area Man, the debut solo album by Gord Smith, who also happens to be the bass player for Jason Plumb's backup band, The Willing, hits store shelves March 27th.  One of the tracks on the album is a cover of Rush's "Mystic Rhythms". 

"Originally from Toronto's suburban sprawl, Smith has been in Regina most of his life. After losing his father at 12, his mother encouraged his interest in music by getting him his first drum set. Being a huge Rush fan early on contributed to his dedication to learning how to play...Pulling in his Canadian rock roots, Smith decided to cover a Rush song mostly because nobody else is ambitious enough to try. 'I picked a song that was in their late 80s keyboard funk, which was panned by fans. The songs are still there.' Rush’s original 'Mystic Rhythms' is a mid-tempo synthesizer and keyboard-driven song. Smith turned in into the guitar-driven rock song he thought it should have been. He got to gush to Rush's Alex Lifeson about breathing life into the song while recording Jason Plumb and the Willing's new album All Is More Than Both." - Soccermomrecords.com

Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Evan Longoria's Most Prized Possessions

The Sporting News has published a new story online featuring Tampa Bay Devil Rays' Evan Longoria, which includes includes this brief discussion on his most prized possessions:

"Longoria's most prized possessions are his dogs and his 2008 AL championship ring, but he has another great piece of memorabilia: a drumhead signed by members of the rock group Rush.

Longoria started playing the drums in 2009, when teammate Gregg Zaun had a set at Tropicana Field.

'I never wanted to play in front of him. I'm a perfectionist. I don't want anybody to see me do something and look stupid doing it,' Longoria says. 'I would get to the field two hours early and play his kit without anybody there, at noon. I'd be back there full sweat, and guys would just be getting to the field, and I’d be playing the drums.'

Cool story how he got the drumhead: Rush's singer, Geddy Lee, a huge baseball fan, collects balls autographed by pitchers who have thrown no-hitters. When Rays righthander Matt Garza threw one in 2010, a Lee representative called the Rays to ask for a ball. A Rays clubbie named David Westmoreland (everyone calls him Westy) said, sure, if you send Longoria the signed drumhead." - SportingNews.com, March 24, 2012

Rush Miniature Instruments - Officially Liscensed By Fender

Our partners over at Axeheaven.com have just revamped their line of officially licensed miniature Fender guitars, including a perfect reproduction of Geddy Lee's  1972 Jazz Bass.

These guitars are of the highest quality, and are perfect for the home and office, and are in a word, awesome.  Axe Heaven offers free domestic shipping for Power Windows website users (use coupon code FS2012); international orders over $75 can enjoy a 10% overall discount on their order with coupon code "TEN2010".

Besides the Fender collection, Axe Heaven also offers reproductions of Alex Lifeson's Gibson double-neck and ES-355, as well as Neil Peart's Snakes & Arrows drumkit.  For more info visit our Rush Miniatures page, or Axeheaven.com.