Alex Lifeson on Planet Rock

Planet Rock has just posted a five minute video where he answers fan questions, and in addition, an unedited audio interview of Alex's chat with Darren Redick which includes a full explanation of his Hall of Fame speech!  Click here for more. 

Geddy Lee on the BBC WM "The Paul Franks Show"

Today Geddy Lee appeared on the Paul Franks Show on the BBC WM.   You can hear the interview during today's (May 21st) broadcast here beginning at the 1 hour and 47 minute mark.  Topics of discussion include the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Clockwork Angels tour, the stage setup, throwing out the first pitch on opening day, life at home and the upcoming show at the LG Arena. - Thanks to Phil Wain for the headsup!

Rush Co-Founder John Rutsey Excluded from Rock Hall Induction - Alex Explains Why

UPDATE: In the second part of "In Conversation: Chad Smith With Alex Lifeson", Alex discusses John Rutsey and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction:

Lifeson: Yeah, I think if John was still around, I think an invitation would have gone to him, for sure. He's not, and it's nothing really to do with his family or anything. We did have another guitar player in the band.

Smith: When?

Lifeson: '71?

Smith: What?!

Lifeson: Yeah, Mitch Bossi.

Smith: Mitch Bossi?

Lifeson: Yeah, he was in the band for …

Smith: The Mitch Bossi?

Lifeson: [Laughs] Yes – the teacher. He was in the band for, I don't know... I think it was three or four months. We were playing clubs and high school dances and stuff like that.

Smith: Was this in your movie? I don't remember that.

Lifeson: I think. Yeah, Mitch was mentioned in it. There were some photos with the four of us. He was a friend of John's. Mitch was not that great of a guitar player.

Smith: You're being nice.

Lifeson: He was OK, but not that great.

Smith: He could play.

Lifeson: He could play.

Smith: Chords.

Lifeson: John really wanted to go to more of a Bad Company kind of, Small Faces, er, Faces sort of thing. That's the kind of music that he was really into.

Smith: Bluesy?

Lifeson: Yeah, the English bluesy kind of thing.

Smith: He had more of that vibe?

Lifeson: We went for a while, for a few months. I remember we were at a rehearsal, and we told Mitch that it wasn't really working out. [Smith laughs] He picked up his stuff, and he left.

Smith: Spinal Tap. Was John part of that decision as well?

Lifeson: Yeah, John actually made that decision. I remember him saying, "This isn't working out. I'll talk to Mitch." It was at a rehearsal. We were all there. I guess John did the talking.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website has been updated to include their new inductees, including Rush.  Unfortunately, co-founder John Rustey, who left the band due to health concerns in 1974 then replaced by Neil Peart, has apparently been excluded from the list of inductees:

"Inductees: Gary Lee Weinrib aka Geddy Lee (vocals, bass; born July 29, 1953), Neil Peart (drums; born September 12, 1952), Alex Zivojinovich aka Alex Lifeson (guitar; born August 27, 1953)" - RockHall.com (thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!)

2013 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony On HBO

As was previously announced, the 2013 Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be air Saturday, May 18th on HBO.  According to the press release, HBO Signature will present a 24-hour marathon of the HBO special beginning at midnight the same day the special debuts on HBO, and concluding May 19 at midnight.  Other HBO playdates: May 24 (5:00 p.m., 12:15 a.m.), 26 (4:10 p.m.), 28 (9:45 p.m., 4:05 a.m.) and 31 (12:30 p.m.), and June 1 (1:00 p.m.), 3 (1:45 p.m.) and 5 (2:20 a.m.)  HBO2 playdates: May 20 (9:30 a.m., 10:00 p.m.), 22 (12:10 a.m.) and 30 (10:55 a.m., 10:00 p.m.), and June 9 (7:30 a.m.) and 18 (5:30 p.m.).

Related News

• 5 Highlights From This Year’s Rock Hall Induction - Radio.com, May 16, 2013
• Rock And Roll Hall of Fame answers one great mystery of rock music: When did Rush get so cool?- EW.com, May 19, 2013

HD Tracks of New Rush Masters Now Available/New Atlantic-era Remasters Coming In Physical Formats

Yesterday iTunes released two new Rush collections, "mastered for iTunes".  Those same collections were also released on HD Tracks: the Mercury era are offered in the same Sectors collections released on CD in 2011, while the Atlantic era is offered by the same name as the iTunes collection "The Studio Albums 1989-2007".

We have now learned that these are new remasters by Andy VanDette. To be clear, the Mercury catalog was remastered by VanDette in 2011 for the Sectors boxed sets. VanDette has now completed the rest of the Rush catalog, according to yesterday's announcement by Masterdisk:

Rush fans rejoice! Andy VanDette's highly-acclaimed remastering work for Rush continues! Andy recently completed the series of albums from 1989's "Presto" to 2007's "Snakes and Arrows." The new remasters will first see release at the Mastered for iTunes store, then HD Tracks, and later in physical formats.

Accordingly, it appears we can expect the Atlantic era to be released in physical formats soon. - Thanks to David Pressman and Steve Thorpe for the headsup!

iTunes Only Rush Album Collections Now Available

On May 14th iTunes has offering up two new digital only Rush collections, hot on the heels of the band's recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction.

Rush The Complete Mercury Years is the complete Mercury catalog released by the current Mercury label holder Island Def Jam Music Group for $79.99, and includes the new 2112 Deluxe Edition as well as the "Working Man" 'vault edition' from 2008. 

Not to be outdone, Rush: The Studio Albums 1989-2007, will contain the entire Atlantic Rush studio catalog released by Rhino Entertainment for $49.99. 

These are both digital only releases, mastered for iTunes.

"FOH Engineer Brad Madix Uses Radial PZ-DI On Tour with Rush" - MixOnline

MixOnline recently posted a short interview where he discusses the technical challenges which had to be overcome to properly mic the string section on stage during the current Rush tour.  Click here for more. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2013

Last night, May 2nd, the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods hard rock and heavy metal award show was held at Club Nokia in Downtown Los Angeles.  All members of Rush were nominated for awards in their respective instrument categories, but this year the awards went to bassist Corey Taylor of Stone Sour & Slipknot, guitarist went to John 5 of Rob Zombie best drummer went to Arejay Hale of Halestorm.  Metallica performed live, and also nominated was ex-Metallica bassist Jason Newstead who talked about his influences, including Geddy Lee, in this interview with Artistan News (beginning at the 1:30 mark).

"Slow progress, but Rush's hour is here at last" - The Independent

Here's a new but brief interview with Geddy from today's UK Independent.  "Slow progress, but Rush's hour is here at last" includes Geddy's comments after Rush's recent induction into the Rock Hall of Fame.

Toronto Blue Jays "Rock & Roll Music Night" May 2 - Win A Geddy Lee Autographed Baseball

Thursday, May 2nd is Rock & Roll Music Night at Toronto's Rogers Centre when the Blue Jays face off against the Boston Red Sox.   One lucky fan will go home with a signed Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Blue Jays season ticket holder Geddy Lee.  Click here for more information. - Thanks to Deb Jeff Oullette for the headsup!

Rush Pop Culture References Update - April 2013

It has been awhile since I've updated the Rush Pop Culture References page, and here's the latest additions.

• In the fourth issue of the ongoing creator-owned Image Comics series Revival, by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, released October 24, 2012, the crematorium technician of the Heinlien Funeral Home is wearing an original-logo Rush shirt under his lab coat.
• The Fox cartoon series Futurama had a few Rush references during its 7 season run, and here is one more.  During episode #98, "The Prisoner of Brenda", aired August 19, 2010, on the title card at the very beginning of the episode, the bottom caption reads "What happens in Cygnus X-1 stays in Cygnus X-1".
• In the movie Expendables 2, released on August 17, 2012, a team of mercenaries conduct their missions in an old Canadair CL-215 floatplane. In reality this plane served as a waterbomber for the Province of Ontario, and for the film, the airplane's call letters are "XP 2112".
• From the season finale of FX's animated show Archer, which has had multiple Rush references over the last four years, check out this clip from the season finale, "Sea Tunt: Part II", which recently aired on April 11th.

- Thanks to Brett Hudgins, Chris Morley, Barry Horton and David Wholihan for the headsup and images!

Win front row seats to see Rush in the UK from Planet Rock

From the UK's PlanetRock radio:

Rush will be hitting the UK in May as part of their Clockwork Angels tour, and we are giving you the chance to get up close and personal by winning front row tickets!

We have pairs of tickets to give away for all five gig dates...All next week, our resident Rush expert, Darren Redick, will be playing you Rush songs on-air.  What makes this different from every other week, is that each song will be given a special twist when it is played out around 5pm.  Darren will be adding his own unique musical flavour to each song by playing guitar, bass, keyboards, or possibly even singing!  When you hear the Darren Redick remix of the Rush song, just text 81400 starting with the word PLANET.  Darren will then call three people, who will go head to head in a rock quiz.  Whoever is crowned winner will win a pair of front-row seats to see Rush! - Click here for details.

Clockwork Angels 2013 Tour Kicks Off Tonight - Send Us Your Stubs!

The Clockwork Angels 2013 Tour kicks off tonight in Austin, Texas, and will run for the next three and a half months before coming to a close in Kansas City, Missouri on August 4th.

Thanks to friends and visitors to this site, Power Windows maintains a huge collection of Rush tour memorabilia, but to keep it up current we need your help.  Please take the time to scan your concert ticket(s) for the Rush Tour Archive.  Or if you do not have a scanner, please take a quality photograph.

In addition, any other items or pictures you have which document your show including advertisements, handbills, photographs of marquees, etc, are also welcome.

I have a stub or advertisement for every show of the last ten years. If you are a collector, you might also be able to help fill in the gaps from previous tours. 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.

Please email me your items. Thanks in advance!

"Rush’s Neil Peart: I was betrayed" - Classic Rock Magazine

Today Classic Rock magazine has posted a teaser from an interview with Neil Peart from their upcoming issue going on sale this Wednesday, April 24th.  In the interview, Neil comments on an interview published in the March 4, 1978 issue of the UK's New Musical Express (which you can read here):

“I recall that NME interview very well because the conversation was great,” Peart recalls in an interview in the forthcoming new edition of Classic Rock. “And we all felt totally betrayed after, because we had a lovely time with the guy. I remember him being so courteous. It was so amicable. As far as I was concerned, we were just having an intellectual conversation. But these things are wide open to misinterpretation, and that was a classic case.”

Peart, who has since distanced himself from Rand’s writings, added: “I know where I fall politically. And I define it better now: I’m a libertarian, but a bleeding-heart libertarian.  I believe in taxation and health care that is outside the usual libertarian mandate, because I don’t want people to have to suffer. It’s as simple as that. If people are suffering and I can help, I want to. But here’s the difference between being an idealist and a realist. Idealistically, I believe that we should help people. But realistically, do I think that government will do that? No.”

Peart defines ‘libertarianism’ as follows: “It’s enlightened self-interest. Free will. I’ve lived in the US for the last 10 years, and I wanted there to be a health care system. The little bit that there is, it’s a wonderful thing. So that’s an example of what I consider enlightened self-interest. That’s why I’m a bleeding-heart libertarian.

"Clockwork Angels" Wins Rock Album Of The Year Juno

As previously announced, Rush was nominated for Group of the Year and Clockwork Angels was nominated as the Rock Album of the Year.  The 2013 Juno Awards took place tonight at Regina's Brandt Centre.  Rush lost group of the year catagory to Mariannas Trench, but Clockwork Angels did win as Rock Album of the Year. - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Rush Featured on "Hockey Night In Canada"

In honor of Rush's Rock Hall of Fame Induction, Saturday night's Hockey Night in Canada opened with a video montage including Rush with Limelight in the soundtrack. - Thanks to Ben Taylor and Pat Komadoski for the heads up!

Geddy Lee Throws Blue Jays Ceremonial First Pitch On Opening Day April 2

UPDATE: Check out "Rush’s Lee says throwing first pitch at Jays opener “really cool”":

“I really wanted to make sure I threw a strike because in my own demented mind I felt if I throw a bad pitch I’m going to jinx the Jays. So I practised for a couple of days and once I got up there I was pretty relaxed. I pitched right down the middle. I was very happy about that. I couldn’t let the side down.” - Jam!Showbiz, April 16, 2012 (Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!)

The Toronto Blue Jays opened their 37th season with a sold out Rogers Centre for Honda Opening Night on Tuesday, April 2nd against the Cleveland Indians.  Geddy Lee threw out the Ceremonial First Pitch, and it was a perfect strike!  Click here to view the video.

The Vancouver Sun later posted a short video interview with Geddy shortly before throwing out he first pitch.  Click here to view.

Related News

• Blue Honda Opening Night just around corner - MLB.com, March 27, 2013
• Photos from the Toronto Blue Jays’ game against the Cleveland Indians - Windsor Star, April 2, 2013
• Geddy Lee Throws Out First Pitch at Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener - Ultimate Classic Rock, April 3, 2013

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony Highlights

The 28th annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place last night at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.  Rush was the final act inducted, preceded by Heart, Randy Newman, Public Enemy, and the late Albert King and Donna Summer.

Rush were inducted by Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters:  "Rock & roll has forever been ensconced in mystery..." Grohl said, "...but there's one mystery that surely eclipses them all: when the fuck did Rush become cool?...From day one, the band built its following the right way. No hype, no (baloney), they did it from the ground up without any help from the mainstream press...Their influence is undeniable and their devoted fan base is only rivaled by the Grateful Dead. Look at you people, all of you people, right here! And their legacy is that of a band that stayed true to themselves no matter how uncool they may have seemed to anyone...They have always been cool! Consider this mystery solved.  It is our honor to FINALLY induct Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

Neil Peart was the first to give a speech, opening with:  “We’ve been saying for a long time that this wasn’t that big a deal, turns out, it truly IS a big deal.’’

Geddy added it was "a little overwhelming for a nice Jewish boy from Toronto" and crowned his speech with thanks to "the most passionate, incredible fan base around the globe...for not only supporting and encouraging our musical progress over the years, but for the insistence of their voices, which has most certainly led us to this evening."

And Alex, well, Alex gave a speech that was uniquely his own, using the simple phrase of "blah blah blah" and charades to convey the highs and lows of a career fighting for respect with the mainstream media, as well as the trio’s underlying love for each other, and the journey of the band to that point in time. 

Here is a complete fan recorded video of Rush's induction speech.  The event will be broadcast May 18 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO, and will also eventually be released on DVD.

After Rush's induction speech, Dave Grohl (guitar), Taylor Hawkins (drums), and Nick Raskulinecz (Geddy's Rickenbacker), wearing wigs and kimonos circa 1976, opened the Rush set with "2112 Overture" before Rush joined them and performed "Tom Sawyer" followed by "The Spirit of Radio".  The all star jam finale was "Crossroads," featuring the new Class of Hall of Famers as well as Grohl, Gary Clarke Jr. and current Hall of Famer John Fogerty.

Backstage after the event,  Dave Grohl said "It's terrifying to play your favorite song in front of your favorite band. it's one thing to sit in the basement to sit in the basement and woodshed 2112, and it's another to stand in front of Rush in a fucking kimono and a wig. Tonight was one of the most special nights of my life.  I met Neil Peart for the first time at rehearsal. This man was as influential to me as any religion. And he said, 'So nice to meet you, can I make you a coffee?' And he made me a coffee. Later on that night, I went to dinner and had a couple glasses of wine and I started fucking crying, because my hero made me a coffee." 

Geddy Lee also reflected on the night's events, "When we first found out, I don't think it really dawned on me what it meant.  And in the days building up to this tonight, I've started reflecting on our lives and what this actually does mean in the context of music, popular music."

For our gallery of photos of what we deem the best of the night click here.

See below for additional stories published today

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction 2013: Rush (And Fans) Fight the Power - RollingStone, April 19, 2013
• Rock Hall of Fame Inducts Rush, Public Enemy and Heart at Passionate Ceremony - Billboard, April 19, 2013
• Rush rules Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction - USAToday, April 19, 2013
• Rush, Public Enemy Get Emotional Backstage at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony - RollingStone, April 19, 2013
• Rush to Judgment: The Agony and Ecstasy of 2013's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction - Spin.com, April 19, 2013
• Rush's Geddy Lee and Neil Peart thank their fans for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction - Hitflix.com, April 19, 2013
• Rush's Geddy Lee: 'Strong Honesty' Links Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2013 Class - RollingStone, April 19, 2013
• Q&A: Dave Grohl Reflects on Inducting Rush Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - RollingStone, April 19, 2013
• 2013 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - Grammy.com, April 19, 2013

Geddy Lee Finally Speaks Out About The Runaways: "They were too shitty to listen to" - Prog Magazine

The new issue of Prog magazine is now on newsstands, and inside Geddy Lee finally gives his side of The Runaways story of when they opened for Rush at Detroit's Cobo Hall on February 10, 1977, as dramatized in their feature film.

Rush fans will recall Joan Jett's comments while promoting the film: 

"...Joan Jett says members of Rush were anything but polite Canucks when the Runaways opened for them in the 1970s. In the new film biopic about the band titled The Runaways, Jett (played by Kristen Stewart) is derided by an unidentified rock group they're opening for. She later retaliates by breaking into their dressing room and urinating on one of their guitars. Jett doesn't hesitate to identify the real-life inspiration for the scene. 'Rush! They sat on the side of the stage and laughed at us,' Jett says. 'That sort of stuff pisses me off.'" - JamMusic, January 29, 2010

In the current issue of Prog, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Geddy Lee replies:

"The Runaways had a ginormous chip on their shoulders.  I remember that show.  We had trouble with our gear so our soundcheck got delayed and The Runaways never got one.  But we were always good to whoever was opening for us.  We had no bias against them because they were girls - none of that bullshit.  I know they said that we were laughing at them when they played, but quite frankly they were too shitty to listen to.  And 40 years later they have a story to tell about it.  Who knew?"

- Thanks to Tony R for the headsup!

"Rush on Rock Hall, Retirement and 'Wine Therapy': Video Q&A" - Billboard

Billboard.com has posted another short interview including video where "Lee and his bandmate Alex Lifeson look particularly relaxed in the Billboard studio, where they chatted about their upcoming Hall of Fame moment, life in a rock 'n' roll band and their friendship with the Foo Fighters, who will induct the group during a ceremony April 18." - Billboard.com, April 18, 2013

"Standing ovation for Rush in the House of Commons" - Globe & Mail

Thursday morning, Canada's House of Commons gave Rush a standing ovation in anticipation of their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction later that evening.  Check out the video here.

"Why do so many rock critics hate Rush?" - Buffalo News

In preparation of tonight's Rock Hall of Fame Induction, the Buffalo News asks "Why do so many rock critics hate Rush?".

“It ain’t ever gonna happen. Regardless of their success, Rush have never achieved critical acclaim and no one will ever vote for them ... most of it gives me a headache... Technical proficiency is not a valid reason to induct an artist, and Rush really hasn’t done anything unique.”

Tonight, as the class of 2013 is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, via a ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the air will be filled with many beautiful sounds – from the performers, to the high-profile artists chosen to induct those performers with speeches, to the assembled cheering on their heroes.

But most beautiful of all for some will be the sound of Rolling Stone senior editor and rock hall board member David Wild, who is the man quoted above, eating his words. For tonight, the Canadian progressive rock trio Rush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...

"Heart and Rush Among Artists Set to Be Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tonight" - ABC News Radio

ABC News Radio have published "Heart and Rush Among Artists Set to Be Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Tonight", which includes this from Geddy and Alex:

As for Rush, the Canadian power trio's fans have long lobbied for the band's induction and their wish finally will come to fruition this evening. Guitarist Alex Lifeson and singer/bassist Geddy Lee both have the utmost appreciation for their faithful followers.

"Our fans are the most amazing fans in the world," declares Lifeson. He adds that it's "a wonderful, very satisfying feeling" when fans tell him that Rush has "helped them, through our music, to get through a difficult period."

Lee explains to ABC News Radio, "To be sitting here, all these years later and to still have people come up to us on the street on a daily basis, and to see the kind of thanks…they're thanking us for what we do -- I mean, that blows me away."

"Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell sing Rush's praises at Hall of Fame gala" - Canadian Press

In "Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell sing Rush's praises at Hall of Fame gala", another story published today leading up to tonight's ceremony,guitarist Tom Morello remarks on his admiration of Rush:

"Their musicianship was very important to me as an aspiring guitar player," he said. "And they eschewed some of the cornier trappings of hard rock music — the devil stuff and the groupie stuff, which I could never really relate to. And three of the greatest players were somehow in the same band. Their music was just very compelling to me."

"I gotta tell you, rehearsal last night, it took a little getting used to being in that proximity," he laughed. "At one point, Chris Cornell (of Soundgarden) and I ... were studying Neil Peart's kit like we were 12 years old. We begin rehearsal and I'm like holy (crap), that's Neil Peart! On Neil Peart's kit! Really, that's crazy. I could have touched him! It's awesome."

"They are as advertised though," he added. "They are as down to earth and easygoing as any band. They deserve to be in the nice guy of rock hall of fame as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

"It's not cool to like RUSH. That's OK" - CNN

CNN.com just posted the article "It's not cool to like RUSH. That's OK", which focuses on the vindication of Rush:

This is it: the night that RUSH fans have waited for since 1999, when the group was first eligible to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Thursday night, the Canadian trio -- a staple of classic rock radio stations -- will jam onstage with their fellow class of inductees.

We should feel vindicated, right?

For the last 13 years, fans of the band have been outraged as the Hall of Fame overlooked their heroes. From the moment RUSH was eligible for consideration, fans signed petitions and wondered what kind of critics could be keeping their heroes from the limelight.

Even now, fans still feel slighted.

"Rush reflects on long career ahead of induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" - Canadian Press

With the Rock Hall induction ceremony taking place tonight, today the Canadian Press has published "Rush reflects on long career ahead of induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame", a new interview where they have had time to take in the fact that they will finally be inducted:

"...amid the craziness of the week, the members of Rush admit that the magnitude of this particular honour has begun to sharpen into focus. While they were steadfastly ambivalent through all the years of apparent snubs, and even to a certain extent upon first learning of their induction, they can't help but be flattered now by their band finally receiving its due."

[Geddy] adds. "And of course, we are not really a mainstream act."
"We're not an 'act,'" Peart interrupts, jokingly.
"You're not acting?" Lee shoots back.

"Rush's Geddy Lee: 'The Music That Made Me' Video Q&A" - Billboard.com

Billboard.com has just posted "Rush's Geddy Lee: 'The Music That Made Me' Video Q&A", a short Q&A with Geddy, including a couple items answered on video with sidekick Alex.  Click here for the full story. - Thanks to Greg Nosek for the headsup!

"Rush to Judgment, and the Rock Hall of Fame" - Village Voice

Today's Village Voice has published the extensive story "Rush to Judgment, and the Rock Hall of Fame".  Besides including a nice summation of the band's thoughts on the ceremony, it also touches on past history and concludes with this thought on what Rush fans will complain about now that the band has been inducted into the hall:

"Our set list," says Lifeson reflexively. "It's an endless complaint. Everybody wants to hear everything."

"We're only playing for three hours, so I guess we did it wrong," says Lee, smiling. "We should be playing for four."

"Rush's Rock Hall induction: 'I'm relieved for our fans'" - USA Today

Another national press story leading up to Thursday's Rock Hall of Fame induction appeared in today's USA Today: "Rush's Rock Hall induction: 'I'm relieved for our fans'".  In this interview Geddy and Alex comment on bands they hope to see inducted in the near future:

"...I also hope this means other great bands like Yes will follow suit," says Lee. "Deep Purple was on the ballot this year, and I was hoping they'd get in with us. We wouldn't be the band we are without Deep Purple's existence."

Lifeson says he hopes Rush's inclusion "opens the doors for bands like the Moody Blues and King Crimson, who had a huge influence. It's a bit ironic, really. Rock music was born in rebellion, so it's odd to have (a Hall of Fame) where there seem to be guidelines for who's acceptable and who's not."

"Rush frontman Geddy Lee thrilled by Rock Hall induction" - Toronto Sun

Today's Toronto Sun includes the story "Rush frontman Geddy Lee thrilled by Rock Hall induction" where he had this to say about the upcoming induction ceremony:

"It's a really nice feeling," Lee says. "It's an honour. There's some terrific musicians in the Hall of Fame and, I suppose, as time goes on more great musicians will be inducted. And so it's kind of a nice pat on the back and we're quite happy to received it."

He also had this to say regarding fellow inductees Heart:

Aside from Heart -- Lee had lunch with guitarist Nancy Wilson recently in L.A. -- they don't know the other inductees who are all expected to jam at the end of the show.  "I wouldn't say I know them well but I feel like I know them well," says Lee of Heart.  "We did some gigs many years ago together in the northwestern U.S.A. of the midwest, I could be mistaken, and we always got along. And because they did so many gigs in Canada in their early days, we kind of felt like we were of the same vintage."

In regards to the songs they will perform Thursday:

Rush will only perform a couple of songs Thursday. The tunes are being kept a secret although Lee admits "it's probably pretty obvious what songs we'll play."

And regarding those who are inducting them:

Inducting them will be Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins. Rush chose them from a range of potential candidates.  "Dave and Taylor are people we respect a lot and we know them and it makes it more comfortable for us, so I feel fortunate that we have them to induct us. What you see is what you get with those guys and they love music and Taylor is a huge Rush fan and so for him he's just totally psyched to do this and it'll make it a much nicer evening because of that."

Special Los Angeles Showings of "Beyond The Lighted Stage" April 16th

"Leading into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, The ArcLight Cinema in Los Angeles will be doing a special screening of RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE followed by a Q&A session with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of RUSH hosted by the inimitable Jim Ladd. This is happening Tuesday, April 16th at 7pm and you can buy your tickets here." - Rush.com

A second showing was also added for 8:30.  This screening will feature a Q+A from directors Sam Dunn & Scot McFadyen.  Buy your tickets here.

Cee Lo Green Name Drops "Moving Pictures" In Delta's Sky Magazine

R&B/rap artist Cee Lo Green appears on the cover of the April issue of Delta's Sky Magazine.  In the cover interview Cee Lo name drops "Moving Pictures" as art:

“I don’t even know if hip-hop is music anymore. It’s definitely rhythm. It’s definitely tempo. It’s definitely beats per minute. But it’s product. And television is product placement for the most part. It’s not passion.”

...But still, I have to ask, “Aren’t you guilty of pushing product yourself, CeeLo?”

“There’s a difference between art and product,” he says. “Maybe I can help make art product again. You know what I’m saying? It once was. Is Rush’s Moving Pictures not art? You feeling me? Where are those progressive bands anymore? Why isn’t it allowed? It’s almost a conspiracy, if you ask me.”

Call it the swag conspiracy. “Now music is so swag. Swag means to stand still,” he says. “And standing still is playing it safe. Nothing dangerous about having swag, you feel me? There’s something dangerous about putting on a wedding dress. I can inform you and educate you at the same time. I want to disturb you. So if anything, I feel like I do rock ’n’ roll music. Maybe a more fitting hybrid would be rock and soul. Because I am the best at soul music at the moment."

You can read the full feature interview here. - Thanks to David Sellars for the headsup!

RUSH: An Oral History Coming Thursday

Toronto Star journalist Vinay Menon conducted separate and lengthy interviews with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart and stitched the band’s history together to celebrate their induction into the Rock Hall of Fame. RUSH: An Oral History will be available for sale April 18th. This is RUSH in their own words. To get your copy, subscribe for only $1/week at StarDispatches.com or purchase for $2.99 at iTunes.com/stardispatches.

"In The Studio" Rush Special Now Online

As previously announced, In the Studio with Redbeard will be airing a Rush special the week of April 15th to celebrate their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:

The In The Studio/Facebook poll we conducted said clearly that the majority of Rush fans wanted to celebrate the long-awaited induction of Rush into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by hearing stories and music by Rush members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart about their early albums in Rush, Fly By Night, 2112, A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, and of course Moving Pictures . So book it for the Rock Hall induction week of April 15. - Redbeard

Today, In The Studio confirmed:

North American syndicated Rock radio show and website InTheStudio: The Stories Behind History’s Greatest Rock Bands congratulates RUSH on the eve of their induction into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. It is fitting that the first year the Rock Hall allows the public to vote in the selection process that RUSH would come out on top. Overlooked for years, RUSH has learned to be quite comfortable with the underdog position, as singer/bassist/keyboardist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson both point out to InTheStudio host Redbeard.

For a list of radio stations airing the show click here.  The RUSH ‘Sector One-Early Best’/InTheStudio interview can be streamed here.  - Thanks to Lindsay Dianne for the headsup!

"Graciously BITTER" - Alex Lifeson talks about the Hall of Fame Induction

The Hamilton Spectator has published a new interview with Alex Lifeson where he talks about Rush’s upcoming induction into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

“We were eligible for 15 years and it really didn’t matter to us,” Lifeson told The Spectator in a phone interview from his Toronto home. “We joked about it. In fact we kind of wore it as a badge of honour that there was a core inside the committee that did not want us in there. Some said, ‘Over my dead body,’ literally, ‘before Rush gets in here.’ Which is fine, they can do whatever they want. It’s their museum.  So at the end of the day, it didn’t really matter to us at all. It was kind of nice to have that controversy go away, to a point. But our fans were very insulted by it and burned by it. Now they feel vindicated by it. Certainly not all of them do. There’s certainly a lot of Rush fans who think we should ignore it.  But the proper, courteous thing to do is to go and accept it graciously, try to make everybody happy, move on and never have to deal with it again.” - TheSpec.com, April 13, 2013

And the meek shall inherit the hall - Toledo Blade

In anticipation of next Thursday's Rock Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, yesterday's Toledo Blade included the story "And the meek shall inherit the hall":

"Each inductee is worthy in their own way, but for Rush the peer appreciation seems especially well earned...The Hall of Fame honor is the coronation of this new wave of cultural recognition — and it only took 14 years of eligibility to get Rush to Thursday night’s stage. Speaking on behalf of the band’s faithful to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as to everyone new to the Rush is Relevant movement, we say thank you ... but what took you so long?"  Read more at ToledoBlade.com, April 11, 2013 (Thanks to John at CygnusX1.net for the headsup!)

Prog Hardback Edition Featuring Rush Coming April 17

UPDATE: The cover of the standard edition of Prog #35 has been revealed.  From their Facebook page:

"Subscription copies have started landing on doormats around the UK, so here's the wallet for the next issue. Prog 35 - Rush discuss their 45 years on the planet, from their first ever gig, original bassist, sacking Geddy, getting drunk with UFO, the truth behind that Runaways story, the albums they hate, the songs they can't play, Neil wanted to play with Roger Waters and much more. Including a picture of Alex Lifeson in his pants!... On sale Weds 17 April." - Classic Rock Presents Prog, April 12, 2013

Coming April 17th, Prog magazine is also publishing a special hardback edition of issue no. 35.  The issue includes 12 extra pages of Rush coverage alongside the 14 pages which will appear in the standard edition of the magazine.  The issue will cover little known facts from their 45 years together and will include unused material from recent Neil and Alex interviews with their sister mag, Classic Rock.  The ultimate collector’s edition of Prog is available for preorder now and goes on sale April 17. - Thanks to Prog's Russell Fairbrother for the headsup!

Rush Feature in Goldmine Magazine's "Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Special Issue"

Rush will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 18th.  In preparation, Goldmine has published a special Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Special Issue. A photo of Rush from 2002 graces the cover of the magazine (and yes, that is a phantom guitar neck sticking out of Geddy's midsection), which includes a new interview with Geddy Lee which you can read in its entirety here. - Thanks to John Patuto for the transcript!

Regarding the band's Hall of Fame induction, Geddy says:

"It wasn't one of those fist-pump things or anything, but I was especially pleased and relieved for our fan base, who made it into a real cause célèbre for the last couple of years. I know how much it means to them. I was pleased they could finally get the monkey off their back. I was also happy and honored to hear this news...It's not something I ever thought about, no. It was never really in my control, and I try to take the attitude of, 'If you can't control something, don't worry about it.' I can't say I ever obsessed over it, no, but I realize it's a great honor, and I'm happy to receive it."

The magazine also includes interview with the other acts being inducted, including Heart.  Ann Wilson discusses Rush's induction into the Hall:

"Rush being inducted is a fine moment in rock justice, if there ever was one. I mean that. Those guys are so beloved, and so true to themselves and they are such an amazing band. It has always been a question mark to me sometimes when it comes to people who have been inducted vs. others who have not been inducted. It is sometimes a dog whistle that I can't understand. Where Rush is concerned, it is dead on and it's who should be in there...I am a super Rush fan. We didn't grow up Rush fans because there was a secret dog whistle that only males could hear. We watched the documentary 'Beyond the Lighted Stage,' because they are really good friends with our producer. Ben Mink and I thought it would be really cool to see that. I got way into it. I loved the way they had their chicken basting machines and their washing machines as their backline. I loved their intelligence and their humor. I brought it to the tour bus and I watched it with Ann. We have been big Rush fans ever since."

Rush Referenced On Tonight's "Jeopardy"

During tonight's episode of Jeopardy, the $800 answer for the category Bass and Vocals was 'Geddy Lee Laid Down the Low End & Sang "The Spirit of Radio" and "Closer to the Heart" For This Canadian Band'. - Thanks to Martin Wade for the headsup!

Classic Vinyl Influences with Alex Lifeson - Now Online

"Less than 2 weeks before Rush will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…guitarist Alex Lifeson will remember 10 Classic Rock songs that influenced his career. Alex is the founding member and guitarist of Rush – formed in the summer of 1968 in Toronto. After a few months the band experienced its first line up change when Lifeson’s classmate Geddy Lee took over vocals and bass. The band, with Lifeson and Lee at its core, went on to release 20 studio albums and on April 18, 2013 will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." - Sirius XM

Alex's "Influences" feature is now on YouTube.

Geddy Lee On Sirius XM Deep Tracks - "Around The Basses" Interview Now Online

Rush bassist Geddy Lee gives his picks and predictions for the 2013 MLB season, and discusses and plays music from the influential bass players in his life. Listen to this hour-long exclusive discussion with Deep Tracks host Earle Bailey. Airtime: Monday April 1, 2 pm ET; Rebroadcasts: Tuesday April 2, 11 pm ET; Thursday April 4, 6 am ET; Saturday April 6, 12 pm ET. For more info visit http://www.siriusxm.com/deeptracks.

UPDATE: Geddy's interview with XM Radio is now available here

Limelight Heard On American Idol

Tonight's episode of American Idol had a classic rock theme, and Rush's "Limelight" was included in the episode's opening montage. Surprisingly, this is only the second time Rush's music appeared on the show during its 12 season run. The only previous appearance being last year on "Rush Day", February 1, 2012, when David Weed of Mountain Home, Idaho, sang "Tom Sawyer". - Thanks to Larry Barnes and Dustin Dixon for the headsup!

Rush instruments included in 2013 Rock Hall inductees exhibit opening April 16

"Artifacts from 2013 inductees ... go on display Tuesday, April 16 as a part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s induction week this year the Rock Hall announced today...Among the artifacts that will be on display are a Fender bass from Rush frontman Geddy Lee, a 1987 Dean electric guitar from Nancy Wilson of Heart, a custom Bolin electric guitar given to King by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, an Emmy Award from Newman, a jacket worn by Flavor Flav of Public Enemy and Jones’s musical score from 'Thriller.'... - Cleveland.com, April 3, 2013

Rush Take a Tour of Rolling Stone's Headquarters

"Rush's army of fans will probably never forgive Rolling Stone for neglecting to ever put them on the cover, but the members of the band truly couldn't care less. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson stopped the magazine's headquarters a few weeks ago and we gave them the grand tour, including a long hallway that displays every cover from the magazine's 46-year history.

"The journey through our past caused the future Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to reflect on their own history, including their first meeting with Neil Peart, waiting in line to see Led Zeppelin and working on Moving Pictures when word came down that John Lennon had been murdered. A Rodney Dangerfield cover from 1980 also caught Geddy's eye. 'I think this is the most appropriate cover to remind me of Moving Pictures,' he says. 'I identify with Rodney.' Much like the comedian, they didn't get nearly enough respect at the time." - RollingStone.com, April 1, 2013

Vintage Wings Of Canada's April Fool's Joke Includes Geddy Lee Airplane Tail Art

Vintage Wings Of Canada posted a story on their blog April 1st regarding controversial tail art on the Canadian Air Force's jets.  Included is a plane with the image of Geddy Lee.  Check out the full story here. - Thanks to Pat Komadoski for the headsup!

Geddy Lee talks Blue Jays - MLB.com

MLB.com has posted a new video interview with Geddy Lee: "Rush frontman Geddy Lee discusses how he became a fan of baseball, and looks at the upcoming season for his beloved Toronto Blue Jays."  Click here to watch.

Clockwork Angels: The Watchmaker's Edition - Now Available

Buy Now

On March 1st, Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson released Clockwork Angels: The Watchmaker's Edition, consisting of the unabridged audiobook read by Neil Peart himself, as well as a working clock tower featuring the clockface dating back to the original "Caravan" single.  In addition, the piece includes a new companion book written by Kevin Anderson and Hugh Syme.

"Clockwork Angels: The Watchmaker’s Edition features the unabridged audiobook edition of Clockwork Angels, a novel by bestselling science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson, based on the new concept album by the legendary rock band Rush. This compelling steampunk adventure is read by Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, who first conceived the story for the band’s latest release. This special edition features the complete, unabridged audiobook packaged in a unique, working upright clock tower designed by the band’s album cover artist, Hugh Syme. Intricately themed and largely handmade, this is a beautiful and functional design piece that will be a must-have for Rush fans and steampunkers alike."

Author Kevin J. Anderson also had this to say:

"The Watchmakers Edition is the audiobook version of the novel. Not your typical audio book. It is unabridged and read by Neil Peart (the drummer from Rush, with whom I cowrote the novel). Neil has a gorgeous voice and he wanted to do this. This novel is very close to him and me as well. And what could be better than having Neil Peart read it himself? The novel and the audiobook itself were released last September. 'The Watchmaker’s Edition' is a very clockwater-watchmakersnazzy special edition, with a modeled clock tower with a working clock inside. It has beautiful artwork all around it by Hugh Syme, the cover and album artist. It also has a nice poster inside with a timeline for the 'Clockwork Angels' project for Rush and my work as well. Any die-hard Rush fan should have this." - Kevin J. Anderson, MediaMikes.com, March 28, 2013

"The seven CDs of the novel are specially packaged, and include a special booklet created by Hugh Syme and me, a Rush/KJA/Clockwork Angels timeline, a mini poster ('I can't stop thinking big'), and a full-color clocktower to hold it all. Neil just wrote today to say 'It really is a nice piece of work. Prettier than I could have hoped, from every side, and inside, too. Fine materials and finishes. The individual CD jackets are lovely, and the Timeline is a clever touch. I am proud of this piece of work. (And it does keep good time!)'"- Kevin J. Anderson, February 16, 2013

Click here to order!

More On Foo Fighters Inducting Rush into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

Although it was announced in January, the RollingStone has just published additional details regarding the choice of the Foo Fighters to induct Rush into the Rock Hall of Fame:

"There's always drama," Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Joel Peresman tells Rolling Stone. "Last year was unquestionably different than most, but this year came together a little quicker, a little faster."  The 2013 induction ceremony has made waves with Rush fans, who have been loudly petitioning for the Canadian rockers' inclusion for many years. It's unclear what material Rush will perform at the ceremony, but it's quite possible they will perform with Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl. "Dave and Taylor were one of the first people we thought about to induct Rush," says Peresman. "They said 'yes' in about two seconds. I'm hopeful [they'll play together].  More than a few times in the past, people have got caught in the moment and decide to perform. - RollingStone.com, March 26, 2013

Volkswagen Passat Commercial Featuring "Fly By Night" - Geddy And Alex comment

You'll recall that Volkswagen published a commercial on their Youtube page on September 20th, 2012, announcing that the Passat is the 2012 Motortrend car of the year.  Oh, and the music rocks, featuring "Fly By Night"!  The commercial was a big hit to all who saw it.

Here is a recently unearthed interview with Geddy and Alex with Wall Street Journal TV, posted October 26th, where they discuss the commercial and their appreciation for humor in a licensing pitch:

"Sometimes the right idea gets sent to you and it's funny, and you go, 'yeah, funny's good, we'll go with that'!  I think we just react to humor." - Geddy Lee on the Volkswagen Fly By Night commercial, WSJ.com, October 26, 2012

 - Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup!

Geddy And Alex "On The Air With" Eddie Trunk

Last last month, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appeared in the studio with Eddie Trunk.  The interview was filmed, and is the debut episode of "On The Air With", available at EddieTrunk.com.