Rush News

"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 RockThe 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.

Rush Feature In The March Issue of UK's "Metal Hammer"

Preparing for the upcoming Rush UK tour, the March issue of Metal Hammer magazine includes a new interview with Geddy Lee titled "Rush And The Weird Rise Of Prog Metal". The article covers the history of Rush from 1968 through present day, and also includes Geddy's comments regarding next years 40th anniversary:
"I don't think about things like the 40th anniversary. We have no plans to celebrate it. We did enough for the 30th. So, if anything is being planned, it will be without our involvement. We are still looking forward, not back."
- Thanks to John Patuto for the headsup and the transcript!

Rush Feature In March 28th RollingStone

There is a new Rush feature in the new March 28th issue of RollingStone magazine:
"Rush's Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee might loathe disco and know almost nothing about rap, but the prog giants are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month...Lee and Lifeson stopped by RS, - and we played them a song by each of their fellow inductees."
The article includes their responses to each of the songs played from their fellow artists. You can read the full article here- Thanks to RushFanForever for the headsup and providing the original article!

Anthrax's "Anthems" Now Available

UPDATE 3/19: In a new interview with radio.com, Anthrax's Scott Ian commented on Rush and the Rock Hall of Fame (thanks Bman for the headsup!):
"I'm certainly a Rush fan but [Drummer] Charlie [Benante] and [bassist] Frankie [Bello] and Joey are like, Rush nerds.  They know every single thing about Rush...People take Rush seriously, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but everyone has a respect for that band whether you like them or not." - Radio.com, March 19, 2013
Anthrax's new EP Anthems, hits the store shelves today, March 19th.   The tracklist includes Anthem (RUSH); Jailbreak (THIN LIZZY); TNT (AC/DC); Big Eyes (CHEAP TRICK); Smokin' (BOSTON); Keep On Runnin' (JOURNEY).  Click here to order the CD now; click here to buy it on iTunes.
"When I was first learning to play drums, I would strap on my headphones, play along with [All the World's a Stage] and be transformedI remember talking with Cliff [Burton] and Kirk [Hammett of Metallica] back when we first met, and we all agreed how much of an influence Rush was on all of us. I don't [know] if you would hear anything that sounds like Rush in Anthrax's music, but the passion, the drive, the musicianship and the appreciation is all there." - Charlie Benante, Rollingstone.com, January 18, 2012
"It was a lot of fun, especially because a lot of those (songs) aren't, I guess, normal for us or like so much of our repertoire - although they are because they're songs we all knew. Maybe on paper the idea of us doing something like that seems weird, until you hear them and then it makes sense." - Scott Ian, Billboard.com, January 4, 2012
It was first reported that Anthrax was working on a Rush cover back in April of last year, when a video was posted of drummer Charlie Benante laying down his drum track. Further news broke in August of the covers EP including a video interview with the Artistan News service where guitarist Scott Ian confirmed:
"The RUSH song is a bit of a bitch; I can't say that's an easy one. But it's a song we all know and we're all familiar with, so then, of course, you take on the challenge of just really trying to nail it and do it justice."

The Q's Canadian 70s rock anthem winner announced

"Inspired by the passionate fight going on in Massachusetts right now over which song will become its official state rock song. We decided to launch our own Q contest to find Canada's official 70s rock anthem and you sent us a deluge of nominations.

"The Q team powered through the flood of entries and after some passionate deliberations a winner was chosen... RUSH. 'Closer to the Heart'." - CBC.ca, March 15, 2013

Rush to play Festival d’ete, Quebec City, July 10th

Quebec City, March 15, 2013 – With a new critically-acclaimed album out, Rush is bringing their epic Clockwork Angels Tour to the Festival on July 10. They’ll be playing the Bell Stage on the Plains of Abraham in what will be their only show in Québec. And what a show ─ this will be a huge production with projections, special effects and even the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble to add a complex layer of sound to both their new work and their rich repertoire.

Remembering the enthusiastic Festival crowds in 2010, Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson are excited to be back. “We know that Rush will blow our many rock fans away. And because this is their only stop in the province, we expect people to be coming in from all over to see these three world-famous rock stars who are still going strong after almost 40 years”, program director Louis Bellavance was proud to say.

Band of the Year and Album of the Year winners at the 2012 Classic Rock Awards in London, Rush will soon be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

75,000 passes for the Festival d’été de Québec will go on sale Saturday, March 16 at infofestival.com.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to Appear on VH1 Classic's "On Tap"

From VH-1 Classic: "Rock legends and soon to be Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson of RUSH will be Nik Carter's guests Wednesday, March 13th on On Tap! Check out this Sneak Peak On Tap Exclusive! — with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at On Tap Rock Bar."   For more info visit vh1classicontap.com.

Rush Referenced on VH-1's "For What It's Worth"

Rush was referenced on Friday's episode of VH1's new pop culture memorabilia series For What It's Worth.  The hosts visit photographic archivist Michael Ochs who has one of the world's largest collections of rock and pop culture photographs including a few a few photos of Rush.  You can watch the episode here (Rush is referenced at 5:20 in).   In addition, VH1.com has a short bonus clip. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush announces 2nd Halifax Show for July 14th

Rush will be celebrating Bastille Day in Halifax.  Today, Rush.com announced:
"After the first show on July 12 sold out in minutes, Rush changed their schedule to accommodate a second show for the city they haven’t been to in over 2 decades and announces a second show in Halifax on July 14 at the Metro Centre. 'We are thrilled that the good folks of Halifax have forgiven our long absence from their beautiful city and have decided to come out and celebrate with us!!” said Geddy Lee. Come rock with Rush in Halifax on July 14!'" Rush.com, March 11, 2013

El Doom's Cheeky Rush Tribute

"El Doom And The Born Electric will be offering an exclusive tour shirt on their UK trek with Kvelertak starting this week.  The Norwegians’ cheeky merch item is their take on Rush’s iconic ‘Starman’ logo – but frontman El Doom insists it’s all just a coincidence.  He explains: 'I wanted to make a special shirt for this tour of the UK, and one day in my studio I somehow found myself standing in this strange but familiar position.  And what do you know? Suddenly it somehow looked like this. Don’t tell Geddy…'" - ProgRockMag.com, March 4, 2012

Conan O'Brien Mentions Rush During His Monologue

During last night's monologue on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, when discussing how the Cardinals in Rome have begun the process of choosing a new Pope, Conan says:
"The top choice for the new Pope could be a Canadian. Isn't that amazing? If elected Pope his first act would be to grant sainthood to Wayne Gretsky, Celine Dion and Geddy Lee from Rush!"
He then goes on to point out a few folks in the audience who cheered his joke, remarking that they were a little Rush section over there, and saying that he just outed them as Rush fans. You can watch the monologue here. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!

Rush Mention In "Treasure Detectives" Preview Feature

Yesterday Yahoo! News published a teaser story and slideshow for the series premiere of CNBC's Treasure Detectives, which premiered last night, March 5th, at 9:00pm ET.  In a case of life imitating art, the online story tells of the discovery of a rare original Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia, the car featured in the song "Red Barchetta", that had been "preserved for for fifty-odd years":
"This 1950 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia was not really lost, but it was out of the public eye for nearly half a century (much like the car stashed in a barn in the 1981 song "Red Barchetta" by Rush). This rare intact example of the original Ferrari racing car (only 166 were made, per the name) went from disuse to the cover of the September/October 2006 issue of Cavallino Magazine and then was shown at the 2007 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Fla."
I do need to correct the author of the above, it is not true that "only 166 were made, per the name".  In fact, only thirty-eight of these hand built masterpieces were produced, from 1947 to 1953. The first "sports car" (as opposed to a race car) ever shown on a Ferrari chassis, the 166 got its name from the 166 cubic centimeters of capacity from each of its twelve cylinders.  It is unknown if the car was featured in the television broadcast. - Thanks to Eric Minassian for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Featured In Guitar World, April 2013 Issue

The all new (April) issue of Guitar World magazine is now on sale, and includes an interview with Alex Lifeson where he talks about Rush's upcoming Hall of Fame induction and the new, deluxe reissue of 2112.  In the interview, he also discusses possible rarities from the vault to be played on future tours:
"I've often wanted to bring back 'The Twilight Zone,' because it's such a quirky little song. It would be really cool to attack it again with sort of our new way of approaching our older material."
So we've got that tease to look forward to!  Check out the full article here. - Thanks to John with Cygnus-X1.net for sharing the transcript!

Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - March 2013

Neil Peart has just updated his website with "Winter Latitudes" the latest edition of News, Weather & Sports.   Neil talks about cross country skiing in sub-zero Quebec during his two week vacation there in February, mentions an inspiration to the song "Marathon", hiking the Santa Monica mountains near L.A., and spending time with his family.  Check it out now.

"Counterparts" SACD by AudioFidelity Now Available

buy now
The release of the SACD (Super Audio CD) edition of Rush's Counterparts by AudioFidelity has finally been released today - click here to purchase.

This will be one of the company's first SACD releases in over 10 years, and their first Rush release since the release of their Roll The Bones Gold CD on August 2, 2011.

In addition, we have learned that AudioFidelity has requested the master tapes of Presto for their next Rush release! - Thanks to Matt Yenkala for the headsup!

Geddy Lee visits the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show in NYC

UPDATE March 4: NYC's Q107.3 just posted a bonus video with Geddy Lee from his visit last week where we asked to get his take on a few topics ranging from the most surprising thing he has on his iPod to what makes perfect Poutine…  Click here for the video.

Geddy Lee joined the Jim Kerr Rock and Roll Morning Show in NYC today in the studio to talking about RUSH’s upcoming induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, touring, baseball, how proud his is of his kids and more.   Click here for the full video of his interview and photos. - Thanks to Alexis Greenan for the headsup!

Alex Lifeson Introduces His Signature Lerxst® Omega Guitar Amplifier

Mojotone and Alex Lifeson are releasing an exact replica of the custom amplifier used in his guitar rig. Dubbed the Lerxst Omega, the amp will be available to the public immediately:
The Lerxst® Omega amplifier was created by Mojotone based on a vintage Marshall amp Lifeson used in the studio while recording the band's latest album, "Clockwork Angels." With select modifications made to the circuitry and an overwhelming attention to aesthetic detail, this 25/50 watt amp is a marvel in the world of modern sound amplification. And for a guitarist like Alex, who has one of the most distinctive and recognizable tones in rock music, the Lerxst has to live up to a high level of expectation.
"It sounds so good!" stated Lifeson, moments after receiving the very first build of his new signature amp. "We pulled the Marshall last night after A/B-ing the two. The tonal character is quite similar, but the response of the Lerxst® has greater immediacy, sustain and grip."
Mojotone--in direct partnership with Alex Lifeson--will produce the all hand-wired Lerxst® Omega amp ($2,995) and matching Celestion G-12M loaded Tall 4x12 speaker cabinet ($1550). The amp and cabinet will be available via the lerxstamps.com website immediately.
 For more info visit prweb.com.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on VH-1's "Big Morning Buzz"

Today Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appeared on VH-1's Big Morning Buzz with Carrie Keagan.  Check it out here.

Ottawa Bluesfest 2013 Lineup Announced, Includes Rush

The 2012 Ottawa Bluesfest lineup has been announced, and Rush is included with a concert on July 8th.  The early bird sale, which gives a discount on the festival pass, starts tomorrow (though tickets for singles shows do not appear to be going on sale until a later date). All ticket information including day tickets, VIP tickets and pricing will be listed tomorrow as of 10AM EST at capitaltickets.ca. For more details visit http://ottawabluesfest.ca/ - Thanks to Jodey Derouin for the headsup!

Rush Sighting In Rob Zombie's "The Lords Of Salem"

Rush fan Rob Zombie's new film, The Lords Of Salem, hits theaters on April 19th.  Check out this preview from Time Out New York:
"If you've come to admire the directorial career of Rob Zombie (don't laugh, horror haters), then you know his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie, who appears in all of his work. She gives a rich performance in Rob's new one, as a Rush-loving DJ turned coven member."
- Thanks to Carl Flynn for the headsup!

Clockwork Angels Tour Concert Video - Release Date Undetermined

This past November, Rush filmed their Phoenix and Dallas concerts for their next eagerly awaited live DVD and CD release. 

Although there has been more than one rumored release date passed along online, the band's management has confirmed that NO release date has been determined at this time.  Until we see an official press release regarding the DVD, any other rumored dates should be taken with a grain of salt.

Geddy And Alex to appear on Nights With Alice Cooper Tonight

Posted two hours ago to Facebook:
Geddy and Alex from RUSH comin' in for an interview today! What questions do you have for them?! - NightsWithAliceCooper

Rush singer Geddy Lee expecting big year for Blue Jays

The USA Today posted a new interview with Geddy Lee where he discussed baseball, both past and present, including his outlook on this year's Blue Jays:
"This year might be a different story," he said. "I think my fantasy fanaticism may have to take a back seat to my home team.

"Jose Reyes is going to be very exciting to see in a Blue Jay uniform. I think he may be the most intriguing player that they acquired in the offseason – not to take anything away from Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Melky Cabrera and even R.A. Dickey. Jose Reyes, because he's coming off what I guess was viewed as a bit of a soft year, and because he's had such dominant years in the past, I think it'll be very interesting to see how he adapts to the American League.

"I think [Reyes'] season could dictate the kind of season the Blue Jays have this year," Lee said. "But even if he's average, the team has now acquired so much depth that I think they can withstand a softer year from him than many people expect, particularly because of the depth in the starting rotation. You're talking about a team whose ace last year is now their fifth starter. That is a total rebuild. That is a shocking rebuild, with Dickey, Johnson, Buehrle and Brandon Morrow – who I'm a big believer in."

Lee also expects a resurgent season from Toronto's young third baseman, Brett Lawrie.

"Lawrie came off a tremendous triple-A season in Las Vegas when they called him up, and that carried over into the Major Leagues," he said. "Last year, I guess some people were disappointed that it didn't continue. But that's typical growing pains. There are very few kids who can just come up from the minors and take off – very few Miggy Cabreras out there. They're few and far between. Most of them have to work at it, and they need a couple of years. Certainly in that lineup now, he's going to have a chance to do some damage."

Geddy & Alex on WSJ.com

Rush.com just announced that today at 3:30pm Eastern Time, Geddy and Alex will be doing a LIVE Spreecast video chat with The Wall Street Journal and fans. Here is a link to the event: http://www.spreecast.com/events/rush--2.  Fans: Sign in to Spreecast via Facebook/Twitter/email to ask questions, or as a guest to view. Fans can watch, comment in the chat box, submit questions or you can even request to come on screen and ask Rush your questions live.