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Joe Bergamini talks to The Aquarian Weekly about "Taking Center Stage"
Alex Lifeson Produced "David Barrett Trio" Featured In "Guitar Player" August Issue
Back in February, the David Barrett Trio released their eponymous debut album, produced by Alex Lifeson along with Rich Chycki and Alan Parsons. David talks about working with Alex in the August issue of Guitar Player:"Alex brought so much to the table at every stage of the process. When he first offered to produce, I gave him a bunch of demos that had layers and layers of guitar parts that sounded good, but he said, 'Look, you're going to need to be able to play this material in the trio setting, so we're going to have to edit stuff down to what's most important.' ... The funny thing is, it wasn't just about the logistics of the format. As soon as I started writing with the trio in mind, the material got way better and the arrangements just came together, which is exactly what Alex said would happen. Another thing he's a master at is knowing how to take an otherwise pedestrian-sounding riff and change one little element - maybe the key or the time signature - to give it an extraordinary quality. A wonderful example of this is the end of 'Great Eastern Sun'. The last section was originally going to be based on the same riff as a previous section, but Alex suggested we change the time signature by adding bars of 5/8 in certain places, and then he had us put the riff in a minor key. Before long, the song had evolved into what I believe is the best track on the record. Also, at the end of 'Sonar' there's this abrupt key change and solo, suggested by Alex, that wasn't on the original demo. Aside from his input on arrangements, Alex also had a big influence on how I tracked my parts. In the past, I had always tended to record at low volumes and tried to cut out noise, but he encouraged me to turn things up - sometimes to the point of feeding back in the studio monitors like on 'Hollowbody' - and it really freed me psychologically to be a little more in the moment."The David Barrett Trio is available now from iTunes. CD's are available at davidbarretttrio.com.- Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!
Calgary Show Update: Rush To Perform Alberta Flood Relief Benefit Concert
CALGARY SHOW UPDATE
RED DEER – ENMAX CENTRIUM
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2013
Doors: 7:00PM Show: 8:00PM
Due to recent flooding and water damage at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the RUSH concert originally scheduled for Wednesday July 24 had to be cancelled.
Rush has been moved by the situation in Alberta and have decided to perform their Clockwork Angels show at the closest location possible on the same date – Wednesday, July 24 in Red Deer, Alberta at the Enmax Centrium – and have ALL PROCEEDS to go Alberta Flood Relief.
Rush will be donating their fee, and paying for all their expenses. Their promoter partner Live Nation will also be donating their time and fees towards this cause. The venue, Enmax Centrium, will be donating goods and services to the event as well. It’s an all –hands-on-deck situation to donate time in order to raise as much money possible for our Alberta friends and fellow Canadians in need.
Lead vocalist and bassist for Rush, Geddy Lee, has made the following statement: “After seeing the devastation from the recent floods, we felt compelled to do what we could. While we had hoped to avoid cancelling the Calgary show, venue safety concerns have closed the venue. Our apologies to all of the fans that bought tickets to the Calgary show for any inconvenience. We’re hoping they – along with the great people of Red Deer – can come to the Enmax Centrium for what has now become a benefit concert. We’d like to thank everyone helping to put on this show for joining us in donating their time & services so we can raise as much money as possible to help those in need.”
Calgary ticket holders will have a chance to access a pre-sale to purchase tickets to the new Red Deer show starting Friday July 12th 10AM, until Sunday July 14 at 10PM (or while quantities last), before tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, July 15 at 10AM. Presale information will be sent directly to those who had purchased tickets to the Calgary show. For further inquiries, fans can visit the Live Nation Alberta page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/livenationalberta
All tickets purchased online or via telephone will be automatically refunded starting on July 12th. Tickets purchased in person from a Ticketmaster outlet can be refunded at the original point of purchase outlet, starting July 16th. Tickets purchased in person at the Scotiabank Saddledome Box Office can be refunded at the Box Office, which is now reopened.
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE RED DEER RUSH BENEFIT CONCERT WILL GO TO THE CANADIAN RED CROSS TO SUPPORT THE ALBERTA FLOOD RELIEF.
BUY TICKETS AT: LIVENATION.COM
Charge by Phone 1-855-985-5000
Tickets also available at Ticketmaster Outlets
Tickets on sale Monday, July 15th at 10am
Tickets (incl. GST) $60.00, $86.00, $116.00
(Plus Service charges)
Geddy Lee Comments on the Festival d’ete de Quebec show
Rush have posted the following statement regarding last night's Festival d’ete de Quebec show, which was cut short due to weather:
“My bandmates and I are extremely disappointed and apologetic over the sudden and unexpected ending of our show last night at the Festival D’ete de Quebec. The lightning storm that was approaching made it extremely dangerous for all the technicians working the sound and lights and there was a high risk to the audience members as well as the musicians on stage. We were enjoying the show tremendously at the time and we were hoping we could get the whole show finished before the storm returned but unfortunately we were unlucky and were forced to end the show for the safety of all concerned. Thanks to all of our amazing fans for braving the weather and once again our sincere apologies for what had transpired. Hope to see you all again soon!!!” — Geddy Lee
Rush Nominated for Prog Magazine's "Progressive Music Awards" 2013
Prog has announced the nominees for the 2013 Progressive Music Awards to be announced September 3rd. This year the 2112 Deluxe Edition has been nominated in the "Grand Designs" category, and they have been nominated as Band/Artist of the Year. Vote now!
Geoffrey Keezer's "Heart Of The Piano" - Includes cover of "Limelight"
Rush Pop Culture References Update - June 2013
Here's a roundup of the latest Rush Inspired Literature, Film, And Pop Culture References we've learned about in the last few months.
- Back in 2009, the sci-fi television series Warehouse 13 included a small Rush reference when Pete said "...the best Rush album since Roll The Bones, Snakes & Arrows rocks!" Last summer Warehouse 13 premiered an online series of webisodes called "Grand Designs" - besides the title, two other Rush songs are referenced, and there is a steampunk theme! Warehouse 13 is a massive, top-secret government storage facility, and in aisle YYZ 2112, Pete discovers a diorama model of the original warehouse built by Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla and M.C. Escher. Pete accidentally triggers the mechanism, transforming the warehouse and it's inhabitants into a life sized steampunk version of this diabolical diorama. You can watch the full webisode series here!
- During last Monday night's (June 24, 2013) episode of Cartoon Network's Regular Show titled "The Last LaserDisc Player", there is a laserdisc titled 21-12 Time Attack, a film about the year 2112.
- In the Ubisoft videogame Far Cry 3 released December 4th, there is a easter egg of sorts for Ubisoft's other videogame franchise, Assassins Creed, which has the added plus of also including a 2112 sighting as one of the "Letters Of The Lost" mentions a passcode 122112.
- Rifftrax are downloadable audio commentaries by the stars of the original Mystery Science Theater 3000, which can be played as you watch your own films. Like the original MST3K, there have been MANY Rush references on Rifftrax, the latest for Marvel's The Avengers, made available December 27th. During the scene where Loki is commanding a crowd to kneel before him, Kevin Murphy quips "Who do Rush fans say belongs in the Hall of Fame?" right before Loki's second "kneel!"
- Earlier this year, we covered how Harry Styles from boy band One Direction was frequently pictured wearing a Presto tour shirt, making us wonder if it's the only shirt he wears or if he is subconsciously begging for some musical legitimacy. It's forever captured for posterity in the music video for One Direction's cover of Blondie's "One Way Or Another" which debuted in February.
- The April 27th episode (season 16, episode 4) of MSNBC's prison documentary series Lockup - Cleveland: Extended Stay was titled "Rush", as one of the featured inmates was an old rocker that used to play in a few bands, who was so convinced he would get out soon that he bought tickets to see Rush on tour.
Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - June 2013
Unison Fund Announces 'Rush' to Donate Portion of Sales from Concert Tour
The Unison Benevolent Fund is pleased to announce that Canadian music icons, Rush, have offered to support Unison's funding efforts by donating $1 from each ticket sold at 5 upcoming dates to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
Over the course of their incredible career, Rush has released 25 gold records and 14 platinum records (3 of which have gone multiplatinum), placing them in the top 3 rock bands for the most consecutive certified rock album catalogue, with worldwide sales of 43 million units.
The band's popularity has always been unwavering, and they are currently on their Clockwork Angels tour, having just finished a trek across Europe and returning to North America later this month.
Long known for their support of various philanthropic causes, Rush have generously offered to support Unison by donating $1 from each ticket sold at 5 of their upcoming Canadian dates.
Those dates are:
July 6 Hamilton, Ontario - Copp's Coliseum
July 12& 14 Halifax, Nova Scotia - Metro Centre
July 24 Calgary, Alberta - Scotiabank Saddledome
July 26 Vancouver, British Columbia - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
The Unison Benevolent Fund is a non-profit charitable organization that provides counselling, emergency relief, and benefit programs for those in the Canadian music community who face personal or professional challenges due to hardship, illness, unemployment or economic difficulties.
Rush on the cover of Mobile Production Monthly
"Rush: The Unauthorized Illustrated History" Now Available
"A chronological overview history written by noted music scribe and Rush authority Martin Popoff spans the band’s entire career from 1968 to today. A complete Rush discography chronicles all their albums, from the debut album to 2112, Moving Pictures, and Signals to Grace Under Pressure, Vapor Trails, and more. The authoritative text is complemented by album reviews written by well-known music journalists from around the globe, commentary from fellow musicians, a discography, tour dates, and hundreds of photographs and pieces of memorabilia, including picture sleeves, gig posters, rare vinyl, handbills, ticket stubs, and much more."This is Popoff's second Rush related book, the first, Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home & Away was published in 2004.
Check out these reviews:
- Entre Nous: An Essay on Rush and a Review of Martin Popoff’s Rush: The Illustrated History - CaughtInTheCarousel.com, June 10, 201
- Book Review: Rush The Illustrated History - GuitarInternational.com, June 17, 2013
Neil Peart and Geddy Lee: Rhythm magazine's "Greatest Rhythm Section of All Time"
Rock's foremost power trio have been locking in perfectly for 40 years, so it's no surprise you voted Messrs Peart and Lee the Number One rhythm section in huge numbers - almost 50% of the overall vote. With every new Rush album, Lee and Peart again push the envelope of what a power trio - in which the rhythm section often shines brightest - can accomplish in rock. Neil Peart admits that this kind of tightness has taken a bit of time to achieve, though, as he told Rhythm recently. "If there is a little train wreck among the three of us, I can suddenly run on two tracks now. I can be playing what I need to be right, but if one of the guys is half a bar out I can say, 'Okay, if I drop that half-bar we'll all be together again.' Even sometimes if I make an error of execution that throws me off, I can still hear the time and that's 45 years of getting to that stage to be able to do that."- Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!
Stick it Out: Reflections on Rush and Their 40 Year Journey to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Today Winston-Salem's Camel City Dispatch posted "Stick it Out: Reflections on Rush and Their 40 Year Journey to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Part One" by Dr. Jon Epstein. Dr. Epstein gives a detailed history of Rush and how they have been a part of his life. Click here for more.
Win An Autographed Gibson Alex Lifeson Guitar from Marshall Fridge
Rick Moranis Remembers Recording Take Off With Geddy Lee in new Spin Article
Geddy Lee and I went to the same grade school. He moved away when we were still young but I remember him like I do all my friends from back then. Then in 1982 Dave Thomas and I were approached to do a record as the McKenzie Brothers on Anthem Records, the same label that Rush was on. So when we did the album we wound up having Geddy sing the vocal lead for the first single, "Take Off." That was the first time I had seen him since we were kids and the first time he had this enormous success. I've seen him subsequently a number of times and he always says, "That's the only number one record I've ever had!" Which is insane to me because those guys have sold about a 150 zillion records.
Auction: Autographed Geddy Lee Signature Fender Jazz Bass to Benefit Camp Oki
Proceeds will benefit Camp Oki (www.campoki.ca), a free weeklong camp for children from Quebec and Ontario who suffer from heart defects and require implanted pacemakers or defibrillators (ICDs).
RUSH’s Geddy Lee has personally donated this Signature Fender Jazz Bass Guitar for the auction and will autograph it for the winning bidder with a personalized message of their choosing. The bass has been personally set-up to Geddy’s live performance specifications by his bass tech, Skully, with a set of ‘live RUSH performance-played’ Rotosound strings. The bass features a pearlized pickguard custom-engraved and hand-painted with the Oki logo by artist James Hogg, who has created the alchemy symbol pickguards on Geddy’s Time Machine and Clockwork Angels tour instruments.
"In Conversation: Chad Smith With Alex Lifeson" Part 4 Now Online
- The first part of In Conversation: Chad Smith With Alex Lifeson is now available at http://www.musicradar.com/chadsmith.
- Part two of the conversation is now available here.
- Part three is here.
- The final segment, part four, is here.
MusicRadar.com, the world's leading website for musicians, presents In Conversation, a new podcast interview series in which Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith sits down for wide-ranging, one-on-one chats with some of the most inspirational musicians of all time.
Multiple award winning and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee, Smith hasn't lost sight of what it's like to be a fan and last month, a few days before the legendary Canadian trio Rush were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, he indulged his inner prog rocker and joined iconic guitarist Alex Lifeson for a laugh-filled, leisurely dinner at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood, California.
...In Conversation is not a traditional interview; it's an insight into the personal and professional lives of two great musicians. Over striped sea bass and baked duck, Smith and Lifeson enthusiastically hold forth on a variety of topics. Although their histories and bands couldn't be more different, their commitment to unconventional self-expression shows a deep, mutual bond.
"I've been a Rush fan since high school," says Smith. "Neil [Peart] gets a lot of attention, as he should, but Al is under appreciated, I think. He is as great a musician as he is to be around. I'm honored for him to be my first. He was gentle with me!" - MusicRadar.com, May 8, 2013
Andy VanDette Comments On Mix Of Latest "Vapor Trails" Digital Release
Upon hearing of the new digital release of Vapor Trails, and reading some of the reviews, I contacted Andy VanDette to ask the big question: is this the long awaited Vapor Trails remaster of the original master tapes, or just a remix?:
These are the original mixes, but with a much different treatment. For what it is worth........A typical album takes me about 8 hours to master. I spent 4 days on VT, trying to find a way to emphasize the positive, and downplay the negative, with a "car test" every morning on my way in to the studio. I knew this album in particular would receive tremendous scrutiny. Being a musician, growing up on the other side of Niagara Falls from the band, Rush had a huge influence on me. I hope I have done their catalog justice.
Check it out. I hope you will agree that VT sounds much less 'overblown'. I tried to design it to be more open and dynamic.
I hope you enjoy it.
Cheers,
Andy VanDette
Chief Mastering Engineer
Masterdisk NYC
"Interview with Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee" - The List UK
Another interview published today by the UK's The List, "Interview with Rush singer/bassist Geddy Lee", Geddy talks about the new album and tour, and also names his favorite Rush albums: 'Probably Moving Pictures, 2112, Power Windows and Clockwork Angels, but not necessarily in that order. To me, they are the most satisfying records that we've made.' [as an aside, over the years, Geddy regularly gives that same list of albums, where the fourth album is their current release!]
"Rush Remember Glasgow" - Glasgow Evening Times
"Rush Remember Glasgow" is a new interview with Geddy Lee from today's Glasgow Evening Times, where Geddy recalls "I remember the first time we played the Apollo I was shocked by how
ardent the fan base was, and at what good voices they had," he chuckles,
ahead of bringing the band to the SECC tomorrow. "I remember we played Closer To The Heart there, and Glasgow was the
first audience that sang along with us so loudly that we could hear them
over the roar of our amplifiers." [later immortalised on the band's 1981
live album Exit- Stage Left].
"The Real Reason Rush Are Still Rocking 40 Years On" - Herald Scotland
In anticipation of Rush's concert in Glasgow on Thursday, today's Herald Scotland includes an interview with Geddy Lee dubbed The Real Reason Rush Are Still Rocking 40 Years On. Geddy talks about the unique yet polarizing nature of Rush's music, their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the album Clockwork Angels.
Auction: Autographed ATWAS Drumhead to Benefit Oklahoma Tornado Victims
One of the original Chromey heads used during the All The World's A Stage tour and later autographed by Neil Neil Peart is up for charity auction on Ebay. The auction runs through June 6th. The proceeds are going to the Red Cross for relief efforts for the Oklahoma tornado victims:Up for auction we have a very rare and historical piece of music memorabilia for any Rush fan or collector. An original 16" blue hydraulic drum head that was mounted on Neil Peart’s first drum kit with Rush (1974 chrome Slingerland). This head was used during "All the Worlds a Stage" tour and was later signed by Neil Peart himself on 9/26/2010.- Thanks to Dean Bobisud for the headsup!
All proceeds from this auction will support the American Red Cross towards the relief efforts of the violent EF5 tornado that struck Oklahoma on 5/20/2013, destroying neighborhoods and leaving a path of destruction 17 miles long which may have created $2 billion or more in damage as it tore through as many as 13,000 homes, multiple schools and a hospital. This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornado in Oklahoma as well as other disasters throughout the United States.
Neil Peart's "News Weather and Sports" - May 2013
Auction: Autographed Drumhead to Benefit DrumStong
"Rush Have No Intention Of Slowing Down" - Birmingham Post
In advance of Sunday night's show, today's Birmingham Post published a new interview with Geddy Lee titled "Rush Have No Intention Of Slowing Down", where he discusses celebrating his wife Nancy's birthday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and also again alludes to an R40 tour:
"After a nice long break we’ll figure out what we’re gonna do, but right now we have not talked about it and we have zero intention of talking about it." That includes discussion of a 40th anniversary ‘R40’ tour next year, an idea the band’s management is determined to push through. "They’re trying but they’re going to fail," says Lee. "And there’s nothing wrong with an ‘R42’ tour – it doesn’t have to be a round number."
Win Front Row Rush Tickets, Backstage Passes, & Custom Bass Guitar from New York's Q104.3
New York's Q104.3 is holding a contest for fans living in the NY tri-state area:
We’re giving away front-row tickets to see the guys when they come to Jones Beach on June 23rd, plus you’ll get to go backstage and meet them & get a custom Geddy Lee Clockwork Angel’s bass guitar. To enter you just have to tell us in 140 characters or less why you’re Rush’s Biggest Fan and we’ll give you a custom URL to get your friends and family to vote for you for the chance to win.Thanks to Alexis Greenan for the headsup!
All the details and where you can enter is @ www.q1043.com/c
"What A Rush...Rocco's Universal Dream" - CNN.com
In 1992, Rocco Mediate was preparing to play in the 74th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club, when he learned that his favorite band, RUSH, would be in town at the same time. So, Mediate sent an invitation to the members of RUSH to join him for a round of golf at Bellerive. Guitarist Alex Lifeson accepted the offer, and the two played a round of golf close to the time of the PGA Championship. It was one of the first rounds of golf that Lifeson—who was inducted along with fellow band mates Geddy Lee and Neil Peart into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame last month—ever played.Thanks to Michael Abramowitz for the headsup!
The golf bug struck a sweet chord with Lifeson. Since then, Mediate and Lifeson went on to appear together in the first-ever episode of “Playing Lessons from the Pros” on Golf Channel. While on tour with RUSH, Lifeson is known to play golf regularly and reportedly has a handicap in the single digits. In 2006, Lifeson became a co-owner of the Tom Fazio-designed Coppinwood Golf Course near Toronto. When Mediate played the Canadian Open in 2010, he sported a RUSH hat during a round and was also seen wearing Coppinwood apparel.
Mediate makes his debut in the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, this week at Bellerive.
Despite his low handicap, Lifeson characteristically uses self-deprecating humor to describe his golf game, even to this day. "I remember how thoughtful and considerate Rocco was," said Lifeson. "He spent a great deal of time with me, a truly novice golfer, on the range hitting a million 7 irons. The thing is, he still spends time with me on the range, so either he's a dear friend or I'm a pretty lousy golfer...or maybe both! This photo is of that day."
Looks like a match made in “Rocco Roll Heaven!”
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
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
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
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
"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
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.
Win front row seats to see Rush in the UK from Planet Rock
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
“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
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
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, 2010In 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."
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