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Wednesday, May 22, 2013

New York's Classic Rock Station Q104.3 "Ultimate Rush Fan Contest"

New York City's classic rock station Q104.3 is currently sponsoring a contest to name the 'Ultimate Rush Fan'.

Open to residents of the New York Tri-State area only, the prize package includes a pair of front-row tickets to the June 23rd Jones Beach (Long Island, NY) concert, a Meet & Greet pass and a custom Geddy Lee Clockwork Angel’s bass guitar.

To enter the contest, you just have to tell Q104.3 in 140 characters or less why you’re Rush’s Biggest Fan and they’ll provide you a custom URL to get your friends and family to vote for you for the chance to win. Click HERE to enter the contest.

Now, the shameless plug portion of this news story. As I am a resident of the NY Tri-State area, I humbly ask that people cast their vote for me (Click HERE to vote). In the event I do emerge victorious with your help, I plan to turn around and offer up the custom Geddy Lee Bass guitar in a Cygnus-X1.Net contest. Keep in mind you can vote for your favorite 'Ultimate Rush Fan' once a day until the contest draws to a close.

Thanks for your support, your votes and thanks to Alexis Greenan of Q104.3 for the details behind the contest.

Rush Bring Their Clockwork Angels Tour To Europe Tonight

It's been nearly two years to the day since Rush toured the European continent; their last run of dates occurring during their Time Machine Tour in 2011. Tonight, the wait for European fans is over as Rush will take the stage at the 'Arena' in Manchester, England.

Rush's European leg will be relatively short; spanning a mere ten dates through England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Sweden and finally Helsinki, Finland on June 10th. The band will then return to North America on June 21st and continue the final leg of their successful Clockwork Angels tour with eighteen dates across the U.S. and Canada.

For a complete list of the tour dates on the Clockwork Angels tour, click HERE.

And for those who prefer to be spoiled, you can check out all the set list changes during the tour via this LINK.

For all the fans attending the European shows, have a great time!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Alex Lifeson Explains Why John Rutsey Was Excluded From Rush's Induction Into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Founding Rush Drummer John Rutsey Excluded from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

It was back in April when the news broke that Rush's original drummer and co-founding member John Rutsey would be excluded from the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Most fans found the news incredulous, citing that without John, there may very well never have been a band to induct.

However some fans assumed Rutsey would be mentioned during the band's acceptance speech. Unfortunately, at least explicitly, that wasn't the case.

Now, during an Alex Lifeson conversation with Chad Smith, the reasoning behind Rutsey's exclusion is somewhat explained:
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.
Thanks to Eric from Power Windows for the news.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Upcoming Interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Will Respond to Fan-Submitted Questions

Ahead of Rush's ten-date European tour which begins on May 22nd in Manchester, England, the British musician website MusicRadar.Com will be interviewing both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson on Monday, May 20th and they are asking fans to submit questions for the event.

From the MusicRadar.Com website:
Have you got a burning question that you've always wanted to ask Alex Lifeson or Geddy Lee, but you never thought you'd get the chance to ask?
Well, here at MusicRadar, we're in the business of getting you as close to your musical heroes as possible, and it doesn't get much closer than this. We'll be sitting down with the legendary Rush duo on Monday 20 May, and we're giving you the opportunity to have them answer your questions.

The only stipulation is that you keep your questions focussed on the music and how they've made it - be that songwriting, recording, touring or gear - and we promise that we'll put the best questions to Geddy and Alex for you.

All you need to do is email your question to musicradar@futurenet.com, or add it in a comment on our Facebook page. We'll pick the best, and upload Geddy and Alex's filmed responses online next week. Good luck!
In addition to the interview, MusicRadar is also sponsoring a contest for UK residents where the prize package includes a pair of front-row seats to one of the UK shows as well as "an ultra rare Squire Geddy Lee bass". For details on the contest are available HERE.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Featuring Rush Airs Saturday, May 18th

It has been a little less than a month since Rush was formally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Click HERE for pictures from the ceremony).

The induction ceremony, which took place at the Nokia Center in Los Angeles, California, was not televised live but rather recorded for an HBO special presentation.

That presentation is now set to air this Saturday, May 18th on HBO at 9pm EST. It will also air on HBO throughout the month, and will be available on HBO on Demand on May 19th. According to the HBO Listing, the special will run for nearly 3 hours compared to the nearly 5 hours that spanned the original ceremony. Obviously for Rush fans, the hope is that little or no Rush-related content is edited out of the aired presentation.

A behind-the-scenes promotional video for the ceremony can be viewed below.

Thanks to Carl Shelden for passing along the link of the promotional video.

Rush Digital Album Collections Now Available on iTunes

The Apple iTunes store has just released two digital-only Rush album collections spanning every studio and live album through 2007's Snakes & Arrows.

In the first collection, Rush The Complete Mercury Years, the $79.99 package reflects all of the studio albums from Rush's debut piece in 1974 through the band's third live release A Show of Hands. This set also reflects the new 2112 Deluxe Edition as well as the "Working Man" 'vault edition' from 2008.

The second collection, dubbed Rush: The Studio Albums 1989-2007 includes the studio albums from Presto through Snakes & Arrows, including Rush's EP Feedback. Neither Different Stages or Snakes & Arrows Live are included in this $49.99 collection.

Each set is only available in digital form and have been mastered for iTunes. No word yet on the addition of any new artwork for these compilations.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Rush and the Jersey Shore - First Leg of the 2013 Clockwork Angels Tour Ends Tonight in Atlantic City

Update (05/12/2013): Here's a LINK to the photos I snapped off in Atlantic City -- from the first row! Enjoy!
Rush will take the stage tonight at the Mark G. Etess Arena located inside the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This marks the second time the band has performed in Atlantic City; the first came during the Snakes & Arrows tour back on July 4th, 2008. That show also took place in the Etess Arena.

With tonight's show, Rush will end the first leg of their 2013 Clockwork Angels Tour. The band will break for 11 days before resuming the tour in Europe. The European leg will consist of ten dates between May 22nd and June 10th. The tour will have stops in England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Sweden and Finland. Click HERE for a complete list of concert dates on this leg of the tour.

By all accounts, the first leg of the Clockwork Angels tour has been nothing short of spectacular. All three members appear to be enjoying themselves immensely once again, and numerous fans have commented on Geddy's vocals being stronger than ever. Not surprisingly, the band continues to modify the set list on a nightly basis, just as they did during the 2012 leg of the tour.

Many fans have graciously contributed some stunning photographs from each date thus far. To view them, click HERE. Thanks to everyone who contributed! Look for a gallery from the Atlantic City show from yours truly. For those of you who are also taking in the Atlantic City show, keep an eye out for that New Jersey YYZ license plate waving in the crowd (hopefully from within the first couple of rows). If you see it, come on over and say "Hi!"

The time is now again...

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Alex Lifeson Featured in Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith Podcast

A press release from MusicRadar.Com yesterday announced that a new podcast series with Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith will feature Alex Lifeson as the first guest. The poscast, which is titled In Conversation, will premiere next Monday, May 13th.

From the press release:
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.

"The invisible interview -- that's what I call it," says Smith. "Friends, thoughts, information -- why do you do what you do? Admiration, respect, insight and maybe a surprise."

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!"
The first part of In Conversation with Lifeson will be published on Monday, May 13th at www.musicradar.com/chadsmith. New installments will then air once a week for three consecutive weeks.

Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for the news.

Friday, May 3, 2013

Rush Come Up Short at the 5th Annual Revolver Golden Gods Awards Show

Last night, the fifth annual Revolver Golden Gods award show took place in Los Angeles where each of the members of Rush were nominated in the categories of "Best of" for their respective instruments.

Unfortunately, Geddy, Alex and Neil all came up short. The results:
Geddy lost the "Best Bassist Award" to Corey Taylor of Stone Sour & Slipknot

Alex lost the "Best Guitarist Award" to John 5 of Rob Zombie and as a solo artist

Neil lost the "Best Drummer Award" to Arejay Hale of Halestorm
Rush are no strangers to the Golden Gods Awards. Last year, they were awarded the Ronnie James Dio Lifetime Achievement Award; an award that Neil accepted in person on behalf of the band.

As Rush are currently on tour, none of the band members were in attendance at the award show last night.

Thanks to RushFanForever for the news.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Win a Geddy Lee Autographed Baseball at the Toronto Blue Jays "Rock & Roll Music Night"

Toronto Blue Jays fans who attend the team's May 2nd game against the Boston Red Sox at Toronto's Rogers Centre will have the chance to win an autographed baseball by none other than Geddy Lee; an avid baseball and Blue Jays fan (not to mention a season ticket holder).

The give-away is part of the Rock & Roll Music Night:
Rogers Centre will be rocking when we kick-off the first of 3 music nights with Rock & Roll! Be sure to visit us "Backstage" in our 200 Level Outfield starting from when gates open at 5:30 p.m. Fans will have the opportunity to take part in fun activities, enjoy rock & roll music and win great prizes! Don't forget to wear your best rock & roll look!
For more information, click HERE.Thanks to Eric from Power Windows for the news.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Commemorative Rush Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony T-Shirt Now Available

To commemorate Rush's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Rush Backstage Club is now taking pre-orders for the exclusive T-shirt that was originally available during the induction ceremony at the Nokia Theater in Los Angels back on April 18th (Click HERE for photos from the event which show the T-shirt at a concession stand).

From the Backstage Club:
The Rush Hall Of Fame Black Tee features a design to commemorate RUSH's 2013 induction into the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring a front print that reads "Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2013" and the Rush Original logo and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame logo printed on the right sleeve. 100% knit cotton.
The Backstage Club is projecting the ship date to be on or about May 13th. You can pre-order your shirt, which is available for $39.99 in sizes from Small to XXXLarge at this LINK.

Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for the news.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Rush's 2013 Clockwork Angels Tour Launches Tonight

Update (04/24/2013): According to reports, there were no real set list surprises in last night's show. For those who prefer to be spoiled, the set list is available at this LINK.
On June 28th in 2002, on a warm summer night in Hartford, Connecticut, Geddy Lee addressed a packed crowd at the Meadows Music Centre stating "It's been quite long enough, I think...," referencing Rush's return to the stage after a five-year absence. And while it has only been 142 days since the band ended the 2012 leg of their Clockwork Angels tour, most fans would now probably echo Geddy's sentiments from all those years ago.

Yes, it has been quite long enough indeed but the wait is finally over. Tonight, Rush will return to the stage, kicking off the 2013 leg of their ongoing Clockwork Angels tour at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

The 37-date tour will take Rush through some southern points of the U.S. before heading up the east coast. After their May 11th show in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the band will cross the Atlantic for ten shows in Europe including stops in England, Scotland, Holland, Germany, Sweden and Finland. Rush will then resume the tour in North America on June 21st, playing in numerous U.S. and Canadian locations before closing out the tour on August 4th in Kansas City, Missouri.

For a complete list of tour dates on the Clockwork Angels tour, please click HERE.

New merchandise has been added to the 2013 leg and The Rush Backstage Club is now selling many of those items HERE (Thanks Joe Pesch).

As we did during the 2012 leg, Cygnus-X1.Net will be tracking all set list changes during the course of the tour and posting them HERE. We'll also be posting photos from each stop so if you would like to contibute some of your concert photos, please let me know.

For all those seeing Rush tonight and beyond, have a great time!

Related News Stories
[Rush Announce New Tour Date at the Festival d’été de Québec - March 15th, 2013]
[Rush Announce Second Halifax Show - July 14th - March 11th, 2013]
[Rush To Perform at the Ottawa Bluesfest on July 8th - February 28th, 2013]
[Rush Announce Initial 2013 North American Clockwork Angel Tour Dates - January 22nd, 2013]
[Rush Confirms North American Clockwork Angels Tour for 2013 - December 6th, 2012]
[Rush Clockwork Angels Tour Update: 2012 Leg Now Complete - December 3rd, 2012]
[Rush Clockwork Angels Tour Update: Second Leg Complete - November 4th, 2012]
[Rush Returns Home - Rocks Out Toronto - October 17th, 2012]
[Rush's Clockwork Angels Tour Resumes Tonight in Bridgeport, CT - October 10th, 2012]
[Rush Clockwork Angels Tour Update: First Leg Complete - October 1st, 2012]
[Alex Lifeson Talks About Clockwork Angels Set List Changes - September 17th, 2012]
[Rush Add San Diego Date to the Clockwork Angels Tour - September 10th, 2012]
[Rush's Clockwork Angels Tour Begins - Set List Revealed LIVE - September 7th, 2012]

Monday, April 22, 2013

New Neil Peart Interview from Classic Rock Magazine Now Online

The June 2013 issue of Classic Rock Magazine contains a three-page interview with Neil Peart titled The Rhythm Method.

In the interview, Neil touches upon several topics including the impacts of touring and what gives him satisfaction as an artist. From the article:
What gives you the most satisfaction as an artist?
"When I found out that Jeff Buckley was aware of our work ... to have been part of the inspiration for a talent like that! I refer back to that Bob Dylan quote. As an artist, what else can you do for people but inspire them? That is the absolute highest goal."

Touring keeps you from your family.
"...people don't realise the sacrifice you make as a touring musician. Being away when children are growing up and when your partner needs you around, it's wrenching. Your family and friends, their lives continue and you're not part of them..."
While the magazine goes on sale Wednesday, April 24, the complete interview is now available to read at this LINK.

Thanks to reader Geoff Clarke for providing the scans of the article.

Hockey Night in Canada Features Rush in the Opening Sequence

Saturday night's Hockey Night in Canada paid homage to Rush and their recent Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction by airing a video montage of Rush against a soundtrack of Limelight during their opening sequence.

The montage cuts numerous different shots of Rush in concert over the years and marries the clips with various hockey action scenes. The entire montage works exceptionally well. You can check out the clip at this LINK or via the embedded viewer below.
Thanks to Eric from Power Windows for the news.

Rush's Clockwork Angels Wins Album of the Year Juno Award

Back in February we announced that Rush had been nominated for two Juno awards - the Canadian equivalent of the U.S.'s Grammy Awards. Rush had been nominated in the categories of Group of the Year as well as Rock Album of the Year for Clockwork Angels.

The awards ceremony took place over the weekend and while Rush lost out to Mariannas Trench for the Group of the Year award, their latest critically-acclaimed album Clockwork Angels did take home the award for Rock Album of the Year.

Over the decades, Rush has been nominated an impressive 40 times for various Juno awards, dating back to 1975 when they were nominated - and won - their first award for 'Most Promising Group of the Year' In total, and including 2013, Rush has won 9 Juno awards.

For a complete list of their nominations and wins, click HERE.

Related News Stories
[Rush Nominated For Two Juno Awards - February 19th, 2013]

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Time Stand Still: Rush Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tonight

Update (1:15pm EST): Numerous new photos and videos have been added to the photo gallery.
Update (8:25am EST): See below for a video of Rush's acceptance speech as well as their joint performance of 2112.
Update (3:15am EST): That's a wrap, folks! We'll have more news and pictures tomorrow, er, later today as they become available. Good night!
Update (3:05am EST): The All-Star Jam has begun and as earlier reports indicated, they're playing Eric Clapton's Crossroads with Gary Clark Jr. singing.
Update (3:00am EST): Rush's performance is over - and they killed it according to all reports. Clearing the stage now for the all-star jam.
Update (2:50am EST): The band is now performing The Spirit of Radio! - Short Video CLIP.
Update (2:46am EST): The band is now performing Tom Sawyer! - Short Video CLIP.
Update (2:40am EST): Grohl and Hawkins are on stage dressed in white kimonos playing "2112!" - Short Video Clip.
Update (2:39am EST): Alex just gave a five minute speech using only the word 'blah'!
Update (2:37am EST): Geddy Lee: "On behalf of my 2 partners I have to thank the most passionate, most dedicated fan base in the world."
Update (2:35am EST): Neil Peart: "We've been saying for a long time that this isn't a big deal. Turns out it is."
Update (2:30am EST): 'Rush broke all the rules but isnt that what rock is about?' -Taylor Hawkins
Update (2:20am EST): Time Stand Still Indeed -- It's RUSH'S TURN! Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins inducting Rush at this moment!
Update (2:05am EST): Heart is almost done performing. Rush is up next!
Update (1:45am EST): Heart is now up for their induction and performance. Induction by Chris Cornell. Rush to follow!
Update (1:40am EST): Public Enemy's live performance included samples from every inductee - including, of course, Rush (Tom Sawyer).
Update (1:25am EST): Public Enemy's induction is still going on -- with Flava flav dragging through his speech as shouts of "RUSH! RUSH!" echo throughout the arena.
Update (1:00am EST): Induction of Public Enemy by Spike Lee to take place next, which leaves Heart and some band from Canada to close out the evening...
Update (12:30am EST): Geddy Lee seen clapping while Neil Peart was on his feet during Jennifer Hudson's rendition of Donna Summer's Last Dance. Disco in Rush's future? Afterwards, Oprah Winfrey was inducting Quincy Jones and was talking (and talking, and talking) about what a genius he is.
Update (12:10am EST): New rumor about what Rush will be performing. Word has it that the all-star jam will be to Crossroads while Rush will also play Tom Sawyer and 2112 (with help from Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins).
Update (11:55pm EST): John Mayer is inducting guitar great Albert King. Donna Summer induction to follow.
Read more at http://www.hitfix.com/news/live-blogging-the-2013-rock-roll-fall-of-fame-induction-ceremony#ODprKl7cG3ZLMVom.99
Update (11:40pm EST): Hearing more reports that Rush will, indeed, close out the show tonight...so it's going to be a long night. :-)
Update (11:30pm EST): Another GREAT version of Rush's introduction.
Update (11:20pm EST): Cheech and Chong handling the induction of Lou Adler!
Update (11:10pm EST): With the ceremonies now underway, it may be a little while before we have more Rush news to announce. Some reports suggest that Rush may not be performing until the end of the show. Just rumors for now, but we'll keep you posted.
Update (10:51pm EST): Click HERE for a video of the standing ovation Rush received when getting announced.
Update (10:50pm EST): Randy Newman kicks things off with "I Love L.A." w/help from Tom Petty, John Fogerty & Jackson Browne.
Update (10:40pm EST): Jann Wenner announces Rush to a huge outpouring of love and cheers from the audience. The band receives a standing ovation before even being introduced!
Update (10:30pm EST): The ceremony has finally begun...
Update (10:15pm EST): Some 'Red Carpet' delays stalled the beginning of the ceremonies. "YYZ" was played over the PA system as Rush fans in the crowd erupted with cheers. More to come...
Update (10:00pm EST): 15 minutes until showtime!
Update (9:50pm EST): Rush is expected to perform "Tom Sawyer", "Spirit of Radio" and "YYZ" (Not Confirmed).
Update (9:30pm EST): First photos of Rush - during an interview - are now online.
Update (9:05pm EST): The ceremonies are about to get underway. Celebs and others are filing into the theater. Performances will begin around 10:00pm EST.
Update (6:35pm EST): A photo gallery has been created and will be uploaded with pictures throughout the night. Have some pictures to share? Please let me know via Email, Facebook or Twitter. More to come!
After years of eligibility - and exclusion, years of fans crying foul in the shadow of the infamous Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Rush has persevered with grace. And now, finally, the stage is set for Rush to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Today marks yet another milestone in Rush's long and storied career. The band that needs no introduction or additional recognition by its legion of fans is now in the world spotlight - and deservedly so. The often controversial yet still popular Rock & Roll Hall of Fame does do one thing right - and that is highlight the skills of its inductees.

The Nokia Center in Los Angeles where the ceremonies will take place tonight is sure to rock like never before, and I dare say that this may be the most exciting and closely-followed induction ceremony of the Hall's existence.

Make way, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Rush is about to enter the building! Congratulations to Geddy, Alex and Neil - as well as their management, crew (and John Rutsey) for this very deserving honor. Well done, all!

As part of the day-long ceremonies, we’ll be bringing you up-to-date articles, photos, videos, interviews and more as they happen. Below are the most recent articles that have been published today:
Rush's Geddy Lee: 'Strong Honesty' Links Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 2013 Class - Rolling Stone

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction 2013: Rush (And Fans) Fight the Power - Rolling Stone

Rush jams into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Fox News

Rush Rules Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - USA Today

Rush finally inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - The Globe and Mail

[VIDEO] Rush Speaks on Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction - Billboard

Tom Morello, Jerry Cantrell sing Rush's praises at Hall of Fame gala - Times Colonist

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Induction Ceremony: Rush fans -- and a whole host of Clevelanders -- descend on L.A. for a big night at the Nokia Theatre - Cleveland.Com

RUSH Members Hope For More 'Prog Rock' In Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame - Blabbermouth

As Rush finally gets the nod, here are 10 other hall-of-fame contenders - The Globe and Mail

Rush's Rock Hall of Fame induction a victory for nerds - The Reporter

Rush, and some other people, to be inducted into Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame tonight - BayouBuzz

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

Rush: 'Ultimate Nerd Band' Feted At Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame And Junos - Huffington Post

Rush inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Their history at the Juno Awards - Yahoo! Music

Rush Inducted to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know - Heavy

Rush being inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - News1130 Radio

Rush makes the Hall of Fame - CBC Radio

It’s Official: Canada’s Rush Are Hall of Famers - The Wall Street Journal

Rush finally heads into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - The Globe and Mail

Rush, Heart set to be inducted in Hall of Fame - Global News

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

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

Rush reflects on long career ahead of induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Brandon Sun

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

Stage set for Rush’s induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Toronto Star

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

Rush joins Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - CBC

Welcome to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rush - MacLeans

Rush to finally join Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - CTV News

Rush to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - City News Toronto
Introduction of Rush (and the crowd goes wild!)

Induction Speech

Acceptance Speech

2112

Thanks to everyone who helped supply me with the news stories, photos and more!

Rush Stamp Coming from the Canada Post

The Canadian Post, along with Rush.Com, have just announced a Canadian Recording Artist stamp series which includes a stamp honoring Rush.

From the announcement:
Ottawa (ON) – Just in time for the celebration of Canadian music and musicians at the JUNO awards next week, Canada Post is proud to give Canadians a preview of this edition of the Canadian Recording Artist stamp series, to be released in July, featuring for the first time, Canadian bands. Beau Dommage, Rush, The Guess Who and The Tragically Hip will be spotlighted in this fourth issue in a series created to honour musical legends.

“This year’s series features Canadian bands that have shaped the music industry in Canada,” says Jim Phillips, Director of Stamp Services for Canada Post. “Each band has achieved national acclaim, along with international radio air-time and extensive tours.”

Rush
Rush has sold in excess of 40 million records worldwide, placing them third – behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones – for the most Gold and Platinum records by a rock band. Since their debut album in 1974, the Toronto group’s musical style has changed from British blues rock, utilizing synthesizers, sequencers, and electronic percussion. The band recently returned to its rock and roll roots. Rush will be the first Canadian band inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 18, 2013, making them part of an elite-few Canadian artists to be so honoured.
The Canadian Recording Artists stamp series will be available from Canada Post retail outlets starting July 19 or online at canadapost.ca/shop.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Live Online Coverage Details

Rush along with the rest of the Class of 2013 will be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame tomorrow, Thursday, April 18 at 10 p.m. EST, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

Though the event will not be televised live, fans can visit cleveland.com/rockhall for live coverage starting at 9 p.m. EST and continuing throughout the event.

The coverage will include tweets from Pop Music Critic Emmet Smith from inside the ceremony in Los Angeles, a live chat, photo galleries, video, stories and more.

An edited version of the show will be broadcast on Saturday, May 18 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO.

Cygnus-X1.Net will also be posting updates, pictures and more during the event so be sure to tune in.

Thanks to reader Jay Hammond for the news.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Rush Articles on their Upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Now Online

Rush - Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Articles

Update: (04/17/2013): The Village Voice has posted the following article titled Rush to Judgment, and the Rock Hall of Fame. Thanks Eric from Power Windows!.
Update: (04/16/2013): And here is another article, this time from USA Today titled Rush's Rock Hall induction: 'I'm relieved for our fans'.
Update: (04/16/2013): Here's a new interview/article with Geddy Lee from the Toronto Sun titled Rush frontman Geddy Lee thrilled by Rock Hall induction.
As we lead into Rush's long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this week, numerous articles, tributes and recollections have been posted online over the past few days. There were two articles published that discussed the band's feelings about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. From thespec.com comes Graciously BITTER: Alex Lifeson talks about Rush’s upcoming induction into the Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame where Alex had this to say:
“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.”
Cleveland.Com then posted Geddy Lee's comments in Rush: Canadian prog-rock band ran away with the first-ever fan vote (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2013) along with commentary on how Rush fans actually assisted the band in finally getting into the Hall of Fame:
For the first time in the short history of the Rock Hall, an online fan vote equaled a single vote on the voting committee. Though the Rock Hall won’t reveal total numbers, at least a quarter of those who voted checked the box next to Rush on their online ballots.

"I think the outcry or the outpouring of support of our fans was noted by the voting committee," said Lee, in a call from Beverly Hills earlier this week. The band has been eligible since 1998.

"I don’t think it was enough to turn the tide, but the noise and support from our fan base made the people on the committee take notice."
An In The Studio with Redbear special with Rush is now online which offers up a retrospective look at the band's first decade:
Rush has recorded and released twenty studio albums ( and additionally about half that many as live albums and DVDs) , selling an estimated forty million copies worldwide in a four decade recording career. So you see our obvious dilemma in choosing just one album, or even just one era to feature, as we honor Rush for their long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this week. So we polled our In the Studio Rush fans on Facebook, and while there was considerable support for practically any period of the Toronto band’s history, the consensus was for the first half-dozen years starting with their 1974 debut Rush , through formative albums A Farewell to Kings , Hemispheres, 2112 , Permanent Waves , and book-ended with their masterpiece Moving Pictures in 1981, all conveniently dubbed Sector 1 by my guests Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. -Redbeard
And finally, RUSH: An Oral History will be available to fans on April 18th:
RUSH will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Their numbers are beyond impressive: 20 studio albums, eight live discs, more than 43 million records sold. RUSH ranks third for most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band, behind only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

On the morning of their induction, Star Dispatches will publish RUSH: An Oral History. Star journalist Vinay Menon conducted separate and lengthy interviews with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. Granted full access, he also interviewed more than two dozen family members, friends, managers, agents and colleagues.

From these interviews, the band’s history was stitched together.

What happened off stage? How did the band cope with the early trappings of fame? How did they nearly throw it all away? How did the need to innovate, to explore new musical terrain, cause tension in the studio? What happened after unimaginable tragedy nearly caused them to disband?

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.
One of the passages from the above comes from former producer Terry Brown:
Terry Brown (producer): “I remember one night we worked until about 4 or 5 in the morning. I crashed with my feet up on the console. They covered me in tambourines and percussion instruments very gently while I was sleeping at the desk. I woke up at about 6 and everything fell off and scared the hell out of me.”
We'll have more news leading up to and including Thursday's ceremonies as they are published.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Founding Rush Drummer John Rutsey Excluded from Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction

Controversy strikes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame once again. In a surprise move, the Hall has just announced that the founding drummer for Rush, the late John Rutsey, would not be inducted along with the existing Rush lineup.

The news was confirmed on Rush's Page on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's website:
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)
Rutsey passed away on May 11, 2008 due to complications from diabetes.

The induction ceremony will take place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, California on Thursday, April 18th. A two-hour special will then air on HBO in the United States and Canada on May 18th.

Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for the news.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Special Los Angeles Screening of Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage with Rush Q&A Session Occurring on April 16th

Update (04/15/2013): Rush have just announced that a second special screening of their documentary will take place tomorrow and will feature a Q&A session with directors Sam Dunn & Scot McFadyen.
Rush have just announced that the ArcLight Cinema in Los Angeles, California will be hosting a special screening of Rush's award-winning documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage on April 16th, just two days ahead of the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In addition to the screening, there will be a Q&A session with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson afterwards, hosted by famed DJ Jim Ladd.

From the announcement:
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 www.arclightcinemas.com/movie/rush-beyond-the-lighted-stage.
Tickets are limited and can be purchased online at this LINK.

Rush Sighting on Jeopardy ... Again!

Someone at the game show Jeopardy! must really like Rush because a second reference to the band in as many months just appeared in one of the game show's questions from tonight's episode.

Last month, the answer "Neil Peart of this band gets his sound with Pro Mark NP Signature 747 drumsticks" appeared in the category of Drummer For the Band.

Tonight, in the apparent category of Bass and Vocals, the $800 answer was "Geddy Lee Laid Down the Low End & Sang "The Spirit of Radio" and "Closer to the Heart" For This Canadian Band". See the screen capture to the right.

Thanks to Martin Wade and Angelo Franco for the news and screen capture.

Related News Stories
[Rush Sighting on Jeopardy! - March 1st, 2013]

Alex Lifeson Feature on Sirius XM's Classic Vinyl Airs Today

Sirius XM's Classic Vinyl station (Channel 26) will be airing a special interview with Alex Lifeson today in a segment titled Influences.
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.
The program will air during the following times:

Airtime: Monday, April 8, 12 pm ET

Rebroadcasts: Tuesday, April 9, 9 pm ET; Wednesday, April 10, 6 am ET; Thursday, April 11, 3 pm ET; Friday, April 12, 3 am
And for those who missed it, Geddy Lee's feature on Sirius XM's Deep Tracks is now online.

Update: The interview is now online and can be listened to via the player below (Thanks RushIsABand!)

Sunday, April 7, 2013

New Book - "Diehards" - Features Original Essay by Neil Peart

A new photographic book which focuses on concert audiences and includes an original essay by Neil Peart is now available.

Diehards is "...an inside look at the energy and spirit that fuel every live show - the fans..." From the book description:
Intrigued by the character and culture of music fans, Erin Feinberg spent a decade photographing audiences across all genres, from every vantage point out in the parking lots, up in the rafters,around the stages, and from inside the mosh pits. Captured in more than one hundred stunning images, Feinberg's photos draw you in to the fans mindset, free of inhibitions and under the spell of music!

Feinberg shares, I discovered a unique bond among these enthusiasts that transcends language, ethnicity, gender, and even the very music we are celebrating because the music also seems to define who we are. And through my lens I ve witnessed fan subcultures born of this devotion.

The photographs are bookended by original essays from two music legends, Bruce Springsteen and Neil Peart. Sharing perspectives from opposite ends of the stage, both performers beautifully articulate the power of their loyal, passionate audiences, as individuals and en masse.
A small segment of Neil's essay has also been released:
In a very real way, we, as performers, ought to bring everything we have to every show. It is also important to remember that people in the audience often bring everything they have, too. Neil Peart
The book, which is available in limited quantities, is available at Amazon.Com.

Thanks to Joe Pesch for the news.

Geddy Lee "Around the Basses" Sirius XM Special Now Online

Back on April 1st, Geddy Lee was a special guest on Sirius XM's Deep Tracks channel. In an interview, which is titled Around The Basses with Rush's Geddy Lee, Rush's front man chats with Deep Track's host Earle Bailey about topics ranging from baseball, Geddy's prediction for the 2013 MLB season, playing music and his early musical and bass influences.

Regarding Geddy's bass influences, he chats about such legends as Jack Bruce of Creem, Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane, John Entwistle of The Who, Jazz bassists Jaco Pastorius and Jeff Berlin, and Paul McCartney.

While the special is still airing occasionally on the Deep Tracks station, it can now be heard in its entirety below or directly at this location.
Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for the news.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Special Rush Edition of PROG Magazine Coming April 17th

Update (05/14/2013): The entire issue has been scanned and transcribed and can be viewed at this LINK. Enjoy.
The 35th issue of the U.K. Progressive music magazine PROG will contain a 14-page feature on Rush to help celebrate the band's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their 45th Anniversary (if you date back to 1968) and the UK leg of their Clockwork Angels tour. PROG is also offering up an "ultimate collector’s edition" of the magazine which will be published as a Hardback. This edition will include 12 extra pages of Rush content.

From the announcement:
It’s a big year for Canadian giants Rush. They’re celebrating their 45th anniversary, they’re touring the UK, and they’ve finally secured entry to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.

In honour of the band’s unequalled musical achievements and their incredible bond with their fans, we’re launching a limited hardback edition of Prog Magazine No35.

It features 12 extra pages of Rush coverage alongside the 14 pages which will appear in the standard edition of the magazine.

The ultimate collector’s edition of Prog is available for preorder now and goes on sale April 17.
I also spoke with the art editor of PROG magazine who indicated that this issue would be "...covering little known facts from their 45 years together (pre-Peart included)...and rare photos as well. We've spoken recently to Geddy and taken previously un-used material from recent Neil and Alex interviews with our sister mag, Classic Rock. It's a celebration of Rush as well as looking forward to the tour..."

In addition to the normal print and hardback editions, a digital edition of the magazine will also be available.

To pre-order your copy, click HERE.

Thanks to Russell Fairbrother of PROG for informing us about the special issue.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Rush's Limelight Featured on American Idol

The opening sequence of tonight's episode of American Idol featured Rush's classic hit Limelight. Tonight's episode has been dubbed 'Rock Night' and it will have the remaining performers taking on classic rocks songs. It appears, however, that none of the contestants would actually be singing a Rush song.

This isn't the only Rush sighting on American Idol. Last year, on Rush Day (February 1, 2012 - or 2/1/12), David Weed of Mountain Home, Idaho attempted to sing Rush's seminal classic Tom Sawyer for the judges. Unfortunately, the results were not favorable.

A video of the opening segment is available directly at this LINK or via the embedded player below.
Note: In the event that you receive a 'blocked' message from YouTube, you can stream the video (file type: MOV) from this LOCATION. The file is LARGE (130mb) so make sure you have a speedy connection.

Thanks to my brother Mario for the head's up. I knew he watched Idol...

Related News Stories
[Rush Sighting on American Idol - Fitting for Rush Day :-) - February 1st, 2012]

Rush Donates Items for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees Exhibit

Ahead of the official induction ceremonies for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2013 which take place in Los Angeles on April 18th, an exhibit at the Hall of Fame in Cleveland has been established featuring items from each of the inductees.

The Rush section of the exhibit includes several immediately recognizable items including Alex Lifeson's famed double-neck guitar, Geddy Lee's Fender Bass Guitar, a Neil Peart snare drum and Clockwork Angels-inspired cymbal bass along with several other items. Geddy Lee donated his Fender Bass which has the following description associated with it at the exhibit:
Geddy Lee of Rush Bass Guitar
Hybrid Fender Jazz Bass

This bass guitar uses the neck from Geddy Lee's 1972 Fender Jazz bass, which he refers to as "#1." When attached to its original body, Lee used it to record "Tom Sawyer" as well as many other tracks on Counterparts and Snakes and Arrows. The body is from a Fender Geddy Lee Signature model and features a one-of-a-kind custom painted and engraved pick guard.
The exhibit is said to also include a three-screen multimedia presentation that will have features and stories on each of the inductees. There is a short video tour of the new exhibit which you can view below or at the Cleveland Plain Dealer website which also contains a small photo gallery.
Thanks to everyone who contacted me about this news.

Geddy Lee Throws a Strike in Ceremonial First Pitch for Blue Jays Home Opener

Geddy Lee to Throw Out Ceremonial First Pitch at the Toronto Blue Jays Home Opener on April 2nd

As we reported last week, Geddy Lee was selected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays home opener against the Cleveland Indians.

As witnessed by the pictures to the right (click to enlarge) and the video below, Geddy pitched a perfect, albeit a little low, strike.

Perhaps Geddy should have pitched the entire game as, unfortunately, Toronto fell to the Indians by a score of 4-1.

The video of the pitch can be viewed below or directly at this LINK.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Rush Take a Tour of Rolling Stone's Headquarters

A new video interview of Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson wandering the halls of Rolling Stone Magazine, checking out the "Rolling Stone Cover Wall," has just been posted at the periodical's website:
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.
You can check out the entire 5-plus minute long interview at this LINK.

Also of note is the fact that, one year ago today on April Fool's Day 2012, my partners in crime Ed from RushIsABand and Eric from Power Windows perpetrated a little April Fool's Joke that had Rush appearing on the cover of - you guessed it - Rolling Stone Magazine. Coincidence?

Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand and reader Mandy J Bean for passing along the news.

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