Rush's Debut Album Released 40 Years Ago This Month

Though the first incarnation of Rush actually began in August of 1968, it wasn't until March of 1974 when they finally released their debut, self-titled album. "Rush" would be the only album featuring the original Rush drummer and co-founder John Rutsey. Upon its release, the band drew immediate comparisons to Led Zeppelin with their heavy, straight-forward hard rock sound, but it was their "Working Man" anthem that broke them into the spotlight in the U.S.A.

Rush and its management formed their own record label, Moon Records, and released the album in Canada, pressing 3,500 copies with the 'Rush' logo colored red. The album was originally scheduled for release in December 1973 however due to shortages in oil at the time, and given that vinyl is a petroleum byproduct, the album's release was delayed until March of 1974.

The album would later be re-released by Mercury records on August 10th, 1974 after the band signed a contract with the record label. The 'Rush' logo's color was changed to pink on the Mercury release however it's not clear why this change was made.

The album produced two released singles, "Finding My Way" and "In the Mood", the latter of which reached #88 on the US Hot 100 singles chart.

The album would peak at #105 on the Billboard Album charts and would receive a Gold certification by the RIAA over 21 years after its release.

To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of "Rush", the band is working on a 40th Anniversary Reissue of the album.

Check out all of the significant events during the past forty years - and more - in the Rush Timeline feature of the site.

Happy Anniversary, Rush and "Rush"!

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