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Showing posts from 2016

Rush's 2112 Reenters the Billboard Top 200 Album List at #121

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Update (01/03/2017): The Liner Notes and Album Artwork pages are now online. Enjoy- With the release of the 40th Anniversary Edition of 2112 earlier this month, Rush's breakthrough concept album has reentered the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts at the #121 spot. This marks the 37th (non-consecutive) week that 2112 has retained a position in the Top 200 chart since its release back in 1976. Back when it first broke into the charts, the album reached a peak position of #61. This isn't the first time 2112 has reentered the charts. Back in December of 2012 , after the release of the 5.1 version of the album, 2112 reentered the Top 200 at the #138 spot. To view the entire Billboard Top 200 Chart, click HERE . Haven't ordered your copy of the 40th Anniversary of 2112 yet? You can do so via this LINK .

Yet Another Rush Reference on Family Guy - Video Clip Now Online

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For the second time in three weeks, the FOX animated series Family Guy included another significant Rush reference during tonight's episode. Titled "How the Griffin Stole Christmas" (Season 15 Episode 9), the reference begins with Stewie lamenting how he has ruined Christmas, "...like the Little Drummer Boy when he got into Neil Peart..." Peart's last name was, unfortunately, pronounced incorrectly. A cut-scene then shows the Little Drummer Boy shedding his single drum for a Peart-inspired 13-drum kit. He then performs an impressive solo which ends with a note on a huge gong. The video clip can be viewed below, or directly at YouTube via this LINK . You can also enlarge the screen capture by clicking on the image. To view information, screen captures, and a clip of the Rush reference from the previous episode of Family Guy , which aired back on November 20th, click HERE .

Official Rush Coloring Book by Fantoons Coming in December

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Fantoons, the creators behind the wildly successful Rush Toons Vol. 2112 are preparing the release of the Official Rush Coloring Book this December. From the announcement: Officially licensed 52 page RUSH coloring book packed with art and humor and about the greatest power trio that ever crossed the earth! The mighty RUSH! Everyone can have fun and relax with this oversize coloring book (19x12) inches!! Starts shipping during the 1st week of December!! Priced at just $15.99, you can pre-order the book directly from Etsy at this LINK . Please visit Fantoon's official Etsy page HERE to check out all the Rush related products they offer, including holiday cards, artwork, t-shirts, and more.

Rush Dinner raises $40,000 for Amani Home for Street Kids in Moshi, Tanzania

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Both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson attended a charity dinner event in early October which benefited the Amani Home for Street Kids in Moshi, Tanzania via the Grapes of Humanity Charity organization of Canada. From the story: Joe Canavan, a great supporter of Grapes for Humanity, invited eleven of his friends to join him at Barberian’s Steak House on Elm Street, Toronto, for this fund-raiser dinner. The celebrity guests were Geddy Lee and Alex Liveson of Rush who regaled the company with stories of their touring and recording. The wine flowed…like wine and Barberian’s owner, Arron Barberian pledged $2,000 to the cause: the construction of a new home for street kids in Moshi, Tanzania. For the record, the wines were: Bouchard Ursules Champagne F.X. Pichler 2007 Loibner Berg Riesling Hirtzberger 2007 Honivogl Gruner Veltliner 1997 Guigal La Mouline Côte Rôtie 1999 Jamet Côte Rôtie 2000 Ogier Côte Rôtie Belle Helene 2001 Jasmin Côte Rôtie 2003 Jamet Côte Rôtie 1997 Dows Port For

Rush Reference on Family Guy - Video and Screen Caps Now Online

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Tonight's Episode of Fox's animated series Family Guy included a significant Rush reference. In the anthology-based episode titled High School English (Season 15 / Episode 7), a parody of the classic American novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn took place where the character of Tom Sawyer, portrayed by Chris Griffin, proclaims that the band Rush wrote a song after him. Afterwards he states that there is a Rush concert in town. The scene promptly changes to a animated Rush concert where the band is performing Tom Sawyer. This isn't the first Rush reference to appear in an episode of Family Guy . One appeared back in 2006 which had Chester Cheetah sitting in a room with a Rush Starman Logo poster on the wall. While listening to Tom Sawyer, Chester opens up a bag of Cheetos, chops them up with a razor blade, snorts them and screams "Ah God there is no f(bleeped)ing drummer better than Neil Peart." A second less obvious reference occurred in 2007 w

DVBBS & Alex Lifeson Team Up to Remake 'Closer to the Heart'

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According to a news story posted at broadwayworld.com , Alex Lifeson has collaborated with the Canadian-born duo DVBBS (pronounced 'dubs') to record a new version of Rush's 'Closer to the Heart', which will be made available for download in early 2017. From the story: "When we first had dinner with Ray Daniels, Rush manager, we couldn't be any more excited hearing the stories Chris said. I grew up a drummer so Neil Pert [sic] was a legend to me and a strong influence my whole childhood and music career." "They're the greatest Canadian band of all time so when we were given the chance to remake a song and implement new music and production with Alex Lifeson, you can imagine how excited we were. Can't wait to play people the song, and bridge the gap between generations says Alex. The song will be available for download in early 2017. For more information on the collaboration, please click HERE . Thanks to Eric Hansen of Power Windows

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Appear on 'The Strombo Show' - Extended Interview Now Online

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Both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appeared on the Canadian Radio Show 'The Strombo Show' last night. Host George Stroumboulopoulos, who is no stranger to Rush , spoke to the pair about the 40th anniversary of 2112, the R40 tour, the band's induction into the Rock and ROll Hall of Fame, their relationship with the Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Geddy's mom and Grohl's mom, electronic dance music, and more. The entire interview is now available directly at this LINK . Also, just uploaded today, an extended conversation with both Geddy and Alex has been posted at this LINK . This unedited interview touches upon what's next for Rush. A photo album of Geddy and Alex's visit has also been uploaded via Dropbox, and can be accessed HERE . Photo credits: Vanessa Heins. For more information about 'The Strombo Show', please visit their official website at www.strombo.com . Many thanks to Colton Deddy for passing along the news, and all of the links.

Rush 2112 40th Anniversary Vinyl/CD/DVD Coming December 16th

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Those who attended the premiere of the new documentary Rush: Time Stand Still tonight were treated to some exciting news about a new release celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Rush's 1976 classic, progressive masterpiece 2112 . The 40th Anniversary edition is receiving a number of new treatments, and includes numerous bonus features: 2CD+DVD CD Highlights: Original Album Remastered at Abbey Road Studios – First Time on CD 5 Newly Recorded Covers from Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Raskulinecz, Billy Talent, Steven Wilson, Alice In Chains, Jacob Moon Live Archive Outtakes from MASSEY HALL 1976 DVD Features: Newly Restored Video & Audio of CAPITOL THEATRE 1976 Concert Bonus Videos include In Studio Performances by BILLY TALENT and Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Nick Raskulinecz 25+ Minute New Interview with ALEX LIFESON and TERRY BROWN New Artwork by Hugh Syme Liner Notes by Rob Bowman CD - DISC 1 Original Album “2112” I OVERTURE II THE TEMPLES OF SYRINX

Rush Named the 2017 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award Recipients

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Numerous news outlets including Bravewords have just announced that Rush will be the recipients of the 2017 Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award: Canadian Music Week has announced Rush - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart - as the 2017 recipient of the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award. The multi-platinum trio will be honoured for their achievements and longstanding career in the music industry, social activism and support of humanitarian causes at the annual Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Awards Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Centre on Thursday, April 20th, 2017. "We are so incredibly honoured to receive the Allan Slaight Humanitarian Spirit Award. The depth of Allan and Gary Slaight's generosity, consideration and benevolence has no measure. We will strive to carry forward their spirit of charity and goodwill." - Rush "My father Allan Slaight believes that giving back to one's community is something we should all strive to do and the

Rush: Time Stand Still Tour Documentary Premieres Tonight

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Update (11/11/2016): Due to overwhelming demand, the documentary will return to theaters for a encore screening on Thursday, November 17th. In addition, there will be a London screening taking place on the same date. For more details about the London screening, please click HERE . The premiere of the long-awaited R40 Tour documentary, Rush: Time Stand Still hits theaters across North America tonight for a one-night event. Several official reviews of the documentary have already been posted, including: Rush's Revealing New Tour Doc 'Time Stand Still': 10 Things We Learned - Rolling Stone Magazine Time Stand Still marks the end of the road for Rush - Montreal Gazzette R40 tour gets an emotional send off in revealing documentary - Toronto Sun Time Stand Still – only fans should be rushing to theatres for this one - The Globe and Mail Additional reviews will be posted above as they become available. Tickets are still available in many theaters. For ticket purcha

Alex Lifeson Donates Original Painting for Brush of Hope Charity Auction

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Update: Alex's painting sold for an impressive $8,700 CAN. Congrats to the lucky winner! As he has done numerous times in the past, Alex Lifeson has once again created a unique painting for the Kidney Foundation of Canada's annual Brush of Hope charity auction. This years painting, which Alex titled "Aquarium," is currently being auctioned off on Ebay.Ca at this LINK , and it's already off to a quick start. The auction ends on November 8th. To see a larger version of Alex's painting, click HERE . About the Brush of Hope Charity auction: A Brush of Hope – Celebrity Paintings for Kidney Research is an annual fundraising event held each fall in support of The Kidney Foundation of Canada-Atlantic Branch. It is the generosity of our partners that have enabled us to make this event such a huge success, and in our 10th year, we are excited to make it bigger and better than ever in 2016! Alex Lifeson, Don Cherry, Brent Butt, Barenaked Ladies, Alan Doyle a

Rush's Moving Pictures Wins the Polaris Heritage Prize

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The winners of this year's Polaris Heritage Prize have just been announced, with Rush's Moving Pictures taking the prize for the period of 1976-1985. From the Polaris Prize website: The Slaight Family Polaris Heritage Prize honours Canadian albums of the past from four distinct time periods: 1960-75, 1976-85, 1986-95 and 1996-05. Like the Polaris Music Prize, winners and nominees for the Heritage Prize are albums of the highest artistic quality, without regards to sales or affiliations. Think of the Heritage Prize as our version of a hall of fame where we try to determine who would have won the Polaris Music Prize in the years before Polaris existed. How it works is a select group of Canadian music media and historians gather together each year to create a vote-curated list of 10 Short List-nominated albums per era. Two albums per era, one chosen by public vote and one chosen by juror vote, will be designated as Heritage Prize winners each year. Moving Pictures won the

Rush: Time Stand Still Documentary Now Available for Pre-Order

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The new Rush documentary, Time Stand Still , which is coming to theaters for a one-night event on November 3rd, is now available for pre-order at Amazon.com. The DVD version of the documentary can be pre-ordered HERE for $16.98 USD. The Blu-Ray version of the documentary can be pre-ordered HERE for $21.98 USD. Complete content details of the documentary release are now available. The release will include previously unreleased pro-shot footage from the Presto tour, titled "Live from the Rabbit Hole". This feature-length documentary film chronicles the final major tour for legendary rock band Rush. It is an intimate view 'under the hood' of a historic moment from the perspective of the band, their fans, crew, and management. Featuring interviews with the band throughout their sold-out 2015 40th Anniversary tour, the film also shows rarely seen backstage footage capturing the final moments of life on the road. Highlighted as well is the impact on the band's fa

Rush: Time Stand Still Coming to Theaters November 3rd

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Update 10/05/2016 : Rush have just announced that the DVD/Blu-Ray release date of the documentary is set for November 18th. Pre-Order links will be available soon. Additionally, two trailers from the documentary have now been released. You can view them below. Finally, a stand-alone website with additional details about the documentary is now online here: www.rushtimestandstill.com . The movie site Fandango has just announced that a new movie titled Rush: Time Stand Still will be coming to theaters for a one-night event on November 3rd. Rotten Tomatoes has a brief synopsis of the film: Fathom Events, ole, Anthem and Zoe are excited to bring Rush | Time Stand Still to movie theatres nationwide for a raw, intimate and vivid look into Rush's R40 tour for a one-night event on Thursday, November 3! In 2015, Rush went out for a 40th anniversary tour; rumored to be the last tour of its kind and the end of their life on the road. Narrated by Paul Rudd, Rush | Time Stand Still i

From the Riser: A Drummer's Perspective II with Forward by Neil Peart Now Available

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David Phillips is proud to launch his latest book, From The Riser: A Drummer’s Perspective II, a follow up to the critically acclaimed A Drummer’s Perspective. The beautifully designed, From The Riser is a photographic celebration of many of today’s greatest drummers and percussionists. It unashamedly captures the energy, emotion and elegance of the world’s best, playing with the world’s greatest bands. The book features two hundred and seventy previously unseen photographs taken exclusively by the author. It includes over one hundred and thirty legendary drummers including Neil Peart (Rush), Gary Wallis (Pink Floyd), Graham Broad (Roger Waters), Deen Castronovo (Journey), Gavin Harrison (King Crimson), Ginger Baker (Cream), Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Marco Minnemann (Joe Satriani), Martin Axenrot (Opeth), Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson) Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Stewart Copeland (The Police), Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa), Todd Sucherman (Styx) and many more. Included alongside the

RushCon16 Dates Announced

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The organizers of RushCon, the largest North American gathering of fans celebrating the music of Rush, will be returning once again this year for another convention in the band's home town of Toronto. From the official announcement: Hello Rush Fans! You didn’t SERIOUSLY think we would go a whole year without a con? We know summer is going fast (and the nights are growing colder), so we decided to throw RushCon 16 in the golden light of autumn. We hope to see you all this November 3rd - 5th, 2016, In Toronto, Canada. (Yep, that’s Thursday through Saturday this time.) We have a huge, major event to announce, along with some fun new things! All details will be announced over the next couple weeks. But now would be a good time to ask for time off, get your Rush shirts out of the attic, and prepare to have the best weekend of your life this November. Stay tuned! For more information, please visit the official RushCon website .

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to Receive Key to the City of Toronto

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John Tory, the mayor of the City of Toronto, has just announced that both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will be awarded the keys to the city of Toronto in a ceremony scheduled for this Saturday. From a story posted in the Toronto Sun : Two of the most successful musicians in ‘YYZ’ history will bask in the ‘Limelight’ this weekend, as Mayor John Tory presents them with the key to the city. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, founding members of rock band Rush, will receive the honour during a special ceremony on Saturday. The duo, who were both born and raised in Toronto, will also have a park in Willowdale named after them at the event honouring their achievements over 40 years in the music industry. “Rush’s sound, famous across the world, has helped shape Toronto’s own musical identity, which always has been and continues to be a unique hybrid of styles and influences,” Tory’s spokesman, Amanda Galbraith, said in a statement to the Toronto Sun Wednesday. “Very few bands can claim to have

Neil Peart Celebrates His 64th Birthday Today

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Today marks the 64th birthday of Rush drummer and lyricist extraordinaire Neil Peart. Neil (born Neil Ellwood Peart) came into the world on September 12th in 1952 Hamilton, Ontario. He grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada (now part of St. Catharines) working the occasional odd job including the role of a Parts Manager for his father Tractor Supply company. His true ambition, however, was to become a professional musician. During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band and dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a full-time drummer. He had a short stint with J.R. Flood back in 1970, before he decided to move abroad to further his musical studies. However, after a discouraging stint in England, Peart returned home where he joined a local Toronto band called Rush in the summer of 1974. And the rest, as they say, is history. Join me in wishing Neil a very Happy Birthday - and many happy returns.

Lee Lifeson Art Park Inaugural Launch set for October 1st

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It was back in July of 2014 when we first brought you the news about a proposed arts-themed park, located in the Toronto neighborhood of Willowdale, that would be named after Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. The Lee Lifeson Arts Park , as it came to be known, has been under construction throughout 2016, and is now open to the public. A formal inaugural launch of the park is now set for October 1st, according to the most recent issue of the City of Toronto's Celebrate Toronto newsletter : On October 1 from 1 to 5 pm, join Cultural Hotspot and North York Arts at the kick-off to the inaugural season of the Lee Lifeson Art Park in Willowdale. Create a community arts piece, join an Aztec dance workshop lead by performer Jesus Mora and fellow dancers, and watch the Live Arts Youth Showcase, featuring spoken word, music and dance. Visit toronto.ca/culturalhotspot for information. Back when the plans for the park were first announced, Geddy Lee spoke to the Toronto Star , where he had thi

Rush: Album by Album Book Coming May 2017

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Martin Popoff, the author behind the 2004 Rush biography Contents Under Pressure as well as 2013's Rush: The Illustrated History , will be publishing his third Rush-inspired book in May of 2017. Rush: Album by Album , which will be published by Voyageur Press, will include reviews of each of Rush's 20 studio albums by 20 rock journalists. From the book's description: Formed in Toronto in 1968, the rock trio Rush has gone on to multiplatinum success behind the distinctive high register and virtuosic bass-playing of frontman Geddy Lee, the legendary drumming and lyric-writing of Neil Peart, and the guitar heroics of Alex Lifeson. Despite having just four chart-topping singles since the release of their debut LP in 1974, Rush has nonetheless sold more than 25 million albums in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide. Indeed, the Canadian trio may be the definition of an "album band," and this new book from prolific rock journalist and acknowledged Rush author

Alex Lifeson Participates in the 9th Annual Medlock Krieger Celebrity Invitational and All Star Concert

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Alex Lifeson recently participated in the 9th Annual Medlock Krieger Celebrity Invitational and All Star Concert. The event, which took place on Monday at the North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village, California, benefits the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Numerous photos and videos from the event have been posted at HeavyMetalHill . Among the included videos are live performances of The Spirit of Radio and Limelight , as well as an interview with Alex himself. You can check out all of the photos and videos at this LINK . For more information on the Medlock Krieger Celebrity Invitational, please visit their website at www.scottmedlockgolf.com . Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for passing along the news.

Alex Lifeson Celebrates His 63rd Birthday

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Alex Lifeson, one of the founding members of Rush and the band's seminal guitarist, is celebrating his 63rd birthday today. It was on this date back in 1953 that Rush Guitarist Alex Lifeson (born Aleksandar Zivojinovich) came into the world in Fernie, British Columbia. As Rush fans know, Lifeson co-founded the band in the summer of 1968 along with John Rutsey, the band's original drummer. Alex was also responsible for bringing front-man Geddy Lee into the mix. While Alex is obviously best known for being the guitarist for Rush, he's also the part owner of the Toronto restaurant The Orbit Room, is a licensed aircraft pilot, motorcycle rider, a gourmet cook, an artist and has also dabbled with a little acting now and again. Happy Birthday, Alex and many happy returns!

Rush's 'The Body Electric' Makes Exclaims' Eight Favorite Songs About Robots List

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Earlier this week, Canada's entertainment website Exclaim! posted a list of their 'Eight favorite songs about Robots'. Heading the list is Rush's 'The Body Electric' from their 1984 album Grace Under Pressure . From the article: "...When it comes to the human race's technological advances, the subject of robotics and artificial intelligence rarely fails to create riveting fiction, whether the humanoid machines are helping maintain society or blowing it up... Rush – "The Body Electric" No strangers to exploring the world of science fiction in song, Rush's "The Body Electric" tells the story of "an android on the run" in search of freedom from its electronic existence. In linking the world of robotics to the human race with the song's protagonist's individualist aspirations, the song's chorus features bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee singing the binary code '1001001,' which translates to a capital I.

Enter to Win a Signed Rush Time Machine Drumhead

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The Percussive Arts Society is raffling off a Rush Time Machine Drumhead, which is signed by all three members of Rush. Details of the raffle: Raffle tickets for as little as $10 each Valued at $2,500 Professionally framed in museum grade glass Signed by all 3 members of Rush Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee Drawing date Nov. 12, 2016 Support Percussive Arts Society About PAS: Now in its 55th year, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is a 501C-3 non-profit, music-service organization whose mission is to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world. PAS is regarded as the global leader in percussion and drumming by providing unparalleled and interactive resources and experiences in percussion education, performance, and research. Today, the society is almost 7,000 members strong, with 50 chapters located across the United States and an additional 28 chapters outside the U.S. Each year PAS hosts the largest drum & percussion event in the w

Geddy Lee Travels to Florida to Expand His Baseball Autograph Collection

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As many Rush fans know, Geddy Lee is a serious baseball fan and collector. He can often be spotted in the stands behind home plate at Toronto Blue Jays games, he is passionate about, and well respected in, the field of Fantasy Baseball , and he has been celebrated for making an incredible donation to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum back in 2008. Among his many baseball-related collections are player autographs. In an attempt to add to his ever-expanding collection, Lee traveled to South Florida yesterday to the home of the Florida Marlins. There, he was able to secure the autographs of Ichiro Suzuki and Barry Bonds. From the MLB story: A rock icon met up with some baseball legends on Friday afternoon at Marlins Park. Geddy Lee, lead singer from the group Rush, made a trip to Miami with the purpose of securing some autographs. Lee, 63, is a native of Toronto and he's a lifelong baseball fan, as well as a collector. The Rush front man was on a mission to get a couple of

Neil Peart Featured in Latest 'Edge Factor' Film

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The education and documentary company Edge Factor produces inspiring, high impact media that tell the stories of innovative teams who design and build incredible products that impact lives and ultimately... the future of the country. In their latest film project, Behind Closed Doors , Edge Factor includes a segment on DW Drums, Neil Peart, and the creation of his R40 Kit. The film can be accessed online for a limited time via this LINK . The segment on Neil Peart begins at around the 9 minute mark. For more information about Edge Factor, please visit their website or Facebook Page . Thanks to Eric from Power Windows for passing along the news.

Geddy Lee on The Tragically Hip

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Geddy Lee recently sat down with CBC Music's Kerry Martin to discuss not Rush, but another famous Canadian band - The Tragically Hip. From the interview: “...The Tragically Hip is “certainly one of the greatest bands we’ve ever produced in this country,” according to Geddy Lee. High praise from the frontman of, arguably, one of the greatest bands we’ve ever produced in this country. “The first time you listen to one of their records it kind of sneaks up on you,” Lee says. “It sounds simpler than it is. There is a particular way the power of those guitars work together.… [They] always sound sinewy and muscular. Then you put Gord's voice and his lyrics on top of that, and after repeated listening, you really start to love it. It just gets inside you. I think that's a trademark of the Hip...” You can watch and listen to Geddy talk about The Tragically Hip in a series of videos via this LINK . Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for passing along the news.

Geddy Lee Turns 63

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Geddy Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib) is celebrating his 63rd birthday today! Happy Birthday, Geddy -- and many happy returns! "Gary" was born in the small Toronto village of Willowdale. As many fans know, his given first name "Gary" transformed into "Geddy" during his high school days thanks to his mother's heavily-accented pronunciation of his name. In addition to his musical aspirations, some of Geddy's other interests include collecting fine wines and, of course, baseball. His wine collection is rumored to include some 5,000 bottles and his love of baseball is well documented. In fact back in 2013, Geddy threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener for the Toronto Blue Jays - something he admittedly dreamed of doing for years. In addition to today being Geddy's birthday, it is also the 42nd anniversary of Neil Peart officially joined Rush - cementing the rock trio that would continue through today. Please join me in

A Show of Fans Rush Fanzine Archive Now Online

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I'm happy to announce another new section to the Cygnus-X1.Net website - The 'A Show of Fans' Rush Fanzine Archive. When the 'A Show of Fans' fanzine was first released back in 1991, it immediately stood apart from other fanzines of the time, thanks to its polished and professional format. Each issue was filled with incredible content, including articles, reviews, news, artwork, photographs, letters, advertisements, and more. Yet unlike other fanzines of the time, ASOF was printed, not photocopied, on high-quality glossy paper, typically in multiple colors. So much style with substance. Given the importance of the fanzine in the overall history of Rush, Cygnus-X1.Net is proud to resurrect ASOF into a new online archive. Each of the seventeen issues will be presented in this archive, starting with the first three issues. 'New' issues will be published each week through the remainder of 2016. You can access the archive via this LINK . Many thanks to R

Artist Jorge de la Torre Creates 'Rushmore' Sculptor

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Since their early beginnings, Rush have continually sparked inspiration in their fan base across many artistic fronts. Aside from the obvious musical inspirations that the band has generated in countless others, we've seen drawings, paintings, writings, and more come out of the fan base over the years. Artist Jorge de la Torre has taken that inspiration to a new level with the creation of his Rushmore sculptor. From his website: Rushmore is the ultimate tribute masterpiece immortalizing Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart – three extraordinary heroes of progressive rock who are collectively known as the legendary band Rush. Originally handcrafted utilizing the intricate lost wax casting process, the bronze sculpture and solid walnut base skillfully set the stage for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to be depicted as the new faces of Mt. Rushmore, one of the country’s most recognizable and highly regarded national monuments. Just as our greatest champions have all been i

Rush 2017 Wall Calendar Celebrates the 40th Anniversary of A Farewell to Kings

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Information regarding the release of the 2017 Rush Wall Calendar has just been made available by Brown Trout Publishers . In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the band's fifth studio album, A Farewell to Kings , this year's calendar will focus on that era. From the listing: After celebrating their 40th anniversary with a self-titled LP, collector's box set, and their first US tour, Rush left an indelible mark in music history. These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees have maintained a loyal fan base during their rock tenure, and the official Rush calendar is a consistent fan favorite that spans hard rock and progressive rock. Rush wall calendars have been available every year, dating back to 2004, when the first calendar was released in connection with the band's 30th anniversary. Each year since, a new calendar - and sometimes two calendars - have been published. Pre-ordering for the new calendar is now available via Amazon.Com . Amazon also has a list

Alex Lifeson to Appear on Rik Emmett's Upcoming Solo Album

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According to the Rock Music news site Hennemusic , Alex Lifeson is set to appear on the upcoming Rik Emmett solo album. As many Rush fans know, Emmett was originally part of another Canadian rock trio - Triumph . In addition to Lifeson's appearance on the yet-unnamed album, bassist Mike Levine and drummer Gil Moore, both from the original Triumph lineup, will also join Emmett. This will mark the first time all three members of Triumph have worked together since working on their 1987 album Surveillance . Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie is also reportedly working on the project. Lifeson and Emmett are no strangers to working together. They worked together on "Beyond Borders", which was part of the Canadian Guitar Summit special that appeared in the July 1987 Issue of Guitar Player magazine. They also collaborated on Dream On The Horizon (A Tribute To The Olympic Spirit) in 1988. For more information about Emmett's album, which is due out later this yea

The 'Tom Sawyer's Treasures' Rush Collector's Fanzine Archive

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I'm happy to announce another new section to the Cygnus-X1.Net website - The 'Tom Sawyer's Treasures' Rush Collector's Fanzine Archive. As some fans may remember from the pre-internet days, Rush fanzines were the primary source for gathering information and news on the band. In 1993, the collector-focused, Scotland based fanzine was first launched by Jim Wright and Chris Jones. The inaugural issue included the following introductory message from Wright and Jones: "...In this new fanzine we will be dissecting rare Rush vinyl, CDs, etc, right down to the matrix number. Our aim is to inform collectors/fans of the worldwide rarities available and by giving a detailed description we hopefully will encourage more of you out there to start collecting. The time has never been better as record companies are now producing less vinyl but more CDs and tapes. This means that vinyl prices will soar in the future (but don't tell anyone!)..." The fanzine was shor

Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel Limited Edition Now Available

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The Rush Backstage Club has just announced the availability of a Limited Edition copy of Clockwork Angels: The Graphic Novel . Signed by Neil Peart, Kevin J. Anderson, and artist Nick Robles, and limited to a run of just 500 copies, this is sure to sell out quickly. Further details from the Backstage Club: This limited edition version of Clockwork Angels The Graphic Novel includes a numbered bookplate autographed by Neil Peart, Kevin J Anderson and artist Nick Robles. The book comes packed inside a custom slip case and the book itself features a beautiful debossed gear cover with a blue foil stamp and matching satin ribbon bookmark. This release is limited to 500 copies. Owen Hardy, like all the people of Albion, has lived his whole life under the rule of The Watchmaker. His entire life has been planned down to the exact second. But what happens when a young boy decides that things should not always goes as planned? Rush’s Clockwork Angels is a testament to the band’s creative

The History Of Rush by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson: The Early Years

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TeamRock.Com has just posted a new, exclusive interview with both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in celebration of Rush's unofficial 50th anniversary. The two bandmaters actually met back in 1966, though their first gig together wouldn't take place until two years later: 1968: The First Gig Alex Lifeson: It was cool to be young and be in ‘a band’. I had a friend named John Rutsey who played drums, and we had a little basement band called The Projection. The guy that lived next door to me, Gary Cooper, was the bass player. He was older than us and he was the only one who had a car. That was a very important friend to have. That band never really gigged. We just played at a party maybe once every six weeks during the summer. It was mostly about getting together and playing the three or four songs that we knew. And Gary Cooper didn’t stick around for long. But out of The Projection came the first gig as Rush. John’s brother Bill had said, ‘You need a better name for the band – how

Rush: A Brief History of Time - Part 13 Now Online

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The thirteenth installment of the ongoing series Rush: A Brief History of Time , an ever-growing archive of articles, interviews, reviews, and advertisements about Rush that span every decade from the 70's onward, and collected from the world over, is now online . The thirteenth installment includes 239 "new" articles and advertisements; 54 from the 1970's, 39 from the 1980's, 110 from the 1990's, 1 from the 2000's and 35 from the current 2010 decade. Roughly half of the articles this time around focus on the releases of Presto and Roll the Bones , including some great, separate interviews with each of the band members. Also included in this installment are numerous, early concert reviews from the 1970's, many of which definitely did not paint Rush, or their musical prowess, in a favorable light. One such review from 1974 had this to say: "I really don't see what all the excitement over Rush is about. They're just another "high

Rush Caress of Steel Artist Proof Lithograph Drawing Now Available

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Update: Well, that didn't take long. The item has sold-out, which isn't surprising given the limited run. We'll keep an eye out in case the Backstage Club offers up more in the future. The Rush Backstage Club has just announced the availability of a Caress of Steel Artist Proof Lithograph drawing that is framed and signed by prolific Rush artist Hugh Syme. From the announcement: We have released the Artist Proof Limited Edition of Hugh Syme's original Caress of Steel drawing. This is the first piece of art Hugh created for Rush, and it became the centerpiece of the album cover. This is printed on high quality heavy art paper, and framed meticulously by our friends at Frameworth. Each piece is hand signed and numbered by the artist, in a limited edition of 40. Each piece also comes with a Certificate of Authenticity affixed to the back of the piece. The litho size is 12" x 12" and the finished framed size is approximately 17" x 17". Price

Rush: The Unofficial Illustrated History Third Edition Coming June 1st

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Author Martin Popoff is no stranger to Rush. Back in 2004, the prolific author published the very well received Contents Under Pressure: 30 Years of Rush at Home and Away . Back in 2013, Popoff released the first edition of Rush: The Unofficial Illustrated History . Now word comes that a fully revised and updated version of his Illustrated History book will be released on June 1st. From the Amazon Listing : Rush: The Illustrated History is a fully updated, richly illustrated history from prolific rock journalist and noted Rush authority Martin Popoff. The book follows the world-conquering exploits of Rush band members Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson from the band's formation in Toronto to their fortieth anniversary celebration and tour. Popoff's stellar history is complemented by LP reviews from a slate of highly regarded music writers, a thorough discography compiled by the author himself, and more than 400 photographs and articles of memorabilia, from candid ba

Andy Curran Hints at Future Rush Releases and the Band's Future

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On Friday, Canada's FYI Music News published an article featuring the Andy Curran who, as many Rush fans may know, was Anthem Entertainment's former A&R executive. After Anthem was acquired by Canadian-headquartered music rights management firm ole , Curran was named the new Label Services general manager/A&R. In the article, Curran hints at some upcoming Rush related releases for 2016: "Aside from prepping the 40th anniversary deluxe edition of 2112 and a documentary of Rush’s R40 tour that is looking to be released in 2016’s fourth quarter, Curran is pouring over the catalogue to prep long-unavailable titles for reissue, digitally, on CD and on vinyl." The R40 tour documentary was developed by the band in conjunction with Fadoo Productions. During the R40 tour, Fadoo had documentary crews on hand during most of the shows, as well as at last year's RushCon. The documentary focuses primarily on the fans. The comment about the 40th Anniversary Delux

Neil Peart News, Weather, and Sports Update - May 2016 - BubbaGram™#6

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Neil Peart has posted a new update to the News, Weather, and Sports section of his website. In this 6th installment of the ongoing BubbaGram series, Neil continues to talk about some of the sites he and his riding mates visited during the R40 tour. One place in particular was Crater Lake National Park in Oregon: Perhaps my major ambition for that day was to get riding photos of Crater Lake. After five or six visits over the years, I had never managed to capture the “sense of place” in a single image—and if I could do that with a motorcycle passing through, that would be the ultimate. (We have ridden through and photographed some impressive walls of snow around there, towering above the plowed road even in early summer. The area gets forty-five feet of snow, so it takes a while to melt—but was all gone by July 22.) The larger and more spectacular a place is, the harder it is to convey to others—in words or in photographs. I believe the opening image does a pretty good job (thank y

Geddy Lee Attends Pearl Jam Concert, Gets Shout-Out by Eddie Vedder

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Pearl Jam was performing in Toronto on Thursday night and none other than Geddy Lee happened to be in attendance. Pearl Jam's lead singer Eddie Vedder took notice of their special guest and gave Geddy a shout out during the concert. The band proceeded to play a few notes from Fly By Night as well as Cygnus X-1 before Vedder addressed the crowd: "...we have been a band for twenty five years but if we wanted to play a Rush song we would probably have to play for another twenty five..." Geddy took some backstage photos with Vedder and Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron who, coincidentally, played drums on Geddy's solo album My Favorite Headache . For more information on the event, click HERE . Thanks to everyone who alerted me to this event.

Alex Lifeson: Songwriter, Producer & Musician - Guitar Connoisseur Magazine

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Back in March we first announced that a new feature interview with Alex Lifeson was published in Guitar Connoisseur Magazine . At that time, the interview was only available via the magazine's Apple News Feed. Now, the entire interview is available directly on the magazine's website . The interview touches upon several topics, including Alex's solo project Victor , the R40 tour set up, and his emotive solo from The Garden : GC: We talked a while ago about the guitar solo in The Garden from Clockwork Angels and how you recorded it direct, using Logic on your home computer. So often musicians talk about creating a vibe in the studio, and in this case your most memorable solo in recent years was created in a fairly ordinary way? AL: That solo was recorded one afternoon in Geddy’s studio. He had taken a day off, so I came in and updated a few of the songs, getting caught up cleaning tracks and recording newer versions of guitar, keys, and drum parts. I wanted to fill i

Rush Make Billboard's Top Money-Makers List of 2015

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Billboard magazine has just released their annual list of the Top Money Makers in the Music Industry for 2015. The list of 40 acts includes such notable entries as The Rolling Stones (#3), Billy Joel (#4), U2 (#8), AC/DC (#24), and Paul McCartney (#33). Coming in at the very respectable #16 spot is Rush, with revenues totaling $12 million for the year. Of the $12 million haul for the band, the vast majority ($10.7M) was related to their R40 Live Anniversary tour - an impressive showing given the relatively short length of the tour. In fact as the Billboard article states, "...touring is once again the determining factor for the 40 genre-spanning acts that topped Billboard's ranking of music’s highest-paid musicians of the past year..." You can check out the entire list via this LINK . Thanks to Ed from RushIsABand for passing along the news.

Neil Peart's R40 Live Drum Kits on Display at GearFest 2016

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Road Trip Alert: Now is your chance to get up close and personal with not one, but both drum kits that were featured during Rush's R40 Live 40th Anniversary North American tour. Both kits will be on display during this year's GearFest . GearFest 2016, which takes place on June 17th and 18th in Fort Wayne, Indiana, features "... two full days of hands-on gear demonstrations, workshops held by top engineers and musicians, amazing musical performances, and chances for you to win over $88,000 of free gear. Learn from and interact with hundreds of instrument and equipment designers and the industry's leading artists..." According to the event page, Neil's drum tech, Lorne "Gump" Wheaton, will be on hand to answer questions and give tours of the kits. There will be photo opportunities. For more information about GearFest 2016, please click HERE . Thanks to reader Joe Pesch for passing along the news.

All The Gifts Of Life: 40 Years Of Rush's '2112'

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In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Alex Lifeson shares his memories about the making of Rush's classic ground-breaking album 2112 in a new feature interview posted at NPR : "I remember thinking," Lifeson says candidly, "'I had eight years of playing rock in a band, and it's awesome, I love it, and I don't want to compromise. If this will be the end, I dunno, I'll go back to working with my dad plumbing, or go back to school, or something else.' To me it was impossible to take a step backwards and do something we'd already done just to please a record company." The story is the stuff of legend. Rush stubbornly stuck to their plan, following up an album that had an ambitious 20-minute conceptual piece with an album with an even more ambitious 20-minute conceptual piece. Structurally 2112 was very much similar to Caress of Steel, only the band's vision was clearer, their musical chops were stronger, the songwriting was more advan

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