Alex Lifeson Reminisces About Rush Opening for the NY Dolls Back in 1973

Over the years, Rush have toured with dozens of other bands, including some rather odd choices like Sha Na Na (September 13th, 1974 at the University of Maryland) and Brian Auger & Oblivion Express and M-S Funk during a memorable April 27th, 1975 show at the Richmond Arena in Richmond, Virginia.

However perhaps one of the most famous, or infamous, acts Rush shared the stage with would have to be the NY Dolls, an American hard rock band that formed in New York City in 1971.

Rush and the NY Dolls performed two shows on October 27th, 1973 at the Victory Burlesque Theatre in Toronto. Alex Lifeson recently looked back at that show in an article he wrote for the West End Phoenix:

"...The date was October 27, 1973, and Rush was opening for the New York Dolls. They were a pleasant enough group of fellows who spoke to us not at all, but enthusiastically enjoyed the vibrant conversation and company of their “friends” (I think they were), who also dressed like New York Dolls, but drunker.

The venue for the gig was the Victory Theatre, built in 1921 and home to burlesque in Toronto until it closed in 1975. We were honoured to have worked the same stage as strip artistes Knackers Knock, Ineda Man and Cupcakes Cassidy, whose PR photos still graced the grimy, grey walls of the lounge. The dressing rooms were more Tower of London chic and gaiety..."

Click HERE to read the entire article.

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