Posts

Showing posts from 2021

Rush 2112 Oracle: The Dream 3D Lenticular Print Now Available

Image
A new 2112-inspired 3D Lenticular Print is now available from Iconic by Collectionzz . The print is based on Oracle: The Dream, part 5 of the 2112 suite. From their website: "I see the hand of man arise. With hungry mind and open eyes.” We're continuing our officially licensed Rush 2112 art series, in which different amazing artists each illustrate a section of 2112, with Oracle: The Dream by Cuyler Smith! This is the second piece in the series, the first being Temples of Syrinx by Palehorse released in 2020. To better understand this art, we'll give you the quick version of Rush's masterpiece 2112. The title suite of Rush’s 2112 album is set in a totalitarian society where the evil priests of the Temples of Syrinx keep everyone in line. Stability is threatened when a young man finds a guitar, learns to make music on it, and believes the world needs to hear of his great discovery. After the priests of the temple destroy the guitar and banish him, he is met

Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Alternate Album Images Now Available

Image
Some exciting news related to the 40th Anniversary of Rush's Moving Pictures studio album. A new website has been created at movingpictures40.com which provides alternate versions of the album's front and back cover, as well as the individual photos of the band members. These limited edition images are being sold to help support the Grapes for Humanity charity organization. More from the website: Welcome to the Deborah Samuel Collection of photographs celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the album Moving Pictures. This collection contains a curated selection of alternative front and back album cover images, and a series of photographs of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee from the same period. Incredibly, these Moving Pictures photographs have remained unseen for 40 years, and are now being unveiled for the first time to help a worthy cause, Grapes for Humanity. Grapes for Humanity is pleased to work with the Genius 100 Foundation (G100) Gift of Sight Campaign in partnership

Alex Lifeson and Crown Lands Jam Together Ahead of Massey Hall Performance

Image
Oshawa prog rock duo Crown Lands recently hit the studio with their guitar hero, Alex Lifeson — and "some real magic happened." Lifeson reportedly invited Kevin Comeau and Cody Bowles to join him onstage at the 17th annual Andy Kim Christmas concert that takes placed tonight (December 8th) at Toronto's newly revitalized Massey Hall. The pair will perform two Led Zeppelin covers with Lifeson, one of which may be "Stairway to Heaven." In a very wholesome gesture, the CanRock legend also lent Comeau his double neck guitar to play. Bowles and Comeau have frequently described their sound as "the White Stripes covering Rush," so you could say this is a pretty big deal for them. Earlier this year, the band released their White Buffalo EP — the follow-up to the duo's 2020 self-titled debut album — and were named breakthrough group of the year at the 2021 Juno Awards. If you want to bear witness to some of the magic, fear not: some tickets to the sta

Neil Peart's Wife And Daughter Accept 'Lifetime Achievement Award' On His Behalf At PASIC

Image
Neil Peart was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Percussive Arts Society (PAS) at this year's Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis on Thursday, November 11. Peart's wife Carrie Nuttall and daughter Olivia accepted the award on his behalf at the event, where they were joined by Chris Stankee, global director of artist relations for Sabian cymbals. Now in its 60th year, the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) is the world's largest percussion organization and is considered the central source for information and networking for percussionists and drummers of all ages. Established in 1961 as a non-profit, music service organization, PAS works to fulfill its mission to inspire, educate, and support percussionists and drummers throughout the world. The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) is the world's premier drum and percussion festival and the largest of its kind. Featuring over 100 concerts,

Original Alex Lifeson 1971 Charcoal Sketch Available in A Brush of Hope Charity Auction

Image
Nearly every year since its inception back in 2006, Alex Lifeson has donated one of his uniquely created paintings to the Kidney Foundation of Canada's annual Brush of Hope charity auction. However for the 2021 auction, Alex has donated a charcoal sketch of a live model that he drew back in 1971. From the auction website: Original charcoal sketch by famed Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. Own a piece of music and art history! Drawn in 1971, then 18 year old Alex completed this sketch of a live model while attending an art class during the formative years of Rush. A truly one of a kind item! Piece is charcoal on art paper, measures 18"x24" and is hand signed and dated on the front by Alex Lifeson! The charity auction will end on November 10th. Complete details and bidding instructions are available at this location . About the Brush of Hope Charity auction: Alex Lifeson, Don Cherry, Brent Butt, John Tavares, Barenaked Ladies, Alan Doyle, Mike Myers, John Meyer

Peart Family Memorial Fund Christmas Cares Charity Auction Coming in November

Image
The Peart Family Memorial Fund , which was founded after the untimely death of Neil Peart in January of 2020 and, later, his father Glen Peart earlier this year, was created in their memeory to help support the RVH Foundation Cancer Centre in Barrie, ON, as well as Hospice Muskoka - Andy's House, where Glen was kept in wonderful care prior to his passing in June, 2021. The organization has just announced a special, upcoming charity auction that is set to feature numerous unique Rush and Neil Peart related items, some of which were signed by members of the Peart family members. Additionally, there will be some photos signed by Alex Lifeson. From the website: Thank you for joining us! We are raising funds for Hospice Muskoka, where our Father passed away on June 12, 2021. We hope to have something for everyone! You can also donate directly in memory of a loved one. Thank you so much for your support! The silent auction will take place between November 15-30. For comple

Watch the Ohio State University Marching Band's Tribute to Rush Halftime Show

Image
Today, the Ohio State University Marching band paid a special tribute to Rush and Neil Peart with a stunning halftime performance during the university's football game. The 9+ minute performance includes songs from A Farewell to Kings, Permanent Waves, and Moving Pictures (though the announcer erroneously stated that one song was from the band's 2112 album). Ohio State University is considered to have the premiere collegiate marching band in the country, and their transformative performance and marching precision from today's show certainly strengthens that point. You can watch their performance below, or directly at this LINK . Screencaptures from key moments in their performance are also available below. Oh, and for those of you interested in the game, the Ohio State Buckeyes won the game by a score of 66-17 versus the Maryland Terrapins. Comments

Rush album artist Hugh Syme talks about the expanded edition of his 'Art of Rush' book, Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary box set, and more in a new Interview with Cygnus-X1.Net

Image
Ever since the release of Rush's third studio album Caress of Steel back in 1975, the multi-talented Hugh Syme has been working alongside the band as their album artist and illustrator. With the upcoming release of the expanded edition of his Art of Rush: Serving A Life Sentence coffee table book, Hugh graciously took some time out of his busy schedule to sit down with us and discuss everything from his early days working with Rush, his workaholic approach to his artwork, the upcoming 40th Anniversary Box Set of Rush's Moving Pictures and more. From the interview: "...I was grateful to be doing something this much fun, as the initial part of my aspirations was being an album cover designer. It was really on the strength of my being in a band on the same label as Rush, and Max Webster, and Larry Gowan and so on. We were all managed by the same guy, Ray Danniels. I remember distinctly being called into his office like a school kid, to the principal, even though he

Geddy Lee Currently Writing a Memoir. Expecting a Fall 2022 Release Date

Image
Geddy Lee has just announced through Instagram that he is currently writing his memoir and expects to have the book published in the Fall of 2022. From the post: Geddy: So, how did I kill time during the pandemic? Little did I know that as of March 2020 I'd be locked down for over a year and a half—the longest time I'd spent in Toronto since I was nineteen and hit the Northern Ontario bar circuit with Rush. Although Nancy and I had to cancel a bunch of adventures we'd been planning, there were some shiny silver linings to be found at home: teaching my grandson the finer points of baseball and birdwatching, tending to my pups (one of whom was quite ill) and spending the evenings with my lovely better half, glass of Armagnac in hand, as we watched every European mystery show ever produced. Oh, and another thing: I began to write. Words, that is. My friend and collaborator on the Big Beautiful Book of Bass, Daniel Richler, saw how I was struggling in the aft

Alex Lifeson Featured in the November 2021 Issue of Guitar Player Magazine

Image
The November 2021 issue of Guitar Player magazine features Alex Lifeson on the cover and includes both an interview with the Rush guitarist, as well as a review of his new Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard guitar. In the interview, which was conducted by Joe Bosso, Alex talks about life before, during, and after Rush, his new band project Envy of None , the release of his new Les Paul Axcess guitar, and more. From the article: A few years ago, you and Gibson came out with the Custom Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess. I can only imagine what a thrill it was to create a guitar to your own specifications. It was. I didn't want to have a guitar just to see my name on it. That's easy, and a lot of people do that just to sell more guitars. I wanted a guitar that I would want to buy for what it was, for its features, so that's what we created. We spent a couple of years working on it, going back and forth on the pickups and the neck. I wanted the piezo pickup i

Rush Cinema Strangiato Director's Cut 2021 Streaming Edition Coming October 1st

Image
EXCLUSIVE VOD RELEASE FEATURES DIRECTOR’S CUT WITH AN INTERACTIVE WATCH PARTY FOR FANS OCT 1 Following a successful global cinema release, Trafalgar Releasing and Anthem Entertainment are proud to announce that starting on October 1 at 9 p.m. ET through Sunday, October 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET, RUSH fans worldwide can view Rush: Cinema Strangiato – Director’s Cut at home, on demand. Visit www.cinemastrangiato.com for more information and to purchase access for $15. On Friday, October 1 at 9 p.m. ET, RUSHCON will host a live virtual “Interactive Watch Party” for fans to connect and discuss the film when it premieres online. Those who purchase a watch party ticket will maintain access to the content for the entire duration of the VOD window, but only those who log in during the live October 1 event will be able to participate in the chat. Rush: Cinema Strangiato – Director’s Cut celebrates the “Holy Trinity of Rock” (Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart) and 40 years of their M

Clockwork Destiny Novel by Kevin J. Anderson and Neil Peart Coming in April 2022

Image
The third and final novel from the Clockwork Angels trilogy is set to be released in April of 2022. As with the previous two novels, Clockwork Destiny was written by Kevin J. Anderson and the late Neil Peart: In Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, readers met the optimistic young hero Owen Hardy, as well as the more reluctant adventurer Marinda Peake, in an amazing world of airships and alchemy, fantastic carnivals and lost cities. Now Owen Hardy, retired and content in his quiet, perfect life with the beautiful Francesca, is pulled into one last adventure with his eager grandson Alain. This final mission for the Watchmaker will take them up to the frozen lands of Ultima Thule and the ends of the Earth. Marinda Peake must undertake a mission of her own, not only to compile the true life story of the mysterious Watchmaker, but also to stop a deadly new group of anarchists. The Clockwork trilogy is based on the story and lyrics from the last album of musical titans Rush, with And

Geddy Lee Honoured at Artists for Peace and Justice's Annual Gala

Image
Every year during the Toronto International Film Festival, Artists for Peace and Justice holds its gala, during which the stars turn out to help fundraise for vital humanitarian causes. On Sept. 11, $500,000 was raised at the 2021 Artists for Peace and Justice gala to further education in Haiti. Some of Canada's biggest stars were also honoured for their philanthropy and commitment to giving back, with Geddy Lee receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Geddy received APJ's Lifetime Achievement Award for the many causes he has championed throughout his storied musical career. He's supported organizations such as Brain Cancer research, the Toronto Food Bank, Alberta Floods, Doctors without Borders, Grapes for Humanity, United Way, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Casey House, and many more. Geddy had been twice honoured for major humanitarian awards by the Canadian music industry alongside his bandmates. You can watch Geddy's reaction to receiving th

Remembering Neil Peart on his 69th Birthday

Image
It's been a little more than twenty months since the world of music was shattered when Neil Peart, a true legend, succumbed to brain cancer on January 7th, 2020. To this day, the sting of his loss continues to weigh on Rush fans the world over. The breadth of his contributions to the world of music coupled with the inspiration he fueled for countless musicians will always be applauded. Today we mark what would have been Neil's 69th birthday with a brief look back at his decades-spanning career, while also highlighting tributes that were made to honor his memory. Neil Ellwood Peart was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and grew up in Port Dalhousie (now part of St. Catharines). During adolescence, he floated between regional bands in pursuit of a career as a full-time drummer. After a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music, Neil returned home, where he joined Rush, a Toronto-based band, in mid-1974, six years after its formation. Early in his career, Neil's

Roll the Bones 30th Anniversary Officially Licensed Screenprints from Collectionzz Now Available

Image
Collectionzz, creators of officially licensed original prints inspired by music, and those who make it, have just announced the release of two limited-edition prints celebrating the 30th anniversary of Rush's platinum-selling album Roll the Bones . Artist Ben Brown, who created the prints, talks about the album and inspiration behind his artwork: I was fan of the early records of Rush - and being a big music fan, always paid respect to their very capable music chops - both as players and composers. As a kid I loved 70’s hard driving rock (still do!) - Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, The Faces, Led Zeppelin - and those early Rush LP’s fit right in to my play list. I was not as familiar with later output from the band - in the early 90’s I had moved on and was riding skateboards and listening to hard core punk rock and metal. When Collectionzz approached me to create a Rush poster - I was stoked - and revisited ‘Fly By Night’ and 2112. I also played Roll the Bones. At first I fell

The Stars Look Down - Songs for Neil Volume 2 Tribute Album Coming September 12th

Image
Last year, the folks at RushFest Scotland released an incredible tribute album to honor the memory of Neil Peart. Dubbed TRIBUTES: Songs for Neil Volume I , the fourteen-track album featured covers of Rush songs by such notable artists as Jacob Moon, Fleesh, Lotus Land, Clockwork Angels of Scotland and many more. RushFest Scotland has just announced that Volume II will be released on September 12th; one year to the day when Volume I was released and, of course, Neil Peart's birthday. The second volume is titled The Stars Look Down - Songs for Neil Volume 2 and will also feature fourteen tracks from artists including YYNOT (USA), Huis (Canada), Jacob Moon (Canada), Fleesh (Brazil), Rushed (England), 2YY2 (Spain), and Moving Pictures with Seeing Red (Scotland), among others. The stunning cover artwork is courtesy of Charlie Roy and Paul Tippett, with guidance from Hugh Syme. Liner notes were written by Neil's sister Nancy. This album has been approved by Rush a

Alex Lifeson Celebrates his 68th Birthday Today!

Image
Alex Lifeson, one of the founding members of Rush and the band's seminal guitarist, is celebrating his 68th 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 a licensed aircraft pilot, motorcycle rider, a gourmet cook, avid golfer, and an artist. Alex has also been known to dabble with a little acting now and again. Back in 2018, he appeared a couple of times on the CBC comedy-drama Crawford , which premiered on the CBC in Canada during the summer of 2019. In more recent news, Alex has been working on a new musical project under the name Envy of None , which he hopes to release later this

Rush Branded Beer Coming August 30th

Image
Beer, here! Rush have just announced that they will be releasing their own brand of beer, specifically a Canadian Golden Ale, at the end of the month. The band collaborated with the Toronto-based microbrewery Henderson Brewing Company for this unique offering. From the press release: August 17, 2021 (Toronto) – It started during the R40 tour when, after a gig, someone handed frontman Geddy Lee a bottle of Robinson’s “Iron Maiden -Trooper” beer. Geddy took one look at it and jokingly asked where the Rush beer was. That quip stayed in the mind of the band, and recognizing the growing craft beer movement, particularly in their hometown of Toronto, the band decided to look into it seriously. Beer has always been an import part of the touring experience for the band. That first after-show beer helping to draw a line between the focus of performing and the wind-down that follows. After hundreds of shows in so many countries around the world, the band really began to see

Alex Lifeson releases three new demo tracks from the 1990s

Image
Alex Lifeson continues to share new content on his recently launched new website at alexlifeson.com . Dubbed the 'Lerxst Demo Archives Pt. 1', Alex has released three new demo tracks from the '90s era. From the listing on his site: So here's the next installment of some Lerxst demo music from the past that's been sitting in a music folder for over twenty years. They kind of mark an era for me and highlight a style of writing and performing. These are all demo recordings of music created for personal fun that I thought might be interesting to share. I hope you enjoy them and the others to come soon. KROOVE: This was written and recorded @1996 late one night in my home studio. It started with the main guitar pattern then I added the drum loop, keys and bass. The geetar pickin' section was especially fun to record. I've always liked that late night feel of this one. BANJO BOB: This was a fun session I did mid 1999. Originally recorded to a drum loo

Geddy Lee Celebrates His 68th Birthday Today!

Image
Geddy Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib) is celebrating his 68th 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. Sadly, this will be the first birthday Geddy celebrates without his mother, Mary Weinrib, who passed away earlier this month. 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 eight years ago Geddy threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the home opener for the Toronto Blue Jays - something he admittedly dreamed of doing for years. Geddy also became an author with the release of his book - Geddy

Rush Cinema Strangiato Director's Cut 2021 Coming to Theaters September 9th

Image
It was just two years ago when Rush first premiered Cinema Strangiato in theaters; dubbed as the first "Annual Exercise in Fan Indulgence" that featured a hodge-podge of song performances. Unfortunately the event didn't return to theaters last year due to Covid restrictions, but a new Director's Cut will be hitting the silver screen worldwide on September 9th. From the announcement: The Holy Trinity of Rock returns to the big screen on September 9, 2021, when "Rush: Cinema Strangiato - Director's Cut" brings Rush fans together in movie theatres once again worldwide – this time to celebrate 40 years of Moving Pictures. This global fan event takes an alternate “director’s cut” of 2019's feature, giving audiences a special look into R40 LIVE, with a revamped setlist including new additions of bonus tracks "One Little Victory" and “Red Barchetta” as well as "Cygnus X-1 / “The Story So Far” featuring Neil's final recorded drum

Neil Peart's New Coffee Table Book Silver Surfers Announced

Image
It was last month when we first learned that Neil Peart's classic car collection, what he affectionally referred to as the Silver Surfers , would be going up for auction next month during Gooding & Company's 17th annual Pebble Beach Auctions. Given Neil's passion for his collection, it's not surprising to hear that he was actually working on a coffee table book that focused on his prized automobiles. The news comes from this Rush.Com announcement : Neil’s love of classic cars was a lifelong passion, and prior to his passing, he was extremely proud to have completed his final book titled, “Silver Surfers.” The following passage from his first coffee table book explains, in his own words, how the collection name came about: “The title Silver Surfers for my collection of cars occurred to me while driving my DB5 up and down the Pacific Ocean. Because it felt right to me, I guess – the idea that I was just one of the wave riders…. In search of natural

Alex Lifeson's New Solo Album Envy of None Coming This Fall

Image
Since the news last month about Alex Lifeson recording ten new songs for this Envy of None project, the former Rush guitarist has hit the interview trail to discuss his future plans in more detail. One of the interviews he conducted was with Elliot Engebretson from Grateful Web . In it, Alex reveals that the Envy of None album will hopefully be released this fall. From the interview: GW: ...the upcoming project called Envy of None, an intriguing project. From the sounds of it, it sounds like you have nearly a full album recorded and are in the mixing process. Do you have any additional details on that project and is there any chance as we get back to live music and some sense of normalcy that we could potentially see this project on the road? Alex: Well, we are in the mixing stages, and we’re actually in the final mixing stage of this project. We’ve been living with some monitor mixes for a little while and going back and forth and updating things until we finally reach the st

Select Neil Peart-Used Snare Drums Now For Sale

Image
With the recent news regarding the upcoming auction of Neil Peart's collection of classic cars, many fans were wondering if any of the Professor's drums might ever be put up for sale. Wonder no further as three of his snare drums that he used both in the studio and on tour are currently available. And if you thought the prices of his classic cars were astronomical, hold on to your hats. Soul Drums of Canada has been commissioned to sell the Bubba Gump Collection : For twenty years Neil Peart and his drum technician, Lorne "Gump" Wheaton were at the pinnacle of presenting the very best in rock drumming performance. Known affectionately as Neil "Bubba" Peart, by bandmates and the stage crew family, together, they became "Bubba Gump". Through all the album concepts; the drumsets, the snare drums, and the cymbals became the reference for the best in drumming design, pure sonic power and incredible inspiration. There are no compa

Alex Lifeson Records 10 New Songs for 'Envy of None' Project

Image
Alex Lifeson released his first new music in nearly a decade when he shared the instrumentals “Kabul Blues” and “Spyhouse” to coincide with the arrival of his new Epiphone guitar earlier this month . But fans won’t have to wait nearly that long for the next chapter, as Lifeson has completed 10 songs for an upcoming project with an aim to release them later this year. “Alex and I are involved in a side project called Envy of None,” bassist Andy Curran tells UCR. “It started with [those two tracks].” Known for his tenure as a member of ‘80s Canadian hard rockers Coney Hatch, Curran has been associated with Lifeson and Rush in recent years. He worked for the group’s management, handling A&R duties and coordinating their reissue program – a role he stepped away from in 2019. Lifeson and Curran are joined in Envy of None by guitarist Alfio Annibalini and vocalist Maiah Wynne, with additional musical contributions coming from drummers Tim Oxford (Arkells) and David Quinton Steinberg (

Alex Lifeson's First Electric Guitar, a Japanese Canora, Will Be Restored by Loucin Guitars

Image
It was back in late 1996 when most Rush fans had their first glimpse of Alex Lifeson's first electric guitar - a red Japanese Canora. An early image of Alex with his prize appeared in the Test for Echo tourbook. "My first guitar was a Kent acoustic; I got it for Christmas in 1966. It wasn't much of a guitar - I think it cost $10, which was a whole lot more money then than it is now. The strings were very high on the neck and it was pretty difficult to play - but I loved that thing. The following year, I begged my parents for an electric guitar, and that's when I got a Canora that was sort of shaped like a Gretsch Country Gentleman. And that was $59, I remember." Now, 54 years later, the Loucin Guitars Co. has announced that they have be entrusted to restore this iconic guitar. From a recent post on their Facebook page: Well, I've kept this secret for a couple months now, but I received the green light today to talk about it. I am completely

Neil Peart's Classic Car Collection Going Up for Auction this August

Image
Among many of Neil Peart's passions during his life, classic cars was certainly near or at the top. Over the years he amassed an incredible collection of cars including such iconic models as the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe and the 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400 S. Today, Gooding & Company has announced that Neil's collection, dubbed the "Silver Surfers", will be going up for auction this coming August. From Gooding & Company's website: Gooding & Company is thrilled to announce its offering of the world-renowned rock drummer and lyricist Neil Peart’s collection of classic cars at its 17th annual Pebble Beach Auctions. The incredible opportunity to bid on these extraordinary classic cars, dubbed the “Silver Surfers” by the legendary musician, will take place at the company’s two-day sale on August 13 and 14. The auction will include: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Coupe 1964 Aston Martin DB5 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series

Alex Lifeson Releases Two New Instrumental Songs, a New Website, and a Alex Lifeson Epiphone Les Paul Standard Axcess Electric Guitar

Image
Alex Lifeson has just released two instrumental tracks titled “Kabul Blues” and “Spy House”. The release of these news songs comes in connection with the launch of his new website alexlifeson.com , as well as a means to promote his new Alex Lifeson Epiphone Les Paul Standard Axcess electric guitar. The songs feature bassist Andy Curran, drummer David Quinton Steinberg, and Lifeson on “everything else.” This is the first music any member of Rush has released since the band's 2012 album Clockwork Angels . Both songs can be streamed directly from Alex's website at this location . His new Epiphone Les Paul Standard Axcess came about through an extensive collaboration between Alex and Gibson, where Epiphone pushed the boundaries of the classic Les Paul to create the exclusive Alex Lifeson Les Paul Standard Axcess. The guitar includes a pair of powerful Epiphone pickups – the Pro Bucker 3 bridge pickup and the Ceramic Pro neck pickup. It also includes coil-splitting options vi

The Rush 2022 "Signals" Wall Calendar Coming This September

Image
With 2022 marking the 40th Anniversary of the release of Rush's platinum-selling album Signals , it should come as no surprise that the band's official 2022 Wall Calendar will features images from that era of the band's history. As with past Rush calendars , the 2022 edition will feature a four-month (September-December) 2021 planner page, gorgeous color photos of the band, and more. From the official listing: Rush, a legend among the greatest bands, has left an indelible mark after decades of recording albums and touring the world. These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees still boast some of the most loyal fans in the world! 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Rush’s landmark album, Signals. This official 16-month calendar features images highlighting the Signals album and tour cycle, with the complete 1982 tour dates, some never before seen photos, and other notable events from that year! Photography- Enjoy stunning, full-color photographs every single month Durable

Geddy Lee talks Led Zeppelin IV in new Classic Rock interview

Image
Geddy Lee recently talked to Classic Rock magazine about the impact Led Zeppelin had on Rush in their earliest days. In the interview, which appears in the magazine's July 2021 issue, Geddy recalls the first time he, Alex, and John Rutsey attended a Zeppelin concert: "That wasn't the first time I saw them, that was August 18, 1969. They were doing two shows. We were at the first show. I went with John Rutsey and Alex [Lifeson). It was general admission. We lined up for hours. We got in and we sat in the second row. And I swear they didn't walk out on stage-they floated out. They literally brought the house down, because by the end of the night there was plaster falling from the ceiling. Geddy also recalled when a call from Robert Plant helped them through one of Rush's darker periods: "I remember when Page & Plant were touring Walking Into Clarksdale and they came to Toronto. Someone kept calling our office saying they were Robert Plant and they need

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to present The Tragically Hip with the 2021 Humanitarian Award

Image
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced today that 15-time JUNO Award-winning band and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees, The Tragically Hip, will perform with singer-songwriter, Feist during The 50th Annual JUNO Awards. The performance from Toronto will be broadcast on Sunday, June 6, 2021 airing nationwide at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music and streaming globally on CBCmusic.ca/junos . The Tragically Hip are also set to receive the 2021 Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada, which will be presented to them by Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductees and rock icons, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush. The Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding Canadian artists or industry leaders whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and beyond. The band’s philanthropic pursuits have left a lasting impact on the lives of many across the globe through their help in raising a

Rush: A Visual Time Capsule Book Now Available

Image
During his career, photographer Bill O'Leary took pictures of some of rock's biggest names at the peak of their powers including, of course, Rush. It was last March when we first reported the release of his first book Timeless Concert Images: And 40 Years of Rock Concert Experiences which included over 175 full color, live concert images photographed primarily from the late 1970's thru the 1990's. Now, Bill is back with his fourth book; Rush: A Visual Time Capsule: Moving Pictures-Permanent Waves-Hemispheres . From the Amazon Listing: Photographer Bill O’Leary is back with his fourth photo book overall, ‘RUSH - A Visual Time Capsule: Moving Pictures-Permanent Waves-Hemispheres.’ Featuring images – many previously unseen – of the trio in concert from what many consider their peak artistic period (1979-1981), the book perfectly captures the visual aspect of this era of Rush, in which they stormed the charts and headlined arenas throughout the world. The book al

New Rush tribute album a dedication to the life and inspiration of Neil Peart

Image
Over the years, numerous artists have released Rush tribute albums focusing on various time periods of the band's career. From straight-up tributes like 1996's Working Man to the moving Royal Philharmonics Orchestra Plays the Music of Rush or the eyebrow-raising Music Box Tribute to Rush , the variety of tribute albums is certainly not lacking. After the tragic passing of Neil Peart last January, the folks at RushFest Scotland set out to produce a new Rush tribute album that would celebrate the life of Rush's famed 'Professor'. The result is TRIBUTES: Songs for Neil Volume I , an album of 14 Rush songs covered by bands from around the world — including Jacob Moon (Canada), Fleesh (Brazil), Moving Pictures (Scotland) and many more. With support from Terry Brown and Hugh Syme, among others, the album comes in an impressive package and is available as a Digital Download, CD, or Red Vinyl LP (first eight songs only). Complete details of the album including l

Rush's Moving Pictures Certified 5X Platinum by the RIAA

Image
Forty years after its release, Rush's seminal album Moving Pictures has just been certified as a 5X Platinum seller by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 5X denotes sales of over 5 million units within the U.S. Moving Pictures last received a certification of 4X from the RIAA over 26 years ago; on January 27th, 1995. Of Rush's collection of studio albums, only 2112 comes close to the success of Moving Pictures with an RIAA certification of 3X Platinum. In fact all of Rush's studio albums from the 20th century have achieved an RIAA certification of at least a Gold standing (sales of 500,000 units). Sadly, the band's last three studio albums - Vapor Trails, Snakes & Arrows, and Clockwork Angels all failed to reach that Gold certification plateau. You can see a complete listing of all of Rush's certifications from the RIAA, Music Canada, and the British Recorded Music Industry (BPI) at this LINK . Congratulations to Ru

Share This