When Neil Peart passed away in January 2020, it felt like the closing of a door. For millions of fans, the loss of "The Professor" didn't just mark the end of Rush; it felt like a grim overture for the years that immediately followed. Looking back, it is hard not to draw a parallel between the silencing of his drums and the moment the world seemingly spun off its axis. A pandemic isolated us. The country fractured as we retreated into our own corners, and the simple human decency we used to take for granted seemed to get lost in the shuffle of a chaotic, increasingly angry world. Peart, a lifelong champion of reason and thoughtful connection, would have likely watched the growing divides with a heavy heart. Neil died, Rush ceased to exist, and we collectively slipped into a deep, dark hole. For over a decade, the idea of a Rush tour felt impossible, and after 2020, it became unthinkable. We had accepted that the music was relegated to our stereos and our memories. Bu...

The wait is finally over. Forty-five years after three guys from Willowdale first staked their claim on the world's most famous arena, the boys are back in town (and it's finally my turn to see the return of Rush live!) When Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson take the stage tomorrow night at Madison Square Garden for the first of four sold-out shows on the "Fifty Something" tour, it will be more than just a triumphant return to New York City. It’s the continuation of a 45-year legacy at the venue that mirrors the evolution of the band itself. This week’s four-night stand (July 28, 30, August 1, and 3) will push Rush's total number of MSG performances to 17. But before we look at what Anika Nilles and Loren Gold will bring to the rhythm and synth sections tomorrow night, let's look back at the history Geddy, Alex, and the Professor built in this legendary room. May 18, 1981: Moving Pictures Tour The debut. After years of grinding it out on the road, Rush finall...

Tonight marks the long-awaited kickoff of Rush’s highly anticipated four-night residency in the Windy City. After a stressful few weeks of uncertainty following the brief tour hiatus due to Geddy’s recent illness, word from soundcheck is that the boys are back in rare form, fully recharged, and ready to tear up the stage. Chicago has always held a legendary status in Rush touring lore, and this week’s stand only cements that bond. Tonight’s opener marks the band’s 31st performance in the city. That rich history makes Chicago the third most visited city in Rush’s entire touring career; sitting just behind Atlanta at number two, and, of course, their beloved hometown of Toronto holding down the top spot. For those of you holding tickets to any of these four consecutive dates, expect an absolute masterclass. If the early legs of this tour were any indication, the energy in the room tonight is going to be electric as the community welcomes them back to the stage healthy, loud, and firin...

After a brief, stressful hiccup that forced a temporary pause on the Fifty Something run, Rush officially returns to the road tonight, Saturday, July 11, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. As you all know, the original June 30 date had to be pushed back after Geddy contracted both bronchitis and laryngitis. Thankfully, his recovery was quick, the gears are well-oiled, and the band is ready to resume what has already been an incredibly emotional, triumphant tour. If you’re holding tickets from the June 30 postponement, they are fully valid for tonight’s show. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the magic starts at 7:30 PM sharp. For those of you who haven't caught a show on this tour yet, seeing Geddy and Alex back on stage together is everything we hoped it would be. While no one will ever replace the Professor, the band has done a phenomenal job honoring Neil’s legacy while keeping the sonic power of these tracks alive. The expanded live lineup has been firing on all cylinders, bri...