Is the band Rush done?

Dru Edwards · #1 01-21-2018, 11:47 AM

Alex Lifeson reported to the Globe and Mail last week that Rush is done. No plans for another tour, no plans to record again. I think the band alluded to this a year ago.

Three very talented individuals, each with their own style which sets them apart from their piers.

Are you a Rush fan?

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts...ticle37620762/

fitness1 · #2 01-21-2018, 11:53 AM

I didn't hear them until All The World's a Stage came out - when I dropped the needle I was hooked. Was in a classic rock band and we did some of their more "listenable" (to a wide ranging audience) tunes.

Saw them live probably 7-8 times between '77 and '81......always pressed up against the barricade in the front row - AMAZING musical talents.

I "lost" them after Grace Under Pressure - felt like they were taking a different turn.

But 2112, Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres are the meat of it for me. Caress of Steel has it's moments too, and Permanent Waves.

Soundtrack of my youth....

Song Writer · #3 01-21-2018, 12:22 PM

Rush is like a bottle of wine from some little town in Burgandy. It would be a shame if the winery never corked another bottle.

Ed-in-Ohio · #4 01-21-2018, 12:43 PM

Huge fan here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitness1

...snip...
Saw them live probably 7-8 times between '77 and '81......always pressed up against the barricade in the front row - AMAZING musical talents. ...snip...

But 2112, Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres are the meat of it for me. Caress of Steel has it's moments too, and Permanent Waves.

Soundtrack of my youth....

Ditto! I too, literally, saw them 7-8 times between '77 and '81 (at venues in Cleveland and Pittsburgh).

fitness1 · #5 01-21-2018, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed-in-Ohio

Huge fan here.

Ditto! I too, literally, saw them 7-8 times between '77 and '81 (at venues in Cleveland and Pittsburgh).

For less than 10 bucks too, right?

Ozzy the dog · #6 01-21-2018, 01:09 PM

I saw Rush play a Cattle Market over here in UK in 1979. We waded through straw and endured the lingering aroma of the day-time 'residents' but Rush's performance left a lifelong impression on my mind.

Great band with great sense of humour. They even popped up on the TV show 'Chicago Fire' which was fun.

This article from August last year suggests Geddy and Alex might do something but that Neal has had to give in to the rigours of his job.
https://www.axs.com/rush-s-geddy-lee...ithout--122345

This is one of my favourite Youtube videos. Alex Lifeson is priceless in this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61eu-KyijQE&t=8s

rokdog49 · #7 01-21-2018, 01:23 PM

I liked them a lot early on. I liked their rawness and musicianship in its simplistic form.
In the latter years they got a little to "Pop" sounding.
Still great musicianship, just lost interest I guess.

Brucebubs · #8 01-21-2018, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fitness1

I didn't hear them until All The World's a Stage came out - when I dropped the needle I was hooked. Was in a classic rock band and we did some of their more "listenable" (to a wide ranging audience) tunes.

Saw them live probably 7-8 times between '77 and '81......always pressed up against the barricade in the front row - AMAZING musical talents.

I "lost" them after Grace Under Pressure - felt like they were taking a different turn.

But 2112, Farewell to Kings and Hemispheres are the meat of it for me. Caress of Steel has it's moments too, and Permanent Waves.

Soundtrack of my youth....

Wow, very similar story except I've never seen them live - they've never toured Australia.
Totally agree with your album choice too.

David Eastwood · #9 01-21-2018, 02:03 PM

I was fortunate enough to see them twice - 2010 at the Minnesota State Fair, and again in 2015 in St. Paul, on the final R40 tour.

Both were among the best live shows I've ever seen - though by 2015, it was pretty obvious Geddy's voice was shot. I was sad to see that Neil Peart had decided to call it quits, but all good things must come to an end.

Pitar · #10 01-21-2018, 07:11 PM

Thread put me on a video trip down Rush memory lane. Thanks. Great band.

clintj · #11 01-22-2018, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatswodo

I was fortunate enough to see them twice - 2010 at the Minnesota State Fair, and again in 2015 in St. Paul, on the final R40 tour.

Both were among the best live shows I've ever seen - though by 2015, it was pretty obvious Geddy's voice was shot. I was sad to see that Neil Peart had decided to call it quits, but all good things must come to an end.

Neil played, even in the last couple of years, with a very powerful technique that really can take its toll on the joints and connective tissues. Sirius Radio had a town hall style interview with Alex and Geddy a year or two ago, and they said they found Neil backstage really hurting after some shows the last couple of tours.

I've been a big Rush fan for years, but I accept their decision. 40 years is a great run for any band.

ManyMartinMan · #12 01-22-2018, 08:31 AM

They've always held the position that Rush was all for one and one for all. Unless all are on-board for a project, touring for example, none would do it. They are mid-60's and have expressed for years, Neil especially, that the touring was beating them to death. He's tired and exhausted after lugging all those drums around.... no, it's from the playing.

PorkPieGuy · #13 01-22-2018, 08:35 AM

Rush is one of the many bands that, on paper, I should like...but I don't.

Of course, playing drums for over 20 years, I'm also supposed to have a Neil Peart idol in my house somewhere. There was this guy I used to go to church with who I would visit from time to time, and EVERY time I would go over, he'd force me to watch Neil Peart's drum solo. Ugh. I'm not a fan of drum solos either.

I really appreciate the musical ability they bring to the table, and I'm happy that they have inspired a lot of people to pick up an instrument. I really, really want to like Rush, but I just can't. I understand why people like them though.

Ozzy the dog · #14 01-22-2018, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Rush is one of the many bands that, on paper, I should like...but I don't.

Of course, playing drums for over 20 years, I'm also supposed to have a Neil Peart idol in my house somewhere. There was this guy I used to go to church with who I would visit from time to time, and EVERY time I would go over, he'd force me to watch Neil Peart's drum solo. Ugh. I'm not a fan of drum solos either.

I really appreciate the musical ability they bring to the table, and I'm happy that they have inspired a lot of people to pick up an instrument. I really, really want to like Rush, but I just can't. I understand why people like them though.

Nothing wrong with that - the world would be a very boring place if we all liked the same thing.

But worse than that - we would never get tickets for the shows

IndianaGeo · #15 01-22-2018, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PorkPieGuy

Rush is one of the many bands that, on paper, I should like...but I don't.

Of course, playing drums for over 20 years, I'm also supposed to have a Neil Peart idol in my house somewhere. There was this guy I used to go to church with who I would visit from time to time, and EVERY time I would go over, he'd force me to watch Neil Peart's drum solo. Ugh. I'm not a fan of drum solos either.

I really appreciate the musical ability they bring to the table, and I'm happy that they have inspired a lot of people to pick up an instrument. I really, really want to like Rush, but I just can't. I understand why people like them though.

I "get" what you're saying, although I do like Rush. Not to change subjects, but for me, your description applies to my take on Eric Clapton. I've just never clicked with his playing. Unfortunately, I've never seen Rush live and, from the looks of things, never will. I've always like their down to Earth nature and the way they've appreciated their fans.

IG