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December 1, 2008
Finally: Rush Is ‘Cool’
For some of us, the Canadian trio known as Rush has always been cool – there’s no question about that. But fans may be starting to wonder if the group’s newfound coolness may actually make them less cool. Being a Rush fan was kind of like belonging to a secret society, albeit a large one that really wasn’t so secret.
Let’s face it, driving down the street with 2112 cranked to 11 on the car stereo did get a few strange glances from those that just did not “get it” according to us Rush fans. There was a message in a lot of what Rush produced – something that has not changed — and that does not always fall neatly into line with what a lot of rock fans and influential forces in the music industry thought rock and roll was about.
The above was rather starkly demonstrated by Blender magazine’s selection of Neil Peart as the second worst rock lyricist of all time – something that incensed many Rush fans and probably resulted in a tsunami of hate mail directed towards the publishers of Blender.
Although my memory is a bit faded by the decades that have passed since, I believe my first exposure to Rush came in the form of 2112. After the group’s not-so-successful album Caress of Steel, 2112 was the album that really launched the group out of relative obscurity, and perhaps just as importantly, opened the door for them to exercise their independence and create the music they wanted to create and do it they way they wanted to.
With the recent feature in Rolling Stone magazine and an appearance on the popular Comedy Central program The Colbert Report, it’s starting to look like Rush is gathering more mainstream support. It’s taken almost 35 years, but I suppose they might appreciate the additional attention after years of recording and touring for a fiercely loyal collection of fans around the globe.
Some of the group’s music has also made its way into the wildly popular Guitar Hero video game series which is credited with introducing a new generation of fans to their music. This may have a lot to do with the band’s metamorphosis into one that is now considered ‘cool.’
Although certainly not limited to Rush, it seems we have entered a new era when members of some classic groups can gaze out from the stage into a sea of fans who range in age from grade schoolers to folks who may be only 10 or 15 years shy of retirement.
Although I won’t swear to it, I certainly think I would have noticed any middle-aged fans among the attendees at the Rush shows I was at during the early 1980’s. As far as I remember, it just didn’t happen back during that time – it was “our music.”
Whether Rush is actually ‘cool’ or not is obviously a matter of personal taste, but it seems certain that the number of people who agree with that label being associated with Rush is on the increase, and it’s good to see that the group does not appear ready to call it quits just yet.
Look for a review of the recently released Snakes & Arrows Live DVD set coming soon.
For more, including details of the group’s history, visit The Toledo Blade.
Check out some preview video from the new Snakes & Arrows Live DVD set:
“Far Cry”
July 24, 2008
Rush (Tries To) Play Rush
As just about any serious Rush fan can tell you, the Canadian trio appeared recently on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report and not only performed their hit song “Tom Sawyer,” but also spent a few minutes chatting with the show’s host, Stephen Colbert.
What some fans may not know (including myself), was that Rush was also caught on camera somewhere else at the Comedy Central studio attempting to play along with “Tom Sawyer” on the video game “Rock Band.”
Of the three, guitarist Alex Lifeson seemed to take the effort most seriously and actually seemed to be trying to master the phoney Fender Stratocaster that was handed to him.
Geddy Lee seemed to enjoy the opportunity for a few laughs and perhaps even poke a little fun at himself, while drummer Neil Peart looked rather bored as he tapped along on the plastic pads that are intended to provide wannabe drummers with the opportunity to rock with the big boys.
Who could blame Peart for being bored after playing on the jumbo-sized kits he has been banging on since back in the days of 2112?
Check it out as Rush gives their best shot at impressing the virtual audience of “Rock Band.”
July 17, 2008
Rush Drops In To Visit The ‘Colbert Report’
As expected, the boys from Canadian rock trio Rush made an appearance on Comedy Central’s Colbert Report, or as the host likes to call it, “The Colber Repor.” It was the group’s first appearance on U.S. television on over 30 years.
Those that are familiar with the program will not be surprised to hear that there was no shortage of one-liners and clever comments and questions from the host, Stephen Colbert. To their credit, the guys in the band had a few clever comments and comebacks as well.
These three guys always seem a little uncomfortable under these circumstances, and that’s probably just a testament to the many reports I have heard that they think and behave like “regular guys,” and are not known to play up the rock star role that many of their contemporaries are well known for.
For those of you who may not have access to Comedy Central, check out the clip below.
July 15, 2008
Rush Will Appear on Comedy Central’s ‘Colbert Report’
In a rare U.S. television appearance, Canadian rock trio Rush will perform on the popular Comedy Central program The Colbert Report tomorrow (Wednesday, 7/16/08) at 11:30 PM EDT. The group plans to play one of their most-recognized hits, “Tom Sawyer.”
Rush has not performed on U.S. television since 1975, and this appearance is most likely a big surprise for Rush fans 
who are more accustomed to the group being overlooked or even derided by many critics since they first appeared on the scene back in the 1970’s.
The long-enduring Canadians do seem to be attracting more attention lately, with a feature story in Rolling Stone magazine, with which the group has a stormy past. Then there’s the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that was recently approved for them. Perhaps the group, after decades of making albums and touring hard are finally being recognized for years of achievement.
Rush fans are encouraged (as if they need it) to set those VCR’s, DVD recorders and DVR’s to catch this rare television event.
The Colbert Report began life as a parody of The O’Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, but has evolved into something that is beginning to take on the look of a variety show, with more musical performances being incorporated into the show.
One wonders why Rush, after so many years, will show up in The Colbert Report. Could Stephen Colbert be a Rush fan? Hopefully, there will be some time for Colbert to talk to the members of the group rather than just featuring the “Tom Sawyer” performance. I’d like to hear the story-behind-the-story on this one.
