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A New Twist on The Jewish New Year: Rush Hashanah

Rush fans (even those that do not happen to be Jewish) have reason to look forward to the celebration of the Jewish New Year this year. In their own unique way to celebrate the holiday, that is known as Rosh Hashanah, VH1 Classic will be presenting 24 hours of Rush-related content that they are calling Rush Hashanah.

The Rush special will hit the airwaves on September 29th, the day that Rosh Hashanah falls on this year, and will feature two Rush concert films. Both Rush In Rio and R30 will be included, as well as a collection of Rush music videos that span decades of the group’s history.

Rush lead singer and bass player Geddy Lee, who was born Gary Weinrib, is the son of Holocaust survivors who met while they were imprisoned in a Nazi labor camp in Poland, later married and moved to Canada. Lee’s mother, who had trouble pronouncing Lee’s real name, Gary, called him Geddy, which has obviously stuck with him for good.

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For those who are active practitioners of the Jewish Faith, and also happen to be Rush fans, Rush Hashanah may be a good way to pass some time that day, since work is not permitted during the holiday, according to the information I have been able to dig up with regard to Rosh Hashanah.

No serious Rush fan would consider watching Rush on TV as work, and although I am not Jewish, and therefore not qualified to make definitive statements regarding the requirements of Jewish Holidays, it seems unlikely that watching television would be considered work.

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Tags: Marathin, Rush, Rush Hashanah, September 29, VH1 Classic

Rock Band Offering Entire Rush Album For Download

I don’t think that I have been able to comb through my usual sources of classic rock news lately without coming across at least one story about these new video games like "Guitar Hero" and "Rock Band."

The games have become wildly popular, and although some bemoan the possibility that the games end up discouraging kids from playing a real instrument, others applaud the revival of interest in rock music that these games probably deserve a lot of credit for.

I prefer to side with the more optimistic camp, and agree that keeping a whole generation of music alive for a new generation of fans is a good thing. In fact, I think it may even contribute to the inspiration of young people who have a genuine desire to learn to play a real instrument.

I think what we are seeing now are millions of kids who otherwise never would have considered learning how to play a real instrument picking up these plastic replica instruments for some fun, just as they would with any other video game. Those who really want to rock, will put down the plastic guitar and start saving money for a real guitar, or perhaps hope that one appears beneath the Christmas Tree.

The latest news from the creators of the "Rock Band" series of video games is that they will be making available an entire album of music from Canadian rock trio Rush available for download to game consoles. The classic Rush album Moving Pictures will be available to download for about $11, with individual songs from the album available separately for about $2.

As for the band, they seem fully on board with the concept of these new games, since they see them as an avenue that can be used to expose their music to a new generation. I’m not going to pretend that Rush is not raking in some cash from a deal like this, but of all the groups I can think of, I doubt that the guys from Rush would be the type that would embrace something that they believe might discourage young people who otherwise would have taken on the task of learning to play an actual instrument.

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You also have to remember that with 40 gold and platinum records to their credit, I seriously doubt that these three guys really need the money they will make from these video game releases.

I say keep these games coming, and with decades worth of music to draw upon, there seems to be a lot of room to keep kids rockin’ for a good long time, as long as the makers of these games are able to keep them fresh with new innovations and improvements.

I seriously doubt that "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero" are a threat to the development of any potential Geddy Lees or Alex Lifesons of the future. Let the kids rock on with their plastic guitars, because I am reasonably certain that the ones with the genuine passion for making music will soon trade their toys for the real thing.

Tags: Album, Moving Pictures, Release, Rock Band, Rush

Alex Lifeson Talks About Rush: Past, Present And Future

Canadian rock trio Rush has been around for quite some time. Their first album hit the airwaves in 1974 and they’ve been at it ever since. Lately, however, there seems to be a new appreciation for the group that seems a bit surprising to them after years of being practically ignored by the music media and maligned by the critics.

With 24 gold and 14 platinum records to their credit, it’s clear that Rush has not been ignored by everyone, and enjoys an extraordinarily loyal fan base.

In a recent interview, guitarist Alex Lifeson talks about how things are going for the guys who now find themselves in the clutches of middle age (I feel their pain) and are rocking as hard as ever.

One of the most interesting comments Lifeson makes during the interview suggests that he believes the group’s best days are still ahead for them. Something that may be comforting to fans who might be worrying that these guys could be considering retirement before too long.

Most of the interview is focused on Rush’s latest album, Snakes And Arrows, which the trio is still promoting on the road with a second tour.

One might infer from the interview that Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are a little closer to one another than they are to drummer Neil Peart, whose personality might come off as a bit stand-offish to some, and although Lifeson does admit that they have had their share of disagreements through the years, in the end they still love hanging out and playing music together — even after all these years.

For the full interview, head on over to MusicRadar.com.

Tags: Alex Lifeson, interview, Rush, Snakes And Arrows

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.

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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."

Tags: Colbert Report, Rock Band, Rush, Tom Sawyer, Video Game

Rush’s Neil Peart Wins ‘Drummer of The Year’ Again

At the risk of turning this site into "Real Rush News," there is more news to report with regard to group and their achievements. For the second year in a row, Neil Peart has been selected as the recipient of the most prestigious "Drummie" award - "Drummer of The Year.

The winners are selected by way of a reader survey conducted by DRUM! Magazine that includes 42 categories. More than 5,000 drummers nominated Peart for the top spot with Stanton Moore, Mike Portnoy and Jimmy Sullivan coming in as runners up.

In addition to "Drummer of The Year," Peart also took home the "Best Live Performer" award as well.

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In other Rush news, the release of "Rock Band 2," slated for July 21, will feature a track from Rush’s Hemisphere’s album.  "The Trees," has always been one of my favorite Rush songs of all time, and will now challenge video rockers everywhere to play along with the 1978 classic.

Among other classic rock tracks to be featured in the game are: AC/DC’s "Let There Be Rock," Bad Company’s "Shooting Star," Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer," Journey’s "Anyway You Want It," Kansas’ "Carry On Wayward Son" and many more.

Tags: Drummer of The Year, Drummie, Neil Peart, Rock Band 2, Rush, The Trees, Winner