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Classic Rock Briefs For Friday, October 17, 2008

Jimmy Page Says Led Zeppelin Does Not Desire A Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Although Page expressed his appreciation for the efforts of dedicated fan Rocky Dickerson, who organized a campaign to secure a star for the legendary rockers, Page’s spokesperson says, “He (Page) has asked me to thank you for this interest but he does not feel that this is something that he can endorse.” Full Story.

Geddy Lee And Neil Peart of Rush To Appear on Upcoming Radio Show

Always refreshing to hear compared with a lot of other rock stars, the guys from Rush often come across as a bit more down-to-earth and brainy, but usually manage to be pretty funny and entertaining at the same time.

Bass player Geddy Lee and drummer Neil Peart (sometimes referred to as “The Professor”) will join Joe Benson for his syndicated radio program, Off The Record, on Sunday, October 19. For the full scoop on what station you can hear the program on in your area, or on the net, check out the Off The Record website.

Eagles Return For CMA Performance This Year

Once again, the Eagles will be performing on the Annual Country Music Awards. Also scheduled to perform at the event are Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.

The 42nd Annual Country Music Awards will take place at the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) and be aired on the ABC Television Network. Full Story.

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Tags: CMA Awards, Eagles, Jimmy Page, Joe Benson, Led Zeppelin, Radio, Rush, Walk of Fame

Massachusetts Woman Helped Rush Find Their Way

I had no idea that a 61-year-old woman from my home state of Massachusetts had so much to do with the success of one of my favorite musical groups. Donna Halper was working in a Cleveland, Ohio radio station in 1974 and was looking for a track to put on the air that was long enough to allow for a bathroom break.

When Halper noticed that a track on an album by a new group called Rush was longer than seven minutes, which provided adequate time for the DJ to answer a call from nature. After hearing the track, entitled "Working Man," she then realized that the group was offering a lot more than just a song that was long enough to allow her to slip away from the microphone for a bit.

Since then, Halper has been a staunch supporter of the Canadian rockers and even organized the effort to secure Rush a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She developed a close relationship with the members of the group through the years, and can always count on a backstage pass when they are performing in the area.

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For her efforts that helped lead to the group’s recognition,  Rush dedicated their first two albums to her, and she was even hired on by the group’s record label, Mercury Records, as first female Director of Artists and Repertoire.

Recently, Halper was backstage at the Rush show at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, MA when she received the news that Rush was indeed going to get their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the groups is clearly appreciative of her support through the years.

"She is a fiercely passionate and highly-opinionated woman and is a tireless supporter of Rush," said Rush lead vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee.

"We have remained friends through the years, and she always makes a point of paying us a visit whenever we are near her home," Lee said.

For the whole story check out the Patriot Ledger.

Tags: Donna Halper, Rush, Walk of Fame

Rush In Line For Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame

Go figure! The rock group that has been snubbed by the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame for years is now going to he honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Yes, that’s the same Walk of Fame where all the big movie stars, entertainers and other celebrities are represented with their very own star.

The star dedicated to the Canadian rock trio is set to appear next year as the group finds itself in the company of Robert Downey, Jr., Cameron Diaz, Sir Ben Kingsley, Hugh Jackman,Charles Durning, and Harry Shearer, who, among others will also be honored with their own stars.

Download Rush Ringtones      Rush Apparel

Who knows? Maybe things are starting to change for Rush these days? Often considered a group with a dedicated cult-like fan base and not a lot of mainstream recognition, perhaps Rush is finally beginning to get some of that recognition their fans believe they have earned through decades of  dedication to making great music.

There’s the new feature piece in Rolling Stone magazine, and now the plans for their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Could an induction to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame be in the offing?

As I ponder a group like Rush and how they might best be represented on the Walk of Fame, I wonder of there’s any chance at all, that whomever is in charge of that attraction might consider allowing for the use of the famous red star from the 2112 days. In case your wondering, that was indeed a joke. A poor one perhaps, but I never claimed this site would compete with the Comedy Channel.

Tags: Hollywood, Rush, Star, Walk of Fame