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My first experience with
RUSH is crystal clear to this day. I was over at my best friend’s
house, and he was playing the 2112 “Overture” and “Temples of
Syrinx” off the two disc Chronicles release. I was in
middle school and teaching myself guitar at the time. I was just beginning
to branch out musically away from the electronic pop of
Erasure and
Depeche Mode.
Several weeks later, I got my hands on a copy of their infamous
A Farewell to Kings
album at a store. I took it home and played that album to death.
Farewell
centers on mystic themes from the middle ages and features incredible
acoustic guitars that make me drool to this day. After playing that album
to death, I slowly began to build my music collection, gathering a RUSH
album one at a time. I finally had collected them all by 1993 when
Counterparts
was released. Still out of the loop, musically, I missed their tour that
year, and hated myself for it. I vowed at that time to attend their next
show, for sure. And three years later, I caught the
Test For Echo tour.
That show still sticks in my
mind as one of the best concerts I have ever attended. Their performance
was incredibly tight and very well thought out. I realized after digesting
that show RUSH is a methodical band; very precise. Neil Peart is
the most mathematically meticulous drummer ever. Alex Lifeson is one of
the most creative guitarists. And Geddy Lee’s ability to play bass, synth
and sing lead vocals all at the same time is incredible.
What I find interesting is how
many people dislike Geddy Lee’s voice. For those who have not heard, he
sings pretty high for a guy. But that is one more thing making RUSH
completely different from any other rock band performing today. It’s a
refreshing change. Their sound is completely unique. Their songs are
unlike any other heard on the radio, and vary in form and style, one form
another. Their show is one of the best ever.
But perhaps because I am not
the casual listener, these idiosyncratic differences appeal to me. I can
understand why most listeners don’t get it, probably because they have had
all their critical listening ability sapped by local radio stations and
MTV. Music is what is popular to most. Music to RUSH is just music,
and something to be experienced. In fact, RUSH was the band that
hooked me on live performances and the experience of the music.
I had experiences with live
recordings and albums before RUSH, but the Show of Hands
album got to me in a way other live shows missed. Something grabbed me
about the extended performances and the interaction with the crowd. I
learned when done well, live music holds no comparison to studio
recordings. Even though RUSH is an amazing studio band, it is the
three disc Different Stages I pick when I want to revisit
one of my favorite bands.
Currently, I am discovering
the magic the internet lends to live bootlegs. While live bootlegs have
been sought after by fans for decades, the internet has opened up the door
for fans in a way never dreamed of. But what makes bootlegs so incredible
is the uniqueness of individual shows. While RUSH puts on one of
the most entertaining performances, they have one set list per tour
lowering the desire for bootlegs and destroying the enjoyment of catching
multiple shows during a single tour. Unfortunately, because their
performance is so orchestrated with a light and laser show, as well as
animations, a standard set list is a necessary evil. But I cannot imagine
missing a single tour from now until they quit.
When
Feedback
was released and I attended their 30th Anniversary Tour, RUSH had
been an all time favorite band for well over a decade. As a musician, I
have longed to share in their musical ability for performance and
composition. I can cover some of my favorite RUSH hits, but they
remain a band I get more enjoyment out of listening to, than playing.
Their music will always have a special place in my heart, and I hope they
continue for a long time into the future. |
