Rush News
Neil Peart has updated his website with "AUTUMN SERENADE", his latest edition of "News Weather and Sports". Neil has this important bit of news for us:
"In this autumn of 2009, the three of us are poised on another kind of 'reinvention.' We have agreed to meet in Los Angeles in November, and discuss our future. We learned many years ago that when we finish one long project—like a two-year tour following a year or so of writing and recording for Snakes and Arrows—we don’t make any further plans for a while. It’s good to feel truly free for a time, and to clear your mind to focus on what you’d really like to do next. Of course, these are parlous times in the music business, so our time-honored pattern of touring, recording, and touring is no longer the obvious way to do things. The music world—or at least the business of it—is very different now, even since 2006, when we began work on Snakes and Arrows. The importance of 'the album' is not what it was, and there is currently a reversion to a musical climate rather like the 1950s, when only 'the song' matters. Radio, downloads, and 'shuffle' settings are inimical to collected works. Because of that reality, record company advances that used to pay for album projects are a thing of the past, so if that was what we wanted to do, we’d be on our own......To this point, the three of us haven’t even discussed what we might discuss, so to speak—so our ideas and shared enthusiasm for the entity of Rush will be fresh, spontaneous, and quite likely exciting. For myself, I’m open to anything we can all agree on (I’ve pointed out before that in a three-piece band, we need consensus, not democracy—it’s no good having one outvoted and unhappy member). My favorite group activity is always songwriting and recording, and I’ve got some lyrical ideas and those new drumming frontiers to explore. However, those rhythmic concepts would also be inspiring for a new drum solo, if we decided to do a tour of some kind, maybe with an orchestra. We could write and record just a few songs, and release them some way. Or there were a couple of film-and-music projects we had discussed in the past. In any case, there are enough possibilities for future collaboration, and I am curious to see what we’ll come up with."- Thanks to Tony Stiles for the headsup!  Ari Gold, producer and star of Adventures Of Power, interviews Neil Peart in a new video posted on the DrumChannel.com. - Thanks to Panacea2112 for the headsup!Adventures Of Power is a comedy film about one man's quest to win an "air-drumming" competition, has finally made it to theaters in a limited capacity.The film, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2008, includes a cameo by Neil Peart. In addition, "Tom Sawyer" is heard during the film's trailer, which includes a glimpse of a Rush poster. Click here for showtimes. In honor of the film's release, check out the all new "Power Versus Peart" live video: "Neil Peart on drums. Power on air drums. In honor of ADVENTURES OF POWER 'The best rock movie in many a year!' - Neil Peart".  In early August, Main Drag Music in Brooklyn New York auctioned off Neil Peart's chrome Slingerland drumkit, the first kit he purchased after becoming a member of Rush, for $25,100. This kit, pictured on the All The World's A Stage cover, was retired by Neil near the end of the All The World's A Stage tour in June '77, replacing it with his black chrome kit first used for the recording of A Farewell To Kings.The as of yet anonymous owner of the kit will be bringing it to the Percussion Arts Society (PASIC) show to be held November 11-14 in Indianapolis, Indiana (the same show where Neil's Snakes & Arrows drum kit will be on display). The newly restored kit will be found in booth #1254. Visitors to the show will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the kit as well as have the opportunity to play the kit, for a small charitable donation to the American Cancer Society. Photos taken with the kit will cost between $3 and $5 depending on your location in or near the kit, and playing the kit will run you $10 a minute. Cameras are not required; photos will taken by the kit owner and will be emailed to you. If you don't plan on attending but would still like to donate to the American Cancer Society, donations are being taken at neilpeartdrumsticks.com.
In a new interview with Recordinghacks.com, Rush engineer and producer Paul Northfield discusses working with Rush on Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Vapor Trails, and other great records through the years. - Thanks to Cygnify for the headsup!
 Alex Lifeson appeared on Tuesday's "The Rick Mercer Report" on the CBC. Click here for the video. During the episode, Lifeson and Mercer go indoor skydiving, and also visit Alex's bar, The Orbit Room. Alex Lifeson is the last member of Rush to appear on the show; both Geddy Lee and Neil Peart have previously done so."The odd couple were in town Wednesday filming a segment for The Rick Mercer Report, donning flappy flight gear to tackle the Niagara Freefall Indoor Skydiving challenge. With cameras rolling, the duo floated atop 225 km/h winds generated by a jet engine at the Stanley Avenue attraction. 'All we've been told is that it's harder than it looks,' said Lifeson, ...'It's the string that's over the jet engine that's disconcerting.' 'I just find standing over a jet engine disconcerting,' added Mercer. The segment finds Mercer and Lifeson hitting the town for a guys' night out. Mercer heard about the Niagara attraction from a co-worker, and decided to freefall with the guy who riffed on Freewill and Spirit of Radio. 'Alex is apparently up for anything ... or crazy, I haven't determined yet.' The crew arrived in town just before noon and quickly shot the segment before either Rush or Mercer fans got wind." - NiagraFallsReview.ca, October 14, 2009  Last month the nominees for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2010 were announced, and RUSH were again passed up in this their tenth year of eligibility. The L.A. Times has published a new story titled "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's discord progression", which includes the statment, "In pop, as in the sporting world that provided a model for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, one fan's dream is another's disappointment. This is true of the annual artist inductions, which elevate some while ignoring others -- Rush was robbed again! -- and the pattern will repeat Thursday and Friday in New York at the hall's 25th anniversary concerts." Click here for more. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!Click here for more on RUSH and the Rock Hall.
"Rush drummer and Blue Cheer fan Neil Peart wrote the following in memory of singer/bassist Dickie Peterson, who died after a battle with liver cancer on October 12th". - Rollingstone.com, October 21, 2009
 As was previously hinted at, the R30 reissue, originally set for release November 17th, has been delayed until December 8th. In addition, although it was previously believed that the full concert would be released on both DVD and Blu-Ray, it has now been confirmed that this will be a Blu-Ray only re-release.This Blu-Ray release will be the first time the entire R30 concert will be available in its complete form. Eight songs were dropped from the original DVD release, an oversight Geddy Lee promised to rectify one day: "Some of the songs were dropped from R30 due to technical reasons but also we didn't want to have too many similarities with Rush In Rio. Why not? Well, I think now that it was a dumb decision of ours. In fact I regret not having put the whole show on those disks. But I promise you, all those songs that were cut will eventually see the light of day, in some shape or form." - Geddy Lee, Aardschok Magazine, March 2006  "Canadian thrash metal legends SACRIFICE will release their first new album in more than fifteen years in November on Sonic Unyon in Canada. Entitled The Ones I Condemn, the album was recorded at Toronto's Rouge Valley Studios last winter by the band and Darius Szczepaniak...Released by the Brazilian-based Marquee Records this summer, Sonic Unyon will release a domestic Canadian version of the album, ensuring that it will be available in retails stores nationwide in their home country...After reuniting for a sold out performance at Toronto's Opera House in 2007, the band decided to reconvene and record a new studio album. Containing ten new original songs, the Canadian version of the album will also contain an exclusive bonus track of the band's cover of the Rush classic 'Anthem.'" - Thanks to Sean at SonicUnyon.com.
 The August 2009 issue of "Classic Rock Presents…Prog" included a special feature on RUSH. The article has been transcribed by John at Cygnus-X1.net and is now available online here. You can also purchase a copy of the magazine at www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk."Issue 3 of …Prog looks at the world of prog metal, featuring such genre stars as Dream Theater, Queensryche, Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Voivod and Finnish siren Tarja, and an intriguing interview with the man who launched the legendary Vertigo label. There are also brand new interviews with ex-Genesis guitarists Steve Hackett and Anthony Phillips, Marillion, The Gathering, War Of The World’s maestro Jeff Wayne, It Bites and even Captain Sensible. Plus there’s the usual round-up on the latest prog news and an even bigger reviews section than ever before. All this plus a free CD featuring an hour’s worth of the finest new progressive music being made today." - ClassicRockMagazine.com
"...Nimbus Publishing will be releasing Atlantic Canada’s 100 Greatest Books this month. The editors are currently running a contest to see if you can guess the top five. Neil Peart weighs in on his own personal top ten:
"Barometer Rising by Hugh MacLennan; The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston; The Custodian of Paradise by Wayne Johnston; Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie Macdonald; The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie Macdonald; The Republic of Nothing by Lesley Choyce; An Avalanche of Ocean by Lesley Choyce; The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx; The Architects Are Here by Michael Winter; The Wreckage by Michael Crummey"- QuillandQuire.com, October 9, 2009 - Thanks to AndrewOlson.com for the headsup!
Tracklist: Limelight, The Spirit Of Radio, 2112, Freewill, Dreamline, Far Cry, Subdivisions, One Little Victory (previously unreleased), Closer to the Heart, Tom Sawyer (w/South Park intro), Working Man, YYZClick here for the official press release. It can be assumed that One Little Victory is from the soon to be released R30 release, as it was one of the tracks dropped from the original DVD/CD release. "Alex Lifeson (RUSH), Red Green (Steve Smith), Jessica Holmes, Rita MacNeil and Stompin’ Tom Connors are just a few of the celebrities who have taken up brushes and paints to create small masterpieces to help the nearly 2 million Canadians who either have kidney disease or are at risk." - www.kidney.ca "It is through the support by all of us that the Kidney Foundation of Canada can continue to provide hope for those who are not so fortunate and must live with this debilitating condition. I urge you to take the time to help in any way you can, whether by donation or some other method to realize the dream of a cure. Even a little goes a long way..." - Alex Lifeson
Neil Peart's Snakes & Arrows tourkit will be on display in Guitar Center's booth at this year's Percussion Arts Society (PASIC) show in Indianapolis, IN. The show runs from November 11-14 in Indianapolis; complete details can be found online at www.pasic.org.- Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!
Hunter Willis (brother of Blake Willis, the generous Rush fan who owns and maintains the 2112.net servers), is an aide worker and English teacher in a small village just outside Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (French West Africa). You can read Hunter's blog here.
Early this month the village was hit by a 100-year-flood that pretty much wiped out about 150,000 Burkinabe homes (houses made of mud bricks simply dried in the sun; guess what happens when a flood comes...). You can imagine what the conditions are in the village, and Hunter has asked for our help! Hunter has direct contact with medicine & food wholesalers so any monetary funds which he receives can be used as efficiently as possible. Anything you feel like contributing would certainly be appreciated. Hunter is also keeping a list of people and organizations that help out and making sure that the people that are eating & getting meds know where they come from (so we can recruit some new Rush fans while we're at it :-). To help out please send what you can via PayPal to Blake Willis' account, paypal@2112.net, and he will pass it along promptly. Thank you in advance for your help!  The new comedy film Trailer Park Boys 2: Countdown To Liquor Day, opened today in Canadian theaters. The film includes yet another cameo by Alex Lifeson, this time in the role of a cross-dressing undercover policeman:"Of course, there's the de rigueur appearance by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, here playing a drunken, undercover cop posing as a transvestite in a gay-prostitute alley (centered around a Chip Wagon that serves alcohol -- man, Halifax is one weird town). The character may indeed be the same cop Lifeson played in the previous Trailer Park Boys movie, showing his true colours." - Edmonton Sun, September 25, 2009 - Thanks to RushIsABand.com
"Today’s Tom Sawyer, he gets high on you, and the space he invades is your personal computer. Well, if you’re using GarageBand ’09, anyway. The GarageBand Lesson Store has added three new lessons to its arsenal, including the classic tune by the Canadian progressive rock band. Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson contributes two lessons to the new assortment, 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Limelight'...Each lesson costs $5 and consists of a video of the artist walking you through the piece, in some cases with both simplified and more complicated versions of the song." - MacWorld.com, September 22, 2009 - Thanks to Devon Cox for the headsup!
 Burning The Days, the long awaited album by Vertical Horizon, is finally available. Neil plays drums on three tracks, "Welcome To The Bottom", "Save Me From Myself", and "Even Now" (in fact, these tracks were recorded before Rush recorded Snakes & Arrows). In addition, Neil contributed lyrics to "Even Now", which you can view here.The April 2007 issue of Drumhead Magazine included an interview with Vertical Horizon frontman, Matt Scannell, where he discussed his friendship and collaboration with Neil, and also discussed how Vertical Horizon was influenced by Rush. Neil first wrote about this collaboration over three years ago in his "News Weather & Sports" report: "Late in 2005, Matt and I started working on a song together, with lyrics I wrote especially for Matt’s voice — literal and metaphorical. Matt suggested I might like to play drums on that song, and when I agreed to that, he started sending me demos of other songs he thought I might like to play on. (Trickster!). So while I was in Toronto working on Rush songs, I was also 'moonlighting' on three of Matt’s songs, playing to his demos and working out drum parts for them...Through the miracle of modern technology, I was able to e-mail those recorded sketches to Matt, and collect his comments as I went along. Thus it came to pass...on June 14, 2006, at Capitol Records Studio B in Hollywood (Hollywood and Vine, in fact), I recorded three songs for Matt’s upcoming Vertical Horizon album...The following day I told Matt that session had been one of the greatest challenges, experiences, and — now — rewards of my life. That’s the way I have always felt about making Rush albums, and I have every faith the same will be true when Alex, Geddy, and I reconvene in September." - Neil Peart, NeilPeart.net, June 17, 2006
Five-star Drum Shops are holding a drumming event on Sunday November 1st with the goal to set a world record by having as many drummers they can get to play at the same time. All who enter and perform will have a chance to win a Neil Peart autographed bass drum head. For more information, visit www.fivestardrumshops.com.- Thanks to Frank Ray for the headsup!
GuitarInternational.com has posted an interview between long time Rush fan Skip Daly and RUSH's original roadie, Ian Grady. Ian has stories of the very beginnings of Rush, told for the first time. - Thanks to Skip Daly for the headsup!
 The City Sonic Project pairs Canadian music artists with award-winning Canadian filmmakers to create short documentary films about the artists' connection to places where their musical lives were transformed. One of the 13 short films pairs Geddy Lee with director Bruce McDonald. Geddy takes viewers on a tour inside the legendary Massey Hall, culminating in his memories of the making of All The World's A Stage. The film premiered today at the Toronto International Film Festival, and can also be seen online here. In addition, you can also check out the Geddy Lee Massey Hall Flickr photo stream. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!In the film, Geddy reminisces first playing Massey Hall in 1975; in fact, it is believed that Rush first performed in Massey Hall on October 24th, 1974, as stated in this 35 year old Billboard Magazine article.  The 2010 Rush Calendar is now shipping from Amazon.com, featuring album art and live photos from Permanent Waves, which will celebrate its 30th Anniversary on New Year's Day 2010. In addition, the calendar includes previous quotes from artist Hugh Syme and Neil Peart where they discuss the Permanent Waves album art (as provided by our Album Art Guide!).For more Rush items from Amazon, be sure to visit our recently revamped Merchandise page!  The Ultimate Drum Play-Along Rush: Authentic Drum (Book & CD) is now available."Learn to play your favorite Rush songs with these terrific transcriptions and play-along tracks. The CD contains two version of each song: a complete version for demonstration and a play-along version without drums so you can play with the rhythm tracks. Plus the CD contains embedded software that allows you to slow down, loop and even transpose keys! Plus, there are matching guitar and bass editions available! Titles: Anthem, Closer to the Heart, Spirit of Radio, Temples of Syrinx, Tom Sawyer, YYZ."- Thanks to AndrewOlson.com for the headsup!  Alex Lifeson is one of an all star cast of actors and musicians who appear in the new Canadian vampire comedy Suck which premiered last Friday at the Toronto International Film Festival. Lifeson has a cameo as a Canadian border officer:"Alex Lifeson should just fuckin’ quit Rush and be an actor, he’s so funny. He did all these little things, like playing with the typewriter and other subtle things that were so funny. I kept saying, 'Dude, be an actor!’” - Writer/Director Rob Stefaniuk, Now Magazine, September 9-16, 2009In the film, Lifeson's character stops the vampire rock band and asks them about their business. After some small talk, Lifeson says "Are you a band? I used to be in a band too! Man, that brings me back! Well kids, have fun!" Later, Lifeson stops the vampire hunter, and when the hunter confirms he is coming to Canada for "hunting", Lifeson replies "Welcome home!" The film's trailer can be seen here. - Thanks to Rushfan19 and RushIsABand for the headsup!  Guitar Hero 5 was released September 1st, with 85 songs by 83 artists, including a previously unreleased live version of "The Spirit Of Radio" (click here to view).We have confirmed with SRO/Anthem that this recording was taken from an unreleased live performance in Manchester on June 17, 1980 on the Permanent Waves Tour (Producer Terry Brown, Engineer Andy Rose, mobile truck recorder- Mobile studio LONDON). Unfortunately, there are no plans at this time for a live album release of the complete Manchester show, but anything can happen...
While it is still too early to start making vacation plans, a new interview with Alex Lifeson alludes to the fact that Rush might be touring in support of a new album next year:
"'Neil and his wife had a baby just a couple of weeks ago, so he's asked if we can just wait a little bit until he gets settled and see how he feels about getting back to work or when to get back to work. So we're sort of playing it open right now.' Lifeson says he's been doing a little writing at home in Toronto, 'just getting myself back into the groove again with recording and stuff like that. I would guess that sometime in the early fall we would get back together and start writing again, and then hopefully by next summer, we'd be ready to tour.'" - Noisecreep.com, Sep. 3, 2009Thanks to BP for the headsup!
Wow I got a lot of emails about Tuesday's RUSH reference on the SyFy channel's Warehouse 13; thanks to everyone who contributed to this report. In the opening scene of the episode titled "Regrets" (Season 1, Episode 9), agents Myka (Played by Joanne Kelly) and Pete (Played by Eddie McClintok) are sent to a prison where there are unexplained suicides. They are sifting through a box with one the victims personal effects and come across a manuscript with a picture of a snake eating its tail on the cover. Myka says "Ouroboros, the snake, it's a symbol of self reflection and simplicity", to which Pete replys "...and the best Rush album since Roll The Bones, Snakes & Arrows rocks!" You can view the scene here.
Twenty five years ago today, "The Enemy Within" served as the first video aired on Canada's "MuchMusic" music television channel. The Toronto Star commemorated MuchMusic's birth on Saturday with an article titled Remembering MusicMusic's Birth Days". - Thanks to Louis Grittani for the headsup.
"Yes, it's been nearly 25 years since MuchMusic launched with Rush's "The Enemy Within," followed by an interview with singer Geddy Lee and a Day 1 playlist that also included the Fixx, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Yes and Slade." - TheStar.com, Aug. 29, 2009  Rush, Rock Music, and the Middle Class: Dreaming in Middletown by Chris McDonald, is tentatively slated for release October 28th. A professor at Cape Breton University, McDonald is an ethnomusicologist who specializes in popular music studies.Synopsis: "Canadian progressive rock band Rush was the voice of the suburban middle class. In this book, Chris McDonald assesses the band's impact on popular music and its legacy for legions of fans. McDonald explores the ways in which Rush's critique of suburban life -- and its strategies for escape -- reflected middle-class aspirations and anxieties, while its performances manifested the dialectic in prog rock between discipline and austerity, and the desire for spectacle and excess. The band's reception reflected the internal struggles of the middle class over cultural status. Critics cavalierly dismissed, or apologetically praised, Rush's music for its middlebrow leanings. McDonald's wide-ranging musical and cultural analysis sheds light on one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s."- Thanks to Rushisaband for the headsup!  Two years ago this month, Rob Zombie's Halloween first aired in theaters, with "Tom Sawyer" heared in the film as well as being included on the soundtrack. Tonight the AMC movie channel aired John Carpenter's original Halloween, with Rob Zombie talking about the film and his own remakes...while wearing a Fly By Night t-shirt. - Thanks to George Yurchisn for the headsup!
From Rush.com: "The RUSH family congratulates Neil and his wife Carrie on the birth of their healthy, beautiful daughter Olivia Louise Peart." - Rush.com, August 24, 2009 - Thanks to Trip Kinzie for the headsup!
 The special Rush issue of Prog includes an update on the forthcoming Rush documentary."'We've been lucky, not only have we had access to [Rush management] SRO's archives but also Geddy, Alex and Neil's own personal archives,' enthuses director Dunn. 'I was just at Geddy's house this week. Going through his personal collection of memorabilia. I dug up some gems I don't think Rush fans have ever seen so we're hoping to offer something new.'...The as-yet untitled film will also feature contributions from a host of musicians who have toured with or been inspired by Rush, including Billy Corgan, Trent Reznor, Tool, Foo Fighters, Kiss, Uriah Heep and Primus. Dunn and McMadyen look to complete filming at the end of this year, so a theatrical release is slated for early next summer. Watch out for exclusive footage of the three members interacting with each other in the band's unique way. 'We got some rare backstage footage in Europe,' Says Dunn. 'And the camaraderie between the three really comes across. They're almost telepathic and I think that's what's been behind their great success. They have such a deep understanding of each other's personalities and of each other's strengths. That's something that's pretty amazing to see and what we want to convey in the film.'" - Prog, Issue #3- Thanks to Rushisaband for the headsup!
Neil Peart is quoted in an article featuring Cream drummer Ginger Baker titled "The Devil and Ginger Baker", in the August 20th issue of Rolling Stone. - Thanks to Trip Kinzie for the headsup!
"His playing was revolutionary- extrovert, primal, and inventive," says Rush drummer Neil Peart. "He set the bar for what rock drumming could be. I certainly emulated Ginger's approaches to rhythm- his hard, flat, percussive sound was very innovative. Everyone who came after built on that foundation. Every rock drummer since has been influenced in some way by Ginger- even if they don't know it." - Rolling Stone, August 20, 2009  Fellow fans of the original Red Barchetta, feast your eyes here. Autoblog.com has an extensive photo gallery featuring a collection of Ferrari 166MM Barchetta's at this week's Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. - Thanks to Ros-ma Kloma for the headsup!"One of the featured groups of cars for Pebble Beach were a number of influential Ferrari models, and perhaps none were more so than the 166 MM Barchetta. Nicknamed the 'Little Boat,' the 166 MM was one of Enzo's very first race cars, and it put Ferrari on the map both as a race team and as a manufacturer.  Neil Peart is featured on the September cover of American Motorcyclist. The accompanying story and interview, "Rocker & Roller: Rush Drummer Neil Peart Lives For Motorcycles", tells of his recently being awarded "Honorary Life Membership" by the American Motorcyclist Association, and discusses Neil's passion for motorcycling. The complete article is now available at AmericanMotocyclist.com- Thanks to Rushisaband.com for the headsup!
Geddy Lee is one of many notable Canadians who are part of a commercial citing the importance for keeping the The Walrus, a Canadian general interest magazine which publishes long form journalism on Canadian and international affairs, along with fiction and poetry by Canadian writers. Launched in September 2003, as an attempt to create a Canadian equivalent to American magazines such as Harper's, The Atlantic Monthly or The New Yorker, the flagging magazine's mandate is to "be a Canadian general-interest magazine with an international outlook. You can watch the video here. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-x1.net for the headsup!
 I Love You Man, the hit "bromance" comedy starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray. Both Rudd and Segel are real-life Rush fans, and the film is full of Rush sightings, including a scene which takes place at a Rush concert with a cameo by the band. Additional Rush sightings can be found throughout, including Rudd and Segel jamming to "Limelight", a performance which is included on the I Love You Man Soundtrack (along with the original Rush versions of both "Limelight" and "Tom Sawyer"). Check out this extended 4:13 clip of Rush performing "Limelight" for the film, which includes footage not found in the final release. "When I met (the band) and I was explaining the scene to them, I was so hypersensitive that they would enjoy themselves and not feel as if we were making fun of them because we were not at all. So I was explaining it to them, like, 'Jason and I are dancing around and we're really, really excited, and Rashida [Jones], her character is weirded out by us but she's kind of bored because we're totally ignoring her. So that's what's going on in the scene. We're way into it and she's kind of bored.' And Geddy Lee said, 'So it's just like any one of our concerts.' (laughter)" - Paul Rudd, ComingSoon.net, March 19, 2009  The Grace Under Pressure Tour Soundtrack is now available for the first time ever as a stand-alone CD release, value priced at $10.97. Previously only available as a bonus disc included in the Replay X 3 DVD Boxed Set, the stereo mix was created in 2006 by Alex Lifeson and Mike Fraser from the original concert multi-tracks. Packaged in a traditional jewelcase, the CD booklet is a miniature reproduction of the Grace Under Pressure tourbook (this booklet was also included in the Replay box).Tracklist: Intro (The Three Stooges) (0:57); The Spirit Of Radio (4:54); The Enemy Within (4:48); The Weapon (7:42); Witch Hunt (4:41); New World Man (3:59); Distant Early Warning (6:11); Red Sector "A" (5:22); Closer To The Heart (3:35); YYZ/Temples Of Syrinx/Tom Sawyer (9:41); Vital Signs (4:56); Finding My Way/In The Mood (3:35)  Sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson has taken a stab at fantasy with his new book The Edge Of The world, which hit bookstores June 8th. The book is dedicated to Anderson's long time friend, Neil Peart; Anderson also mentions that the book is influenced by prog rock, especially the music of Rush.The relationship between Anderson & Peart first began over twenty years ago; the duo have collaborated in the past, and Neil has included Anderson in his "Bubba's Book Club" recommendations and also wrote the introduction to Anderson's Landscapes (2006). For a summary of Anderson's Rush inspired literature, click here. - Thanks to Chad Saylor for the headsup!  Axe Heaven, creators of meticulously produced miniature replica guitar collectibles have done it again. They have reproduced Neil Peart's Snakes & Arrows Drum Kit in miniature! The complete kit includes 12 drums, 9 cymbals, sticks, stands and stool for only $59.99. The 20 introductory sets have sold out, and back orders will be shipped as soon as possible."This beautifully handcrafted miniature drum set is made from solid wood and metal parts. The detail is stunning from the hollow bass drum to the mini drum sticks. A great gift and collectible for any music fan! All stands included."Axe Heaven is again offering special discounts for Power Windows Website Users. To receive the discount, just enter the below coupon code while checking out at AxeHeaven.com.
Survivorman creator and host Les Stroud appeared on The Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Tuesday night. The topic of being in a band came up, and as Stroud is Canadian, Ferguson of course asks "what band were you in, Rush?" Stroud replies, "actually, I built the board for "The Big Money" video, for Rush...I used to be in rock videos, building sets and stuff." Click here for the video, the Rush discussion begins at Rush part begins just after the 7-minute mark. - Thanks to RushIsABand!
Congressman Ron Paul's son Rand Paul is quoting "The Spirit of Radio" on the Campaign trail in his race for Senate. He also using other Rush songs like "Tom Sawyer" as background music to his videos. Here is a video of Rand's recent speech given earlier this month. - Thanks to Cygnus-x1.net for the headsup!
Check out this YouTube video where the Durham Regional Police Pipe Band includes "Tom Sawyer" in their performance piece. - Thanks to RushIsABand for the headsup!
Geddy Lee is a new addition to the Rock Legends Wax Museum in Niagara Falls. Geddy Lee, along with Slash, are the latest arrivals to the museum. - Thanks Sam for the headsup!
 Fender has announced it has added a second edition of the Geddy Lee Jazz Bass to Signature line, this one with a sunburst finish and black pick guard. This is a minor revision to the previous version, a replica of his trusty black bass with white pick guard. - Thanks to Sean Robinson for the headsup!"Mean, mean stride! Our Geddy Lee Jazz Bass guitar is an exact replica of the tonally singular instrument that Rush’s revered bassist/vocalist has riffed away on in front of thousands of devoted fans worldwide and on many a mega-selling album.
CNET News has posted "The top 10 songs the Web brought back", a commentary on how the Net and video games have made old songs popular again. Coming in at #5 - "YYZ": "This instrumental track, originally released in 1981, is one of the most difficult songs to play in 'Guitar Hero' and now 'Rock Band,' so it's become a sort of a geek milestone..." - Thanks to George Yurchisn for the headsup!
 Last year it was announced that through the efforts of their fans, led by none other than Donna Halper, Rush would be one of 25 recipients chosen by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce's Walk of Fame Committee to be enshrined in 2009. There still has been no announcement of a formal ceremony, however, and a source close to the band has recently told Power Windows that "they have already received the honour...the ceremony will likely take place the next time the band plays L.A."(!).To commemorate the Walk Of Fame induction, Knucklebonz has created a special limited edition of their Starman Iconz Statuette. Imprinted with the signatures by all three band members and trimmed in gold to replicate the Walk Of Fame star, this special edition is limited to a run of 500 and is only be available from the Rush Backstage Club for the price of $99.99. Click here for additional information. - Thanks to John @ Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!
At Sunday night's ESPY awards, "Tom Sawyer" was used as the soundtrack for the "Best Male Athlete Nominees" video montage. Click here for the video. - Thanks to Michael Sussman for the headsup!
 Last year, while performing in Kansas City, Geddy Lee made a detour to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum where he made news through his donation of 200 baseballs signed by historic negro baseball players. Last Friday, a recent article was published which tells The Incredible Tale of Geddy Lee and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. - Thanks to John at Cygnus-X1.net for the headsup!
A fan made mashup of Rush and the Beastie Boys can be seen on Youtube. The creators of the video did a great job in culling the archives for all kinds of source footage. Thanks to Mark Brummer for the headsup!
During a live recording of Kate Perry singing "I Kissed A Girl", at the end of the song the band band closes with the traditional "Cygnus X-1" ending which is familiar to Rush fans around the world. It is unknown if Katy is a fan, or just her band; you can hear the snippet during the July 11th episode of Fearnie and Reggie's All Request Show on BBC Radio. Fast forward to 2:55:55 to hear Cygnus... - Thanks to Pro747 for the headsup!
 Located in the tourist town of Bar Harbor, Maine, just outside of Acadia National Park, one will find the friendly establishment dubbed "Geddy's Pub". Established in 1974 (of course), the pub was founded by Gerald "Geddy" (pronounced "jeddy") Mitchell.The pub sells a clever t-shirt available online which reads "It's A Rush...Meet Me At Geddy's" featuring the pub's moose mascot, wearing Geddy's hair and glasses while playing Geddy Lee's signature Jazz Bass! They also have an online "Geddy's Hall Of Fame" which consists of photos of people wearing Geddy's t-shirts, etc. Geddy's web site manager Gary Schide would love to get more photos of Rush fans (or maybe Geddy Lee himself) wearing this t-shirt, especially at Rush shows! - Thanks to Dave Schumann for the headsup!
"Limelight" is used as the background music for a new commercial promoting Pepsi Rock Band, a contest where your can upload your very own Rock Band music video with the possibility of winning an MTV music award. Click here for the video!
The August issue of DRUM! Magazine, featuring Mike Portnoy on the cover, has the results of their annual Drummie awards. Neil takes home awards for "Drummer Of The Year" and "Progressive Rock Drummer".
"Neil Peart's lucky number may just be three. He can definitely play in three; he has been part of a highly successful trio, Rush; and, he has now garnered his third consecutive victory as “Drummer Of The Year” in this year's Drummies. Additionally, he won “Best Progressive Drummer." Enter Music Publishing, the publisher of DRUM! magazine, conducts The Drummies every year with voting open to anyone from February to May. This year 5,310 votes were cast in 41 drum/percussion categories ranging from “Best Drummer” to “Best Drum Advertisement." - DrumMagazine.com
In a new article in the UK's Guardian, various artists pic their favorite pop band. Geddy Lee is quoted:
'Describing someone as "the best" is something you do at school in grade 5, but Radiohead are the most interesting of the big groups. In terms of communication and reach, it has to be U2, but I like Radiohead's intricacy and melodic content. They've got a willingness to experiment with melody and texture that a lot of bands don't have. Plus, they manage to stay fresh. It's more about attitude than technology. I've often thought Radiohead carry on what began as progressive rock nearly 40 years ago. There's a similar spirit and willingness to explore.' - Geddy Lee, The Guardian, June 26, 2009 - Thanks to Willie Brown for the headsup!  As previously announced, Warner Music Japan has reissued RUSH's first 12 studio albums as Mini-LP SHM-CD's. Priced at just under $50 each, the first batch of releases include The debut album, Fly By Night, Caress Of Steel, 2112, A Farewell To Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Picures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, Power Windows, Hold Your Fire, as well as Retrospective I and Retrospective II.The CD's are packaged as "Mini-LP's" in cardboard sleeves to faithfully mimic the original LP style. Only the first 12 studio albums will be released at this time, with future releases dependent on actual sales. Rush fan Jun'ya Suzuki of the Japanese Rush collector site "The Sphere" worked closely with Warner Music Japan to faithfully reproduce with exquisite detail the artwork of the original first edition Canadian LPs: you can view detailed images of the mini-lp artwork here. Although the data itself is not remastered, these "super high material" cd's purportedly improve the original audio through the use of new plastic material which is much clearer than normal cd's, thus reducing mechanical distortion and improving resolution. There are already some detrators to this technology, however. - Thanks Jun'ya for the headsup!
Along with co-editor Jim Berti, long time Rush and philosophy author Durrell Bowman is putting together an anthology of articles and synopses featuring Rush and Philosophy. The editors recently posted a request for short articles on this topic.
Durrell Bowman is no stranger to this topic. On the "Rush Inspired Literature And Film" page of this site, you will find this listing of his works:
On June 18th, Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio and Doane Perry conducted a live chat on DrumChannel.com. The chat may an now be seen at this link. Also, check out Neil Peart's Master Class at DrumChannel.com. This 10 part video class runs only $14.95!
DrumChannel.com has also posted the first part of what will be a multipart series of a drum jam between Neil, Terry Bozzio, and Joey Heredia which you can view here. The full length jam can be found as a "Bonus Lesson" in Neil's Master Class titled "Frontiers of Composition and Articulation". "During a warm-up session with Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, and Joey Heredia, the Drum Channel crew was so impressed, we started rolling the cameras and managed to capture this amazing musical performance. We call this 'Part 1' of the Neil Peart Drum Jam. The full length jam can be found as a "Bonus Lesson" in Neil's Master Class titled Frontiers of Composition and Articulation - available on DC later this week." - DrumChannel.com, June 16, 2009  Rush's master recording of "YYZ" is included in the new Guitar Hero Smash Hits compilation now available on XBox, Wii and Playstation consoles. "YYZ" is one of 48 songs compiled from previous Guitar Hero releases, yet unlike the version of originally released on Guitar Hero 2, this is the master recording and includes play from all instruments.
 Last month, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee's appeared on CBC Radio's Q with Jian Ghomeshi. The video is now available on the program's YouTube channel.
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