News

Buffalo News: July 10, 2002

An evening with Rush: Vapor Trails 2002 Tour

by Britney Muscarella

No introduction was needed as Canada's legendary rock trio, Rush, brought its Vapor Trails 2002 Tour to Buffalo on Sunday night.  The concert tour, which played Six Flags Darien Lake's Performing Arts Center, is the band's first in almost five years, and "Vapor Trails" is also the band's newest album.

When 7:30 came around, Rush opened the show with "Tom Sawyer" from its "Moving Pictures" album.

Rush worked several of its new songs into the program, along with about 25 other Rush concert classics including "Spirit of Radio," "Temples of Syrinx," "YYZ" and "Lime Light."

The songs were accompanied by a backdrop of green lasers, colorful lights, fire and fog, and a giant screen that displayed images or sometimes music videos that corresponded with each song.  Drummer Neil Peart awed the crowd with a 10-minute drum solo that ended with him jamming along to a swing/big band tune that played on the back screen.

From the opening notes of "Tom Sawyer" to the closing rhythms of "Working Man," Rush kept the crowd on its feet and cheering - for the entire 3 1/2-hour show.

The amazing show that Rush gave to Buffalo was proof enough that its music has withstood the test of time.  The band is back to carry on the musical legacy that it began in the '70s, even after experiencing personal tragedies (Peart's daughter was killed in a car accident and his wife died of cancer) that threatened the continuation of Rush's legendary music.