I had the good fortune to see Rush in concert this weekend after years of missed opportunities. Let me first preface my remarks by saying that, as a big music fan, I’ve seen literally hundreds of shows in my 31 years…everything from Pink Floyd to Tool, REM to U2, Phish to Widespread Panic, Dylan to Lyle Lovett and a myriad of other bands both old and new, big and small. Rush is by no means my favorite band, although I’ve always had respect for their music (and for their album cover art - some of the best ever imo).
In terms of musicianship, Rush made every other band I’ve seen before look like rank amateurs. It was literally jaw-dropping to watch them play. Obviously Neil Peart has the reputation for being one of the best rock drummers and he did not disappoint. He was flawless - razor sharp precision that looked effortless. His solos brought the house down. Alex Lifeson was brilliant as well but the real hero to me was Geddy Lee. I know his voice is off-putting to some but man is it strong live…and his bass playing is absolutely the best I’ve ever seen in concert. To lay down those bass lines while singing was something to behold. I couldn’t believe the sound they were able to bring with only 3 musicians - they are truly the original power trio. If you get a chance to see them play, do yourself a favor.
Phish to Widespread Panic, Dylan to Lyle Lovett and a myriad of other bands both old and new, big and small… In terms of musicianship, Rush made every other band I’ve seen before look like rank amateurs. .
You’re comparing Rush – one of the best bands ever – to Phish and Lyle Lovette? Phish? Lyle Lovette?
So where did you see Rush? Indoors or out?
And if “musicmanship” is a real word; it shouldn’t be.
I saw Rush for the first (and only) time a few years ago and they were awesome. Neil Peart is the man. When he does his 10-15 minute drum solo, it’s incredible.
Agreed. Rush can still rock the house. Do a youtube search for “YYZ/RUSH” and you’ll find a live performance that will solidify one’s vote for Neil Peart as possibly the best rock percussionist ever.
I have always enjoyed their " They call me the Workin man " song. I use to turn it up in traffic after a long day. Dont have much of an ear for drummers , always seems like the entry level job to a band IMHO . No shortage of talent .
I saw Rush for the first time (my first concert) in '83 or ‘84. I took my future (current) wife to a Rush concert - she still gives me a hard time about that “date”. I think she was the only female in the entire stadium. Glad to hear they’re still rockin’!
I see Geddy Lee occassionally at the Rosedale Diner in Toronto, and revert back to an awestruck geeky 15-year-old every time he’s in the room. seriously, I couldn’t eat my meal last time I was there because i was so excited that he was at the table next to ours.
Best concert I ever went to was Rush at Maple Leaf Gardens, early 80’s.
Phish to Widespread Panic, Dylan to Lyle Lovett and a myriad of other bands both old and new, big and small… In terms of musicianship, Rush made every other band I’ve seen before look like rank amateurs. .
You’re comparing Rush – one of the best bands ever – to Phish and Lyle Lovette? Phish? Lyle Lovette?
So where did you see Rush? Indoors or out?
And if “musicmanship” is a real word; it shouldn’t be. I was merely comparing Rush to some of the other bands I have seen who are regarded as being excellent musicians (Phish and Lyle Lovett’s big band certainly fall into this category). If you haven’t given them a listen maybe you should, or better yet see them live. Those are all excellent bands but like I said, Rush was far away the tightest group of rock musicians I’ve ever witnessed. Absolutely amazing - I can’t get the concert out of my mind. **** By the way, I didn’t even mention what classy gentlement the seemed to be. Very gracious - no annoying humorous/political banter between songs. They played 2 long sets and a 3 song encore. Pretty much a perfect concert.
Agreed. Rush can still rock the house. Do a youtube search for “YYZ/RUSH” and you’ll find a live performance that will solidify one’s vote for Neil Peart as possibly the best rock percussionist ever. They ended their show on Friday with “YYZ” - phenomenal!
I saw them the same time frame as my first concert, I think it was 84, it was also my first exposure to people smoking pot. I was 14 at the time. I still think it was the best concert I have ever seen.
I too saw them in the early 80s. I was in high school and loved that song Limelight, which they DIDN’T play that night (I’m still peeved about that). My friends and I stood next to folks who had smuggled in some booze in fake binoculars. When the binoculars were passed to me, I put them up to my eyes, thinking they were real. Whiskey in the eyes – embarassing and painful. Ah, the wonders of youth . . . .
Long time Rush freak here! Seen em a whole bunch (Signals, a show during a special 5 day stint at Radio City Music Hall while still recording GUP, GUP tour itself, Presto tour, and the last 2 tours - I may be leaving some out). Got my tix for St. Louis and can’t wait. They never let you down live - spectacular band (and I’m a total music nerd). The only other band that can match them musician for musician is King Crimson (especially the '80’s lineup of Fripp, Belew, Levin and Bruford - holy shit!) But they’re too “out there” for the casual listener.
*** My friends and I stood next to folks who had smuggled in some booze in fake binoculars. When the binoculars were passed to me, I put them up to my eyes, thinking they were real. Whiskey in the eyes – embarassing and painful.***
Oh to be young, sweet, & innocent. Your post just made me laugh out loud as I can absolutely picture the younger version of you doing that. Let me guess, you felt quesy as the show went on due to a particularly pungent smelling smoke that seemed to be oddly omnipresent as well
The single biggest Nerd Band in the world is excellent in concert, I agree. I saw them 15 years ago (Roll the Gnomes! … er, rather bones tour) and would definitely see them again … There is not a single hard rock trio more geeky though. Pretty much every decent “big” rock band from Canada is uber-geeky: Arcade Fire being the newest example (yes i know totally different from Rush).
I love Rush! Worship Geddy Lee! Snuck in early to the Moving Pictures concert during the sound check and Geddy’s voice cracked during Limelight–I was crushed. When I made it big as a rock star I was going to change my name to Robert G Lee…
I’ve always liked Rush and saw them at the Gorge in George a beautiful outdoor ampitheatre that overlooks the Columbia River in WA state about 9 years ago. They were fantastic.
One of my favorits bumper stickers is : RUSH IS A BAND.
Isn’t Geddy Lee a cancer survivor?
( I just looked on Wikipedia and no mention of cancer, but he is the son of Jewish concentration camp survivors… I love wikipedia.)
You know how he got his name? (It may be in Wikipedia I don’t know…) His real name is Gary but his mom, with her accent, would pronouce it “Geddy”. So, everyone started to call him Geddy…
