Transcript: 'Trio Gives Fans A 20-Year Rush' - Tampa Tribune, March 4, 1994

I have a fresh transcript for your enjoyment. "Trio Gives Fans A 20-Year Rush", a long lost interview with Geddy Lee given during the Counterparts tour, is a syndicated story that appeared in the March 4, 1994 issue of the Tampa Tribune. Geddy talks about the aggressiveness of the album, the old songs "relearned" for the setlist, and that the show was NOT to be confused with a 20th Anniversary reunion show (That isn't what this group is about. Rush is a current, alive group.") - Thanks to Heiko Klages for sending the original article.

"2112-40th Anniversary Edition" linernotes now available

I have just finished transcribing and uploading the linernotes from the new "2112-40th Anniversary Edition." These linernotes are EXTENSIVE, including tons of quotes from the band both old and new, on topics from the thoughts that led to 2112, how the music was recorded, to the creation of the artwork and eventual success. The linernotes also include quotes from the artists who provided covers for this collection, and it is interesting to know they were all worried about pissing off hardcore Rush fans. You can check them out here.

Transcript: 'All Hail The Heirs Apparent!' - Maclean's, July 1, 1976

Here we are on the verge of the release of the 2112 40th Anniversary Edition, when a long lost article from the original release era has been found. Check out, 'All Hail The Heirs Apparent!' from the July 1976 issue of Canada's Maclean's magazine, which praises the band's successes based on their endless touring, while staying "recklessly normal". - Thanks to RushFanForever for the sending the article my way!  

Just a few updates for November

I thought I'd make a note of some updates to the site.  First, obviously I've given the site a new coat of paint in celebration of the documentary, Time Stand Still (I hope you like it!).  Next, I've added the covers of both Time Stand Still and 2112-40th to the Desktop Wallpaper page.  I have also added quite a few wallpapers to the Smartphone Wallpaper page.  And finally be sure to check out the updated Rush Bibliography page (aka "books"), which now includes a "Rush Fiction" section with a complete listing of all Rush novelizations and short stories.

Transcript: "Rush Fans Make Their Way Out Of The Woodwork; After 35 Years Of Criticism, Rush Is Now Considered Cool"- Chicago Tribune, April 15, 2009

From the April 15, 2009 edition of the Chicago Tribune, just after the release of "I Love You Man", check out "Rush Fans Make Their Way Out Of The Woodwork; After 35 Years Of Criticism, Rush Is Now Considered Cool".  Rush fans are everywhere....

Transcript: "All Together Now: Rush Does Its Own Thing" - Chicago Tribune, December 17, 1987

I have a new transcript for your enjoyment.  From the December 17, 1987 edition of the Chicago Tribune check out "All Together Now: Rush Does Its Own Thing", a long lost interview with Neil Peart where he discusses their 12th studio album released in 13 years (just think about that for a moment!), "Hold Your Fire". 

Transcript: 'Just My Type: Geddy Lee Interview by Dan Patrick' - Sports Illustrated, October 26, 2015

I've just transcribed 'Just My Type: Geddy Lee Interview by Dan Patrick' from last October 26th's issue of Sports Illustrated. This interview took place shortly after last year's World Series, and Geddy talks about the Series as well as his experiences singing the Canadian National Anthem in '93 as well as throwing out last year's first pitch in Toronto.

Transcript: "Act Natural, Lee" - Entertainment Weekly, December 15, 2000

I just added a transcript from the December 15, 2000 issue of Entertainment Weekly: "Act Natural, Lee" is a basic Q&A with Geddy published shortly after the release of My Favorite Headache.

Transcript: "Presto Brings Magic Back To Rush Performance," Toronto Star, May 10, 1990

I've just transcribed another long lost interview, this one is with Geddy Lee, interviewed during the Presto tour, as it appeared in the May 10, 1990 issue of the Toronto Star.  In "Presto Brings Magic Back To Rush Performance," Geddy talks about the rebirth of the band with Presto, and also discusses how they went about choosing the opening bands on tour. "Whenever we pick an opening act, we're supplied with a list of who's available. How that list comes to be is always beyond me...and all we try to do is pick a decent band that will work with us. For this tour, we thought it would be nice to have a French act [Voivod] play with us. To be frank, that's as far as we thought about it." - Thanks again to Heiko Klages for supplying the original article!

Rush Sampling Added: "Fright Night" by Capaz on Ultimo Cigarro

Just added to the Tributes & Samplings page, "Fright Night" by Capaz on Ultimo Cigarro.  This song includes a sample of Rush's "A Passage To Bangkok" throughout.

Transcript: 'For The Record: Exit...Stage Left Album Review' - Brandon Sun, November 23, 1981

My latest transcript is from the November 23, 1981 edition of the Brandon Sun: 'For The Record: Exit...Stage Left' is a review of the album where the critic applauds the production for making the live show sound close to the original studio versions, while criticizing Neil's drum solo as "coming up short". - Thanks to J Harrison for sending the transcript!

A Few Site Additions for Your Review

A few website additions for your review...  If I'm missing anything, please drop me a line! - Thanks to Paul Knox-Roberts, Tod Odonnell and Joe Pesch for the headsup!

To the "Rush Covers" page, I added "Tom Sawyer" performed by The United States Airforce Rock Group on the album Mach 1, released in 1983; this is a collection of upbeat anthems, and is now the earliest known Rush cover in print.

Next, a few additions to to the "Pop Culture References" page... During the television show "Person of Interest" (episode "Bad Code", season 2, episode 2), 2112 is part of a tab code which Finch enters into a telephone handset.  Another television show, "Ray Donovan" (episode "Federal Boobie Inspector", season 4, episode 4), sees Ray and another character discussing Canadian rock bands and include Rush.  And finally, as previously posted, the movie "The Infiltrator" was released July 13th, featuring "Tom Sawyer" during the opening credits scene, and it is also the lead track on the film's soundtrack.

Transcript: "Interview With Geddy Lee" - WPHD, November 14, 1987

My next transcript addition is a telephone interview With Geddy Lee on Buffalo's WPHD radio, the morning of Rush's performance there on November 14, 1987. It's fairly detailed and longer than a typical radio interview, and Geddy also took a few calls from listeners. The transcript of the radio broadcast appeared in The Spirit of Rush; I've done some minor editing and clean-up for readability.

Transcript: "A Reluctant Rush To Success" - Rock Magazine, August 1984

My latest transcript is "A Reluctant Rush To Success", another long lost interview with Geddy Lee from the August 1984 issue of Rock Magazine. Published over 30 years ago, this interview is very telling of the band's thoughts during the Grace Under Pressure tour, as according to Geddy, "In some ways, I think we've reached a point where Rush is basically an album-by-album situation. One moment, it's like we're the band we've always been and will be around forever. The next moment, we're thinking 'how long can I keep doing this, or do I even want to continue this?'"  Geddy also forewarns us with the statement "If it happens, don't be looking for any farewell tour or final album. We'll know instinctively when we've had enough. And when we know, that will be the time to quit."

Transcript: 'Rush: They Are What They Are' - Scene, June 28, 1984

32 years ago today, Rush played the first of two nights at the Richfield Coliseum near Cleveland. Rush appeared on the cover of that week's Northeast Ohio Scene newspaper, and Geddy Lee is interviewed in the accompanying feature 'Rush: They Are What They Are.' Geddy talks about the albums themes, producer Peter Henderson, new sounds from the use of the latest technology, and their plan to continue as a touring band. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the article and John Patuto for the transcript!

Transcript: 'Dine With Rush Theme For Polydor's Radio Promotion' - RPM Weekly, March 6, 1976

My next transcript is a brief Rush mention in the March 6, 1976 issue of Canada's RPM Weekly; 'Dine With Rush Theme For Polydor's Radio Promotion' includes a photo of all three members of Rush (even Neil!) at dinner with two contest winners. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the original article!

Transcript: "Rush Still On A Journey Of Discovery, 20 Albums On" - Total Guitar, January 2012

It's hard to believe that Clockwork Angels was released four years ago this month. My latest transcript is "Rush Still On A Journey Of Discovery, 20 Albums On" from the January 2012 issue of Total Guitar magazine.  Timed to promote the release of Time Machine Live In Cleveland, it was written in late 2011 while the band was in the studio recording the album, it includes one of the first confirmations that the album would be a concept album, and the prophetic statement regarding the upcoming tour that "Lifeson doesn't rule out playing [Clockwork Angels] in its entirety."

Transcript: 'Updating The Rush File - Rush Rolling Along On Low-Profile Fame' - Toronto Star, December 13, 1991

Today's transcript addition is 'Updating The Rush File - Rush Rolling Along On Low-Profile Fame', from the December 13, 1991 edition of the Toronto Star. Geddy and Neil are interviewed, and the writer notes how the mainstream press had continued to criticize Rush even though they had by then yielded 15 years of success, and how they were more popular in the United States than in Canada. Geddy notes "There's a friend of ours in New York who's in with a circle of critics. And for years he's told us how unpopular it is to like certain bands, and we're one of them."

Transcript: 'Rush Looks Back With Cold, Critical Eyes' - Toronto Star, May 11, 1990

I have transcribed 'Rush Looks Back With Cold, Critical Eyes', another long lost interview with Neil Peart from the May 11, 1990 issue of the Toronto Star. In this review, Neil famously compares earlier Rush songs to childhood drawings, explains the complexity of songs from Presto, and perhaps most importantly, the need to continue as a touring band.

Transcript: "A Headlong Rush To Stardom" - Sound, July 1976

Rush appeared on the cover of the July 1976 issue of Canada's Sound magazine.  The magazine includes "A Headlong Rush To Stardom", a long lost interview with Neil Peart on May 23, 1976, prior to that night's show in Duluth, Minnesota.  As demonstrated by Neil's interview, less than two years after his joining, the strengths of the band as a trio have been cemented, they are seeing success from endless touring with little airplay, and they are already making plans to recording their followup album in the UK.  - Thanks to John Patuto for sharing the transcript!

Transcript: "Rush" - HM, The Hard Music Magazine, Spring 1979

My latest transcript addition is simply titled "Rush", and is a short biography of the band which appeared in the Spring 1979 issue of HM, The Hard Music Magazine shortly after the release of Hemispheres.   It credits the band's success to its extensive touring and word of mouth among fans.

Live photos from April 17, 1976

I've told the story before of how after the show on April 17, 1976, Rush appeared backstage in Thin Lizzy's dressing room dressed as the cast of Leave It To Beaver. Live photos of that night of Rush on stage (before their post show antics) have recently surfaced and can be found here. Thanks to Howard Roark for the headsup!

Transcript: 'Geddy Lee Of Rush - Making Music' - PopEntertainment.com, July 2007

Snakes & Arrows was released 9 years ago today.  I have a new transcript for your reading enjoyment, originally posted at popentertainment.com on July 4, 2007, just after Rush kicked off the Snakes & Arrows tour.  In 'Geddy Lee Of Rush - Making Music', Geddy talks about his beginnings as a musician, the beginnings of Rush, the importance of his high school guidance counselor, and goes in depth regarding how his parent's met: "When I think about the fact that they had a teenage crush in the most horrible of places, it makes me smile." - Thanks to RushFanForever the sending the transcript!

Transcript: 'Toronto Trio Getting A Rush Out Of Reality' - Toronto Star, March 4, 1988

My latest transcript, 'Toronto Trio Getting A Rush Out Of Reality', is a long lost interview with Neil Peart which appeared nearly 30 years ago in Rush's hometown paper on March 4, 1988, just days before they performed two nights at the Maple Leaf Gardens on the Hold Your Fire tour. Then at the wise age of 35, Peart states his belief that fans who say their favorite album was released 15 to 20 years before are simply lazy, for not taking the time to investigate new music...

Transcript: "Classic Album - Moving Pictures (Review)" - Guitar Techniques, August 2011

The Moving Pictures Deluxe Edition was released five years ago today (buy it on CD/BluRay).  Here is a review of the Moving Pictures Deluxe Edition, newly transcribed from the UK's "Guitar Techniques" magazine, August 2011 issue: "Classic Album - Moving Pictures (Review)".

Transcript: "Rush Identifies With International Markets" - RPM Weekly, November 8, 1980

From the November 8, 1980 issue of Canada's RPM Weekly, "Rush Identifies With International Markets" tells of the band's increased popularity following the success of Permanent Waves. Anthem Records' then publicist is interviewed and gives her thoughts on the band's work ethic and the success it had yielded, including taking fellow Canadian acts out on tour for international exposure.

Transcript: "Rush Scores Gold Albums Without Top 40 Radio Play" - Winnipeg Free Press, October 28, 1977

This new transcript is from the October 28, 1977 issue of the Winnipeg Free Press: "Rush Scores Gold Albums Without Top 40 Radio Play" tells how Rush were earning Gold albums with zero Top 40 radio attention, and how even the song "Closer To The Heart" was considered too "rough": "...since Top 40 radio stations try to target their programming to the 18 to 34 age group, and with so few women interested in Rush, it would be ratings suicide to program much of their music."

Transcript: "Farewell To Kings" - Guitar World, March 2016

The new March 2016 issue of Guitar World includes a new interview with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson titled "Farewell To Kings" where they talk about the setlist of the R40 Tour and concert video. - Thanks to John Patuto for the transcript!

Transcript: "New World Man - We Have Assumed Control - Rush's Career in 10 Albums" - PROG, February 2016

Rush is featured on the cover of the February issue of the UK's PROG magazine. Included are three feature stories including Lee, Lifeson and Peart talking about 2112 as the album turns 40, and Geddy ranks his Top 10 Rush albums. Most important is an interview with Geddy Lee where he talks about the R40 Live Tour, how he felt when it came to an end, and gives his thoughts on the future of Rush. A key thought is this exchange:

Have you broached the subject of a new Rush album? 
No.

But you're saying that you and Alex could do an album together, not as Rush? 
Yeah....It's an option.

You can read the full story here.  - Thanks to John Patuto for sharing his transcript!

Transcript: "Music Gear: Guitars of Rush's Alex Lifeson" - Circus, June 30, 1981

I've just transcribed "Music Gear: Guitars of Rush's Alex Lifeson", from the June 30, 1981 issue of Circus magazine.  Published during the Moving Pictures tour, it is an interview where Alex Lifeson discusses his arsenal of guitars from his first ES-335 through his latest, the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion.

Transcript: 'A Rush Newsreel' - Mercury Records, September 1982

My next transcript is 'A Rush Newsreel' from the Signals Press Kit produced by Mercury Records in September 1982. This is an official detailed timeline of the band's activities from the release of the debut album in early 1974 through the release of the "New World Man" single in September 1982. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for the original article!

Transcript: "Rush Rushes Into U.S. Prominence" - Billboard, August 28, 1976

My latest transcript is from the August 28, 1976 issue of Billboard magazine: "Rush Rushes Into U.S. Prominence" credits the band's success due to their endless touring as well as added exposure from televised shows such as Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

Transcript: 'Veteran Rock Group Rush Tones Down Touring Style' - Daily Oklahoman, May 22, 1992

My latest transcript addition is 'Veteran Rock Group Rush Tones Down Touring Style', an interview with Alex Lifeson during the Roll The Bones tour, from the May 22, 1992 issue of the Daily Oklahoman. Lifeson discusses how the band keeps busy during down time on the road, including golf, tennis, cycling, etc., and their food drive which gave fans a chance at front row seats and meeting the band.