Transcript: "Neil Peart Doesn't Play for Stardom" - Detroit Free Press, November 7, 1982

I have transcribed "Neil Peart Doesn't Play for Stardom", a long lost interview with Neil Peart from the November 7, 1982 issue of the Detroit Free Press. Neil digs deep into the inspiration behind Subdivisions, including memories of growing up in St. Catherines. He also talks about the last minute addition to the album which became a hit single, New World Man. That said, the interviewer gets many facts about Rush's history wrong, as you will no doubt notice. - Thanks to Darren Michaloski for sending the original article!

Transcript: "A Tribute to Rush's Incomparable Drum Icon: Neil Peart", Modern Drummer, May 2020

A big thanks to John Patuto for sharing the transcript to Modern Drummer's special issue honoring the life of Neil Peart. 

Transcript: Geddy Lee Flies Solo Rush Frontman Makes An Album While Band Takes A Break By Steve Morse, Victoria Advocate, December 1, 2000

Today is the 20th anniversary of the release of Geddy Lee's solo album, My Favorite Headache. To mark the occasion I have transcribed "Geddy Lee Flies Solo: Rush Frontman Makes An Album While Band Takes A Break", from the December 1, 2000 edition of the Victoria Advocate. - Thanks to JSW for the original article!

Rush Referenced in Joe Hill's "The Fireman"

To the Rush References in Pop Culture page I've added another Rush reference I came across while reading The Fireman, by Joe Hill, published May 17, 2016.  The character known as the Marlboro Man obviously has no taste in music when he says "I know Arlo Granger, and the guy is a fuckin' liar. He told me once that he got backstage at a Rush concert and snorted coke with Neil Peart. I wish the guys in Rush snorted coke. Maybe it would amp 'em up and they'd try playing some real rock and roll for once, instead of that limp-dick prog-rock bullshit."

Transcript: Rush Continues Live Tradition, Springfield News-Leader, January 10, 1999

Different Stages was released 22 years ago today.  From the January 10, 1999 issue of the Springfield News-Leader, I've transcribed "Rush Continues Live Tradition", a review of Rush's "forgotten" live album (the only Rush album never remastered or reissued to vinyl).  Of course it included the obligatory derision of Geddy's voice...that's to be expected. - Thanks to JSW for providing the article!

Transcript: "Rush: A Band with Power Windows", Northeast Ohio Scene, December 12, 1985

Published 35 years ago, "Rush: A Band with Power Windows" was the cover feature of the December 12, 1985 edition of Northeast Ohio's "Scene" magazine. An interview with Alex Lifeson, topics include the band "slugging it out for 11 years" since their founding, their current hobbies, the album's themes, working with their new producer Peter Collins, and more. - Thanks to John Patuto for providing the transcript!

Transcript: "Rush: Challenging The Mind As Rock's Senior Statesmen" - Boston Globe, October 19, 1993

Check out "Rush: Challenging The Mind As Rock's Senior Statesmen" a new transcript of an article published in the Boston Globe on October 19, 1993, the day of the release of Counterparts. "Unlike many hard-rockers who are still trying to satisfy their egos and libidos, Rush writes new songs that attack racism and sexism, sympathize with a friend who died of AIDS,, defend a woman concerned with physical abuse and warn about putting up with corporate and societal lies." - Thanks to JSW for sending the original article!

Rush sighting in Great News from May 16, 2017

The television show Great News, had a great Rush sighting that I've just added to the Rush References page.  During the episode "The Red Door" (season 1, episode 7), Chuck (John Michael Higgins) has a Madame Tussaud's wax statue of himself in his attic, which Carol (Andrea Martin) hides on the roof of the building. Chuck's co-workers think he's about to throw himself off the building, and shower him with praise. Carol says "listen to that, all those people care about you." Chuck replies "I feel like Tom Sawyer". Carol nods and replies knowingly "Like you're at your own funeral." Chuck exclaims "No, like I'm an amazing song by Rush!" Click here for the video. - Thanks to Tod O'Donnell for the headsup!

Transcript: "A Rock-Solid Survivor In An Unpredictable World" - Toronto Globe And Mail, April 28, 2007

Another long lost Neil Peart interview, "A Rock-Solid Survivor In An Unpredictable World" has been added to the transcript archive.   Published in the April 28, 2007 edition of the Toronto Globe & Mail, Neil talks about how Nick Raskulinecz made him do things he wouldn't regularly do, as well as some of the influences which are manifested on Snakes & Arrows. - Thanks to RushFanForever for sending the original article!

Transcript: "Rock Trio Rush Shares Its Music, Not Its Privacy" - Atlanta Journal and Constitution, March 4, 1992

Another long lost interview with Neil Peart, published nearly 29 yeas ago, from the March 4, 1992 edition of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. In "Rock Trio Rush Shares Its Music, Not Its Privacy", Neil discusses the private nature of the band, and their growing improvisation on stage. - Thanks to JSW for providing this article!

Rush tshirt sighted in "Julie and the Phantoms"

While watching yesterday's football games, I kept seeing a commercial for the new Netflix series, Julie and the Phantoms, including a scene where one of the phantoms is wearing a Rush t-shirt.   The show debuted on Netflix September 10th.

Transcript: "Tax Grab Could Drive Artists Out" - Vancouver Province, November 19, 1981

I have recently transcribed "Tax Grab Could Drive Artists Out" from the November 19, 1981 issue of the Vancouver Province. Focusing on Canada's then elimination of income averaging annuity contracts (IAACs), it includes comments from Rush's manager Ray Danniels that the band would be considering leaving Canada to reside elsewhere. - Thanks to RushFanForever for sending the original article!

Transcript: "Rush Trip Out!" - RIP, February 1992

I have transcribed "Rush Trip Out!", a feature interview with Geddy Lee from the February 1992 issue of RIP magazine. Geddy talks about some of the themes and meanings in the album Roll the Bones, how he'd consciously changed his vocal range over the previous few albums, and more. - Thanks to Heiko Klages for providing the original article!

Transcript: "Entwistle Was On Fire!" - MOJO, August 2015

The August 2015 issue of Mojo magazine was dedicated to The Who, and in "Entwistle Was On Fire!" Geddy Lee discusses how the bassist's sound inspired him, and how their conceptual sound inspired 2112. - Thanks to Darren Michaloski for providing the transcript!

Transcript: "Remembering Neil Peart" - Percussive Notes, April 2020

From last April, I've added the special "Remembering Neil Peart" commemorative issue from Percussive Notes magazine, "an intimate look into his character as told by a handful of his friends from within our industry who enjoyed the type of personal relationship with Neil that is only possible behind-the-scenes." - Thanks to John Patuto for the transcript!

Transcript: "The Book of Plies" Foreword by Neil Peart September 6, 2017

I recently learned that DW's The Book of Plies written by John Good includes a foreword written by Neil Peart, which I've added to my Transcript Archive.  This foreword may sound familiar when you read it...the text is taken from "Growth Rings: A Short film narrated by Neil Peart".

Transcript: "Rush Hour! David Bowker Meets Those Crazy Rock N' Roll Dudes, Rush" - International Musician And Recording World, April 1990

Thanks again to Mark Walton for providing the transcript of another long lost article, "Rush Hour! David Bowker Meets Those Crazy Rock N' Roll Dudes, Rush", from the April 1990 issue of International Musician And Recording World. Alex Lifeson and producer Rupert Hine are interviewed, talking about the recording of Presto. Thanks @MarkWalton67

Pop Culture Sighting - "Spinster"

The film "Spinster" was released last August, about a 39 year old woman who suddenly finds herself single and back in the dating scene; the trailer includes a brief scene where she replies to her date "I guess I never really listened to Rush". Thanks Tod for the headsup!

Transcript: "Rush: The Fine Art Of Metal" - RIP, June 1989

Thanks to @MarkWalton67 for transcribing "Rush: The Fine Art Of Metal", an interview with Geddy Lee after the release of A Show of Hands, from the June 1989 issue of RIP magazine.  Part way through the article the author defends Rush against other music press who were no longer acknowledging them with "perhaps, because Rush has been around for so long, it's easy for the music press to cast them aside as old news"; of course, Rush would remain active for more than 25 years after this was published!

Transcript: "Rush Takes Things Slow In Studio" - Sacramento Bee, September 11, 2002

I have transcribed "Rush Takes Things Slow In Studio", an interview with Alex Lifeson which appeared in the September 11, 2002 edition of the Sacramento Bee. Alex talks about the early steps the band took when Neil Peart returned to the band after his tragedies, the lack of guitar solos and keyboards on Vapor Trails, and sounding like a bad Rush tribute band when preparing for the Vapor Trails tour. - Thanks to RushFanForever for sending the original article.

The Neil Peart Transcript Collection

Since first adding the Rush Transcript Archive to my website nine years ago, it has grown to nearly 1,900 articles for your perusal and enjoyment - nearly double what it was when first launched. The articles are listed in chronological order, and sprinkled through those items are every known article or essay written by Neil Peart.

For the last few months I've been wanting to collect all of Neil's writings in one central location for easy and quick review, and I finally accomplished this goal. At the top of my Transcript Archive page you'll now see a button for "The Neil Peart Collection", a collection of all known newsletters, magazine articles, tour book essays, linernotes, blog entries and more, written by Neil Peart.

Visually, this list of content is striking. We all knew he was a prolific writer, but seeing it condensed in one list is awe inspiring, and I only wish I could continue to add to it in the future...

Transcript: "Life(son) Beyond Rush" - Toronto Star, January 13, 1996

Another long lost Victor article.  I've transcribed "Life(son) Beyond Rush", a review of Alex Lifeson's solo album Victor from the January 13, 1996 edition of the Toronto Star.  "True to his nature, Lifeson shares the limelight, keeping his surname out of the band name, keeping guitar solos to a minimum and giving major credit to his many helpers." - Thanks to JSW for sending the article!

Transcript: "Archives Press Kit" - Mercury Records, February 21, 1978

Written February 21, 1978, I have transcribed the "Archives Press Kit" promoting Rush's first boxed set. Released to capitalize on the attention brought on by 2112 and A Farewell to Kings, Archives is a simple repackaging of Rush's first three albums, and in turn the press kit is a short biography of those three releases. - Thanks to Joe Pesch for providing the original press kit!

Transcript: "Alex Lifeson, Rush's Class Act" - Industrial Music, January 1992

I recently transcribed a 28 year old interview, "Alex Lifeson, Rush's Class Act" from the January 1992 issue of Industrial Music magazine. Interviewed during the Roll the Bones tour, Alex opens up about Steve Lilywhite, recording spontaneous guitar solos, minimizing keyboards, and more... - Thanks to Heiko Klages for sending the original article!

Transcript: "Geddy Lee: Is Reading the New Rock 'n' Roll?" - Classic Rock, August 2019

Hard to believe it has been over a year and a half since Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass was released. Here's an interview with Geddy from Classic Rock magazine's August 2019 issue, "Geddy Lee: Is Reading the New Rock 'n' Roll?", transcribed by John Patuto. "Attracting huge crowds is nothing new to Rush's frontman, but the numbers who are turning up to his book signings have genuinely surprised him."

Transcript: "Even Rockers Can Get Caught In A Rush Of Mid-Life Crisis" - Toronto Star, January 23, 1996

With the leak of an upcoming expanded anniversary edition of Victor in the works, I've transcribed "Even Rockers Can Get Caught In A Rush Of Mid-Life Crisis", a very rare interview with Alex Lifeson talking about Victor from the January 23, 1996 edition of the Toronto Star. - Thanks to JSW for sending the article!

Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Edition Wallpaper Images

Just over two weeks ago I shared with you that I had added a "Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Edition" page which has the complete linernotes including the 12,000 word essay written by Ray Wawrzyniak exclusively for the Super Deluxe edition.  I have updated that page to include the complete Desktop Wallpaper images from the Super Deluxe Edition.  Those images are also included on the main wallpaper page. - Thanks to John Patuto for help with the scans.

Transcript: "Rock 'N' Work: The Beat Goes On Backstage, Or It Doesn't Go Onstage" - Milwaukee Journal Insight, August 6, 1981

I have transcribed "Rock 'N' Work: The Beat Goes On Backstage, Or It Doesn't Go Onstage", from the August 6, 1981 issue of the Milwaukee Journal Insight". An interesting contrast between two different tours visiting Wisconsin's Alpine Valley Music Theater that summer, Rush and the Doobie Brothers, the feature length article goes into the minutiae of what it takes to put on a large scale show - and this is 39 years ago. Included are some interesting tidbits from Rush's Moving Pictures tour rider. - Thanks to Heiko Klages for providing the original article!

Transcript: "The Disasters of Rush", Music Maker (Holland), August 1979

41 years ago today, Rush played the final date of the Hemispheres tour at the Pinkpop festival in Geleen, Holland.  Today's transcript is an interview Geddy gave that day to Holland's Music Maker magazine.  41 years later, the article, "The Disasters of Rush", has been translated and transcribed by Alex van Loon for your reading pleasure! 

New Discography Page - "Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Edition"

I have added a "Permanent Waves 40th Anniversary Edition" page to my website, which has the complete linernotes including the 12,000 word essay written by superfan Ray Wawrzyniak exclusively for the Super Deluxe edition. Ray's essay is expansive, and tells the history of the album, breaking down each song, and is a joy to read.

Transcript: "What A Rush: After 22 Years, Band Wants To Spend An Evening With Its Loyal Fans", Vancouver Province, May 15, 1997

I have transcribed "What A Rush: After 22 Years, Band Wants To Spend An Evening With Its Loyal Fans" from the May 15, 1997 of the Vancouver Province newspaper. Manager Ray Danniels is interviewed, and explains how the band finally decided to move away from opening bands, avoiding exploiting their past with reissues, and more. - Thanks to RushFanForever for providing the original article!

Transcript: "Neil Peart: A Farewell to Kings", MOJO, April 2020

I've just added a transcript of "Neil Peart: A Farewell to Kings", a poignant tribute to Neil which appeared in last month's issue of MOJO magazine. Thanks to John Patuto for sharing his transcript!

Transcript: "Bum's Rush", Record Mirror, June 14, 1980

I've transcribed "Bum's Rush", an interview with Rush from the June 14, 1980 issue of "Record Mirror". This is one of those typical old British music rag interviews which is half serious, half joke, but includes this very succinct statement: "If God had wanted a soundtrack when he gave Moses the Ten Commandments then he would have commissioned Rush to do it. Heroic themes stoked and fried by the constant pulse of life and the forces of nature." This photo used in this old article has been making the rounds lately in promotional for the new 40th Anniversary of Permanent Waves... - Thanks to Joe Pesch for unearthing the original article!

Transcript: "Rushing Into Fame", Windsor Star, January 4, 1975

I have transcribed "Rushing Into Fame" from the January 4, 1975 issue of the Windsor Star. Written just over 45 years ago, this was published as Rush was entering the studio to record Fly By Night, and made enough of an impression on the band's management that they included copies of the press clipping in the Fly By Night media kit later that winter.

Transcript: "Exit the Warrior: Neil Peart - A Tribute", Planet Rock Issue #19

The April issue of Planet Rock magazine includes a very poignant tribute to Neil Peart, as "Exit the Warrior: Neil Peart - A Tribute".  Thanks to John Patuto for sharing the transcript

Transcript: Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business Foreword by Neil Peart

My latest transcript is possibly the last item published by Neil Peart, the foreword he wrote for drummer Kenny Aronoff's book Sex, Drums, Rock 'n' Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business which was released October 1, 2016. - Thanks to RushFanForever for supplying the copy!

Transcript: "Band Still Creates Rush 30 Million Discs Later" - Vancouver Sun, March 22, 1990

My latest transcript is a newspaper story that was published in the Vancouver Sun 30 years ago yesterday... In "Band Still Creates Rush 30 Million Discs Later", Alex Lifeson reacts to the growth of Rush fanzines such as "The Spirit of Rush" as well as the growth of 'video music' and late 80's heavy metal. - Thanks to Heiko Klages for providing the original article.

Transcript: "'It Is Kind Of Embarrassing Getting This Attention' Rush Power Charity Drive" - Toronto Globe And Mail, November 15, 1982

Another long lost interview with Neil Peart, "'It Is Kind Of Embarrassing Getting This Attention' Rush Power Charity Drive", from the November 15, 1982 issue of the - Toronto Globe And Mail. In it, Neil is embarrassed by the attention the band was receiving for donating the proceeds of three nights at Maple Leaf Gardens to the United Way. "It is kind of embarrassing getting this attention and trying to explain it. We've done charity things before but always in private. This time, it's being treated like a big thing. It shouldn't be forgotten that everyone else is coming along - including the Gardens and the unions - and aren't getting any credit." - Thanks to RushFanForever for sharing the article.

Transcript: "Neil Peart Album Update", Modern Drummer, January 1992

Another long lost article featuring Neil Peart has been unearthed, this one is Neil's "Album Update" which appeared in the January 1992 issue of Modern Drummer, four months after the release of Roll The Bones. Neil talks about how thanks to preparation he was able to record his drum parts in a day and half, finally getting back to recording an instrumental, and how the drum part from Heresy had its origins from a village in Africa. - Thanks to Heiko Klages for providing the article!

Transcript: Fly By Night Press Kit Mercury Records, February 3, 1975

Fly By Night was released 45 years ago this month (February 15, 1975), and I've finally received a copy of the Fly By Night Press Kit (dated February 3, 1975) which I have transcribed.   It's an interesting time capsule, promoting the band and their new drummer ("after an exhaustive search, Neil Peart joined the band. Neil adds an almost maniacal drums style...") - Thanks to Joe Pesch for providing the press release.

Transcript: "Rush Promises A Show For The 90s", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March 23, 1990

I have just transcribed another long-lost 30 year old interview with Neil Peart.  Check out "Rush Promises A Show For The 90s" from the March 23, 1990 issue of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. - Thanks to Heiko Klages for providing the original article.

Transcript "Rush draws on reading material", Lethbridge Herald, October 29, 1976

It's transcript Tuesday, and I've just transcribed "Rush draws on reading material" from the October 29, 1976 issue of the Lethbridge Herald, a long lost interview with a 24 year old Neil Peart given during the All the World' a Stage tour, where he talks of how the band's reading material inspired their songwriting. - Thanks to Darren Michaloski for providing the original article!

Transcript: "In No Rush For Immortality - Drummer Peart Never Looks Back", San Diego Union-Tribune, February 3, 1988

Here's a new transcript addition that was passed on to me after Neil's passing. "In No Rush For Immortality - Drummer Peart Never Looks Back" was published 32 years ago in the San Diego Union-Tribune. In it, Neil talks about the fleeting nature of pop music, and makes the wry comment "I have no need at all for our old music - basically anything we did before 1980 - because it was so simplistic." Ah Neil...

Transcript: "Geddy Lee: Progressively Minded, Forward Thinking", Bass Guitar, November 2019

It's been awhile since I shared a new transcript, so here is "Geddy Lee: Progressively Minded, Forward Thinking" from last November's issue of Bass Guitar, transcribed by John Patuto.  Geddy is promoting his Big Beautiful Book Of Bass, and mentions how his '62 foam green Fender Jazz has become one of his favorites.