NWB - Community Blog

I'll play the triangle intro to YYZ...

Where's Anthem Mark? ;o)

Although I now play in a Punk band I'm a massive Rush fan, being a drummer how can I not be. I was going to suggest a tribute a while back but didn't get round to it, I'd be more than up for it.

In fact I'm going to stick Rush up on itunes right now...

me too, so many bass players we will have to do 1 song each

Will have testicles removed so I can sing Xanadu

Best wishes

John

Anthem do a fantastic version of Tom Sawyer, so I reckon Mark would easily be able to handle the vocal side of things.

Apart from Tom Sawyer and Spirit of Radio, I don't know any other Rush songs...sorry :-D

Chris the drummer whos now playing with Wrecked, he's a big Rush fan too and a fantastic drummer.

my ears are burning lol. Totally up for it

If you guys get this going ill defo be there! ;)

I'm up for this - already been threatening to meet up with Anthem (Mark) on Saturday at his gig in Chorley.
Baz

Do me a favour, Rush are a band that I just have never got.
I'm a massive Dream theater fan, and from all that I've heard, they were pretty formed because of Rush...so all you Rush fans out there, gimme an idea of what songs to go and listen to.

What would you consider their definitive album?
I'll go and give it a right good listen and see if I've genuinely missed something, or they simply just don't hit me in the ear.

Scott Rush have made billions of albums!
It'll take you a year just to hear them all? ha ha!

Scott, I think I know why. DT are prog but pretty heavy. Most of the Rush stuff isn't anywhere near as heavy as your normal listening fodder.

My personal favourite albums are 2112 and Hemispheres, and my favourite track is Red Barchetta. YYZ comes in close though.

Scott, I'd have a listen to say 'All the Worlds a Stage' which is an early live album - songs like 2112, Fly by Night, Anthem. The sound is rougher and rockier than what most other Rush albums sound like ie, no massive keyboard, synth parts - just plain old rock n roll.

Then have a listen to the album 'Hemispheres' - a short(ish) album with only 4 songs on but here you get that very precise Rush sound with tonnes of odd time signatures, wierd prog parts etc whilst maintaining that rock element.

Then either listen to the album 'Power Windows' or the live album 'A Show of Hands' - some cracking songs such as Big Money, Middletown Dreams, Mystic Rhythms. Loads of keyborads, lots of melody in the songs and Geddys voice is amazing at this time, personally this is the best era of Rush for me late 80's.

Like has been said theres loads you could listen to but it's all quality stuff. I could lend you some cd's and the 'Rush in Rio' DVD or 'R30' DVD if you like?

BR
Dean

hemispheres and permanent waves are my faves, farewell to kings up there too. I'll lend you tons if you want Scott

Scott - the guys have nailed the best ERA - 2112, Faiwaell To Kings, Hemispheres, Moving Pictures. Plus the two DVD's Dean mentions.

Awesome, I have a full weekend of decorating ahead of me, so plenty of time to listen to a load of new, well technically "old" stuff. I always seem to be playing the same old stuff in my ipod so it'll be nice to try something new/old lol

Xanadu one of the greatest rock epics ever.

You will love Rush Scott

Best wishes

John

Scott, one of the most subjective things about Rush is Geddys voice. It's a Marmite type of voice for sure. But you like LaBrie, so you shouldn't have any difficulty with it.

ooooh it's like a school lesson in Rush :-D
awesome

Scott, knowing how you are a massive DT fan (as I am too) you may find this interesting. Mike Portnoy has many trib bands, one of which is Cygnus and The Sea Monsters - a Rush tribute band.

First time i have seen that vid (feckin awesome). There are so many quality tunes from the Rush stable, but YYZ would be one hell of a track to perform.

how good are they ??? straight from the gods

Wolfpack drummer Andy would prob be interested....MASSIVE KIT TOO!!!

Oh No! Don't get me started!!!!!

Firstly, thanks Dean, you got one thing correct...I am a MASSIVE Rush geek, er I mean Fan!!

First saw them in '78, both nights. From then on have been to every tour and multiple gigs on those tours. Seen them in Stafford, Chester, Birmingham, Sheffield, London. We even hired a car and saw them in Edinburgh on the Moving Pictures tour, one of four shows I went to on that tour. So I am well versed in all things Rush.

However from viewing them at a distance, I was soon able to view them from the stage. It's a very long story, but through a mutual friend I got to meet Neil Peart and became a friend. I first met him at the Show Of Hands recording (Hold Your Fire tour), at the NEC. I'm actually on the end of the concert film.

I was aloud onstage before the gig, and backstage after, where Neil introduced me to Geddy and Alex. Then we spent a very nice and relaxing evening at Neil's hotel supping fine brandy, well I was on pints. Still find it funny to see the "World's Greatest Rock Drummer', ambling back from the bar with a pint of bitter for me. I was also with an old friend (RIP), who was Freddie and the Dreamer's drummer and Neil was so pleased to share his company.

I also spent some time backstage at Sheffield Arena on The Roll The Bones Tour, in '92. The most incredible was the R30 tour. I spent the whole day at Wembley as Neil's guest, he showed me around, and on to the stage and even let me sit at his kit!!!!! So tempted to reel off the Tom Sawyer, break down drum lick, but too scared, or intimidated to . I've got photos to prove it!! He introduced me to his Tech, Lorne as "Our drummer from the North". I even enjoyed a fabulous 'crew dinner'.

I then spent a similar day with them in Manchester, I was pleased they liked the Arena, unlike the shit hole Wembley! Perhaps the most surreal thing was watching the sound check..as I was the only one present, (apart from crew). I sat on the front row seat and had my own personal Rush gig, albeit three numbers!! After the check Neil beckoned me on stage and he gave me one of his Paragon cymbals. I watched the whole show from stage left and for Neil's solo I was almost on the riser. Jeez there was some force, intensity and power there.

Anyway sorry to blab on, but these recollections mean eff all to 95% of people I know, so it's great to share with fellow Rush'uns! OK quickly I love, love, love early Rush as they contained that heavier, powerful and dynamic aspect as others have alluded to. Which is why now, Dream Theater have my absolute attention. To me they have gone where Rush should have. But Rush will remain my all time favourite band.

For this project though, I am not throwing my hat, or sticks, into the ring. I would want to nail every drum part, but alas, I can't! But the very best of luck to you all. Keep us posted as I would love to come and be a punter, when you guys play and I can air-drum!

Lastly, (honest), I've seen all that Portnoy show it is very good. He is a massive Rush fan and I'd like shake his hand one day. But check out the Foo's Taylor Hawkins, with Alex and Geddy in Toronto. They come on as guests and do YYZ. He absolutely nails it!! He also seems totally gobsmacked, well you would.. Also Dave Grohl watching from the side of the stage, totally in awe. It's on YouTube, very good.

OK I'm outta here...waits for cheers....

to Scott...thats what you call a drum solo, cowbells and all, and if you are into this Scott, after you have listened to Rush tracks ,try the Mahavishnu orchestra, with Billy Cobham on percussion, and John Mclaughlin on guitars, ps Mark Anthem is your man to reach Jeddys pitch and tones

Chris;
our drummer will want to kill you in a rage of jelousy if he reads of your experiance's with Neil Peart!
Watch out for a Drum nut stalking you with a needle sharp drumstick in his hands and a big green face with red glazed eyes!

Some excellent stories guys - really impressed. Baz

Top story Chris
enjoyed reading that must have been amazing for you.

What a brill idea, seen Rush 4 times live now in this country, got R30 and Rush in Rio DVDs and every album. Its one of those things becausae I can never get to play any of these live I lear bits from most of the songs just for the hell of it, but I think my fav has to be Xanadu. I wouldnt mind some of this guys -Keith

Chris, I had a hard on reading all that......

i can play lead triangle shaun ???
but the fee's still the same hahaha

I've played drums on '2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx' and 'Spirit of the Radio' (the album version) live in the past, so you could put me down for those if you like.