Last night I had the pleasure of seeing my all-time favorite band play live. That band is RUSH. 40 years and they are still going strong. I know many of you may not be fans of prog rock, rock music in general, or even RUSH, but I have to tell you these guys transcend labels in a fashion that I've not seen from any other group.
You can take a look at any typical tour list for any given year and you will find several groups that are 30 years old or so out on the tour circuit. So maybe you are thinking that RUSH is no different than these groups. Having seen many of those groups as well as RUSH I can tell you that there is a huge difference. For one, RUSH still has all of it's original members. Many of the groups from my youth that still tour are barely more than a shell of their original selves. My opinion is that most of them can barely be called a cover band at this time as most of the original members are not a part of the group any longer. I'm just not all that interested in shelling out 50-100 dollars to see a cover band of Styx, Foreigner, Journey, Allman Brothers, etc. Secondly, RUSH still produces original music that is relevant to the times, interesting, and can stand up on it's own. You can listen to any of their more recent albums and it will be musically interesting regardless of their previous body of work. I have not bought a Styx album since Edge of the Century, and do not intend to buy any thing from them or any of the other groups mentioned above. The "new" music I have heard from them sounds like they are trying to recapture what made them huge 30 years ago rather than being a fluid progression of time and sound.
Now don't get me wrong. I am not trying to judge those bands that are not RUSH. Maybe they need the money, and I do still enjoy my favorite songs from each of those groups. But those groups either are not producing new music, or if they do, it is not of the same quality as their heyday.
As for the actual concert: it was simply amazing. RUSH will take you on an audial journey through time and space with a precision that is almost unfathomable. You don't have to like rock music, or even RUSH to be able to appreciate that these are 3 of the most musically capable people in the industry. I would argue that most bands may have one truly awesome musician, but all 3 members of RUSH are true musicians. They have an understanding of music theory, and an ability to apply that knowledge that far surpasses most in the industry.
Neil Peart: To call him the drummer of the band is less than adequate. A rhythmic automaton that provides much more than a simple beat. He does more with a splash cymbal than many can do with an entire drum set. His solos are one of the most anticipated parts of the show. The silent member who channels his voice through the lyrics that Geddy Lee presents every night.
Alex Lifeson: A guitarist? certainly. A man that has mastered the instrument? definitely. Sonic LSD as he paints pictures in your mind with not only the notes he plays, but the sounds he produces. At one minute crisp, clear harmonics emanate forth from the amplifiers, and the next he attacks your ears with raw power chords. Each evoking an emotion, and creating a connection between artist and patron.
Geddy Lee: I will admit not the best singer on the face of the planet, but I cannot imagine any other voice delivering the words to these songs. I am fascinated with how well the band in general has adapted to a voice that is aging and no longer capable of singing in the falsetto that was his trademark for decades. Still would not want to hear anyone but Geddy sing these songs. Now add to his list of things to do on stage the fact that he plays Bass, Keyboards, and even foot pedals while singing complicated lyrics and you have the makings of a complete front man. Geddy's bass playing ability surpasses the basic bar full of eighth notes that are simply root notes. He adds a bottom end that is musical genius by itself yet an integral part of the sonic brush that RUSH uses to paint those mental pictures each member of the audience craves.
Am I biased, probably so, but I would like to think that I am objective in my appreciation of their musical gifts. I will continue to see these guys as long as they keep touring. I always leave their show with a longing for more. I also appreciate that they do not take themselves too seriously; constantly poking fun at themselves and their music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu9Ycq64Gy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuL_euRslTc
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