We love you man!! Happy 65th (yikes) Birthday Al !!

Our talented pals at @Fantoons have revealed a new Blueprints collection, that is premiering at San Diego Comic Con 2018 (Rush pop-up at Small Press 0-07). Check out the new take on the original Moving Pictures album cover, which is available in a limited run (75) online now here.  

Summer reminds us of Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Wantagh, NY. Over the years, Rush has performed at Jones Beach 8 times  (1992, 1997, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2013). The venue was a highlight on the tour for many reasons, not the least of which was the hospitable management and staff who greeted the band with great warmth and enthusiasm each time.  The setting of the theatre made for a great outing for fans who wanted to relax on the beach during the day, and then take in the concert at night. Alex tells an interesting story about how Rush somewhat unknowingly shaped one of the major renovations at the …

On June 29, 2004, Rush released the EP, Feedback featuring 8 cover songs that were chosen by the band as favorites during their early years.  The opening track on the record is Summertime Blues, a perfect fit for this time of year!  The lyrics of Summertime Blues tell of a young guy who has “the blues” because of having to work during the summer, when he would rather be out having fun.  Perhaps Rush’s “Working Man” continues to tell the story of this young man as he is now slightly older and still discontented with his work obligations?  Have a look below at the lyrics for each song and decide …

Reposted from WEST END PHOENIX Story by Alex Lifeson, Illustration by Casey McGlynn The date was October 27, 1973, and Rush was opening for the New York Dolls. They were a pleasant enough group of fellows who spoke to us not at all, but enthusiastically enjoyed the vibrant conversation and company of their “friends” (I think they were), who also dressed like New York Dolls, but drunker. The venue for the gig was the Victory Theatre, built in 1921 and home to burlesque in Toronto until it closed in 1975. We were honoured to have worked the same stage as strip artistes Knackers Knock, Ineda Man and Cupcakes Cassidy, whose …

In celebration of today’s anniversary of the release of  Snakes & Arrows (2007), here is a behind the scenes story from that time: Before the Snakes & Arrows Tour, Neil asked Patrick at Showtech if he could customize his drumming hats and stage tees for him.  Naturally the answer was, “Yes, sir!”.  The hats were meticulously made by a very talented Toronto-area hatter, who took into account the very precise measurements of Neil’s cranium.  The tees were embellished with a foil printing technique of the ouroboros from the S&A album graphics.  The production of these hats and tees fell inside of one week from the tour start, as the band was …

2112 proved to be Rush’s commercial breakthrough and remains one of their most popular albums. Due to popular demand, a special run of 2112 is being made available exclusively via Rush Backstage. Whether a new fan or a completist, 2112 will be made available for the first time on coloured vinyl. This release is manufactured on limited edition opaque blue 180-gram vinyl, features the 2015 remaster by Sean Magee at Abbey Road Mastering Studio and a “red star of the federation” hologram in Side 2 run-out groove. Only 5,000 copies are available worldwide.  For full details, visit Rush Backstage. Note: This item is available for pre-order and will ship on …

2112 Anniversary (April 1, 1976) There are many stories behind the albums and the artwork of Rush. Neil Peart tells a futuristic story in 2112 of the Starman representing a hero who fights against collectivist mentality (depicted by the evil red star). During the buildup to the Time Machine Tour in 2010, Neil warned against any crossover with the Starman, and the steampunk-themed 2010 tour. Peart wrote, “Fundamentally, thematically, philosophically, and narratively, the Starman has no place in the Time Machine/ steampunk world.  That’s all there is to it.  Placing the Starman over clockworks and steam valves and those images makes my skin crawl, because the stories are so diametrically …

On March 1st 1974, Rush’s debut self-titled album was released.  Ever wondered about why the two different colors of the album covers?  The original album release in Canada had RUSH in red, which was the approved color.  When the album was released in the USA, there was a printing error at Mercury which had RUSH printed in hot pink. The band still remembers this well!

Alex Lifeson’s original, signed painting for Brush of Hope 2017, “20,000 Feet Over The Sea“,  is now available for auction. All proceeds from the Brush of Hope auction will go to the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Make your bid here!