One of the best ever live performing bands is Rush A group of phenomenal musicians who are as popular today as they were in the 1970s were put on another plane. And, really, they are not that easy to place in a any specific genre, unless it is considered "rock." They've been classified under a lot of labels - "heavy metal", "progressive rock", "hard rock", etc. - but none have been accurate.
They have garnered one of the most faithful and passionate groups of disciples of any band ever assembled, in spite of having very few bonafide hit records and the wide disparity of music offered on their various and divergent studio recordings.
These elements make their concerts the best I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
Attend a Rush concert, and you'll find the difference from other heavy rock band audiences as being far more attentive to the music, paving the way for a thoroughly enjoyable performance. Many live shows are about the "flash" - not the music; and usually, that's due to the mediocrity of the music. The music at a Rush show is complex, and that is what makes it so awesome. Despite the very complex lyrics, thousands of fans sing along, dance and cheer to finely crafted music.
That only three guys could create such amazing music is astounding. The band Rush, doesn't use any musicians during studio sessions, and they do not use any session musicians in their live concerts. This further connects the fans with the band and creates a unique, exciting experience for the audience in a way that can't be compared with any other show. The guys have never split up and have had the exact same members for 30 years. In addition, they've never used back-up singers or keyboardists live. Of the three chosen, there are two expert connoisseurs of songwriting: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. The other, Neil Peart, is one of the most excellent authors in the world.
At a Rush concert, there is a special charge to the atmosphere before the first laser is shone and before the first note is even played. Although the music is of utmost importance, Rush concerts are also visually stimulating. Lasers, giant videos or screens showing close-ups of the musicians' performances in real time, crazy song-fitting things like flashpot explosions during "Far Cry" or head-bobbing, time-keeping bunnies coming up out of top hats when they play their signature song "Tom Sawyer", and on and on let the special effects crew go crazy.
And the musicians are hardly just standing or sitting there--especially Neil Peart, who may be the only front man drummer there ever was in rock music and whose massive, full-circle drum kit always takes center stage. Lifeson, who plays Guitar and Lee, who is a singer, bass player and keyboardist are a dynamic duo who have just as much zest and electricity now in their mid-50's as they did when they were younger.
The audiences at a Rush concert are filled with musicians and non-musicians alike. The non-musicians love to play air-anything - even the drums! Speaking of the drums (Rush and drums are practically synonymous), at just about every other rock concert the drum solo is an excuse to go to the bathroom or go grab another beer; but not at a Rush concert. At a Rush concert, the drum solo is WAITED for. For those six to nine minutes of action, everyone remains where they are, watching in awe. Afterwards, the clapping, yelling and cheers are ear numbing!
Rush also, for all their musical and lyrical seriousness, have the most incredible sense of humor, adding yet another dimension of fun to their shows. Two tours ago Lee decided to change the lyrics to an old classic "The Temples of Syrinx" to say "We are the pirates of the Temples...Lee threw himself fully into the act by wearing a stuffed pirate on his shoulder, and the audience participated by waving pirate skull and cross bone flags During the tour I spotted them four times.. As regards that zany character called Lifeson...In front of his foot switches, the barbie dolls (new for this tour and definitely blond and busty) declare his hotness and abundance of talent. Behind Lee you can find three large rotisserie chicken cookers cooking real chicken that will match Lifeson's huge wall of Marshall stacks.
Non-fans sometimes refer to Rush as a cult. When attending a Rush concert, you will see the reason for this, and discover that they are at least half right about it.
Attending a Rush concert is like being at a religious ceremony. and everybody will be singing, for up to three hours!