After hundreds of concerts performed over the course of 35+ years, Rush as a live band is a known quantity.  The essential elements of a Rush show - top-notch musicianship, humor, and energy - were on full display last night in front of a capacity crowd at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ.

Despite the typical New Jersey summer weather (temperature in the low 90s as the show opened), the group's energy rarely waned during the marathon three-hour set.  The crowd for the most part was enthusiastic, although the classics ("Freewill", "Subdivisions", "The Spirit of Radio", and "Tom Sawyer") predictably got the best responses.

At age 53, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee is still one of the premier performers in rock.  He plays at the same high level fans have come to expect throughout the years, and his vocal range might be as good as it's ever been.  Guitarist Alex Lifeson was as solid as ever, although he was the victim of a sub-par sound mix (particularly during the first few songs).  Virtuoso drummer Neil Peart no longer plays with the raw intensity he used to, but is no less impressive as a percussionist.  His latest drum solo was one of the better ones he has performed in some time.

The 27-song set list focused heavily on 1980's Permanent Waves, 1981's Moving Pictures, and new album Snakes & Arrows.  In fact, only two songs from the 1970s ("A Passage to Bangkok" and a tuned-down "Circumstances") were played at all.  An early highlight was "Entre Nous", played live for the first time ever on this tour.  Once again, Rush staple "Closer to the Heart" was left out, which was no surprise as the band has stated they are tired of playing it.

The only soft spots in an otherwise excellent set were a pair of songs from Snakes & Arrows, "The Larger Bowl" and "The Way the Wind Blows."  Although they were both accompanied by appealing visuals, the crowd was noticeably restrained during them.

As with recent tours, the band made copious use of recorded videos to open both halves of the concert and to introduce/accompany songs.  The opening video featured rare appearances from all three band members, and was full of the usual dry Rush humor.  "The Larger Bowl" was introduced by SCTV characters Bob and Doug McKenzie (who have a long history with the band and Geddy Lee in particular), and "Tom Sawyer" was intro'd with a hilarious South Park clip.

If last night's performance is indicative of how the Snakes & Arrows tour is going, it is clear that Rush is still capable of performing at a very high level.  That, coupled with the still-strong bond between the band and their devoted fanbase, are a testament to Rush's legacy.  For those who have not yet seen a show on this tour, catch one before it ends.

Setlist:

Limelight
Digital Man
Entre Nous
Mission
Freewill
The Main Monkey Business
The Larger Bowl (with McKenzie Brothers intro)
Secret Touch
Circumstances
Between the Wheels
Dreamline
(Intermission)
Far Cry
Workin' Them Angels
Armor and Sword
Spindrift
The Way the Wind Blows
Subdivisions
Natural Science
Witch Hunt
Malignant Narcissism
Drum Solo
Hope
Distant Early Warning
The Spirit of Radio
Tom Sawyer (with South Park intro)

Encore:
One Little Victory
A Passage to Bangkok
YYZ