Rush - aging like fine Molson, eh?
If you were wondering why Rush has not toured with an opening act since 1994's Counterparts tour, it is probably so that they can get away with the marathon three hour shows they have been putting on ever since.…
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
76 - monte
In a recent interview Alex stated that they didnt feel the need to go out and repeat what they had just toured with over again on the R30 tour. Rush needs to keep things fresh for themselves to keep their job exciting.If they didnt then they probably would become so dissatisfied with touring that they would call it quits.Like Neil says they arent doing seventy shows they are doing one show seventy times.They need to be happy with it or it is not going to happen.What do you like to do? what you want to do or what someone else wants you to do?The dumbest thing I have read on this journal of critics is the unhappy camper who states Rush was pushing their latest album like a drug dealer selling crack.Rush does not tour for the money.They tour because they like creating and playing music together.Do you really think that they are hurting for cash flow and are playing a good number of songs from their new album to try and sell it better.Whatever idiot!They are playing their new album cause it rocks you dumbass!Talk about ride the shortbus.Have you ever played an instrument?My goodness the stupidity from some people is just too much sometimes.
77 - Scott
MONTE -
Loved your recent post. I couldn't agree more!
Snakes and Arrows rocks, and everyone has heard those other songs a thousand times.
And Witch Hunt is not some obscure song, whomever stated that!
78 - Tony
Music is for the fans, and the majority rules and pays the bills. Without fans, bands can't make a living at it, and it is the reason why they are where they are. Fans who want to see a bunch of obscure, less popular songs will definitely be in the minority.
Also, didn't say I didn't like the new album, but there's no comparing it to anything prior to Presto. Not being able to play an instrument doesn't mean you can't be a big fan. To each his or her own. R30 didn't come near me.
79 - monte
Tony its all good .Everyone is entitled to how they feel.Iam really excited about seeing the concert on the ninth.Take really x10 in that last sentence and that would be more accurate of how I really feel.I support fully what the band wants to play and am so grateful that they continue to make new music and tour.They are not going to tour forever. Wont it be nice to have as much music on dvd as possible to be able to watch happily ever after.To me there is no such thing as an obscure Rush song.I think middletown dreams should be played on the radio as much as tom sawyer.A new rush album is never a first listen for me.It takes me awhile to absorb and love it.I like hard and heavy music so I love songs like earthshine right off and others take awhile to get accustom to.I was listening to Snakes and arrows over a cup of coffee first thing this morning and found myself wishing they were also playing bravest face and good news first along with all their other new stuff.They could play all songs that have never been played in concert before and I would still be as excited for the concert as Iam.I tell people even if you dont like Rush at all if you went to the concert you would walk away half dumbfounded by Neils playing alone.Its like seeing a top fuel dragster in person for the first time.Seeing it on tv just does not do it justice.You have to be there and experience it with your own heart eyes and ears to appreciate and understand to true strength beauty and precision of it.I dont think maybe that you have listened to S&A's enough to appreciate it fully.At first it was not as aggressive and heavy as I wanted it to be but after listening to it enough I fully appreciate it.I always want there stuff to come out and kick my ass like bastille day or anthem.Read Neils article from modern drummer on the making of S&A's and he will shed some light on all the intricate things going on in his drumming that we dont realize as a listener.So what I meant by playing an instrument was -this is not a sophmore album and that it is as technical as ever.Furthermore it takes alot of talent and years of musical artistry recording and touring to be able to achieve such results.To down play the musical achievement created here is to piss in the wind.It is better than ever.You wouldnt be to far as a group without fans.I dont feel rush owes it all to us in fact I feel quite opposite that they created it and I love it and owe it all to them for being so good at what they do that I like it so much.Or I would consider it a partnership of fan and musicians that compliment each other nicely.I dont think we rule anything they do and that they are quite capable of paying the bills had they quite touring ten years ago.I hope Rush continues to make progressive music and move forward exploring as they always have .Nothing ventured nothing gained.I think bickering over old and new is a far cry from the way they intended us to enjoy what they have created for us.Get used to the new in concert if they tour again they will probably play alot of their next album also.How exciting !!!!!
80 - doug
wasn't the set I would have chosen, but it was still an amazing concert Neil Peart was great in his 10 MINUTE drum solo.
Summertime Blues varies with Distant Early Warning
81 - WARING
The Indy Show Rocked. I'd pay to see the exact same show again. Phenomenal.
My Favorites: Digital Man, FreeWill and The Main Monkey Business.
82 - Dave
Rush Cincinnati Sept 1st 2007 - 7:30pm to 8:50pm and 9:15pm to 11:00 pm - 3:05 pure playing time, NOT counting intermission, no opening act - 29 songs.
Rolling Stones Louisville Sept 29th 2006 - 8:50pm to 10:45pm - 1:55 pure playing time, not counting opening act - 18 songs.
Nuff said?
83 - Scott
I went to the show in Cincy last night. It was as good as the show in Indy last Sunday night. Only exception is that the staff at the venue were 10X nicer than those assholes at the VWMC in Indy. But RUSH was as always: THE GREATEST!!
84 - Scott
DAve - Great post, and the Rolling Stones tickets are 3X the price than RUSH tickets! I know b/c I have seen the Stones their last 4 tours, and have not missed a RUSH tour since 1979 Hemispheres tour. The R30 tour started in my hometown of Nashville, TN. I had to go to Indy to see them this tour b/c they closed Starwood Ampitheater so another subdivision could be built.
RUSH's dubdivisions would have been a lot better....
85 - monte
DUBDIVISIONS (when they play subdivisions reggae style right after passage way to bangkok).
86 - Tony
Without question, Neil is the best drummer. The Cincinnati concert was good. I enjoyed the second set better. The first 4 songs in the second set (from Snakes and Arrows) were very good. People stood most of the show, but the big responses came when songs like Subdivisions and Spirit of Radio were played. I got into several of the new and lesser played songs, but most people were just standing and watching. Most people just didn't go crazy over songs like Circumstances, Between the Wheels, Mission and Witch Hunt. Natural Science was great. A couple of times, Geddy got behind in his lyrics. Lifeson did a fantastic job. The South Park video piece wasn't a big deal. Good concert but I've been to better Rush concerts.
87 - monte
Iam sure you will like their set list better when they announce they are done touring.Then you can go see Cake and Marilyn Manson.I think they are more than qualified to determine what they want to play since it is their concert.You might consider it your concert since you bought into it but its not.It would happen without you but not without them.A promoter buys the show.The group gets paid the same regardless of how many people show up.
88 - Thierry
Fans !
For a musician ,new music is the thing ,searching for new inspiration and aventure keep your mind young and happy.
They need to play thne new stuff ,that's why we still have the chance to see them again again.
We like Rush because of what they did for us..all those songs all those shows .Can you imagine in the 80's played all the old songs then and played only 2 songs from Moving picture ?
Fans please dont focus on how much you paid to see them and analyse if your $ 100 add is value that night.
You went to see Rush tonight..in your town ,the band that create a world around you and getting as old as you are now.They still there
We are not 15 anymore and get exited as we were when they were coming played .So ,just be there and be so lucky to see this band onnce more .
I will respect no matter they will played ,i have to much respect for them to sit down and analise if i should spend my box to see that.
Yes ,i would like to ear others song that i like..but i will listen to what they have to give me for this new tour .
I,m just feeling so lucky to see this band again
In the crowd next week ,Bell center will be a Snake and Arrow of Emotions
Il be there with my hand in the air to thanks them for everything that they give me and to all the Rush fans on the globe
89 - Carl
My wife just got me tickets for my birthday to see the show in London on the 9th October. Last gig I saw by Rush was the Signals tour way back in 82! Cannot wait to see them again. And I can't really figure out why some folks are so down on the band playing material from the new album: it's the best thing they've put out in years, why not play it?
90 - MRB2112
Rod, it's not surprising that your name is rod. Is your last name "Tool"?
You didn't buy the album and you're bagging on the band for playing material from it? Good lord, where do I start with you? Buy the record, support the band, end of story.
Set list-wise: these guys have earned the right to play whatever the hell they want. If opening a set with 5 songs from a new record keeps my favorite all time band happy/challenged/interested, then more power to 'em, I think it's a beautiful thing. Remember, the moment the boys get bored or feel like they can't perform up to expectation, they're going to pack it in. And there won't be any more "live" Rush. Enjoy it!
I love it when people complain that they didn't play such and such song. These are always people who don't go to every show, every tour, right? They go to a show once a decade and then bitch.
You can tell, becuz average Joe fan whines, "they didn't play Barchetta." Well, that's because they played it last time around.
Creating a Rush setlist has got to be a tough thing to do, yer damned if you and damned if you don't. They discuss this all the time. But I think they do a good job and rotating the "classics", playing new stuff and listening to the fans and weaving in little gems here and there ("Entre," "Between the Wheels," "Bangkok".) "They never play Bangkok!!"
So quit cryin' 'bout the set list and new stuff. Geez.
BTW, Natural Science, great write up, very nice job. Totally on board with your thinking. (And Alex is waaaay underrated in the rock guitar world, IMO.)
91 - Tim
I saw Rush tonight here in Milwaukee. I gotta tell you I was bored through much or all of their new stuff which was probably in excess of an hour. I had never seen them before live and was looking forward to many more of my favorites. Overall though I really enjoyed it. they sounded great and I would definately go see them again.
92 - Jimmy T.
Hi All,
I am going to see them in Tinley Park IL tomorrow. I have seen them approx 20 times or so (I lost track now). I am a total RUSH fanatic! I cant wait to hear their new tunes! Anyway, I wont sit here and bag on anyone from previous posts. You know the saying, opinions are like @#$-holes, and everyone has one! I am the drummer in a Rush tribute band, and I will admit that after many years of playing the "standard Rush Hits", there comes a time when you just want to play/hear some new stuff. BRING it on baby! For me, the show is also a "training class". I watch Peart a lot to better understand his movements, riffs, sticking, and all that techno stuff. We all go to see Rush with different goals. If you dont like this show, then wait a few years till the next one, as they tend to change things up tour to tour. TOMORROW cant come fast enough!
Peace.
JT
93 - Tess
I have been a RUSH fan since the eighties, enjoying all their albums, even HOLD YOUR FIRE, and after reading most of the comments, I must agree that,... THIS CONCERT IS TO PROMOTE THE NEW ALBUM!, and if that means not playing the past favorites, I'm ok with that, you know, being a TRUE fan...My other half was quite dissapointed...expecting to hear all the fan's favorites. I told him he could stay at home the next time RUSH comes to town:) All in all, I go their because Geddy, Alex, and Neil are the greastest musicians around!!! Enjoy them while we can! LONG LIVE RUSH!!!
94 - Scotty G
I saw Rush at the Milwaukee show on the 6th, and I was grinning from ear to ear for 3 hours. It was a sweet show!
I had heard very little of the new album before the show and decided to give it a chance (I didn't like T4E when I first heard it, or Hold Your Fire--and that's one of my favorites now) and was pleasantly surprised. I was a little disappointed not to hear some of the tracks everyone's missing, but yeah--we've heard all that stuff before. Besides, if they played 2112 every time I wouldn't get shivers up and down my spine thinking about when they *did* play it. I was delighted to hear some new stuff.
Remember--Rush rocks, and here's to the next tour!
95 - Dee
Best Rockers are British ya thought???
96 - monte
St.Paul MN Sunday September 1997 I have been a Rush fan since my first concert in my life that my sisters brought me to in like 1976.Having gone to see them on every tour except Exit Stage Left Iam happy to report that things are better than ever.Iam biased on this subject.Rush delivers and thats that.Especially if your a huge fan!You know why you go and you go cause you know!I cant say enough great things about the concert! Where do I start?I would like to start off by saying Alex Lifeson kicked my ass at this concert!Thank you may I have another!Alex was on fire!super aggressive especially with his leads.Neil like the champion player played the perfect game (could we expect any less than perfection)and last certainly not least Geddy sang and played as well as ever.All in all the concert was very moving.Iam so happy I really am .I have not one dissapointing thing to say.I wanted to start out by saying the controversial but have left it till now.I loved the setlist and was stoked with all the new material ,how it sounded and how you could tell they loved playing it.I have been so happy to see and hear natural science and a couple of real special songs were digital man and entre nous.You cant help but be emotionally rocked by the intensity of songs like subdivisions,between the wheels, and distant early warning. Those songs along with many others with their intense moments that move along in song along with the meaningful lyrics and first class semis full light show.Geddy would bounce around and jump into the air at the end of songs.I thought they looked great too.Geddy looked like the rock God he is with black leather pants and black high top sneakers with white on em.Neil was wearing the concert shirt that I wanted- pure black with the snake and Arrow round logo on it.It must have been Alexs birthday because he was butt ass naked when he first came out ,until Geddy and Neil talked him into putting on a speedo.Crazy Canadiens.I noticed Alexs singing is getting real good also.He did a very good job of backing and singing with Geddy.I pointed out to my son that Alex was playing back up synth(midi) pedal bass parts while also playing guitar.I wonder if he could juggle bowling pins or knives too?probably on the next tour.I have always liked Witch Hunt.How could you not like that drumming?it is so cool.The guitar in that song is tough power chord eighties progressive rock.yeah yeah thats the ticket.It really added that great sound when Alex cranks the shit out of that lead too.Awesome man!Geddy was really nice and sincere when he talked to us.Thanking us for coming out to share the evening of music with them.Well I want to thank you guys .Thank you Geddy Neil and Alex that was a really great show as always.I loved it and especially your new stuff.Snakes and Arrows rocked!see you again next time!
97 - Clamdog
I saw the Rush show in Raleigh, NC back in June. It was a great show and a great reflection of the S&A tour. I have seen them play at least once during each tour since G under P. Playing new material from S&A offers a challenge and freshness to the band and that is why they played all of those songs. I enjoyed the entire show (new material and old). If I had to pick 1 song I would like to hear that I have never heard them play live it would have to be The Camera Eye because of the dynamics of it (they last played that during the Moving Pictures tour, I think). Anyway I look forward to more Rush albums.
98 - Tom
This is a very sad story in a Rush fan’s life. When it was announced that Rush would go on tour sometime in 2007 and with much anticipation I was fortunate to buy my tickets when the pre sale was offered for the Ottawa, Canada concert on September 21st, 2007. It was a dream come true for me that Rush was playing on 46th birthday. If you are a Rush fan like I am and I know that are many of you out there, you would not pass up the chance. From there all the arrangements were made for the trip to Ottawa from my home in Illinois in the USA.
I have been a Rush fan since 1975 and have listened to their words and music ever since. In fact when I went through my divorce in 2002 it was Neil’s book “Ghost Rider” along with a certain track on “Vapor Trails” that helped me get through that tough time.
We left home to fly to Ottawa on September 20th. After an all day flight we finally made into Ottawa. When going through the Canadian Customs we were told to go to Canadian Immigration. At that time we were informed we could not enter Canada because I had a DUI in 2002. It was a sock in the guts and I would have never had guessed! Accordingly to Canadian law any criminal record including a DUI is justification not to be allowed to enter Canada. So consequently we were put back on a plane back home to the USA.
It has taken me two weeks after the fact to write this because I did not want to write this out of anger. I just want to pass on this experience to others so it will give them a “heads up” to be more informed, as I was not. I am not proud of my DUI and made it though it but you just do not how it will follow you. The real message here is
DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE.
Alex, Geddy and Neil thank you for all the years of music and inspiration. I will catch you the next time!
T
99 - ellwoodbloos
just been to the sheffield uk show.AWESOME.FROM THE FIRST CHORD ON LIMELIGHT TO THE LAST OF XYZ.all songs were played tightly and geddy was hitting all the right notes. the main monkey buisness was mindblowing, it got the hairs on the back of my neck on end. to all the people who were moaning about the lack of old classics being played, tuff, the show was still brilliant and my son thoroughly enjoyed his first concert.
thanks rush for a wonderful night to remember.
100 - Rolf Koppenberg
I am looking forward to the concert in Ahoy Rotterdam The Netherlands on October 16th.They also play on the 17th.I write a review when i have visited teh concert
Kind regards Rolf Koppenberg The Netherlands
101 - Mike
I was at the Tour Opener in Atlanta and all I can say is that they Rocked As Usual!
I have been a fan of RUSH since the first album and I am still digging their new snakes and arrows album as much as any of their other work
its all Good!
102 - Danny
I saw them at Jones Beach and Madison Square garden in NY. I was BLOWN AWAY! I have never had such an amazing experience. MSG was the best night of my life. Ever. Especially with the replacement of summertime Blues with Distant Early Warning. I got the best of both worlds. Did I also mention I took a limo home from the city (back to Long Island) and it was parked right next to Rush's limo? I said "hi" to Geddy and the crew as they slid into the huge white strech limo. They recognized my Rush S&A tour shirt and waved back. If the rumors of them coming back to the US are true, I will be first in line to buy those tickets.
103 - Paul Roy
Danny, I am envious. Rush at the Garden. How full was the place? I know they packed in most of the amphitheaters. That is the first I heard of a second US leg. I'll be second in line.
104 - codered
The idea of new music with new ideas was the point of the tour. They have moved on away from many old inventions. A fresh air breath with some nostalgia in the mix. Perfect. Professional. Priceless
105 - Mike
RUSH is touring again starting April 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
106 - Paul Roy
I've already got my tickets for July 19th, Bristow, Virginia.
107 - jesu
i would've put down 35 just to see YYZ
108 - Captain
I'm 20 I first heard Rush's Tom Sawyer sometime when I was eight. I didn't catch on right away. But the seed was planted and time and opportunity granted direction. I was about 16 when I began breaking away from pop music. This was the time when I listened to the radio and rap was all I found, and I realized how disappointing both the lyrics and the music were. So I began listening to older, classic Rock. In my father's collection of CD's was a copy of moving pictures. And Tom Sawyer Became a one of my favored tracks. Give me a few years and I enjoyed about half of what Rush has created. I went to the show in Camden NJ at the Tweeter Center, I was blown away. I've seen some local shows and Van Halen 04'. So I kind of expected a good show hoping for a good set list and good vocals from Geddy... Delivered. The Seats were not the best, but in the grand scope I was just happy to see these guys because Hell, I mean I'd never know if I'd ever get the chance again, But The concert was wonderful, a reasonable mix of good songs. Now I'm headed to the show in Hershey PA on July 17. THANK YOU RUSH!!! I talked to my friend who went with me last time. We have (2)seats dead center like 17th row and (4)off to the right second row. I'm hoping that the guys feel awesome that night so I can NEVER FORGET IT!
See you there...
109 - Paul Roy
Good for you Captain. Even if you are only a mild fan of the band's music, Rush always puts on one of the best concerts of the year every time I see them. Great musicianship, killer stage show, and they always play for about three hours. Now that's getting your money's worth. I can't wait for this July to see them again.
110 - Captian
I know I didn't mention it but since the begging of last summer in anticipation of the show I acquired all the albums on vinyl from Rush to Hold Your Fire and S&A. I listen to them every day for months and Consider them the best band I have ever heard. I just wanted to set the "record" strait. And thank you Paul I will enjoy this one fervently.
111 - tim manson
cant wait to see them at nokia in la. taking both my daugters.first time "live".been a hardcore fan since 2112 came out.setlist?i dont
care.just stoked to hear the tightest band on the planet and enrich the minds of my girls.
one more thing,name 1 band that possibly might be
ontrack to pump out 20+gold and 15plat.albums...
aint gonna happen....
112 - cdawgmetal
The songs you wanted to hear were played scattered over the tour, I saw them at the july 18 in Calgary, they played Xanadu, Then a year later May 27 in Edmonton I got to hear 2112, blew my mind. These songs weren't at both shows. All in all those 2 concerts will probably be the best shows I will ever see, I can't explain the overwhelming emotion of pure ROCK sensation I felt from these shows, absolutely incredible.
113 - Atoidman
One minor correction. The third song in the first set was Ghost of a Chance; They did not play Entre Nous.
114 - Paul Roy
Atoidman, that was this year, which I also attended. My review was for last years tour in which they played Entre Nous.
115 - Paul Roy
I just received an interesting email from the girl who would come out and baste all of the chickens in Geddy Lee's Henhouse cookers during every show. She is the girlfriend of Neil Peart's drum tech, and gets to join them on most of the tours. Lucky her.