There a few things that make me Canadian: Tim Horton's, Canadian Tire Money, Curling and some of the Canadian bands that sit on my CD shelf, Rush being one of them.
Being one of the few female Rush fans, not dragged by their husbands and or boyfriends, it was good to share the music with some ladies. It was still primarily a sausage fest but this time there were a lot more tacos to choose from.
Compared to other prog bands, Rush have always managed to make progressive music but at the same time, unlike other prog bands, they've made their music accessible to casual fans. They're not too afraid to follow or be influenced by current trends while still remaining signature to their sound.
I didn't go to Rush expecting to hear different renditions of my favorite songs, I went expecting to hear exactly what was on record, often hard to emulate without "cheating" from other bands. Rush on the other hand, were crisp, on key and in top performance with what I believe from my ears as no musical fuck ups. It was as tight and professional as a symphony orchestra. Surprisingly they were all in top shape for their age and stage in their career. Geddy's singing style is aging gracefully.
The set list was both a mixture of predictability as well as some songs noticeably missed out but nothing that angered fans and or made them feel incomplete by the end of the evening. "
The stage lighting was nothing stellar, however, with a band like Rush, you were mesmerized by the music and the songs (they carried the weight).
I am not one for drum solos and they've always been a bathroom break for me, however, when Neil Peart did his solo, barely anyone dared to remove themselves from the venue. Not only was he mesmerizing to watch, he confirmed that he is the best drummer out there. When does a drum solo get a standing ovation?
Geddy's voice is still in prime shape. He hit the high notes flawlessly.
Even though each member was situated in their spot trying to perform in perfection with less interaction amongst members, there was still a clear sense on stage that after 35 years, they still really liked each other as people. This was confirmed earlier in the year with the Rush movie that showed in theatres.
I did my fair share of air drumming as well as air keyboards, more likely the cause of my now sore shoulder as I'm typing this but it was totally worth it. read more