Posts
1560
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Tooele, UT, USA
Just got back from a family trip to Chicago to see Rush. We originally had planned to see them in CA, but the kids college orientation had us change plans. Great City, even better show. We even took Lower Wacker Drive to go to the Honorable Richard Daley Plaza to pay some back taxes. Followed by some Orange Whips! 
At least you didn't, "throw a rod".
I'm hoping to go see them in San Jose. I have only missed one Rush tour since 1984. I'm taking my 12-year-old daughter who plays guitar, piano and violin. She asked for Rush CDs for her birthday. She's never been to a big-time rock show so it should be a blast.
That is awesome. She will definitely like the show. The boys are definitely playing up their abilities it seems on this tour, with extra fills and riffs.
Halfway through Red Barchetta, I noticed my daughter crying. When asked if everything is ok, she said, “this is the first Rush song you ever played for me”. Then we were both crying. Then again during the tributes to Neil…. It was a night. You will have a blast with a young fan.
And fix the cigarette lighter.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
In 8th grade in 79 I snuck into the arena and saw Rush. Much louder concerts back then. The music went through your body. It was Awesome . Yeah Chicago is cool downtown.
Use of excessive force has been approved
were you wearing sunglasses?
Nice...that's...'jus...really...awesome.
A brilliant red Barchetta
From a better vanished time
I fire up the willing engine
Responding with a roar
Tires spitting gravel
I commit my weekly crime
Now...
Tell us about the drummer! 😀
Honestly, she is amazing. Is she Neil? Of course not. But she is an amazing drummer, and brings a different energy to the show. They were all smiling, laughing, and riffing together. They were all so happy, it infects the crowd, and it was great. I think they made the perfect choice.
Anika is killing it on drums this tour! Being just a great player means little in the context of many band situations, especially this one. She is fitting in very well and being accepted by, what some may consider, VERY critical fans, LOL. Weird seeing them without Neil for sure.
I haven't made up my mind about seeing them. Rush is my favorite band of all time, and I'm one of those "super" fans. I may go check them out if they play a residency in Vegas, like I've heard rumors about. It may be impossible to resist.
Now, here's my dilemma: Anika. She's an amazing drummer and was given free reign to interpret Neil's parts as she sees fit. No problem there. She is stepping bravely into an impossible position. There's no way anybody could play Neil's parts like he did anyway (and if someone could, we'd be criticizing that person for being a clone). They were wise to pick a woman, as it is one more thing that underlines how they intended to go another direction. The problem I have with her is that she is talented enough, but chooses not to play certain fills that I find paramount to the integrity of the songs. It's not all the songs, and it's not even every fill - just some of the most important ones that I take as cues. Missing those makes me think she either doesn't understand the meaning behind them or has discounted Neil's genius for putting them there in the first place. It may seem like I'm some spoiled brat, but this is how we Rush fans are. It's that important! I've been a fan for longer than she's been alive. I'd like to hear her play those parts and improvise elsewhere.
I love Alex and Geddy. Ged has been been crushing it lately; you can tell he's really happy to be back on stage and he's even going for those high notes at.... what? 70+ years old? What a champ. But for me, the thing that makes Rush so different from all the other talented rock bands out there is Neil Peart. His ferocious dedication to integrity and perfection, his relentless regimen of improvement, and most of all, his intelligence, have separated this band from any other. Without him, they are just 2/3rds of the most talented rock band ever. Perfectly acceptable for most listeners out there. But I really miss Neil. I was thinking about this while listening to Freewill in the garage just two days ago and I must admit that I cried. Why? Because I can never see that level of genius live ever again. I'm tearing up just writing this.
That's why I don't know if I can go see them.
"Suddenly you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon..."
I have to agree with you about Neil. What an inspiration. He's been a guiding figure for me for most of my life as a drummer and writer.
I haven't been watching full vids of the shows to keep it fresh when I (hopefully) see them live but she seems to have nailed some of the signature Neil parts pretty well. The most viral clip of her nailing the Tom Sawyer fills is a good example. She seems to be striking a good balance between staying faithful to the original and bringing her own parts in. Youtube is full of Neil clones and Rush made the right choice by not bringing in somebody to just copy Neil. What's going to be really interesting is if Rush writes some new material. I wonder how they will handle lyrics!
^ I think I'll be all-out if they write new material. Maybe not. I guess it depends on how good the songs are. One thing is certain: I wouldn't be able to moan about Anika missing the drum parts that I know and love!
Cool interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAWmS06K6dg
Anyone…
That can sit back there in Neil’s space and fill that void…
Keep that time…
Fulfill that mission…
Return that band to the stage…and get them back in the pocket…
And they’re smiling?
That’s not a drummer.
That’s an angel.
The video playing during Time Stands Still…. 😭
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