Rush

Officially formed in 1968 it wasn’t until May 1974 with lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Geddy Lee, guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and songwriter Neil Peart, that the band’s lineup cemented itself. A year earlier Rush released their debut single “Not Fade Away”, a cover of the Buddy Holly song followed by their debut full-length “Rush” in 1974. With Peart’s science-fiction and fantasy-infused songwriting at the core of the band appeal, Rush released the albums “Fly by Night” and “Caress of Steel” in 1975, followed by their breakthrough album “2112” in 1976. The latter release set the band’s formula for success by combining Lee’s high-pitched vocals, Lifeson’s enviable guitar work, and Peart’s intense drumming.

Rush went from strength to strength with their proceeding albums beginning with 1977’s Top 40 album “A Farwell to Kings”, followed by 1978’s “Hemispheres”, the less progressive “Permanent Waves” in 1980, and 1981’s “Moving Pictures”. By this point Rush had become notorious for their exuberant live shows and instrument proficiency, and although they never found much favour with critics, they augmented a dedicated fan following and huge respect among fellow musicians. The album “Signals” spawned the smash hit single “New World Man” in 1983, which made way for the subsequent albums “Grace Under Pressure” in 1984 and “Power Windows” in 1985.

In a move away from their heavy guitar-driven sound towards a more polished, synth-inspired aesthetic, the two albums “Hold Your Fire” in 1987 and “Presto” in 1989 alienated a number of the band’s fans. The ’90s however saw a return to form with the release of “Roll the Bones” in 1991 and the U.S. Billboard 200 Top 3 album “Counterparts” in 1993. Following the release of “Test for Echo” in 1996 and a subsequent tour, Peart’s daughter died in a car accident and his wife lost her battle with cancer. Despite this upset Rush remained a solid unit, and retuned five years later to release their 17th studio album “Vapor Trails” in 2002. Rush’s 30th anniversary tour was celebrated by a documentary DVD “R30” in 2004, followed three years later by the full-length “Snakes & Arrows”. A string of video productions arrived in the 2000s documenting the band’s epic stage show and history, interspersed between the band’s 19th studio album “Clockwork Angels” issued in June 2012.