I can’t identify a single Rush song. So you can imagine my hesitation when my boyfriend got me a ticket to see the documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. I am so glad I went. While I’m not into their music, it’s impossible not to appreciate their musicianship, work ethic and their charming personalities. Unlike most rock docs, this one didn’t include any mention of drug addiction, rehab, sex with groupies and inter-band fighting. After shows, you could most likely find the band in their hotel room watching TV or writing songs for their next album. Unlike most rock stars, they never rejected their nerdiness or compromised their standards for a record label even when their most diehard fans weren’t totally on board with what they were doing. They never rested on their laurels, they were constantly evolving and experimenting. In fact, Neal Peart learned an entirely new way to drum when he was arguably already one of the best drummers of all time. The film is incredibly entertaining and inspiring. See it immediately.
When I was an awkward, shy teenager two of my favorite records were "Moving Pictures" and "Signals" by Rush. I sort of lost touch with them twenty years ago although I always had copies of those two albums that I'd pull out and listen to from time to time. "Sub-Divisions" is an all-time great song about being a teenage outcast. This documentary reminded me why I liked them and why they are so popular with their rabid fan base. It's also really funny!
ReplyDeleteSo many rock bands spend time with marketers, record labels and PR machines--not Rush. Rush have spent nearly 40 years making the music they want to make regardless of trends or critical praise (of which they've had little) and in this day and age of phony, inauthentic bands at every turn, that is so refreshing. I'm going to get my copy of "Signals" out as soon as I can and listen to it really loud.
Last friday I went to see Rush live in Buenos Aires, It was a superb show, full of energy and music. I guess that Rush is a honest band, wich has passion, a fine humor sense and not any rock star attitude.
ReplyDeleteThis could be their secret to be alive (and kicking) for almost 40 years.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right to attribute their success to their non rock star attitude. Conversely, I was just reading an interview with Evan Dando (remember the Lemonheads) that included about 5 references to drugs in just a short piece. Maybe this is why we haven't heard much from him (and others like him) since the 90s!
sj