The Story of Rush

GARAGE TO STADIUMS

Learn the fascinating story of how Rush made its journey from Canadian bar band to global phenomenon from our guest Sam Dunn, director of the documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. In the episode you’ll hear:

• How an incredible event launched Rush from bar band to opening act for Kiss
• How diabetes lead Rush to discover one of the best drummers in rock history
• What major rock stars think of Rush’s place in music history
• The story behind Geddy Lee’s and guitarist Alex Lifeson real names
• The influences on Rush’s music evolution from early days to later albums
• A best of Rush playlist

Stream the official Rush Garage to Stadiums playlist on Apple Music

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For great bonus content, videos, and blogs go to GaragetoStadiums.com

Rush has sold the most consecutive gold/platinum albums behind only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Sam’s documentary features an array of rock luminaries praising Rush: Gene Simmons of Kiss, Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Billy Corgen of The Smashing Pumpkins and Taylor Hawkins of The Foo Fighters.

Having spent significant time with band members, Sam gave us interesting insights into the personalities of vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. One early interesting note is that Neil Peart, widely considered to be one of the best rock drummers in the world, only became part of Rush due to the sickness of original drummer John Rutsey.

Not only did Rush gain an incredible drummer who would transform their ability to create complex music, they unexpectedly added a deeply well-read individual who also took over the lyric writing duties. Neil’s song writing skills propelled the band to fashion musical tales beyond anything they could have previously imagined and quite different from their first hit, Working Man seen here is a rare early live appearance.

We discussed the musical prowess of the three members; you can see demonstrations of this in Alex Lifeson shredding the guitar during a major outdoor festival in Toronto in 2006, Geddy Lee sharing his approach on the bass and the phenomenal Neil Peart on the David Letterman show playing drums.

Rush was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013. You can see their Hall of Fame induction announcement by Jann Wenner publisher of Rolling Stone Magazine and the standing ovation featuring musicians such as Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, John Mayer and Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers clapping along with the thousands in attendance.

Foo’s vocalist and guitarist Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins do a hilarious introduction speech for Rush, at once describing their career, musicianship, achievements and eccentricities into one rollicking tale.

As part of the Hall induction, then the Foos do an incredible impersonation of early 70s Rush complete with wigs and kimonos performing 2112: Overture and The Temples of Syrinx. Get your air guitar and drums ready for some dual playing by Rush members and the Foos.

Sadly, Neil Peart died in 2020 and rumors have abounded ever since about whether surviving members Geddy and Alex might reunite. Geddy and Alex actually performed with drummers Danny Carey, Dave Grohl and Chad Smith of Tool, Nirvana/Foo Fighters and Chili Peppers at the 2022 tribute for deceased drummer of the Foos Taylor Hawkins.

For more bonus material on Rush go to garagetostadiums.com and check out our 'Episode' and 'Blog' tabs.

Guest: Sam Dunn, of Banger Films,

Songs played in episode:

Date: November 2023

Host: Dave Anthony

Produced by Podstarter