Rush fan page

I'm a die hard Rush fan. (Sorry Craig. Thanks Rob!). Here's a table of contents:

Notes on Rush history

The rock band Rush was formed by Aleksandar Živojinović (Alex Lifeson), John Rutsey, and Jeff Jones in 1968. They were teens. Rutsey and Lifeson were previously in a band, The Projection (The Lost Cause). Alex started playing with Jones as bassist and vocalist, and Rutsey would join them. At the time, they were unnamed, (later named by Rutsey's brother). Jones had difficulty making practices, and recommended Gershon Lee Weinrib (Gary/Geddy) stand in when he couldn't make it. Alex asked Geddy to stay with the band the next day.

Lindy Young joined the band in January 1969, but started playing with Rush, as pianist and keyboardist, in the Fall of 1968. He stayed until June 1969. For a time in 1969, Danniels (manager) and Rutsey pushed Lee out, who was replaced by Joe Perna with Lindy singing lead, and they changed the name of the band to Hadrian. Lindy left to join Geddy's new band. When Geddy's band broke up, Rutsey asked Geddy to return and reform Rush. Lindy did not follow, deciding to go to college.

Mitch Bossi joined the band in the Fall of 1970 but left in the dead summer of 1971. Bossi relates he was a mediocre musician who wanted to have fun, but Rush was too serious, and in the summer lull left the band.

When the legal drinking age became 18 in Canada, Rush began playing in bars and clubs, getting out of the school performances, and beginning to play full time. They paid to do their first recording in September 1973, at age 20, released their first single from that session the same month, and their eponymous debut album in March 1974 using their own label Moon Records, which later became Anthem.

An interesting note from the Rush website. The Parkside Collegiate Institute concert in St. Thomas Ontario is dated 1 January 1970. I believe this is a mistake. Some suggestion that the concert labeled 6 April 1974 as UNKNOWN VENUE is actually that concert. This is also the case with the Laura Secord Secondary School performance, found on the R40 video kit, in St. Catherine's Ontario. At the least it should be listed as 1974, though I've seen suggestion it was 1 April 1974. Setlist.fm appears to wrongly have it labeled as 15 May 1974. I suspect the 1970 labels come down to the dates are generally unknown.

As the band was signing on to Mercury Records in the summer of 1974, Rutsey's ongoing struggle with diabetes caused issues with the increased performance schedule, and Gerry Fielding played in his stead for most performances. Ultimately, Rutsey left the band, not enjoying full time touring and wanting to play more generic rock. (He went on to be a body builder, passing in 11 May 2008.)

Rutsey and Fielding was formerly replaced by Neil Peart on 29 July 1974. He played his first concert in Pittsburg on 14 August 1974. Peart's last performance was 1 August 2015, ending the R40 tour, after which he retired. He passed in January 2020 from a three year fight with brain cancer.) In 2025 Anika Nilles was asked to audition and joined the band as the new drummer. Loren Gold was added as keyboardist in February 2026. They first played at the Juno awards 29 March 2026.

Personal Rush history

The first Rush albums I listened to were on vinyl. At one point I had the entire album and live catalog on cassette tapes. I listened to them until they fell apart, replacing them with CD-ROMs. The first remastered CD-ROM I got was the Vapor Trails remix. I've since looked at remasters when they offer extra features I'm interested in. Many of the cases of my CDs have been broken, most of those I disgarded, and I wasn't smart enough to keep the backing insert when there was nothing unique to the front insert (which I always kept).

These CDs are finally starting to show wear and tear, but I still listen to them, preferring optical media. I only get digital copies when I can archive them in a backup. I'm not opposed to digital, DVD audio, or BD Pure Audio, as long as I don't have to fight with encryption or special players, (such as with Super Audio CD). For digital formats, I prefer FLAC in general, but also like the idea of Opus. I have MP3 files of some of Rush's music where they came offered with purchased CDs. I consider CD, DVD, and BD to be superior to all forms that preceed them, including vinyl. After having seen the loss of my wife's paid-for music disappearing with a service or device, I've been cynical of digital-only formats and controlled encryption protection.

My favorite Rush album is Snakes & Arrows, followed by Hold Your Fire and Clockwork Angels, which I like equally. Prime Mover remains my long standing favorite song, and Subdivisions resonates with me in several ways. There's not a song I dislike. Oh and I Love You Man is an awesome movie.

I live in Utah, where Rush has toured since the Farewell to Kings tour. I've not been able to go all of them.

I have a YouTube playlist of my preferred recordings of Rush's work. I originally kept the list in chronological order, but decided to turn on voting. In general, I'm only using official Rush videos, with limited exceptions, e.g. Hall of Fame, a song not available elsewhere. This means that most of the tracks are limited to audio. I have chosen the complete version of the longer songs (some live performances pick only parts) and sometimes prefer the better quality of the studio version if nothing otherwise has changed. The newer performances of the last couple decades have excellent sound quality, and sometimes evolving improvements.

As a child, I went to the Festival of Trees, and met Bruce Hurst, who signed a baseball for me. I love baseball. My daughter bought a baseball mit holder for me to put the baseball on, which before sat on my bookshelf free to roll around. One March, I had gone about my normal routine at work as a software engineer, helping out a coworker and pointing him to helpful code, and thinking maybe I should document this for him in a playbook. It'll help whomever tries this in the future, I figured. It's been a long time since I've got a work award. Nerds seem to get overlooked, as Rush fans know well. His award recognition came with a cash award, so I got Geddy Lee's book 72 Stories about his baseball collection. It came that weekend. Thank you, Daniel. So I guess that's my Rush baseball story.

Notes on albums and books

The following are the music and video collections Rush has released and promoted. I have a couple notes on things part of Rush fandom that weren't released by Rush, or their record labels. I add notes on unique details of interest, including the current optical media and digital releases. I also include books, as Neil and Geddy began writing later in life. Boxed set releases (such as the Archives reissue on vinyl of the first three albums) in general don't get mention.

Not Fade Away
Rush's first (stereo) single from October 1973, which includes original composition You Can't Fight It on side B. R50 provides a remaster.
Rush
Rush is the second album I heard from Rush, on vinyl. It was released in March 1974. The most current remaster advertised was Rush reDISCovered from 29 April 2014 on vinyl. This was not part of the 12 Months of Rush as claimed elsewhere. A digital download was provided (no longer available), and research suggests this was 24-bit/96 kHz only, with limited 5.1 surround sound. Original releases were from Moon Records, then Canadian Mercury (Moon recording), then what is called the skyline label referring to the Terry Brown remix. Two singles were released: In the Mood, with What You're Doing on side B, released May 1974; and Finding My Way, some versions with Need Some Love on side B, in August 1974. A live performance was recorded at Laura Secord Secondary School, found on Rush R40, as part of Canadian Bandstand, though a date for the recording is unclear (some claim 15 May 1974). The ABC radio broadcast of 26 August 1974, with Neil Peart, also documents the latter half of the tour.
Fly by Night
A 40th anniversary (with BD Pure Audio) release represents the most current remastering. A Rolling Stone interview from 2013 indicates that the song Anthem was written in the early days of Rush, but Rutsey didn't like to play it. It was one of Peart's audition songs. The promptional music video of Anthem is an Easter egg on the Rush in Rio DVD/BD, and the music video of Fly by Night can be found on R30's DVD/BD. Fly by Night was released in February 1975. This was followed by the single Fly by Night in April, with Anthem on side B. In February 1977, The Temples of Syrinx was released as a single, with Making Memories as side B. This was released in Canada in August 1977, but with the sides reversed. Bonus tracks from the ABC 1974 Live radio broadcast are from the Fly By Night tour. A radio recording was done of the 5 December 1974 concert in New York, named The Lady Gone Electric..
Caress of Steel
I really enjoyed this album when I first heard it. I don't get the down-the-tubes dislike, but that's as a loyal Rush fan. Definitely underrated. Caress of Steel was released in September 1975. In October the single Return of the Prince was released, the third part of the song The Necromancer, with I Think I'm Going Bald on side B. A second single was released in November: Lakeside Park, with Bastille Day on side B.
2112
The 40th anniversary remaster is the most current offering for the album in various formats. The Rush website lists the 40th Anniversary Deluxe edition (not to be confused with the Deluxe edition reissue that preceeded it) as a new album, but doesn't list the other anniversary editions as unique. The 50th anniversary was 1 April 2026. A single was released in June 1976: The Twilight Zone, with Lessons on side B.
All the World's a Stage
The original CD-ROM releases are missing the song What You're Doing, with the Man, oh man from Geddy's off-stage banter and closing door, due to size constraints of the time. The missing song is available with the Chronicles compilation album. The remasters are unabridged. The 12 Months of Rush release is the most current remaster. The 50th anniversary is September 2026. A single was released December 1976 with the live medly of Fly by Night with In the Mood. Side B had the live version of Something for Nothing.
A Farewell to Kings
The 40th anniversary edition is the most current CD-ROM. It includes the same concert that is offered with Different Stages, but from the 2015 remaster remixed by Terry Brown. The anniversary edition has the following additions (split over two CDs): Lakeside Park, Closer to the Heart, 2112 (without Oracle: The Dream), Peart's drum solo (also on R50), Madrigal, and an outtake. The Super Deluxe edition has aBlu-ray Pure Audio edition remastered by Steven Wilson. Three music videos were made after the original album, and included as extras on the BD: Closer to the Heart, A Farewell to Kings, and Xanadu. Two singles were released for the album. Closer to the Heart was released November 1977, with Madrigal on a side B. A UK version was released 27 January 1978, with three different tracks on side B: Bastille Day, Anthem (only on the 12 inch LP), and The Temples of Syrinx from the song 2112. The second single was Cinderella Man in 1978, with A Farewell to Kings on side B.
Hemispheres
The 40th anniversary edition is the most current CD-ROM, which includes a second disc with the Pinkpop Festival concert of 4 June 1979. That concert Lifeson played with a broken finger. Before the concert the keyboard tech jumped off the stage unknowingly into a 25 foot stairwell and broke his feet, but still returned from hospital in time to help (sitting) with the concert. Three promotional music videos were made with the original album: Circumstances, The Trees, and La Villa Strangiato. A single with Circumstances was released January 1979 in Canada, with The Trees on side B.
Rush Through Time
A compilation album (picture disc, a vinyl album with pictures that display on the record as it plays). It was offered by the German and UK labels without input from the band. It offers duplicates of studio album songs:
Permanent Waves
The 40th anniversary edition is the most current CD-ROM. A bonus disc was included with extra recordings and live performances, though the vinyl included extras not on the second CD. A promotional, The Spirit of Radio was released December 1979 with Working Man and The Trees. This was released as a single February 1980, with Circumstances replacing Working Man. The single Entre Nous was released April 1980, with Different Strings as the B side.
Moving Pictures
The 40th anniversary edition is the most current CD-ROM, (it doesn't have Peart's picture, same as the original CD), but has two CD extras from the concerts at the Maple Leaf Gardens, 24-25 March 1981. This is the 2021 remaster, mixed by Terry Brown. Three music videos were released with the original album: Limelight, Tom Sawyer, and Vital Signs (also included with the Through the Camera Eye compilation). The first two were included with Rush Chronicles — The DVD Collection. Three singles were released. The first is Limelight, released 25 February 1981, with YYZ on side B. The second is Vital Signs, released March 1981 in the UK, with In the Mood on side B (from their debut album). Last was Tom Sawyer, released May 1981, with Witch Hunt on side B.
Exit… Stage Left
I have the 314 534 632-2 Anthem/Mercury silver disc CD-ROM, which must be a reprint as it has the previously removed A Passage to Bangkok, but it is not from The Rush Remasters. Sometime after 1990, but before the 1997 remaster, the CD-ROM must have been reissued, but I can't find a record of its release this way. This is the first album I ever heard of Rush, on vinyl. A live version of the Tom Sawyer single, with A Passage to Bangkok on side B, was released in the Fall of 1981. A live version of the single Closer to the Heart released shortly after, with Freewill (live) on side B.
Exit… Stage Left
Released 13 February 1982, this is a video documentary of the album, with more limited (and sometimes different) selections. It's been released and repackaged in multiple media formats over the years.
Signals
I have the Gold CD MFSL remaster from 1994. This version has different recordings (mixes?). The Weapon has a musical transition instead of the verse And the things that we fear / Are a weapon to be held against him in the second refrain (about 3 minutes into the song). New World Man and Digital Man seem subtly different. The insert also has a spelling error in The Weapon, worse that your Hell should be than not that. Two music videos were issued at the time: Subdivisions and Countdown. These were included with Through the Camera Eye, and Subdivisions was included with Chronicles: The Video Collection on LaserDisc, and Rush Chronicles — The DVD Collection. The most current CD-ROM is the 40th anniversary super deluxe edition, based on the 2015 remaster, with some included singles. There's also a BD Pure Audio release. It is the last anniversary release before R50. Three singles were released after the original album. New World Man on 27 August 1982, with Vital Signs (live) as side B. Subdivisions was released 22 October 1982 at the end of the UK tour. This was a different mix, with heavier guitar. Red Barchetta (live) was on side B. When it released in the US in December of that year, the mix was closer to the album with Countdown on side B. Countdown shipped with New World Man in 1983 as the final single (no B side).
Grace Under Pressure
Four music videos were released with the original album: Distant Early Warning, Afterimage, The Body Electric, and The Enemy Within. These can be found on Through the Camera Eye. The Chronicles videos did not include The Body Electric. There is a 40th anniversary super deluxe edition. The second CD-ROM is Terry Brown's mix and a more recent mastering, and is really the outstanding part of this collection. CDs 3-4 are a more complete set list from the Grace Under Pressure Tour, (and the third CD-ROM release of the concert). Rush Replay X 3 has the first CD-ROM release of the tour. The CD-ROM has since (2009) been released separately. The whole album, with the exception of The Enemy Within, was released as singles in 1984. First was Distant Early Warning with Between the Wheels on side B. The Body Electric had the same on side B in the US, but The Analog Kid in the UK. Red Sector A with Red Lenses on side B. Afterimage with The Body Electric on side B, but only in Japan.
Power Windows
Two music videos were released with Power Windows: The Big Money and Mystic Rhythms, found on the Chronicles videos. The 40th anniversary was in October 2025: will there be a deluxe remaster edition soon? Two singles were released. The Big Money released 4 October 1985, with Red Sector A (live) on side B. In the UK, this had Middletown Dreams and Territories. The second was Mystic Rhythms, released 27 January 1986, with Emotion Dector on side B.
Through the Camera Eye
Released 17 July 1985 on Betamax, VHS, and LaserDisc, a compilaton of promotional music videos. The following are the contents, with a reference to more contemporary sources (if available): The ending credits played the latter part of YYZ, audio presumably from the studio recording.
Grace Under Pressure Tour
First released 28 March 1986 as their first video non-documentary concert. Reissues have occured over the years, with the most current being from the Super Deluxe Edition of Grace Under Pressure boxed set, which included a BD-ROM remaster of the concert.
Hold Your Fire
Two music videos were released with Hold Your Fire: Time Stand Still and Lock and Key, the latter being on the Chronicles video release. The 2015 Abbey Road remaster was used for a reissue and is the most current CD-ROM release. The single Time Stand Still was released 19 October 1987, with High Water on side B in the US, and Force Ten in the UK. Prime Mover was released in 1988, with Tai Shan on side B. The 40th anniversary will be celebrated 8 September 2027.
A Show of Hands
There's also a DVD of the concert from Rush Replay X 3, (but without Lock and Key, which was on the LaserDisc release). The missing video is on R40. A single was released in 1989 with live versions of Closer to the Heart, and Witch Hunt (side B).
Presto
A single was released November 1989: Show Don't Tell with Red Tide on the B side. Show Don't Tell was also released in 1989 as a music video. A second single The Pass, with Presto, on B side, was released March 1990. Two more videos were released in 1990: The Pass and Superconductor.
Chronicles
This is a two CD-ROM compilation album offered by the studio without Rush's input. The missing What You're Doing from the original All the World's a Stage CD, and A Passage to Bankok from the original Exit… Stage Left CD, might make this worth the buy, at least at the time.
Chronicles: The Video Collection
A collection of related music videos on VHS and LaserDisc. A reissue was released in 2001 on DVD with two bonus tracks: The Enemy Within and Afterimage. It was renamed Chronicles - The DVD Collection.
Roll the Bones
Four singles were released with this album. Dreamline was released in September 1991. Where's My Thing was also released in 1991, while Bravado was released in 1992. Roll the Bones released in Canada and Europe, with Face Up on B side in Canada, Show Don't Tell in the UK, and Tom Sawyer live in Germany. Roll the Bones also had a music video from 1991.
Rush - The Story of Kings, Interview
This is an interview in the UK with Alex Lifeson. It is not an official release. I have the CD-ROM, but no case or insert.
Counterparts
Two music videos followed the release of Counterparts. The first was Stick it Out, released October 1993, and Nobody's Hero, released April 1994, also as a single with Stick it Out on side B. Double Agent was also released as a single in 1993.
Drumbeats
A story collaboration with Neil Peart and Kevin J. Anderson. Anderson sent Peart an autographed copy of his first book Resurrection, Inc.. A couple years later Peart wrote Anderson a fan letter. Their correspondence continued, until Anderson proposed a story based on Peart's letters. The story was published in Shock Rock II, 1 February 1994. An illustrated edition, with extra material, was published in 2020.
Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich
This is Neil Peart's solo effort after Counterparts
Victor
This is Alex Lifeson's solo effort after Counterparts, released 9 January 1996. A remix was released, remastered with bonus tracks in 2024.
Working Man
A tribute album by other artists, released 2 August 1996.
Test for Echo
Two music videos were released with Test for Echo. Half the World in 1996, and Driven in 1997, both of which also had promotional singles. There were two other promtional singles: Test for Echo (1996) and Virtuality (1997).
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa
Peart's first solo effort, an autobiographical story of his second trip to Africa, bicycling in Cancoon in November 1988, just before the December studio work on Presto. It was first printed in Nova Scotia, if based on announcement, in October 1996.
Retrospective I
This is replaced by Gold, except Something for Nothing on Retrospective I is replaced with Working Man on Gold. The 2112 Deluxe CD-ROM collection, or the 40th anniversary CDs, has a newer remaster than the 1997 version found here. If you have Retrospective I, getting The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987 will give the additional song.
Retrospective II
This is replaced by Gold. If you have this and Retrospective I, getting The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987 perhaps makes more sense than Gold (unless you want the digital assembly changes).
Burning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich, Vol. 2
A DVD with documentary from 2006 includes both recordings
Different Stages
Different Stages is the concert tour for Test for Echo, the last on the typical four year cycle. The third CD is from the A Farewell to Kings Tour. There was no remaster of the first two CDs, but the Deluxe edition of A Farewell to Kings has the full expanded form of the third CD. Two promotional singles shipped in 1998: The Spirit of Radio (live), with 2112 (live) on the B side. This is 2112 played in full. The second promotional single is Closer to the Heart (live).
My Favourite Headache
Geddy Lee's solo album after Peart's first retirement. A vinyl single was released with two extras for this album.
Vapor Trails
This was replaced with Vapor Trails Remixed, by far the superior version from the 2013 remaster.
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road
Neil Peart's second book, documenting his motor bike travels around North America, look for peace after the death of his daughter and wife. First published June 2002.
The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987
This is a compilation album of the greatest hits from Retrospective I and Retrospective II. The 1997 remaster of Working Man is added. A sampler DVD special edition was included with the CD for limited release with five music videos: Closer to the Heart, Tom Sawyer, Subdivisions, Big Money, and Mystic Rhythms.
Rush in Rio
There's a 3 CD version, a 2 DVD video version, and a BD. The most current video is from R40. The song Resist debuts as an acoustic version. DVD Disc 2 has two Easter eggs. First, from the menu, press Enter when Bytor's movie is showing to see the movie. Second, spell 2112 by going to O Baterista, YYZ, YYZ again, then back to O Baterista: this will provide the 1974 Anthem video.
Traveling Music: The Soundtrack to My Life and Times
Peart's third book, a biography mixed with travel in 2003 while his wife was away, was released October 2004.
Feedback
I have the original CD-ROM release from June 2004. The current CD-ROM version is a 2016 reissue, based on the Abbey Road 2015 remaster.
R30: 30th Anniversary Tour
There's a deluxe DVD edition that includes two CDs of the concert, released November 2005. A BD expanded version of the DVD was released in 2009. R40 included the videos. The songs Resist and Heart Full of Soul have acoustic versions, providing a breather for Peart after his drum solo, (the accoustic performance of Resist is also in the Vapor Trails tour). The BD has several songs not provided on the DVD or CD, but can be found elsewhere: Red Sector A on the Snakes & Arrows Live DVD, Secret Touch on the Retrospective III: 1989-2008 two disc DVD, One Little Victory on the two disc version of Working Men, and Bravado and YYZ on Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage DVD. There are two Easter eggs on the second DVD, tracks 16 and 17. Rush Hits St. John's can be found by arrowing right three times on the man menu. Alex's Interview for Artist of the Decade can be found arrowing right three times on the Interviews menu.
Gold
This is a compilation all-in-one of both Retrospective releases, with Working Man instead of Something for Nothing. It was released in April 2006, and had some digital assembly unique to it.
Roadshow: Landscape with Drums – A Concert Tour by Motorcycle
Neil Peart's fourth autobiographical book, initially released September 2006
Snakes & Arrows
The CD-ROM was released 1 May 2007, and reissued in 2016 using the 2015 remaster.
Snakes & Arrows Live
There's a two CD release, a DVD release, and a BD. The video is included in R40.
Retrospective III
This is a follow up to Gold
Grace Under Pressure Live
The most recent, and expanded, cut is from the 40th anniversary super deluxe edition. Reports are that it's a remix of footage of the concert, and there's less of Peart's drumming showing, and not entirely in sync with the music. The CD first shipped with Replay X 3, then in 2009 as a stand-alone CD-ROM. The DVD was a remaster. The new super deluxe version of both is remastered again.
Working Men
There's a CD-ROM or DVD. Working Men is a live compilation album of the live recordings Rush in Rio, R30, and Snakes & Arrows Live, with the addition of One Little Victory which was part of the R30 BD, but not DVD or CD. It (along with others) can be found on the Blu-ray (BD) R30 video.
Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage
The documentary about Rush and their history. It was released on VH1 and later DVD.
Far and Away: A Prize Every Time
Neil Peart's fifth autobiographical book, released early in April 2011
Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland
This shipped as a CD-ROM collection, a DVD, and a BD. It was included with R40.
Clockwork Angels
The current studio album, released June 2012
Clockwork Angels (novel)
Neil Peart's first novel with Kevin J. Anderson, released in September 2012
Clockwork Angels Tour
This shipped as a CD-ROM collection, a DVD, and a BD. It was included with R40.
Far and Near: On Days like These
Neil Peart's sixth autobiographical book, released October 2014
R40
A DVD or BD collection was released, November 2014, including recent concert tours. For the Easter egg instructions, see the related album above. Several live performance are provided, such as the band stand performance with Rutsey at St. Catherine's in 1974.
R40 Live
The last concert tour until the referral of Anika Nilles (not nills, but niles: I see another name pronunciation skit coming), and the last with Neil Peart as drummer. This is the live recording for the tour.
Time Stand Still DVD/BD
Time Stand Still documents the R40 Live Tour, Peart's retirement, and the unknowns of Rush's future. Extras are from the Presto Tour in 8 March 1990 at The Palace of Auburn Hills, titled Live From the Rabbit Hole. There's also Peart warming up for a performance.
Rush 50
There's a CD-ROM based deluxe edition, as well as DVD or BD, and also the super deluxe edition with everything including vinyl. Each was shipped as a boxed set.

I spent time documenting current mixes and mastering of the different albums, and have ultimately decided that, other than perhaps Vapor Trails, I'm not entirely particular. It seems that the anniversary editions and The Studio Albums for Presto through Snakes & Arrows are the basic way to collect their music. (The Sectors box sets are already out of print.) Remasters, reissues, and rereleases are ongoing, e.g. Bob Ludwig (1991), Adam Ayan (2004), Kevin Gray (2011), Andy Van Dette (2013), Sean Magee (2015, Abbey Road). Patience is required if looking for CD-ROM or other optical media. The louder 1997 The Remasters are what are otherwise commonly available. Vinyl seems to be popular lately for Rush, but I find optical media and digital (FLACs!) to be better (perhaps a bias).

©David Egan Evans.