Rush the Band: a Beginner's Guide

In April, 2010, Canadian rock group Rush announced the schedule of their latest concert tour, the Time Machine Tour. Fans of this power trio will especially want to attend at least one show to hear the band perform in its entirety all of the songs from their best known album, Moving Pictures. While casual fans of Rush may be familiar with radio staples like "Tom Sawyer" and "The Spirit of Radio," the deep cuts of Moving Pictures like "The Camera Eye" and "Vital Signs" are rarities that haven't been performed live in decades.

Since the release of their first album in 1974, Rush has fostered a strong following that continues to support them to this day through online communities on message boards and social networks. Music lovers new to Rush have assuredly discovered them through their cameo in the film I Love You, Man and their interview on The Colbert Report, their first televised performance in over thirty years. Rush are unique to the music world in that not only is the band comprised of just three members, but the lineup has not changed in over thirty years (drummer Neil Peart came to the group after the departure of band member John Rutsey). Where most well-known bands share the songwriting, Rush's impressive catalog is written primarily by Peart, with guitarist Lifeson and bassist Lee handling compositions. Presently Rush ranks fourth among groups for consecutive gold records as recorded by the RIAA - behind the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith.