Rush Through Time

It was a few years ago upon hearing The Trees that I vowed that I would see Rush perform live. A few opportunities passed me by but on Saturday I snapped up the chance to catch the show, alongside my father, a long-time fan.

They'd apparently just taken to the stage as I entered and unlike Leafs games where the stands don't fill up til the end of the first, the ACC was absolutely packed. Fans of this legendary Toronto trio were in for a full night of Rush hits ranging from classics right through to tracks from their upcoming release, hence the appropriately titled Time-Machine Tour. To go along with this theme the stage was decked out with things that looked like a cross between front-load washing machines and old-school juke boxes that would alternatively blink or smoke. Regardless of this theme Neil Peart manned a massive drumset in his customary cap, Alex Lifeson made his guitar scream in loafers, a sports coat and jeans, while Geddy Lee had his signature glasses topping off jeans and a T. Unlike some bands from the past it is the music they play and not their fashion that makes them famous.

Pearts drumming has often been the headline for Rush, but Lifeson can really work his guitar, while I was also impressed with the fat bass lines emanating from Geddy's instrument. These were all featured in the first half that had a variety of hits and deeper cuts highlighted for me by Freewill.

Following an intermission (and a hokey video intro that saw the band acting, including Lifeson donning a fat-suit) we were given, as promised, Moving Pictures, front-to-back, in full. As they progressed from Tom Sawyer to Red Barchetta, the incredible instrumental YYZ to Limelight, each successive song kept replacing the last as my favourite of the show. The B-side wasn't half bad either.

Following this there were some theatrics. Not only were there indoor fireworks (that startled the bejeezus outta me) but there were also fireballs in time with some xylophone work. Neil Peart showcased his skills in an eight-minute drum solo that saw his 360-degree drumset spin around him while he never missed a beat. Following this, presumably to give Neil's arm's a moment's rest, Alex came onstage with an acoustic guitar for an extended intro into Closer to the Heart, a radio-staple that had a rousing reception. The hits came fast and furious now, with only the odd Snakes and Ladders or future release tossed in. During 2112 (part I, & II?) drumsticks could be seen flipping through the air as the crowd enthusiastically pumped along to the "Hey"'s.

Despite having rocked for closing in on three hours already an encore was heartily cheered for and received. Coming back on stage with an instrumental track they rolled into a reggae version of Working Man. Part way through the switch flipped and this massive hit rocked out in all its glory as a suitable closer to an incredible glimpse of the lifelong catalog of this city's "Working Band".

(Following the show a skit featuring the duo from I Love You, Man, the movie, played on the big screen. In character these two continued their devotion to "the Holy Triumvirate" by breaking into their dressing room, only to be caught by Rush themselves. And yes, Geddy Lee did "slappa da bass.")