|
Darien, NY-Time stood still this 4th of July as those assembled stood entranced by the stellar musicianship of three fine lads from the Great White North. Yes, it is Rush of which I speak. As oversized rotisserie ovens, complete with over 50 chickens slow roasting inside, were rolled onto the stage the distinctive opening notes of "Limelight" filled the air much to the delight of fans spanning from age 13 to 33, 43 even 53. You see, amongst Rush fans there is brotherhood. To witness 13 year olds donning vintage 2112 t-shirt's, asking to be a part of that brotherhood, is a true testament to this bands far reaching influence.
 |
Speaking of reaching, the guys dipped deep into their early catalog with such selections as "Entre Nous", Circumstances", and "Digital Man."
The level of grace and precision at which Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart perform is at a height attainable by few but respected by many. Their flawless 3 hour set also treated the audience to a visual extravaganza of lazers light beams, flash pods and huge video screen back drops that both intensified the emotions of songs such as "Workin Them Angels" and also provided a moment of amusement as a prelude to "Tom Sawyer" featured the characters from South Park as "Lil' Rush", with Eric Cartman playing the role of Geddy Lee.
 |
As the creativity, humor and musical integrity enraptured the crowd, bright blooms of exploding fireworks could be seen to the right of the stage. However, the more awe inspiring booms came courtesy of the most anticpated drum solo in rock, the effortless yet intricate beats of Mr. Neil Peart. Mixing in some Count Basie jazz and swing stylings, a rotating drum riser and an electric xylophone demonstrated Peart's dedication and mastery of the craft. Given what this man has lost in recent years to personal tragedy, one might assume it's cathartic for him to continue, a man of lesser passion may have chosen otherwise, standing as yet another testimonial to the character & strength of bond the band shares.
 |
The extensive set shone the brightest light on new material from "Snakes and Arrows." Eight songs were performed from the latest release, five of which were played in succession following the intermission. Although staples such as "Subdivisions" and “Tom Sawyer” got the most thunderous response, the new stuff proved to be just as well received.
As "YYZ" brought the show to it's climactic close, the dismal rainy day that came before was soon forgotten, as the spirits of Rush fans could not be dampened. In fact, my friend and I share an idea, and that is: If the elements outside threaten to ruin your plans, then bring your own weather, and enjoy every moment you are blessed with because you can never be sure when or if that next moment will arrive.
I deem it safe to bet that there is only thing the nearly 6,000 Rush devotees on hand, though thoroughly statisfied, might have changed about the night if possible, and that would be to simply have been able to freeze the moment... just a little bit longer.
If only we possessed that power.
Buy the new Rush CD here
Setlist
Limelight Digital Man
Entre Nous
Mission
Freewill
The Main Monkey Business
The Larger Bowl
Secret Touch
Circumstances
Between the Wheels
Dreamline
INTERMISSION
Far Cry
Workin Them Angels
Armor and Sword
Spindrift
The Way The Wind Blows
Subdivisions
Natural Science
Witch Hunt
Malignant Narcissism
Drum Solo
Hope
Distant Early Warning
The Spirit of Radio
Tom Sawyer
ENCORE
One Little Victory
A Passage to Bangkok
YYZ
|
