This is a sensational story. Rush is my favorite band, and I devoured every word. Great work James! And they're coming to my hometown, Fort Worth, next June!
From one anti-Trump bicyclist Rush fan to the another - Thanks for everything you do, James. I'm just under 2 hours away from Cleveland. If you reconsider coming to the States, I'd be happy to buy you a ticket.
I was ecstatic this morning to see Rush was going to tour again, and with a kickass female drummer to boot. However, I probably won't get to see them again either, as I'm in the US but nowhere near they will be, and probably shouldn't leave the country right now.
Loved your piece about interviewing the guys in Rush. I enjoyed your piece on Neil’s fitness regimen, too – I’m enough of a Rush nerd to be surprised when I learn something like I did in that piece. I didn’t know how devoted to fitness he was. I particularly enjoyed how you tried not to fanboy all over Neil, as you knew he would hate that.
I’m a journalist, and I was on staff at The Sporting News (the Bible of Baseball) for many years. When Snakes and Arrows came out, I talked my bosses into letting me interview Geddy, since he’s a huge baseball fan/fantasy baseball guy.
I’m not sure I’ve worked harder on questions or been more nervous. The highlights were asking if he ever made a fantasy baseball trade during a drum solo (no), quizzing him on Rush lyrics (which song contains the word baseball? He got that. Which song contains “perfect game?” He did not.)
I also said something like, “I was watching ESPN one night when they talked about you visiting Randy Johnson in the Mariners locker room. Dan Patrick said, 'Geddy, I've always loved 2112.' What’s better, getting namechecked on sports shows, or being referenced on MST3K?”
And he said "oh, MST3K, for sure," and we talked about that for a bit and I thought I might die of happiness. I loved that he answered the questions I asked in the spirit I asked them.
At the very end, as a way of saying goodbye, I did fanboy out. I felt like I wanted to thank him, so I did. I simply said, “I have bought every album since Presto on the day it came out. I can’t tell you how much your music has meant to me.”
I would have regretted not doing that. He was gracious in accepting the compliment.
I, too am incredibly excited about today’s announcement. I saw them in ATL during the Presto tour, and am looking forward to (maybe) seeing them again. One of my fave memories with my now teenage boys, is rockin out to Cygnus X-1 while on the way to the planetarium to attend a seminar on black holes. Nerd heaven 😊🤘🎸
You lucky fucker! Well, I can't say luck only, you had to work hard to have things go your way. I always wanted to be able to talk to Neil because I've never really been able to control my hands so well or for such a prolonged period of time and I would have loved to have known if there were exercises to make them better. I was so sad after his wife and daughter passed that I would have never wanted to intrude for fear he would have seen that sadness. He was such a different but awesome man.
There is much excitement in my household about this!
This is a sensational story. Rush is my favorite band, and I devoured every word. Great work James! And they're coming to my hometown, Fort Worth, next June!
I'm so glad you got your "threefer" with Rush, James. 👊
From one anti-Trump bicyclist Rush fan to the another - Thanks for everything you do, James. I'm just under 2 hours away from Cleveland. If you reconsider coming to the States, I'd be happy to buy you a ticket.
I was ecstatic this morning to see Rush was going to tour again, and with a kickass female drummer to boot. However, I probably won't get to see them again either, as I'm in the US but nowhere near they will be, and probably shouldn't leave the country right now.
I was a fly on the wall when my brother (the HUGEST Rush fan) interviewed Geddy Lee. He has an aura about him that is indescribable
This is the absolute best!! Great story and great news on a rough day! Who woulda thunk??? My favorite band too. Thanks!
Hey James,
Loved your piece about interviewing the guys in Rush. I enjoyed your piece on Neil’s fitness regimen, too – I’m enough of a Rush nerd to be surprised when I learn something like I did in that piece. I didn’t know how devoted to fitness he was. I particularly enjoyed how you tried not to fanboy all over Neil, as you knew he would hate that.
I’m a journalist, and I was on staff at The Sporting News (the Bible of Baseball) for many years. When Snakes and Arrows came out, I talked my bosses into letting me interview Geddy, since he’s a huge baseball fan/fantasy baseball guy.
I’m not sure I’ve worked harder on questions or been more nervous. The highlights were asking if he ever made a fantasy baseball trade during a drum solo (no), quizzing him on Rush lyrics (which song contains the word baseball? He got that. Which song contains “perfect game?” He did not.)
I also said something like, “I was watching ESPN one night when they talked about you visiting Randy Johnson in the Mariners locker room. Dan Patrick said, 'Geddy, I've always loved 2112.' What’s better, getting namechecked on sports shows, or being referenced on MST3K?”
And he said "oh, MST3K, for sure," and we talked about that for a bit and I thought I might die of happiness. I loved that he answered the questions I asked in the spirit I asked them.
At the very end, as a way of saying goodbye, I did fanboy out. I felt like I wanted to thank him, so I did. I simply said, “I have bought every album since Presto on the day it came out. I can’t tell you how much your music has meant to me.”
I would have regretted not doing that. He was gracious in accepting the compliment.
Matt
Great story! Thanks for sharing.
Just started reading the LA Times article. Lighted stage right out of the gates is awesome!
I'm so damn excited about this!!!! I have wanted to see Rush for YEARS!!! Hoping i can afford the tickets lol!!!
I, too am incredibly excited about today’s announcement. I saw them in ATL during the Presto tour, and am looking forward to (maybe) seeing them again. One of my fave memories with my now teenage boys, is rockin out to Cygnus X-1 while on the way to the planetarium to attend a seminar on black holes. Nerd heaven 😊🤘🎸
Nice timing; I’ve just been reading the Popoff book Anthem and listening to my favorite Rush album Fly by Night…
Excitement on par with my adventures last summer of Maiden and Sabbath. MSG and Cleveland here I come this summer.
Hey James, we seem to have similar interests, and I’m new here so I thought I’d introduce myself with an article.
This one’s about Giants:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jordannuttall/p/giants-in-history?r=4f55i2&utm_medium=ios
Saw them in Omaha, Nebraska ... oh, somewhere around 1986 or 1987 or so. :)
You lucky fucker! Well, I can't say luck only, you had to work hard to have things go your way. I always wanted to be able to talk to Neil because I've never really been able to control my hands so well or for such a prolonged period of time and I would have loved to have known if there were exercises to make them better. I was so sad after his wife and daughter passed that I would have never wanted to intrude for fear he would have seen that sadness. He was such a different but awesome man.