kRush - Tribute (one of our members)

[Jaminbenb]

I'm certainly not quitting over the words of Jaminbenb. Haha.

 

He doesn't like tributes and I get that. My advice is do not attend a show. We are certainly not shoving it down anyone's throat.

 

Of course as I've said before, when people are overly critical it means they're paying attention. They may pick up the 2-3 mistakes a show but they also appreciate the 2-3,000 things that went right... usually.

 

You've nailed it! Not a fan of tributes by any stretch. BUT...Reading what the OP said, being of the same "mettle" I was expecting "the second coming"! And was dissappointed.

 

The first thing that got me was the drummer playing 8th notes....sorry please try harder! If you CAN'T play the 16th notes on the hi-hat for Tom Sawyer, then don't play THAT tune, sorry! IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating, in as far as THEY will hire you for a party they are hosting!

 

But bottom line...play Rush, please don't be a tribute band! Same with guys who try hard to play EVERY Rush tune on their drums (or whatever instrument) Learn the licks for fun, don't make it your life's goal! There's ONE Neil Peart, ONE Geddy Lee, and ONE Alex Lifeson!

 

You guys are obviously good musicians, don't waste your time being Rush! That's all I'm saying.

Edited March 17, 2014 by Jaminbenb

[Lerxster]

I'm certainly not quitting over the words of Jaminbenb. Haha.

 

He doesn't like tributes and I get that. My advice is do not attend a show. We are certainly not shoving it down anyone's throat.

 

Of course as I've said before, when people are overly critical it means they're paying attention. They may pick up the 2-3 mistakes a show but they also appreciate the 2-3,000 things that went right... usually.

 

You've nailed it! Not a fan of tributes by any stretch. BUT...Reading what the OP said, being of the same "mettle" I was expecting "the second coming"! And was dissappointed.

 

The first thing that got me was the drummer playing 8th notes....sorry please try harder! If you CAN'T play the 16th notes on the hi-hat for Tom Sawyer, then don't play THAT tune, sorry! IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating, in as far as THEY will hire you for a party they are hosting!

 

But bottom line...play Rush, please don't be a tribute band! Same with guys who try hard to play EVERY Rush tune on their drums (or whatever instrument) Learn the licks for fun, don't make it your life's goal! There's ONE Neil Peart, ONE Geddy Lee, and ONE Alex Lifeson!

 

You guys are obviously good musicians, don't waste your time being Rush! That's all I'm saying.

:o I didnt understand a word. :fuckinputer:

[forcetenrushtribute]

I'm certainly not quitting over the words of Jaminbenb. Haha.

 

He doesn't like tributes and I get that. My advice is do not attend a show. We are certainly not shoving it down anyone's throat.

 

Of course as I've said before, when people are overly critical it means they're paying attention. They may pick up the 2-3 mistakes a show but they also appreciate the 2-3,000 things that went right... usually.

 

You've nailed it! Not a fan of tributes by any stretch. BUT...Reading what the OP said, being of the same "mettle" I was expecting "the second coming"! And was dissappointed.

 

The first thing that got me was the drummer playing 8th notes....sorry please try harder! If you CAN'T play the 16th notes on the hi-hat for Tom Sawyer, then don't play THAT tune, sorry! IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating, in as far as THEY will hire you for a party they are hosting!

 

But bottom line...play Rush, please don't be a tribute band! Same with guys who try hard to play EVERY Rush tune on their drums (or whatever instrument) Learn the licks for fun, don't make it your life's goal! There's ONE Neil Peart, ONE Geddy Lee, and ONE Alex Lifeson!

 

You guys are obviously good musicians, don't waste your time being Rush! That's all I'm saying.

Hey, check out what I write on the "description" of my video. While I can't speak for Kenny's band (though I have a hunch he would say the same thing I do), my band is not trying to BE "Rush". That is NOT the purpose of a tribute band. Again, see my description. I think you have the definition of a "tribute band" all wrong - which might be why you don't like them. If you think the intent is to "BE" them or be BETTER than them (as you said...re: what you are "emulating"), you've got the wrong definition and the wrong idea. It is ridiculous to think that we can be "better" than what we are "emulating" (i.e., "Rush"). It is also ridiculous to think that such should/would be the goal. It's not. A tribute band is exactly that - a "tribute".... "TRIBUTE: a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem. " (source http://www.dictionary.com) When you pay "tribute" to something, your purpose is to compliment and pay homage and respect to that which you are "esteeming". Not to "prove yourself as one and the same or better"...as you seem to interpret. Change your interpretation of the word "tribute", accept what Kenny and I do for what it is (and NOTHING more) and I think you might appreciate not only us but all "tribute bands" a lot more.

Edited March 17, 2014 by forcetenrushtribute

[KennyLee]

I'm certainly not quitting over the words of Jaminbenb. Haha.

 

He doesn't like tributes and I get that. My advice is do not attend a show. We are certainly not shoving it down anyone's throat.

 

Of course as I've said before, when people are overly critical it means they're paying attention. They may pick up the 2-3 mistakes a show but they also appreciate the 2-3,000 things that went right... usually.

 

You've nailed it! Not a fan of tributes by any stretch. BUT...Reading what the OP said, being of the same "mettle" I was expecting "the second coming"! And was dissappointed.

 

The first thing that got me was the drummer playing 8th notes....sorry please try harder! If you CAN'T play the 16th notes on the hi-hat for Tom Sawyer, then don't play THAT tune, sorry! IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating, in as far as THEY will hire you for a party they are hosting!

 

But bottom line...play Rush, please don't be a tribute band! Same with guys who try hard to play EVERY Rush tune on their drums (or whatever instrument) Learn the licks for fun, don't make it your life's goal! There's ONE Neil Peart, ONE Geddy Lee, and ONE Alex Lifeson!

 

You guys are obviously good musicians, don't waste your time being Rush! That's all I'm saying.

 

Sorry, dude. He usually plays 16th notes and I had to look back to see what you were talking about. I know that was an end of the night encore song... tired? You're right though. Should be 16th notes and he can't get lazy, even after 3 hours.

 

All that being said, get a grip. We love playing Rush and people love hearing it. Dozens of people have come up and appreciated simply seeing how it is done with three people. They can get really close to see the full choreography of the pedals, samples being triggered the change between bass and keys, the multitude of pedals the guitar player steps on. It's a treat. If it ain't for you, by all means, don't bother. We're doing quite well and we have only been doing it a little over a year. Believe me, we improve every show. It is fun and people enjoy it. Really no need to dig any deeper than that.

 

And one thing... "IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating"

 

What the hell does that mean? Be better than Rush themselves? Other than being able to hit some vocal notes that Geddy can't anymore, how is that possible?

[Empty Mindless Spectre]

 

All that being said, get a grip. We love playing Rush and people love hearing it. It is fun and people enjoy it. Really no need to dig any deeper than that.

 

 

 

I had an absolute BLAST watching you guys jam RUSH tunes Kenny. I did not walk into JB McGinnes expecting to see RUSH themselves. I was actually expecting a lot less to be quite honest. I'm not a musician, but I am well aware of how difficult it is duplicate what RUSH does. I think I have pretty high standards in judging bands who play RUSH (and other bands I like), and you guys were excellent. I have to say though, the acoustics at JBM are not good. I was standing at about the middle of the bar for awhile and the songs sounded pretty good, but when I moved right up in front of the stage you guys sounded waaaayyyyyy better.

Edited March 18, 2014 by Empty Mindless Spectre

[KennyLee]

All that being said, get a grip. We love playing Rush and people love hearing it. It is fun and people enjoy it. Really no need to dig any deeper than that.

 

 

 

I had an absolute BLAST watching you guys jam RUSH tunes Kenny. I did not walk into JB McGinnes expecting to see RUSH themselves. I was actually expecting a lot less to be quite honest. I'm not a musician, but I am well aware of how difficult it is duplicate what RUSH does. I think I have pretty high standards in judging bands who play RUSH (and other bands I like), and you guys were excellent. I have to say though, the acoustics at JBM are not good. I was standing at about the middle of the bar for awhile and the songs sounded pretty good, but when I moved right up in front of the stage you guys sounded waaaayyyyyy better.

 

I hear ya. I go into seeing most bands with low expectations, actually. Haha

 

I'm glad you had a good time. The sound system there is great and the soundman does an awesome job but the nature of acoustics does come into play. Where you are in the club makes a huge difference. I usually hang out near the sound guy. Hehe

[Jaminbenb]

As I said previously...my "case in point" is going to see The Musical Box which is a Genesis tribute act. I saw them do The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, and it was AMAZING! A friend of mine that was at that show and I went to see Rush in Allentown a few years back, and we were talking about some of the old shows that we've seen...he said that he saw Genesis do that show BITD, but recently saw TMB do it, and said it was AS GOOD IF NOT BETTER than when Genesis did it! He said he walked out of there as amazed as he was when he saw the real band do it live! THAT is what I'm talking about...

 

So when you say "And one thing... "IF you're going to be a tribute band, be better than the band you are emulating"

 

What the hell does that mean? Be better than Rush themselves? Other than being able to hit some vocal notes that Geddy can't anymore, how is that possible?"

 

You can't! It isn't! (and I'm not talking vocals...) The fact that Rush is still playing, and there are people TRYING to emulate them, to me is ridiculous. I'd actually respect the cover bands more if they played stuff that Rush DIDN'T play anymore, and not try the stuff the band is still playing. (and I'm not just picking on YOUR band, I"m talking all of them)

 

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

[KennyLee]

You can't! It isn't! (and I'm not talking vocals...) The fact that Rush is still playing, and there are people TRYING to emulate them, to me is ridiculous. I'd actually respect the cover bands more if they played stuff that Rush DIDN'T play anymore, and not try the stuff the band is still playing. (and I'm not just picking on YOUR band, I"m talking all of them)

 

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

 

Wow. Pretty hostile, eh?

 

We do play the stuff Rush doesn't play anymore... Bangkok, Bastille Day, Hemispheres, Cygnus X-1, Circumstances, Jacob's Ladder, etc. When putting a demo together which you saw, you put the familiar ones out there. It's used to book gigs, not impress die hards.

 

I wrote and performed originals when I was younger. Wasn't a great songwriter. So by your logic, sell all my stuff cause everything else is stupid and pointless? How sad.

 

I feel sorry for you, Jaminbenb. How lonely it must be up there.

 

Money where your mouth is? Got a clip we can all hear?

Edited March 18, 2014 by KennyLee

[Jaminbenb]

Why are you trying to pick a fight with me? I listened, I offered my opinion, and gave you examples of why my opinion is what it is, and you're trying pick a fight.

 

Get over it...I'm not a fan of Rush tribute bands, (and other band's tribute acts) I never will be.

[KennyLee]

Why are you trying to pick a fight with me? I listened, I offered my opinion, and gave you examples of why my opinion is what it is, and you're trying pick a fight.

 

Get over it...I'm not a fan of Rush tribute bands, (and other band's tribute acts) I never will be.

 

Not at all. I really do feel sorry for you. I was curious to hear you play. No hard feelings at all.

 

A respect and appreciate your opinion.

[Tombstone Mountain]

Thanks! Certainly not easy but I think it looks that way because we are enjoying the ever-loving sh*t out of it! I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to play these... and not just for money or on stage. We had a practice last night and I smiled all the way through it. It never gets old.

 

Hi Kenny- Have u guys tried to replicate the ATWAS performance?

Focusing on just that earlier time period may turn some potential fans off at first. Just my thinking anyway.

Good thinking Kenny. Solid logic. Try some Clockwork Angels and ATTRACT fans

[KennyLee]

Thanks! Certainly not easy but I think it looks that way because we are enjoying the ever-loving sh*t out of it! I can't even tell you how happy it makes me to play these... and not just for money or on stage. We had a practice last night and I smiled all the way through it. It never gets old.

 

Hi Kenny- Have u guys tried to replicate the ATWAS performance?

Focusing on just that earlier time period may turn some potential fans off at first. Just my thinking anyway.

Good thinking Kenny. Solid logic. Try some Clockwork Angels and ATTRACT fans

 

It should be read like this:

 

Focusing on just that earlier time period may turn some potential fans off at first. We try to hit every era although building to the new stuff, which isn't my favorite, is still a work in progress.

[Empty Mindless Spectre]

Why are you trying to pick a fight with me?

 

Seems to me that you're the one picking the fight… you came into a thread about a tribute band, knowing that you are philosophically opposed them, to "offer" a scathing opinion of how bad you think they sound. Why bother?

Secondly, you didn't just casually state your opinion, you essentially told the guy you think he is silly and ridiculous for doing and working hard at something he enjoys doing, and continued to tell him what he SHOULD be doing instead. Maybe your words weren't intended as harshly as they sound… but they sound a bit overly critical and authoritarian to me. But then again, this is just my opinion.

[Empty Mindless Spectre]

Where you are in the club makes a huge difference. I usually hang out near the sound guy. Hehe

 

Duly noted! :ebert:

[Tombstone Mountain]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

[KennyLee]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

 

Haha. Wow. This thread has really taken a turn. Everybody please keep in mind, I didn't even start this thread.

 

I NEVER said Chris Squire was anything less than a quality bass player. I simply do not have him in my top 20 and find mimicking his "playing" (much like if I were a chimp) not incredibly difficult.

 

I wrote music in my 20's. I am now in my 40's. My three kids and their activities do not give me time (by my own choice) to write music. It's time for their dreams and I am focusing on giving them the tools to achieve them. I admittedly was not a very good song writer.

 

I'll try to upload something. Haha

[KennyLee]

OK, boys. Have it me. Haha

 

Here's a 15 year old me when I still had a dream.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSqsPvnTefI&feature=youtu.be

Edited March 18, 2014 by KennyLee

[Tombstone Mountain]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

I am now in my 40's. My three kids and their activities do not give me time (by my own choice) to write music. It's time for their dreams and I am focusing on giving them the tools to achieve them.

And that IS what's important.

 

Personally, you guys should drop the Rush theme, hire me as lead bassist, and we could form the only Ned's Atomic Dustbin tribute band...We'd be HUGE!

 

[Empty Mindless Spectre]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

 

Haha. Wow. This thread has really taken a turn. Everybody please keep in mind, I didn't even start this thread.

 

I NEVER said Chris Squire was anything less than a quality bass player. I simply do not have him in my top 20 and find mimicking his "playing" (much like if I were a chimp) not incredibly difficult.

 

I wrote music in my 20's. I am now in my 40's. My three kids and their activities do not give me time (by my own choice) to write music. It's time for their dreams and I am focusing on giving them the tools to achieve them. I admittedly was not a very good song writer.

 

I'll try to upload something. Haha

 

I could be wrong, but I think Tombstone was being facetious? Funny stuff! Actually, I think the 2nd half of the "Gefilter" skit from the Time Machine tour proved that monkeys can play RUSH tunes didn't it. LOL

Edited March 18, 2014 by Empty Mindless Spectre

[Lerxster]

OK, boys. Have it me. Haha

 

Here's a 15 year old me when I still had a dream.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSqsPvnTefI&feature=youtu.be

:clap: now that was a good song! Nice job, young Ken. Does this mean you're going solo? But seriously, you should consider putting that song in the set and give it a kRush treatment. :haz:

[Tombstone Mountain]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

 

Haha. Wow. This thread has really taken a turn. Everybody please keep in mind, I didn't even start this thread.

 

I NEVER said Chris Squire was anything less than a quality bass player. I simply do not have him in my top 20 and find mimicking his "playing" (much like if I were a chimp) not incredibly difficult.

 

I wrote music in my 20's. I am now in my 40's. My three kids and their activities do not give me time (by my own choice) to write music. It's time for their dreams and I am focusing on giving them the tools to achieve them. I admittedly was not a very good song writer.

 

I'll try to upload something. Haha

 

I could be wrong, but I think Tombstone was being facetious? Funny stuff! Actually, I think the 2nd half of the "Gefilter" skit from the Time Machine tour proved that monkeys can play RUSH tunes didn't it. LOL

You's guys from Delaware are sharp people. Thanks for giving us Joe Biden—America is all the better for it!

[Empty Mindless Spectre]

 

You's guys from Delaware are sharp people. Thanks for giving us Joe Biden Vinnie Moore—America is all the better for it!

 

There you go. Fixed! :P

[KennyLee]

OK, boys. Have it me. Haha

 

Here's a 15 year old me when I still had a dream.

 

https://www.youtube....eature=youtu.be

:clap: now that was a good song! Nice job, young Ken. Does this mean you're going solo? But seriously, you should consider putting that song in the set and give it a kRush treatment. :haz:

 

It needs some kind of treatment. Hehe

 

I'll be pulling that down shortly due to embarrassment.

[KennyLee]

You's guys from Delaware are sharp people. Thanks for giving us Joe Biden Vinnie Moore Tyvek America is all the better for it!

 

There you go. Fixed! :P

 

Fixed again! ;)

 

Actually I like Vinnie. Good guy!

Edited March 18, 2014 by KennyLee

[forcetenrushtribute]

I get it..people enjoy it, knock yourselves out....but wouldn't you feel better making your OWN music, and not trying to be someone else?

I've refrained from commenting for some time waiting to see this last qoute. Do you guys write original material? This is a labor of love for you, and I get that...but don't you desire to create and not replicate?

 

In your posts concerning the remedial, non-challenging nature of Chris Squires work, I'm taken aback by your statements...what does the "real" Kenny sound like? How awesome is his "own" material?

 

I think I read in some music magazine, maybe the Yukon Blade Grinder or some other reputable publication, that NASA has actually trained monkeys to play Rush on guitar, bass, and drums. So it seems that anybody, or anything for that matter, can do this type of mimicking.

 

C'mon Kenny—let's hear YOUR music.

And boy have I waited for this comment myself. Again, I can't speak for "Kenny" but since I'm "that other tribute band guy", I sure as heck can speak for myself. Or better yet, my resume can speak for ITSELF! For over 20 years I have worked full time as a studio/touring musician in both L.A. and now Nashville. The bulk of my career has been as a horn player (trumpet) as well as background vocals and keys, playing mostly funk, jazz and R&B. Within all of this, 98% of the material I have done has been............wait for it..................ORIGINALS! I worked full time for 3 years at the Disneyland Theme Park in California, I've been on more than countable studio recordings including one Grammy nominated project (2009) and a GMA Award winning project (with the Dove trophy in my living room to prove it). I've toured 48 states in the US, multiple countries, played at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Greece, the Grand Ole Opry, The Rhyman, The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Dozens of arenas and stadiums throughout the U.S., TV commercials, National TV shows and major motion pictures. All of this doing...........wait for it..........ORIGINAL MUSIC!

 

So with that being said, if I want to spend my NOW PART TIME music career (as I gave up "full time" for a full time day job to be with my family more) doing COVERS.....I'd say I've more than paid my dues and earned my keep with "original music" to justify now doing "covers" for the "labor of love".

 

LASTLY, you may not all be aware of this....but a certain member of Rush has had his own stint playing "covers" on a "tribute project". Neil Peart did a "Tribute To Buddy Rich" album where he stepped out of his comfort zone to display his "jazz" skills (which is KILLER by the way). So if a "tribute project" is good enough for Neil, it's good enough for me.

Edited March 18, 2014 by forcetenrushtribute