Curly

Some fuzziness in the memory regarding these actual concerts. 1977 show was around the time of "ATWAS." Seem to recall the 1980 show was "Hemispheres" tour? Date seems wrong, but I have the Hemi tour program. Saw the band on "Moving Pictures" tour but can't find the ticket stub. The 1982 show was "Signals" tour.http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/earlyRushtiks_zpsae2b91ca.jpg"]http://http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/earlyRushtiks_zpsae2b91ca.jpg[/url]

I have some spoiled cheese in my fridge.

Oh yeah

....for reading this thread.

I think By-Tor, The Necromancer, Rivendell, Cygnus X-1/Hemispheres and The Fountain of Lamneth were all based on the concept of LoTR's. Cygnus/Hemi has more of a science feel at first and a little Don Quixote, his ship The Rocinanté is named for Quixote's horse. But most obviously it's based on Greek mythology.

I too have yet to buy tickets. This is what I usually do and have not failed to get tickets a few days before the show for UNDER face value. It I don't , life goes on.

The Necromancer owes more to Lord of the Rings than anything. I'm pretty sure I read a couple of interviews from back then where the band stated as such, but they decided to switch it up a little. There were rumors around also at that time that they considered doing an entire album based or LOR, but thankfully we got AFTK and Hemispheres instead.

I started wearing earplugs to shows about 20 years ago when I first noticed never-ending ringing in the ears (Tinnitus). Too many loud concerts, power tools and crashing cymbals. I don't have it real bad and I don't want it to get worse, that's why I wear plugs. The best one's I've used are the Ear Peace HD, around $15 online. They are awesome, very little fidelity loss. Here's a link to their web site: http://www.earpeace.com/collections/high-fidelity-hearing-protection/products/earplugs. Do you love music? Do you still want to hear that music when you're 70? Then wear ear protection!

Billy Squire anyone?

Here's my Rush vinyl collection. Sorry couple of the pics are fuzzy. http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/IMG_0077_zps67717005.jpghttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/IMG_0080_zps64af98bd.jpghttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/IMG_0078_zpscf7acdc7.jpghttp://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/IMG_0079_zpse34c205f.jpg

Kanye, not only is he one of the biggest jackasses in the world, he's also one of the biggest hypocrites in the world. Demanding respect where none is due and showing no respect at the same time. F*cking amazing!

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c252/notperfekt/crossword_zpsd289c9f9.jpg

It's a little of both really. I import a lot of CDs into iTunes using the highest quality settings available. The difference in sound quality between that and a good, clean record is un-noticable to my ears. I have a pretty decent system, but far from top-of-the-line. Most of the time I prefer the digital format because there is no hiss, no pops, no surface noise. So if you came up in the digital age and are exploring vinyl you will most likely not like the sound of vinyl because of the inherent flaws of listening to something that requires two things to rub against each other, put simply. However, I grew up when vinyl was king and, yes, nostalgia is a part of why I still purchase and listen to records. As mentioned by a previous comment, there is a certain warmth to the sound of a good, clean record even if it is due more to the amp. And if it's just in my mind doesn't mean it isn't real! Also, you can't beat records for their visual appeal, the cover art, the special inner sleeves, the inserts. As far as cost goes, it's like anything. What do you want to spend? It's only very costly if you're buying only new or very hard to find vinyl. Look on eBay, craigslist, yard sales, thrift stores, local record store. Every independent record store I've ever been in has a bargain rack. Look on the floor under the standing racks, there's usually some cheaper stuff hidden down there. I never fail to find some obscure treasure. Granted used vinyl is hit-and-miss, but you will find out what your threshold is for extraneous noise in relation to how much you paid for it.

I hope you're being facetious.

I just caught this line. I agree. And it is evident when you watch the old concerts vs. the new ones. It's unfortunate, but that's the way it goes. Well, I would respectfully disagree. My first Rush show was 1977 and several after that, but I think the best show I saw was Milwaukee for the Vapor Trails Tour. Everything was just perfect, the sound, the crowd, the venue, the band!