I got into Rush first then my friend who is more into metal was introduced to Rush by me, and after hearing them he became a Rush fan but also introduced me to one of his bands: Dream Theater, very Rush influenced, and over all awesome band.
I recently saw them in concert in Toronto at Massey Hall and man they put on a wicked show, and to top it off they covered a Rush tune, they covered Jacob's Ladder and did a really damn good job on it.
now Dream Theater is in my top 3 bands right under Rush and Pink Floyd.