FOH Lights

Yes, I ran into him several times backstage over the years. Always very polite/reserved and while on tour, pretty quiet - saving the voice, etc.

The truth is, Neil has/had been "controlling" the band to a LARGE degree for quite some time. On R40, he TOTALLY dictated the tour - # of shows, no overseas leg, etc, etc. To say that there was no hard feelings in the organization would just be lying, because there was. Of course, Geddy & Alex would never publicly say so, but I personally heard it from quite a few on the inside. The bottom line is that Neil is the ONLY one who wanted it to end. Understand though, there was nothing wrong with him wanting to retire, except that rather than just come out and say it, he basically left everyone in the dark - thus, the animosity. Regardless, it's all dirty water under the bridge at this point. It was an extraordinary run for a rock band and I guess everyone should be happy with 40 years of great memories. I know that I am.

From what I understand, they're BOTH enjoying retirement. Actually, Neil is too, but, well... Neil is a dick. :D

This is NOT happening. Trust me...

I don't hate rush, I just find Geddy's voice fun to make fun of. Actually I love rush, Ged's voice is just funny when he screeches. You have waaay too much time on your hands, my Friend. Additionally, what are you, 10 years old? Since when is making fun of people fun? That being said, under the circumstances, I think the Neil bashing is more than appropriate! :D

Sure, everyone should thank the guy for gracing us/them with his presence one last time.

Haha, he's been "angry" for the last 10 years! Angry because he despised touring, but had no other choice. But don't let that give you the impression that he was a pushover. Neil controlled nearly every aspect of their last tour, which in turn, pissed off a LOT of people in the organization. That's correct, and it's not like it was a big surprise to him. He KNEW that a tour was in the works. But when he stopped communicating with his band mates directly, how else was he supposed to find out?

I've played in gigging bands for the last 30 years, and the old saying is very true......"the only thing worse than gigging is NOT gigging." It's just something that's in your blood. Neil will get bored sitting at home, and the band will get out there again within the next couple years. Count on it. I really don't think so. We've been given so many signs it's over: the tour, the wave from the stage, the book, the hints, the articles, the silence, the tour that missed cash cow stops (Cleveland, Pitt, Europe) and a second leg... For everyone citing "THE BOOK"........keep in mind that intro was probably written almost a year ago. I'd bet Neil's feelings towards touring have softened a bit in the ensuing months. Haha, I'll take that bet!! No offense taken. However, my info is absolutely credible. FWIW: Don't delude yourself into thinking that time will heal Neil's "wounds".

That will never happen. They'd lose money. Well, that and the fact that Neil will NEVER play live again. lol OK, I understand that about Neil. I don't understand the losing money part. How did the Allman Brothers do their residencies at the Beacon Theatre for more than 20 years if that type of arrangement loses money? Billy Joel has been doing once a month shows at Madison Square Garden that continue all through this year. I'm not being snarky, I just don't understand the finances. Are you saying the production values of a Rush show are pretty pricey and it takes many, many tour dates (not just a week) to pay for the show? The 1st part. While I do not know the exact details of the Allman Brothers specific contract, it probably is a set dollar amount. We as fans think the artist is getting the gross amount. On an extended stay that is rarely the case. The artist usually gets a promised amount from the venue in exchange for a certain number of shows. So in this case the Beacon sits 2800, and if the Allmans play 5 nights they may get a set amount of say $500,000. Now that is without a single ticket being sold. Beacon can turn around with Citi and sell 2800x$100 for $280,000 times 5 shows for $1,400,000. This way both win. It's No difference then telling a band at your bar, we'll pay you $400 for each night + free booze. If the bar is charging a $20 cover and no one shows up, the band still gets paid..if 1000 people show up over 2 days, the bar wins. Santana and Billy Idol have deals in place for 15 shows a year at House of Blues in Vegas. That place only sits 700. No way they make money without getting a Set dollar amount for each show. The casino wants bodies 'In the building' and they will get it. All true. However, I don't think Rush has the diverse fan base required for an "extended stay" like that to be successful for the venue. So, that won't happen. Well, that and the fact the Neil will NEVER play live with Rush again. :D

That will never happen. They'd lose money. Well, that and the fact that Neil will NEVER play live again. lol

Haha, it's not about money, and it's not about ego. Why even discuss the "what ifs"? Quite simply, it's just OVER, and maybe it's time for people to finally accept that.

Well hey, there's an angle that no one ever thought of! :D Seriously, uncross your fingers. It's over, and not because of Geddy or Alex... http://www.therushfo...ing-alex-story/ So, because Alex was being typical Alex to a fan-boy's query, you think that there's hope for future Rush material & shows?? Let me remind you, it wasn't Geddy and/or Alex who wanted to stop. The reality is, Rush, as you/we know them, is finished. I'm aware that the touring is over with, and I'm also aware that any future Rush albums are unlikely, but I thought that was worth showing you. Never say never. :) I appreciate the link, but to me, that's just typical Alex. He HATES to disappoint anyone. If being too nice was a flaw, it would be one of his biggest. Heheheh, BTW I'm a realist so, I actually say never pretty often!

Well hey, there's an angle that no one ever thought of! :D Seriously, uncross your fingers. It's over, and not because of Geddy or Alex... http://www.therushfo...ing-alex-story/ So, because Alex was being typical Alex to a fan-boy's query, you think that there's hope for future Rush material & shows?? Let me remind you, it wasn't Geddy and/or Alex who wanted to stop. The reality is, Rush, as you/we know them, is finished.

Well hey, there's an angle that no one ever thought of! :D Seriously, uncross your fingers. It's over, and not because of Geddy or Alex...

I'm guessing that you don't ride? Otherwise, you might think differently. The type of riding that he does/did, IMO, is more exhilarating than exhausting. For him, it was something to look forward to - a bright spot in his otherwise dismal touring life. Without being able to ride while on the road, I'd bet that he'd have bailed long ago.

Haha, "deep personal feelings" - that's rich! I'm more than pretty sure that he could give a rat's *ss about Geddy, Alex, OR Rush at this point in his life. He stuck the proverbial fork in himself that night he came from behind the drums and gave the crowd a final wave. From here on out, Neil will just slowly fade himself out of the public eye.

Haha, that is correct.

I don't think so. Sure he did. There was a picture taken of him and Stu Copeland and two other drummers that someone posted on here. They said he was the first to leave. And early too. Are we sure that is from the "after party"? I suppose it's possible that he left so early, that my people weren't even aware of his presence. I suppose...

I don't think so.

Good point. People in hell want icewater, too. Would these negative types be happier if Rush stopped before R40? That's the $64,000 question. I didn't go, but wish I had. Looked like some pretty damn good shit for 60-something metal gods to me... Wow, so let me see if I have this right: It would be a better forum if everyone agreed with everyone else and there was never any criticism about anything? IDK Man, sounds kind of odd and boring to me. IMO, a diverse group of members is what makes a forum fun & interesting. Further, just because there is criticism, doesn't mean there isn't a true love and/or admiration for the band. Hell, I love my GF, but I don't always like her! :D

He KNEW it was coming - there was no betrayal. Granted, he heard about it in a round about way, but that doesn't excuse his dictating the number of shows and totally dissing the overseas fans in the process. Heheheh, so you're convinced of that, huh? Then please allow me to introduce you to the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Lock Ness Monster! :D So you're saying Neil's never going to want to record again? Frankly, I think Neil is finished with the whole "rock star" thing. Going into the studio, he'd probably feel pressured to tour in support of whatever they did, and that will NEVER happen again. So yeah, IMO we HAVE heard the last of Neil as member of Rush.

He KNEW it was coming - there was no betrayal. Granted, he heard about it in a round about way, but that doesn't excuse his dictating the number of shows and totally dissing the overseas fans in the process. Heheheh, so you're convinced of that, huh? Then please allow me to introduce you to the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Lock Ness Monster! :D

Don't you mean the Emperor? HAHA, I suppose I do. Proof positive that someone can be a dick, and still have amazing talent!

I actually think Neil should be #1. He's so much more technical than the first 3 and he has never passed out mid-show from animal tranquilizers! :D IDK if he made the list or not, but I also have a special place in my heart for Carter Beauford. What are the Rolling Stone ratings based on? Subscriber votes? Editors choice?

I'm more than pretty sure that they were building up cash for retirement. Everyone knew the end was coming, but didn't know when. The final tour was supposed to be a big chance for the organization to rake in some serious cash. However, when Neil dictated... oh wait. Never mind! :P