FOH Lights

I understand your point but I see it a bit differently. Suggesting that a life long friend wouldn't do that also suggests that neither Ged nor Al would do anything of the sort to Neil. My take on it is that Neil was often put in a position of being pressured (indirectly or directly?) into touring when he really preferred not to...especially on R40. And I think he did so over and over over again. I don't doubt the sincerity of the friendship and the genuine affection between all 3 of them. I just think that the easy thing to do is blame Neil. When I try to think of the situation from each band members perspective, I see a bigger picture. I can see how Neil might feel like he's tired of giving into what Ged and Al have wanted to do. Just my opinion.

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.

Sounds like Alex is enjoying semi-retirement almost as much as Neil. If Ged wants to tour again, he's gonna have to do it on his own.

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

I thought this was a Rush forum for Rush fans... This, along with the Neil bashing is ridiculous.

 

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

If he really didnt want to do it/was uncomfortable with it, I'm more inclined to give him props for going along with it anyway. He delivered his usual monster performance.

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

My point is...why would he say during the R40 tour that it's going to be his last tour unless he was a little angry about something?

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.

The story goes that Neil first heard about R40 from a radio interview with Alex....old Al finallly floats a rumor and nails it.... :P

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 really enjoyed my time playing in a band and doing a few local shows a year, but I could never do this sort of thing as a full time job and travel everywhere all the time. I don't know how they did it for so long already.

 

So I guess I'm with Neil on this one! :D

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!!

Know one really knows what Neil will do down the road. And with all due respect to FOH Lights (as he is always spot on when it comes to the band) the information he has received is likely not coming directly from Neil's mouth, but secondhand. So, we don't know for sure.

No offense taken. However, my info is absolutely credible. FWIW: Don't delude yourself into thinking that time will heal Neil's "wounds".

I accept that it's over for Neil, but Tom raises an interesting point- the Olivia factor. I've wondered that also. If she reaches a point in the next few years where she says, "Dad, I really wish I could see you play live . . . " I don't think he'll ever tour again but quite a few artists do those multi-night residencies in New York these days. I can see them doing one in New York or Toronto if Olivia wants to see Dad play again.

 

The rest of us would just have to figure out how to get the limited tickets and get there! :D

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

I accept that it's over for Neil, but Tom raises an interesting point- the Olivia factor. I've wondered that also. If she reaches a point in the next few years where she says, "Dad, I really wish I could see you play live . . . " I don't think he'll ever tour again but quite a few artists do those multi-night residencies in New York these days. I can see them doing one in New York or Toronto if Olivia wants to see Dad play again.

 

The rest of us would just have to figure out how to get the limited tickets and get there! :D

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

honestly, yeah Neil's health issues obviously a big concern for the future of this band, if it has one, but i can't help feeling that the main reason we aren't hearing anything about new material in pipeline or whatever, could be the distinct possibility that Al has just dried up in the new sound department. I mean if Al had come up with what was a fresh and exciting sound for a new album I'm pretty sure the other two would jump on, whatever the circumstances. Alex's guitar is probably the essence of Rush and if he went to Neil & Ged excited like a kid at christmas saying he had something really special by way of a general noise they wouldn't be able to resist, they know how cool this guy is on his instrument.

 

Anyway, just a thought, maybe Al being as different over the decades always coming up with new general sounds for albums just hasn't found anything new to excite him in recent times? wouldn't surprise me, i mean at times it seems he covered everything. but of course that's what geniuses do, they come up with new stuff when you think there's nothing there. my fingers are crossed anyway.

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!

honestly, yeah Neil's health issues obviously a big concern for the future of this band, if it has one, but i can't help feeling that the main reason we aren't hearing anything about new material in pipeline or whatever, could be the distinct possibility that Al has just dried up in the new sound department. I mean if Al had come up with what was a fresh and exciting sound for a new album I'm pretty sure the other two would jump on, whatever the circumstances. Alex's guitar is probably the essence of Rush and if he went to Neil & Ged excited like a kid at christmas saying he had something really special by way of a general noise they wouldn't be able to resist, they know how cool this guy is on his instrument.

 

Anyway, just a thought, maybe Al being as different over the decades always coming up with new general sounds for albums just hasn't found anything new to excite him in recent times? wouldn't surprise me, i mean at times it seems he covered everything. but of course that's what geniuses do, they come up with new stuff when you think there's nothing there. my fingers are crossed anyway.

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.

honestly, yeah Neil's health issues obviously a big concern for the future of this band, if it has one, but i can't help feeling that the main reason we aren't hearing anything about new material in pipeline or whatever, could be the distinct possibility that Al has just dried up in the new sound department. I mean if Al had come up with what was a fresh and exciting sound for a new album I'm pretty sure the other two would jump on, whatever the circumstances. Alex's guitar is probably the essence of Rush and if he went to Neil & Ged excited like a kid at christmas saying he had something really special by way of a general noise they wouldn't be able to resist, they know how cool this guy is on his instrument.

 

Anyway, just a thought, maybe Al being as different over the decades always coming up with new general sounds for albums just hasn't found anything new to excite him in recent times? wouldn't surprise me, i mean at times it seems he covered everything. but of course that's what geniuses do, they come up with new stuff when you think there's nothing there. my fingers are crossed anyway.

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...

..... would give up the motorcycle riding and travel by air conditioned plane like the rest of the band. Just stop and think how tired and exhausted riding a motorcycle with full riding gear in 90 degree heat would make even a young person. Even though he is not pedaling like a bicycle those long motorcycle rides are physically AND mentally exhausting.(trying to keep yourself alive on a motorcycle)

 

Neil would usually get a half hour to hour nap at the venue and then have to play a demanding 3 hour Rush show followed by too few hours of sleep to get up and do it all over again. I know that Neil says the motorcycling makes a tour more interesting, but it had to take a major toll at his age. No wonder he says he's burnt out on touring. Imagine the difference if you were conserving ALL of your energy for the show and staying in cool environments throughout the day.

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.

Neil is currently battling deep, deep personal feelings for both Geddy and Alex, he doesn't want to acknowledge them, thus he's trying to fool himself into thinking he's done with the band for good.

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.

I`m guessing FOH`s people actually work during the show.....

Haha, that is correct.

HE WENT TO THE AFTER PARTY???

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...

HE WENT TO THE AFTER PARTY???

I don't think so.

I haven't been on here in ages but finally had some free time to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon perusing the Internet and return to this forum.

 

I can't believe the bashing that is going on about Geddy's vocals on the tour and (in particular) the DVD/Blu-ray. I thought people on here were fans. Obviously (I think) the ones that are complaining are too young to understand aging. Yes, I too have noticed that Geddy no longer has that range of his youth, but he still "sounds like" himself! Trust me, I've seen every tour since AFTK and even in the 80's I noticed differences in his range from the 70's songs that were still in rotation. Part of it was growing as a vocalist and the fact that he did start taking vocal lessons and instead of "screaming" parts he was actually singing them!

 

I was at the second Toronto show and Ben Mink and the band doing Losing It for the first time ever live was the pinnacle!

 

Why is nobody focusing on the extremely great musicianship of these 3 in their mid 60's and can pull off some of the most complex compositions that they admit were difficult when they first recorded them (Hemispheres)? They put musicians a third of their age to shame!!!!

 

I thought the people on this forum were true fans (and understanding human beings). I guess I was wrong. I wish I could do the things I could 30-40 years ago but I can't (and, for the older members, I'm sure you can't either). Why do you expect them to do the same? For you younger members, you'll understand when you get to my age (50).

 

Peace out. Rush is still the greatest Rock band in my opinion and I thank them for 40 wonderful years of music. They owe me (or anyone else) NOTHING!

 

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

I think that Neil may have felt a sense of betrayal from Rush management (and possibly the other band members) when the R40 idea came up and he felt the pressure to tour again.

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.

 

I'm still convinced that it's a good sign that nothing official has been announced about the future of the band other than "we'll see". I could see them all get the itch again for recording or touring some day barring any physical ailments.

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.

I think that Neil may have felt a sense of betrayal from Rush management (and possibly the other band members) when the R40 idea came up and he felt the pressure to tour again.

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.

I'm still convinced that it's a good sign that nothing official has been announced about the future of the band other than "we'll see". I could see them all get the itch again for recording or touring some day barring any physical ailments.

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

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?

 

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 was wondering because they had just finished the Snakes tour. Looks like they took about a year off, then back out on the road again. And the TM tour was closely followed by the CA tour. Busy boys.

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