Undemanding Contact

Afternoon fellow fans. On the Jubilee Line issue: there had been some problem earlier yesterday at one end of the line, and it was a flippin' nightmare getting there. By sheer accident, I got into chatting with another fan when I was travelling up on the Northern Line (he frequents the Counterparts board apparently, not this one), and he said he was going to get out before the encores because of the travel disruption. Regarding the sound issue: I was up in the gods on level four, block 420, and for me, the sound was the worst I have ever experienced at a Rush gig (six now and counting, I hope). It was so over-bassy that the balance was ruined, and I had to concentrate hard at times to follow a given song. It made me wonder if they had done a proper sound check or not, and it really spoilt things for me. I love Ged's fat, slappy sound - the man is a Titan - but it was too over-the-top last night, and that and the 'muddy' over-blown bass drum was just right off the optimum. I think also that the seating blocks that are high up and close to one side of the stage or the other (so that you are looking across not towards the stage) will always give you a raw deal sound-wise because you are in such an extreme position relative to the PA speakers. They fixed some of the sound problems for the second half, but I must confess I don't want to sit through the first half of any gig thinking 'maybe it will be better after the intermission'. To me the whole gig should have excellent sound - especially for a band of Rush's calibre - with only a few minutes at the beginning when the engineers fine-tune things. I wonder if the presence of an audience changes the acoustics, such that the mix they settle on during the sound check (when the hall is empty) is inappropriate for when there are 10,000+ people present. (Thoughts on that anyone?) In terms of the O2 itself: I had never been there before, and I was surprised at how steep the banking is up in the high levels. It means you are guaranteed a view (of the top of the performers' heads), but the place is a little too vertigious for me up in those levels. The venue itself, though, does seem to have inherently better acoustics than Wembley. Finally, and on the 'rocking out' audience-participation question: I think that, for the block where I was sitting, the sound quality quashed a lot of peoples' natural exuberance. I think also that, because it is so steep up in the high levels, you don't feel like standing up and boogying too much in case you fall forward accidentally into the lower seating-rows. Also, because many people in those seats do not seem to want to stand, standing up (as I did, on rare occasion last night) runs the risk of blocking someone's view. I don't want to be an arse from other people's viewpoint at a gig, so I always feel compelled to 'go with the herd' despite my natural impulse to get up and rock my tits off. So, for me, a really disappointing experience, where a totally rubbish vantage-point, and truly crap sound were the principal culprits. Of the six times I have seen Rush (going back to the Signals tour) this was easily the least enjoyable gig. Such a shame, as I had been looking forward to this gig after very difficult times recently in my life (lost my mum a while back, problems in business etc.). Certainly, after last night, I can guarantee this: I am never ever buying tickets again where I will be in such a stupid location, and will have to sit. For me, it's got to be facing the stage head-on, as close to the front as possible, and ruddy well standing up, as God himself (who I am sure is a Rush fan) intended.

QUOTE (Tommy Sawyer @ May 23 2011, 02:35 PM)QUOTE (Undemanding Contact @ May 23 2011, 12:11 PM) I have often wished that we could see the guys play this one live. As I have said in other threads, I absolutely love the song; for me, it is an example of deep and flawless Rush beauty. However... how the hell would they pull off the piano part? Getting someone else up on stage to play it would seem to be pretty much out of the question, and using the samples approach does not seem to be an option because the piano part is rather involved. It is not just an optional extra-layer on top, it is fairly central to the song as a whole. Ged, perhaps, could play it, but how would he pull off the vocal and bass parts at the same time? Then there is the problem of the guitar: on the Permanent Waves recording, you've got Big Al playing that fantastic classical-guitar part while he is also soloing in that unforgettable fashion on top. We can't clone Al*, so it seems to me that this is one song that, very sadly, will always remain unplayed live. (* Or can we? Ideas anyone? Think about it, all the women here who have the hots for Ged/Al/The-Professor could have their very own copy... ) I know, a truly beautiful song. And I know it probably will never happen, but maybe if they played it acoustic like Resist? Yes, that's what comes to mind for me too - I would much prefer Different Strings over Resist (without wishing to discount Resist). They could dump the piano part (a serious loss IMHO), but you still need two Alexes, one to do the classical guitar and one to do the solo. It just seems this is song for which a live version will be forever out of reach.

I have often wished that we could see the guys play this one live. As I have said in other threads, I absolutely love the song; for me, it is an example of deep and flawless Rush beauty. However... how the hell would they pull off the piano part? Getting someone else up on stage to play it would seem to be pretty much out of the question, and using the samples approach does not seem to be an option because the piano part is rather involved. It is not just an optional extra-layer on top, it is fairly central to the song as a whole. Ged, perhaps, could play it, but how would he pull off the vocal and bass parts at the same time? Then there is the problem of the guitar: on the Permanent Waves recording, you've got Big Al playing that fantastic classical-guitar part while he is also soloing in that unforgettable fashion on top. We can't clone Al*, so it seems to me that this is one song that, very sadly, will always remain unplayed live. (* Or can we? Ideas anyone? Think about it, all the women here who have the hots for Ged/Al/The-Professor could have their very own copy... )

For anybody who can receive BBC 2, there is a documentary showing tomorrow night which will be looking into the works of Ayn Rand in connection with Silicon Valley. It is showing on 23rd May at 21:00 BST (22:00 GMT), and it is called: All watched over by machines of loving grace The review in my TV guide says: This gratifylingly intelligent and informative documentary series tells the story of the 'rise of machines and how they made us believe we could create a world that would last forever'. The first of three episodes looks at the influence author Ayn Rand had on Silicon Valley. In itself, the 'rise of machines' quote has echoes of 2112, but it also sounds like it is worth watching aside from the Rush connection. If you are not in the UK and cannot receive BBC 2 via satellite or other means, you could try the BBC iPlayer which is on bbc.co.uk. If becomes available there it will be viewable for the next seven days (as I understand - I've never used it).

QUOTE (Unattractive Truth @ May 20 2011, 01:14 PM)QUOTE (edgejedi @ May 20 2011, 09:57 AM) Is that Deep Thought? As in, is that a chess playing computer? No. It is very complicated... I have it on good authority that Deep Blue is a Rush fan. ...Likes Dog Years too, apparently.

Hi cyberpunk bee and GroovyRockChick A big, warm welcome to the forum. To paraphrase Jaye's comment: two new UKers - excellent; and women fans too - even better. Cyberpunk bee, the others' comments about how much you will enjoy the show are spot on. You are in for such a treat. For me, it is three-plus hours of the nearest I can get to a religious experience. The sound the guys pump out has to be heard to be believed. I am going to the O2 here in London next Wednesday - I am all of a quiver already and it's only Friday. Please, somebody, anybody, chuck a bucket of cold water over me.

QUOTE (Rolinda Bonz @ May 19 2011, 08:26 PM)props for the screen name undemanding contact is always nice Why thank you Rolinda, how kind of you - you made my day Yours undemandingly, Richard (Hi to realomind also)

Sci Fi? Yup, count me in big-time. I have to say, however, that I much prefer the term 'Speculative Fiction'. A lot of so-called science fiction has precious little 'science' in it, and the term 'speculative' seems so much more appropriate. To me, this branch of fiction is really about the big 'what if's, and does not necessarily have to involve any 'scientific' issues at all. Conversely, I think that all the Star Trek series after Classic Trek tend more towards what I would call 'technology fiction', where some previously unheard-of technology is brought in to save the day. I mean what the hell are 'verteron rays' (for example)? They do not even sound credible, yet plot devices such as these often seem to have been cooked up to just get the crew out of a tight spot. Anyhow, back to Rush: is there a correlation between Rush-loving and Sci-Fi consumption? Yes, I reckon there is a fairly strong one; certainly a statistically-significant correlation.

It's simple mate; get yourself a copy of Permanent Waves, and take a step into a wider world. ...And a warm welcome to TRF. We're one big, happy family here - the more the merrier.

I just watched your video, and it has got me all steamed up about seeing them on the 25th at the O2 next week. They look and sound like they are on top form, and your comment at the end about them being f**king amazing is just how I felt when I saw them at Wembley and Manchester on the last tour - I was blown away, they were the best, the very best. Thanks for the vid mate - just the kind of starter I needed to whet my appetite for next week. Will be meeting a few other TRFers too - can't wait.

OK guys, please consider this thread closed from now on. Someone contacted me about the ticket, and I am glad to say that it is going to a good home, which means that it is no longer available. I must say that I am relieved. I was thinking only last night that I would have to resort to eBay, or (horrors) a tout on the night in question, in which case I would have got around five quid for the thing. Note that I've posted a similar message in the Time Machine Tour section on the equivalent thread I started there. In case you are wondering, it is not going to a female fan. Nevertheless, thanks to those of you who posted your warm responses here to my original post - another time perhaps? Warm feelings to all you great women Rush fans - long live the Rush sisterhood.

OK Guys, please consider this thread closed from now. I've got a taker for the ticket, so I am afraid it is no longer available. Aside from that, all I have to say is that I am really looking forward to the gig - my sixth Rush gig - can't wait; and it will be good to link up with some other 'proper' Rush fans.

I should have posted sooner in this thread, but, for what it's worth, I think the OP has a cracking idea. Go for it - I would love to cut eBay out of the equation.

QUOTE (Babycat @ May 13 2011, 02:30 AM)QUOTE (Docmilsap @ May 13 2011, 07:00 AM) QUOTE (Tony R @ May 13 2011, 07:42 AM) As far as I can remember the only times Rush was on TotP was with Spirit of Radio and the live version of Tom Sawyer. Pan's People (or whoever it was at the time) actually did a dance routine to tSoR I think.... Yer right mate, dancing around with portable radios pressed to their ears........ Heard about that but never saw it. Yeah, I've heard and read about that but I never saw it. I used to watch TOTP essentially every week back then, and I just do not recall ever seeing it. Moreover, I am sure I would remember it because the moment I first heard Rush was when John Peel played The Spirit of Radio on his show. I heard that riff, and I remember thinking 'What is that?'. And that was it - I had contracted the Rush virus, and there was no going back. Given this, I am sure I would have recognised said riff on TOTP because it would have had the same effect on me. Having said all that, I have never been taken with the idea of Pans People doing a routine to Rush - it is just so infra dig because they were such bloody rubbish. Although, Arlene Phillips saucy little troupe on Kenney Everett's show was a different matter.

Hmmm... this has got me thinking... Maybe we could get Clarkson and Co (on Top Gear), to get Ged on the show as 'the star in a reasonably priced car'. I can imagine Clarkson's preamble: 'if bassists were coffee, this guy would be a double-strength expresso'. (No, I haven't heard of Stewart Lee either.) [Edited for typo]

I am really sorry to dampen matters here, but it was BBC Radio One (pure audio), not BBC 1 (which is the 'main' TV channel over here). I knew this could not be correct when I saw the thread-title because I scan the TV schedules every day; moreover, there are never any music shows on BBC 1 at any time that would play Rush. From 19:00 to 00:25 today, BBC 1's schedule was: The One Show (amorphous magazine-bollocks - never watched it) Eastenders ("Gor' blimey Guvnah, no one 'ere ever smiles") Watchdog (It was this guy who did it, if you see the **** shop him) Inside the Human Body (including real-time film of someone dying - didn't watch it, have experienced too much death over the last few years) News (self explanatory) A pair of excellent political/current-affairs debate/analysis programmes (e.g. This Week - fantastic stuff) Frankly, the nearest that we will ever get to seeing Rush on the telly over here is: a: If BBC 4 (what BBC 2 used to be) does some kind of rock-doc (although they've done a few of them over the last few years, in which we stood a fighting chance of seeing a Rush-mention, yet we didn't) b: If Jools Holland got them onto his much-respected 'Late' show (or whatever it is called), which is a fantastic showcase for all sorts of bands that play live sets there-and-then in front of a studio audience. On that topic: I thought a few weeks ago of emailing the BBC to suggest that they get Rush onto Jools Holland's show while The Boys are doing the UK leg of the TM tour. I did a bit of research on this, but, as far as I could determine, Holland's show is off-air during that period. That was a real disappointment - it was an entirely workable idea that the God of TV Scheduling vetoed because, clearly, the basket is not a flippin' Rush fan. I feel like firing off a letter to The Times...

You Prick.

For me, Power Windows. But it edges in only just ahead of many of the others.

Look, I'll grow a damn little-beardy-overly-fastidious-soul-patch-thingy if that's what it will take to score from my 'Have ticket, will rock' thread in the New-World-Women section. (That aside: I voted for the 'shave it' option).

QUOTE (HowItIs @ May 7 2011, 03:57 AM)Good Luck!! http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd103/laserspray/internet%20stuff/3406.gif I am neither single nor in London, unfortunately. Yes, Washington State is a little further away than I had envisaged But thanks for posting a response (same goes to Good,bad,andrush). C'mon girls - there's got to be someone out there. If I don't get any women takers, then I will have to let one of the guys here have the ticket , and I don't want to go selling it on eBay.

I heard somewhere that Neil has pet names for the various components of his drum kit. I understand that he calls his hi-hat 'the monkey', and his snare goes by the name of 'the bishop'. This means that, when he is banging one out, he is spanking the monkey and bashing the bishop...

QUOTE (An Enemy Without @ May 2 2011, 06:36 PM)QUOTE (Tony R @ May 2 2011, 06:22 PM) QUOTE (An Enemy Without @ May 3 2011, 12:13 AM) I say trolls, and here's why. They spend their time spreading redundant, sometimes hateful messages in the hopes of getting some kind of reaction, usually negative. They then prolong their futile argument in the hopes of making the other person even angrier. Trolls are basically attention whores with an internet connection. I don't like them in real life, and I CERTAINLY don't like them when they are trying to make me angry. Here's a real life scenario: Let's use your house as a metaphor for TRF. There are two people in your house: a troll, and a fanboy. The fanboy rants and raves about how great everything in your house is while simultaneously spouting pure garbage and annoying the s**t out of you. The troll however, takes it upon himself to personally and methodically destroy everything you own while insulting your friends and family members (especially your mother). Now who would you rather hang out with? Does the troll have firm breasts and buttocks? Unfortunately, no. He's a man. A very old, bad-tempered man who likes to mess with people. He's also invincible, so don't even try. There is also a third option with what you're looking for, with an affordable price but an uncountable cost. Is the third option that I blow both their heads off with a sawn-off shotgun, while playing The Spirit of Radio? The shotgun would cost relatively little, but the dry-cleaning bill for the curtains would be uncountable...

In short: I voted no-go. In long: I expect fully to get into trouble here for saying what I am about to say, but I found Ghost Rider to be deeply disappointing. So much so that I am not going to bother reading anything else that he publishes in book form, unless I have good evidence that it is worth it. Obviously, this excludes his lyrics and his web-site; although, come to think of it, the lyrics can sleep safe eternally, but the web-site (for me) sings for its supper every time I visit it; and I do that only because there is a ghost of a chance that I might see something Rush-related. I expected so much more in Ghost Rider from a wordsmith like Peart - his lyrics have raised the hair on the back of my neck more times than I can remember. Sometimes, with time on my hands, I will run a particular Rush song through my head, seeking deliberately the effect that I know the lyrics will have on me - I'll recite a given song in my head just to give myself a buzz. But when I read Ghost Rider, I found so little that amounted to eloquent, from-the-heart and full-of-insight stuff. It took me a full year to read the whole thing, forcing myself all the way - like trying to eat cardboard - and I ended up skipping stacks of the 'letters to Brutus' in an attempt to give matters some kind of dignified coup de grace. Someone suggests in the relevant Amazon reviews that the letters-to-Brutus thing arose because his publisher was demanding 'manuscript tomorrow or else'. Frankly, I thought it was simply a sign of rank laziness, and, ultimately, it amounts to the same thing either way. So, read a novel of his? I'll wait for credible, positive reviews on this channel first.