theoriginalfuzz

QUOTE (Thunder Bay Rush @ Sep 13 2012, 10:01 AM) I've been a Rush fan since 2112 - ATWA Stage, but when I heard AFT Kings for the first time, I actually checked my pants to see if there was any shit in them... That "New Rush" with the Mini Moog was so good I thought I soiled myself. I couldn't imagine Rush without keys. I really don't think Rush would have got to the "world stage" without keys. Just guitar, bass and drums has a limited audience, I think. And, when the dude plays bass, double-necked guitar, sings, plays Taurus pedals AND plays an EFFING keyboard at the same time... that made it even more cool. More reason to check my pants for shit at age 14... What would Yes or Genesis have been without keyboards? That's precisely my point. You nailed it Keys add so much more dimension and possibilities to the music. And that is the spirit of artistic experimentation. It's a shame too many people are incapable of understanding this.

QUOTE (Silas Lang @ Sep 13 2012, 12:01 PM) QUOTE (ClassicB @ Sep 12 2012, 08:33 PM)Agreed! Rush wouldn't be here today if it weren't for the keyboards. Good point. I imagine it would be pretty hard if you were a musician and alive in the late 70s/early 80s to not use the new keys/synths that were becoming more available and convenient. And there's no reason one should - to remain a contemporary musician you almost have to try new things and embrace whatever the current technology may be or remain a one dimensional, stale punk or metal band (which is what it seems the setlist complainers would've preferred). Exactly!

QUOTE (analog guy @ Sep 12 2012, 09:57 PM) I'm a drummer first and a bass player second..... but I'm a BIG TIME synth enthusiast, especially old synths. Totally a sucker for Moogs, Prophets, and Oberheims in particular. Geddy's got a lot to do with that. That's right! Let's hear it for the keys/synth enthusiasts among us!

QUOTE (Gedneil Alpeart @ Sep 12 2012, 09:06 PM) Love the keys, am a keys player myself! Love the Rush-keys era! I too am a keyboard player, so admittedly, I might have bit of a bias in favor of bands that use keyboards. But think about it: many of the best bands out there have used keyboards as an equal compliment to the guitar element at some point or another (in my humble opinion). Rush, Yes, Genesis, Marillion, Porcupine Tree, the Flower Kings, Spock's Beard, to name a few... the list could go on and on The keys just add so much additional depth and substance to the art.

QUOTE (LeaveMyThingAlone @ Sep 12 2012, 09:24 PM) As I read through the usual complaints about the setlist, what's wrong with it, how Rush is so selfish, etc I can't help but think about how so many people take them for granted. That they're always going to be there, that there will be an R40 tour, a next album, etc Rush has picked a setlist that first and foremost is easy on Geddy's voice. The Spirit of Radio is a song he has struggled with of late and it looks like has now been permanently dropped. That blows my mind. My guess is after the 1st night his voice didn't recover so well so they made that change, trying to find the right setlist for the vocals. This is very telling. Rush has always been a band that will not hang around if they can't continue to play up to their own standards. I can't help but think that that day is coming very soon. Geddy has even spoken about his recent struggles in interviews of late. As successful as the Time Machine tour was, he very clearly struggled with vocals. Hence, we have this setlist. When the day comes when he can't sing the SOR, I gotta think that gives the guys pause. I'm just saying that I wouldn't be surprised if this is Rush's last tour. They want to go out on top and Clockwork Angels is an incredible achievement. The signs are there for Rush to call it a day. How will Geddy be singing in 3 years? Think about it. He's not going to be able to belt out Freewill, Spirit, 2112, etc and they won't tour if he's just barely getting by. Not their style Appreciate that you have another tour and that these guys are still doing top notch 3 hour shows. It just won't last much longer. It can't Very good points. They naturally want to be able to deliver shows that are at least up to a minimum level of what their standards are. To add to your assessment, even Neil Peart recently stated in an interview that he doesn't know if he'll physically be able to do this in another 10 years (the assumed implication being that if he can't deliver, he doesn't want to do it). So the clock is definitely ticking for our boys.

QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Sep 12 2012, 02:38 PM) QUOTE (LedRush @ Sep 12 2012, 01:55 PM) ....But for the hardcore, this setlist is amazing. Erroneous statement no, not really.

Thanks, btw!!

Rush is a big band. My words only reflect the respect the band deserves (which many people here are refusing to give).

I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts. We need more positive vibes here. Who here loves this setlist? I absolutely do! I personally have been waiting for a set like this for a long time. I'm a huge fan of the 80's material, because it was so innovative. Keyboards add immense color to the artistic/audio palatte (just like Lifeson's saturated effects on his guitar do). I'm always amazed at how few people understand this. Put another, overly-simplistic way: You can have either mostly phallic adolescent guitar masturbation the whole time, or you can have the sophistication of much of Rush's 80's material (which balances more subtle tasty guitar licks with keyboard augmentations - the two instruments play off of each other). Like the title says, there's a lot more to music than just guitar, bass and drums. And Rush is sophisticated enough to show us just that on this tour. (btw, I say this as a fan of ALL Rush - not just albums prior to 1981) Who's with me?

Honestly, some of us have been waiting a long time for a set like this. Believe it or not, there are a lot of us out here who love the 80's keyboard stuff. It was incredibly innovative. And given that Power Windows is one of my personal faves (among my top 4 or 5 Rush albums), I personally am pleased that they are doing 4 songs from it. Add to that the fact that some of us didn't start seeing Rush live until after the 80's (RTB tour was my first), we never got to see songs like Grand Designs, Middletown Dreams and Territories live. I don't mean to sound inflammatory here. Not in the slightest. But I have to say that it never ceases to amaze me how some people really don't see the value of keyboards as a strong addition to the aural color palatte. There is a lot more to music than just guitar, bass and drums. And I'm not necessarily referring to the original poster in making this statement. I fully understand what the original poster meant, though. I had the same complaint with the last two tours. But that's just the way it goes. The band plays what it is intrigued by at any given time. That's their artistic right. With a catalog as huge as theirs, some albums are simply going to get left out. I'd much rather they focus on multiple songs from an album I've been waiting to hear live, rather than trying to cram one song from every single album into a set. The set, to me, has more depth that way, as they can explore their back catalog in more detail. Next tour, it will be a different set of songs, and maybe everyone here will all get to hear Jacob's Ladder finally (which I am not personally all that fond of). But for this tour, I finally get my Middletown Dreams (the one I have been waiting for).

The Gorge is a great venue, BUT, as far as Rush is concerned, it's not as good as the White River, and here's why: Because of the winds and what not blowing in from the gorge itself, Rush can't do all the pyro stuff that they normally would do (safety hazard). Also, you don't really get the full light show experience that you would under the cover of the White River, because there is no covering over the reserved section of the Gorge. So the cool lighting effects don't really kick in until he second set (because it's daylight when the show starts). With that said, the setting is beautiful at the Gorge, so it's worth it for that reason alone. traffic does suck... perhaps even worse than the White River.

Does anyone know what the radio presale code is for the Gorge show. That particular presale is tomorrow, and I can't seem to find the presale code on the net. Can anyone help me out? Thanks in advance:) David

As the original thread poster, I just wanted to chime in and say that I did receive my VIP merch package today. I have to admit, I actually think the t-shirt is quite a bit cooler than I expected. While the design is simplistic, the gray color of the t-shirt works well, and I actually like its simplicity. Though, like others have mentioned, I too was expecting a tour-themed shirt. However, this is a cool shirt, imho. Overall I'm just happy to have the DVD and the shirt... the other stuff is not that big of a deal to me... and yeah, the poster blows. Seems a bit arbitrary. Would I buy the VIP package again? Nope. I mainly did it this time for the seats (figured I would splurge this tour), but next time I think I'll just take my chances with the regular-priced seats. I'm not sure I feel the VIP package is worth it.

I read on one of the other Rush forums today that there appears to be some sort of delay for people who ordered XL t-shirt sizes vs. L... the poster didn't elaborate or even explain where this info came from or why that is. But given that my friend did get his stuff and he ordered a L t-shirt, whereas I ordered XL and haven't received my stuff as of yet (the mail has already come today), it almost seems plausible... ... can anyone else corroborate what I've heard? If this is true - it sounds like this whole deal has just been very poorly managed. I'm very disappointed with the path Rush has gone down in this regard...

QUOTE (hughes&kettner @ Jul 27 2010, 05:33 PM) Necromancer: you are a moron. What you're saying (in effect) is that if someone takes their kid for a drive in the car, and some drunk causes them to get in an accident, it's the parents fault for taking the kids for a drive. and yeah i'm sure if you fall on someone's kid at a rush show, the parents (or security) would have nothing to say...cuz it's their fault for bringing the kids, and some jerk-off is too buzzed to maintain balance, and falls on someone???????good luck with that one:"...but your honor, the parents should have never brought their kid to a rock show, sure i was all f-ed up and fell on the kid, but at least I have a right to be there, right your honor???" not saying little kids need to be at shows like this. but it is a free country. what you're telling everyone around here is that if someone brings their kiddos, it amplifies your, well, douchebagginess?!?!? i thought pot made people more mellow- you take steroids too? No doubt! Totally agree with you, hughes. Necromancer is a total f***ing idiot. He is a clueless, self-centered prick, based on everything I've read. As though he's the only one who pays good money to see the show. The garbage coming from his mouth is unbelievable... I don't like to resort to using such strong language, but given the nature of his posts here, I feel it's appropriate.

QUOTE (Mara @ Jul 27 2010, 11:49 AM) For those of you who've received your swag - pic of the shirt? Apparently the shirt is just the Rush logo from the first album.... very simple. At least, that's what I was told by my friend (he's not much of an internet guy, so you wont' see him on here) Hopefully I'll have mine today too.... then I can give better info:)

QUOTE (Todem @ Jul 27 2010, 08:54 AM) QUOTE (ChroniclesOfRush @ Jul 27 2010, 08:03 AM) QUOTE (Todem @ Jul 26 2010, 03:47 PM) QUOTE (ChroniclesOfRush @ Jul 26 2010, 02:48 PM) Here's the bottom line boys and girls: A RUSH show is a purely ADULT endeavor. If they serve liquor consider it and ADULT function and keep your kids as far away from it as humanly possible if you are a responsible parent. I don't even take my kids to the ballpark anymore due to all the falling down drunks we encounter on the way. I am not even talking about the fuckheads at Wrigley Field! I didn't even feel comfortable taking my kids to a NASCAR event until they were well into their teens due to well...take your pick. Having to explain why the phrase "I chewed tobaca with yur May" while some shirtless nimrod is hanging all over his sister is considered an inflamatory statement to your 10 year old is a door I prefer not to open. Not just yet. Go be an adult with adults. If you insist on pushing adult tastes on your children just take them to the bar and proceed to bitch about everyone swearing and punching each other in the face over something you wouldn't let your dog bite. I mean get real...... Get a f***ing grip. Leave your kids in bubble why don't ya. Holy shit people. Oh I don't [keep my kids in a bubble] believe me. The point of this thread was some bint cryin' about people acting like adults at an adult function that he brings his kids to. You know what to expect so quit your bitchin'. Punch the ticket -- take the ride. Do what you wish. But when I'm off to the RUSH show I am untucking my nuts and rockin' with my cock out. Do my daughters need to see me in such a state? You make the call. Well that is why I go to multiple shows I also believe in the "rock with my cock out" way of seeing Rush my friend. Tampa is boys night out. West Palm I will conduct myslef in the "G" rating style. I would never drag my kid to any adult type activities. I can't stand parents who take toddlers to late night movies, or dinner. It's absurd and it is common place unfortunetly. Most kids under the age of 7 should be in bed by 8:30. There are exceptions to this rule. 1) Disney/family vacations 2) Rush. Those are our exceptions for our son who BTW is not your typical 6 year old. He is very well behaved, not a whiny brat, and appreciates and loves over 30 Rush songs that he knows well. If he was a typical 6 year old...he would be staying home. It's our call as his parents and we are trying it out this leg. If he ends up not liking the experience then he will not go again. If he has a blast, he will be in attendance for the 2011 leg. Look Necro....I don't like making things personal on a public message board. But your post's are out of line. Child abuse Asshole Come on man. It's Rush. And I totally agree about any parent who bitches about weed, alcohol and the like at a concert. It's a rock concert and know what your exposing your kid too. Totally understand that and agree that you have no right to bitch about those things. You know they will be present so take your kid at your own risk. I ain't gonna bitch.....we are gonna rock. I totally agree with you, Todem. People who think that taking a kid to a Rush concert is child abuse are complete morons. I mean, it's not like we're talking about throwing kids into the mosh pit of a thrash metal show. And what's even more hypocritical is how many of "these people" (not all, but many) would have no problem taking their kid to a sporting event (i.e. football, hockey, baseball) where some of the dumbest f*ckers on the face of the planet come out of hiding to have a massively belligerent drunkfest and yell some of the most vile of obscenities at the athletes. Last I checked, there wasn't anything on the Rush ticket saying "adults only" -- and if you really want to get hardcore, look at this way: pot is ILLEGAL, while sharing good music with your kid is NOT. So, for those of you with any common sense, who do you think really has a more legitimate gripe? The people engaging in illegal activity and breaking the law, or the dad who's there to have a healthy, sober musical experience and pass the torch on to his son? Good music transcends age. I personally think it's really cool when I see kids at concerts totally getting into the music. And I fully intend to take my son to a few concerts when he's old enough (he's an infant now). All you "anti-children-at-concerts" people are idiots. Leave it up to the parents. I'm sure Todem is perfectly capable of educating his own child about some of the "negative" attributes associated with public events. And that's the way it should be. The people who don't want kids at the concert are likely more concerned about having THEIR buzz killed - typical self-centered behavior for these kind of yo yos. I mean, anyone who refers to children as "rugrats" obviously doesn't have kids of his own and doesn't have even the foggiest clue as to what we're talking about. And if he does, well, then that says a lot about who HE is, and I feel sorry for the kids. So to all you "anti-child-at-Rush" people, don't lecture us about responsible behavior. It's not your call to make, and my guess is that it's not like your shit doesn't stink. Try taking a look in the mirror at your life before you cast judgment on us.

I emailed Fanfire to ask them when it would ship, and I got the following reply -- a week later -- on 7/18: Your order has been sent to the warehouse for packing and shipment. It should be shipping out within the next 24-48 hours. Please allow another 5-7 business days for delivery. And I got that reply from Fanfire several days after Ticketmaster emailed me, separately, saying the VIP items had begun shipping. So, it should be arriving any day now. At least it's good to know my friend got his stuff - makes me feel a bit more confident that mine will actually get here at some point as well.

QUOTE (The_Enemy_Within @ Jul 26 2010, 06:25 PM) I'm sorry all of you guys have to wait. :/ How much money was it? I forgot. I remember seeing it on the site, but haven't really kept tabs with it. Mine was a little over $300 per person... but I know others had to pay more (prices varied from city to city).

I figured there were a few of us logging in to see what others were saying about the merch that we are SUPPOSED to be receiving with our VIP packages, so I thought I'd create a new update thread... So here's the scoop... my friend (whom I'm attending the Seattle show with on Aug 7) received his VIP merch on Saturday. I still have not received mine yet (even though we redeemed our codes on the VIP website at the same time and live only a half hour apart from each other). Just wanted to let you all know that at least ONE of us has received the merch we were promised and paid for with our tickets. But like others have stated on this board, I don't particularly care for the way this whole VIP thing was handled. I've been passing by the "Beyond The Lighted Stage" DVD/Blu Ray at a local store now everytime I've gone in for the last few weeks, and it's all I can do to keep myself from buying it. The only reason I haven't is because I knew I was getting it in the mail at some point. I personally think they should have given those of us who shelled out the cash for the VIP package special priority on receiving the DVD before the general public (or at least at the same time - i.e. not make us wait for weeks after it is released). I don't think I'll be doing a VIP package for Rush again in the future.

They've been doing that for years. What happens is certain blocks of seats are held for VIPs, friends, family of the band, industry insiders, etc. upfront. And then once they determine that some or all of those seats are not going to be used, they turn around and release them to the general public later on once the determination is made. At least that's my understanding of how it works. It's screwed up, but it is what it is. Ticketmaster has been doing that for as long as I can remember... seriously, 20-30 years or more.

That's really disappointing. I mean, I'm happy that a few of the songs are on the list (Presto, Time Stand Still, Marathon), but for the most part, it really is a pretty poorly thought-out setlist. Not sure what the boys were thinking when they pulled this out of their asses. The way I see it, they really missed a golden opportunity to do something GREAT with this list and celebrate an amazing career. They could've pulled out all the stops and really treated fans to something very special. But they opted instead to serve up one of the more mediocre Rush sets in recent memory while actually charging us MORE for something that really isn't all that unique (TCE aside, naturally). However, I must be missing something... I'm sure it will end up being very cool once I'm there and I see how it plays out.

What I don't get is why they even bother playing ANY S&A tunes at ALL (aside from maybe Far Cry). Personally, I think it's one of their worst albums ever... plus, they just played all that stuff last time out (well, except for Faithless). But seriously, I really wish they would've taken out the S & A tunes altogether and gone with some better "vault" choices... ...if, of course, this is indeed the setlist... which I'm kind of hoping it's not. At the very least, add a few more gems from the vault and REALLY blow our minds. I am, however, interested in TSS, Presto, Marathon... that should be cool! And of course, Camera Eye will rule. But yeah, it does seem like a strange set. Sort of anti-climatic.

I'm not happy about the ticket prices (I paid $315 for my 13th row center seats, "VIP")... in fact, I was quite disappointed to see them jump so high. But I shelled out the dough (and was fortunate enough to be able to), because it's Rush - and in particular, because of the nature of THIS tour (which I read as sort of a "for the fans" type tour - I wouldn't have paid that much for other Rush tours... I would've just sat farther back). But you know, I don't really see the point in bitching about it like so many others. I'm just happy to be going and to have the good seats that I have.