My article about the upcoming Rush Tour

[Rod in Toronto]

Hope you guys like it:

 

Between Hemispheres: A Fan’s Dilemma Over RUSH’s Return To Touring

[James Bond]

Nicely written and a nice approach to the article. If one of the Toronto shows you're attending is the Tuesday night, then I will see you there! I intend to add at least one more myself.

 

If I may be pedantic about one thing - you name the classic "Alex Lifeson Chord" as an Esus2/B, but the chord is more accurately an F#7add4.

[treeduck]

Is this article heavy metal enough for me? Is it a hard rock article?? No new wave?

[Bahamas]

The article should have included your feelings? (??)

[Rod in Toronto]

17 hours ago, James Bond said:

Nicely written and a nice approach to the article. If one of the Toronto shows you're attending is the Tuesday night, then I will see you there! I intend to add at least one more myself.

 

If I may be pedantic about one thing - you name the classic "Alex Lifeson Chord" as an Esus2/B, but the chord is more accurately an F#7add4.

 

Thank you, I will change the notation of that chord in the article.

 

I will be at 3 out of 4 Toronto shows. We should plan to meet, this will be an EPIC week! Rush Day at Henderson Brewery is also happening on the same week, and it's always a fun event. 

[Flame]

FWIW, as soon as I read  “My biggest beef about the tour is that they’re calling themselves “Rush”

 

I stopped reading and swiped the window closed, because I figured anyone writing something that f*cking stupid probably had no further opinions I cared to spend time on. 
Please note that you are perfectly and freely entitled to your opinions and encouraged to share them. 
As I am to instantly recognize that they aren’t worth reading. 
Cheers. 

[chemistry1973]

7 minutes ago, Flame said:

FWIW, as soon as I read  “My biggest beef about the tour is that they’re calling themselves “Rush”

 

I stopped reading and swiped the window closed, because I figured anyone writing something that f*cking stupid probably had no further opinions I cared to spend time on. 
Please note that you are perfectly and freely entitled to your opinions and encouraged to share them. 
As I am to instantly recognize that they aren’t worth reading. 
Cheers. 

Username checks out

[James Bond]

3 hours ago, Rod in Toronto said:

 

Thank you, I will change the notation of that chord in the article.

 

I will be at 3 out of 4 Toronto shows. We should plan to meet, this will be an EPIC week! Rush Day at Henderson Brewery is also happening on the same week, and it's always a fun event. 

 

I've got my ticket in hand for the Rush Day at Henderson's. I'm just as excited for that as the shows considering what will no doubt be an electric atmosphere. Closer to we can solidify some plans!

[HemiBeers]

I think you need to take their previous comments about the name of the band in context. I think it was more intended that if any surviving member decided not to be in the band, then they would not name it Rush. It's a little different with Neil's death. With a surviving member there's more chance for bad blood or butt-hurt feelings to permeate the situation (insert Van Halen singer drama here). Neil's not coming back obviously, so the only choice is a replacement member. It's just a band name folks...not like someone trying to be Jesus II. 

 

There's a long line of legacy bands that keeps churning members but still perform under the original name to keep the music going. I don't have a problem with continuing the Rush name. I'm going to see the surviving Rush members play Rush music...what the hell else would it be called?

[Todem]

Yeah Rod....I respectfully disagree with you sentiments about them touring as Rush.

 

Because it is Rush. And they are paying the ultimate respect to their fallen brother Neil. 

 

It's Rush. It's their music and his spirit is in every single note they play and every word Geddy belts (save for the debut album lol).

 

And yeah.....they are making a lot of cash here.....that I don't disagree with. But I was a willing participant to paying for tickets and seeing them one last (in my case 4) time.

 

Freewill. 

 

And that is the beauty of freewill. 

 

I don't know why though some people choose to "flame" the messenger who is simply sharing their thoughts.....whether you disagree or agree...being able to listen and discuss like adults is what you would hope would separate us from the animals. And that in a microcosm is the biggest problem facing society today. And if you don't want to discuss it....because your mind is closed to any thought that is not fitting your narrative....there is a better way to express it. We are all huge Rush fans here......who else would be on a Rush message board.

 

Lines in the sand being drawn....with no compromise, no willingness to listen and just talk.  

 

Quick to judge, quick to anger slow to understand.

Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand. 

 

 

Edited May 7 by Todem

[Pressure/Hopenosis]

Absolutely miffed and will not go to see them perform under the Rush name. So Rod's article is on point. If it was Lee/Lifeson celebrate the music of Rush then I'm in.

They made a promise. 

Now I will pick up a copy of the blu ray hopefully in 4k and atmos.

[Flame]

Some of you guys are obviously better off waiting for Neil Peart to rejoin the band, and, more power to you, I guess.

The rest of us will be off going to Rush concerts, since, you know… it’s still Rush and all.  
 

It’s all good 

[TheGhostRider]

10 hours ago, Flame said:

FWIW, as soon as I read  “My biggest beef about the tour is that they’re calling themselves “Rush”

 

I stopped reading and swiped the window closed, because I figured anyone writing something that f*cking stupid probably had no further opinions I cared to spend time on. 
Please note that you are perfectly and freely entitled to your opinions and encouraged to share them. 
As I am to instantly recognize that they aren’t worth reading. 
Cheers. 

I agree. It's almost like they have the right to change their mind and tour and play music as they please. I really don't understand the hate behind wanting to tour again and call it Rush. It is Rush. Just a different lineup now is all. 

 

I honestly believe it Neil was still alive he would say "absolutely, have fun and go tour. I'll be cheering you guys on from home" or something like that. This tour would not have happened if they thought Neil would not be ok with that. the fact that his family gave them their blessing is good enough for me. 

[TheGhostRider]

2 hours ago, Pressure/Hopenosis said:

Absolutely miffed and will not go to see them perform under the Rush name. So Rod's article is on point. If it was Lee/Lifeson celebrate the music of Rush then I'm in.

They made a promise. 

Now I will pick up a copy of the blu ray hopefully in 4k and atmos.

You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to disagree. I was 13 when the band stopped touring back in 2015. I only had three opportunities prior to this tour to see them. I saw them 2/3 times. I missed the Clockwork Angels Tour because a family friend only bought tickets for my dad and older brother. I have always felt that I missed out on seeing the band more. When this tour was announced it felt like a dream come true. I am excited to have the opportunity to see the boys on the road a few more times before they are done for good. 

[Pressure/Hopenosis]

56 minutes ago, TheGhostRider said:

You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to disagree. I was 13 when the band stopped touring back in 2015. I only had three opportunities prior to this tour to see them. I saw them 2/3 times. I missed the Clockwork Angels Tour because a family friend only bought tickets for my dad and older brother. I have always felt that I missed out on seeing the band more. When this tour was announced it felt like a dream come true. I am excited to have the opportunity to see the boys on the road a few more times before they are done for good. 

If I were in your shoes I'd definitely go. There is no wrong answer. No need for anyone to shamed either way.

[treeduck]

12 hours ago, HemiBeers said:

I think you need to take their previous comments about the name of the band in context. I think it was more intended that if any surviving member decided not to be in the band, then they would not name it Rush. It's a little different with Neil's death. With a surviving member there's more chance for bad blood or butt-hurt feelings to permeate the situation (insert Van Halen singer drama here). Neil's not coming back obviously, so the only choice is a replacement member. It's just a band name folks...not like someone trying to be Jesus II. 

 

There's a long line of legacy bands that keeps churning members but still perform under the original name to keep the music going. I don't have a problem with continuing the Rush name. I'm going to see the surviving Rush members play Rush music...what the hell else would it be called?

 

[BlairC45]

The name "RUSH" the band has been around for 50 Years. Why change the household name? I don't know, but I'm thinking maybe they thought "Lifson & Lee" would not reach the casual Rush fans, translate to ticket sales, who know the odd songs and might not know their last names. But as soon as let's say when you hear it on the radio or see it printed "RUSH," those casual fans know who they are and are more inclined to buy a ticket to the concert. Die-hards, well, they know everything!

 

Right or Wrong, it's about perspective?

 

 

[Rod in Toronto]

Thank you for the comments everyone, respectful or not. Here's another example - although not a like-for-like one, where members handled it (in my view) in a better way than calling themselves the original band. When Jimmy Page and Robert Plant got together in 94/95, they toured under the Page/Plant moniker, and that was, for all intents and purposes, Led Zeppelin. The tour sold like CRAZY,  I myself attended the show in Rio in 95, one of the best concerts I've ever seen. And yet, it preserved the name "Led Zeppelin", they capitalized on it anyway, and it took LOADS of pressure from supporting members. Absolutely nobody questioned the talent of the supporting musicians to replace John Bonham or John Paul Jones at the time.

 

Anyway, we're all entitled to opinions and to disagree - again, respectfully or not - with said opinions. It's not my first time using the internet, for crying out loud. I'm just happy you guys read it!

[FlowerbedPiano]

My irritation is that this great return by Alex and Geddy has been grotesquely overshadowed by the disproportionate attention on Anika Niles. Of course she's a brilliant drummer but the groups on Facebook are SO obsessed with her. I'm not sure why it is. She's not been 'in Rush' five minutes and she's the main attraction??? It's nonsense. The excitement is surely to see Geddy and Alex. Our heroes. It's truly AMAZING they're back, can't wait to see em. Anika?....I'm not really bothered. She's a lovely person. A great drummer. But doing a job for the lads, full stop, the way I see it. 

I'm delighted I've got a ticket for their first UK date, right near the front. I'm there. Bring it on. BUT I do think it would have showed a lot more sensitivity and been cool had the show been called 'Geddy And Alex with special guests'....then in smaller print, Anika Niles and the keyboard player from The Who (forgotten his name). Even cooler would've been 'Dirk And Lerkst'. I don't actually think ticket sales would've been any different had they not used the brand name. We know who they are!!

Of course the truth I think, and it's no secret, is that Geddy and Alex will want to work with Anika beyond these shows and most likely record new material. In which case, it's RUSH then, innit? The new Rush. I can't say I'll be that interested. It's not the Rush I know and love. I'd rather Alex and Geddy did an acoustic album together or something. I would've loved that. Ah well. 

My ticket is SO near the front I probably won't be able to see Anika anyway!!! I just wanna see the two lads rocking, one last time, that's what I'm looking forward to.

Edited May 8 by FlowerbedPiano

[Rod in Toronto]

14 hours ago, FlowerbedPiano said:

My irritation is that this great return by Alex and Geddy has been grotesquely overshadowed by the disproportionate attention on Anika Niles. Of course she's a brilliant drummer but the groups on Facebook are SO obsessed with her. I'm not sure why it is. She's not been 'in Rush' five minutes and she's the main attraction??? It's nonsense. The excitement is surely to see Geddy and Alex. Our heroes. It's truly AMAZING they're back, can't wait to see em. Anika?....I'm not really bothered. She's a lovely person. A great drummer. But doing a job for the lads, full stop, the way I see it. 

I'm delighted I've got a ticket for their first UK date, right near the front. I'm there. Bring it on. BUT I do think it would have showed a lot more sensitivity and been cool had the show been called 'Geddy And Alex with special guests'....then in smaller print, Anika Niles and the keyboard player from The Who (forgotten his name). Even cooler would've been 'Dirk And Lerkst'. I don't actually think ticket sales would've been any different had they not used the brand name. We know who they are!!

Of course the truth I think, and it's no secret, is that Geddy and Alex will want to work with Anika beyond these shows and most likely record new material. In which case, it's RUSH then, innit? The new Rush. I can't say I'll be that interested. It's not the Rush I know and love. I'd rather Alex and Geddy did an acoustic album together or something. I would've loved that. Ah well. 

My ticket is SO near the front I probably won't be able to see Anika anyway!!! I just wanna see the two lads rocking, one last time, that's what I'm looking forward to.

 

Dirk and Lerxt! That would have been such a great name!

 

As for new music with Anika...if it's good, I'll embrace it. To me, that's the bottom line. 

[Pressure/Hopenosis]

14 hours ago, FlowerbedPiano said:

My irritation is that this great return by Alex and Geddy has been grotesquely overshadowed by the disproportionate attention on Anika Niles. Of course she's a brilliant drummer but the groups on Facebook are SO obsessed with her. I'm not sure why it is. She's not been 'in Rush' five minutes and she's the main attraction??? It's nonsense. The excitement is surely to see Geddy and Alex. Our heroes. It's truly AMAZING they're back, can't wait to see em. Anika?....I'm not really bothered. She's a lovely person. A great drummer. But doing a job for the lads, full stop, the way I see it. 

I'm delighted I've got a ticket for their first UK date, right near the front. I'm there. Bring it on. BUT I do think it would have showed a lot more sensitivity and been cool had the show been called 'Geddy And Alex with special guests'....then in smaller print, Anika Niles and the keyboard player from The Who (forgotten his name). Even cooler would've been 'Dirk And Lerkst'. I don't actually think ticket sales would've been any different had they not used the brand name. We know who they are!!

Of course the truth I think, and it's no secret, is that Geddy and Alex will want to work with Anika beyond these shows and most likely record new material. In which case, it's RUSH then, innit? The new Rush. I can't say I'll be that interested. It's not the Rush I know and love. I'd rather Alex and Geddy did an acoustic album together or something. I would've loved that. Ah well. 

My ticket is SO near the front I probably won't be able to see Anika anyway!!! I just wanna see the two lads rocking, one last time, that's what I'm looking forward to.

I absolutely understand your irritation but we all knew (well, not all) whoever was going to take the throne would be put under the hot lamps. Ged and Alex are helping embrace this situation by including her in everything including all the promotional press and pictures.

[ytserush]

On 5/7/2026 at 11:23 AM, HemiBeers said:

I think you need to take their previous comments about the name of the band in context. I think it was more intended that if any surviving member decided not to be in the band, then they would not name it Rush. It's a little different with Neil's death. With a surviving member there's more chance for bad blood or butt-hurt feelings to permeate the situation (insert Van Halen singer drama here). Neil's not coming back obviously, so the only choice is a replacement member. It's just a band name folks...not like someone trying to be Jesus II. 

 

There's a long line of legacy bands that keeps churning members but still perform under the original name to keep the music going. I don't have a problem with continuing the Rush name. I'm going to see the surviving Rush members play Rush music...what the hell else would it be called?

Totally moot point, but I still think Neil was done and this issue would have come up at some point anyway. And had Neil given his blessing (which I think he would have) I'm not sure we wouldn't be in a substantially different place.

[ytserush]

On 5/7/2026 at 8:16 PM, TheGhostRider said:

You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to disagree. I was 13 when the band stopped touring back in 2015. I only had three opportunities prior to this tour to see them. I saw them 2/3 times. I missed the Clockwork Angels Tour because a family friend only bought tickets for my dad and older brother. I have always felt that I missed out on seeing the band more. When this tour was announced it felt like a dream come true. I am excited to have the opportunity to see the boys on the road a few more times before they are done for good. 

I think there are a lot more fans in your situation and it's easy for someone like me to overlook that having this band hardwired to my being for longer than you have been alive.It's easy to forget that the Rush experience is not the same for everyone and may not come from the same place.

[ytserush]

On 5/7/2026 at 8:16 PM, TheGhostRider said:

You are entitled to your opinion. I am entitled to disagree. I was 13 when the band stopped touring back in 2015. I only had three opportunities prior to this tour to see them. I saw them 2/3 times. I missed the Clockwork Angels Tour because a family friend only bought tickets for my dad and older brother. I have always felt that I missed out on seeing the band more. When this tour was announced it felt like a dream come true. I am excited to have the opportunity to see the boys on the road a few more times before they are done for good. 

An interesting parallel for me would be Led Zeppelin ending in 1980. Had no interest in a reunion and still don't even though there have been a few. That said I've really enjoyed everything that Robert Plant and John Paul Jones have done since and ever the Page and Plant era (because of the reinterpretations of the the Zep material). I'm all for moving forward and that's kind of where I am with Rush (Love what Alex and Geddy, and Neil have done outside of Rush.) Had this not happened organically I'd probably feel the same way, But Anika  brings a whole new exciting element to this which I hope will move the needle of performance expectation.

[Rod in Toronto]

On 5/6/2026 at 12:57 PM, James Bond said:

Nicely written and a nice approach to the article. If one of the Toronto shows you're attending is the Tuesday night, then I will see you there! I intend to add at least one more myself.

 

If I may be pedantic about one thing - you name the classic "Alex Lifeson Chord" as an Esus2/B, but the chord is more accurately an F#7add4.

Fixed.