I'll probably get banned for this :p (SPOILERS)

[tangy]

Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

Not going is certainly your choice. All of us hear things differently and with different motivations and expectations. A year from now, you'll be able to say "I just couldn't go see them on R40, I didn't want to remember them that way." To which most will reply, "Oh, ok."

 

I've seen every tour since GUP, I was 13. I'll be just short of 44 when I see them in July, and I have only two things left on my Rush bucket list...hear Jacob's Ladder live and see Xanadu live with the doublenecks. However Geddy sings them is immaterial to me. Then I'll be able to say, "I saw Rush on every tour since I was 13 and saw and heard everything I wanted to see and hear." To which most will reply, Oh, ok."

 

No one is going to deny that he doesn't sound as good as he used to. How much one wants to hold that against him might be put in better perspective by looking in the nearest mirror and asking that guy what he does now as well as he did even ten years ago, let alone 30 or more.

 

Then, while one is at it, when placing in perspective what they are or aren't playing in the first set, tell that guy in the mirror that everything he's done in the last 20 years is worthless compared to what he did prior. How would that feel?

 

Oh ok!!!

 

Awesome post. I have a similar history of rush shows and like you said. To the masses it is oh ok.

 

 

[fraroc]

After a busy weekend I finally found a few minutes on Monday morning to sit down and see how the new tour was shaping up. As ticket prices in Toronto are pretty steep, I thought I'd check to see that the setlist was to my liking before dropping a ton of cash on tickets. So I anxiously checked out the setlist from Tulsa and wow, I was impressed. Not thrilled with the tree Clockwork Angles songs that opened the show, but it was all uphill from there! Fantastic! Xanadu, Lakeside Park and What You Doin, all songs I haven't heard live since the 80s! Quickly I check out some picks of the gig and love the stage setup, and Ged and Alex are using double necks again!!!! This is starting to look like a no brainer, Ticketmaster here I come!

 

Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE. Lakeside Park and Xanadu are painful to listen to as a matter of fact. Maybe he just can't hit those notes anymore, but to me it sounds like he's got some kind of hearing loss and just can't find the notes anymore. I've noticed this on the last few tours, that Ged kind of slurs his words when he sings, sounding like someone with absolutely no hearing would sound, but in Tulsa it was worse and he was off key. Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

 

Solid advice for everyone like you.

 

NOW FOLLOW IT.

The OP has an opinion and you react like a spoilt 12 year old. You baby.

I did not agree in any way with the OP's post but found it interesting nonetheless.

Some people here I really find hard to stomach.

Thanks for the Gorden Ramsey link though, funny as shite.

 

"Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE."

 

you expect me to keep my mouth shut about that? No, I as a fan of this band don't have to take that kind of BS from nobody.

So you get to decide what is allowed to be posted on the Internet about rush?

 

No, but these people shouldn't be surprised and/or get offended when someone says "No, that's not true at all."

I'm sure people think I'm an ass kisser for thinking that Ged's 2015 voice is as strong as ever and these people can tell me to f**k off all they want, just don't be surprised when me and people who disagree with you fire back. If you're going to dish it, you're going to have to take it.

Edited May 12, 2015 by fraroc

[Digital Dad]

fraroc with all due respect. Shush. Just becuase you think something does not make it universally true.

 

With all due respct to Geddy he sounds fine. Not great but hes dealing. It is what it is at this point. Its 2015 not 1994 or 1979. Take it or leave it.

[krlowe]

Listening to a soundboard recording is like viewing an Art masterpiece on a cell phone: you can get the idea but it's way clearer in person.

 

I respect your opinion, however the man is 60 years old and I think he's doing great!

Edited May 12, 2015 by krlowe

[snowdog212]

Hemispheres does sound bad when I first heard it sounde like someone'forgot to'tune'Alexs'guitar

[Union 5-3992]

I'm sure people think I'm an ass kisser for thinking that Ged's 2015 voice is as strong as ever and these people can tell me to f**k off all they want, just don't be surprised when me and people who disagree with you fire back. If you're going to dish it, you're going to have to take it.

 

No we all know that isn't true. Otherwise he'd be able to sing all of Hemispheres. But that doesn't mean he's bad

[fraroc]

I'm sure people think I'm an ass kisser for thinking that Ged's 2015 voice is as strong as ever and these people can tell me to f**k off all they want, just don't be surprised when me and people who disagree with you fire back. If you're going to dish it, you're going to have to take it.

 

No we all know that isn't true. Otherwise he'd be able to sing all of Hemispheres. But that doesn't mean he's bad

 

When I say his voice is as strong as ever, I really meant that his voice is as strong as it was around Different Stages.

[Bard]

Geez, all this judgment over the Lincoln show?

 

Over a sloppy recording of the Lincoln show?

 

Really?

[Ancient Ways]

After a busy weekend I finally found a few minutes on Monday morning to sit down and see how the new tour was shaping up. As ticket prices in Toronto are pretty steep, I thought I'd check to see that the setlist was to my liking before dropping a ton of cash on tickets. So I anxiously checked out the setlist from Tulsa and wow, I was impressed. Not thrilled with the tree Clockwork Angles songs that opened the show, but it was all uphill from there! Fantastic! Xanadu, Lakeside Park and What You Doin, all songs I haven't heard live since the 80s! Quickly I check out some picks of the gig and love the stage setup, and Ged and Alex are using double necks again!!!! This is starting to look like a no brainer, Ticketmaster here I come!

 

Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE. Lakeside Park and Xanadu are painful to listen to as a matter of fact. Maybe he just can't hit those notes anymore, but to me it sounds like he's got some kind of hearing loss and just can't find the notes anymore. I've noticed this on the last few tours, that Ged kind of slurs his words when he sings, sounding like someone with absolutely no hearing would sound, but in Tulsa it was worse and he was off key. Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

 

Solid advice for everyone like you.

 

NOW FOLLOW IT.

The OP has an opinion and you react like a spoilt 12 year old. You baby.

I did not agree in any way with the OP's post but found it interesting nonetheless.

Some people here I really find hard to stomach.

Thanks for the Gorden Ramsey link though, funny as shite.

 

"Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE."

 

you expect me to keep my mouth shut about that? No, I as a fan of this band don't have to take that kind of BS from nobody.

So you get to decide what is allowed to be posted on the Internet about rush?

 

No, but these people shouldn't be surprised and/or get offended when someone says "No, that's not true at all."

I'm sure people think I'm an ass kisser for thinking that Ged's 2015 voice is as strong as ever and these people can tell me to f**k off all they want, just don't be surprised when me and people who disagree with you fire back. If you're going to dish it, you're going to have to take it.

You're taking this too hard man.

[Shemp]

People really should not judge how good or bad anything sounds based on a crummy sounding mp3.

I agree. Many of those recording devices have a tinny sound and and don't capture what the band really sounds like. There are some good ones out there, unfortunately, more bad ones than good. Edited May 13, 2015 by Shemp

[bordercollie]

He sounds just fine in the arena, which is all that matters unless it's a recording night.

[Analog_Bro]

Geddy still sounds very enjoyable, to me his singing is still great - even if it is more limited in range

[callmejim]

Yeah, and Xanadu is in regular tuning. Not sounding too shabby either.

[Rod in Toronto]

My comment to the op is: go see them live, it's 100% worth it in spite of all the flaws. Besides, when you're in the audience, you notice mistakes to a MUCH lesser extent than hearing it at home. I live far from North America and cannot travel right now because we have a young daughter, but certainly would go see them if I could.

 

Another thing is: I can't speak for the moderators, but I'd never ban you for tour post! You were just expressing tour opinion, not in a derrogatory or disrespectful way.

Edited May 14, 2015 by Rod in Rio

[78jazz]

After a busy weekend I finally found a few minutes on Monday morning to sit down and see how the new tour was shaping up. As ticket prices in Toronto are pretty steep, I thought I'd check to see that the setlist was to my liking before dropping a ton of cash on tickets. So I anxiously checked out the setlist from Tulsa and wow, I was impressed. Not thrilled with the tree Clockwork Angles songs that opened the show, but it was all uphill from there! Fantastic! Xanadu, Lakeside Park and What You Doin, all songs I haven't heard live since the 80s! Quickly I check out some picks of the gig and love the stage setup, and Ged and Alex are using double necks again!!!! This is starting to look like a no brainer, Ticketmaster here I come!

 

Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE. Lakeside Park and Xanadu are painful to listen to as a matter of fact. Maybe he just can't hit those notes anymore, but to me it sounds like he's got some kind of hearing loss and just can't find the notes anymore. I've noticed this on the last few tours, that Ged kind of slurs his words when he sings, sounding like someone with absolutely no hearing would sound, but in Tulsa it was worse and he was off key. Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

I know as a fan I should support the band whatever, but Geddy just doesn't inspire me to see them. To see them for the sake of seeing them isn't fair for me to spend money to be disappointed. I will support them in other ways, but having listened to the bootlegs, I am afraid that if they come to the UK, I think it would be less than tempting.

 

I am seeing Nightwish, and I am also really hoping Toto tour here as well. They are on performing at their peak, and I know I wouldn't feel cheated.

 

Being a fan means knowing what you love and knowing when to say no. It shouldn't have to mean blindly supporting a band against your own will. Besides, the ticket I could have paid money for (if they were over here) would probably be better appreciated by another fan.

 

Go away and see Toto then. Ingrate!! ;)

 

I respect everyone's personal tastes in music.

 

But seriously, man. Toto and Rush are nowhere near in the same league. And I like Toto. Lukather is a perpetually underrated musician and vocalist. That said...in no way does Toto come close to Rush's tier. :)

 

In all honesty, I like one Toto album more than Rush's entire body of work combined, and I would take nineties and 00's and 10's Toto, both studio and live, over anything from Rush after HYF. And that is the truth.

 

I love Toto the way some people round here love Steven Wilson, Yes or Genesis. For me, they belong in the top tier.

 

I hear ya, lol. Me, I have three favorite bands that haven't changed in rank for 25 years plus. One of them is Rush.

I will put up Rush from PeW to GuP and that run of LPs will DESTROY the combined output of Yes, Genesis, and Toto combined. :)

 

But I might be biased. :D

 

(my other 2 faves are the Police (defunct) and Van Halen (derailed).

 

So me being happy about Rush still playing with each other is probably heightened a tad. :D

 

I think this is a stretch on Genesis (particularly from about 1972-1980, when there were some moments that Rush seem to be influenced by).

[78jazz]

Truth is the songs would sound ten times better if they tuned down a half step. Geddy's voice has deepened over the years and its out of tune for the songs, you can't change that. So you have to adjust the guitar tunings to match his voice. Zeppelin did it at O2 and the result was fantastic. I know this is a Rush site, I love these guys more than anything, but if you don't think its painful to listen to Ged struggle to hit notes, then you aren't really listening. You wouldn't accept Alex playing out of tune would you? The other option would be offstage backup singers to hit the high notes, I know Aerosmith does that.

 

I have wondered about this too. To my ears, it seems his timbre started taking a turn with the Time Machine tour (I noticed it when he was singing TCE on the second night of that tour). I think a half-step down would also help, and some of the songs they have played in that time would sound good (I tried this with Bravado from the Raleigh performance and I thought the emotion of the song still cut through). I think the problem with Geddy's voice is more of a timbre thing (for the most part - singers aren't perfect every night).

[andreww]

Truth is the songs would sound ten times better if they tuned down a half step. Geddy's voice has deepened over the years and its out of tune for the songs, you can't change that. So you have to adjust the guitar tunings to match his voice. Zeppelin did it at O2 and the result was fantastic. I know this is a Rush site, I love these guys more than anything, but if you don't think its painful to listen to Ged struggle to hit notes, then you aren't really listening. You wouldn't accept Alex playing out of tune would you? The other option would be offstage backup singers to hit the high notes, I know Aerosmith does that.

 

I have wondered about this too. To my ears, it seems his timbre started taking a turn with the Time Machine tour (I noticed it when he was singing TCE on the second night of that tour). I think a half-step down would also help, and some of the songs they have played in that time would sound good (I tried this with Bravado from the Raleigh performance and I thought the emotion of the song still cut through). I think the problem with Geddy's voice is more of a timbre thing (for the most part - singers aren't perfect every night).

 

Im hoping you are right. I haven't listened to much since the first show except for a more recent version of Tom Sawyer and ged sounded decent. So hopefully it was just a case of monitor problems or ged just not being up to speed yet.

[Sox4Days]

I went to the St. Paul show and thought he sounded FANTASTIC. Yeah he's old and most certainly has an altered voice as he cant hit some notes anymore. But I would say that he defineatly knows how to work with what he's got. I would say that not going to a show just because of Ged's voice is silly. I had the time of my life and thought they sounded perfect. And trust me when I also say that when you are there rockin out, you aren't too focused on how his voice sounds

[Ancient Ways]

Is he banned yet?

[andreww]

Is he banned yet?

 

Nope, still here. You guys gotta grow a pair ;)

[Ancient Ways]

Is he banned yet?

 

Nope, still here. You guys gotta grow a pair ;)

If I had the button I'd press it. It's why I don't have the button....

[johnnyonthespot]

This is typical early on with missed notes and off key. I listened to Camera Eye in Kansas City first time they brought it back, pretty painful. But by mid tour they were ripping that song. So be patient. Takes time when your older.

[Digital Dad]

This is typical early on with missed notes and off key. I listened to Camera Eye in Kansas City first time they brought it back, pretty painful. But by mid tour they were ripping that song. So be patient. Takes time when your older.

 

I tell my wife that daily. She never listens to me.

[Bard]

After a busy weekend I finally found a few minutes on Monday morning to sit down and see how the new tour was shaping up. As ticket prices in Toronto are pretty steep, I thought I'd check to see that the setlist was to my liking before dropping a ton of cash on tickets. So I anxiously checked out the setlist from Tulsa and wow, I was impressed. Not thrilled with the tree Clockwork Angles songs that opened the show, but it was all uphill from there! Fantastic! Xanadu, Lakeside Park and What You Doin, all songs I haven't heard live since the 80s! Quickly I check out some picks of the gig and love the stage setup, and Ged and Alex are using double necks again!!!! This is starting to look like a no brainer, Ticketmaster here I come!

 

Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE. Lakeside Park and Xanadu are painful to listen to as a matter of fact. Maybe he just can't hit those notes anymore, but to me it sounds like he's got some kind of hearing loss and just can't find the notes anymore. I've noticed this on the last few tours, that Ged kind of slurs his words when he sings, sounding like someone with absolutely no hearing would sound, but in Tulsa it was worse and he was off key. Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

I know as a fan I should support the band whatever, but Geddy just doesn't inspire me to see them. To see them for the sake of seeing them isn't fair for me to spend money to be disappointed. I will support them in other ways, but having listened to the bootlegs, I am afraid that if they come to the UK, I think it would be less than tempting.

 

I am seeing Nightwish, and I am also really hoping Toto tour here as well. They are on performing at their peak, and I know I wouldn't feel cheated.

 

Being a fan means knowing what you love and knowing when to say no. It shouldn't have to mean blindly supporting a band against your own will. Besides, the ticket I could have paid money for (if they were over here) would probably be better appreciated by another fan.

 

Go away and see Toto then. Ingrate!! ;)

 

I respect everyone's personal tastes in music.

 

But seriously, man. Toto and Rush are nowhere near in the same league. And I like Toto. Lukather is a perpetually underrated musician and vocalist. That said...in no way does Toto come close to Rush's tier. :)

 

In all honesty, I like one Toto album more than Rush's entire body of work combined, and I would take nineties and 00's and 10's Toto, both studio and live, over anything from Rush after HYF. And that is the truth.

 

I love Toto the way some people round here love Steven Wilson, Yes or Genesis. For me, they belong in the top tier.

 

I hear ya, lol. Me, I have three favorite bands that haven't changed in rank for 25 years plus. One of them is Rush.

I will put up Rush from PeW to GuP and that run of LPs will DESTROY the combined output of Yes, Genesis, and Toto combined. :)

 

But I might be biased. :D

 

(my other 2 faves are the Police (defunct) and Van Halen (derailed).

 

So me being happy about Rush still playing with each other is probably heightened a tad. :D

 

I think this is a stretch on Genesis (particularly from about 1972-1980, when there were some moments that Rush seem to be influenced by).

 

Well, it's def true that I see Rush on a higher tier than their influences. :)

 

I realize the boys would never consider themselves a higher standard of prog tier than Yes or Floyd. Perhaps even Peter Gabriel era Genesis.

 

But I do. The students become the masters sorta thing. Kinda like how I think Van Halen is better than Cream, but that's one of their profound influences nonetheless.

[Ancient Ways]

After a busy weekend I finally found a few minutes on Monday morning to sit down and see how the new tour was shaping up. As ticket prices in Toronto are pretty steep, I thought I'd check to see that the setlist was to my liking before dropping a ton of cash on tickets. So I anxiously checked out the setlist from Tulsa and wow, I was impressed. Not thrilled with the tree Clockwork Angles songs that opened the show, but it was all uphill from there! Fantastic! Xanadu, Lakeside Park and What You Doin, all songs I haven't heard live since the 80s! Quickly I check out some picks of the gig and love the stage setup, and Ged and Alex are using double necks again!!!! This is starting to look like a no brainer, Ticketmaster here I come!

 

Then I downloaded MP3s from the show and to be quite honest, THE BAND SOUNDS TERRIBLE. I can forgive Alex for being a little sloppy, it was the first show after all. But to be blunt, Geddy's voice is terrible. Not just bad, TERRIBLE. Lakeside Park and Xanadu are painful to listen to as a matter of fact. Maybe he just can't hit those notes anymore, but to me it sounds like he's got some kind of hearing loss and just can't find the notes anymore. I've noticed this on the last few tours, that Ged kind of slurs his words when he sings, sounding like someone with absolutely no hearing would sound, but in Tulsa it was worse and he was off key. Hopefully he gets better as the tour progresses but at this point I think I'll pass on going and simply remember those songs with fondness rather than trying to listen to that mess.

 

Sorry guys, just being honest here.

 

I know as a fan I should support the band whatever, but Geddy just doesn't inspire me to see them. To see them for the sake of seeing them isn't fair for me to spend money to be disappointed. I will support them in other ways, but having listened to the bootlegs, I am afraid that if they come to the UK, I think it would be less than tempting.

 

I am seeing Nightwish, and I am also really hoping Toto tour here as well. They are on performing at their peak, and I know I wouldn't feel cheated.

 

Being a fan means knowing what you love and knowing when to say no. It shouldn't have to mean blindly supporting a band against your own will. Besides, the ticket I could have paid money for (if they were over here) would probably be better appreciated by another fan.

 

Go away and see Toto then. Ingrate!! ;)

 

I respect everyone's personal tastes in music.

 

But seriously, man. Toto and Rush are nowhere near in the same league. And I like Toto. Lukather is a perpetually underrated musician and vocalist. That said...in no way does Toto come close to Rush's tier. :)

 

In all honesty, I like one Toto album more than Rush's entire body of work combined, and I would take nineties and 00's and 10's Toto, both studio and live, over anything from Rush after HYF. And that is the truth.

 

I love Toto the way some people round here love Steven Wilson, Yes or Genesis. For me, they belong in the top tier.

 

I hear ya, lol. Me, I have three favorite bands that haven't changed in rank for 25 years plus. One of them is Rush.

I will put up Rush from PeW to GuP and that run of LPs will DESTROY the combined output of Yes, Genesis, and Toto combined. :)

 

But I might be biased. :D

 

(my other 2 faves are the Police (defunct) and Van Halen (derailed).

 

So me being happy about Rush still playing with each other is probably heightened a tad. :D

 

I think this is a stretch on Genesis (particularly from about 1972-1980, when there were some moments that Rush seem to be influenced by).

 

Well, it's def true that I see Rush on a higher tier than their influences. :)

 

I realize the boys would never consider themselves a higher standard of prog tier than Yes or Floyd. Perhaps even Peter Gabriel era Genesis.

 

But I do. The students become the masters sorta thing. Kinda like how I think Van Halen is better than Cream, but that's one of their profound influences nonetheless.

I doubt they consider themselves prog anything these days and certainly don't sit around comparing themselves with any other band.