Since I was 15 years old, the Canadian rock band Rush has been a consistent presence in my life. (That’s over 20 years now, but who’s counting?) I was introduced to their music at the beginning of my teenage angst years, and it was their music which played no small part in my surviving those years. I listened to them religiously well into my early twenties–at times exclusively, as in my mind they were the one and only great rock band of our times, something pure, something worth listening to and being influenced by. Since those years of late adolescence, I’ve branched out considerably in my musical tastes and interests, but I still reserve a special place for Rush. These guys are a class act. I’ve always admired the way they can enjoy absolute success in their work with such longevity (over 40 years now!), but have eschewed celebrity and avoided the trappings of the rock music industry. They are level-headed, fun-loving guys as far as I can tell, who have much to say musically and lyrically and–despite all the pressures they’ve faced along the way–have never compromised their integrity, their artistic vision, or who they are as individuals. Check out this recent interview from QTV.
I think today, I’ll introduce my son to 2112. Perhaps Rush will have the kind of staying power in his life that it has had in mine. In the words of Neil Peart, “Reflected in another source of light, when the moment dies, the spark still flies, reflected in another pair of eyes.”
Tags: interview · music · video
5 responses so far ↓
They must relate to a lot of music lovers to be around as long as they have been.
I really like that line from Neil Peart about the light reflected in another pair of eyes.
That's really food for thought.
Have you read any of Neil Peart's books? I've read two (not sure if he has others): one about touring Africa on a bicycle and the other about a long travel on his motorcycle, if I recall, after the death of his wife and daughter(???). Both good reads for sure.
Jason- I've read Ghost Rider, which I very much enjoyed, but have not read his other. I think I have it on my shelf here somewhere. Are you a Rush fan? Who knew? (I wish you still worked at MVCC.) Hope life is good.
Try listening to Mel Torme, he was the rock star of my time.
I do enjoy Mel Torme–the scat man himself. In fact, I love all kinds of jazz.