One of my Xmas gifts was the first DVD put out by Rush, Rush in Rio. It's a 2-dvd set; one containing the actual concert footage from the last date on their tour in Rio and the other containing a documentary and a some cool bonus material. I haven't watched the concert dvd yet - no hurry there, I already saw the concert live when they came to Cleveland. What really interested me was the documentary dvd. It contains a lot of behind-the-scenes footage of Alex, Geddy and Neil and really demonstrates how down-to-earth and professional these guys really are. They have steadily sold records spanning a 30-year career without a lineup change - which is a remarkable feat. I especially enjoyed the interviews and backstage clips of Neil; it's rare to hear anything from this very reclusive guy. It also is interesting to note that despite their many tours since the mid-70's, their largest audience to date actually happened on this last tour in Brazil where they played to around 60,000 fans in a soccer stadium.

Also contained on the documentary dvd are 3 videos from the concert presented in multi-angle format (you can view them from 3 or 4 different camera angles). My favorite by far is Neil's drum solo. It's always my favorite part of any Rush concert and to have this captured on dvd for my viewing pleasure at any time is just wonderful. Drum solos bore the stuffing out of me - unless it's Neil Peart. If it's him, I'm totally mesmerized - this guy is a complete genius. The solo isn't just a guy hitting things with sticks, it's a lesson in music history. He intersperses just about every percussive style imaginable throughout this solo; from African tribal beats to American big-band.

The hidden easter egg video of the band performing Anthem in 1975 is also really, really cool. I think it's the oldest video footage of Rush I've ever seen. The mid-late 70's era Rush is and always will be my favorite.

If you like Rush, get this DVD.

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