Rush Blog - Rush is a Band Blog: Rotterdam show #2 open thread

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Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Rotterdam show #2 open thread

Posted at 10:28AM | comments (52)

UPDATE - 10/22@1:31PM: Here's some more info from reader heavymeister. He asked one of the crew members about why they filmed in Europe. This is what he relayed to me:

The special HD equipment came from a company in Belgium. Rotterdam was closest. Otherwise it would have cost a fortune to transport 19 HD cameras plus recording trucks to the US or even the UK. The company charges per day. Nevertheless Rush wanted to film 2 nights. That's why the Rotterdam gig was split into two although knowing that the demand wouldn't be there to fill both shows to max capacity.

----- snip -----

UPDATE - 10/18@11:02AM: There has been a lot of discussion about the shows not being sold out. From what I've heard, the second ring of the Ahoy was closed both nights and this was the band's decision. They did this for 2 reasons apparently; to get a better sound for the audio recording and to even out the crowd for both nights. The first night they taped the audience and took long shots using remote cameras on Geddy's side and in front of the stage. The second night there were several cameramen on and in front of the stage taking close-ups. Audio was taped both nights. Filming this way prevents obstructions by cameramen on the DVD. Thanks to Frank and beijs015 for the info.

Initial reports from last night's gig are that there was not a packed house although the band looked/sounded great. They'll be filming tonight too. Hopefully they'll get a better turnout.

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 17th @ 8:00PM (local time)
Show Number: 58
Venue: Ahoy Rotterdam
Place: Rotterdam, NL

gallery: [view] [upload] [bootleg videos]
reviews: [reviews]

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:39AM by Bx3 [contact]

First...not that it matters!

#2 - Posted 10/17/07 @11:46AM by SF in Prague [contact]

let the camera's know RUSH ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
make a holler!

#3 - Posted 10/17/07 @11:46AM by kenster2112@sbcglobal.net [contact]

Numero Dos, amigos

#4 - Posted 10/17/07 @12:12PM by Moose44

Have a great time people, wish I was there, give the cameras a cheesy grin for us not attending.

#5 - Posted 10/17/07 @1:41PM by bravado34 [contact]

Anyone have latest update for S&A soundscan numbers?

#6 - Posted 10/17/07 @1:49PM by Duane [contact]

There were almost 20,000 at the Hollywood Bowl in July. Why didn't they film there????

#7 - Posted 10/17/07 @2:15PM by Gattaca [contact]

Glad they didn't..Alex flubbed Spindrift at the bowl. Since "murphy" errors do creep in every once in awhile, a double filming in Rotterdam should eliminate the chance of trainwrecks on a particular song. At least, less work in post-production fixing problem areas.

#8 - Posted 10/17/07 @2:17PM by Steve [contact]

Personally I don't know why they kept the filming so hush hush for so long. There were rumors and talk from fans from the start of the tour about will they film,won't they film,where will they film,etc.. I guarantee if they had of told everyone(rush fans) earlier, both Rotterdam concerts would've been sold out.
Why did they leave it so late? Why the big secret?? What's the big deal about keeping it quiet for so long??

Just my 2 cents.

#9 - Posted 10/17/07 @2:25PM by motorlaw [contact]

he also flubbed the solo of yyz...and it looked like he hurt himeself or something afterwards...he kept shaking his left hand while the keyboard part was playin...no idea what that was.

#10 - Posted 10/17/07 @2:36PM by tygr [contact]

I expected a live DVD from the beginning. I don't think Rush will ever tour again without filming it. And I hope they tour lots more! (o;}

#11 - Posted 10/17/07 @3:07PM by canuckster [contact]

Yeah, I agree that they'll probably always film from now on. Given how much technology has come along in the past decade, I'm sure it will always be profitable (even if only a little). The only thing that might nix it is if Alex simply didn't want the responsibility of producing it.

#12 - Posted 10/17/07 @3:36PM by boneroller [contact]

Everyone films everything these days. Hope all going to the show tonight have a great time-don't forget to smile for the cameras! And to everyone else in this part of the world, STOP YOUR BITCHIN'!! This band is allowed to do whatever they want to do. It's THEIR band!! If they don't want to shoot in the US, who cares? (The labor unions probably make it a lot more expensive to shoot here.)I saw them 7 times on this tour and may see them some more before it's all said and done. Rush didn't even go to Europe for several tours throughout the 90s! How many times did we all see them on the C-parts and T4E tours? Who cares what venue it's shot in? Yes, they make a lot of money off us Americans and we're rewarded handsomely with extensive tours which go all over the country. How would you feel if they only toured once every 5 or even 10 years, then only played NYC, LA, Chicago, Miami and Dallas? Get a grip and enjoy the finished product when it comes out. Believe me, this band isn't done yet and we shouldn't be surprised by another album, another tour and another live DVD...yes, maybe finally filmed in the US.

Sorry for the yelling. Peace.

#13 - Posted 10/17/07 @3:42PM by bravado34 [contact]

Could someone provide the latest S&A soundscan numbers? Does anyone have this info?

My two cents, I have to agree with a US date to be filmed just because of the lackluster crowed response on the R30 DVD.

laters...

#14 - Posted 10/17/07 @3:43PM by The Fwanksta [contact]

Motorlaw:

Don't worry, it's a gimmick. I saw it at 2 of the 3 shows I saw. Pretty funny, I thought he actually messed up the first time.

#15 - Posted 10/17/07 @4:29PM by motorlaw [contact]

gimmic or not he DID flub the guitar solo...that I know for sure...LOL wether he had a hand cramp or whatever dont change that...lol

#16 - Posted 10/17/07 @4:57PM by Gattaca [contact]

I am pretty confident Rush will record again. 20 studio recordings has a nice ring to it...They also have a few more tours in them. Yes burnt out after the band members turned sixty. Just watched the Trevor Horn tribute. Chris, Steve and Alan looked ready for retirement. Good to see Trevor Rabin playing with them one more them although Jon & Rick were a no show.

Also don't forget the pre-century performance of 2112 the band will have to do in 2012!

#17 - Posted 10/17/07 @5:56PM by Malnar [contact]

Rock on Rotterdam!! Rush in Rotterdam. Damn. If the camera eye is pointing at you, smile and say "Geddyyy!!!" RUSH!!!

#18 - Posted 10/17/07 @6:22PM by Liverpool.78

A common theme running through a lot of what I read about the American tour dates was concerning how much cannabis some peopole were able to get through at the gig without being busted by the security guys; it seemed to me that there is a belief amongst some quarters that you have to get 'off your face' at a Rush gig or the whole thing is pointless. Given the liberal attitude towards the smoking of weed in Holland it is likely that the audience, though small, will more than match the Americans for their pot consumption :) [can't see the point myself. Will they remember how good the gig was the next day? I doubt it :)

Perhaps the dvd of the Rotterdam gig should have a 'Scratch and sniff' label so we can all soak up the atmosphere :))

Tally -ho,

Liver.

#19 - Posted 10/17/07 @6:30PM by Broon

Well it was a hella smoking second show in Rotterdam for sure. You all are gonna love the DVD! i hope they use this whole show for film -- it was nearly flawless.

#20 - Posted 10/17/07 @6:46PM by Liverpool.78

See what I mean? "A hella smoking show" :)))

Liver.

#21 - Posted 10/17/07 @6:57PM by max o'webster [contact]

I don't smoke anymore. Infact its been years. If I did have a smoke I would always listen to Neil Young. Bliss!!! I did do dark side of the moon once in the dark, but very quickly reached for my Dwight Yoakham collection for some light relief. Hi Mr Pool... Looks like i've missed you again. Milan date looks NICE ????

#22 - Posted 10/17/07 @7:37PM by Random Sample

I agree with Broon on his #19 posting, the show was even better than yesterday's show! They played sharper, but with a more relaxed attitude ( it looked like they were less aware of the cameras )! However I do not think they will only use one show's material, because they had a totally different camera set up today compared to yesterday. At the first show they used cameras on big telescopic arms hoovering over the crowd, from near the sound and light consoles! Today they used larger television type cameras from fixed positions!

One thing is for sure both shows were amazing and DVD worthy!

#23 - Posted 10/17/07 @8:10PM by Fiat [contact]

Attendance?

#24 - Posted 10/17/07 @8:18PM by Fiat [contact]

And by the way, I am the first person to tell anybody I meet, don't pay any attention to me. I don't. Why should anyone else? Now, can somebody who attended the second show please give us an idea of turnout? If not, no problem. Just asking.

#25 - Posted 10/17/07 @8:58PM by Random Sample

Attendance was about the same as the first night ( approx 5500 to 6000 totally excited and loud fans )!

#26 - Posted 10/17/07 @9:26PM by jmreidfo [contact]

The big question...

Did they do "Summertime Blues" or "D.E.W" (likely) for the DVD? Just wondering...

#27 - Posted 10/17/07 @9:28PM by satyr64 [contact]

what is the capacity of this venue? does anyone know? I've seen these guys many times and the show I saw at Nissan Pavilion in Va. this summer was packed with about 20,000 standing fans and proved to be a very solid performance.I hope they don't cut any of the songs as they did on the R30 DVD. These guys are true veterans of the stage!!

#28 - Posted 10/17/07 @9:31PM by missionman [contact]

The bigger question is... that's it? 5500-6000? THAT'S IT?

#29 - Posted 10/17/07 @9:42PM by Fiat [contact]

Okay. Well, what's done is done. I will of course buy it and love it but this is not at all what I expected or what I believe the majority of Rush fans expected. I just think a complete setlist and kick ass show of 10000 or more fans is what we were looking for. I am just completely disappointed that they chose to do it this way. It's just an anticlimactic way to end what I believe has been their best tour ever. My two cents. Nothing more nothing less.

#30 - Posted 10/17/07 @9:54PM by satyr64 [contact]

Well, it still all depends on the size of he venue. If 5000 excited fans make up the better part of the volume, then the show could turn out great for a DVD.I'm sure whatever we get will be good fun for the home theater!or the computer theater.

#31 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:11PM by Toronto Writer [contact]

So Fiat - #29 - You've already seen the completed DVD of the show and can comment from experience that the DVD sucks and is "anticlimactic"? I didn't think so. Why don't you reserve judgement until you SEE the finished product like everyone else. I for one could care less how many people are in the audience. Rush is the kind of band that would put on as good a show for 2 people as they would for 150000. It's the band, their playing and their energy that I'm expecting to leap off the screen (regardless of audience size), not some dude wearing a Grolsch t-shirt. As for the set-list, no one will ever get THEIR dream set-list played. We got a "greatest hits" show on DVD courtesy of R30. Why can't people just be happy that these guys are still playing and are still putting out relevant music?

#32 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:34PM by jediyyz [contact]

I'm just happy that they filmed the S&A tour!! Where doesn't really matter that much...and I have a sneaky suspician it has to to with the cost of filming in the U.S.. I was at Red Rocks, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, San Antonio and Las Vegas...any of these would have been great to film and they were all magic shows to me!! I've always wanted to be at a gig that was filmed...if any thing to say "I was there" or to get a glimpse of my gang at the show. Who knows, perhaps they will include all the shots of the crowd Geddy filmed. I will say one thing: I have seen a bootleg of the Hollywood Bowl gig...some of those "fans" seen in the crowd didn't deserve to be at a Rush show!! They were more concerned with being seen than seeing the band!!...not all mind you, but enough to be irritating!! I'm just glad this great band is still touring and making great music...and that's good enough for me!!

#33 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:38PM by Fiat [contact]

Toronto Writer,

Easy with the patronizing hypothetical question-mode opener. Sorry you can't deal with my initial reaction. I guess you'll have to get over it as I will the fact that I think as of right now they made a bad decision. I just happen to think it is a bit of a letdown on a particular level. I, for one, get a certain thrill out of seeing Rush play to larger audiences (10,000 or more). Just my prerogative. I didn't say the DVD sucks, by the way. Obviously, they are the greatest band this planet has ever seen and I will go to the grave knowing that to be true. I will rock with co%k hanging out as I do all of their other shows and I will love it in the end. Just initial thoughts.

#34 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:42PM by missionman [contact]

I think Fiat ant Toronto both have a good point. I guess it all depends on how ya look at it. It will be a GREAT DVD no matter what of course, it's RUSH, but it would also be nice if they played to a HUGE croud. That's my 2 cents(for what it's worth)

#35 - Posted 10/17/07 @10:58PM by satyr64 [contact]

for whatever it's worth, the capacity of the venue is 10,000. Anyone who's seen RUSH in an indoor like this knows they kick major tale in this type of setting. Like I said, whatever they package will well worth the price.

#36 - Posted 10/17/07 @11:02PM by missionman [contact]

It sure will!!!!!

#37 - Posted 10/18/07 @3:37AM by kch9901 [contact]

A friend in the States commented that Rush is becoming like Dream Theater- that is, releasing a Live DVD every few tours or so... I don't mind. I love it!
Having seen them at least twice on every tour since Power Windows, and living in Germany the last 8 years, I cherish the smaller crowds here. In 2004 (Oberhausen) I almost wet my pants when I saw that there was no tarp over Neil's drums, and they were sooooo close (our seats were behind the soundboard, first risers).
I have to say though, I am used to standing and air-drumming along, plus a few shouts of "Yeah Alex!" or "F*#K Yeah Geddy!"... The Germans behind me got a bit annoyed, but I clarified the matter and told them that when I am at a classical or jazz show I sit, at Rush, you stand, air-drum, and scream words of praise to our three Gods!
35 hours to Oberhausen and I cannot stand the wait anymore!!! To all: have a great show my brothers and sisters!

#38 - Posted 10/18/07 @6:33AM by SF in Prague [contact]

kch9901 have fun!

#39 - Posted 10/18/07 @6:37AM by jacflo [contact]

that was a hell of a show and definitively worth a DVD. Met some nice people (greetings to the guys from new York City and Ohio!)Stood right in front of Alex and he was obviously having a good time. For pics from this show go right to link

#40 - Posted 10/18/07 @9:14AM by drummerdad2112 [contact]

jacflo,
why not upload your pix to the Rushisaband website...

to everyone else, i agree that the crowd at the Hollywood bowl show was weak to say the least, but to actually have the performance in my hot little hands is priceless. i buy everything they put out as they have been (and still are) the most incredible musicians out there.

long live RUSH

btw...Hi Mike

#41 - Posted 10/18/07 @9:20AM by jacflo [contact]

@ drummerdad2112

I tried to upload, but somehow it didn't work...

#42 - Posted 10/18/07 @10:47AM by unktehila [contact]

very glad to hear the second Rotterdam show was a beast. can't wait to see/hear/experience the whole DVD... CAN't WAiT.
what do you guys all think of a timetable for the release? probably a year? maybe six months? it's gonna be tough for me to file this into the back of my mind and wait so long.

#43 - Posted 10/18/07 @2:39PM by Fiat [contact]

I am good with this. The project may now continue. :)

#44 - Posted 10/18/07 @8:01PM by rushed again bb [contact]

jacflo

Great pictures. Thank you for putting them up. The Snakes and Arrows stuff is what's going to be special about the DVD.

#45 - Posted 10/18/07 @9:13PM by missionman [contact]

There is NOTHING wrong with smoking a joint at a RUSH concert!!!!! Especially during "passage to bangkok". I smoked 2 at the St. Louis show and yes, I DO remember everything befor, during, and after the show.

#46 - Posted 10/20/07 @11:05AM by ightenhill [contact]

just back from a great trip.. After the overview seats at the men block 103 it was good to get up close and personnel again..

Gallery link is link

#47 - Posted 10/24/07 @7:10AM by Frank [contact]

Hello americans,

You are lucky to see Rush after each cd. After RBT we didn't
see them for eleven years. And they promissed us something else. Now whe have a live dvd of the Rotterdam shows. But we have to wait another 3 to 5 years to see them again. In Amerika they playing in a few months again. That's what I liked more. Have alot of fun the next shows. And enyoy the dvd. It where two fucking great shows.

#48 - Posted 10/27/07 @7:33AM by Frank [contact]

And fiat,

Only talking about how manny people enyoying the show is not interisting. Look for the last time since 1981 the Rush shows in Holland always sold out. And I'm sure that iff the band told they filmed the shows there were two sold outs. RUSH CHOOSE FOR IT.
So stop talking like a childies girl and talk about the music.

#49 - Posted 10/28/07 @2:45AM by scarymonster05 [contact]

Please don't forget: compared to America Holland is a very, very small country. Due to this, it's pretty normal that they don't play the big arena over here (thank god for that because the acoustics in there is like sh@t!)like they do in America. The fact that Rush is playing two shows here is quite unique. Probably once in a lifetime. The next time we have a change to see them live again is by the time my son has children of his own!
The second show in Rotterdam was brilliant. I have never seen a show like this before. Everything was perfect! So please, trust me when I say that the DVD will turn out fine.

#50 - Posted 11/8/07 @10:01AM by 6772Chevy [contact]

link

Cya,
6772Chevy

#51 - Posted 11/24/07 @8:44PM by thedigitalman [contact]

My only hope with this DVD is that they dont cut any tracks from it like they did with R30. They cut La Villa Strangiato, Secret Touch, One Little Victory, Bravado, By Tor and the Snow Dog, Red Sector A, YYZ and The Trees...thats 8 friggin songs!!! Theres no way they can cut any on this DVD!! All the older songs are either really good ones or they're songs they havent played in a long time...and theyre new stuff just sounds awsome live...PLEASE DONT CUT ANYTHING FROM THIS ONE!!!!

#52 - Posted 11/27/07 @1:21PM by Fiat [contact]

"and fiat,

Only talking about how manny people enyoying the show is not interisting. Look for the last time since 1981 the Rush shows in Holland always sold out. And I'm sure that iff the band told they filmed the shows there were two sold outs. RUSH CHOOSE FOR IT.
So stop talking like a childies girl and talk about the music"

Frank,

I just saw this response. Are you aware that you are a functional illiterate? How can you post something like this? Read a book and stop worrying so much about my opinion.

RUSH IS A BAND

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Rotterdam show #2 open thread

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