Rush Blog - Rush is a Band Blog: Updates and other random Rush stuff

Blogoshperes

Friday, February 15, 2008

Updates and other random Rush stuff

Posted at 12:13PM | comments (32)

Other than the ticket sales and tour updates, there wasn't much in the way of Rush news happening this past week. They lost another Grammy - that was about it.

I also attempted to address some of the more frequently asked questions I've been getting from readers lately; regarding the live DVD and South American dates. No solid information on either front, but it looks like we'll probably see the DVD by the fall, and that South American dates are unlikely to happen.

I've also received a few questions regarding a couple of documentaries that are in the works. The first is a 5-part documentary series shot this past summer during the Canadian leg of the Snakes and Arrows tour that I'd first mentioned back in December. The series is called Backstage Secrets and each one-hour episode follows various members of the Rush road crew during a typical day out on the road with the band. It was filmed in high-def and was originally slated to air this month, although there's been no word of air dates yet. I'm working on getting some info on this and will report it here as soon as I get it.

The other documentary in the works is Sam Dunn's (of Metal: A Headbanger's Journey fame) Rush: The Documentary project. There's no new information on this front either. Last we heard they were calling out to fans to provide rare video footage and interviews, and were aiming for a late 2008 release.

Remember those Neil Peart R30 commemorative drumkits? Back in late 2006 Guitar Center teamed up with Drum Workshop and Sabian cymbals to produce thirty limited edition replicas of the drumkit Neil Peart used during the R30 tour. Well... they finally sold out! So you lost your chance if you wanted one. Thanks to Andy O for the heads up, who has a few of these kits displayed on his Neil Peart site in the replicas section.

Andy also recently posted a very rare photo of Neil Peart's drumkit circa 1974-5 that he had received from Michael of NeilPeartDrumsticks.com.

I missed this last week, but February 1st marked the 10th anniversary of the Power Windows site residing in it's current home on the 2112.net servers. A big congratulations to the site owner/operator Eric, and a hearty thanks for all he does for the online Rush community. I've gotten to know (as much as you can get to know somebody without ever meeting them) Eric via emailing back and forth over the last couple of years, and he is a very nice guy with a great website. To mark the occasion, Eric updated his Power Windows website original Rush art gallery Desktop wallpaper image and made it also available in a widescreen format. Thanks Eric!

Speaking of the Power Windows site, there were a couple of recent additions to the Rush references in pop culture page that I thought I'd note here.

Freedom is a Japanese anime series from legendary producer Katsuhiro Otomo (of Akira fame). In the first scene of Volume 6 of the series (released on January 25th, 2008) the main character is seen wearing a space suit with an Apollo 18 mission patch embroidered with the names Lee, Lifeson, Peart. Check out the screenshot here.

The other reference is from Season 3 (episode #46 - first aired on October 8, 2007) of the Chris Rock sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. During this episode titled Everybody Hates Caruso, Tom Sawyer begins to play when the bully Caruso begins to fight the Asian student, Yao, in the school corridor.

Greg Russell is the web designer behind Neil Peart's website NeilPeart.net and his company Tandem Digital also created the Swingin' Serpents video that was played during Neil's drum solo on the Snakes & Arrows tour. Reader brian andonian just alerted me that this video is posted up on the Tandem Digital website.

There are a few desktop wallpaper images posted in the Rush.com Multimedia downloads section that I was just made aware of. They are live pics from the 2007 tour. Thanks to Snoscootr for the heads up.

The Adventures of Power movie (see this post) website has been updated with several new links and a bunch of review snippets, including one from yours truly. Check it out here.

The Gibson Alex Lifeson ES-355 is now up on the Guitar Center and Musician's Friend websites. The MSRP is $5645! ... although it's been discounted to $3699 on both sites. So if you have some money to burn, you can now own one of these babies. Here's a snippet from the item description:

The Alex Lifeson ES-355 features a maple body, 3-piece maple neck, '57 Classic pickups with individual volume and tone controls, and a Maestro Long vibrola tailpiece. It would be the consummate prog rock machine even if it weren't the chosen axe of the Rush guitarist, but because it is, you know it's got the goods. The Vibrola is one of the least wood-invasive tremolo options, keeping the belly of this archtop guitar remarkably pristine and preserving it's natural resonance. The Alex Lifeson Signature ES-355's individual volume and tone controls for each of the '57 Classic pickups give you full reign over the wide spectrum of tones of which these faithful Alnico II replicas of the 1950s PAF humbuckers are capable. ...

Thanks to ewayte for the heads up.

That's it for now. Have a great holiday weekend everyone!

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 2/15/08 @12:14PM by Denny Crane [contact]

FIRST

OH YEAH

#2 - Posted 2/15/08 @12:35PM by Lamb Saag [contact]

DAMIEN HIRST!

#3 - Posted 2/15/08 @1:01PM by tokyorush [contact]

Just found the website for Whistlestop tv, which produced the "Backstage Secrets" show. Doesn't have anything about who/where it would be shown yet. I wonder if anyone has picked it up?

TR

#4 - Posted 2/15/08 @1:52PM by Denny Crane [contact]

I know this has been talked about countless times before, but I just don't understand how poorly RUSH is handled by their record label and management team. It is very frustrating to witness the obvious lack of promotion and sales pitch that is missing in the RUSH circle.

Their management can not get tour dates right, they offer poor communications with the general public, give no efforts in marketing their music correctly, the list goes on and on.

Regardless, looking forward to a good 2008 with the boys.

Denny Crane

"Still cuckoo for Coco Puffs"

#5 - Posted 2/15/08 @3:24PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

Let me take a stab at your # 4 Denny.

THIS IS NOT MY OPINION!!! IT IS HOW I PERCEIVE THE BIG RECORD LABELS TO THINK. Please don't assassinate me!!

******Offensive content alert******

At this point in the game Rush is a liability to their record laber. They are past their prime and have very little if any left to offer.

Atlantic and other major labels want the young groups that will sell Millions of copies within weeks of a release.

Rush, and in fact any other band that has been around for more than 35 years, do not typically have that type of sales. They have their core fan base, 90-95% of which will most likely by every release. You can probably (I said PROBABLY, this is an assumption) add 70-80% more sales for casual fans and another 10-15% for newbies.
Let's assume there are 100,000 serious Rush fans. We are probably looking at about 200,000 copies sold over the first year or so. Compare that to Linkin Park who sold over 600,000 copies of "Minutes to Midnight" last year.

******End of Offensive Content******

I hope the tie between Rush and Atlantic is finally severed. I think returning to their OWN lable will allow them much more freedom than they already have. Who knows - we might even get some re-masters we have been begging for.

#6 - Posted 2/15/08 @3:56PM by Hakky [contact]

I kinda dont see why this is even an issue, but ya.

It's like paying John Elway into his 50s?
huh?

We're maybe so sensitive to the stupid industry and marketing cuz all we want is more Rush, let alone Zeppelin.

And there just doesnt seem to be much other music that does it for a lot of people, me anyways.

There's always tons of free bootlegs?

Peaceable Kingdom y'alls
=)

#7 - Posted 2/15/08 @4:12PM by dinoman [contact]

Far Cry, some good points, BUT, keep in mind that all the record companies consider is money. With Rush, because of their fan base, there is a GUARANTEED level of sales with ANYTHING that is released. As we saw with S&A, that initial level of sales is substantial. Everything they have put out (with a few minor exceptions) goes at least Gold (eventually). And this is with abolutely no effort on the side of the record company necessary. Its all kind of "underground". If the record label can this kind of return with minimal investment, why invest any more when the liklihood of a greater return is risky? As long as they have been around, and as well as their material sells, over all these years they have had minimal radio "hits" and very little mass coverage in popular culture. So, any further investment to get them "out there" will likely not pay off in a way that will be worth it to the record companies.

#8 - Posted 2/15/08 @4:30PM by meuste [contact]

I'd have to say that I'm not really dissapointed with the grammy loss. It's similar to the R & R Hall of Shame deal. Don't look for the people who are responsible for such decisions to actually pick the deserving or talented nominee. I may be speaking from ignorance, but I don't think Bruce Springstain(yes that's the intended spelling)even wrote the song.

#9 - Posted 2/15/08 @4:33PM by dinoman [contact]

(one more point)

Although bands like Linkin Park might sell more records, there's a much greater effort on the part of the record company in order to do so. Think of the endless number of times you hear a new Linkin Park song on the radio when there's a new release. I think there was even some special radio "release party" for their last one, with interviews and a live radio performance, etc. BUT, the label knows that is the kind of music that sells...IF it gets out there. If they relied on the LP "fanbase" to buy the records without any prodding, they would tank. Probably because the fanbase (teens and twenties) have a short attention span and follow trends. They need to be "reminded" that they like a certain artist.

I believe the label calculates that Rush will NOT sell significantly more, regardless of the effort.

my $0.02

#10 - Posted 2/15/08 @4:43PM by Denny Crane [contact]

Good points dinoman. Those younger fans do need to be reminded that they like certain bands, and the record companies know this. RUSH fans don't need this manipulation.

Denny Crane

#11 - Posted 2/15/08 @5:00PM by Spindrifter [contact]

Howdy folks... Another Rush Friday upon us!

Ed, thanks for the updates!

Btw, folks. at this moment... Its 56 days till the Mighty Trio steps upon the stage in PR. And ugggh, 106 till Neil rides through the gates at the Gorge!

Times gonna fly by like awaiting a 2nd xmas!

#12 - Posted 2/15/08 @5:18PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

dinoman - Excellent points. My guess is somewhere in the middle lies the truth:

They know they can get X amount of money from a Rush release with no effort and are good with that.

Theydon't think additional promoting would make much difference with a Rush release.

They choose to spend their money where they will get the most return, ie the younger, mainstream crowds.

p.s. Are you going to the Charlottesville show? How about DC?

Later,

Mark

#13 - Posted 2/15/08 @5:54PM by ITheJury [contact]

FarCry, is Rush's marketing really going to be any better if they sever ties with Atlantic and "go on their own"? They'll still be affiliated with Anthem and have the same management (right?). And they still might make the same kinds of 'return on investment' decisions that you and Dino have said Atlantic makes now?

And how much more 'freedom' will they have that they don't have already? They already have a very favorable deal as it is, right?

Would decisions made be any different?

I.e., Even if Atlantic weren't involved, would we really be likely to get a remastered (hopefully remixed!!) Vapor Trails? (If that's what you're referring to you when you say, 'remasters we've been begging for'?)

I ask all this out of ignorance, not cynicism -- admittedly I'm not clear exactly how much of the work Atlantic's responsible for, vs. the band and Anthem. I'd be grateful if you, Dino, or anyone else could school me!

#14 - Posted 2/15/08 @5:58PM by dinoman [contact]

FarCry,
Well, I'm moving to Mississippi, so I'm going to the New Orleans show. I got some REALLY good seats through the TicketMaster Auction. Depending on timing, I could potentially come back for the Bristow show. But since I'm blowing some coin on N.O., I think that will probably be my only show this tour. How 'bout you?

#15 - Posted 2/15/08 @6:03PM by dinoman [contact]

ITheJury,
I don't know anything that qualifies me to "school" anyone else. I'm just speculating.

I have no idea what would be gained by Rush going "independent". Perhaps nothing that would be noticed on our end.

#16 - Posted 2/15/08 @7:20PM by Spindrifter [contact]

I'd have to think that as long as the boys have been together, that they would hold more 'powers' than those up in the higher chairs of Atlantic when it comes to the powers of Rush.

Ged and Al went to high school with Ray Daniels, true? So, then if true or not, he'd push some ass just for the boys to have more leverage when it comes to their music.

If Rush were to part ways with Atlantic, I'd have to think that the fan base would remain intact and we'd still be as strong as ever in supporting our boys!

If my memory is correct, wasnt there a 'release party' for 'S&A' with Ged and Al. For some reason, NY is tapping the tip of my skull as to where it took place.

#17 - Posted 2/15/08 @9:31PM by Dino [contact]

Ray Daniels has nothing to do with Atlantic Records. He's solely Rush's manager. Just as he was for Van Halen. The recent spurt of live releases, and compilations may come out of neccesity for the boys to fulfill their contractual obligations, therby releasing them from Atlantic. If Daniels or the boys had ANY 'powers' they would have had more input on releasing DVD videos, and compliation CD's from anything after Presto. Just because you're "the BAND" does not mean you call the shots. Unfortunately.
Going indie may not be a bad idea. It's how they started, and it allows a good amount of freedom. They certainly have the capital now, and it's a far less gregarious undertaking than it was 30 years ago. It will of course leave them with great ability to choose how they decide to plot their future. Sadly, unless it was in their contract, they still won't have all the rights to their own music during the Atlantic years. It's B.S. Nikki Sixx was one of the few whom EVER managed to get ALL his band's rights back (from Electra). Aerosmith is another that comes to mind, winning ALL of their masters back. Unheard of.

As for the 355, you can get a decent one for almost $700 less. Although be advised PLAY any guitar before you buy it. Play it through a decent amp. Don't purchase on name. A lot of Gibsons are sold on namesake. Don't get me wrong. You still can't beat a sweet Les Paul through a Marshall, but I've heard some crappy ones, also.

#18 - Posted 2/15/08 @9:43PM by Spindrifter [contact]

Dino, I'm gonna counter your 'the boys had ANY 'powers' they would have had more input on releasing DVD videos, and compliation CD's from anything after Presto. Just because you're "the BAND" does not mean you call the shots. Unfortunately'

You are wrong there. Neil has encouraged his good friend Matt of Vert. Hor to challenge the big bosses of the music industry. And I believe they (Rush) learned this lesson just after ASOH.

Neil has mentioned a few times that if they, as a band do not like a song, its not gonna be on their record. And Ged and Al have made themselves the center point to over see the dubbing of their live recordings.

#19 - Posted 2/15/08 @10:14PM by dinoman [contact]

You both make good points, but I think there's a difference between having control of what actually goes on a record (the songs) and control over other aspects of the relationship of the band with their label (marketing and so forth). What Dino said would offer another explanation to the plethora of live albums from Rush as of late (as opposed to a money grab - by the band, that is).

Also, I recall hearing an interview with Alex and Geddy at the time of the release of the "Spirit of the Radio" greatest hits compilation. They were obviously not pleased with it, mentioning that they had very little input and that it was a "contractual obligation" type of thing.

I'd love to stick around and continue this discussion, but I gotta go!

#20 - Posted 2/15/08 @10:44PM by rocinante5m [contact]

I recall them not being to happy with that release as well dinoman, it kind of pissed me off when it was released, its the only RUSH album i never bought......this topic is great timing for me because lately i have been thinking of what will happen in the near future for RUSH and the boys and i have also been deflecting some comments from some friends who think they are touring for a "money grab", as dinoman put it, like so many of the old timers are doing of late......all this just shows me how misunderstood RUSH is and the concept of Rush is, if u will, even by Atlantic.....on the last leg i took a very good friend of mine to the show...he sings and plays guitar in a band and respects and appreciates my love and devotion to RUSH....over the past several years i have been building his RUSH collection for him every christmas,lol, so i thought he would really enjoy his first Rush concert....anyway the reason why i mention this is that he was in total amazement at the show with everything, the sound, the "show", how much fun they seemed to be having and how into the show the fans were........the one thing he kept mentioning after the show is that he has never been to a concert where people cheer each break, change or solo in a song.........this is why i feel it will be better if they are indie, because they have always been playing for us, the RUSH community, not the charts, award shows, fame or glamour........they have always done things their way and have never been afraid to do so, so i feel it will be great to have any restraints they may have had placed on them broken, because i have a feeling we will be in for some very special things to come...........

I have always thought that they would create great "lounge" music or a soundtrack, just a thought......

brought to you by: SWUCHINI, a special sauce....

#21 - Posted 2/15/08 @11:17PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

ITheJury,

I must echo dinoman's comment "I don't know anything that qualifies me to "school" anyone else. I'm just speculating."

As for the more freedom comment I made:

The Boys have always called the shots on what songs they did and how they did them, no matter who was "in charge". With that in mind, things really won't be much different when it comes to song writing.

I think Dino and dinoman hit on it when they mentioned the control of Live DVDs and compilations.

rocinante5m Your #20 Post - OUTSTANDING start to finish. I even feel what you are saying about "lounge" music.

#22 - Posted 2/15/08 @11:20PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

Oh yeah, dinoman...I am trying to work a road trip for the Charlotte Show. I was raised near there, so we can just visit my parents for a few days. I just hope I can get my brother back in town for his second Rush Show. He was totally blown away by the show in Virginia Beach last year!

#23 - Posted 2/15/08 @11:23PM by Dino [contact]

No, I am not wrong. I never said the music execs decide WHAT goes on an album. I appologise if what I stated was not clear enough. Dinoman seems to have a good understanding though. When you sign with a record company one of the things they (usually) gain control of is distribution. What and when it will release, and what it views has selling potential. The band may have some input, but a lot of times can be overriden. Velvet Revolver had issues with Libertad and their execs upon it's release for example.

Rush has finally jumped on the merch train (about time says I), but do you see any vids for ANY of the Atlantic albums? No. And check your compliation cds. Sheesh it's not that tough to see. No one to date has been able to determine what Atlantic's problem is. But I know a lot of fans are hoping to see a Mercury/Atlantic agreement set in place to release all material.

The bottom line is, bands (especailly young fledgling ones) need Labels far more than the Labels need them, thus the Labels excercise far more control. Try distributing your own material nationwide or world wide, and see how cumbersome it can be.

If you check through old Rush interviews, you will see how Alex has commented how fortunate the band was to be kept up until 2112. He has on many occasions indicated how todays groups can quickly be dropped if the sophomore release or at the most the 3rd, does not sell as well as projected.

As for Vertical Horizon. Well, I think where they chart speaks for itself. I don't believe Scanlon has to worry too much about how they'll handle their 30th anniversary tour.

#24 - Posted 2/16/08 @3:36AM by ITheJury [contact]

Thanks dino, Dino, FBN, Spin, rocinante, and all for this great discussion!

RE: the lack of a Mercury/Atlantic agreement on video/audio compilations that would span both eras...it is strange, given that Atlantic DID allow Show Don't Tell to appear on Chronicles. Like you say, Dino, who knows what the deal is...

Also, Dino, re: what you said under #17, would it be safe to speculate that they have their Atlantic contract set up such that they DO own their songs now? I.e., we know that after HYF the band was in a place where they were exhausted and okay with calling it a day. So that leads me to think they weren't going to go forward unless they had total control of the music, creative control and actual ownership? And make the sacrifices necessary to have such an arrangement? As you say, Atlantic might have control over distribution (including physical manufacturing of CDs) but that's it, Rush has to pay for recording of the album, no advances? RE: S&A, I recall Geddy saying something about how Atlantic didn't want to bear the extra costs of having a non-traditional album sleeve, so the band had to pay that extra manufacturing cost?

Could be wrong, so please correct me, as your speculations are better founded than mine.

#25 - Posted 2/16/08 @4:42AM by Denny Crane [contact]

Best relevant thread in a looong time. Great discussions going on here. I wonder if the other big named bands have such knowledgeable fans?

For what it's worth...

Denny Crane

#26 - Posted 2/16/08 @8:33AM by crusher87 [contact]

Good morning all!

I'm beginning to hear more Rush tunes on the radio...anyone else heard a little more radio play? Over the past couple of days I've heard Closer To The Heart and Working Man.

Anyone trying for Mohegan Sun tickets via Ticket Monster this morning?

#27 - Posted 2/16/08 @10:29AM by fordman [contact]

Anyone try to buy tickets for the Alpharetta,GA show? Best I could pull was Orchestra section row T. I think I'll pass since I saw them last year. Guess there was no way to pull up anything closer unless I had gotten lucky with the presale or had an Amer Express card!

#28 - Posted 2/16/08 @1:49PM by slavetothehormone

Happy early birthday to George Washington, and a belated birthday to Abraham Lincoln, this

Random Rush vol. 18

by slavetothehormone, or as it is spelled on an upside-down calculator-

Okay, I've only worked out the "s","o","h",and "e", and there are some calculators that don't display numbers like that.

Nothing much really has been going on this neck of the woods. With my 3-day weekend, I have enough time to do nothing. No big Rush stuff (besides the band getting the Colbert bump) has happened this week, but a fair amount of Rush has been on the rado. But mostly Limelight and Tom Sawyer.

1: Again, really nothing doing.

2: Wow, things are slow. We're just taking our time...

3: Can you say "Slow news week"?

4: Oh, yes, finally some news! oh, no, they're all sold out. I wasn't much of a drummer, and 30 isn't exactly "enough to go around".

5: Wow, pretty basic compared to what we have 30 years later. I imagine that nowadays, Neil could have that absolutely pulverized (in fact, I think he could even have his CURRENT drumkit absolutely pulverized, if he wanted). It's rare, yes, but can it spin?

6: Oh, I forgot a card. Anyway, thank you Eric! While this is my favorite place for Rush news,"Power Windows" is my first choice for when I need looking up a bit of Rush trivia. (Clicks "Set at Background")

7-9: I've already seen them. Unfortunately, it did not list "the Colbert Report" as references like that are too numerous to list.

10: I'll have to see that. Sure to bring back those memories of seeing Neil's solo and hearing a lady a couple seats to my left absolutely scream her head off. In a good way, of course.

11: I was going to pick "Neil" until I was alerted to #6. Maybe I'll alternate every week.

12: Note how the poster vaguely resembles our "2112 starman". And yet, nowhere does it say when it comes out. Perhaps I'll get it on DVD?

13: I'm sorry, but SOME money to burn? I think I can say it's worth every penny. I'd give for enough money and guitar expertise to buy that.

Enjoy your three-day weekend everyone! Oh, and if you care, this is the sudoku I just did:

764812395
853964172
921375684
146298537
587143269
239756841
672539418
395481726
418627953

#29 - Posted 2/16/08 @8:11PM by rocinante5m [contact]

in the words of the great Jim Carey......
AAALLLLLLLLLRIGHTY Then!!!!!!!
I'm confused.........

#30 - Posted 2/16/08 @9:50PM by cartermitch [contact]

Well, the Boys have been around a long time, so I would bet they are all pretty savvy in the record label department.

I can't wait to get my hands on that new Alex Lifeson ES-355. Only $36.99! I may buy two! Wait, what's that? It's $3699.00? Zoinks!!!!

#31 - Posted 2/16/08 @11:13PM by entrenous [contact]

where can i find info on the Alex Guitar?

#32 - Posted 2/17/08 @1:46PM by entrenous [contact]

found it

RUSH IS A BAND

Blogoshperes

Friday, February 15, 2008

Updates and other random Rush stuff

COMMENTS

Random Sample...

Looking for an answer

Time Stand Still...

Finding Your Way

Important Items

Contribute

Recent Posts

Site Navigation

Signals Transmitted

Temple of Rush-links

Archives

RUSH IS A BAND

Blogoshperes

Friday, February 15, 2008

Updates and other random Rush stuff

COMMENTS

... of Salesmen

Random Sample...

Looking for an answer

Time Stand Still...

Finding Your Way

Important Items

Contribute

Recent Posts

Site Navigation

Signals Transmitted

Temple of Rush-links

Archives