RUSH IS A BAND

#1 - Posted 11/17/09 @9:22AM by Kelly D [contact]

Yet another album cover for me to paint. . .

#3 - Posted 11/17/09 @10:17AM by mrdriven [contact]

3 is the magic number!

can't wait til lunch (so i can go out and get me the new rat pellet!!!)

#5 - Posted 11/17/09 @10:36AM by State of Grace [contact]

Went to Sunrise Records this morning excited to pick-up the Working Men DVD. I had called and asked them to set one aside for me. Turns out that only the WM CD is being released today in Canada and Sunrise only found out about it this morning!? So then I check with HMV on the availability of the WM DVD there and I notice that the release date says Nov. 23rd. If I had known this I would have waited until the DVD release next week and saved myself a trip.

How about people in the U.S., has anyone gone out and been able to purchase both the WM CD & DVD?

PEACE...

#7 - Posted 11/17/09 @11:41AM by Zitro [contact]

Lucky #7

Glortiz is picking up our copy on his way home from work today.... and Lord knows lately he has been THE Working Man....!!

RUSHROKS

#9 - Posted 11/17/09 @5:05PM by Dino [contact]

#5

Yeah Amazon.ca listed it for Nov.23 also. In fact only the Rush store (Backstage) has the dvd still listed for a 17th release date.
I can wait to get them both at the same time. Big deal. ANOTHER compliation. Turning into AeroRush or Rushosmith, whichever. Just another way of squeezing coin from the diehards (guilty I am). No way this is for attracting new fans. Here's a novel idea.....new material.

#11 - Posted 11/17/09 @7:36PM by PetieLee [contact]

Hate to bust your bubble Dino and Rob: Rush is NOT the sell-out has-beens Aerosmith is. Had to say it. Rush will come out with new and great stuff, while they may be RUSH why RUSH perfektion? You know whatever new material they come out with will be great stuff. You can bank on that.

Got my Working Men Live DVD and CD and I'm enjoying every single little Geddy-licious bit of it!




Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#13 - Posted 11/17/09 @8:37PM by glortiz [contact]

And I am almost certain this is geared to the younger generation, with a hefty pellet for us seasoned rats!

#15 - Posted 11/17/09 @9:48PM by Dino [contact]

PetieLee; incorrect. I am old enough to remember the days of the 4 studio, 1 live release. Since that formula ended with the release of Different Stages, we have been privy to 5, yes 5 compilation discs, and 3 live ones. Contrast that with 2 original material releases, and throw Feedback in either category you see fit. Stark difference.

Are they sellouts? Yes. Does that matter? Not to me really. I have always said make what they can. But that doesn't mean this is any less enthralling. New material would be much more appreciated. I look at it this way; if you sell merch consisting of bobbleheads, Rush tats, or undergarments, well.....Gene Simmons would be proud.

I don't really remember a Joey Kramer bobblehead, but I could be wrong. :)

#17 - Posted 11/17/09 @9:59PM by glortiz [contact]

RWM is done and playing a second time. I do love it and the addition of OLV from R30 is more than worth the money I spent on the duo today!

A few personal thoughts.

First, this DVD makes for a great watch after a long day at work and you don't have time to sit down and watch one of the much longer shows. Because I really find it difficult to skip through the songs.

Second, this is perfect for our younger generation to pick up and take a listen and watch. The Guitar Hero players. Time for them to explore the tale of Bytor and the Snow Dog!

RFF - I love your idea, let's get them!

#19 - Posted 11/18/09 @8:35AM by LovLee [contact]

Boy Dino, your being kind of a downer :(

I don't believe the guys are sellouts... You go to work every day (to make money to pay your bills) except when your sick or take vacation. These guys "work" by writing, recording, rehearsing, then MAJOR touring. 2 years they were on the road. Lest you forgot... 2007 & 2008.

I agree with Gloritz "this is perfect for our younger generation to pick up and take a listen and watch.
The Guitar Hero players. Time for them to explore the tale of Bytor and the Snow Dog!"

My daughter would love to see RUSH in concert! Just because she watched the S&A Live DVD. So here we are.... A Newbie RUSH fan.

If what Neil said was true about the record companies not fronting money for a new album, how do you expect the guys to have the money to rent a studio. I know they have their own home studios, but that isn't the point.

If your not happy buying "ANOTHER compliation." your free will tells you not to.

My Free will says YES!

#21 - Posted 11/18/09 @11:21AM by LovLee [contact]

OK... here I go............

Did miss your point, because I read that you said RUSH was selling out? Maybe.

Just because the "backstage club" is selling Rush socks, doesn't mean that the guys were in on that part of it. Who comes up with the merchandise?? Public relations. Are they calling the guys every day or once a week saying... "Hey what do you think about selling socks, or thongs."? I doubt it. Someone in the "company office" is going to OK that. I don't know who that is but my guess is that it's NOT Ged, Al or Neil.

I suppose you could write to SRO and find out who that someone is. Good idea, I just might do that.

I agree some of it is a little over the top. But I just don't buy into your statement that they are sellouts. Not at all. I remember an interview a while ago with Ged, and he said something to the effect that when they record a Live concert it was a snapshot in time. A closing of one particular era. I'm not sure if it was aired or if I read it. I don't remember him saying anything about taping just to "SELL IT" later.

Every fan wants new music. I would like new music, but that will only happen when they are ready to get together and brainstorm. We already know that they're having a meeting this month. Plus, with Neil's new addition to his family, who would honestly tell that man after everything he's been through that NO you can't spend time with your family, you have to record now and tour and get gas money. I don't blame Neil for wanting to spend as much time with his new daughter as he wants. He's more than earned it.

I'm not trying to be difficult, but I don't think just because they came out with another live DVD compilation that they are sellouts.

Feel free to let me know if I made some sort of point that you agree with or not.

#23 - Posted 11/18/09 @11:51AM by Kelly D [contact]

*stands up and applauds LovLee*

#25 - Posted 11/18/09 @12:27PM by Dino [contact]

I appreciate your input, and your passion. However, none of it detracts from my originals comments. Call it what you will, if it were any other band the label would stick just as well. A rose by any other name..... It's in vogue for bands nowdays, and that's fine. To believe that they have zero input isn honestly naïve. While they may not have control over content, the sign the contracts they are obliged to fill. And I am willing to believe they are aware of the merch that contributes to their GAI. None of my comments are false. Good healthy discussion.

#27 - Posted 11/18/09 @1:47PM by LovLee [contact]

I'm not denying the fact of your original comment about a new release would be more welcome than a rehash. I don't have a problem with that. My problem is that your calling Rush as a whole a sell-out. That's what I have an issue with.

I'm not saying that they have ZERO input in the merchandise/compilation category. I'm just saying that just because... to quote you..."we have been privy to 5, yes 5 compilation discs, and 3 live ones. Contrast that with 2 original material releases, and throw Feedback in either category you see fit. Stark difference." over the course of almost 40 years really is not that bad. The label will put out what it wants regardless of the input/approval or disapproval of Ged, Al or Neil. (Thanks to RFF for the help with this section). When the Label decides to put a compilation together the guys might think it's too much too soon. Whatever happens, happens. But they don't have 100% total say in whether its released now or 10 years from now.

You know what I'm trying to say here.

As far as just the merchandise goes... who cares if they sell socks. If you don't want them don't buy them. But you have to admit that they all have a certain defined sense of humor. So really what is wrong with that?? Everyone needs some socks and undergarments. So really why not.

Doesn't mean they're sellouts.


PS - Thanks Kelly - Just having a friendly discussion

#29 - Posted 11/18/09 @4:25PM by Lerxster [contact]

I admit I was a little meh about the Working Men releases, but I'd bet my house Rush didn't run to Atlantic and beg for them. #22 made an excellent point post- it appears it's the record companies are running the show with these releases, and I can't see how Rush would be willing and/or able to fight tooth and nail against them on the grounds of too much is too much. Rush has been riding a wave of late, and I believe the record companies are cashing in on it with these compilations. I also believe Rush make the most of it by giving their imput on song selection, artwork, etc., in an attempt to make sure the products come up to their standards.

Now when we get 'Open Secrets' perfume or the 'Tom Sawyer & The Spirit of Radio Live from Every Tour' DVD, then we'll know the line was crossed :P

Hey, wait a minute, I might buy those! :D The perfume for my lady, of course ;)

VIVARUSH

#31 - Posted 11/18/09 @4:58PM by musicofthespheres [contact]

my $0.02

nice post (and amusing too) by lerxster - my sentiments.

and a long while back someone pointed out how a compilation like this could indeed attract new fans (albeit an unknown and probably relatively small #) by limiting the tracklist to the "hits". If a newbie has never heard these, they could likely be blown away and intrigued by this Rush phenomenon. Whereas, the full concerts might be a bit much and be less effective and grabbing a newbie's attention.

and even for an old veteran this could be convenient - it's hard to find time to sit through any of the full concert DVDs in their entirety.

So, I say the compilation fills a limited niche and is not a bad idea.

as for new material being more welcome - of course. but it's not an option right now, because they've only been off the road for < a year and a half and the batteries are only now recharged... :)

#33 - Posted 11/18/09 @7:14PM by katskahnne [contact]

Did the thought hit anyone else (or is it just me) that this might be a low-overhead, high(er) profit margin item to make back what might have been losses the band incurred on earlier releases? I already did my spiel about how a band can actually lose money on a relatively successful album and end up owing the label money. Just a conjecture, as I say, I haven't seen their contracts, just saying something like this could help balance the books, so to speak, given that scenario...If that isn't the case, if the band sees *anything* from it, might that go toward expenses for the next project? (Seeing as, as Neil alluded to, labels aren't so forthcoming with covering advances anymore...) And don't forget that swag, in all its (sometimes goofy) permutations, is the highest profit maker for an artist. Seeing how money is an issue for the gyus now in terms of their ability to get their music out to us, I'm a LOT more inclined to pony up for an extra t-shirt, and maybe a toddler tee for my grandson...

#35 - Posted 11/18/09 @7:47PM by RushFanForever [contact]

I found the following from jag2112 (who runs the Rush Cygnus-X1 tribute site) on TheRushForum and RushMessageBoard:

Hey All-

I noticed when browsing iTunes last night that anyone who purchases Working Men via the Apple store will also receive a digital copy of the Working Men booklet.

For those of you who bought the actual CD (or DVD), you know by now that no booklet was included with the packaging.

So I'm curious if anyone has purchased WM from iTunes and, if so, if they could share this electronic booklet. Would be interesting to see what they included electronically that they felt they couldn't provide in hard-copy.

Thanks-

#37 - Posted 11/18/09 @9:23PM by Dino [contact]

#32

Rob; I know you did. Thanks for the comments.

The topic promoted good conversation. That is always inviting. Oddly enough, I did not initiate the sell-out comment, but I also cannot pretend that's not what it is.
We've both been on here longer than most, and I have stated time and again I embrace free marketing. Katskhanne is correct in suggesting merch picks up where album sales have dwindled. sadly, sales of albums like S&A barely breached the 250,000 mark whereas K West's album of that same year beat that in a week. It demonstrates where musical interest and sales are moving. Actual sales of Rush albums and cds are by and large going to the core of dedicated fans.

Again, thanks to LovLee for the discussion.

#39 - Posted 11/19/09 @11:29AM by Rayzer2112 [contact]

Dino, while I do agree with you on the "new material" piece and "sell-out" moniker. I think "sell-out" is to harsh, they are just trying to make an extra buck or two. Can't really blame them for that. I don't really agree with it on principal but it is what it is. Will I buy it, probably, but that is my choice to make. After all why stop buying Rush stuff, I've been doing it for over 30 years now! lol

Sorry Petie my dear, but I think you are off base on this one.

Just to add another nugget, lets have a poll on the next tour and what year? Personally, I say 2011. Let's have at it!

Have a great day!

#41 - Posted 11/19/09 @9:07PM by Rob [contact]

#40 good points....the sell-out argument (not really) was on re-hashing their existing catalog. I also believe any new music would be done EXACTLY the way the band wants.