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Blogoshperes

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Rush rumored to perform at Winter Olympics opening ceremony
Posted at 9:38PM | comments (51)

Vancouver 2010 Winter OlympicsUPDATE - 2/11@9:39AM: It's all but confirmed now according to this release from the Canadian Press.

UPDATE - 2/10@10:33AM: Opening ceremony rehearsals have been taking place this week and so far there's no Rush sighting, but that doesn't necessarily rule them out. From BCLocalNews.com:

... Not all the performers were there in person - there were some lip-synching stand-ins, including a performance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." ... The lighting of the Olympic cauldron wasn't part of the dress rehearsal - secrets such as how it's lit and other surprises are being withheld for the actual night. ...

Then there are these details from The Province:

... In a commercial that aired during Saturday Night Live promoting the revamped "We Are the World" single, which was recorded to help raise funds for Haiti and is set to premiere during NBC's Olympic coverage, the network advertised that opening ceremony performers include Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado and Sarah McLachlan. ...

----- snip -----

UPDATE - 2/9@3:28PM: Here's a bit of evidence that would seem to bolster the chances that this rumor is true. The Headline Talent Producer for the games is Samuel Leon Feldman who happens to represent Rush. From the Winter Olympics official website (thanks Sean):

Headline Talent Producer: Samuel Leon Feldman

Through two different companies, Sam Feldman represents more than 175 musical artists such as Nelly Furtado, Rush, Joni Mitchell and Elvis Costello. Feldman is also a partner in The Characters Talent Agency, representing Canadian actors such as Molly Parker and Ryan Reynolds.

----- snip -----

Rumors are flying around that Rush will be performing at the 2010 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Vancouver next Friday, February 12th. The word is that they'll be playing a version of YYZ as part of a larger performance showcasing Canadian music. The opening ceremony will air on NBC beginning at 9PM EST on Friday, February 12th. More information as I learn it.

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COMMENTS
#1 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:44PM by killernj13 [contact]

WOW - first.

Colbert, movies, and now this.

What is next?
#2 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:45PM by killernj13 [contact]

I meant that in a good way. I was not dissin' the boys.
#3 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:45PM by idrum2 [contact]

2nd!

Go Rush!
#4 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:49PM by PetieLee [contact]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!







Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy - but not for very long!!!
#5 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:52PM by JohnnyTRacer [contact]

WOW!! That would be sureal!! Hope this is true! Can you tell I am excited :-)

RUSH ON!
#6 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:54PM by limelighter [contact]

are you serious? as if they don't have enough on their plate already. imagine they played stuff, such as the new stuff, instead of yyz just for shits and giggles. i would hit the floor. the best band in the galaxy.
#7 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:55PM by JohnnyTRacer [contact]

Happy post Birthday Ed. Hope you had a great one. I never would have known if not for the Rushians in the previous blog.....

Rush On!
#8 - Posted 2/4/10 @9:57PM by GedHed [contact]

Holy smoke! I *love* this!!! :D
#9 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:04PM by Ricbass4003 [contact]

woooo hooooo! Great news. And a tour announcement? The only thing to top this news would be if Geddy would be lighting the eternal Olympic flame.
#10 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:04PM by mrdriven [contact]

9th! and right behind GedHed!

methinks bytor and the SNOWdog might be apropos for the winter olympics
#11 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:05PM by mrdriven [contact]

whoops- i slipped along the way...
#12 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:05PM by AnalogKid91 [contact]

This would be unreal.
#13 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:06PM by katskahnne [contact]

I'm a total sports geek and Olympics geek. I just had this wierd feeling in my heart they might do this. I can't explain it. Maybe it's Alex being originally from BC, maybe their overall sports enthusiasm, maybe because they're The Dudes in Canada. One way or the other...

YYYYYEEEESSSSSS!!! ::bounces all over the room::
#14 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:09PM by Kelly D [contact]

OMFG OMFG OMFG OMFG
#15 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:09PM by cpb [contact]

I'm only surprised it wasn't mentioned SOONER...Canada's International Ambassadors and all. (I mean, if Neil is playing the Canadian equivalent of "Are Ya Ready For Some Football!?") Not only is this a great idea, but now, if it doesn't happen, I call BS. With a metric phone.
#16 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:14PM by rocinante5m [contact]

Wha Wha Wha Wha What did you say??..Rush performing at the opening ceremonies??? HOLY SCHNIKIES!!!

Marathon would be fitting, Eh?
#17 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:15PM by cagster [contact]

Yes!! now my wife will have to choose, she is not a Rush fan but she never misses the Olympics, especially the opening ceremonies. Myself, I am now going to have to watch the opening ceremonies.

A Tour? Gotta have it!!
#18 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:19PM by alee64 [contact]

Petie, I know what you mean! lol
For the whole world to see!!!!
:)
#19 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:25PM by glortiz [contact]

Canada's Holy Trinity of Rock helping to open the Olympics! This absolutely rocks! Period! We will see how rehearsed they are, and I bet you our boys are fine tuned! Bring what you got next, I don't care what it is! I want to enjoy this now!
#20 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:31PM by RushFanForever [contact]

I found the following news piece.

link

It lists the performers for each province.

I don't see Rush on the list.

This might possibly be for something different.
#21 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:38PM by Nettie [contact]

#20 RFF, that looks like a schedule for the victory celebrations, however, every other well known Canadian group or singer has a gig on that schedule, so having Rush at the opening ceremony would be a no brainer.

Whooo HOooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
#22 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:38PM by glortiz [contact]

RFF, you are an expert at data mining, but this time, I am leaving this one up to Ed!

Rush on and bring it on boys!
#23 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:40PM by glortiz [contact]

...and I do appreciate everything you do here RFF, keep it up!
#24 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:41PM by glortiz [contact]

Nettie, good to see you!
#25 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:42PM by GreeneWolfe [contact]

AWESOME!!!!
#26 - Posted 2/4/10 @10:54PM by The Clansman 2112 [contact]

Beautiful!!!
#27 - Posted 2/4/10 @11:06PM by Spoons and Forks [contact]

RFF! The February 15th date is "To be Confirmed", and it's "Quebec Night" How fitting is that! It could very well be Rush in that time slot??!!

Question: Why would the opening act need to be a secret anyway? Has it always been in the past?




Sporks !_!


Neil Peart is Dunkelkammer!!!
#28 - Posted 2/4/10 @11:14PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

So cool!
Great news!
#29 - Posted 2/4/10 @11:50PM by johnnybdrum [contact]

We should've guessed this...since Vancouver used the Test For Echo album cover as the inspiration for its Olympic logo! This will be awesome if true!
#30 - Posted 2/5/10 @12:18AM by Sean [contact]

RFF regarding #20 that is a seperate event for the Olympics and starts 2 days after opening night. I wonder if this is the surprise Donna Halper was hinting at last year? But couldn't give away?
#31 - Posted 2/5/10 @1:09AM by Mar [contact]

From link -- there is an audience participation portion to be rehearsed in the Opening Ceremonies. Anyone knowing anyone who will be there? They have a phone? *g*

Since the opening ceremonies in China, I did wonder how Canada could top the spectacle of a field of drums. This might do it !
#32 - Posted 2/5/10 @1:27AM by katskahnne [contact]

link

:-D
#33 - Posted 2/5/10 @2:28AM by tygr [contact]

This would be AWESOME!! #16 - I immediately thought of Marathon as well. Now we just need that OFFICIAL tour announcement!!
#34 - Posted 2/5/10 @5:48AM by Wall05

Wow. this would be incredible!!!!!
#35 - Posted 2/5/10 @7:08AM by Jaybird [contact]

Gotta play something from Hemispheres, Side One :-)
#36 - Posted 2/5/10 @7:26AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

This would be totally wicked!!! What a treat to the world for Rush to be included in the festivities if it is true..

Brings me back to July 13, 1993. I was invited by Budweiser to go to the MLB All Star game in Baltimore. The day started with a cool little cruise in the Bud One blimp. When we landed, 10 of us went to a restaurant for lunch and we were told to keep the seat between my constituent and I empty. Bout midway through lunch, here sits Kathy Ireland. Delicious! (I was talking about the meal, yeah, that's what I meant). Hung out with her and then all proceeded to the Bud sky suite at Camden Yards. Almost had a freakin coronary when who steps up to the mic?? Geddy singing the Canadian National Anthem. Ever try pouring a beer down your throat with your jaw on the floor?
#37 - Posted 2/5/10 @7:46AM by dadof4 [contact]

And the news keeps rolling in
#38 - Posted 2/5/10 @7:48AM by Archimer [contact]

This would totally be worth taking a break from my weekly D&D game for. :D
#39 - Posted 2/5/10 @8:17AM by State of Grace [contact]

Wow! If the rumour turns to truth then this is just as big an honour as Neil being chosen to do a new rendition of The Hockey Theme song.

#29 johnnybdrum - The Inukshuk does not originate from the 'Test for Echo' Rush album. Vancouver did not choose this symbol from Rush's album. It has a long history and is one of those recognizable Canadian symbols.

From Wikipedia:
...is a stone landmark or cairn built by humans, used by the Inuit, Inupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other peoples of the Arctic region of North America. These structures are found from Alaska to Greenland. This region, above the Arctic Circle, is dominated by the tundra biome, containing areas with few natural landmarks.

The word inuksuk means "something which acts for or performs the function of a person."

Here is the link to Wikipedia about the Inukshuk:
link

PEACE!
#40 - Posted 2/5/10 @8:33AM by dssnhopper [contact]

I'll believe it when I see it. And yes, I'll be watching!
#41 - Posted 2/5/10 @8:36AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

#30 Sean-Where ya been man?? FYI, the surprise Donna was referring to was the documentary being released. The others are....................to be continued.
#42 - Posted 2/5/10 @9:03AM by ENTREWHO [contact]

awesome! happy birthday ed
#43 - Posted 2/5/10 @9:29AM by hitmewithmusic [contact]

Awesome! Can't wait for tour announcement!
#44 - Posted 2/5/10 @9:40AM by shagg [contact]

I vote for 2112 -- we have assumed control!
#45 - Posted 2/5/10 @10:04AM by TheHonestMan [contact]

When did this happen? I check RIAB this morning and find out that RUSH might be playing the winter olympics and there are 44 comments! Woah, that is some awesome news.
#46 - Posted 2/5/10 @10:06AM by mommy_of_zuzu [contact]

WOW!
PS I love the inukashuk logo for the Olympics, very T4E
#47 - Posted 2/5/10 @11:06AM by RobJ_ [contact]

I hope this is true. I think that would be pretty cool.
#48 - Posted 2/5/10 @1:48PM by tralkar

Can't wait
#49 - Posted 2/6/10 @1:39AM by katskahnne [contact]

#31 - "Since the opening ceremonies in China, I did wonder how Canada could top the spectacle of a field of drums. This might do it !"

Entire stadium floor full of choreographed drummers < Neil Peart.
#50 - Posted 2/6/10 @9:09PM by johnnybdrum [contact]

#30 State of Grace.

Well, it was actually an attempt at humour. I know both that they didn't copy the album cover and that there are always many stories and other treats hidden behind all the Hugh Syme covers. BUT...I also did NOT know anything about the Inukshuk until. Cool! Much appreciated!
#51 - Posted 2/10/10 @1:46AM by RushFanForever [contact]

This may relate:

Performers revealed? - From The Vancouver Province

link

In a commercial that aired during Saturday Night Live promoting the revamped "We Are the World" single, which was recorded to help raise funds for Haiti and is set to premiere during NBC's Olympic coverage, the network advertised that opening ceremony performers include Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado and Sarah McLachlan.
 

 

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