After a lot of frustration, mixed messages and general confusion it looks like Rush fans have finally been receiving their copies of Rush: Chemistry; some having waited months after ordering. The feedback on the messageboards and in the Amazon reviews is mostly positive although there are a few criticisms that readers have consistently been bringing up. The primary complaint is of course all the chaos surrounding the distribution of the book. The next big criticism has to do with the lackluster quality of the pictures in the book; especially the fact that none are in color. when asked about this, the author Jon Collins (jonno on the Counterparts message board) said:

There was supposed to be a colour section for pics - somehow this was missed at the mastering stage... you can visit www.rockshotz.net to see some of them in colour! ... The publisher never wanted them and I fought hard to have them, but it wasn't something I kept badgering for in the final stages and he thought I wasn't that interested anymore, so he says! Lesson: never stop the badgering!

A lot of readers have also been critical regarding the minimal amount of "new" interviews. Counterparts Member PPG Wave remarks:

... I love the NEW interview comments strewn throughout the book (by Peter Collins, Tony Geranios, Rupert Hine, etc...).

My criticism is I just wish there were MORE of them.

I feel too much of the book is comprised of old magazine or radio interview quotes from the band. I've read/heard all this stuff before. In fact, I'm kind of surprised by all the pre-published text in this "new" book.

It also seems the author is at times drawing his own conclusions or painting his own scenarios based solely on what is inferred or suggested by the quotes (which are taken from all over the place. Guitar Player magazine, Rockline, World Premeir Radio Specials, etc...).

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it and I appreciate all that went into it. Again, I just wish there was more in the way of new interviews and not so many reprinted band quotes." ...

I feel the strongest chapters of the book are the ones covering Power Windows and Hold Your Fire (as they feature some great new interview quotes from Peter Collins). ...

But other than these 2 common criticisms, readers have had a lot of good things to say. Regarding Vapor trails MitA says:

... Jonno, thanks for the new insight into the difficulties with mastering of Vapor Trails. There has been a lot of speculation about it from those that only can surmise what happenned, but your book sheds new light on the matter from those "in the know". Thanks much !!!

One 5-star review at Amazon says:

... I've read other Rush books, and I found many of these details new. Granted, you can't change the 'story' - it IS a biography! So, some news is old news to the more 'learned' Rush fan. Yet, I never found myself skimming through pages, or saying to myself "I've read this 100 times before...zzzzz". The book kept my interest throughout. In fact, I had a hard time putting it down! Also of interest is the last chapter - a short bio on a ton of the people involved with Rush over the years... all those names you wondered about in the album credits... well, now you know! ...

Eric at Power Windows comprised a list of errors and errata which also may be helpful to anyone who has read or is planning to read the book:

When I read the book, I made notes of errors and errata which I meant to pass on to you. Here's my short list, might be useful to those reading it now.

Pg. 49: Regarding opening for Kiss on April 25, 1975 at the Detroit Michigan Palace, a poster exists (http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/tours/75apr25_handbill.jpg) for this same night for Kiss and Rush at the Charlotte Park center. Rush and Kiss were at the Michigan Palace on April 13th, though.

Pg 50: A conflict regarding when Rush played Massey Hall. The book says the 27th of June 1975, but on 27 June 1975 Rush played Centennial Hall, London, Ontario with Symphonic Slam as verified by ticket stub (http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/tours/75jun27_ticket.jpg).

Pg. 89: Typo at the top of the page, first line, the word "ab"

Pg. 115: Mentions Geddy working on Ken Ramm's Euphoria in 1985, but Euphoria was actually released in 1999 which you later discussed on page 180.

p. 147. Says Roll The Bones was released on Sept. 3, 1991, 17 years to the day after the debut album was released. But it was stated earlier in the book that the debut album was released well before Sept. 1974.

p. 164. The middle paragraph is out of place, discussing The Dexters where the surrounding paragraphs are discussing Victor; looks like an editing problem of cut and pasting. This paragraph seems to fit better on the previous page.

p. 182, give incorrect release date of My Favorite Headache as Oct. 24th, 2000. It was definately released on Nov. 14th, 2000.

p. 173, names a track on Test For Echo as "The Color of Night"

p. 176, the notes section, which should list the footnotes from the previous section (Time and Motion) is missing.

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