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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Opening night in Albuquerque open thread

Posted at 1:47PM | comments (318)

UPDATE - 7/2@2:03PM: For the sake of completeness, I've included the final setlist as I have listed in the tour section below the fold.

UPDATE - 7/1@9:55PM: Here's reader Todd V's detailed review of the show from his blog.

UPDATE - 7/1@5:25PM: Here's a review of the show from Glide Magazine (thanks RushFanForever).

UPDATE - 6/30@4:52PM: Just as he promised, Neil Peart drum tech Lorne Wheaton has launched his new website at LorneWheaton.com. It includes a whole section on the Time Machine kit with plenty of great photos (thanks hermy).

UPDATE - 6/30@4:47PM: The Pro-mark drumsticks site posted several pro-shot photos of Neil Peart playing his new kit from last night's show. You can check them out at (*SPOILERS*) this link (thanks rosmakloma).

UPDATE - 6/30@10:01AM: Here's the (*SPOILERS*) opening video for the 2nd set.

UPDATE - 6/30@8:18AM: There are now a bunch of official photos up in the Rush.com Multimedia: Rush on the Road section (thanks The Sphere).

UPDATE - 6/30@7:37AM: There are (*SPOILERS*) a bunch of bootleg videos posted up on YouTube already!

UPDATE - 6/30@12:43AM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 9 *** Show's over! Some details regarding the final songs in the 2nd set and the encore below the fold. I'm out... Good night!

UPDATE - 6/29@11:57PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 8 *** Some details regarding the songs in the 2nd set so far below the fold.

UPDATE - 6/29@11:22PM: The opening video is now (*SPOILER*) up on YouTube (thanks showdonttell25).

UPDATE - 6/29@10:58PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 7 *** Well, this is a surprise... The entire setlist was just posted over at Rush.com! It follows the rehearsal setlist except for those 2 swapped songs. More details/discussion below the fold. In light of this, I'll no longer need to post setlist updates but I will continue to report any details that fans send along. And be sure to check out RUSHnATL's photo feed if you want to be really spoiled.

UPDATE - 6/29@10:46PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 6 *** Last 3 songs before intermission below the fold along with a few miscellaneous details. Other than swapping the order of the 5th and 6th songs, the entire first set followed the rehearsal setlist.

UPDATE - 6/29@10:24PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 5 *** Next 2 songs below the fold. Still following the rehearsal setlist. RUSHnATL's photo feed now contains several still shots of the opening video.

UPDATE - 6/29@10:16PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 4 *** Next 2 songs below the fold. Swapped the order of these 2 songs but otherwise it follows the rehearsal setlist.

UPDATE - 6/29@10:03PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 3 *** Next 2 songs below the fold. Still following the rehearsal setlist.

UPDATE - 6/29@9:52PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 2 ***I'll be posting the setlist and show details as they happen. Opening 2 songs are below the fold and jibes with the rehearsal setlist...

UPDATE - 6/29@9:42PM: The opening video has begun!

UPDATE - 6/29@9:06PM: Reader RUSHnATL is also at the show and has set up a photo feed which currently contains 2 pics from inside the venue.

UPDATE - 6/29@8:54PM: John Arrowsmith has uploaded a bunch of spoilerific pics from rehearsals in Albuquerque to the (*SPOILERS*) Rush.com Multimedia: Rush on the Road section. Included are several closeup photos of the guys on stage rehearsing, and their equipment/gear can be seen in detail.

UPDATE - 6/29@8:49PM: Reader Todd Vernon has uploaded a couple of photos from inside the venue to his Flickr feed.

UPDATE - 6/29@8:11PM: Reader Todd Vernon is at the show and has set up a Flickr feed where he'll be posting photos throughout the show. So far there's just this photo of fans outside the venue.

UPDATE - 6/29@7:42PM: *** SPOILER UPDATE 1 *** Eric of the Power Windows site is at the show tonight and set up a Twitter Feed for live updates. You can see what they played for soundcheck below the fold.

Date/Time: Tuesday, June 29th @ 7:30PM
Show Number: 1
Venue: Hard Rock Pavilion
Place: Albuquerque, NM

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

Rush Time Machine Tour Rush will be kicking off the Time Machine Tour tonight at 7:30PM (MST) in Albuquerque, NM at the Hard Rock Pavilion. The band arrived in Albuquerque over the weekend and conducted a full production rehearsal Sunday evening. For details on the rehearsal including the setlist and stage setup, check out (SPOILERS!) this post (SPOILERS!). I plan on posting tonight's setlist to this thread (with appropriate spoiler warnings) as it happens as well as any other interesting details regarding the show. If you are going to the show and are willing to text/email me setlist/show updates, please let me know. For everyone going tonight, have fun and be sure to share your reports, reviews, and photos with us. Rush!!!

SPOILERS BELOW!!

UPDATE - 7/2@2:03PM: Here's the final setlist as I have listed in the tour section:

Set 1:

Video Intro (Rash: The Real History of Rush Act 1)
The Spirit of Radio
Time Stand Still
Presto
Stick It Out
Workin' Them Angels
Leave That Thing Alone
Faithless
BU2B
Freewill
Marathon
Subdivisions

Intermission

Set 2:

Video Intro (Rash: The Real History of Rush Act 2)
Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye
Witch Hunt
Vital Signs
Caravan
Drum Solo (Love 4 Sale)
Closer to the Heart (with Alex acoustic intro)
2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx
Far Cry

Encore:

La Villa Strangiato
Working Man
Video Outro (I Still Love You Man)

Here's the opening video for the 2nd set:

SPOILER UPDATE 9: Show's over! Some details regarding the final songs in the 2nd set and the encore courtesy Power Window's Twitter Feed. The outro video involves the movie I Love You Man.

Set 1
Video Intro (Rash: The Real History of Rush)
The Spirit of Radio
Time Stand Still (Al on keyboards)
Presto (video of an old magic show)
Stick It Out (with original video playing)
Workin' Them Angels
Leave That Thing Alone! (with Time Machine intro vid)
Faithless (new video)
BU2B (video is old typewriter with lyrics to song)
Freewill
Marathon (with extended guitar solo?)
Subdivisions

Intermission

Set 2

Video Intro (Time Machine Tom Sawyer)
Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta (short vid with Red Barchetta w/2112 plates - Daffy Duck driving?)
YYZ (airplane lands in front of parliament bldg - red suit mover on Empire State Bldg like King Kong)
Limelight (red suit movers on tightrope)
The Camera Eye (scenes of NY/London)
Witch Hunt (Red suit movers chasing litte girl witch through forest. Sausages on pitchforks for roasting on fire)
Vital Signs
Caravan
Drum Solo (robot time machine drummer during new big band section)
Closer to the Heart (new Al 12-string acoustic intro)
2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx
Far Cry (same video as past tours, Al playing ES355)

Encore
La Villa Strangiato (Al and Ged playing polka on pedals and keys to intro song)
Working Man (reggae intro)
Video Outro (I Love You Man)

SPOILER UPDATE 8: Some details regarding the songs in the 2nd set so far courtesy Power Window's Twitter Feed.

Here's the opening video:

SPOILER UPDATE 7: In a surprising move, Rush.com decided to post the entire setlist! It follows the rehearsal setlist except for those 2 swapped songs. Here's what they have listed. The name Neil's drum solo Love 4 Sale and leave out Alex's solo intro to Closer to the Heart:

SET 1

THE SPIRIT OF RADIO
TIME STAND STILL
PRESTO
STICK IT OUT
WORKIN' THEM ANGELS
LEAVE THAT THING ALONE
FAITHLESS
BU2B
FREE WILL
MARATHON
SUBDIVISIONS

SET 2
TOM SAWYER
RED BARCHETTA
YYZ
LIMELIGHT
CAMERA EYE
WITCH HUNT
VITAL SIGNS
CARAVAN
LOVE 4 SALE
CLOSER TO THE HEART
2112 OVERTURE / TEMPLES
FAR CRY

ENCORE

LA VILLA STRANGIATO
WORKING MAN

SPOILER UPDATE 6: Last 3 songs before intermission are Freewill, Marathon and Subdivisions. Other than swapping the order of the 5th and 6th songs, the entire first set followed the rehearsal setlist. I added some details to the setlist below courtesy Power Window's Twitter Feed. There are a ton of great photos at RUSHnATL's photo feed.

SPOILER UPDATE 5: Next 2 songs are Faithless and BU2B. Still following the rehearsal setlist so far. RUSHnATL's photo feed now contains several still shots of the opening video which seems to involve Al in a fatsuit!

SPOILER UPDATE 4: Swapped order of Leave That Thing Alone! and Workin' Them Angels from the rehearsal setlist (Workin' Them Angels was first).

SPOILER UPDATE 3: Next 2 songs are Presto and Stick It Out. Following the rehearsal setlist so far.

SPOILER UPDATE 2: Opening songs are The Spirit of Radio and Time Stand Still (with Alex playing keyboards). Following the rehearsal setlist so far.

SPOILER UPDATE 1: Eric of the Power Windows site is at the show tonight and set up a Twitter Feed for live updates. He reports that Faithless, Presto and a snippet of Closer to the Heart were played at soundcheck. Since these songs were all on the rehearsal setlist I posted yesterday it looks more and more likely that the rehearsal setlist is the actual setlist.

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:52PM by The_Necromancer [contact]

First!

#2 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:52PM by Bx3 [contact]

Yes! Rush!

#3 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:52PM by double-agent [contact]

HA! I won't say it!!

#4 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:52PM by double-agent [contact]

Ah, damn!

#5 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:53PM by The_Necromancer [contact]

Sorry, Kevin! Had to!

#6 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:55PM by zybraman [contact]

How sweet it is!
I am so excited to have this tour start!
Oh yea!
Red Rocks here we come!

#7 - Posted 6/29/10 @1:56PM by exit...stage left [contact]

woo hoo....get your Rush on!

#8 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:01PM by The Professor [contact]

The Professor is in the house here in ABQ. The weather forecast is perfect: 80 and sunny by showtime. Uncovered venue, so that's good. Very psyched for a new tour and this setlist!

#9 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:01PM by Bx3 [contact]

It's interesting that the countdown timer on Rush.com ends 3 1/2 hours before the sho starts...any ideas why?

#10 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:04PM by 1001SOS [contact]

My friend who got me into Rush in '77 is going to the show tonight. Hoping to get a call from him during. Irvine show is a long ways off, but they should be a well-oiled Time Machine by then.

#11 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:10PM by tbruchey2112 [contact]

Bx3 it probably ends at 7:00 eastern time

#12 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:15PM by Bx3 [contact]

Nope, that'd be 6PM Eastern. What would be the point of it ending Eastern time anyway? That's not local show time.

#13 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:18PM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

Tonight will be amazing!

#14 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:22PM by themann [contact]

Psyched for the tour. NM enjoy the show, I have my tickets for KC this Thursday. It's looking like clear and sunny mid 80 to mid 60's at night temps at Starlight. This will be my lucky 13th time to see the boys live. I got my wife hooked on the boys on the Snakes and Arrows tour in 2008.

It's so good to see them doing even better as time goes on.

#15 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:25PM by enigmaaz [contact]

Just got into Albuquerque and checked in!!! Time to get trashed!!

#16 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:26PM by Distant Echoes [contact]

"The time is now again"

12 family members
Countless friends and students
Hopefully a large intense crowd
And;

The 3 greatest rock musicians of all time: The Time Machine is ready to begin... breathe the rare air of The Mighty Trio!!

Endlessly Rocking!!

#17 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:30PM by Imperfect and incomplete [contact]

Can't wait for tonight...7:30 seems like a whole lifetime from now. So honored that they're opening in my home town. RUSH IS THE GREATEST!!!

#18 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:43PM by Mermaid of the Lunar Sea [contact]

Can't think of a better way to experience my 19th show- in my hometown, on opening night, front row next to my Daddy ( aka Distant Echos-who constantly had Rush playing either in the car or at home, watching concert footage and took me to my first show when on the Vapor Trails tour when I was 14).

Today is the day and it shall be a great one!

There's a time for feeling as good as we can, the time is now and there's no stopping us!

#19 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:47PM by Mermaid of the Lunar Sea [contact]

#17 Hi little sister! When I first saw Rush it was here in ABQ and I was your age! Tonight will be great!

#20 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:49PM by DaveTinNY [contact]

Enjoy the show! Just received the BluRay copy of "Beyond The Lighted Stage" from Amazon. :)
I have to wait until September 3rd for my show but it'll be worth it.

#21 - Posted 6/29/10 @2:58PM by ReGorLaTroy [contact]

Everyone have a great time tonight!!!

DaveTinNy...September 3rd does seem like a long way off, doesn't it?

Only 66 days to go!!!

#22 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:03PM by kevin [contact]

Killing me NECROMANCER :)

Somebody go backstage and ask Alex WTF? Jacobs Ladder dammitt

Everybody enjoy, Camera Eye will be insane..

#23 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:08PM by freewilly [contact]

Everyone have a great time! Kind of jealous but not really since I know my fellow Rush fans overseas will experience an amazing show and support our #1 band. Greetings from a (THE) Dutch RUSH fan!!!

#24 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:13PM by houdinimusic [contact]

Those of you attending the show tonight, have fun!!! Totally awesome! This band is just too much to put into words! Not give any spoilers away, but the setlist looks great, but I'm blown away especially by the stage setup designs...so cool. Rush always does a spectactular job at putting on a great show...reminding me of Geddy's comment about Kiss, that no matter what you wanted to say about them or their music they were one hard working band who always wanted to give a good show...so I know Rush learned a lot from that...and they live up to that to this day, in their own way.

By the way, I want a t-shirt that says "We had our own stream, and it wasn't the 'main' one"...the quote from the documentary that Geddy says. Love that one!!!

#25 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:22PM by bucklemyshoe [contact]

Everybody going tonight...... Totally enjoy, rock on, and keep us posted.

That would mean right about now is the inaugaural SOUND CHECK !!!!!! Wahoo !!!! This is where the boys blood starts to pump !

#26 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:23PM by tunabombers [contact]

The three travelers are firing up the time machine hang on for the ride! It is finally here enjoy the show everyone in New Mexico. SPAC is just around the corner.

#27 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:33PM by LargerBowl2008 [contact]

link

Irvine ticket available.
1 Orchestra ticket for sale. Orch 1 Row Q. Buy it now or best offer. Irvine Aug 13th

#28 - Posted 6/29/10 @3:46PM by exit...stage left [contact]

argh! I am going to be glued to my computer tonight waiting on updates...better go out a buy a 12 pack

#29 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:04PM by Jayankhaten [contact]

Everyone going tonight have an AMZING time and cheer for our boys! I peeked at the stage setup pix and it looks SO COOL! Can't wait until I see them on Aug. 7, it will be my 12 year old's first show!

#30 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:05PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

Can't wait to see the updates from tonight... looking forward to seeing them this Sat at Summerfest. This will be the second tour my son had joined me on, pretty excited to know I'm raising him right.

#31 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:13PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

I am excited! Waiting for pictures and updates.
Brining three of my kids to SLC in 37 days. Two of the kids first time.

#32 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:27PM by bucklemyshoe [contact]

Bring 3 of my 4 kids to Sarnia July 09. My eldest son doing his 3rd tour. He can't wait. My 4th (daughter) said she would go only if Miley Cyrus was opening. LOL !!!

#33 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:29PM by exit...stage left [contact]

Damn, the show starts at 7:30 pm mountain time...two hour difference from my time...now I have to wait until 9:30ish eastern standard time to get any updates...gonna be a long night...but worth it!!!

#34 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:37PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

Anyone buy the gear (shirt and water bottle) thru musictoday? Just wondering when I'm gonna get my stuff!!

#35 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:48PM by random_sample [contact]

Everyone who's going to the first show tonight--have fun, enjoy!!

Just looked at the pics....Neil's new drum-kit is pretty snazzy!

#36 - Posted 6/29/10 @4:53PM by long awaited friend [contact]

#30: This will be my son (age 17) and my 3rd concert in 4 years at the Marcus Amphitheater....not too many bands can claim they have father-son fans.

#37 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:03PM by jmreidfo [contact]

Sheeesh...long way to go 'til the St. Louie show....

I'll be waiting on details tonight!!!!!!!!!! C'mon!!!!!!

#38 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:07PM by Wool [contact]

Have fun all you folks going to the show!!! Wish I was there all beered up......HAVE A BLAST!!!

Wool

#39 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:07PM by Lerxster [contact]

I knew I shoulda taken that left turn at Albuquerque. Rush brothers and sisters welcome to the Time Machine. I peeked at Neils kit- spectacular. For all those going tonight, great show everbody! Rock On Amigos!!

AND RUSH!!!

#40 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:23PM by snowdog20 [contact]

Rush is in the Que! Be careful tonight fellow Rushians. Drink one for me!

#41 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:45PM by PriestfromSyrinx [contact]

#32: LOL! I hope you and all the other Rushians in Albuquerque will enjoy the show, have a good time!! C:

#42 - Posted 6/29/10 @5:49PM by rfleming4473 [contact]

For all those fortunate enough to be attending the show tonight ... Have fun! I'll be interested in reading any thoughts on Lee's new sound through the Orange amps. And if they do in fact play Presto, can someone report back on just how long Lifeson holds the note (that sweet, sweet, sweet note) toward the end of the song at ~ 4:57. :)

#43 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:00PM by skl183

The open threads returneth finally! Nice to know what they'll play given the fact New Mexico is 2 hours behind the east coast. Waiting for the 10pm start until midnight ain't exactly wise on a work night. So we'll see whats up tomorrow morning or one week from now if they swap out a song or two..possibly. Not holding breath.

#44 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:08PM by white oak [contact]

RUSH ROCKS!!!! I am so excited to enjoy concert threads and all the energy. I'm in for Kansas City and St. Louis in August. 2nd tour date- wow! Anyone else in K.C.?

I'll be first to say it, PRESTO is a rockin song filled with good 'ole RUSH emotion. One of my top ten. Along with Vital Signs, it will be a memorable night!! Starlight theatre in KC is #2 after red rocks. A new tour- what joy!!

#45 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:23PM by Kelly D [contact]

Anyone pic-texting Ed so we can get a look at the stage setup?! ;)

Or. . . at the very least, posting them to Facebook?!

#46 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:26PM by dedlift [contact]

Interesting photo of the new stage set on Progressive Ears;
Scroll to the bottom...

link

#47 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:27PM by dedlift [contact]

Sorry, the link is not direct. Go to RUSH TIME MACHINE TOUR SET LIST, 3rd page of the thread.

#48 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:29PM by SnakesandArrows [contact]

wow very exciting stuff! Hey, in the spirit of RUsh , I've found this amazing young lady on YOutube that plays Rush and many other bands like a pro and she plays more than just the usual songs that are usually covered by people. I think she's awesome. Apparently she also plays guitar and learning bass. CHeck her out!

#49 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:30PM by SnakesandArrows [contact]

oops:
link

#50 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:40PM by mrdriven [contact]

the Ratcon representative is in the house!

hey Kelly D - will send ya some pics from the show (with cc's to Petie or she'll kick my @$$ in KC!!!)

no one gets to their heaven without a fight...

its been two long years of a fight for me...

2night is the 1st stop of the caravan in heaven!

#51 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:44PM by A-CELL-OF-AWARENESS [contact]

there are *NO* spoilers in this post!!

i think this comment will do a lot to soothe the inevetable emotions that result when a setlist is revealed and fans react to it:

we all have an 'ideal image' of what we think RUSH is, and also an ideal image of what we *want* RUSH to BE. consequently, the songs they play are essentially the primary manifestation of that image, or not. delight or dissapointment with a setlist therefore results in large part from nothing less than the PRIDE and LOVE we all have for these unsurpassed individuals named RUSH and HOW we want them to be percieved on stage as they show their public image to the world.

the setlist is nowhere near what I expected, and honestly i'm surprised it is what it is, i expected something very very very different. VERY diferent! it is far from what i hoped for. all this means is that i should drink a few more beers and focus mostly on the other 3/4 of the show that is going to be hellacool to the max, and then i get the needed bathroom breaks...lol!!!

plus, remember the 4 song changes they made on S&A tour, perhaps they will do the same for 2011?

#52 - Posted 6/29/10 @6:49PM by evenoddsband [contact]

@# 48 HEY!!! THAT'S ME!!! HAHA thanks so much!!!! I'm so glad you found me lol!! Thanks so much! Glad you enjoy it!!

-Sarah

#53 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:07PM by 8trackradio [contact]

Wow Sarah...great drumming.....are you in a band?...you should be to blow some minds!!!!

#54 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:15PM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

And I'm off to the pavillion! I'll be posting videos right after!!!

#55 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:22PM by ByTime999 [contact]

Have a great time, everyone! :):)

#56 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:28PM by vitalsign [contact]

Have a great one all .....

#57 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:30PM by chicodawg [contact]

They played Faithless @ soundcheck!

#58 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:31PM by chicodawg [contact]

And Played Presto for soundcheck!

#59 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:41PM by madrigal4 [contact]

Less than 2 hrs to showtime. I've really been getting excited over the last few hours watching some old rush video's. Nice to see turn the page,prime mover,marathon again.You probably figured out i was watching A Show of Hands....I hope tomorrow there will be a bootleg or some clips on you tube. I am wishing they slip in JL after subdivisions and blow us all away...lol..I am pretending to myself that they now from last tour that someone heard the rehersal and they are saying screw you if you think you are going to find out everything...i know i know just a wish....i am really glad about marathon and camera eye being played..

#60 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:43PM by Digital Mandingo [contact]

'Bwonnnnnnng'! That's the sound of me gonging the first set due to the fact that it fails. Don't get me wrong I love some of the songs in there but collectively it is substandard. I feel like I'll be watching the JV play most of that first set. Then I'll go to intermission and come back for the varsity squad. Couldn't the band have at least allocated some of those asshat songs across both sets so that I'd at least have some good opportunities to go get beer refills? How am I supposed to get 10 beers back for the second set? "Stick It Out" would've been ideal for that 2nd set beer run had it been placed immediately after the "Moving Pictures" block.

Speaking of "Moving Pictures", Rush may not have another triple entendre on their hands with this tour title but they've definitely landed a double entendre (at least with me personally):

Time Machine-

1. Make-believe device that the band and crowd will be traveling around in all night as both new and old material is visited

2. Actual device wrapped around my wrist that I'll be periodically checking as an aid to help me countdown to set # 2

I think I've come to grips with the fact that I was spoiled with the Snakes and Arrows setlist. Thanks for playing "Digital Man" last tour, guys! You almost made me shart when I heard that live for the first time and I'll never forget that!

#61 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:44PM by Kelly D [contact]

Sigh. . . cue Jason Segel in I Love You, Man: "It's f$%^ing RUSH!"

#62 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:48PM by RushonBlu-Ray [contact]

$35 for a tour shirt wow who cares Im buying 3 of them

#63 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:49PM by Mermaid of the Lunar Sea [contact]

In line at the pavilion!!!! It's hot, let me in! Heard sound check too :)

#64 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:49PM by Mission-Man 67 [contact]

To those going to the show tonight...you should be on the road already, GET GOING!!! Have a great time!
Looking forward to the reviews and pics.
MM67

#65 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:49PM by Rushfreak [contact]

Permanent Waves album in 2011 in its Entirety... Its my prediction.. :)... Have a great time all of you that will be going tonight.. Will see them in "Las Vegas"..

#66 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:52PM by JohnnyTRacer [contact]

LOVE the stage set-up and theme!! Very Cool! Hope our boys stay happy and healthy throughout their tour.....See you on August 7th!

RUSH ON!

#67 - Posted 6/29/10 @7:56PM by Chargin13 [contact]

Im reading the soundcheck...doesn't Rush usually end their soundcheck with the opener?....it was on the snakes and arrows tour backstage thingy...in that case CTTH would open...thus different set list order?...idk...just remembering that

#68 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:34PM by josh7598 [contact]

#60....It's a triple entendre. Neil is a time "keeping" machine also! I agree the first half of the set is substandard and weak. Hopefully Ed is as wrong about the setlist as he was about the Olympics! The second half will PWN!

#69 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:43PM by Kelly D [contact]

*ahem* I must step in here and defend Ed. He did not confirm ANYTHING. It was RUMORED that Rush was going to perform at the opening ceremony. To suggest otherwise is ignorant and rude.

Also, "substandard"? They're rarely-played songs and isn't that the point of this tour?

#70 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:46PM by justinAKAhiney [contact]

link

Keyboard for Alex!

#71 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:49PM by Mr. K

Thanks to the fans who are keeping us updated with Twitter and Flickr feeds!

#72 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:53PM by Madskillz89 [contact]

Serious lack of 3 screens.

#73 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:56PM by chicodawg [contact]

Crap, the 3 screens were cool for showing the 3 of them simultaneously!

#74 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:57PM by Sirius [contact]

OMFG cant believe were already at the opening night of the tour!

Got a look at that rehearsal setlist..I Have to say..Like what geddy said I Think: ''This setlist is really different from the other tours!''..

But I remember that last tour,I Think they Used ''A Farewell To Kings'' and ''Fly By Night'' at rehearsarls..but actually both of these songs were not in the setlist..so,to those who is going at the show keep us posted about this! just in case.

AND WE NEED VISUALS OF THE ''OLD'' SONGS!! CAMERA EYE ESPECIALLY !!!! Cant imagine how those songs sounds live today!

Have a good night!

The Dog *

#75 - Posted 6/29/10 @8:59PM by RushFanForever [contact]

It looks like Alex will be at the keyboards for 'Time Stand Still' according to the tour rehearsal photos since the last time he played them was on that particular song on the Counterparts Tour.

#76 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:00PM by captainkenster2112 [contact]

Yeah.....Boi!!!!!!!!

#77 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:02PM by Sirius [contact]

Wtf? Since when Alex Play Keyboards???? o_O

#78 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:03PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

Awesome photos! This is great!

#79 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:04PM by gbcomp [contact]

alex looks great in front of those keys

#80 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:06PM by PriestfromSyrinx [contact]

I'm psyched by that picture of Alex in front of those keyboards as well...

#81 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:14PM by exit...stage left [contact]

Wow, this is so exciting...the tour is finally here...yeah baby!!!!

#82 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:16PM by Chargin13 [contact]

I would laugh so hard if alex played keyboards for subdivisions....that would be worth the price of admission...it would be fun to see him playing guitar with one hand while playing keyboard with the other...lol

#83 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:17PM by RushonBlu-Ray [contact]

After looking at all of those cool things on stage from the rehearsal pics I can only say that this will be an incredible tour. I had one negative thought about the setlist and it is now gone.

#84 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:18PM by Rocinante1701 [contact]

#77

A couple of tours back, what ever tour they last played Time Stand Still was, he played keyboards during the chorus of that song. I think he was simply activating a sequence during TSS because once he put his hand on the synth he started dancing around not really paying attention to what he was doing. In this picture though, he looks like he's actually playing something judging by the look of concentration on his face. Also, on the new single he's credited with playing Keyboards. I guess we'll just have to wait to find out for sure.

#85 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:20PM by rushrulez [contact]

Enjoy guys! With you in spirit.

#86 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:24PM by kevin [contact]

Alex had his PRS with what looked like a laced sensor or active single coil for TSS shot..

#87 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:24PM by random_sample [contact]

For god sakes ,Alex looks like he trimmed down in those rehearsal pics!! He's like Oprah with the weight up and down. hehe. Good to see him drop a few pounds though!!
Enjoy the show!

#88 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:25PM by Rocinante1701 [contact]

It is cool though, to see him playing keys and also the return of PRS guitars. It looks like Geddy is singing on the projection screen so my guess is they are probably rehearsing Time Stand Still. It makes sense too that he would play a PRS for that song.

#89 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:25PM by Digital Mandingo [contact]

#69 Yes, you are correct in that the point of this tour is that they're playing rarely-played songs. "Jacob's Ladder", "Analog Kid", "Middletown Dreams"....all rarely-played. However, including them would not make for a substandard first set. That's all he and I meant by our comments about the first set being "substandard".

#90 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:26PM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

I'm officially psyched now. Amazing what the pics of that amazing stage setup will do. LOL

After really spending some time with the set list in my head and on my iPod I'm really only down on two out of all the songs. That's not bad at all. September can't get here soon enough.

#91 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:28PM by Earthshine [contact]

7:29.....one minute to RUSHHHHHHHHH!
Go ABQ!!!

#92 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:33PM by random_sample [contact]

I have to admit, since I hadn't joined this site yet until after I had already seen Rush on the second leg of the Snakes and arrows tour (in 2008) ,so I wasn't seeing all of the talk going on when they started the Snakes and arrows tour...the excitement is contageous and I am nowhere near Albuquerque. Im excited for the people there ,who are going to see Rush play tonight!

#93 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:49PM by SnakesandArrows [contact]

#52 Thanks Sarah...Ive seen a lot of covers on youtube and many drum performances, but yours is truely unique but I am biased bc Rush is my favorite band! Your videos inspired me to actually PRACTICE today and not just hit drums lol. Keep the great videos coming! Hope the other folks on here check out your videos and subscribe. Its awesome!

#94 - Posted 6/29/10 @9:51PM by evenoddsband [contact]

@ #53 Yes I am!!! My Geddy-Loving friend plays bass and sings while i play the drums. Our youtube account is EvenOddsMusic but our newest account is OperationAftermath (got rid of our guitarist). Last year in computer class I would always log on here and Rush Radio cause the school didn't block it ;-) so we're big Rush fans. My account of course is DrummerGirl2112 but my original "debut" is MrsKeithMoon, because as much as I love Rush, I am, and will always be a Who fan first and foremost. In fact, I am going to meet Roger Daltrey for the 3rd time this weekend in Detroit (I live in Atlanta)

#95 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:21PM by Sirius [contact]

Yea..that makes much sense now..I Remember that geddy is playing bass on that chorus-like part and some keys are played on the background...and like..theres No Guitar..and about these new songs..I Didnt know that Alex is credited to plays keys on these as well...Nice!

and LOL @ Alex playing Subdivisions on keys!!that would be Uncalled for..XD.

Im planing to assist the july 15th show in quebec..that would be my first Rock concert ever...I Promised Myself that it would be a Rush Show...So Im Keeping my fingers crossed!

The Dog *

#96 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:24PM by kinsey2112 [contact]

it's like christmas!!!

#97 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:30PM by drmike [contact]

Ya #96, it's like Christmas and Thanksgiving and Halloween and election night (waiting for the returns to come in) all rolled into one!

What's it like getting a camera in to a typical venue these days? Do you have to smuggle it in or have they pretty much given up because of cell phones etc?

#98 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:40PM by The Sphere [contact]

Thanks Ed !!!!

Thanks to Eric for the Tweets.... playing along at home in psuedo-realtime :-)

RUSH ON !!

#99 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:45PM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

The set list is posted on rush.com now.

#100 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:46PM by Harry Satchel [contact]

I can't believe it took me so long to finally register and post here! I'm really jealous of everyone attending the show tonight but my time will soon be here when they come to Pittsburgh! I'm just happy the guys are back out on the road again! Every time I see these guys it's like the first time back in 1980!

#101 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:48PM by captainkenster2112 [contact]

101

#102 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:50PM by rushriot [contact]

This is Just Like Christmas!!!! OMG. This is only my second time actually looking forward to a rush concert. Im 17 and im freakin out!!! Hahah Well...I have one question, what is Love 4 Sale? Is Neil Not Doing a Drum Solo, or Alex, or.....What?

#103 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:51PM by losingit2112 [contact]

Love 4 Sale...

#104 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:53PM by rushriot [contact]

yeah! What is LOVE 4 SALE?

#105 - Posted 6/29/10 @10:54PM by Bulldog81 [contact]

I hope that everyone has a great time watching....
and enjoying.....this truely great rock band that
we are so blessed to have. Thank you, Alex, Geddy,
and Neil, for being who you are AND DOING IT YOUR
WAY!!!

#106 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:00PM by Sirius [contact]

Love 4 Sell...On the next album!!! Woot...=D

#107 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:03PM by Rush85 [contact]

If I'm not mistaken, Love for sale is a jazz tune played by Buddy Rich Big Band. That can mean Neil's drum solo, with those jazz parts...

#108 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:09PM by Sirius [contact]

LOL and this is a first...they never posted up a setlist on their website?... guess is that..they thought ''well the setlist will be reveiled to the entire world anyway..so lets post it in the middle of the gig!''

Ok Ok I Post too much..srry bout that..im soo excited..XD

The Dog *

PS: BU2B,Love 4 Sell...Whats Next?...The 3s?..Lol been there,done that!...or maybe Water Sk8ters? XD

#109 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:10PM by Sirius [contact]

107 - Good Call..never thought about the solo...or maybe its alex's solo perhaps?

#110 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:10PM by Mark In CTown [contact]

I'm shocked that the official site just decided to post the set list. But hey they knew that all die hard fans were going to figure it out anyway so why not just put it up there? To be honest, I was hoping for a little more B-side stuff and maybe even a rare song like when they did on S&A tour with Entre Nous. But, in the end, they have their comfort zone now and have comfort songs they know the crowd will love. I'm still hoping to see them in Columbus.

#111 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:11PM by losingit2112 [contact]

Nope, that's gonna be Neil's solo. I wonder if he's playing the Buddy Rich tune...

#112 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:12PM by RushFanForever [contact]

I think the song 'Love 4 Sale' is by Cole Porter.

#113 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:12PM by losingit2112 [contact]

#110
The Camera Eye isn't rare enough for everyone?
I feel like everyone is overlooking the Moving Pictures part of this tour, which is why everyone is complaining about the setlist.

#114 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:15PM by joesaracer [contact]

The intro vid is already up on Youtube!

link

#115 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:18PM by Sirius [contact]

Dont forget the 2011 Leg.Im guessing that more B-Side stuff will be played by that time..Consider this part of the tour to be a ''Preview'' of the real stuff..=D

#116 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:19PM by drmike [contact]

I'm hoping Neil's solo includes a portion of the hockey theme. That's one intense minute!

#117 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:21PM by Sirius [contact]

''Books is for tourists'' LOL Alex LMAO Poor Neil..XD

#118 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:26PM by losingit2112 [contact]

#115, I agree... this is only a warm-up tour.
#114, I am not watching the video! Keeping myself surprised.

#119 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:28PM by Sirius [contact]

OMFG the intro of the show is too much kickass..but I think I Noticed a trainwreck in the begining of spirit..anyone noticed?..o well that happens i guess..!!

#120 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:30PM by unktehila [contact]

yeah, i noticed that Sirius... definitely a train wreck in the beginning of Spirt. Sound like Neil missed it... overextended something.

#121 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:31PM by GRgreg [contact]

#114
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

#122 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:32PM by random_sample [contact]

hahaha! the opening video is pretty funny!! And wow, Neil??? haha. I like it!

#123 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:33PM by RushonBlu-Ray [contact]

#119 that intro has to be the funniest and yes they did have a slight trainwreck but quickly recovered.

#124 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:35PM by exit...stage left [contact]

ha, yeah, definitely a train wreck right from the beginning

#125 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:36PM by plunge [contact]

#112 - Correct, it's a Cole Porter song. Strange it would be the title for Neil's drum solo. Cole Porter is a lyricist and there are many interpretations to his catalog. The song has been sung by a lot of singers over the years from Mel Torme to kd lang.

#126 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:39PM by losingit2112 [contact]

I'm glad to hear the intro video is so funny, I'm deffinatly waiting until my show.

#127 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:40PM by Rush85 [contact]

Believe me, there's jazz tune played by Buddy Rich Big Band also called Love for sale. You can look for it on youtube. Maybe Neil is going to play only a segment during the solo. But, anyway, I don't know for sure... Could be entirely wrong.

#128 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:42PM by Sirius [contact]

I Just discovered on youtube that the ''Boys in Brazil'' video has been uploaded..never seen it..for those wondering,its a little video about the boys before the ''Rush In Rio'' Concert..:

link

#129 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:43PM by morgenstern2112 [contact]

They're still in standard tuning (as opposed to 1/2 or a whole step down).

#130 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:44PM by losingit2112 [contact]

for what song/

#131 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:48PM by Rush85 [contact]

#128 - this video comes with Rush in Rio DVD.

#132 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:49PM by morgenstern2112 [contact]

Spirit of Radio (judging from the video). I would assume most if not all of their setlist will be in the original tunings.

#133 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:49PM by A-CELL-OF-AWARENESS [contact]

listening to Camera Eye over the phone!!!! thx Dean & Gary!!!

#134 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:50PM by losingit2112 [contact]

#131 if you get the special edition, which I have not been able to get my hands on. is it worth it? or is the original fine.

#135 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:51PM by losingit2112 [contact]

#133 JEALOUS
#132 they don't tune down Spirit. I think 2112 and Working Man will be the only tuned down songs.

#136 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:52PM by patrush

More videos please.

#137 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:57PM by Rush85 [contact]

#134 The one I have is the 2-disc set. Disc 2 is the Documentary The Boys in Brazil, I think it's interesting. And you get multiangle: YYZ, the solo "O Baterista" and La Villa. two easter eggs - By-Tor movie and Anthem 1975. That's all I know. I've never watched the original. This one was a gift from my brother at the time it was released.

#138 - Posted 6/29/10 @11:59PM by Sirius [contact]

yea I Just have the concert on a cd So I've never seen that piece of footage...interresting stuff so far..Geddy talked about how they choose a setlist..also shocked that we see Shelley nott in that video..and to think she passed away recently! sad..

#139 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:00AM by losingit2112 [contact]

I think my VIP package will keep me occupied, no need to go spend extra money on that I mostly have. sounds good though!

#140 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:02AM by The Sphere [contact]

#134... and in addition to #137 - I have both versions. The documentary is only on the "RUSH IN RIO 2-Disk set"... mine has SKU number 01143-1040-9. Cheers!

#141 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:03AM by losingit2112 [contact]

Anyone else having trouble with the "below the fold" not working?

#142 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:06AM by jmreidfo [contact]

#97 - that footage looks almost too good to be digital camera or cell phone. Bet it's an IFLIP. Watch for Camera Nazi's!!

#143 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:07AM by JonXKyl [contact]

"Below The Fold" not working, Ed

#144 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:07AM by Gourdy Lee [contact]

#141 Yep same here

#145 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:07AM by Wool [contact]

If NP plays that Buddy Rich song it will be some kind of a treat. Go to youtube and search for Buddy Rich Love 4 Sale. It's an incredible jazz piece that I'm sure Neil can rip!!!

#146 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:12AM by losingit2112 [contact]

what's the spoiler #8?

#147 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:12AM by CayceG [contact]

So I'm curious as to how some of the songs work nowadays. Without any spoilers... #-# = set-song

For song 1-2, is it just as good as it was when it was played last?
And for song 1-3 how does it work with Ged's Fender and Al's Gibson? I thought it was a bit thin on the album and I'm interested to see how it works live.

#148 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:17AM by rushisaband [contact]

Slight database snafu. "below the fold" is now working. Sorry 'bout that. What a night!

#149 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:17AM by Rush85 [contact]

#145 I guess Neil's already doing it right now. yeah. that drum part has very fast double stroke roll, that you can get cramps only by watching Buddy Rich playing it.

#150 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:19AM by losingit2112 [contact]

Thanks Ed, I can imagine the posting is pretty fast-paced tonight.
On another note,
When I heard that Neil would be talking a new approach to his Drum Solo, I was worried that the big band section would be gone. That would make it into such a typical rocker drum solo. I don't want to hear it, but I'm glad to read that the big band solo is still kickin'!

#151 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:19AM by losingit2112 [contact]

taking*

#152 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:26AM by Rush4Rod [contact]

Could the girl in the opening video be Geddy's daughter? Anyone know?

#153 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:35AM by Bulldog81 [contact]

Just watched the intro vid on the You Tube feed...
funny!! Hope that everyone in Alby-Q enjoyed the
concert!

#154 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:42AM by losingit2112 [contact]

any news about the end of the show? how was it, what did they change with closer to the heart? did alex do his la villa rant?

#155 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:48AM by Rush85 [contact]

According to Eric @ Powerwindows twitter: they ended with a video, a funny continuation of I love you man, Neil said: 7 women in a rush concert must be a record. Closer to the Heart was said to be slower I think, with no jamming. La Villa started with polka song.

#156 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:50AM by losingit2112 [contact]

Sounds awesome! My girlfriend will love the I Love You, Man.

#157 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:14AM by hitmewithmusic [contact]

Thanks for the pics and vid! No way can I wait until Oct.

#158 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:45AM by Major-YYZ [contact]

How did "The Camera Eye" sound?? we need reviews!

#159 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:46AM by sunskyfan [contact]

Just go back from the show. My first show was the Signals tour.

Excellent set list. Perhaps the best I have seen. It just flowed. The energy was fantastic, the Pavilion in ALbuquerque is one the best places to see a show if you sit up front which I did.

Clearly they put BUB2, Faithless, and Freewill up as a piece together ... makes sense.

The Moving Pictures section sent shivers down my spine. Especially The Camera Eye. Wow. Lifeson's solo was just perfect.

The two new songs had a better flow live.

My final thoughts are that Rush was comfortable and were simply masters with a large palette of songs that blended well together. A true pleasure.

#160 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:53AM by dedlift [contact]

Lasers?

#161 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:58AM by powerwindowsisunderrated [contact]

Am I the only one who finds this setlist very disappointing?

Instead of so many predictible choices, things that would have made you say wow, that's fresh,we haven't heard this in a while if ever, in no particular order:

Double Agent
Animate
Cygnus x-1 (I can understand why not)
Hemispheres Prelude
Jacob's Ladder
Grand Designs
Territories
Emotion Detector
Middletown Dreams
Here Again (not viable, but how cool)
The Weapon

First leg of Snakes was the best show I saw in a while. The second leg went more conventional, and I didn't jump through the hoops. I was planning a cross country flight for this tour, but not as sure right now.

#162 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:01AM by RUSHnATL [contact]

What a blast at the show! Great night. Good energy. Sets were better than expected given the setlist. At the end of the night it's still Rush, it's opening night...it just rocks!

Hope people enjoy the pics. I'll leave them up a few days, but they might go away.

I've got many more from a digital camera I took in as well and will upload the ones that turn out once I return home.

Weather was PERFECT all night. Great breeze.

OUT!

PS: My pics are from 2nd row Geddy's side (as if you couldn't tell that part).

#163 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:16AM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

Thanks Ed and Eric. Only 14 shows until it's my turn.

#164 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:51AM by e2 [contact]

Superb! The first set was fantastic. Presto had a great feel. Bu2b just rocked. Great to hear Time Stand Still and Marathon again. I still hate Stick It Out (does anyone actually like it?) As predicted, nice mix of stuff of stuff they hadn't played for the severe Rushians with Moving Pictures shoe-horned in for the Foghat fans who also go to Rush shows. I suspect the entire-Moving-Pictures thing is a hook to bring even casual fans out this summer. I think next year, when they have to sell the new album, most of MP will go away again.

Speaking of Moving Pictures, I expected them to make a bigger deal out of it (30 years, important album, etc). Instead, they, um, rushed through it and capped it with Ged saying, "Whew; that was an entire record. We hope you enjoyed it. We did." The Camera Eye was sublime. Oh, and yes, sports fans, there was a, um, rush for the parking lot after Vital Signs (You guys paid for the whole show, right?)

Revelation: What sounds like a cat being tortured during Caravan was actually a guitar solo. Who knew?

Just loved the intro to La Villa. Fun!

Drum solo: still interesting, but not as athletic as it was during even the last two tours. The flashy crossovers are gone We all saw this coming; I'm glad Neil continues to play.

Overall, a great night. Have fun out there. See you in West Palm Beach.

#165 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:18AM by GeddyF [contact]

Love 4 Sale? What's that all about?

#166 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:25AM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

Camera eye is now on YouTube!

#167 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:46AM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

Scratch that

#168 - Posted 6/30/10 @5:55AM by Codackussell [contact]

What is everybody complaining about? I cant wait to see this live. Zip your trap and be happy we still have the greatest band on Earth to sit in awe in front of. What the hell is wrong with the first set? I love the inclusion of "Presto" for the first time. I like "Time Stand Still" and "Marathon." "Faithless" was the most kickass song on SnA and Im damn glad they brought that out.

I wanna bootleg!!!

#169 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:17AM by kevin [contact]

Did Alex play his white 355?

#170 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:22AM by subdivincent [contact]

funny opening video - I figured the 2 clowns would be funny, but was surprised at Neil's nice comedic timing.

then again, Neil's all aboot timing.

#171 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:49AM by The Sphere [contact]

pictures from John Arrowsmith at rush.com: link

#172 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:22AM by Geddimus Prime

Time Stand Still as the second is a horrible choice. Sure, I like the song but please...
Stick It Out should have been Shoved Back In.

And Presto? Whatever.

They had a real opportunity to drive in multiple runs especially coming off the S&A set list. I am sad to say "Steeeerike"

Where is a gem like Chemistry? What about The Weapon? Where is Jacob's Ladder as Alex mentioned and basically implied they were playing?

And enough with Working Man already!

I am always amazed at how completely out of touch at times they are with their fan base. Stick It Out???? YUCK!!!!! I'll be stickin it out at a urinal and grabbing another $9 beer.

I'm not alone on this. I have confirmation of disappointed from a bunch of fans. We all know it's a dud (for Rush standards) of a first set and wish they were playing something a bit more challenging. Stick It Out??!!?!?! ARRRHGHGHHGHHG!!!!!!

I have now reached the point where I will be waiting for the set list before purchasing a ticket for a 2011 tour. That is unprecedented for a fan boy at my level. I just have to start being honest with myself about where Rush is these days. Very disappointed.

#173 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:26AM by Geddimus Prime

#161

No, I and many others in my circle of Rush geeks are very disappointed.

#174 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:32AM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

I personally think Stick it Out rocks! Not my favorite track from CP but it's not horrible and I think it translates well to a live show.

I've been listening to the "first set" on my iPod for the last few days and I'm officially excited about it and thinks it flows pretty well now.

They are NEVER going to please all of us but at least they aren't like some other older acts who have hit the road with practically the same set list for the past 20 years. In the end they also have to play songs that THEY enjoy. After all, they are the ones who have to play them night in and night out. If they aren't enjoying it then what's the point?

I'm just happy I get to see them again. Whenever the day comes that they stop touring I'll wish they would come back and even play Tai Shan. LOL

#175 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:33AM by Archimer [contact]

#163: This.

Everybody's all up in a tizzy over the beginning of the show. To me-- It's Rush. Seeing them at all is a great privilege, and I'll be thrilled with whatever they put out there during the show. Granted, I haven't read the entire setlist yet, but it really doesn't matter to me. I guess I'm not a connoisseur?

I think I read a comment a while back about how they didn't represent all of their albums in this lineup. I think that's the only 'complaint' I've understood, if only just a little bit.

#176 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:35AM by KenNJ [contact]

RASH?

#177 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:39AM by Freewill [contact]

How long was intermission?

#178 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:44AM by subdivincent [contact]

geddimus prime - great screen name

I agree with your observations - Stick it out, to me, is a contrived piece o'crap on an otherwise excellent counterparts album. Time Stand Still is rather flimsy, and if I didn't hear Working Man ever again, it would be just ducky by me.

I always kinda liked Presto - even tho it's not quite "rock concert" fodder.

#179 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:44AM by adamjones2112 [contact]

enough about setlist woes... as long as they're playing, i'm as giddy as i was when i discovered them in high school.

was geddy still jumpin and hoppin? they sound great from the youtube vids.

#180 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:00AM by tripinva [contact]

I hope someone posts a YouTube video of Faithless. I was looking forward the The Camera Eye and Jacob's Ladder the most, but when I heard Faithless was on the set list, that became the song I most wanted to hear! =)

#181 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:14AM by Freewill [contact]

Best light/video ever? Any lasers? How well was the show attended? How long is intermission?

#182 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:15AM by kickmyhead2 [contact]

this is worse than a fox news comment section. come on. your taste is not my taste and so on and so on...get over it. stop bitching. they can play what they want and you can either go and shut up or sell your ticket to me. I'll be the one in your seat diggen every second...well except for anything off Presto. LOL
Just lighten up. Twenty years from now during the North American Tour 2030 you'll be bitchen that Alex's walker took away from La Villa, Geddy's phlem really grossed you out during Finding My Way and Neil's oxygen machine was distracting during his solo.

#183 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:20AM by Freewill [contact]

How did bu2b and caravan sound live?

#184 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:22AM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

Kevin, alex did bring out that white beauty of his for far cry la villa and working man at the end of the set. That was an awesome show. The setlist flowed together a lot better than how people were bitching about and the opening videos were very very funny. Neils solo was great like usual but he did lose a stick in the middle of it (no one could really Joyce though). The new songs sounded great and the camera eye was just phenominal. Overall, kickass way to open the tour! Next for me the red rocks shows!

#185 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:30AM by cygnusx-12112r30 [contact]

Last post my I don't knowwhy I typed Joyce lol

#186 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:41AM by mysticbeat [contact]

What is up with the sausages?

#187 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:49AM by subdivincent [contact]

i think the sausages allude to the "sausagefest" that rush concerts are.

#188 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:19AM by Pat [contact]

People above are obviously alluding to Geddy's RASH T-shirt. Has this been discussed before? Man, if the backstage club sold those, Rush'd be millionaires! Wait...

#189 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:24AM by CayceG [contact]

1. I must have a Rash t-shirt
2. Geddy's bass has a new pick guard with one of the Clockwork Angels symbols on it. The guard is white pearloid i think. And the symbol looks like the 9:00 symbol.

#190 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:29AM by mrdriven [contact]

the show rocked!!! the setlist rocked!!! i can't believe the naysayers...maybe they should become Sade or WHAM UK fans...

i thought Time Stand Still was great as the #2 song and Presto was great too!

as for people waiting for the setlist to purchase tickets - that's great! makes getting tickets easier for those who love what Rush does regardless of what they do...

see ya in KC!!!

#191 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:33AM by CayceG [contact]

OH! After seeing the BU2B vid it looks like Geddy has a whole new bass! Not only is the pickguard different it looks as if the inlays are peraloid and not black.

Interesting to see a new axe in his lineup.

#192 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:38AM by sunskyfan [contact]

Must agree mrdriven ... especially on Wham! ... you forgot the exclamation point :).

Time Machine Tour ... Time Stand Still ... hum ... maybe there is a connection?

Folks ... it was a great show. Really. Go and enjoy.

#193 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:44AM by unktehila [contact]

Presto... boy, the 2nd and last verse totally rocked. Never was a huge fan of "if i could wave my magic wand", but love the verses.

#194 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:45AM by got peart [contact]

Rush isn't coming to a venue near me on this tour, so I'm having to potentially travel to make the show in DC. That being said, they could play elevator music and I'd pay to see them do it. It's Rush! The reason I picked up a pair of drum sticks 25 yrs ago.

I love the set list, and stoked about Presto! I love that song! Can't wait to be mesmerized by Neil's solo! Keep the updates coming, and quit complaining about the set list! Let's just enjoy them while we still can!

Rush n Roll my friends!

#195 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:46AM by rushsister [contact]

Wow, Rush kicked my "arse" last night! I went with 12 family members, 2 of them being my 10 year old daughter (first concert) and my 13 year old daughter (3rd Rush concert). We were all thrilled and speechless afterwards. All of us wishing we could go on tour too! I loved every minute. The band clearly put a lot of thought, time, and energy into the whole production. From the setlist, to the videos, the lights, wow, everything was done with class, humor, and style. Rush is definitely in a class of their own. The "Time Machine" concept was genius. Anyone going to this concert is in for a treat and an "arse" kicking!! I can't wait for Red Rocks. The Moving Pictures was absolutely fantastic! The crowd was blown away! I am so grateful that Rush opened this tour in my hometown. This is a band that would never disappoint their fans. They definitely delivered, but they also don't take themselves seriously and even managed to poke some fun at their fans!
Also, ladies, there are even more t-shirt choices than ever. The sizing is appropriate. My daughters wanted the Starman earrings, I got a great T-shirt, my older daughter bought herself the pins and a sock trio. There was something for everyone, affordable items as well as pricey ones too! Have fun to anyone going to the KC show!

#196 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:52AM by bundlesofvitals [contact]

Really, really, wish they were playing even one song from Grace Under Pressure. But I'm still excited to see them on Saturday...

#197 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:26AM by Sirius [contact]

New interview available with Jeff Woods:

link

Also will be checking the vids after

The Dog *

#198 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:29AM by ythesun [contact]

Nice to see Time Stand Still and Marathon make their way back into the set list. And thanks for Working Man as the final encore. That will allow me a head start to the parking lot.

Looks like the proliferation of cell phone LED screens being held up in the air grows worse. Can't wait until tickets are re-printed 'No cameras, including cell phone cameras.' (Not that that's likely to happen.) The first bozo that holds up a cute purple iPhone that blocks my view is gonna get a real shaky video, probably with some audio in the background to the effect of 'hey! come on dude!' Be forewarned.

#199 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:30AM by guitarmutt [contact]

I am so looking forward to Aug. 9. I think the first set is great. Those songs bring a great variety of dynamics to the show. Maybe they don't want to just rock out full force from the get go. They have a really long tour ahead of them with long shows, and they want to go into the studio afterwards which I find hard to believe considering how tired, sore and beat up Neil usually feels at the end of a tour. And then. . . . ?

Another tour next year? I don't blame them for pacing themselves. So excited.

I wonder if they'll play Clockwork Angels in its entirety next tour. Happy about Faithless. It was my top choice in the poll of songs never played.

Everyone, have a beautiful day!

#200 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:34AM by subdivincent [contact]

200!

#201 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:38AM by rushsister [contact]

To me, it makes perfect sense to end the show with the song that gave them their start. They are geniuses and I wouldn't go anywhere when they start their encore! They managed to make everything sound fresh and new, and yes they all out rocked!

#202 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:41AM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

I watched the bootleg videos and I thought they looked and sounded awesome !! I even thought the intro videos were kind of funny ! The Camera eye sounded fantastic !! I can't wait until Columbus !!!

#203 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:45AM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

I don't understand so many peoples apparent hatred for "stick it out",it's not my favorite song on the album but I think it is a pretty good song and brought them back to their heavier sound ! !

#204 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:54AM by dssnhopper [contact]

How effing selfish of the band?? They are not playing what EVERYONE wants them to play. I recommend that they play all of the songs in their catalog, except the ones we don't want them to play. I also recommend that they come to each of our houses and play a private concert for each of us. B/c lord knows, they owe that much to us . . . right?

#205 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:54AM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

Oh yeah, I think some of you that are doing so much complaining about the setlist are being idiots !!

Those people that left right after Vital Signs...unbelievable !! They missed Caravan,a little different version of closer to the heart,2112,La Villa, and Working Man !! Why even bother to go? Personally, I have always thought Working Man was a great way to end a show and I never get tired of listening to Alex shred !!

#206 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:02PM by rush1977 [contact]

Good job #204 and #205

#207 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:02PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

let's see,they are playing at least 1 song from each album from 2112 to Signals,they are playing a few songs from the mid eighties synth period, they are playing a couple of songs from the album that got them back to their harder rock sound,they are playing two brand new songs, they are playing all of their masterpiece and most successful album for the first time, and they are ending with their classic instrumental which is a masterpiece and the song from their very first album which led to them being discovered ! Sounds like a pretty good representation to me for a time machine tour ! I guess I could be considered an oldtimer and its getting apparent that stuff pre-2112 is pretty much being passed over, except Working Man. I would love to see "The Necromancer" but it will probably never happen ! However, I still think they have a pretty good representation of their catalog ! I can't wait until Columbus !!

#208 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:07PM by random_sample [contact]

#204-
Your sarcasm isn't lost on me. I agree, completely!
Their show looks amazing to me, from what I've been seeing in the video clips and pictures.

#209 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:10PM by patrush

I still think the setlist is subpar, i.e. not as good as S&A tour. And may the poodles stop pelting debris at people who dislike the setlist!

On the positive side, Rush seemed like they were in excellent shape and revitalized many of these songs and made them sound better than their studio versions. That's something you can on Rush for.

The Camera Eye definitely stole the show.

#210 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:11PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#208: Thanx. My son and I are ready for Bristow! I will admit that there are some songs that I'd love to hear, and there are some songs that I'm not too keen on. However, we can't always choose, so I will take what I can get - and do my best to enjoy. Sometimes when we have it so good, for so long, we forget that things could certainly be much worse than they are.

#211 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:12PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

With Jacob's Ladder, as much as I love the guitar solo, I just think that it is a little too long and repetitive and boring for the guys to play live. Alex probably shouldn't have implied that they would play it, they probably rehearsed it and said f*** this, we are falling asleep ! lol Would have loved to have heard it, but people need to get past the disappointment(like I have every time they don't play at least a portion of The Necromancer) ! I think the first set is different and I am really looking forward to the WHOLE concert !! RUSH ON !!!!

#212 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:12PM by patrush

#204, 205, 208 - you guys are doing an amazing job at character assassination. To hell with free speech.

#213 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:17PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#209: To me, the issue is not disliking the set list. It's okay to have likes and dislikes. The issue is the venom that some are spewing b/c they are not getting what they want. How doggone greedy can we be? The unfortunate (if you can call it that) thing is that there is no set list posted before the tickets go on sale. If you are a fan of the band, then you are a fan. You take the good with the bad, or the bad with the good; depending on how you look at things. JMHO

#214 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:18PM by Astroboy [contact]

i didnt see any lasers on the videos? Are the lasers gone??!

#215 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:21PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

Patrush, I have nothing against free speech, I have just been reading post after post for a few days now complaining about the setlist and we all get it, some people are disappointed ! But to carry on and on about it like SOME of you have been has been getting a little tiring to read and sparked me to leave my opinion ! Didn't mean to offend anyone !

#216 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:24PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

post #201- Right on, Rushsister !!

#217 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:25PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#213: C'mon, you can do better than that. Free speech is one of the most overused excuses/cop outs for rudeness, there is. How about people using some tact and respect when they have something to say? No one is saying that you can't dislike the set list - if they are, then yes, they are wrong. But people don't need to be jerks and make it sound like the band owes them something.

#218 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:26PM by dssnhopper [contact]

Sorry, my post was meant #212 Patrush . . . duh . . .

#219 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:29PM by cbus rush [contact]

#215 - Then go somewhere else - Freewill you know.

#220 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:36PM by soozm32 [contact]

About the Rash t-shorts.
My husband bought one last night after the concert.
I was in line at the merchandise booth in the upper section.
Right by the gates, two guys with two bug duffel bags started taking out Rash t-shirts and selling them for $40.
On the front is the logo just like on Geddy's shirt. On the back,it says:
"Eyns
Tsvey
Dray
Dupa!!"
Okay, I know it sounds weird, but the guys said they will only sell 48 at each concert, and it's an inside joke by Geddy.
It is an official Rush shirt because the inside tag is silkscreened with the Rush logo.
Anyone have any thoughts?

By the way, the show was so amazing, I can hardly express it.
The setlist was perfect. The guys seemed to be having a great time. They sounded awesome, and I can't imagine anyone complaining about anything.
Was almost brought to tears a few times last night. It was that good.

#221 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:37PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

post #219- I have been coming to this site for over three years now so I don't want to go anywhere else, thank you very much ! I have kept quiet up until now and I thought now I would leave my opinion so deal with it. I could try to come up with a clever song title like you did but I dont have the time !

#222 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:43PM by exit...stage left [contact]

can anyone tell me if they did the extra little jam after closer to the heart????

#223 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:47PM by Geddimus Prime

#204, 205, 208 What the f? So we don't like the set list. Where is it stated that all discussion must be limited to only positive comments regarding what they have chosen to play? Biting sarcasm and outright disappointment is allowed. People are spending big money and they have the right to post an opinion.

I will tell you right now that I am going to keep posting my opinion exactly as I see it. Skip over and read on but please stop telling people they can't make a post expressing their frustration over what is undeniably a weak ass and highly disappointing first set selection.

Just to be clear here. HIGHLY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE FIRST SET CHOICES!!!!! HIGHLY!! I MEAN WAY UP HIGH!!! BIGTIME DISAPPOINTMENT!!

I hope your fragile sensibilities are going to be okay with this.

#224 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:51PM by cpb [contact]

To the people who call others on this site "idiots"...I'm not even going to bother. I'm sure you'll get more mature when you graduate high school.

Now, I don't mind at ALL that there are some fools skipping out after Vital Signs. Know why? Because I couldn't afford the premium seats, so I bought some waaayyy in the back. But as soon as MP is done, I'm gonna be watching those in front of me for whom "the show is over", and then ZAP! Them's MY SEATS NOW!

I highly recommend everyone do the same. Let those "here for Moving Pictures only" people go - while we bumrush!

(Oh, and for the record, I LOVE the setlist. I just respect the rights of those who feel otherwise.)

#225 - Posted 6/30/10 @12:56PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#223: LOL. I think the only one who has a fragile sensibility, is you. You seem to be picking and choosing what you respond to. When did anyone say that you can only post positive things? If they did, then I'll apologize for not seeing that. I've said before, many times, that I can't stand it when people expect you only to say great things about the band. But it is in HOW you say what you say. Once again, it's not that you can't dislike the set (no one in their right mind would suggest or think that), you just don't have to be a jerk about it. Simple. Keep posting . . . you're not hurting anyone.

#226 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:01PM by cpb [contact]

#225 - see, I agree completely with you. It's OK for everyone to have different opinions. It's about respecting one another without resorting to tantrums.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I apparently have an hour-long interview to watch before getting back to work!

#227 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:06PM by rush1977 [contact]

#223 a bit angry. Go listen to stick it out it may make you feel better

#228 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:06PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

I have respect for those to speak their opinion but over and over and over again? WE ALL GET IT, YOU ARE DISAPPOINTED ! I don't particularly care for the period from GUP thru Presto and have expressed that on occasion,but once or twice and then I let it go because I have come to realize in the last three years how many fans love that period ! However, to say that it is an undeniably "weak ass" setlist and that it is disappointing is wrong because there are MANY people who disagree and think it is a very good setlist, they just haven't been posting. I apologize for the "being idiots" comment but I was just frustrated at the guys getting all this negative criticism for their setlist, there is no way they could possibly please all of their fans because we are such a diverse group and their music has been so diverse through the years ! I think they do a good job of trying to represent the different eras !

#229 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:34PM by Rush85 [contact]

#220 - on the T-shirt: Eyns Tsvey Dray means 1, 2, 3 in Yiddish. Now the word Dupa, I have no idea, but I did a google search it return "ass" in Polish, mind you!

#230 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:43PM by exit...stage left [contact]

I'll throw some negativity out there...this all doesn't matter anyways...the world is going to end in 2012. Everyone has a right to praise or criticize the setlist but in return expect to have your comments praised or criticized, so on and so forth. I'm not at all thrilled with the setlist either but hey, I get to hang with my buds, drink some beer, have a few laughs, and spend an evening with a band I grew up listening to. It beats sitting at home watching American Idol or Dancing with the Stars. Music is about bringing people together. We all love Rush here and we all love watching them live...let's enjoy it while we can cause in the near future...well, like I said, 2012 is approaching fast!

#231 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:49PM by Don [contact]

Was the CD single on sale at the show? Sorry if I missed this info further up the thread.

#232 - Posted 6/30/10 @1:56PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#230 LMAO . . . oh, wait, that's not funny. I don't want to die! Can we postpone the 2012 thingy, until, say 2112?

#233 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:13PM by conky [contact]

so those throwing debris are poodles?

i guess i would rather be a poodle than poodle turds (actually i would rather be a tortoise from galapagos...)

seems like those that state their negative opinion are offended when someone disagrees...go buy some kleenex...

tough turds on you...

if you wanna piss with the big boys, prepare to get wet

#234 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:33PM by long awaited friend [contact]

I agree with a statement #223 made:
I will tell you right now that I am going to keep posting my opinion exactly as I see it. Skip over and read on but please stop telling people they can't make a post expressing their frustration over what is undeniably a weak ass and highly disappointing first set selection.

I think the best way to respond to those who have a negative comment,such as the above comment; is to skip over it. Why respond? They will
not change their opinion, no sense throwing barbs back and
forth....and getting nasty.
I would just let those with fustrations over decisions Alex,Ged and Neil make, commiserate amongst themselves, while those of us who like their choice of set list post our thoughts for ourselves to enjoy and they can ignore ours.

#235 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:44PM by mysticbeat [contact]

#187, LOL, if true another ingenious subtlety added in for the humor I suppose. I am in the minority there at the "fests" and love it. Just was wondering if it had to do with any of Geddy's "amps", for ex. the rotisserie machine, vend machine or dryers, actually worked. What do the "time machine" looking things do, if anything?
Kind of reminds me of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. Uncle Rico wanting to go back to 1982 or whatever, and the stupid thing they bought off of E bay with the big rock crystal.

#236 - Posted 6/30/10 @2:58PM by tamayok [contact]

Everyone is entitled to an opinion... and probably 99% of the people reading/writing these comments are hardcore Rush fans.

We are lucky to have Rush (at least since 1974)... I've been a rabid fan since 1981 and have been able to see them in concert dozens of times now since the Tour of the Nadars.

We have gems in this setlist: The Camera Eye and La Villa Strangiato. We have cool and unexpected (but requested via rushpetition) songs: Presto and Time Stand Still.

Yet, we have that awful dog of a song: Stick It Out. Unfortunately, THEY must like it a lot (considering they even made a video of it back when Counterparts was released). I love for them to replace it with any of these rare jewels: Cut to the Chase, Animate, Freeze, Out of the Cradle, Peaceable Kingdom, Chemistry, Kid Gloves...

Regarding Jacob's Ladder, I think we are in for a future surprise. I am of the opinion Rush will do "Time Tour II" with the complete Permanent Waves instead of Moving Pictures. Stay tuned!

#237 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:10PM by Geddimus Prime

#225 & #227 Again mistaking pointed and direct statements for anger.

#234 gets it. Thankfully.

#238 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:13PM by exit...stage left [contact]

#236 - I was thinking the same thing about them playing all of Permanent Waves...that would be sweet...I just have a feeling that the tour in 2011 will be better yet...this is just a warm up...rock on all you rush muthaf**kers!!!! Let's all enjoy this Summer of Rush!!!!

#239 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:18PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

I would love to see them play all 4 parts of "Fear" in order. They'll have to do that before they hang it up :D

#234 - just curious... did you get my private message about the show in Milwaukee?

#240 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:19PM by yangie69 [contact]

It's funny and ironic how a band we all love so much can elicit such strong (and differing) opinions and feelings.

Truth be told, I so despise the song Presto (along with Tai Shan, Dog Years, Totem and Roll the Bones) that I actually deleted them from my iPod / iTunes.

Yes, I'm ticked there's no Jacob's Ladder... and there are SO MANY other songs I would rather see than Presto, Time Stand Still, etc.

But I completely respect HOW and WHY the guys went about choosing this setlist...and including Camera Eye and Vital Signs, for me, MORE THAN MAKES UP FOR the weakness in the first set.

Clearly Ged, Alex and Neil are proud of Presto / TSS / Stick It Out (or whatever other tune in the set you don't like) and want to share them with us. Obviously they enjoy these songs. Or maybe there's something in the lyrics that Neil particularly wants to get across. Thinking about it that way, I have resolved to make the best of it and enjoy what they have chosen to play for us.

(OK, OK guys - if you HAVE to play something from the Presto album, why not Chain Lightning?...)

#241 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:21PM by dssnhopper [contact]

#237: "I hope your fragile sensibilities are going to be okay with this." Not a pointed and direct statement. More like sarcastic retort borne out of anger/frustration that someone disagrees with you.

I don't think we're seeing things very differently, here. I think where we part in our views, however, is in how we speak our speak.

#242 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:27PM by rushbloom [contact]

Wow there sure is a lot of bitching and complaining,witch suprises me, but for the ones who attended the show could we get some insight into crowd reaction, crowd size and maybe how was the light show was.

#243 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:29PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

#240 - I wonder if Chain Lightning is just too hard on Neil? From what I remember, he did write it about sharing time with his daughter. "the spark still flies, reflected in another pair of eyes" talking about enjoying something even more when you can share the experience (in his case, with his daughter)

I really do enjoy that song. Hell, I even like Tai Shan, but I know I'm in the minority on that. LOL

#244 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:36PM by Diego [contact]

While I like the set list as is, I also like reading other fans' opinions and reasons why they don't like certain songs even if one is on my favorites list. It is just interesting to see how many like or dislike a part of Rush and why so.

Rush are appealing on many levels so there will be many different opinions. What would really be cool would be to hear a recording of Alex, Geddy and Neil discussing the set list and their likes/dislikes and reasoning for selecting each song, both those chosen and the ones considered but left out.

#245 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:50PM by aarong [contact]

#244 That would be so awesome to have them do a song by song interview on the setlist, and get to hear who likes what. I remember seeing them on CBC and one of the two (Alex and Ged) said that one of the band members doesn't like Stick it Out. I think that would be an awesome interview and a real treat for the fans.

Id also love to see a DVD extra with an hour or so of rehearsal / soundcheck footage - showing them working out an arrangement or setting up sounds and such for some songs.

As far as the setlist disagreements - I can see all sides, but my opinion is that Rush can play whatever, whenever - and Im there. Everyone please ask yourself this - Has Rush ever played what you wanted them to play? Will the ever? Isnt their "It's our way or nothing" rebeliousness one of the main reasons you absolutely love and respect them? Guys - if they were going to sell out, it would have happened a LOOOOONG time ago. Sit back and enjoy!!

#246 - Posted 6/30/10 @3:53PM by Hardnecker [contact]

It's alright to not be happy with the setlist etc but to actually think your opinion is fact is pompous. I read words like "undeniably" and have to laugh. Some of you people need to get over yourselves. Good art is always subjective to the viewer or listener. Go out and enjoy the fact that these guys are still at it or sell your tickets and go cry about the fact that Jacobs Ladder isn't in the set. There are songs that I would like to hear too but I'm not the one who has to play them night in and night out. I'm tickled just to go out with my wife and rock to my favorite band, period.

#247 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:13PM by long awaited friend [contact]

The idea of the guys discussing how they pick their set list would be very interesting to hear.
And yes Alex hates "Stick it out"...
Plus Geddy hints on the Doc. that
he gave in to Alex about using less keyboards and was just
a bit dissappointed at the time....so even they can disagree. I bet there is debate between them when choosing, that would be fun to see.

#248 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:15PM by powerwindowsisunderrated [contact]

This band should realize that they have a mad fan base who doesn't need to hear the "hits." We like the B sides. We're not the people to alienate. The highlight of every concert I've been to the last twenty years was when they pulled out one of those: Analog Kid, the entirety of 2112, Natural Science, Entre Nous, Circumstances, Digital Man. What percentage of that crowd went home saying, wow, they played Stick it Out, which is drivel beneath them, or Spirit of Radio/Freewill/Subdivisions, which are great but we've heard plenty of, or Presto, which wasn't that memorable to being with but at least it's new. Was Marathon even close to the best choice off Power Windows? Territories is so deeper. Instead of Temples, which has been done relentlessly, why not some type of Hemispheres/Cygnus X-1 medley. There isn't one pleasant surprise on that setlist. Vital Signs and Camera Eye will be cool, and I'm glad about La Villa Strangiato, but that was billed and anyone who is honest has to say that setlist disappoints. Yeah, it's Rush, yeah we're glad they're working, but gear the setlist to the 90 percent of the crowd who has seen the band 10 to 15 times.

#249 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:23PM by long awaited friend [contact]

RE: #248 Does everyone agree that 90% of the crowd has seen 10-15 shows and wants to hear the "B" sides?? I'm just curious what everyone thinks? I am NOT in that 90% I guess. What about everyone else?

#250 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:29PM by aarong [contact]

#248 - I respect that you want to hear those things, and I would love to as well. However, they play for themselves, not the fans. There are two songs they play for fans - Tom Sawyer, and Spirit of Radio. And Neil even says he wants to play Tom Sawyer becasue it is a challenge for him. They play the same 5-7 tunes at every tour, because that is what they want to play. Period. They honstly dont care if you like it - it's not about you, me, or any of us. It's about them and what they love. "Yes it was for me not you that I came to write this song."

#251 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:37PM by Mark In CTown [contact]

After watching the snippets of video from last nights concert, I can't wait for this show. I love Presto, Stick It Out, Faithless and look forward to seeing them play live since I've only ever seen SIO played live 15 years ago. Would it have been nice to have Jacobs Ladder? Yes. But they are touring for Clockwork Angels next year. Maybe it made more sense for them to bring that out at that point instead of for this tour. I think this set list has a nice flow to it and will be a lot of fun to watch and listen to.

#252 - Posted 6/30/10 @4:46PM by Diego [contact]

There is no single song that Rush has to play for me to walk away satisfied. That is just one fan's opinion. I'm not sure what the breakdown is in percentages but I think a lot of people would be disappointed if they payed the big ticket prices and did not hear at least 4 of the 5 recent award winners (TS, Spirit, Limelight, Closer..Heart, Subdivisions). I think the 'Moving Pictures in it's entirety' advert drew a lot of people in and that might be why some left (according to a recent comment) the ABQ show after Vital Signs.

#253 - Posted 6/30/10 @5:03PM by yangie69 [contact]

#243 Lost in Xanadu:

You're right - I had also read somewhere that Chain Lightning is special to Neil for the reason you state. It would obviously be too difficult for him to play.

I just find Chain Lightning (and The Pass) is the best song on an otherwise weak album, by Rush standards. Even Geddy has said Presto has "some interesting songs" on it (he was being sarcastic, I think), but the production came out so thin.

On a positive note, the song Presto will probably sound better live than it did on the record. Gonna go check the YouTube clip from last night's show and see...

#254 - Posted 6/30/10 @5:04PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

I guess I am in that 90% :D This will be my 12th show (first one being RTB) and I would have liked a little more variety.... Analog Kid instead of Subdivisions, TSS I do like - so not too disappointed there. Would love to see Territories, just like the message that one has. How about Xanadu? I really can't complain though, like many have said, it's Rush live, enjoy it while it lasts.

#255 - Posted 6/30/10 @5:28PM by cpb [contact]

Just thought of something: as to the inclusion of Presto, if I had a 12-string PRS hollow-bodied electric, I'd be looking for ANY excuse to play it, too! So...

For those who were there, is that in fact what Lerxst uses for that song?

#256 - Posted 6/30/10 @5:35PM by cpb [contact]

NEVER MIND! Just saw a clip of the song from the show - obviously, he's on a Les Paul. Didn't want to hear the rest ahead of time, but it does make me wonder. Please ignore my above hypothetical.

#257 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:07PM by sunskyfan [contact]

#255 .... No ... he didn't.

Look ... one more post on the set list. I was there it was a great show. Faithless was fantastic and part of a trilogy of similarly themed songs with BU2b and Freewill. Presto actually fits with those three songs in its subject matter as a nod that mysticism won't fix our problems through "if I could wave my magic wand". Spirit of the Radio, Subdivisions 2112 are a nod to the hits. Far Cry and Angels a nod to new fans from S&A (not to mention really good tunes). Time Stand Still is an obvious choice from the theme of the tour. MP was fantastic. La Villa was fantastic. Working Man was fun and their break through hit at the beginning of Rush time. The Lifeson solo intro to Closer is new and Closer has an appropriateness considering the collapse of the world economy and the new world we must build.

So that leaves a debate about Stick It Out and Marathon. Sure, I could have swapped something in for either or both that I like but again look at the theme ... stick it out and marathon are stay with it no matter how tough things might be songs ... I think they thought through the set list pretty well and it wasn't random.

I have been going to Rush concerts for 28 years. Missed only one tour. This was one of the best shows I have seen. Yum.

#258 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:10PM by dadof4 [contact]

I love spoilers... it's like traveling in a time machine or something!

#259 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:13PM by dirk21121 [contact]

I always liked the reggae intro to Working Man. Glad they brought it back.

#260 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:18PM by kevin [contact]

Its funny those of us critical of the first set seem to be
the ones praising the new songs and vice versa at least a lot of the members were on opposite sides. LOL

No matter, The first set is a bit weak and the second set rocks. Anybody who calls Stick it Out and Presto among the long forgotten missed songs that would get fans exciting are just flat delusional.

The band, as usual did what they wanted instead of what most of us wanted.

Jacobs Ladder
Afterimage
Losing It

as well as others. I have never seen Stick it Out ever discussed with any conviction on this BLOG.

#261 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:21PM by skl183

White Gibson for the encore. "Nice"

#262 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:38PM by dirk21121 [contact]

"The band, as usual did what they wanted instead of what most of us wanted.

Jacobs Ladder
Afterimage
Losing It"

I hear ya on JL and Losing It, but Aftermage? I'd take Presto over that.

#263 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:47PM by Geddimus Prime

#241
"More like sarcastic retort borne out of anger/frustration"

Sarcasm here was obviously used to drive home the very direct and pointed statements made in the previous sentences. Nice try.

I didn't make any posts about how hard it is for me to keep reading through all the negative posts. When I read a negative post about the band that I don't agree with I don't tell the person to stop because I don't like reading negative posts and "I simply can't take it anymore." Or that negative posts are taking up too much and "we get it already." I either ignore it most of the time or I speak to the musical point. It is not up to me or you to tell people to watch their tone or how they characterize the tunes and the set list. That is ultimately Ed's job and if it goes beyond the pale, he takes it down. It's the self appointed thin skinned decorum monitors who need to learn to deal with fans who criticize in whatever way they see fit some of the choices the band is making. Criticism is part of the deal on these sites. I don't quarrel with and am certainly not "angry or frustrated" by the fact that you disagree, nor am I going to attempt to dictate how you say what you say. This type of thinking is symptomatic of the death of free speech we are witnessing today. I don't care if you don't like my "venom" or whatever else you want to call it. This set list is weak ass. Period.

#264 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:49PM by long awaited friend [contact]

Great insight from #257....on the reasoning for the set list..very thought out...thanx for that.
Also;28 years of concerts and this was one of the best they were at.....now I'm even more excited!!

#265 - Posted 6/30/10 @6:58PM by Distant Echoes [contact]

Stick it Out and Presto were long forgotten songs that were extremely exciting to hear and see last night!! That was my reality!

I can't quite put into words how fantastic opening night was here in ABQ...I need more time to formulate exactly how to describe the utter brilliance of The Time Machine!

I do find it interesting that people who haven't seen the show and the set list are already judging what they have not experienced! I was there and I can say that all songs were met with enthusiasm, the set never lost momentum as some try to claim would happen, the first set was powerful and emotional, the 2 new songs were show stealers, Rush delivered period!

I spoke with many fans who were completely blown away... interesting that many were young and can't claim like many here to have seen Rush tons of times...can it be true that these fans can better appreciate seeing and hearing songs that some "long-timers" can no longer appreciate!

At any rate I was 100% satisfied and will report back later after I come down some from the RUSH i experienced last night!

Endlessly Rocking!!

#266 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:14PM by Xerxces Syrinx [contact]

I could be mistaken because its been many years since seeing them live on the Presto tour but I could swear I remember them playing Presto on that tour. They had giant hats with giant inflatable rabbits that popped out of them during the song.

#267 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:25PM by dirk21121 [contact]

I just listened to the Closer To the Heart. The intro is sweet and I like how they changed up the middle of it considerably.

#268 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:32PM by soozm32 [contact]

I have to agree with everything #265 Distant Echoes said.
Yes, powerful and emotional during the first set-very well said!
I have used the same words to try to describe the experience last night "blown away", "best I've seen", "words cannot express..."
As a long time Rush fan(28 years), I am still trying to sort through my emotions from the concert last night.
And to think Red Rocks is coming up in a month in a half!

Oh yeah, can't forget, "Brilliant!"
(wipes away tears)

#269 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:37PM by kevin [contact]

Lets face it, a Rush tour is like a cheese pizza and their songs are the ingredients. We all like different ingredients but ultimately we all love pizza. For me;

Jacobs Ladder and Losing it = Pepperoni & Mushrooms

Presto and Stick it out = Anchovies & pineapple's

Just a matter of taste...

#270 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:45PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

Geddimus- Thank you for your opinion on the "weak ass" set list, you can post it a hundred more times if you like. I disagree so I am going to tell you that I think you are wrong. Is that okay or do we have to take it as fact that the set list sucks because you say it does?

#271 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:51PM by random_sample [contact]

From all the video clips Ive been seeing, Rush are lookin great and the stage set up looks pretty damn cool! That intro video is hilarious! They amaze me! Almost 60 years old..and still making new music, touring,etc. Still vital!!!
Personally, I think Neil's drum solos were better in years past, but he chooses what he wants to do for his own reasons. Im thinking of the pre- Vapor Trails tours. My favourite was on the Roll the bones tour or Counterparts tour. One of those is the solo he used on his Anatomy of a drum solo DVD. I was at that show in Auburn hills and saw that solo.
He's venturing into some other areas, some if it I like, some not so much. But hey, he can whatever the hell he wants!

#272 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:55PM by random_sample [contact]

#270- Im gonna agree with you on that. I don't see anything wrong with the set list. This is a matter of opinion ,obviously. I think the issue is....the way some people say it "the set list sucks", etc etc. And that they seem pissed about it!
I just said in my last post, how I feel about Neil's new drum solos, compared to older ones. But , I didnt say it like it pisses me off or..."his new drum solos suck ass!" or anything like that.

#273 - Posted 6/30/10 @7:55PM by cachechs [contact]

I caught "Presto" on youtube and it sounded great, so I am a little more jazzed about the first set .
I'd make three changes to the setlist.........

Pull "Working them Angels' and slide "Subdivisions" in there.
Throw "Jacobs Ladder" in as last song of first set.
use "Xanadu" instead of "Working Man" in encore.

Just my two cents.

#274 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:07PM by patrush

#273 - Working man is one of their best songs! I beg to disagree. Don't take it out (unless you feel you've overheard it). My personal picks would have been chemistry, turn the page, grand designs. Take out Stick it out, Presto, Closer to the heart, Spirit of radio. We've overheard the last two. Also I don't like Faithless, I don't think it's a good song at all. I would have preferred Vapor Trails instead. Vapor Trails is an amazing tune. Love the guitar lines in it.

Rush definitely looks great even on those crappy youtube clips. That's a definite plus. Rarely seen them in good shape like this on an opening night.

#275 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:10PM by patrush

It seems that the discourse has improved greatly the last few dozen posts. I like to see disagreements (as long as it's kept civilized) rather than poodles who always uniformly agree to the same thing all the time.

The new intros to songs are really great. I love the reggae working man. Only Rush can do that properly.

Also interesting new acoustic guitar solo.

I am one who loves the new songs. The new album is going to kick major ass.

#276 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:33PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

Patrush- I am not one of the "poodles" as you so eloquently stated ! You don't know me, I don't uniformally love everything Rush does, the entire period from GUP through RTB was a big "wtf" period of Rush for me ! I have stated this opinion before, even after I discovered how many fans actually love that period, but I don't repeatedly hammer it home that I don't like that period as much as other periods. I appreciate realistic and constructive criticism. They are never going to take out Spirit of Radio,Freewill, Tom Sawyer, or Limelight, nor should they be expected to. These are some of their most popular songs and they are trying to please a broad audience. I actually expected them to play Subdivisions and Closer to the Heart because of their recent induction to the Hall of Fame ! Sure I am disappointed that they aren't playing a couple of my favorite songs but some of the venom that is being spewed from some of the people is somewhat ridiculous !

I agree on Working Man, that is always a great song to end with ! I also love the new songs anfd can't wait to hear them live !!

#277 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:33PM by The_king_will_Neil [contact]

Since I haven't seen the answer put together here yet, I'll add my 2 c. Love For Sale is the name of the big band song Neil ends his solo with. It doesn't seem right that Neil would name his solo that, but I guess so - at least as a working title. If he follows his recent tradition, the "real" name would depend on where they record for the CD/DVD.

Maybe Alex named his solo that too - leading into Closer To The Heart (get the connection)?

#278 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:39PM by Neurotica [contact]

#245 - after watching the documnetary I totally agree with you they are going to do what they are going to do - and they at the end of the day will not be pressured into anything else otherwise.

I am just so happy they are touring again - they could play the worst songs on the first set and I would show up just to see The Camera Eye played live just one more time!

#279 - Posted 6/30/10 @8:58PM by 1BadblueSS [contact]

Whats the deal with Geddy's stage props spittin out sausages into bowl with a MIC attached to it?

#280 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:36PM by AlexGedNeil [contact]

OK, I was completely wrong about the setlist. I was so mad, so upset about not being able to see Jacobs Ladder and or Chemistry that it clouded my judgement. Rush has changed stylistically so much over the years, and like myself, other fans have more favorite periods then others. Going back and listening to Presto and Marathon brought back some pretty vivid memories of my childhood, positive memories, that my whole negativity towards these songs has now vanished.

I'm very much looking forward to seeing Rush now and actually look forward to hearing both of those songs as well.

#281 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:38PM by random_sample [contact]

#279-
haha!!! for some reason..your post struck me as hilarious.
not sure what "the deal is" with that,but they have a bizarre sense of humour and so do I.

#280-
Thumbs up!

#282 - Posted 6/30/10 @9:39PM by patrush

Wow, the two new songs sounds really great live! Especially Caravan. Rush really gave Caravan the royal treatment. I love the solo section. Geddy is unchained on the bass. And then Alex wings some really cool improvised lines.

#283 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:03PM by losingit2112 [contact]

Can anyone tell me if the pyro was there? [Witch Hunt, Far Cry] and if La Villa had the Alex rant? Thanks...

#284 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:06PM by HitThemSkins [contact]

Posting the setlist on Rush.com...hmmmm...will there be more than 2 versions of said list this tour? Hopefully.

#285 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:08PM by soozm32 [contact]

#283-
Pyro-yes!
Alex rant- sadly, no.

#286 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:10PM by Freewill [contact]

How long was intermission? Did anyone miss the lasers? How was the crowd size, energy, behavior, etc. ?

#287 - Posted 6/30/10 @10:56PM by patrush

#276 - understood.

#288 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:11PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

I totally agree on how great Caravan sounds ! Can't wait to see how BU2B turned out !

#289 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:21PM by Distant Echoes [contact]

#286
Intermission about 20 minutes

Lasers are always cool but I think they gave them a rest and or in the spirit of the Counterpart tour, no lasers

Crowd size was decent, hard to guess#'s...energy was great where I was and by most accounts of people I knew in various sections of the pavilion...great responses for virtually every song...overall behavior was fine

p.s. on the tour pics on Rush.com for last nights show, my daughter, Mermaid of the Lunar sea is seen...she's the one in the Rush headband...I was right by her but who wants to see a dad!!

Endlessly Rocking!

#290 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:25PM by mrdriven [contact]

#246 - BINGO!

some of these self-important people who try to express their opinion as fact need to realize that opinions are like @$$holes....everyone has one

and as for weak ass...i think that is what some of your opinions are...period. don't like the setlist, don't go to the show...or put the songs on your IPOD and listen b4 and after the show...

bring on DOG YEARS, TAISHAN and RIVENDELL!!! lolz!

has anyone who has complained frequented the Rushpetition.com website over the last few months and voted for their most desired songs?!?

#291 - Posted 6/30/10 @11:47PM by ythesun [contact]

#284, likely. In past tours they've swapped songs here and there. I was on of the few lucky ones to hear Vital Signs and Between Sun and Moon BACK-TO-BACK at Denver in 2002 (2003? can't remember. The flaming ball tour). In reviewing that tours setlist, I understood that they only played Between Sun and Moon a few times. SO glad I caught it.

I'd also like to ask: why have they never played Peaceable Kingdom from VT? Or have they? One of the hardest rocking and best Rush songs ever IMHO.

#292 - Posted 7/1/10 @12:47AM by losingit2112 [contact]

Another question concerning the show, without lasers was the light show still great?
and was the pyro only Far Cry and Witch Hunt?
Thanks guys. Only 24 days until Dirk, Lerxst and Pratt show up in Long Island!

#293 - Posted 7/1/10 @12:52AM by powpig [contact]

Been a member a few years, always a lurker, first post here.

We flew out from NorCal for the show last night. I made sure to avoid the site the past couple weeks to avoid the spoilers so it was all fresh & unexpected to me. My 22nd time seeing Rush!

My first impression with the setlist is disappointment that the band & fans seem so impressed with songs that do nothing for me. Time Stand Still & Presto are throwaway tunes to my ears, yet I know most diehard fans here are thrilled that they've resurfaced here. There's a reason the title track Presto has never been played live before, it's the worst tune on an otherwise great album, IMO. The band probably thought they were doing the fans a favor by pulling these songs out, and to many they were, just not me.

And as others have said, for a tour named Time Machine, I expected more rarities that never came. I would've loved to hear The Analog Kid, was hoping for some Grand Finale after Temples and expected Xanadu as well as a some more 70s material that never came.

Still a good show and glad I went, but if the rarities weren't pulled out for The Time Machine, well, they're never coming back. And that's what disappoints me most. We'll get fewer rarities on the Clockwork tour next year.

#294 - Posted 7/1/10 @12:53AM by tamayok [contact]

More and more I am also thinking about the SetList made public in Rush.com, and that being highly unusual, not only for Rush but for every band out there. Why would they want to show it? I think there is only ONE reason that makes sense - at least, business-wise and that is:

They will be making changes to that setlist throughout the tour... more changes perhaps than on any previous tour setlist.

That would also fit with the idea that this setlist is a bit shorter than usual (the reasoning being, if they play EVERYTHING that they have ready for the Tour in one shot, there's nothing left for substitutes). We WILL see Animate show up in this tour's setlist and perhaps Jacob's Ladder as well. Time will tell. Too bad I only have tickets for 2 shows! (They are, after all, quite far from hometown San Juan, PR!)

#295 - Posted 7/1/10 @1:30AM by Modern-Day Warrior [contact]

Haunted this site long enough. Figured I should register after what I and many others experienced last night! Incredible! I may have been expecting a more serious tour judging from the mood of the new songs and from the promotional visuals, but I was most definitely NOT disappointed. And what a crowd! Saw a few familiar faces and met some great people before, during, and after the performance.

My friend and I painted up my van with Rush lyrics before we headed out to the Pavilion. I heard later that it garnered a bit of attention in the lot while I was off waiting in line. Hah, fun stuff.

And the performance. Well... I'm still riding off my adrenaline surge! The first half really rolled with energy, it was a great gear-up leading into Moving Pictures in the second half ("Ladies! Stop moving pitchers!" Haha). Personally I think it flowed very well. Marathon and Subdivisions created that perfect tension/anticipation just before the intermission. Not only was the musical execution amazing throughout the show, the screened animations and videos were truly wonderful, along with the lighting. The visual aspect was just beautiful. 2112 and Far Cry really wrapped it all up magnificently, along with La Villa Strangiato and the undying Working Man for the encore.

I know there's a lot of... stuff... over the set list. Sure, there are songs I would've liked to hear too, I understand that totally. Personally I would've loved to hear 2112 in its entirety, or at least with the Grand Finale; that's really my one true qualm. Regardless, I had a great time, a phenomenal time. I'll say it again, it may not have been what I was expecting but I was not disappointed, and I don't think those of you waiting will be disappointed either.

#296 - Posted 7/1/10 @2:10AM by RushFanForever [contact]

I have a good idea why the sausages are there:

I looked up the phrase 'sausagefest' in the dictionary and it says the following:

'When the number of males in an environment overwhelmingly exceeds the amount of females present.'

or

'Any gathering that is made up of an unusually large percentage of guys.'

link

Although there are more female fans at Rush concerts now, there will always be a higher number of male fans. I highly doubt it will become 50/50, although I could be wrong.

#297 - Posted 7/1/10 @7:19AM by rush1977 [contact]

#260 Why don't you become rush's manager so this way you can tell them what they should play and what they shouldn't play. You call fans who like stick it out delusional take a look in the mirror friend!!!!

#298 - Posted 7/1/10 @9:00AM by exit...stage left [contact]

Interesting point about the setlist being posted on rush.com. We'll find out tonight if they mix it up a bit. For those going to KC enjoy the show!!!

#299 - Posted 7/1/10 @9:10AM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

#294 - Don't count on it. Watch/listen to the interview posted above with Jeff Woods. He specifically asks them at one point if any songs would change throughout the tour and Geddy or Alex (sorry, can't remember which one at the moment) said that the set will more than likely stay the same since it's such a short tour (40 dates or so).

#300 - Posted 7/1/10 @9:21AM by dssnhopper [contact]

#299: Forgive my ignorance, but I wonder if there will be a second leg. When the rest of the songs are put out, I wonder if they will do a second leg, with changes to the set. They might be "listening" to some of the complaints, and might make a change. Who knows?

#301 - Posted 7/1/10 @9:40AM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

Certainly the 2011 leg in support of 'Clockwork Angels' the set will change drastically but with many more new songs.

#302 - Posted 7/1/10 @11:16AM by long awaited friend [contact]

#300: I think RUSH "listening" to what others think they should do pretty much flys in the face of what they are all about.....

#303 - Posted 7/1/10 @11:36AM by dssnhopper [contact]

#302: Me thinks - only if you're referring to critics. As I've read things, Rush do what they do for their fans. That being said, I would think that they are somewhat in tune with their fan base and might take that into account. I DON'T KNOW THIS - I'm only speculating, however.

Good point, on your part, though.

#304 - Posted 7/1/10 @1:41PM by long awaited friend [contact]

Yep...you are correct...EVERYTHING any us say on here is speculation for the most part...I guess thats part of which makes the forum fun. It just seems to me, based on
what we know about them, that I would doubt they read what
is on this or any other forum.....if I were in their position(I wish), I would not read it...maybe I'm wrong tho.

#305 - Posted 7/1/10 @2:04PM by joerock213 [contact]

The real problem with the setlist is the new songs. Basically they sound like Far Cry. Can't they push the envelope on something besides jagged, heavily distorted riffs?

#306 - Posted 7/1/10 @2:18PM by oldfan1

There are so many fans of this band that all have completely separate likes and dislikes, so I understand the controversy around the set list, and you can bet the band does too. They threw in MP to appease the older fans, the same way they did a complete 2112 for the T4E tour, did the oldies melody in the R30 tour, etc. They always throw a bone to the older fans because that's how they can still play in big arenas.

But this notion of Rush playing solely for themselves is ridiculous and if it's true, it's even more ridiculous. I understand that on a selfish level, they want to be truly excited about what they play, but let's not elevate these guys to kingly status just yet. They are PAID PERFORMERS. Not only that, they're paid by US. If they don't want to please their fans, or if they've gotten to the point where they don't think that's a priority, they can stop charging for shows and just turn up in coffee houses. I think of Rush, and any band for that matter, as a business, and their job is to entertain - that's their "customer service." The self-indulgent artist thing gets on my nerves to no end and I won't play ball with it - that's why I can't stand people like Bob Dylan - artists that act like they're doing us a favor by allowing us to pay them a bunch of money so they'll play songs for us.

Sorry for the rant - I love Rush and have for a long time. I don't think they owe me anything personally, but I get sick of "fans" who act like an artist is better than his or her fans.

#307 - Posted 7/1/10 @3:06PM by Lost in Xanadu [contact]

I apologize if I missed the link, but does anyone have any images of what the official tour shirts look like?

#308 - Posted 7/1/10 @3:36PM by long awaited friend [contact]

#306: When I made my comments about them not reading the forums or "listening" to fans I did not mean to imply they don't care about what the fans want....I just think they are smart enough to know that their most known songs will be well recieved by the majority of those at their show and they know from crowd reactions ect. to know what will be best recieved. There is not much they could do to screw it up because they have so much good material to use.At least 50% will like a particular choice.
I really don't believe they use blogs and even the petition to make decisions....mainly because I'm convinced
that those who use the forums ect. represent 10% at most of the entire fan base. If they did base choices on that... "Stick It Out" would be scrapped and "Jacobs Ladder" would be the encore.

#309 - Posted 7/1/10 @5:15PM by skl183

so no setlists change, eh? makes sense since this like an R30 type tour. Until of course next year when new songs come in and the probably swap in old standards to "change things up" ala S&A 2008 leg.

#310 - Posted 7/1/10 @7:00PM by Synthetic Band [contact]

Heyyy so I went thru pretty much all these comments, time for MY opinion!! hahaHA!

So, I remembered today that the setlist would be out so I can peek at it before Monday. Am I disappointed? Maybe a little. Am I regretting my tickets? Hell no!

I really want to talk about MP tho! First of all, I'm excited to see it. When I heard they're playing that, it basically meant to me 'I get to see Camera Eye LIVE!!!!'. I've also never seen Vital Signs, which I've grown to love in the last year or so. But I've seen some comments on here saying it's a sell-out, and some saying it's appealing to the older crowds. Well, I've always viewed MP as their "mainstream" work. I'm 24, somewhat of a rare age for a Rush fan, and most people my age (or any I guess) when I mention Rush, all they know is either MP or Tom Sawyer. So yes, they're appealing to fans that aren't diehards. But, they're also playing TCE, a rarity that EVERYONE will enjoy. (man I love their epics!) Plus, they're playing an entire album live, in order! I think that's awesome. I don't care what you think of the album or it's popularity, that's cool when any band does it, and it's RUSH! I used to roll my eyes at Tom Sawyer's popularity and never looked forward to it live...but holy hell, seeing it live made me LOVE that song.

Yeah, I'd rather hear some more deep cuts from FTK or something, but this setlist is a huge swing from S&A's setlist in the right direction. Don't get me wrong, I loved the S&A tour (saw 3x - 1 front row Geddy), but I'm all about the 70's era and hearing almost every single song from S&A (and on the 2nd leg...) only made me think what could've been. We all want to hear our favorites, but the guys gotta play songs I like, you like, that guy likes, and most importantly - the guys themselves like. It's hard to put on a good, energetic show when you're not excited about what you're playing. They have their reasons for their setlist: they might like the song a lot, a hit for the crowd, could be a slower song so they can regain some stamina, might mean something deeper than what we see, etc etc. I really don't care, because I'm still going to be blown away no matter what they throw at me.

All you guys bad mouthing Stick It Out - go see the show and know that was the best rendition of it you've ever heard.

One more thing - even that I like their old stuff better, BU2B is pretty good...but Caravan fkin ROCKS SO HARD!!! Really looking forward to that one...gonna be so much air drumming going on over here. See you guys in Chicago! I'll be the guy in the limo!

#311 - Posted 7/1/10 @9:36PM by random_sample [contact]

#306-
Youre one of those "Rush owes me" fans, hey??
I disagree with your whole take on how this all works. Try this on for size.
Rush isn't completely inconsiderate of the "fans" and they do appreciate their "fans", but....the difference from what you said and reality, is that Rush make their own choices, about song set lists, etc. While they probably do consider fans and songs that have been requested, the way it works is the opposite of what you said. If a "fan" no longer likes what Rush does, well then take a hike, buddy. It's a supply and demand thing. You talk as if you hired someone to paint your house and they are "workin" for you or something, the way you talk about Rush being "paid by us" . That's ridiculous and it gets under my skin like I can't even describe!
They are artists. Yes, they do make a living from their art. Im aware of all that. But, fans don't own them.
If you don't like what they do or a setlist or whatever else, then YOU make your choice whether you still want to spend any money on their music, concerts, etc.

#312 - Posted 7/1/10 @10:36PM by bravest_face [contact]

Thank's for the "Boy's in Brazil" link, post #128, it's been so long since I've seen it.

#313 - Posted 7/2/10 @2:59AM by freewilly [contact]

#311 Excellent, I agree!

#314 - Posted 7/2/10 @9:24AM by random_sample [contact]

#313
Thanks Freewilly.
It's not that I have a "Rush can do no wrong" attitude. There's things I don't agree with over the years or songs, albums, etc . and decisions they make that I am not crazy about ,but it's the attitude some fans seem to have. This sense of entitlement because they have spent so much money on Rush over the years, etc. As if Rush "owes" them or they are Rush's "employer" . Give me a break! No one held a gun to any of our heads, to go buy Rush albums, concert tickets, magazines, videos, etc etc. These people bitching about the setlist really gets under my skin. The nerve!! Rush could have been done years ago. As far as Im concerned, we should appreciate Rush more than ever ,now. And the thing I find ironic, is that one of the very things that alot of Rush fans (maybe not some) find appealing about Rush, is that they have done things on their own terms and NOT made choices based on "fans" and what would sell the most albums ,etc. (Nickelback comes to mind, as a band that writes music ,etc based on trying to look cool and sound cool and sell as many albums as possible and to me, it's cheesy,fake and the opposite of cool). So, as far as the set list thing goes....it's Rush's choice and they aren't gonna please every Rush fan!

#315 - Posted 7/13/10 @5:15PM by oldfan1

#311 and #314 - I guess you missed the part where I said Rush DOESN'T owe me...I've seen that 1000 times on this thread and it doesn't apply here. I should clarify again though, as I did in my post - they don't owe me personally. But you're wrong - they do work for the fans, as long as they charge money to see them play, we pay them and therefore they play. Actually they work for a record company, and the record company works for us!

And the "nerve" I have to bitch is my right as a consumer. It's called constructive criticism and artists need it - businesses need it as well - to get better.

Oh and before you tell me again that Rush does exactly what they want, plays what they want, blah blah blah, I will say this: Rush has always said that - what else are they going to say? "Power Windows started out as a return to rock and roll, but our producer thought a more hollow, commercial sounding keyboard driven thing that sounds like a cliche'd 80's product rather than something we'll be proud of in 20 years was the way to go. My pocketbook agrees." What would you have said to that? And I'm sure Geddy and Alex really thought the Miami Vice look was the way to dress too - I'm sure an image consultant for the record company had NOTHING to do with it...!

But for the record (and I can't believe I even have to say this) - I love Rush and always will, I just can't tolerate every decision they make and feel it's my right to complain about it. I don't say they have to give me my money back - but that's not the same thing.

#316 - Posted 7/14/10 @10:07PM by D-Slam

A lot of whining here. I think some of you should sell your tickets to people who actually like this band.

Personally, there are a few songs I'd drop from this list, but I didn't WANT a B-sides tour. I LIKE Subdivisions. I LIKE SoR. I WANTED to hear 2112 and La Villa. Yes, again. I didn't want those songs replaced with Fountain of Lamneth, Jacob's Ladder, and the Necromancer. The reality is that 90% of the people in the audience didn't want a B-sides tour either.

#317 - Posted 7/14/10 @10:14PM by D-Slam

oldfan1 is so ridiculous that my eyes are hurting just reading him.

"They are PAID PERFORMERS. Not only that, they're paid by US. If they don't want to please their fans, or if they've gotten to the point where they don't think that's a priority, they can stop charging for shows and just turn up in coffee houses."

LOL, I just came from a show with 17k paying customers who seemed pretty happy with the setlist just the way it was. That's some coffee house. oldfan should sell his tickets to somebody who likes the band.

#318 - Posted 9/2/10 @12:52AM by .Vicki.Lifeson.3 [contact]

I kinda sorta deeply love the fact that with every year, they gain so much more popularity. The totally deserve it.(:

RUSH IS A BAND

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