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Saturday, July 17, 2010

Rush Time Machine Tour: Toronto show #2 open thread
Posted at 9:43AM | comments (90)

UPDATE - 7/22@1:47PM: Here are some great pro-shot photos from Gene Schilling.

UPDATE - 7/21@9:39PM: Here's a huge gallery of photos courtesy jjckfc.

UPDATE - 7/21@7:36AM: Here's a review from the National Post and a gallery of photos from SoundSpike (thanks Sean).

UPDATE - 7/19@9:09AM: Official photos have been posted over at Rush.com in the Multimedia: Rush on the Road section.

Rush closes out their short Canadian leg of the Time Machine Tour tonight back in their hometown of Toronto, playing the Air Canada Centre. For everyone going tonight have fun, be safe, and make sure to share your photos/videos/reports.

Date/Time: Saturday, July 17th @ 8:00PM
Show Number: 9
Venue: Air Canada Centre
Place: Toronto, ON

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

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COMMENTS
#1 - Posted 7/17/10 @9:49AM by exit...stage left [contact]

have fun and enjoy
#2 - Posted 7/17/10 @9:52AM by KenNJ [contact]

indoors...the only way to see rush
#3 - Posted 7/17/10 @10:23AM by DistantEW [contact]

Will be there, third row. I will definitely get some pics!
#4 - Posted 7/17/10 @10:29AM by rushrulez [contact]

enjoy, and I agree with #2 whole heartedly.
#5 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:09AM by DanL [contact]

Will be there sec. 101 row 5 ! Cheers!!!
#6 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:46AM by captainkenster2112 [contact]

Keep the Time Machine Train Rollin'.....

6....................


RUSH
U
S
H












PRAETORIAN
#7 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:50AM by limelighter [contact]

meet and greet wednesday and tonight again. life is good, especially playing hometown, best shows ever. period. the end.
#8 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:51AM by thomas [contact]

Saturday, July 15th? UH!! I missed it!!


ED??
#9 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:54AM by simon2112 [contact]

this will be my third show tonight! i am sad for this is my last one of the tour! but what a rush! (pardon the pun)
#10 - Posted 7/17/10 @1:29PM by Sirius [contact]

HELLO TORONTOOOO!!!!!


Btw Look what I Just found on youtube..a 12 year old girl singing Fly By Night!!!...thats what I Call a rare gem!!


link

have a good show toronto folks!

The Dog *
#11 - Posted 7/17/10 @1:33PM by Sirius [contact]

correction:the girl is 13 years old right now but 12 in the video
#12 - Posted 7/17/10 @1:34PM by Dino [contact]

Still have two tix for private seating (personal lounge and hostess, washroom etc). Not looking to scalp, face value is fine. I will be seated next to you. Will carry to show. Anyone interested, contact me. Like to share this Rush fans! Lower bowl, Platinum seating. GREAT seats.
#13 - Posted 7/17/10 @3:41PM by kevin [contact]

#2 Saw them in Raleigh NC summer of 07', heat index was about 105 degrees. My t-shirt was basically a wet rag in 30 minutes.
It did cool off but I remember thinking how nice would a air conditioned venue feel right now...
#14 - Posted 7/17/10 @3:53PM by Alexfan [contact]

#12 - curious to know - how much?
#15 - Posted 7/17/10 @4:16PM by sixthofeleven

Second row in front of Lerxst tonight. Great to be in the homeland of our men from RUSH!!!
#16 - Posted 7/17/10 @4:48PM by joerock213 [contact]

#5-- i had the t4e avatar before you. please change
#17 - Posted 7/17/10 @5:33PM by Alexfan [contact]

I didn't realize that avatars were subject to copyright. :-)
#18 - Posted 7/17/10 @8:46PM by lapirata2 [contact]

#16 -- Shirley, you can't be serious...
#19 - Posted 7/17/10 @9:37PM by kevin [contact]

#16 Does it really matter? Its a freakin picture..
#20 - Posted 7/17/10 @9:43PM by soozm32 [contact]

#18-
He just may be serious. And if I were you, I wouldn't call him Shirley, or he may get mad at you, too!
#21 - Posted 7/17/10 @10:16PM by Bulldog81 [contact]

TWENTY ONE!!! twelve..LOL

Good luck tonight to Geddy, Alex, and Neil.
Good Day!
#22 - Posted 7/17/10 @10:36PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

Anxiously waiting for reviews, photos, videos, and numbers!
19 day until SLC Utah!
#23 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:19PM by joerock213 [contact]

Why would you have the same pic as someone else? I'm representing t4e, the first tour I went to. The album is overlooked and underappreciated.
#24 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:49PM by slappindabassmon [contact]

Hello all - Just saw Rush for the 16th time, this time at the ACC in Toronto. I was in Ottawa for Bluesfest last Sunday (show 14), and at the Amphitheatre on Tuesday (show 15). I've been a fan for almost 30 years.

Just trying to establish some cred before I say that I've never seen them struggle so much with the sound and technical issues. At Bluesfest, Alex was having trouble with something (maybe hearing himself?) during a few of the first numbers and then his guitar sound was disappearing on Workin Them Angels. He was clearly a very pissed man, shouting off stage at his techies and waving and gesturing for help. Finally a tech guy ran on stage right behind him and fixed something. I have to say that as a fan, it was unsettling to watch, because you're worried the whole song will grind to a halt, and you worry about how Lerxst is feeling about it - it must seriously suck to be in that pressure situation.

Tuesday at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre everything was fine technically, as far as I could tell. Tonight was a different story...I've never seen anything like it at a Rush show. Only about half of the opening cymbals on the legendary opening to YYZ were audible, and then the opening chords to Limelight - one of the biggest highlights of any Rush show - couldn't be heard. More waving from Alex. It looked like he might even wave the song right off and then start over. But thank god things straightened out and the boys continued like the consummate pros that they are.

Also, I grew up proud in the knowledge that Rush had some of the best live sound in the world, period. But in recent tours things have been alternately muddy, crystal clear and then distorted bigtime. Tonight was more of the same. Frankly it was just too loud to be clear. Plenty of fellow fans were commenting on the volume, not just me.

I ask other commenters here: what is going on??? Has the band just hired some new support or something?
#25 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:50PM by D-Slam

Back from the show! (I don't live far away). My second Toronto show this week... it was definitely worth a second viewing. The light show was much more impressive this way.

There were some glaring technical problems during YYZ and Limelight, unfortunately. First, Neil's MidiKAT was only half-working during the YYZ intro (yikes!), then this HORRIBLE squealing noise started during the last half of the song. Al's guitar or amp was the cause? So, YYZ ends and he gets his Limelight guitar..... and it doesn't work either! (kept cutting out during the opening riff). Alex shot a VERY pissed off look stage right at his guitar tech. I felt like it took a couple of songs after that for the crowd to get the happy vibe back.

Other than that, very awesome show. I'm going to go deaf if I keep this up. I'd better give it a rest until 2011.

Oh, and Geddy closed out the show with an emphatic: "we WILL see you again", so we may assume that TO will be on the '11 leg. Huzzah!
#26 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:55PM by D-Slam

I agree with #24, it WAS too loud to be clear (IMHO). I would expect live sound to just keep getting better and better with the technology, and it has been at other recent concerts (I saw Dream Theatre at the Molson last year and they sounded - sonically anyway - must better than Rush I'm sorry to say (and you can't say their music isn't complicated!)
#27 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:56PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

#24 & #25 Wow. That's not good. Thanks for sharing even when it's bad news.
#28 - Posted 7/17/10 @11:58PM by slappindabassmon [contact]

Hey #25 - Can't believe I forgot to mention that HORRIBLE squealing sound...you got that right, it was horrendous even. I thought everyone in the joint might be deafened. See my other comments above if you like.

And, if you search "Rush Time Machine Tour Ottawa Bluesfest" on YouTube, look for clips of Workin Them Angels and you will see another tech nightmare for Alex.
#29 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:11AM by D-Slam

The Molson show was not glitch free either (The v-drums on the right didn't work for some of the emphatic accents in Marathon and the kick drum failed completely at the end of the song (I think the mike fell off or something). I had a VERY good view of Neil from my excellent seats, and I could see every glitch.

A pattern is emerging here. They must be very pissed. It's hard to have a magic show when your equipment craps out on you.

Oh, by the way, the ACC looked very full to me.
#30 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:14AM by lapirata2 [contact]

ouch, this is not "good news"!

I hope the Lerxman cools off before Monday night when I go to see them.

IMO, I thought the sound for the S&A live tour at the Mohegan Sun was too loud also. I was glad I brought earplugs and I hate to kill the sound like that for the best band ever but my hearing is more important.

I don't recall ever seeing a Rush train wreck like what has been described here since I started seeing them on the Signals New World Man tour.
#31 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:20AM by slappindabassmon [contact]

Number 30 - At both the Ottawa show and tonight`s show it did take a few songs afterwards for Alex to smile again and look relaxed, but he did. While the tech problems were going on, he was either gesturing or shouting offstage and staying close to his amps when he could. Tonight it was amazing to me that he could actually be playing Limelight full force, with the sound all screwy, and be communicating with the side of the stage at the same time.
#32 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:23AM by test4echo_2112 [contact]

I hear ya, slappindabassmon (post #24). Been a fan since 1981. See all the tours since Signals. The most recent tours (1995+) we see multiple shows. The sound on these current tours is more often then not ... poor. Alex's mix is just not very good. I will say the best show I've *heard* in recent memory was the Time Machine Chicago show. However, it appeared they weren't using the entire sound system since the stage was so small. In the three shows (so far) on this tour, Alex has struggled at times with the equipment. I'm not sure what it may be but it's enough to be a distraction.

I hope the crew figures it out soon. What a shame since this tour is one of the best I've seen in years.
#33 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:45AM by Sean

Alex has a new guitar tech this tour. He is Phil Collen's tech for Def Leppard Scott Appleton and he ain't all that good to be honest. Also, Rush were supposed to get back with National Sound and See Factor last tour and there were disagreements on who would run the boards and control the sound for the show.

Brad and Brent need to be dismissed from the audio department. They are horrendous and keep talking the band into sounding heavier and heavier. Rush's sound used to be about balance of heavy enough with plenty of finesse. That no longer exists.

The band needs to get back with the See Factor/National Sound combo, it is the only answer to the problems they have with loudness.

Side note. I heard Geddy was actually making comments as recently as a week ago about his ears feeling blown out after a show. It might explain why his voice has been off at more times than not. Try singing in the right tone or key that you think you are singing if your ears are distracted with high level noise.
#34 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:10AM by digitialkid2112 [contact]

Just got back to Buffalo after the show. Haven't seen Rush indoors since the T4E tour at HSBC arena so this was a treat. I must say the sound was actually pretty good up in the nosebleeds. I didn't think it was punishingly loud. Loud yes, but my ears weren't ringing when I left. How Alex pulled out that trainwreck that was YYZ and Limelite is beyond me. I would his been PISSED!!
Geddy sounded fantastic vocally for the most part, nothing like some of the youtube vid's ive seen from the earlier dates on this tour. Looks like his voice is finding the sweet zone as is normal for him after about 10 shows or so.
This is the first show that I've been to where I can tell Neil is starting to show his age in his playing. He isnt quite as technical on some of the standards as he used to be, especially on some of his fills. Still kicks the crap out of any drummer playing but not 1982 Neil Peart.
All in all a great show, but I really hope they can solve the tech issues that seem to be plaguing this tour cause the boys are playing really solid and it sucks that something they cant control is trainwrecking parts of the shows.
#35 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:31AM by napper505 [contact]

Hey!

Took 2 of my kids (18 & 16) to the show and they loved it!
Except for the tech issues during Limelight and YYZ the show was pretty amazing. I found the first set louder than the second set. The sound was pretty damn good where we were sitting. (Sect 119 row 25).
Regarding the volume, I didn't think they were loud enough. After the July 2008 show at the Molson amph I was deaf for 3 days. p.s. You guys forgot to mention the time machine that showered Neil with CO2, The the techy dude had to it turn off for the remainder of the show.

I didn't realize Alex was playing PRS's again.

napper505
#36 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:33AM by long awaited friend [contact]

RE: Sound at the concert.
At the Milwaukee show I thought there positive and negatives. The overall sound was good but maybe a bit too loud to catch some of the details but no big issues like tonites show evidently had. A big positive was Geddy's bass sounded awesome and more audible than usualat our show.
We did have the issues of Alex losing 2 guitars completely and breaking a string on a 3rd but that was handled with barely a notice. Ged had some issues hearing himself through out the show also.
Thats my report from Milw.
#37 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:43AM by TheDudes [contact]

I have heard that Brad has a new audio guy from the sound company and the guy is totally incompetent but got sent out cause he was cheaper and thats how they got the gig instead of See Factor. I don't think Brad was told the guy sucked.
#38 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:45AM by sixthofeleven

Agree with those who said there were too many tech issues, and RUSH need to hold the appropriate people accountable. That said, the issues on YYZ and Limelight seemed to lead to inspired performances on The Camera Eye (best song of the night IMO), as well as Witch Hunt and Vital Signs. Some of the songs I did not support on the set list were also among their best, including Leave that Thing Alone and Stick it Out. Overall a great show!
#39 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:48AM by sixthofeleven

P.S. to my post #38 --- I was in second row and did not think it was too loud by any means. Since their debut album, the mantra is "For best results, play at maximum volume".
#40 - Posted 7/18/10 @2:03AM by Networx [contact]

Just home from the A.C.C. Ya there were a few technical glitches with YYZ and Limelight but the boys played through them like the professionals they are. It took everyone (crowd and band)a little while to get that happy vibe back but not too long. The sound was good up in the 300 level and I'm not totally deaf so I'm happy with that. But lets focus on the positives.

The band had a great stage setup. The videos at the beginning, middle and end were hilarious, especially the "I Love You Man" guys at the end. The set list was fantastic and their playing is better than ever. I disagree that Neil is fading. Dude hits every tom, snare and cymbal like he's trying to break it.

I've been going to RUSH concerts since 1976 and they've always had some issues with live sound but tell me a band that doesn't. I go to see the best damned musicians kick ass and take names and that's what I saw tonight.

Awesome show Dirk, Lerxst, and Pratt!

Networx
#41 - Posted 7/18/10 @2:19AM by random_sample [contact]

I was reading some comments above, about the sound problems at a few recent Rush shows and although I am no sound engineer, the feeling I get is that maybe Rush ,in the last few years has been getting too caught up in surrounding themselves with people who are new and maybe just plain old surrounding themselves with too much "technology" and gimmicky stuff. Not sure if anyone else agrees, but new technologies are NOT always better or best and probably not what they claim to be. That is why I, personally do not always jump at every new gadget,toy , new techno-thingy that comes out. I wonder if these sound problems and struggles Rush are having is a result of the above things and they are victims of going after "improvements" and changes that don't benefit, but actually hinder them. It seems to be the way technology is nowadays though. Most things become obsolete in a short time span, now. Maybe it's the same way ,when you are staging a show like Rush does and there are glitches with some of these new technological changes.
#42 - Posted 7/18/10 @2:20AM by Enviro_tech [contact]

Well, I don't know how it keeps getting better. Probably cause I keep getting more dancing room every show. But this show has now topped the the list as my most favorite show ever. Not an easy feat after being row 1.5 in Sarnia. But 7th row center; a perfect light show, perfect interaction with the boys, with the crowd around them, the crowd in front of me all seemed smaller, makes me feel bad I'm so big but I'm not big at all, only 5'9", so I had just the best view of the the whole stage ever. But I digress, from the get go, the first act seemed just perfect, on the way to another perfect show I mentioned to the guy from New York beside me.

And then feeling really bad about Limelight & YYZ, yes the squelling, the failed Midikat. Thanks for posting #33, seems like that might be the reason things are going ary, the band doesn't have the regular crew on hand to help and know what's what. But trainwreck aside, always kinda weird to see those happen right in front of my eyes, it definitely fired up the guys even more to perform better. Ged just seemed to go for every note longer, louder, higher, it was unreal how his voice worked tonite, and I thought Sarnia was kickass. Alex seemed to smile quite a bit, even after the hiccups in the guitar, I saw the evil eyes he shot to the guitar tech.

I dunno, it must be cause I'm young, I'm also wearing these ear filters, hocks noise brakers, and I've had perfect sound at every show since R30, when I didn't have them and my ears bled for a few days afterwards it was so loud. To me, the sound has been getting better and better, I still think Sarnia had the best sound of the all. Tonite the bass seemed a better than Molson though, might be because it went out and not having to go up.

Picking up on the little things, I noticed the GeFilter on Ged's side of the stage. Someone came with a shopping cart load of rubber chickens, and a skunk, throwing them into the sausage time machine. Poor Neil & Gump getting sprayed with CO2 after something broke. Enjoying the crowd reaction knowing where all the pyro is :D. Looking forward now for another three-sum of shows in Aug/Sept.

pics:link
#43 - Posted 7/18/10 @2:53AM by brilondon [contact]

I just returned home, well to my partner's place where I am spending what is left of the night,and have to say that this was not one of their best shows. Technical glitches really killed the performance of YYZ for me and that carried on through to Limelight which did not get that awsome start I love so much. I wonder if their playing in their home town caused these glitches, putting the presure on to make a perfect performance and not just having fun at what they do best. Anyways the highlight for me was Camera Eye which was amazing and I hope that they can keep it going for the next tour, it was brilliant. My partner who was seeing Rush for the first time live actually seem to like Rush, she only recognized four songs, but was really into the drum solo and thought that the "jazz song" that Neil was playing to was one of the highlights for her. When I told her that he does a 10 minute dum solo, she thought I meant he would just play the drums for 10 minutes but she was surprised at Neil's performance which was top notch tonight as usual. Overall it was another great show but not the best I have come to expect from Rush.
#44 - Posted 7/18/10 @3:34AM by D-Slam

re: Neils age. I've noticed this in tiny ways. He's toned down the crossovers during the solo (he doesn't use the left tom anymore). In general, there's more of an economy in his playing these days (you only notice it when you watch old video). That might also be part of the Freddie Gruber teaching. He's still hitting very hard (it's such a joy to watch) and more than capable of powering the show along still.
#45 - Posted 7/18/10 @3:47AM by Dig It Al Man [contact]

I posted in the reviews section, but I need to post here as well, the negative aspects of the views tonight in my mind highlight the positive side, so what there were some glitches!

Yeah they are consummate professionals, yeah they are amazing at their craft, but they are after all at work, and work they did.
I just learned tonight on this forum that they have some new personnel and maybe they don't quite get it yet.

OK that explains the glitches, So what? It was one awesome show! Singing along to Closer To The Heart after a Neil solo at home...

Great Show
#46 - Posted 7/18/10 @6:11AM by Chris42wilts [contact]

Saw Rush in the 80s and 90s and their sound seemed to be very crisp and disntinctive live back then. Now it is suffering terribly which is a shame. It seems to be that some of these new generation of sound people are all into heavy metal which in my view does not suit the Rush sound.
#47 - Posted 7/18/10 @9:06AM by Username [contact]

Going from sitting in section 302 at the Amphitheatre on Tuesday to Sec 118 last night at the ACC, I must say there was a profound improvement in sound quality for me. Apart from the hiccups that have been mentioned numerous times now this was an excellent show.
#48 - Posted 7/18/10 @9:51AM by drmike [contact]

#26 (et al.) You'll always get muddy areas in an arena. It's caused by sound bouncing off the ceiling and walls and interfering with other sound waves. If you are sitting in a bad "node", you'll hear mud. Someone just a few feet away could be in a sweet spot and the sound will be great. Concert halls are built to minimize these nodes but arenas aren't built for concerts so there are many bad spots.

Earplugs not only save your hearing (spoken by an old guy with tinnitus from not wearing them), but they also make the sound more clear...
#49 - Posted 7/18/10 @9:54AM by D-Slam

@Dig It Al Man (45)... are you saying that the glaring sound and technical problems shouldn't be mentioned? What's the point of writing a review then? We should all just write: "ya man it was awesome!" Obviously we all love this band or we wouldn't be posting here.

I love YYZ. I love hearing it live, that's one of the highlights of the show for me. Having the worlds loudest feedback squeal like the damned from Hades over top of the last half of the song was a major disappointment.

A concert is a magic experience. Technical glitches destroy the magic, and without the magic it's all just sound and fury, signifying nothing.

(And yes, the band was absolutely and admirably professional about it, as you'd expect)
#50 - Posted 7/18/10 @10:00AM by D-Slam

Good point, drmike.
#51 - Posted 7/18/10 @10:23AM by Archimer [contact]

I just watched the YouTube video of "Workin' Them Angels" from Ottawa... Ouch! Poor Alex! He works well with these snags, though, and just keeps going.

What Rush does on stage must be immensely difficult. They are doing the work of three people PLUS at least a couple of tour musicians. You've got to applaud them for being so inventive.

I love the Steampunked-out dryers. Can't wait for September! :)
#52 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:25PM by patrush

You can't blame them for the technical glitches. This happens a lot on a tour. It doesn't just affect Rush, but almost every other bands. They have good nights, bad nights. You never know when it'll happen.
#53 - Posted 7/18/10 @12:41PM by AlexGedNeil [contact]

Most everytime I've seen Rush it has been flawless. But once I saw them play in Vancouver Canada during the Presto tour. During a couple songs, Alex's guitar cut in and out of the song during "2112 Part I: Overture", then during "In the Mood".

Alex was completely pissed, yelling at the guitar tech during both incidents and at one point shaking his guitar at the tech. The tech actually came out during the performance, plugging wires over his pedalboard as he was playing. It didn't fix the problem, which made Alex even more upset...

These incidents totally ruined the performance for me.

What can you do? shit happens. If you are a musician, this stuff happens sometimes...you can have the best crew, it will STILL HAPPEN..
#54 - Posted 7/18/10 @1:45PM by Archimer [contact]

AlexGedNeil, those mishaps ruined the -entire show- for you...? Or just that passage? You're definitely right-- crap happens, no matter what. Alex's poor tech probably peed himself a little bit.

I mean, I would have.

Survivorman Les Stroud posted on Facebook this morning about the second Rush show in Toronto and being invited to the after-party. He says that he might have a musical tour managed by the band's folks. I thought that was a neat little tidbit. Here's the post:

"HI Gang, just left Toronto - had after party passes for the Rush concert - was a great show....good possibility that I will be managed by Rush's management for my music tour in the future....in the mean time - the new series - officially now titled Les Stroud Beyond Survival - is coming together nicely - really powerful shows! Les"
#55 - Posted 7/18/10 @2:38PM by drmike [contact]

Neil had some trouble in Ottawa too. He pointed at one drum for 1/2 a second with both sticks and a tech came out to fix it. Can't remember what song that happened in.

I wonder if these problems are from the equipment getting wet in Chicago during the canceled show??
#56 - Posted 7/18/10 @4:06PM by D-Slam

It may be that "oh well, s*** happens" is the right attitude to take regarding such technical problems.

I am quite confident, however, that that's not how the BAND views such problems. I'm not being any harsher on them than they are on themselves, I'm sure. (That said, when they were on, they were very on).

It's not Alex's fault if he strums his guitar in front of 18k people and no sound comes out, but I fully expect heads to roll and blood to be shed if this kind of stuff keeps happening.
#57 - Posted 7/18/10 @4:07PM by dedlift [contact]

The technical issues must be very frustrating to each member of the band. Touring is the most profitable form of "their business" and when the product doesn't meet with their expectations (which I'm certain are very high)it has to drive them nuts.
Not only from a personal standpoint of perfection...but knowing the fans pay big bucks for tickets, shirts etc., parking, food & drink and in many cases travel I'm pretty sure the boys want to walk off stage every night knowing they produced the best product possible. Feedback, guitar and drum problems must borderline on the "unacceptable" to the band.
Here's hoping all gets ironed out and the remainder of the shows are trouble free.
#58 - Posted 7/18/10 @5:01PM by usb_connector [contact]

This was my first Rush concert, we drove all the way from Montreal to see them (figures it would be the first time they DON'T come see us). I have to say that even though Neil's cymbals in YYZ and Alex's guitar in Limelight weren't functioning, I loved it. I look forward to their Clockwork Angels tour in 2011, which I hope will come here.
#59 - Posted 7/18/10 @5:01PM by Sub-Xanadu Man [contact]

I can't remember Alex having this many issues in such quick succession during a tour. Of course stuff is going to happen from time to time but hopefully there will be less issues to arise from here on out.

Not sure what the status is in terms of his relationship with his tech or how much of it is his fault or just equipment issues beyond their control. I definitely feel bad for all of them when this stuff happens. I'm sure it's not a great feeling for anyone involved.

Would someone dump their tech in mid-tour in favor of someone else?
#60 - Posted 7/18/10 @5:56PM by Marcus

Good show despite everything mentioned. I had first row of section 109, on Alex's side. When he started playing Limelight, he looked at his tech with a 'awww man, come on, like what the...' type of face. Despite that he kept playing and didn't miss a beat. That's why they are such pros.

It's true that the crowd was kinda subdued. I was standing up all night going wild, and felt out of place. As a lifelong resident of TO, that's no surprise to me. We're always all work and no play...more so than other cities it seems.

Funny story...on the way out, my buddy points out an older lady sitting in the platinum seats with a couple of others, like secion 106 or something. After seeing the Rush film, she looked like Alex Lifeson's mom. As we walked by I asked the woman with her if she was indeed Alex Lifeson's mom. She said yes. We waved and we gave her a thumbs up. They laughed...

Overall I'd give this show an 8.5 out of 10.
#61 - Posted 7/18/10 @6:04PM by Liverpool 78

Oh hello there world...

Off topic but there are two things on my mind.

Firstly, I'm sorry that some people going to see the show are having the experience marred by some techincal gliches (I'm sorry for Rush too), particularly for the likes of the poor guy above seeing Rush for the first time. I'm glad your enjoyment wasn't greatly spoiled by what happened BUT I'm glad that the glitches are happening now rather than next year on the world tour that I hope will include LIVERPOOL ECHO ARENA (if any of the three of you or your entourage are reading this - I'm sure the band must have someone monitoring the Blogs) PlEASE come to Liverpool, we have a brand new concert venue on the newly redeveloped beautifl waterfront - NEIL!!! you slept there one night in 2004 before riding off to beautifl Wales... sorry, I got carried away.

Secondly, I'm watching my just delivered, from Rounder Records, Blu ray version of R30. Hmmmmmm... picture quality just the same, audio quality just the same, full concert fantastic, but I'm not sure that it merited the cost

I wonder how many versions - cd, dvd, bluray,mp3 or otherwise - there will be of the first and second leg of this tour there will be? :-))

Hope you all had a nice weekend.

Liver.
#62 - Posted 7/18/10 @6:12PM by napper505 [contact]

Hey!
Sorry I forgot to mention that Sam Dunn was hanging around outside the gate before anyone was allowed in to the venue.
directly in front of section 119.

Kim Mitchell of Max Webster and now Q107 was hanging out on the main concourse during the intermission. He was hardly recognizable(Shaved head). He moved through the crowd without being recognized.

:)) Napper505.

spotting Sam Dunn Made my 18 year old daughter's night! Even before the concert started.!
#63 - Posted 7/18/10 @6:57PM by Liverpool 78

Oh hello there world again...

Also, regarding the R30 dvd/bluray, I'd like to add that I think sadly, they recorded the wrong show to put up for purchase. I was at the Manchester UK gig for that tour in 2004 and have a fantastic bootleg of the show. If you don't have it you should try and get a copy - go to DIMEADOZEN.COM for a great selection of audience recordings, even including last night's gig by now probably! :-)

They were absolutely on top form that night. Just listening to Alex's solo in Between the Wheels you can hear him nail every single note, even in the final creshendo. Even his 'rant' in La Villa Strangiato is top notch. At this stage of their career they should record and film everything that they do.

Liver.
#64 - Posted 7/18/10 @7:30PM by Marcus

Hey Liverpool 78, if you were referring to me, it was actually my 6th Rush show. First one was Counterparts at Maple Leaf Gardens. I didn't have any problems or see anyone in the crowd around me having any problems...it was all good. It was actually weird seeing how many young kids were in the crowd!

The technical glitches make the concert more memorable and remind you that it is live. It was actually pretty entertaining to see what goes on behind the scenes and see Alex talking to the guys off stage.

Regarding Peart and comments of old age, could it be the way his drums are positioned i.e. higher up, making it look more difficult?
#65 - Posted 7/18/10 @8:48PM by usb_connector [contact]

@Marcus: I believe he was reffering to me. I didn't mind the glitch as long as Tom Sawyer and 2112 weren't flawed. I've been a huge fan since 2006 but missed the Snakes and Arrows tour. It was actually the fact that Tom Sawyer was in Rock Band that got me into the band and it also inspired me to play drums.

Personally, one of my favourite parts of the show was the "truth behind moving pictures". I found it to be highly entertaining. The clips shown while they played Tom Sawyer just added to it.

There are just so many things that really struck me. These guys work hard to keep the crowd into the show.
#66 - Posted 7/18/10 @8:57PM by jells [contact]

Hi everyone. I made the trip up north from Cleveland after buying a ticket on Thursday. I was in section 110, row 2, right next to the stage and right next to Alex's guitar tech. I noticed like everyone else did the technical issues that Alex was having first during YYZ and then during Limelight. His tech was busy unplugging and plugging in his amp on the side and they were making adjustments on the fly and Alex did not look pleased. No one has mentioned, but the Trailer Park Boys were standing side stage right underneath me with their wives and/or girlfriends. Alex made a point to acknowledge them, but he also seemed upset with the sheer amount of people congregating along his side of the stage. I'm sure when they play Toronto the request for backstage passes is incredible. I also did see Alex's son who time to time came by to watch. Overall, still a fantastic performance considering the brief hiccup. The Camera Eye was awesome and it was great to hear Marathon again. BTW, I spoke with the guitar tech before and after the show and he seemed like a really good guy and hopefully these issues will be less and less as the tour goes on. This was my 27th Rush concert and I have two more to go on this tour, Columbus and Pittsburgh.
#67 - Posted 7/18/10 @9:23PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

Thanks jells.
#68 - Posted 7/18/10 @11:08PM by Enviro_tech [contact]

#66 yeah there was a bunch of folks Alex's side of the stage in the photo link I don't think there were that many folks in guitar land for Sarnia, so far that was the most perfect show I've seen this tour. I'm wondering if the amount of people around, maybe someone tripped over something, etc. it's possible.

The person who brought up 'too much technology' I have to agree & disagree, there is so many elements at play in the shows, arrays of wires for lights, sound, power it's incredibly easy for one thing to go wrong and bring down the whole show quickly, I think even Geddy mentioned that in an interview once. I think maybe with problems happening it would be nice to see back up guitar cables that could be used at a moments notice, it seemed to me like his wireless pack was going out. Couldn't fix Neil's issues much, I think I've seen the Midikat go wonky about 3 times in the 16 shows I've been too.
#69 - Posted 7/18/10 @11:47PM by WorkingmanDc [contact]

To all who were at the show, how did the attendance look? What would you estimate? You figure it can hold about 16000 people with the end stage. How did the upper deck look?
#70 - Posted 7/19/10 @1:08AM by D-Slam

69, it looked pretty full to me.
#71 - Posted 7/19/10 @2:42AM by RushFanForever [contact]

Ed and his young son Zach were finally able to meet Alex and Geddy at the Toronto show.
#72 - Posted 7/19/10 @9:03AM by timintey [contact]

Congrats on the M&G for you and your son Ed. What a memorable experience that both of you will hold for a long time!
#73 - Posted 7/19/10 @9:38AM by Rayzer2112 [contact]

Just a note about the Toronto crowd...I have been going to concerts in Toronto, mainly Rush but others as well, since '78. The one constant is the crowds here, they are subdued and totally oblivious to those around them. I have been fortunate to see Rush in many other towns and will say only this, don't waste your time and money to see them in Toronto. I have mentioned that to many here for years. The crowds in the US are always better. But the best place to go, IMHO, is Montreal. I have made the trek from Toronto to Montreal several times for Rush and have never been disappointed. I was saddened to not see Montreal on the list of tour stops and can only hope it will be on the list for next year.

So, having said that, other than the crowd and a couple of minor technical issues, the show was awesome. My partner had never been to a Rush show before, and she thoroughly enjoyed it. So much so, that she would like to make the trek to Montreal journey next year.

Good to see you again as well Petie!!!!

PS. Getting to meet Sam Dunn before was excellent.
#74 - Posted 7/19/10 @11:22AM by mkefromTO [contact]

The sound at the ACC from section 104 was 100% better than 8th row at the M.A. Alex' guitar could be heard a lot better. He completely disappeared in some songs at MA. The only complaints from the ACC is that Alex was over run in Red Barchetta and LA Villa Strangiato by geddy's bass at times. The intro to Camera eye was hard to hear. It was loud at acc but in the 8th row at MA it was so loud that it was inaudible at times.

Other than that I though both show were great. i hope they come back next summer.

In response to post #73 "The one constant is the crowds here, they are subdued and totally oblivious to those around them."

What show were you at? I went to both and the crowds reacted to every stick caught by Neil and every solo by Alex. Some people danced, everyone cheered. Were you in a coma?
#75 - Posted 7/19/10 @11:31AM by shygnome

Anyone else see Terry Brown? He was standing in lower section 117 as we were leaving behind the crowd.
#76 - Posted 7/19/10 @2:04PM by Rayzer2112 [contact]

#74 - 17th row dead centre...many people had sat down during the show...obviously lots of the prople around me were only casual fans who are familiar with Moving Pictures and not much else. And having seen pretty much every Rush concert in Toronto since 1978, the crowds here are not the best, between dealing with morons who insist on pounding 10 beers during the 3 hour concert and the corporate fan who sits on their hands and asks you to sit down all the time, I would rather see them play elsewhere. I know that the guys drinking way too much are at every show in every city but it's the corporate people who get good seats, don't enjoy themselves or look generally annoyed at being there in the first place that makes it a bad experience for others.

And no, I was not in a coma...so you can stow the insults and save them for some other forum.
#77 - Posted 7/19/10 @2:07PM by YXEdigitalman [contact]

Hi Folks

Saw the gig on Sat night, great show and where I was the crowd was going nuts (Centre Floor Row 13). A few thoughts on some of the comments

1. Technical Problems. Yes they are annoying but not "train wrecks" as some people are far too quick to call em. A "train wreck" is when someone misplays, forgets lyrics etc. In my book, mechanical failings do not constitute a train wreck. Alex cleary has some issues with his tech that he has to sort out. I saw the boys on both legs of the S & A Tour and they played WAY better on the second leg, this is a long tour and it will take some time to get the train a rollin smoothly.

2. A Sense of Perspective. Thousands of people notice if one or two seconds out of a 3hour plus Rush show aren't absolutely perfect. Most bands on the planet don't even come REMOTELY CLOSE to that level of performance, deep breath everyone and admire their brilliance. Accent the positive!

3. Neil looking old, slowing down? Nope, hitting them harder than ever. My personal view is that those HD cameras and big screens are VERY revealing and they show every single blemish/grimace etc.

4. Sound Quality. In big arenas it always takes a few songs to get the sound right. Sound was generally v good where I was, although I will admit the Intro to Camera Eye wasn't loud enough!

5. Setlist. Interesting list, but some may not like this opinion, but it's clear to me that the newer stuff (S & A, Clockwork Angels) gets the boys energised in a way that the older stuff doesn't always do. If we want to them to keep touring they have to have their fun. BU2B was performance of the night for me, and I don't even like the song that much!

Now some other random thoughts (not designed to annoy just MHO).

1. Doing an entire album didn't work for me.

2.Technical probs made Alex grumpy, but I think the anger got channeled towards the end. His solos in La Villa and Working Man were insane, some of the best live work I have ever seen from Alex.

3. Ged's voice. Was worried during Time Stand Still but overall I think his voice was SENSATIONAL. He hit the notes in Free Will with ease and same with Temples of Syrinx, again best I have heard live from Ged.

4. Drum Solo. Not my fave, just didn't hold together well for me. Technically outstanding as usual, but not one of his best compositions.

5. Production values (big screen etc) were outstanding.

6. Video Outro was way too long.

7. $10 for a tall can of beer!!!

Sorry this was so long, but I loved the show as usual.
#78 - Posted 7/19/10 @2:20PM by exit...stage left [contact]

Well, I always thought about going to Toronto to see a Rush show...figuring they would be at their best in front of the hometown...that just got blown out of the water. Sounds like the Toronto crowd could give a rats ass...I'm sure the Philly crowd will be loud and passionate, as usual. Two more days!!!
#79 - Posted 7/19/10 @3:38PM by guitarlb [contact]

From section 101, the sound was crystal clear and not as over-the-top loud as it was at MA. As stated elsewhere in this thread, I believe if you are in an audio sweetspot, the sound is great. S&A in London, Ont had brutal sound for me. I thought Alex had a sub-par night, but Geddy's bass was magnificent. What a treasure.
What I miss at a Rush show these days is the element if surprise as the internet is spoiling it. (Yes, I am aware of the irony)
#80 - Posted 7/19/10 @4:41PM by D-Slam

Yes at 77, IMHO the video outro is much too long.
#81 - Posted 7/19/10 @5:13PM by random_sample [contact]

It really baffles me when I read comments from people who somehow think they can "rate" what kind of a Rush fan someone is, by whether they like to sit to watch a Rush concert or if they stand. I dont get the logic, honestly.
Im a huge Rush fan and have been for years . Im not old, not crippled. I play hours of tennis, bike, work out every week- BUT...I like sitting to watch a Rush concert. So do many people. Ive been in sections where everyone is yelling for a group of 4-5 people who insist on standing ,right in front of a section of SITTING people. To me, that is the rude and inconsiderate thing, when people don't care if they block other's view of the stage, in a section that is meant for sitting.
If you want to stand...here's a tip. Get main floor tickets.
#82 - Posted 7/19/10 @6:17PM by jjckfc [contact]

Video outro too long? Are you kidding me? You could have left if you really felt it was too long. For me, I'll take as much show as the gang wants to give.
#83 - Posted 7/19/10 @7:59PM by Rsfumblin [contact]

I was by Jells #66 in Toronto on Sunday.

What seat...we actually could have reached over and handed Alex a PRS if he wanted a little more help.

I actually stopped watching Neil's solo in order to watch Alex light-up the guitar tech and security.

He was beyond pissed...and sorry, but he never recovered...

There were technical problems, but the tech left the Mandolin on stage after WTAngels and Alex had to kick it to get his attention.

The positives...the new stuff plays incredibly well live.

Camera's Eye ws another highlight... Especially, coming out of Limelight where (again) the guitar transaction was butchered.

I was very interested to read about he new crew. It's definitely showing...and Alex is still pissed.

Tonight better be clean...

Good meeting you Jells...53 shows btw us...hey and did anyone else see the Muslim Dr Superfan front and center? Must be nice.
#84 - Posted 7/19/10 @10:13PM by Enviro_tech [contact]

Yes I've seen him so far at all 3 shows I've been too, although in Sarnia I was closer to centre of the stage from where I could see him :D. I was waiting in line since 11:30 in the morning, he was already in line with people there since 8, lulz, crazy Rush fans huh, me included probably.. I hope they do more stuff like that, it gives some fans a chance to get closer than the ever thought possible, especially with prices of front row tickets these days. But the wait was very intense in that sun, the concert was well worth it. I don't think I'll do that again, okay maybe once more if given the opportunity.

YXEdigitalman brought up a lot of good points..

The crowd; actually I thought both TO shows had better crowds than usual, I remember on the R30 tour, Molson Amp was like church, sitting, standing every other song, that got boring fast. I saw Geddy going over to Alex's side and it seemed the 100 level was all up and cheering.

I like some of the new over head cams they have, seem to have more quality than in past tours. That huge video board is just awesome, they should stick with that from here on out.

Yeah I love the new stuff too, I found some crowds on the SnA tour were lax during the new stuff, but those were my favorite parts of the tour.

I'm with you on Neil's solo, he's still got all the abilities, I think so far my favorite was Molson Amp, but the e-kit and Love For Sale portions kinda lose me a bit. I miss the SnA samples he used, I know it's mostly the same patterns he's drumming around, but the samples he chose this time just seem a bit too weird for me.

:P i have to laugh, I think they made the outro that long so Neil can ride off on his bike. It seems they made the opening intros long too so Neil can hop on stage seemingly undetected.
#85 - Posted 7/20/10 @8:58AM by analog_kid [contact]

#77 - thanks for the perspective. I agree on every point you made! Couldn't have said it better myself.
#86 - Posted 7/20/10 @9:51PM by PetieLee [contact]

#73: Rayzer2112, nice to see you again!

Congrats, Ed that you and your son got to finally meet Rush! That's awesome! Glad I got to see you for the few minutes I saw you!!! YOU'RE awesome! I'm so very glad you got that meet and greet. Everything now is right in the world! :D

I'm so very thankful I saw Rush in their hometown of Toronto. I flew to Toronto this leg of this tour to make a 30 year dream of mine come true: to see Rush perform "The Camera Eye" in Toronto. I cried like a 14-year old girl during that song! It made me so very happy. Words escape me.

I am thrilled because I got to meet Alex Lifeson's mom after the show when she was making her way through the concert hall. She's an amazing lady and very wonderful to talk to. It was an honor and a privilege to have met her. She's a very lovely woman.

I also was fortunate enough to be able to meet Neil's first drum teacher, Don. In our conversation he mentioned he knew Neil had great talent, even at 13. This was such an honor and a privilege to have met him as well.

I had such a blast in Toronto at Rush Con. It was so much fun for this RatCon Rat to meet up with the RushCon Rats! I got to meet new Rush friends and say hi to some old friends. I heard Donna Halper speak and I got to have my picture taken behind Chromey!

link

Totally loved RushCon!!!! What an awesomely organized event! Love it!!!!!

Geddy sang beautifully. He looked great. I love his new "Gefilter" shirt! As for the audience, my eyes were drawn to the stage so I have no clue what the heck the audience did. I paid next to no attention to them whatsoever. I was completely 100% focused on the boys!!! I think they had a blast!!! I know I did!!!




Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy! Next stop: Saratoga Springs! ♥ ♥ ♥
#87 - Posted 7/20/10 @11:32PM by Mr. K

I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. I decided to fly to Toronto to see my favorite band play in their hometown. The night of the show as I was preparing to leave for the Air Canada Centre I met a couple of guys in the hotel elevator; one was from Seattle and one was from Chicago (not far from where I grew up). We talked about the band and where we'd come from (I'd flown up from Tampa). As we got off the elevator, "Seattle" asked where I was sitting. I told him my seat was 33rd row on the Alex's side of the stage. Then I was asked if I wanted to sit in the second row instead. As it turns out they had a friend who had to back out of the trip, and instead of trying to sell the extra ticket, they would see if they could find someone who was going to see the show by his or herself; if they met someone who seemed cool enough they'd make their night by giving them the ticket. Needless to say, I accepted the ticket and enjoyed the chance to watch Geddy Lee from less than 30 feet away. I decided that I should also try to make someone else's night a little better, so with just a few minutes to go before 8 p.m. I managed to find someone outside the ACC who needed a ticket and gave him my original ticket... it wouldn't have seemed like the right thing to just hang onto it. I hope he enjoyed the show as much as I did.

Thanks again to Mike and Joe for the ticket!
#88 - Posted 7/21/10 @10:39PM by Mr. K

@ #82 jjckfc

Great pictures from the Toronto show... what camera did you use?
#89 - Posted 7/23/10 @10:41PM by jjckfc [contact]

Thanks - it's a Panasonic FZ35 - unfortunately it was new & I didn't have time to go over the settings before the show (rode my mc from VA to Toronto). Shot jpg vs RAW, didn't setup custom settings, etc. The originals look better than the re-sized ones posted on smugmug, but some of the shots still have too much noise. I've gone through the cam & expect to have much better shots at the VA show :)

All in all though, really happy with the capabilities. I shoot Canon DSLR's, but chose the Panny p&s based on reach & RAW. The Canon G11 is too short for most of what I shoot, otherwise I would ave bought that.
#90 - Posted 7/24/10 @12:11PM by Mr. K

@ jjckfc - thanks very much for the reply.

The compact p&s cameras have been more to my liking in recent years. Obviously they don't produce the same results as the SLRs, but for my needs they are fine. I'm going to be replacing a Canon Powershots410 that recently bit the dust... any recommendations?

I'll be looking out for shots from the VA show!
 

 

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