It was 30 years ago – as a young journalist – that I had a chance to sit down with Rush to talk about their new album (yes, remember those?) Permanent Waves. It was the breakout album for the band as far as commercial success went, spinning off the hit song The Spirit of Radio. A year later, Rush released the follow up LP (yes, still talking vinyl here) Moving Pictures, which became their biggest selling album ever.
Now, three decades of recording and touring later, Rush is still as vital as ever – selling out their cross-country Time Machine tour and interestingly, playing the classic Moving Pictures album in its entirety during the show.
Not bad for three soft-spoken Canadians who are pushing ever-closer to that significant milestone of 60 years old and show no signs of slowing down.
So – what’s the magic that has held them together for so long? I had an exclusive opportunity to sit down and talk with them in Atlanta, and in a rock and roll fantasy come true, join them on stage during sound check for a rendition of Limelight.
Wow – what a moment for a frustrated guitar player..!