One Likes to Believe in the Freedom of Music:

A Look at Rush's Legacy

Left to Right: Lee, Lifeson, Peart

Yes, even better than maple syrup and certainly better than Justin Bieber, Rush is Canada's greatest export to the world. Besides the Bebes, there are other great Canadian bands and artists: Annihilator, The Guess Who, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, to name a few (the latter two being extremely influential), but in our opinion? As great as these other artists are none have had the impact Rush has had.

Neil Peart, Rush's drummer, seen performing.

The world tragically lost Rush's signature drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in January of 2020. He joined the band after their debut album, eponymously named Rush, when founding drummer John Rutsey could no longer perform due to complications from diabetes (Rutsey would pass away in 2008 from his disease). Peart is remembered as one of Rock's greatest drummers and was a pivotal point of the triangle that was Rush.

So Much Power from a Trio

Throughout Rush's career the primary lineup has been Neil Peart (drums), Alex Lifeson (Guitar), and Geddy Lee (Bass and lead vocals), yet despite only being a trio they have a massive sound.

Left: Lifeson, Right: Lee

We could compare them to the likes of Nirvana and Motörhead in this aspect, of course all three are from different genres, but all produce loud and full sounds from only three players.

Prominent and Prolific

Over their 40+ years as a band, Rush released 19 studio albums, along with live albums and compilations, and toured the world many times over.

Their songs, some of their biggest hits being "Tom Sawyer," "The Spirit of Radio," and "Closer to the Heart," have been heard around the world.

Most of their albums have gone either gold or platinum and the band has been claimed as major influences by Alice in Chains, Anthrax, Foo Fighters, Tool, Primus, and many other bands.

Les Claypool (pictured) of Primus

Les Claypool and Primus will actually be paying their respects to their favorite Canadian prog. rockers with their "A Tribute to Kings" tour, where they will be playing the Rush classic A Farewell to Kings in its entirety.

A Band That Will Live On

Rush's legacy and influence is already felt across the music industry, but we believe their greatness will live on ad infinitum. Their 2013 enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame helped cement their legacy, if that's something you care about, but the music itself is what truly makes Rush special. Just as Bach and his contemporaries are still studied and admired, I truly believe people will be spinning Rush records still, in the year 2112.