I don't own a pocket protector. Nor am I a fan of science fiction. I've never been to a Star Trek convention and I don't collect manga comics.
Yet I am a huge fan of the rock group Rush. If that makes me a geek, so be it. Because I think Rush is not just Canada's greatest band but the country's greatest musical export.
With apologies to Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Arcade Fire, Avril Levine, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Leonard Cohen, Glenn Gould et al, no other Canuck group or solo artist has had more impact on the world of music than Alex, Geddy and Neil.
Just ask nearly anyone who has picked up a guitar, bass or drum sticks over the past 30 years. Rush's mastery of their instruments, their originality and their never-ending creativity set them apart from their peers. Rush incorporates everything from hard rock to blues to fusion to reggae into its music, yet sounds like no one else.
Hard rock heavyweights from Dave Grohl to Billy Corgan to Metallica all cite Rush as an influence. And I would argue that the boys have graced more "musician" magazine covers than anyone short of the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix:
Lifeson rocks guitar magazine covers
Sure, Rush isn't perfect. I would call the band an acquired taste. Their music is loud and complex. But that's the beauty of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of fast and furious three-chord rockers like the Sex Pistols and AC/DC. But I also appreciate the amazing talent that it takes to play YYZ on guitar and bass, or Tom Sawyer on drums. You try it! I've been trying to learn YYZ for 30 years.
Neil Peart's lyrics are challenging and require thought to appreciate. Geddy Lee's voice is unique and original. And Alex Lifeson's guitar playing? Simply sublime. I would call Lifeson the greatest underrated guitarist in rock history.
The beauty of Rush is that even if you don't like them, you have to admire their creativity and overwhelming talent. That's why I'm so happy that the band is being recognised by rock's hallowed hall...
Rush to be welcomed by R&R HOF, April 18
Congrats guys. You deserve it! Here's to many more years of great music.
Rush's latest album and tour
Yet I am a huge fan of the rock group Rush. If that makes me a geek, so be it. Because I think Rush is not just Canada's greatest band but the country's greatest musical export.
With apologies to Neil Young, Bryan Adams, Arcade Fire, Avril Levine, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Leonard Cohen, Glenn Gould et al, no other Canuck group or solo artist has had more impact on the world of music than Alex, Geddy and Neil.
Just ask nearly anyone who has picked up a guitar, bass or drum sticks over the past 30 years. Rush's mastery of their instruments, their originality and their never-ending creativity set them apart from their peers. Rush incorporates everything from hard rock to blues to fusion to reggae into its music, yet sounds like no one else.
Hard rock heavyweights from Dave Grohl to Billy Corgan to Metallica all cite Rush as an influence. And I would argue that the boys have graced more "musician" magazine covers than anyone short of the Beatles or Jimi Hendrix:
Lifeson rocks guitar magazine covers
Sure, Rush isn't perfect. I would call the band an acquired taste. Their music is loud and complex. But that's the beauty of it. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of fast and furious three-chord rockers like the Sex Pistols and AC/DC. But I also appreciate the amazing talent that it takes to play YYZ on guitar and bass, or Tom Sawyer on drums. You try it! I've been trying to learn YYZ for 30 years.
Neil Peart's lyrics are challenging and require thought to appreciate. Geddy Lee's voice is unique and original. And Alex Lifeson's guitar playing? Simply sublime. I would call Lifeson the greatest underrated guitarist in rock history.
Rush to be welcomed by R&R HOF, April 18
Congrats guys. You deserve it! Here's to many more years of great music.
Rush's latest album and tour
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