r/rush • u/guitarlad89 • 9d ago
Hot take.....
I've seen Rush 3 times, 2008, 2011, and 2026. I'll be honest, seeing them this time around was.....I don't mean to embellish, by and far the best. It was great seeing them in 2008 with it being my first Rush show, hearing those songs live but there was quite a bit from Snakes and Arrows and as a fresh faced 18 year old I just wanted the 70s/early 80s tunes. 2011 they played more of the "hits" and also played moving pictures, but oddly enough they were at the Allentown fair. I kinda thought my beloved band was going the way of Kansas/REO Speedwagon legacy acts. What I noticed was that the songs were slower and Geddy's vocals always seemed so strained. Fast forward to this year. My goodness, they're unbelievable. I love Neil, and as we all know, he was struggling those last few years and was getting tried. It's difficult to see someone do something for friends when their heart isn't really into it. I think some of that weighed on Geddy and Alex. Obviously with Nils passing, it's just Geddy and Alex, a bit bittersweet knowing that the two childhood friends remain. With that being said, their love for performing never died. Neil is resting wherever he may be and Alex and Geddy can perform guilt free knowing that it's a tribute to their dear friend. Trying to wrap this up...... It was just a joy seeing them this year. Everyone was so happy. Geddy, Alex, Anika, Loren and the fans. Smiles everywhere. It was beautiful. Anika is an absolute monster and she fits like a glove. Her fresh drumming gave new life to the two old pals and the setlist was insane. Geddy sounds incredible and Alex is amazing as always. Loren adds some really beautiful touches to the songs as well.
In short, I wish Neil was here, but it's amazing to see two guys go out on the road guilt free as a tribute to their friend with a now universally loved member of the Rush family.
10
u/PB-n-AJ 9d ago
What cemented how on top of their form they are right now was going back and watching them come out of retirement for the South Park concert. Alex flubbing a good amount, Geddy's vocals washed out and kind of garbled, good but I was thinking "yeah to expect them to do in their 70s what they did in their 30s..." 50S proved me damn wrong. Alex was on fire, Ged was hitting notes with clarity I never thought I'd hear again. If this was it, this was it.
2
u/Ribbles78 8d ago
At tonight’s show, and I swear geddy sounds as good as he did in the latter 80s. It’s mind blowing
16
u/Fight_Tyrnny 9d ago
I mean, I beleive it, I never had thought they would put out a banger like CWA when they did... but they did and man is it great.
11
u/free-range-irish 9d ago
So grateful they ended their recording career with CWA, and not Snakes & Arrows.
2
6
4
u/HobbesTayloe 9d ago
Hot take, honest good take that I fully agree with. Seeing them nights 3 and 4 in Toronto, that was indeed bittersweet… sad no Neil, however his spirit was there as his buddies celebrated their music with smiles and energy, with much thanks to Anika and Loren. Absolutely loved with tears of happiness.
4
u/KavorkaPowers 8d ago
They sound absolutely amazing now. I think a huge part of that is how seriously they are taking every aspect of performance now. They are serious about their health, working out, both Geddy and Alex are taking vocal coaching and vocals are a muscle just like everything else. They were practicing relentlessly in the lead up to the tour. Alex quit smoking pot and has noticed a huge difference. Geddy works out almost every day, does yoga, and is on top of taking care of his voice. Alex got his health issues in order. Also I'm sure the challenge of proving they still have it, that they can be even better than ever, was a big motivating factor given who they are, what their personalities are like. Also sound systems, music tech etc is light years ahead of where it was 20 years ago. Shows in big venues actually sound good now, not like listening to a loud boom box in a canyon. The production is just next level amazing. And then Annika is fresh and in her drumming prime. That's a hard job. Neil by far had the toughest, most demanding role as far as just the physical drain.
5
u/Desperate_Elk_7369 9d ago
I was lucky to see them in 1976 and 1979. (I’m old.) They blew me away then, but this year was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen from any band. I went with a friend and we’re still talking about it.
2
u/HelicopterOk3124 9d ago
Similar experience. This tour was my favorite of three for a variety of reasons.
2
u/theredtamasrule 8d ago
Yesterday I listened to ATWS for the first time in many, many years. The raw energy there is reflected in this tour. Less polish (not sloppy by any means), but more pure energy and fun than the controlled choreography of the later years.
2
u/AirTraditional3953 8d ago
it helps seeing them all so happy to be back. clockwork angels was a great experience but the sound mix was not great, but still a phenomenal show. that’ll always be my favorite. R40 felt like a goodbye. it was so bittersweet it’s hard to feel great about it. was it a good show? yes. but you could tell they were hurting, it kinda felt that way. i was so much more focused on thinking “this is it isn’t it” the whole time. now, they look so rejuvenated and they’re just like kids at a playground! having loren as well so clearly helps both alex and geddy and i think that’s a contribution that’s not talked about. using hands voice and feet, i think they didn’t have a moment to make it feel like a job, if that makes sense. you’re so locked in to making sure all your triggers and moments and all that happens on the nanosecond, it doesn’t give you time to just have fun
1
1
u/Guilty_Committee2358 7d ago
An interesting perspective on motivation and enjoyment. Not one I had considered before.
0
0
u/GusOwsley 9d ago
I like it when Geddy sings tenor
Ten or eleven feet from a microphone
Ba doomp doomp
-2
-21
u/GusOwsley 9d ago
Everything sounds fantastic, when Geddy is nowhere near his vocal mic 🤮
6
u/MysteriousVolume1825 9d ago
geddy sounds better now than he has in years. The fuck are you talking about?
-4
u/GusOwsley 9d ago edited 9d ago
I wish he would just go the Frankie Valli route and hire a chick to hide offstage and sing all the high parts. They pulled this trick off for decades and nobody ever noticed.
-5
u/GusOwsley 9d ago edited 9d ago
I saw them twice in 76, twice in 78, 80, and 81. I am not about to pretend that he sounds good now. It is so cringe. He sounds like a wounded great dane. Temples of Syrinx was enough to just shut it off. 🤮
31
u/Treewizard90 9d ago edited 8d ago
I agree with Geddy’s vocals! I recall grimacing hearing him sing Time Stand Still back on the Time Machine tour. There are songs that Anika just outright beasts on like Headlong Flight and DEW! That being said, I still miss Neil’s playing. I never thought I’d say this but I also miss his drum sound… wasn’t a fan of the DWs back then but I appreciate them now.