Hi, folks. For some reason, Reddit gave me a name I wasn't expecting (Overall_Chemist), but it's really me-- Donna Halper, and I wanted to ask a question, if that's okay. Everybody has a favorite Rush album, and most of us have a favorite Rush song. But because I spent many years as a deejay, I associate certain songs with the city I was in when it came out, or who I was with when I first heard it. I'm curious about a Rush song that holds a special memory for you, of a time, or a place, or even a person you were with. For me, I can't hear "Spirit of Radio" without thinking of being on the air, back when radio ruled and we relied on our favorite station. But I also can't hear the opening chords of "Working Man" without thinking back to Cleveland, in the spring of 1974, and being in the studio the first time the song was played. So, have you got a Rush song like that? One that takes you back to a different time & place?
Lots of fans have told me that Subdivisions resonated with them for exactly the reason you named.
It's amazing how the lyrics of Subdivisions are still relevant to this very day. The song stands the test of time for that very reason and always will.
I agree. Many Rush songs have stood the test of time, in fact. You can't say that about a lot of rock bands who sounded good 30 years ago but don't sound so great today. Rush continues to sound great, with really excellent songs on every album they ever put out.
I honestly think this is Rush's best song. Timeless lyrics, a simple yet strong melody, maybe a little too keyboard-y for some but not for me, and not overly long (not that there's anything wrong with that either).
I can't honestly say it is THE best Rush song for me, but it is certainly in my top 10. And many folks on this thread have said Subdivisions has special meaning for them, which, as I may have mentioned, is something fans have also been telling me for years. Just a wonderful song...
1st Rush song I ever heard that bass riff in the last part of the verse had me hooked on Geddy. The lyrics are so heartfelt to those who had a tough time growing up in their teens years
Funny thing about the opening chords or a certain bass riff... it's not just the lyrics. These are three outstanding and talented musicians, and certain songs are just so well-crafted. What a privilege to have seen them in concert, and what a privilege to know them as my friends.
Totally agree. Subdivisions is one of those songs. Catchy intro jazzy chorus well written lyrics and awesome buildup and climax. It is ofc tough to pick a fav Rush song but Subdivisions just may top the list for me
I notice that song is mentioned by many folks on this thread. I think it speaks to the experiences of many of us; the song is relatable, without being heavy-handed or preachy. Great music from a great band (with great lyrics from Neil).
Happy Cake Day!
There is never a bad time for cake, am I right? (Love me some ice cream too!)
Same here. It truly spoke to me at the time it was released. I was 13… talk about in my wheelhouse. When I last saw them for the R40 tour, Subdivisions was by far the best song of the night for me. It’s hard to explain that feeling when a particular song resonates with you when you hear it, but if you know, you know.
That's why Working Man stood out to me: I believed the lyrics would speak to all the shift workers and folks who spent their days working in Cleveland's factories. Back then, Cleveland was a factory town, and I figured lots of people (whether they worked for Republic Steel or some other big company) would relate to "got no time for living, yes I'm working all the time." Later, when Neil joined the band, the lyrics continued to reflect many people's lived experiences: Spirit of Radio certainly reflected mine! (But if I'm honest, so did Limelight in a way...I was never as famous as Neil, obviously, but I could understand how he felt compelled to pretend he was outgoing, when in fact he was very shy around folks he didn't know. That was my story too, and many people thought I was rude or standoffish when in fact, I was just uncomfortable around folks I didn't know. When I was on the air, no problem. Just like when Neil was up on stage, no problem. But in social situations, both of us seemed to feel awkward and didn't know what was expected of us. "I can't pretend the stranger is a long-awaited friend...")
Subdivisions spoke to me, even though I was a teen in the 90s. But it said how I felt about being a kid and the type of person I didnt ever want to be.
If you look at other comments, you'll note that Subdivisions spoke to a lot of folks. It's a really good song, and another example of Neil's talent with writing lyrics.
Ditto. Even down to playing Tempest in the arcade.
Subdivisions for me too, it got me through a tough time when I was 8 years old,. Parents had got divorced and I found myself living in a strange city and fending for myself 90% of the time.
This.
The Donna Halper. I sincerly hope this post gets the views it deserves Rush fans should be freaking if they only knew the significance you brought to Rush. As a fan I am extremely grateful for your contribution. With that said I was fully expecting you to mention Working Man. Most of the Rush I have grown to love comes from times before I was even born but specifically the guitar and lyrics in Afterimage remind me of my mom who passed in 2013. That last section in Alex's solo breaks me inside....beautiful but somewhat melancholic piece of music
EDIT: If light from Heaven could possibly shatter this is what Alex's solo would portray in my eyes
Some of the younger Rush fans don't know me, and that's okay. I feel very honored to have known the guys in the band since 1974; and I'm happy that I still talk with Geddy and Alex (and their families). I was never really close with Neil, but we spend some time together on a few occasions and had some wonderful conversations. And I am deeply grateful to have met so many amazing fans over the years. Nice to know you too, and thanks for answering my question!
Any Rush fan who has done their dd knows you. I did before reading Geddy's book. The stories you must have....a bit biased but Rush has the best and loyal fan base hands down. Truly a cult like following. Quite a please to have had this talk with you Donna, im Christopher btw. Thanks for your post! It came on a day that needed some joy for me to say the least so know that you made an impact on mine :)
There are a lot of myths and rumors and inaccurate stories around, sad to say. I've had to tell a few fans they were quoting something that didn't happen, or repeating a rumor they read online (like about Geddy & Alex hiring a new drummer & going out on the road-- neither guy has said that, yet I've read it online and I had to say something to set things straight). But I'm glad you know who I am-- not like I'm famous or anything, but I did have a long career in radio and print. And helping Rush, and then staying in contact with them, is something I'm glad I was able to do! It's a joy to know so many wonderful Rush fans. Thanks for the warm welcome, Christopher.
That is unfortunate. Ppl need something to talk about I suppose. Im glad you set the record straight. Anyone who has come to understand Geddy & Alex would know that isnt something they would do to Neil. Youre famous in the Rush world thats for sure. You are lucky to have been in peoples' lives that have touched so many others in ways that transcend the music itself! The pleasure was all mine, Donna. Have a good night and hope you continue to have many more warm welcomes amongst the clan, you deserve them!
I agree. If Geddy and Alex make more music I am all on board for whatever they want to do. But Geddy is correct - Rush is Neil, Geddy, and Alex - They wrapped up that package and placed it on the mantle to be honored...
I always took Geddy at his word. He said in Beyond the Lighted Stage, "If there's no Neil, there's no Rush." He and Alex had fun collaborating a couple of times, like at the Taylor Hawkins tribute, and they may do so again at some point. But there are no plans to re-form Rush. Whatever the guys decide to do, I am fine with it; as long as they are happy and healthy, that's what matters.
I would like to thank you for all you did for the band. You are a legend to many of us and essential kog in their popularity in the United States. 🤗
Thank you for being a loyal fan. I feel privileged to be even a small part of Rush's success, and it is also a privilege to have stayed in touch with them for all these years. They have never forgotten me, and that is rare in media: I helped a lot of bands over the years, and never heard from any of them again. But Rush were always grateful for anyone who helped them, and they always stayed in contact with me. As I said, it's a privilege. Nice to know you and nice to chat with you.
I meant to respond to this-- Afterimage is an amazing song, and I know a lot of folks who have an emotional response to it-- especially when we think about losing Neil... "Suddenly, you were gone/ From all the lives you left your mark upon..."
Earthshine. I was already a fan due to the melody and lyrics, but during my first concert seeing them (I’m a late fan, getting into them just before Snakes and Arrows dropped), it was an outdoor amphitheater and it was cloudy that evening. They started playing Earthshine and the clouds parted revealing the moon.
A jewel out of reach indeed
Ah, but it's never too late to get into Rush, or to re-listen to earlier albums. I did a series on YouTube with some other folks called Rush Deep Dives, and we went album by album, picking our favorites. Just about every episode, one of us (or more) found a song we hadn't heard in a while and we developed a new appreciation for it!
That sounds awesome! I’ll check it out.
Let me know what you think of the Rush Deep Dive series. I was reluctant to do video-- I feel more comfortable doing audio (I was a radio deejay, and that was my comfort zone)-- but it turned out to be a lot of fun, and we had some interesting conversations.
DONNA! My band The Toxhards played “Working Man” on tour in Cleveland last fall as a tribute to you for putting Rush on the map on WMMS!! Crowd went nuts for it. Cleveland rocks!
Hearing anything from Vapor Trails - particularly “How It Is” - takes me back to visiting the shores of Lake Michigan with my dad as a kid, particularly in the fall. Vapor Trails is such a deep, heavy album that covers both absolute tragedy and rebirth and healing - “the lowest low to the highest high.” Autumn is a great time of year to feel deeply, and that album truly hits hard - whenever I hear the album, a part of me is transported there no matter where I am. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words. On a few occasions, I've gone to Rush concerts and seen signs that said "Thank you Donna Halper!" That put a smile on my face. And I very much appreciate your answer to my question.
Truly an honor to see and comment on a post from the one and only Donna Halper! Thank you for all you've done in your career!
I debated about joining this group-- didn't want to be a distraction. I don't know how often I will post, but thanks for the kind welcome, and the kind words!
Donna, if you're a distraction, you're the best one we've had here in ages! This has made my whole year.
Thanks for that. But I was being serious-- I don't go onto many fan sites, because I'm not a fan-- I mean, yes I love Rush, but I am a former broadcaster and I met a lot of famous people in a professional capacity-- it was part of my job (fun sometimes, but still part of being a deejay and a music director). And because I don't smoke or drink or do drugs, I actually remember meeting all those people!!! Anyway, one time, I went onto a fan site to chat about something, and someone told me I was arrogant. I certainly don't think of myself in that way, but I can understand why somebody might think I have no business getting into a discussion among fans... like, I don't want it to seem as if I think it's all about ME, if that makes any sense. But now and then, I do like to interact with the fans, and thanks for being so welcoming!
Can’t upvote this enough, and a million thank yous to you. Thank you!!
I don't know if I'll get many upvotes, but thanks for giving me yours!
Many Rush songs hold a place in my soul, but I’ll go with a less popular song - Bravado. The summer before my daughter was born in 2008, I played the Different Stages CDs endlessly while finishing her room.
That song was a reflection for me of many things through my younger years of failures (relationships with previous girlfriends, my parents’ divorce, failed first try at college, a miscarriage for my wife) as I crossed into my mid-30s. But, in finishing the room for my second kid, I felt like I was writing the next verse of Bravado by living through those failures and finding ways of taking what I learned and finding those small successes and victories.
Perhaps that song coupled with being a still new parent helped put a proper perspective on things. Without those failed relationships, I learned to become a better person for my eventual wife and kids. I did get a second chance at college and succeeded. But, I think I needed to deal with the ‘river that was a little too wide’ first. Cool question!
What a beautiful and insightful reply. Thank you for responding so eloquently. It's amazing how Rush's music touches so many of us. And yes, Bravado is an excellent song. Glad your life has improved, by the way. Sending much love to you!
I love this song as well and it reminds me of my childhood. There’s something self reflective about it which just transports me.
Bravado is basically my philosophy of life. I sum it up as better to try and fail, than not try. Many, many times have I paid the price, but I will never count the cost.
Losing It still does it for me. First Rush song that made me cry. Still does, sometimes. Now, I hear most of their songs and I think of Neil and I get sad. Then happy because he left us so much. And finally grateful.
Speaking of gratitude, thank you, Donna for your role in bringing the boys' music stateside. At the end of the day, their breakthough was inevitable, and someone would eventually have introduced them.
But you did. So thank you. We all owe you a great deal.
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, someone else might have introduced them, but I'm glad it was me! And after I did, I also tried to be a good friend to the band-- I encouraged other stations to play their music, defended them whenever critics mocked them, and I joined with various other fans to try to get them into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I also led a group that nominated them (successfully) for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And in return, they were good friends to me as well, and they always kept in touch & never forgot me. And thanks to them, I've met some wonderful fans. Nice to chat with you too! (And thanks for the answer to my question.)
Thanks for being a loyal fan and friend of the band. Whenever I see photos of you with them, it gives me the warm fuzzies. :) Your whole journey with them has been so special, and I'm so glad it has played out so well over all these years.
And the best part is that success never spoiled them. They remained the same down-to-earth guys in the 2010s that they were when I met them in 1974... (And thanks for the kind words, by the way!)
Working Man reminds me of my dad
When I first heard it, I thought the fans in Cleveland would relate to it because Cleveland was a factory town, and a lot of folks had "no time for living... I'm working all the time." But I soon realized the song could also be about the members of Rush too-- they were out on the road more than 300 days a year, playing show after show in city after city-- truly a hardworking band!
Yeah, oh yeah! Their work ethic was incredible, and can't be talked about enough. The stamina they all had, both throughout all their shows and over their career, was simply stupendous. And being able to maintain respectable, well-adjusted personal lives through it all, as well as to remain close friends with each other over all those decades, is just flat amazing. To be successful, there's nothing like good old-fashioned hard work.
My attitude exactly. I've always tried to work hard and to go above and beyond. I appreciate folks who take their work seriously and don't try to just "mail it in." Rush always gave 100% everywhere they performed, whether a large venue or a small one. Never saw them just go through the motions. They always cared deeply about putting on a good show for the fans.
Time stand still
Oh, one of my favorites!!!
Oh, man. Yet another one I shoulda put on my list! Thanks for mentioning it. Yup, glorying in the present moment is really what life should be all about. And as usual, Neil nailed the sentiment. Including Aimee Mann was just beautiful.
Thanks for posting on here! Obviously we all owe you a debt of gratitude. There are so many Rush songs that transport me to another time, and even after listening to these records for 35+ years I still get stoked on it all. If I were to pick one I'd have to go to the beginning: "Oh well, would you please welcome home, RUSH!" and they kick into "Bastille Day" on All The World's A Stage. I was 12 when I got that CD, and had heard various songs on KTel compilations and was familiar with most of Grace Under Pressure prior to that, but when I heard them on the live record it really made me head over heels for this band. After 20+ Philly shows and beyond, to this day when I cue up that record I'm still completely jazzed! Thanks again! RUSH RULES.
I can honestly say I've never seen a bad Rush concert. Agreed, on a couple of occasions, Geddy had a cold or something, but in general, for all the years I've attended their concerts, they always gave 100%. As I told another person on this thread, I never saw Rush "mail it in" or give anything less than their best. They really were amazing in concert, and they tried to give the fans their money's worth.
Great googily moogily, the one and only Donna Halper! We Rush fans owe you so much...🥰 It also amuses me that guys who yap about how there are no female Rush fans have a woman to thank for the band's American success.
And on the subject of female fans - my vote for the song that has the most special significance to me goes to side 1 of Hemispheres. I put up a personal ad on Craigslist in late December 2009 entitled "Let the truth of love be lighted..." and requested replies from interested guys who could complete the rest of the lyric from memory. Joke was on me, though; I managed to marry the one gent who not only couldn't do it, but didn't even know who Rush was! 😂 But I've always loved Hemispheres, and this story just makes me love it more.
Anyway, thanks for coming to hang out and start a really nifty thread. You should stick around awhile; it's mostly pretty awesome...
I may pop in now and then-- depending on how busy I am with trying to find work. I just got laid off after 15 years at my current job (I'm a college professor these days), and I'm eager to see what my next adventure will be. But yes, I will certainly engage on some threads and even start one now and then. And I do get tired of hearing that there are no female Rush fans (or very few). Agreed, in 1974, Rush was perceived as a band for guys only, but even then, I'd see some female fans at concerts. And I know a lot more now than I did even a decade ago. Rush's music is timeless, and I'm glad new generations of fans are finding it-- and some of those fans are female (just like me). Thanks for responding to my question, by the way. Much love to you!
I'm sorry to hear that. I've followed your school's story for awhile, and (from a faculty perspective), it highlights one reason that tenure is so important. Our faculty are an incredibly valuable and scarce resource.
OK, back on track (sorry for the pun)- maybe not as popular, but RUSH put out 'All the World's a Stage' in '76. I was a farm kid, and I had to clean out the cattle barns that summer (might have been '77)- anyhow, I ran 100 feet of extension cord, set up a Realistic turntable and blasted Working Man over and over while I cleaned hay and muck for ten hours a day in the Texas sun. One day it got so hot the record literally melted onto the player, lol. I used my wages to buy a replacement, but I had to quit taking the turntable out into the field. Good times.
Yeah, getting fired wasn't on my Bingo card at all. But, hey, we'll see what my next adventure is. Meanwhile, what a great memory you shared, and I enjoyed reading it! There's never a bad time for playing some Rush songs, even if one is mucking out cattle barns, I guess... But seriously, I think we can all relate-- there have been some bad times in all of our lives, and it's often our favorite songs that get us through it!
Getting fired is awful. I wish we had a place for you at our school.
And actually- cleaning out the barns was a good gig. I like 'honest work' and it helped our family...including our cattle. Blasting some crazy drum solo gave me a good rhythm for the pitchfork.
Do Geddy, Alex...and Neil have any idea of the crazy stuff people did while listening to their music? Probably. Cleaning out a barn is on the tame side, even for me.
Actually, the guys were quite aware of the impact their music had on the fans, and they were also aware that some of the fans were, how shall we say, a bit obsessed. I'm sure they also knew the many different scenarios during which fans listened to (or played) Rush songs. As for my getting fired, I wouldn't mind so much if I had been doing a bad job-- but I was among the most popular and best-known of the professors. (So were many of the other folks who got fired. Our big sin seemed to be that we were older & they had to pay us a little more.) None of this was what I was expecting. But sometimes, life throws us a curve ball. And as I said, we'll see what the next thing is for me, career-wise. Meanwhile, I have plenty of Rush songs I can play if I need to be cheered up!!!
Hi, Donna. For me it’s Subdivisions. I was 12 when Signals was released, and (as a young rock fan) it was the first time I had ever looked forward to an album being released. My life pretty much revolved around both Moving Pictures and Exit…Stage Left, so the idea of new Rush music was very exciting to me. The video as well - as a nerdy, shy kid who grew up in a quiet suburb west of Toronto…well, that clip encapsulates my teenage years quite succinctly!
A truly great song, and one of my favorites too. It resonates with a lot of fans, in fact. Thanks for your response!
Congratulations on your induction into the broadcasters Hall of Fame!
Something for Nothing
It’s a statement that you must work to earn what you desire, or you will not receive it. Fantastic motivation song
So true. I find a lot of Rush songs very motivational, and there's often a focus on ethics. The lyrics to The Garden come to mind for me-- the treasure of a life is a measure of love and respect... Our life is that garden, and how we treat it, what we leave for others, whether we behave in a way that earns respect... that is what matters.
For me it has to be Xanadu. That song always brings me back to a certain time in my life… I’ve grown up listening to rush since i was a kid, but that song in particular brings me back to when i was 19. A lot of firsts for me around that time. My first time truly falling in love, my first couple times seeing Primus on their tribute to kings tour, and to right before my first band broke up. Back when I was still kind of young, dumb, and somewhat innocent. To this day, every time i hear that song i can’t help but get a bit emotional. It makes me reflect on those times, but also makes me think of how far I’ve come since then and how much has changed. One of those songs that every time i hear it gives me emotions can i never experience from anything else. It will always have a special place in my heart just for that reason.
The Garden.
Our mom was in hospice for about a month and while sitting with her one day, talking about stuff, I mentioned we would be missing Rush that weekend on the Clockwork Angels tour. She asked why and we said we didn't want to go have fun while she was dying but she insisted that my sister and I go. "What day is the show?" Friday. "What day is today?" Tuesday. After a short pause she said, "Get tickets." The next day we come back to visit, she asked how was the show and we said it wasn't for a few more days, but we got tickets. "Good. Go have fun." The next day, same conversation. Friday comes, we go to the show and I have NEVER cried so much at a concert. She knew how much the band meant to us. At her memorial I read the passage from the novel with the Fortune Teller's last fortune, "Tend Your Garden."
When CA came out I had no idea it would help get me over my father's death and prepare me for mom's. I listened to that CD in my car almost exclusively for three and a half years. Totally cathartic.
I am so glad that Rush's music helped you get through those difficult times; I hear that from many fans. It's been true for me as well. And by the way, isn't The Garden an absolutely excellent song? I quote from it often. Meanwhile, may the memory of your parents live on in the good deeds you do in their name. (I feel that way about Neil's memory: I donate books to libraries and I donate to cancer research in his name...) Thanks so much for sharing your story and for responding to my post.
Hey Donna, it’s your friend Ryan from Rushfans. Welcome to Reddit!
I can’t hear Closer to the Heart these days without being taken back to the day of my wedding. My mother and I did our mother/son dance to CTTH. We rehearsed it many times over and it was the longest three minutes of my life! It was a great time though and I always transport back to that day when I hear the song.
Hi Ryan. Nice to know you are here too. This is my first post, and I've gotten quite a few replies; and I've already given numerous mentions to the wonderful Deep Dive series we all did on YouTube. And yes, I absolutely love Closer to the Heart! (I kind of figured you would have a Rush song or two in amongst your most important life events-- including your wedding. Never a bad time for a Rush song, am I right?)
Middletown Dreams helped me survive bullying, welfare, and thoughts of suicide because I had dreams to transport me away.
Middletown Dreams makes my throat swell every time I hear it. Subdivisions was my first love, but Power Windows and Hold Your Fire were the soundtrack of my awkward teenage years.
And what a treat to hear from Donna! This has made my day. (The guy from the Subdivisions video also chimed in here some time back, and that made my day too!)
I'm glad you're still here to share your story RacecarHealthPotato.
2 of my fav Rush records <3
Cygnus X-1 book 2 takes me back to hunting trips with my dad in southern Oregon. We would listen to it on our early morning drives to our favorite spots. Anytime I hear those opening chords I go right back to southern oregon and those awesome days that we had together.
I know what you mean. There are Rush songs that absolutely take me back-- to cities where I saw the guys, or fan events, or times I hung out with the guys backstage... stuff like that (deejays tend to think that way). But yes, there are certain individual songs that remind me of who I was dating or what I was going through at a certain time. (Madrigal comes to mind. So does Entre Nous.) Their songs are so powerful! So glad you have some good memories, and thanks for answering my question.
OMG, Donna! How totally awesome of you to drop in here! We love you so much! :3 I have several such songs, as I suspect most Rushians do:
- Subdivisions: It came out just as I was graduating college and escaping my own subdivision hell to live my life the way I really wanted. That song spoke to me so hard. Still does, always will.
- Marathon: So inspirational and motivating, a great guide to living a good life. When I hear it, I feel like I could run 100 miles.
- Something for Nothing: Another brilliant song about how to live life. I had the lyrics on my wall for years to keep me focused on being proactive and positive.
- Force Ten: Ditto to the previous two. A superb manifesto on how to live live fully aware and with courage.
- Free Will: Such an eloquent statement of being independent and being one's own best person. One of my favorite fuck-you-to-the-world songs.
- Tom Sawyer: One of the best songs ever about having a proper uppity 'tude.
- Kid Gloves: This is my dark horse/deep cut entry. I just love the line "overwhelmed by everything but wanting more so much." Story of my life; I have it on my Reddit user profile. :)
- The Spirit of Radio: I also love its celebration of radio's glory days (I'm a retired journalist myself). My earliest memories of falling in love with the magic of music are from listening to the radio. It's also an ideal song to wake up to; for a long time I set it to play on my clock-radio alarm clock. So much friendlier than a regular alarm! Finally, TSOR was what they opened with the first time I ever saw them in concert. It was an absolutely electrifying moment that will be deeply etched in my brain forever.
I could go on, but I'll stop at 8 songs. This comment has already gone on a bit much.
Thank you so much, forever and ever, for your pivotal role in bringing Rush to the US audience! We will always be in your debt. And thank you for being so prominent on social media and everywhere online. You are a living legend.
Well, I would rather be a living legend, instead of a dead one!!! (I'm a cancer survivor-- grateful every day to be alive. And I only wish the kind of cancer Neil had was as treatable as what I had...I miss him, as I know we all do...) But while I appreciate the compliments, I don't think of myself as legendary at all. I think of myself as a broadcaster who believed in a certain rock band and who made the right choice. I also think of myself as someone who tries to make a positive impact (and not just because of my friendship with Rush). I understand that not everyone likes me, and not everyone likes Rush. But I do hope that when folks interact with me, whether online or in person, they at least find that I'm courteous to them-- mom raised me like that! (There's way too much rudeness and nastiness online; I try not to add to it.) Meanwhile, your choice of music is impeccable. I appreciate your answer; it's nice to hear the reasons why these songs matter to you.
Resist, specifically Live in Rio version
I tend to prefer the studio version of most Rush songs, but you're right that Live in Rio has some great stuff on it.
That one’s just beautiful. And that version is my son’s favorite Rush song. And he’s finicky about what he listens to.
Everything before I was 19 and knew everything, and now all of them because I'm 53.
I often find that a Rush song can have one meaning for me at one time in my life, and then, years later, when I re-listen, I derive additional meaning from it!
Yes, you get it! And it's not less than when you're young, we all need that! But it's done so well that it means more when it remains your life's soundtrack!
And Rush is the soundtrack to so many of our lives!
I suppose Cold Fire and Ghost of a Chance for dispelling that Disney like notion of love; helped me out of a really dysfunctional and emotionally abusive relationship.
Camera Eye because I love London and NYC.
The Analog Kid because it’s me, still have some child like wonder at 53. Yet to find the fawn eyed girl…
Subdivisions. How many of us lived it?
As I was saying to someone else on this thread, Analog Kid has already been mentioned several times. And I share your love for Ghost of a Chance, by the way. And when you think about it, people can find love or change their lives at almost any age... I got married at age 40. I went back to school at age 55 and got my PhD at age 64... In the immortal words of Led Zeppelin, "yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on."
Ooh, I should've included The Analog Kid! That song spoke to the adolescent in me, as I know it did for countless others. It's just perfect.
Several other folks on this thread have mentioned that song. Definitely a good one, and very relatable.
Don't go too far, don't cross the line, don't let me down, don't break the spell.
I’m with you on those choices
Time Stand Still. It started hitting home a lot more because I have children who are growing up, and my old friends are getting older. There's no way to freeze time, but it's a nice reminder to stop and appreciate the moment you're in because it goes so fast. It's a really beautiful song.
And that's important advice-- Rush's songs are not about partying (although they undoubtedly did some of that!); they're often about the times in our lives when we experience certain emotions, whether it's joy or sadness or something in between... Life has so many important moments, but because we are too busy or too caught up in whatever we are going through, we might let those moments pass and not appreciate them. Neil is reminding us to remember those moments-- especially the ones with people we care about, or the ones where something beautiful is happening around us (you know how Neil loved nature). The songs remind us to celebrate those moments, freeze them in memory and keep them safe, so that we can share them with future friends and generations. I see elements of that advice in "One Little Victory" too.
For me, going up as a gay kid in the 80s was rough. I felt alienated by all the bands I enjoyed. Vital Signs was the first song that told me these guys might not care that I am gay. Then Nobody's Hero drove it home.
PS. One of my old friends (Michael S.) claims you were his babysitter long, long ago and I always questioned it. Name ring any bells?
I've got two:
Time Stand Still: So my parents divorced when I was young. I spent almost every weekend and most of every summer with him. Circumstances as they are, he ended up having to move about an hour away so on the trips back and forth we'd listen to a lot of music, especially Rush. I've seen Time Stand Still make him cry, and at the time I didn't understand why. Now that I'm older and have a better understanding of, well, everything, it'll get me too; I'm even welling up a little thinking about it as I type.
One Little Victory: I've listened to Rush basically since I was born. Rush is the reason I decided to play drums, I still remember the exact moment too. I was about 10 when Neil's tragedies struck and had no knowledge of them. But as time went on, and I got access to the internet, I found out about them and the overall uncertainty as to if they were going to continue. Of course when Vapor Trails released I went out that day and got it and was unprepared for how it starts. The man I'd idolized for a significant portion of my life had made a very clear statement of, "I'm back."
Two outstanding songs-- I was just mentioning One Little Victory to someone else on this thread, and I'm also a big fan of Time Stands Still: both are similar in their philosophy of not taking life for granted, of recognizing (and remembering) what's really important, of appreciating new experiences and not letting the past go by too fast... And I can understand what you are describing about your (and your father's) reaction to Time Stands Still-- like the song says, experience slips away... the innocence slips away... But all is not lost, as Neil reminds us. There are still amazing things to experience and appreciate in life, and there is still time to do it. Perhaps we are no longer as innocent as we once were, but we can still learn something new or feel something new, and it's not too late to become aware of what really matters. Thank you so much for responding to my question.
As several others have already mentioned, Subdivisions is the Rush song that speaks to me most - especially since I was an angsty 15 year old when it came out.
I left Twitter and missed so many of my follows including you. I’m glad you are here and added a follow! Xanadu off of Exit Stage Left transported me out of the crappy childhood I had to a peaceful place.
I stayed on Twitter and I'm still there. Yes, some folks left, and yes there are more haters there now. But some good people remain, including many Rush fans. We play Wordle, we talk about music, sometimes we talk politics, but we're all still being courteous to each other and not letting the haters win. Glad you overcame your childhood problems and that Rush's music helped-- a lot of fans tell me similar stories.
The Camera Eye always reminds me of a rainy day in a library, which is where I first heard the song.
Chain Lightning reminds me of when I first really understood the beauty of sharing this world with others.
Gorgeous chords paired with Neil’s always relatable and insightful lyrics… I felt like I finally understood the fact that the landscapes I traveled through were amazing, but how much better is life when you get to share that beauty with someone?
Absolutely. That's why the lyrics of Entre Nous are so important to me. One of Neil's best songs about love and relationship. (Who said Neil couldn't write about love? Or the importance of friendship? And Geddy has pointed out on many occasions during his book tour that the three members of the band liked each other and enjoyed each other's company. And they knew how to make each other laugh too. All part of being friends...)
The camera eye. I think it's the way it builds to the solo at the end that gets me. Just love it. But this is a tough question. These guys just check all the boxes.
And that's why I wasn't asking about a "favorite song" as much as a song that contains a specific memory or specific emotions about a time & a place. Like, whenever I hear the opening chords to Working Man, it takes me back to December 1974 and the very enthusiastic (and loud!!!) response Rush got when they played like at the Agora in Cleveland; and Geddy did a shout-out to me and thanked me for getting the band the attention it deserved in the US... sometime, I'll say more about what my experience in Cleveland was like before Rush and after Rush, but that moment at the Agora wasn't just about the shout-out. It was about feeling so proud of the guys and feeling like a community of Rush fans was being formed, and I was there to witness it as it was happening!
Hi Donna, it's a great pleasure to talk to you, you have a special place in my heart and I'm sure in other fans.
The Garden is the most emotional song for me, it evokes the memory of my mother and her passion for gardening, and also an old photo of my family, where we are in a public garden and she is holding me. Cancer took her almost 10 years ago. And of course, the song is a symbolic milestone of the band and its legacy.
I really like natural science, evolution, the universe and all that, so Natural Science, Mystic Rhythms, put me in a fantastic and distant time and place. They also make me think of many scientists I follow on social media, especially paleontologist Aline Ghilardi and her husband Tito, I admire the work they have been doing in research and scientific dissemination. I hope one day I can make art for them.
Subdivisions was my first favorite, I don't need to explain why. Yes I was the lonely boy blablabla. So it's nostalgic for me, it reminds me of when I was in my first phase as a fan, getting used to it and getting to know the band's history, introducing them to friends (2 more girls, eh! haha) etc.
I don't want to say too much, a hug from the Brazilian singer of YYZ. \o/
So, should I try to do this comment in Portuguese? I wouldn't get very far-- my Spanish and my French are okay, but I only know bad words in Portuguese!!! I absolutely share your feelings about The Garden. One of my all-time favorite Rush songs. In fact, all of your choices are excellent. Thank you so much for the kind words, and for answering my question. Sending much love to you!
OMG before I saw the content of this post, "Spirit of Radio" was my choice to reply with.
It's not my favorite Rush song, that would probably be "Working Man" or "In The Mood" (I love that first album), or perhaps 2112 (the entire album, but Passage to Bangkok, Twilight Zone, and Something for Nothing in particular) but "Spirit of Radio" has special meaning to me because it brings back the era when I could turn on KRQR or KFOG (both SF stations) and listen to the rock music that my Evangelical upbringing forbade (my sister was more of a KFRC type, but not me and my older brother)
My older brother (5 years my senior) had a record collection from used record stores that we kept hidden from our parents, it was the one that thing that our age gap allowed us to bond over. We shared a bedroom, and I discovered that he had them, and instead of being a tattle-tale I kept the secret.
He's a MUCH bigger Rush fan than me, but when our parents were gone and just me and him were home, he would break out the collection. I think Farewell to Kings was his favorite or Moving Pictures, I don't recall which. But sometimes we would listen to the radio.
I still remember the time we were listening to the radio and he got all excited and ran and grabbed a blank cassette, a new Rush song was playing! It was Subdivisions.
I'm still a fan of Radio, although now I mostly listen to talk Radio because the Classic Rock stations just play the same thing over and over and over and over but back in the 80s when I was growing up, the airwaves were a magical means by which even two kids growing up in a house that forbid rock music could discover both new and old bans alike to listen to and then look for in the used music stores.
The era of Radio was pure magic and Rush captured that magic in that song.
And the video too, the video is an excellent match to the song.
That's why Spirit of Radio speaks to me: I was on the air when radio still ruled, and when radio could make or break a band. I find talk radio too partisan and shout-y, and you are right that many classic rockers play the same stuff over and over. I have found some good stations on Sirius/XM to listen to, but I miss radio every day of my life and I what happened to it breaks my heart. It used to be that "friendly voice" we all began the day with... now, 6 giant conglomerates own most of the stations and it's difficult to find a good variety or interesting deejays... Thanks for such an informative response to my question.
Oh man, it's an electrifying memory honestly.
I remember I was a young teen and still listened to stuff like Styx, Air Supply, and soft rock. Friends at school were name dropping harder rock bands sometime around my birthday. My sister asked what gift I wanted and so I name dropped Rush.
I'll never forget putting 2112 record on and dropping the needle. I was beyond blown away. That song spoke instantly to my primal energy. I don't know how else to describe it.
Rush has been my favorite from the very first play.
Riding through the suburbs in a friend’s truck, with conversation taking place between the two who are sitting in the front seat while I sit alone quietly in the back seat, because the speakers aren’t balanced well and I’m getting a much louder dose of the music than they are. But fortunately, the driver put in a Rush cassette from his personal collection. It’s a band he listens to all of the time and that I’m slowly getting to know. So I’m in my own little world while we’re on our way to a friend’s house, and I’m lucky to be there because I have no driver’s license and no pocket money (which also means, no gas money). It’s after 9pm and it’s dark out, whatever time of year it is. So I sit there and listen to Neurotica. I’m not usually one to try to interpret or even recognize the lyrics, which I now know is such a huge part of Rush’s legacy and appeal; I just want to hear all the sounds coming together and be in the moment. The opening chords and kick drum are gentle enough to draw me in, and then a beautiful five-note guitar riff has me hooked. I forget about the chaos I left behind at home and at school, and don’t even really care how enjoyable the evening’s hangout will be. This band is what I’m going to remember about the evening.
What a great story! And so many times in my own life, when I am feeling alone or frustrated or whatever else, if I listen to some Rush, it just makes me feel better. And I know you understand that experience. Thanks for responding to my question! Sorry for the delayed response from me, but I got close to 300 replies and I've tried to say something to as many of those folks as possible. It's the least I can do: since you took the time to answer my question, shouldn't I give you a personal reply? So I did, although belatedly. Much love, and thanks for being a Rush fan!
The Hemispheres intro for me. When I was 13, in 1979, my drummer friend played it for me on his amazing sound system record player and it absolutely blew my mind. I thought these guys are making music unlike anything I had ever heard.
A funny story: my first kiss was an amazing experience with a cute girl. We were boyfriend and girlfriend for several months but we were 14, so we couldn't drive yet and seeing each other was difficult. Anyway, we reconnected on Facebook and when I asked if she remembered me, and she said "Yeah. You turned me on to Rush." Haha.
Anyway, OP, you're a hero to us Rush fans!
Aww, I'm glad I contributed to your life in a positive way! And I am glad you have some good memories that are associated with being a Rush fan. Great story about your first love. Maybe the relationship didn't last, but you gave her such a valuable gift-- turning her into a Rush fan! Thanks for answering my question. Much love from Donna (that's me) to you (don't know your name, but if you are a Rush fan, you're okay with me!).
Marathon: (especially the extended live cuts) reminds me of my father, and he and I racing road bikes in my teens. As I grew older the song took on its meaning in my everyday life. Indeed life itself is a test of endurance ;)
Tom Sawyer: I started playing drums at age 7, started the band thing at 14, and for the last decade I’ve had the privilege of cramming into a big van with my best buds doing the thing we love up and down the trans-Canada highway. Every time we start a run of shows one of the first songs on the drive if not number one is Tom Sawyer blasting as loud as we can stomach, windows down for the world to know- we meant business .
Working man: well funny enough I chose to make a choice recently and entered the trades. I do INDEED get home at five oclock and I dig m’self out a nice cold beer. Just too good of a feel good song to pass up.
Thank you DH for bringing this tour de force of a group to light. :)
Tom Sawyer is one of my faves. Sounds great on the radio and has a message that resonates with many of us even today, about the importance of thinking for oneself and not renting out one's mind to any god or government. I never took those lyrics to be anti-religion or anti-government, by the way. I took them to mean "Don't let your favorite preacher or your favorite politician make your decisions for you. Don't confuse being popular with doing the right thing." In other words, don't just go along with the crowd-- put logic and ethics ahead of mindless conformity. And on another matter, yes, Working Man has indeed stood the test of time!
Honestly this is a recent development for myself, but “between the wheels” seems more relevant than ever. Otherwise for a classic one that has always meant something to me would have to be the necromancer. I just think it’s a masterpiece and it gives me goosebumps almost every time
Wow. It's like running across a celebrity and finding out they are pretty cool and down to earth.
Who? Me? Or the guys in Rush? The guys in Rush were always very down to earth. And me, I'm just Donna, and I'd like to think that I'm down to earth too! Mostly, I just try to be courteous... Thanks for the kind words, by the way.
I just want to add another THANK YOU Donna to the chorus. I can’t imagine a life without this band.
I feel the same way: Knowing Rush changed my life for the better. I appreciate your kind words, and I appreciate your being a fan. Thank you.
Eternal thanks to you for subjecting the world to the greatest band of all time. This is a hard decision! There are SO many because they were my guiding light in life for so long. I was in 2 Rush cover bands too. I discovered them when I was 14 and P/G just came out. At the time I was getting into trouble a bit and had been checking for unlocked cars late at night when I came across a Moving Pictures cassette. Next day I played it and in less than a second I was hooked. Had no idea who they were or what hit me when Tom Sawyer played but that very first note gave me chills. By the end of the song I couldn't believe the power, skill and melody it all had. Nothing ever spoke to me like that. That was also the very first CD I bought. I'd have to say that song has the most meaning to me, but there are many others too.
I know exactly what you mean. There are some lyrics where you just go, Wow I wish I had written that; or Wow, that captures exactly what I am feeling. Neil was SO good at doing that! (And I still love to listen to Moving Pictures. A great, and very accessible, album. Limelight still sounds good, so does Tom Sawyer, and I really think Witch Hunt is a very important song, now more than ever.)
Oh wow, Donna! I've been hearing your name since I was turned onto the boys back in '84 or so. Thanks for taking a chance on them.
For me? It's changed over the years. One song or another bubbles to the top. "Close to the Heart", "Freewill", "Subdivisions", "The Pass".
Now that I'm 52 and an empty nester, I seem to have landed on "Time Stand Still" When it came out, I was in high school, and it didn't hit right. It DOES now. "Summer's going fast, nights growing colder..." Yeah, Neil - I feel that.
That said, "The Garden" makes me tear up. Talk about a swan song from Neil.
Yeah, it seems amazing that is has been 50 years since I first got them played at WMMS, and we are still in touch. In fact, I'm even in touch with some of their family members. I love the songs you mentioned, but The Garden is at the top of my list. It's definitely reminiscent of who Neil was, but also, it's a good reminder about what really matters in life--"The treasure of a life is a measure of love and respect; The way you live, the gifts that you give..." Our life is like a garden, and our job is to nurture it, to treat it with respect. Even on our worst days, life is a gift, one that we can share with others. Neil shared his music with us, and the love and respect we feel for him lives on in those songs (and in our reaction to them).
Three of them: 1) Subdivisions: I was 15 when this came out and "be cool or be cast out" hit hard 2) Xanadu: when I played this, my cat Sinbad would immediately run to the speakers at the intro and try to "find the birdies" then sit and listen to the whole song! Later in life, my then 82 year old Dad was known to recite "Kubla Khan" (the inspiration for Xanadu) by rote memory, so I had him sit down and listen to Xanadu on headphones.......when it was over he said "Wow! That was really cool!" 3) Time Stand Still: my Dad was taken to the ER for difficulty breathing and this popped up on my Pandora playlist......it ended up being the last Rush song I heard before he passed away.....we had both "Xanadu" and "Time Stand Still" played at his funeral ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing such a beautifully-written recollection. And I share your affection for Subdivisions, as do a lot of folks who responded to my question. May the memory of your dad live on in the good deeds you do in his memory. Thanks again for responding to my question.
My first introduction to Rush was getting stoned with friends and listening to a recording from the Pink Pop concert in Holland. In particular, La Villa Strangiato, this always warps me back to that happy/fuzzy moment. A Passage To Bangkok would always make us chuckle because they were singing about what we were smoking! Happy days, thanks Rush for those great memories and you, Donna, for your part in that all happen too.
Kid Gloves almost seems biographical to me, especially when I think of how I felt growing up and still often feel today.
The Enemy Within also holds a special significance for me in my personal life, a reminder not to give up or give in.
I know quite a few fans who have told me they can relate to Kid Gloves. Meanwhile, about a year and a half ago, I was on a series of YouTube videos called Rush Deep Dives, and I discussed the Fear Trilogy several times-- The Enemy Within is an outstanding song. Neil was very concerned about people giving in to fear and turning against those who are different, or blindly following some diabolical leader who takes humanity in a very bad direction. That's why ethics and critical thinking were so important to him (and to the other members of the band).
Closer to the Heart. It's super cheesy, but when I was on dating apps, I had "You can be the captain, I will draw the chart" written in my bio as a bit of bait, hoping that it would catch the eye of a cute Rush fan. Luckily it worked! My partner's first message to me was the next two lines of the song. We skew a bit younger in terms of the Rush fandom, so he's one of the only other huge Rush fans I've ever met. I always loved the song, but now it's just a bit more special and sentimental to me!
It's so cool the many ways that fans interact with Rush songs. And "cheesy" isn't a word I'd use to describe your experience. There's nothing like finding another Rush fan, especially someone you can feel romantically-inclined towards. And by the way, I take it from your pseudonym that you are a female fan. I was always told that only men liked Rush, but I know lots of girls & women who like the band a lot. Nice to encounter another female fan!
Definitely cliché, but The Spirit of Radio. The reason being I was super lucky to be able to see RUSH play 1 live show in my lifetime. 4/3/2011, I was 17.
They opened the concert with this song, and it was just electric. Every single time I listen to The Spirit of Radio, I can go back to that moment when the time machine on stage got set to the right date and the band appeared.
It's not a cliché to me-- it's one of my favorite Rush songs, and as a former deejay, I can really relate to it. So could the guys in the band-- like me, they were seeing radio change, and it wasn't changing for the better. And yes, I've seen them do the song in concert live many times, and everyone always sang along. I'm so glad you were there that time to see them perform it. Thanks for your response to my question.
Time Stand Still. I first got into it when I was graduating from high school, and the realization that I was going to move away from my hometown to go to college, and most everyone I knew from high school was going somewhere different, all my friend groups were splitting up and drifting apart, hit me hard. That song managed to capture my feelings about my impending life changes really well.
"I turn my back to the wind, to catch my breath before I start off again."
Subdivisions, it’s a beautiful song and it means a lot to me now. Tom Sawyer as well, cause it’s the song that just cemented how fucking amazing the guys are
After spending my entire life in a cult, then waking up at age 40 to realize it was all a sham, the two that resonated with me for obvious reasons are “Freewill” and “Faithless”.
(Echoing all the other outcast teenagers who related to “Subdivisions”, but for a Jehovah’s Witness teenager I literally had to Conform or Be Cast Out [on the street]).
Thank you for all you did for the greatest band to ever walk the Earth.
I've posted before how on a very important day in my life, the most popular Denver local hard rock station morning show transitioned from their dual-cohost slot into the later-morning programming by slamming Dreamline across the airwaves.
It helped change my life that day.
https://www.reddit.com/r/rush/comments/339rrj/comment/cqj9w2d/
For me it's Limelight. I am instantly fifteen leaping out of my seat at the first note when they played it on the Signals tour in 82(?). Subdivisions also puts me right back in high school, that lyric and that synth sound are embedded in my mind.
For me, it’s Tom Sawyer. I’m 55 and this was one of the first records I bought myself; way back in 1981 at Haffa’s records in Athens, OH.
I didn’t know much about them at all (I’d heard 2112 on a boombox in scout camp), so thought I’d grab the latest thing from them with my chore money - I mean, the album cover was so cool and modern, all black w/ red text and that enigmatic photo.
When I first spun it, it was SO different from 2112, but I loved it anyway. Listened to the whole record over and over on dad’s hifi, devouring the lyrics on the sleeve. After many years and many more albums purchased, that first track on side one of MP sticks out the most in the feels.
Also a big thank you to you Donna for helping to bring Rush onto the American airwaves. We all owe you a big thumbs up!! We couldn’t pick up The Buzzard way down in the hills of Appalachia, but word of the Canadian trio traveled there nonetheless.
Red Barchetta we were running away as to keep from getting in trouble. I slammed the car door as my buddy hit the ignition. As the truck started, Geddy screamed over the speakers, “Fire up the willing engine! Responding with a roar!”
That is a great song-- and it still sounds good on the radio, or any time really! And I love your story-- but I do hope you're not still getting into trouble!!!
So for me, it's my origin story and also bittersweet.
It was the summer of 78 and I was 10. My friend Glenn comes over and is just out of his mind excited. In his hand is an album and he goes "dude, you GOTTA hear THIS!!!!!!!!!"
We go in the house and it's a black album with a red star on the front cover.
He pulls it out and we drop the needle on side one of 2112, and life as I knew it was forever changed. I literally felt my head canoe open as I'm alternating between asking myself what this is and asking Glenn WTF is this!
Needless to say I was hooked.
Many years and moves later, I'm back home visiting my mom and I decide to go out for a drink and a bite to eat.
This now woman comes up to me and says "you probably don't remember me but" at which point I stop her and say of course I remember you, you're X Glenn's sister. I mean, how could I forget her, I had a pretty good crush on her when we were kids.
So we start talking and very soon I ask her how Glenn is and she gets this strange look and looks as if she's going to cry. I'm trying to figure out what happened and she goes "Glenn was killed by a drunk driver a few years ago" I start apologizing profusely and she says how would you know....
I tell her the story from when we were 10 and she starts laughing. She tells me RUSH was always his favorite group from that summer on and would force her to listen to them till she submitted and they became her favorite group also. LoL
Thanks again Glenn, I'll see you in the next life, pal!
Working Man is really describing me these last couple weeks, all work no time
I've felt that way many times in my life!!! And that song has aged very well; no wonder the guys played it in tour after tour, for many years. And entirely new generations of fans came to love it (and relate to it).
Everyone reading through this thread should be sure to check out Donna's awesome blog. Her second most recent entry, a lengthy one, recounts how she discovered Rush 50 years ago.
There's also an interesting Wikipedia article about Donna. She has done a breathtaking amount of work telling the story of radio, especially women's roles in its history. There's a shitload more about this amazing woman than just her place in Rush history! (And anyone can edit Wikipedia, as you know, so if you have anything to add to the article, go for it!)
Or they can go to my website, I suppose (www.donnahalper.com) and see some cool pictures--including when I was inducted into the Mass. Broadcasters Hall of Fame, along with my bio, some links to articles I wrote, etc. I'm working on a new blog post right now, in fact. I also write about the history of baseball, and lots of topics related to the history rock music, radio, pop culture, etc. Folks can also see me on YouTube on the Rush Deep Dive series. Trying to keep my name out there; having just been laid off from my job (after 15 years), I need to make sure I have a good presence on social media, so that I can show potential employers I still have a lot to offer. Meanwhile, I really appreciate how welcome you have made me feel on this site. Thank you again!
My first Rush concert was the Snakes & Arrows Tour when I was in high school. Two songs bring me back to that incredible night:
Dreamline. Hearing Alex play those opening notes brings me back to that night watching the lasers dance across the sky. It actually was the first time I heard the song and fell in love with it immediately!
Subdivisions. I can still remember how that song felt. Literally, I can remember feeling the vibrations of those opening notes through the floor and up through my body.
There are so many Rush songs that hold special places in my heart, but these two really bring me back in time to one of the best nights of my life.
Two excellent songs. I am looking at the lanyard I got during the Snakes & Arrows tour (when you go backstage, you wear a lanyard which shows you were approved for access). Thinking of that tour definitely brings back good memories. Thanks for your response!
Hi Donna. I have to say the live version of Losing It on the R40 album especially when Geddy introduces it “for all you guys.” He knew we all wanted to hear it played live for years but anticipating it was to be the final tour made it so much more powerful and emotional as the bell was starting to toll for the band. It was a flawless version with Ben Mink on violin. As a bonus on the CD we got a second version from the final show in Los Angeles. I felt it was anticlimactic to follow up that incredible moment with a song I love - Subdivisions. I just feel they should have ended the first set with Losing It.
Ironically on the Time Machine tour Subdivisions again was the anticlimactic follow up to Marathon which was incredible on that tour.
I was just talking with Ben Mink last week-- what a nice person. He and I were on a Rush Deep Dive episode. Just an amazing musician, and a good guy too. And yes I have to agree about Losing It-- such a great song... I know the guys wanted to extend the tour, but Neil's health was becoming problematic and he knew he couldn't keep performing. (I miss him to this day... I know we all do...)Thanks for your response to my question.
Open Secrets, it hit me at such a good time in my life and the words still ring true to the modern world. The song more or less affects me because of the way it entered my life.
I can relate to that. There are many Rush songs that were just the perfect song for what was happening in my life at that time. Thanks for responding to my question.
2112 was the one that got me into Rush
Red Barchetta made me a fan. But Signals spoke volumes to me... Subdivisions and The Analog Kid...just about all of their albums from the 80's were instrumental in my teenage development...also...
The next time you speak with Geddy. Tell him He might not like Tai Shan but it is an underrated masterpiece of imagery...
The Camera Eye. First song i remember hearing and was immediately hooked.
At one point in my life i would listen to 2112 at least 3 times a day, it even became a way to measure time, like i would take a walk or exercise while listening to it, it got me through some rough times. On another note one time i woke up in the morning and went to work, the 1st song that the radio played was spirit of the radio, it put me in a good mood i rocked out all the way to work.
The live version of "By-Tor & The Snow Dog" from "All The World's a Stage," especially Alex's atmospheric interlude. It was winter of '89 when I first heard it in my Walkman, walking to school in the cold. I'd just taken up bass guitar, and the whole album had me looking forward to learning it. An absolutely wonderful memory.
I love manhattan project because it was a historical turning point in history and Neil articulated it so well.
YYZ live on the ESL album. It was the first time I heard Rush. I was instantly hooked. Since then they’ve been part of my life like friend I’ve never met.
Hi, Donna! and welcome! As you’ve seen you have quite a lot of well deserved respect here. :-)
I’ll pick from the many special songs - Distant Early Warning. Grace Under Pressure was the first album that came out after I started seriously dating this one girl. She got to experience my habit of buying a new Rush album on release day, and sitting down to delve into everything about it. Then having it on high rotation in my car. And humming the songs to myself. As we stayed together, she would occasionally ask me about “cruising under the radar” and tell me I “sometimes drive me crazy but I worry about you”.
She made it through the release of Power Windows too! We’ve been married since.
For the longest time, the ringtone on her phone when I call is that snippet of DEW “you sometimes drive me crazy…”
She’s not a Rush fan, and despite my asking every time she never went to a Rush concert with me - but she understands that’s one of my quirks and it doesn’t suck so bad.
Hi Donna. So nice to see you post! I’m going to stir things up and say ‘Tai Shan’. 15 or so years ago I was in China on a homeland tour for my daughter. While flying across China at 30,000 feet I listened to the song on my iPod, looked over the mountains and - guess what? China sang to me! Poor woman beside me held my hands and said something I couldn’t understand, but I’m sure it was sweet.
Mystic Rhythms. It's an underrated gem, but I'll never forget putting on the Chronicles DVD getting home from kindergarten or first grade and watching all the older music videos. The two songs that stood out to me were Mystic Rhythms and Distant Early Warning. I reconnected with the former when I was listening to Rush's entire discography in high school as I was preparing myself to see them live for the second and final time, and I found a new appreciation for Mystic Rhythms and Power Windows in general that I'd never had before. It quickly became my favourite song and album respectively - not just by Rush but out of all of the music I've ever heard. The music, the drums, and the vocals all hit me in a way no other song has and I don't think any song ever will again.
“The Garden”… you know why.
The Spirit of the Radio. It was when my dad first showed me Rush at 5 years old. I remember the exact moment so vividly. The way the sky looked, the air smelled, etc. Every time I hear the opening notes I am instantly teleported to the back seat of my dad's light purple Chrysler town and country with the windows down and him starting in perfectly on beat with the drums on his steering wheel. 23 years ago but also feels like yesterday.
Welcome! As a fan of your work and Rush, I am thrilled you have joined! The Garden. For happy and sad reasons.
My first child was born the day the lyric video for Headlong Flight dropped. I’ll never forget sitting and holding this sleeping newborn baby in the hospital room as her mother slept, listening to the song on earphones, and thinking of everything this little new person had ahead of them as Geddy sang, “I wish that I could live it all again.” One of those magical soundtrack-of-my-life moments.
My first child was born the day the lyric video for Headlong Flight dropped. I’ll never forget sitting and holding this sleeping newborn baby in the hospital room as her mother slept, listening to the song on earphones, and thinking of everything this little new person had ahead of them as Geddy sang, “I wish that I could live it all again.” One of those magical soundtrack-of-my-life moments.
My first introduction to Rush was getting stoned with friends and listening to a recording from the Pink Pop concert in Holland. In particular, La Villa Strangiato, this always warps me back to that happy/fuzzy moment. A Passage To Bangkok would always make us chuckle because they were singing about what we were smoking! Happy days, thanks Rush for those great memories and you, Donna, for your part in making that all happen too.
The Pass. To me, it has always felt like Subdivisions part 2
Fly By Night for me. I was 22 pulling out of my driveway with a U-Haul trailer moving to a new state by myself. It was around midnight and snowing pretty heavy. I put in “All The World’s A Stage” and that song came on. The lyrics really resonated with me at that moment, I will never forget that feeling.
Why try? I know why This feeling inside me says it's time I was gone Clear head, new life ahead It's time I was king now, not just one more pawn
Fly by night, away from here Change my life again Fly by night, goodbye, my dear My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend
Moonrise, thoughtful eyes Staring back at me from the window beside No fright or hindsight Leaving behind that empty feeling inside
Fly by night, away from here Change my life again Fly by night, goodbye, my dear My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend, whoa!
Fly by night, away from here Change my life again Fly by night, goodbye, my dear My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend
Start a new chapter, find what I'm after It's changing every day The change of a season's enough of a reason To want to get away Quiet and pensive, my thoughts apprehensive The hours drift away Leaving my homeland, playing a lone hand My life begins today
I'd say Free Will. True promotion of individualism and free thinking.
The Pass when my Fiancé broke it off shortly after High School graduation. That song still makes me weepy when I think back to all those dark thoughts. Turn around and walk the razor’s edge, don’t turn your back on me
Time stand still.
“Show Don’t Tell”: we knew there would be a new Rush song released on radio, so my friend and I waited all day in his driveway skateboarding and listening to WDHA (northern NJ) on the boom box with the tape deck ready with Play/Record and Pause already depressed. As soon as we heard those first percussive beats, we unpaused because we just knew it was Rush. Then we spent the rest of the day listening to the song on repeat. What joy, and it was enhanced by the anticipation of not knowing when the station would play the song.
Ghost of a chance. It just always stuck with me.
One that always had a special meaning for me was Bravado. The lyrics "If the moment of glory
Is over before it's begun" just struck a chord for that time of my life.
- Trees. I was always aware of Rush, but that was the song that made me want to listen to more than the radio hits. 2. Cygnus X-1. Had a bonding moment with a buddy over this music. 3. La Villa Strangiato. I always loved this tune and a percussionist friend learned to play it for me. It was like a gift.
There are many Rush songs that speak to me lyrically but the song Distant Early Warning will always be especially special to me as I became obsessed with Rush in 1983, after Signals, so it was the first new song premiere that I heard on the radio by my new favorite band. I actually remember where I was driving when I heard it on the car stereo!
Same - they all take me to specific places and times. Subdivisions hit me like a freight train. I was too young to understand that I wasn’t the only one who felt like an outcast; just different enough from everyone else to make them raise an eyebrow at me. Rush lived it, so they “got it,” and communicated it so well through that song. I was a freshman in high school - a new environment, new faces, a school full of people, and yet alone in so many ways.
As a lyricist, Neil was very adept at channeling the emotions and feelings of so many of us-- especially anyone who ever felt different or unwelcome. There are so many Rush songs that resonate with me, and fans tell me the same thing-- especially about songs like Subdivisions.
My all-time favorite Rush song is "The Trees". The last line says it all.
It's really an outstanding song! Just the personification of trees having quarrels in itself caught me... much less the excellent arrangement & performance. Such a nobel law.
Entre Nous
Red Barchetta... such a good story!
Hi Donna! It was so cool to read about you in Geddys book! I’m far too young to have been around when you were putting Rush on the map, but I thank you all the same :) I would say the Rush song that takes me to a different time and place is Red Barchetta, one of the first Rush songs I really fell in love with, and would blast cruising around LA with the windows down when I was a teen (not that long ago lol). Reminds me of the beginning of a musical journey that will hopefully last a lifetime
Tom Sawyer, I was frequently tricked into whitewashing fences as a kid.
Hi there Donna! I believe you taught at the University I attended in 2013-2017. My roommate had you as an instructor. I hope you are well!
Anyway, Rush has been a huge influence in my life...it's hard to choose a song. But, I will say 2112. The reason is this is the first storytelling song of such length that I was ever exposed to...it got me into music with stories and ultimately fueled my prog rock/metal obsession! I loved the story, and immediately connected it to Anthem by Ayn Rand...I'm not sure if that was the intention but all the same, it remains one of my top played songs by them along with Cygnus X-1 Book 2 off Hemispheres.
Thanks for joining us!
Closer to the heart for me, reminds me of my teen years being the only Rush fan in my friend group. I have had AFTK in every car I have owned for the for the last 40 odd years.
In the End & Bravado.
Both remind me of old girlfriends.
Oh, and "Thanks, Donna!" I remember you from the AFV mailing list in the 90s.
Afterimage.
Grace Under Pressure came out in 1984 when AIDS and the associated panic began. It was a nightmarish time when you dreaded picking up the paper because you never knew who would show up in the obituaries.
Magic Power, cuz when I hear it on the radio, it makes my day better
Lakeside park
The Garden has special meaning for me since I lost my dad.
Subdivisions. Being a teen in the early 80's this song meant a lot to me as a person that wasn't very popular.
They found an incredible way throughout their career to always speak profoundly to their fans.