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#3776804 - 05/03/13 03:30 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Originally Posted By: MarkG
, although they're probably so close to the end it doesn't matter.

.
You talking about retirement?


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
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#3776914 - 05/03/13 01:46 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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That's an interesting question--is an act considered done when they stop playing music altogether, or only when they stop producing new material (even if it's covers or something)?

Billy Joel recorded his last vocal album in 1993. He's STILL performing. Ditto many other acts who will go on for decades after releasing their last new recording.

Then you have those, like Rush, who will record new stuff that only diehard fans will have ANY appreciation for, and whose mainstream fans prefer all their older stuff far more. As a result, every concert is a smattering of songs from the latest album, with mostly the big hits from decades past, and pretty much none of the songs from the previous album, or the one before that.

Or is an act done when people stop caring about the new music? If you release new albums, but none of the songs chart and you only sell 100,000 copies compared to the millions you used to sell, are you just selling to your diehard fans who want ANYTHING you make, even recordings of a rough nite on the can after Mexican food?

I don't think there's a clear answer for artists who are still performing in one capacity or another.



The Jedi Master


The anteater is wearing the bagel because he's a reindeer princess. -- my 4 yr old daughter
#3776922 - 05/03/13 01:55 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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IMHO, I think as long as a band is either still touring or is writing new material then that band still "exists". Heck, yesterday I saw a billboard along the highway advertising the Lovin' Spoonful's upcoming concert at the Hard Rock Casino. As far as I know, they haven't written anything new in years but obviously the band members are still keeping the Lovin' Spoonful name alive!


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3777310 - 05/04/13 08:12 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Hmm. Without John or Zal, there's not much Spoonful left there.
I think I'd rather opt for a John Sebastian gig.

...I guess the Stones must take the prize for enduring
profile and continuity, on the road again this year.
I've seen the Zombies twice in the last few years,
and they're doing well, but they're one of several
groups that reassembled themselves after a couple of
decades absence - closer to three in their case.

#3777649 - 05/05/13 04:40 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Lynyrd Skynyrd will still be touring 300 years from now, replacing players as needed. The Rolling Stones lost their long-time bassist Bill Wyman to retirement (1962 1993) yet they continued touring but did anyone care? Classic rock acts like Journey, Styx and Foreigner continue touring with some (or in Foreigner's case, just one) "original" key members but without their most popular front men. This could be said even of Pink Floyd in '94, the one time I saw them was without Roger Waters.

I think at some concerts the fans are celebrating the music rather than throwing accolades to the band members, who may or may not have had anything to do with creating the song they're playing. And the average concert goer may not know or even care who is actually on stage performing their old-time favorites.

Hardcore Rush fans are kinda picky about that sorta thing. We know that when Rush opened the R30 show with the beginning of Finding My Way, and anytime they play Working Man that our applause is going to Geddy, Alex and John (RIP). But we also appreciate Neil for playing these songs live.

We never felt Rush ever needed a new lead singer because we never thought much about Rush having the typical front man. 3 men on stage of equal importance, facing stage from left to right...Alex, Neil, Geddy, that's the only way it can be. We assume Geddy was chosen as the best singer of the trio (even before Neil), although many songs don't include vocals. I personally never had a problem with Geddy's singing but then I was also listening to Led Zeppelin and old Black Sabbath at the time. When I heard Geddy "screaming" in the harder parts of The Necromancer I thought to myself, "Kinda sounds like Sabbath."

Where Neil, Geddy and Alex personally rank among rock musicians (as if anyone could be a judge of this, other then a popularity contest), really doesn't matter, it's what they do together on stage that matters, IMO. But I can hear them slowing down in their playing as they enter their 60's, their songs are sounding more like the studio versions than how they played live many years ago (i.e. see the Exit Stage Left video in my first post of this thread). I believe their overabundance of stage energy is fading, but studio sounding Rush is still worth buying a ticket for.

Neil writes in his books about retiring from touring and I get the feeling it's coming sooner rather than later. And if you ever wonder just what it takes to put on a Rush show...

Backstage Secrets: On The Road With The Rock Band Rush (2008)
http://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Secrets-...ckstage+secrets

This program certainly helps explain the ~$100.00 ticket price.

I think they're pushing really hard now, possibly taking a small break before a 40th Anniversary tour. They just released and toured a solid concept album in Clockwork Angels (w/300p novel) and were finally inducted into the RRHoF. It just seems a perfect way to me to end it on that note.

If they play too far past their prime they're going to have to play Losing It from Signals on their final tour (Rush fans will get it).

#3777789 - 05/05/13 03:54 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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I would kill for an accurate transcription or tab of "Garden Road".(so I can jam it on my guitar smile One of their hardest, heaviest, unreleased tunes they wrote before Niel Peart joined the band. Anybody got it?

http://rushvault.com/2011/01/29/garden-road/

#3777924 - 05/05/13 09:19 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Good post Mark. It is true that some bands have fared well even after having some changes in personnel but I guess I'm a bit of a "purist" or whatever you want to call it. For example, I know Queen still does some occasional touring with some new singer but I would never bother. To me, Queen died when Freddy died. And besides, I believe John Deacon (bassist) retired long ago as well. When it comes to Styx, that band ceased to exist for me after the split between DeYoung and the other members.


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3777940 - 05/05/13 10:37 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Quote:
When it comes to Styx, that band ceased to exist for me after the split between DeYoung and the other members.


Same here, especially since it was over something Dennis had no control over (his eyes were extremely sensitive to light IIRC and touring would have been hard) and Tommy Shaw (and Ricky Phillips too, IIRC) really seemed to really lay into him over it. So, no more Styx shows for me, I saw them on the Return to Paradise tour (with Kansas opening) and might as well end itvwith good memories (it REALLY was an awesome show!) It's the reason I won't go see Yes if they tour again, Benit David may sound like Jon Anderson but he ISN'T Jon Anderson. If sounding like someone is all that matters then why not just play prerecorded vocals from past shows with Jon and not even bother with a vocalist on stage? And Rick Wakeman's son Oliver might be good but he's not Rick.

I think the guys from Rush are pretty rare in that there doesn't seem to be any drama between them. Or if there is, they KEEP it between them. I'm pretty sure it's the former, though.


Phil

“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
#3778051 - 05/06/13 05:02 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Unlike most '70s/'80s classic rock bands, Rush to me doesn't come off as an oldies act, at least not yet. For one thing, other than early experimental drug use they've stayed clean, drug and/or alcohol abuse hasn't wreaked their bodies and minds. And since their songs were never about poon, their act is aging gracefully.

They're still putting out new albums and I can usually find at least 3 or 4 songs I like on first listen. The rest has to grow on me and usually does. Probably my least favorite album this millennium is Vapor Trails, if mainly for its lack of solos and poor production. But after reading Ghost Rider I can at least understand the heaviness of the album, and this goes a long way for me to accept it.

On my fantasy set-list on another thread I have two songs from Test For Echo, Totem and The Color of Right. Besides being strategically placed in each set as potential bathroom breaks, I get really good vibes from these songs, but it took a long time for me to like them at all as it often goes with Rush.

I was also a big Styx fan (Equinox - Paradise), but I considered it over with the death of drummer John Panozzo (although his brother was still playing bass). If I had a free ticket I'd at least go hear JY and Tommy Shaw play, same with Neal Schon of Journey.

For Van Halen, Michael Anthony would have to return and DLR would have to take the gig seriously. I mean, is he really THIS bad???

http://reviews.ticketmaster.com/7171/772...ing&dir=asc



The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#3778113 - 05/06/13 11:51 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Journey I pretty tuned out after Steve Perry left.


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3778134 - 05/06/13 01:06 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Yup, to me Journey is the Escape/Frontiers line-up...

Steve Perry, Neil Schon, Jonathon Cain, Steve Smith, Ross Valory

AFAIK, this is the last song they made together...



Kinda sappy (as some Journey is) but I like it, especially watching Steve Smith smash those drums. BTW, Neil Peart has nothing but respect for Steve Smith and his abilities.

Now if you want me to pay a high-price ticket (~$200.00+) then you have to bring back Greg Rolie for the first set, replacing him with Jonathan Cain for the second.

Rolie/Perry together...



These threads are getting me all nostalgic, adding a Styx, Journey, Alan Parsons and Queen Shuffle playlist as I type.

Brain May's distinctive playing is so awesome in Freddie's farewell...




The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#3778143 - 05/06/13 01:21 PM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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PanzerMeyer Online centaurian
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"These Are the Days of Our Lives" always gives me a lump in my throat.

Rock on Freddy...


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3778580 - 05/07/13 10:32 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Originally Posted By: MarkG
I was also a big Styx fan (Equinox - Paradise)


Man, you're missing out on some really good stuff if you haven't listened to their first 4 albums - Styx, Styx II, The Serpent Is Rising, and Man Of Miracles. They're available as a set called "The Complete Wooden Nickel Recordings" or something like that. Original 2nd guitarist John "JC" Curulewski, who left after Equinox, sang on quite a few of the songs and had more of a hard-edged voice than JY. Even Dennis sang on a real rocker or 2, though, like "Earl of Roseland" from Styx II. Good stuff!

Last edited by NH2112; 05/07/13 10:34 AM.

Phil

“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
#3779066 - 05/08/13 04:14 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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I'll keep this in mind NH2112/Phil, I don't know why I never gave the early records a listen, same with Journey pre-Infinity.

I did go looking through the $5.00 bin at Wal-Mart tonight just in case. The pickings are pretty good lately as CDs are being phased out, I guess. I picked up:

Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill
Blackfoot Strikes
Pantera 1990-2000 A Decade of Domination

Yeah, I'm all over the map with these. I think the Pantera will be banned from the car when I'm not alone like pre-Black Album Metallica, a compromise I'll make for banning Country Music radio when I'm in the car. Whatever makes a marriage work. smile

I know CDs are old-fashion but I enjoy listening to something new on the drive home, plus I still like a tangible product that I can hold in my hands.

#3779069 - 05/08/13 04:31 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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PanzerMeyer Online centaurian
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I still buy CD's on occasion because sometimes the digital version of the album is the same price or even a bit more expensive (I'm looking at you iTunes!).

Last edited by PanzerMeyer; 05/08/13 04:32 AM.

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
#3779091 - 05/08/13 05:24 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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Hey PM, here's pics of your concert...
http://photos.rush.com/Rush2013/Ft-Lauderdale/29119545_RW746H#!i=2479149420&k=FR8FRV9

And of mine...
http://photos.rush.com/Rush2013/Orlando/29154058_VFnzM8#!i=2482789964&k=jnWsNjt


EDIT: A pic of me at the concert, making eye contact with Neil...
http://198.65.10.229/DID/Temp/ThatsMe.JPG

lol.

Last edited by MarkG; 05/08/13 05:59 AM.
#3779130 - 05/08/13 11:29 AM Re: Rush - Comfortably Numb [Re: MarkG]  
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PanzerMeyer Online centaurian
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Thanks for that link Mark. It most certainly was a great concert experience for me.


“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.”
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