One of the most common questions I’m asked (only when it comes up in conversation. People don’t run around asking me this question out of nowhere because that would be fucking weird) is Rush is your favorite band?! WHY?!

And yes, it’s true (well, Rush and Shinedown. But this post is about the former). They have been for more years than I care to admit. I’ve seen them 4 times, own in some form a good bulk of their catalog, and maybe flipped out (also voted) when they were elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I won’t pretend that they’re for everyone and yes, Geddy Lee’s voice can be grating at times even for the most die hard of Rush fans, but I love them.

I realize this doesn’t answer why. I’m getting to that in a sec.

It’s amazing to me that of all the bands and musicians in the world, Rush is the one that needs an explanation because to me, it’s a no brainer. They just fucking kick ass and when I’m their age, I want to be just as cool and kicking just as much as I did when I was in my 20s. Like they are.

So, to answer the question:

The musicianship. Music to me is what art in the form of paintings or photographs are to others. It elicits all the feels and when you’re listening to a quality musician, it makes it that much more deep. Rush is filled with 3 stellar musicians and their talent is such that they are the only band to whose instrumentals I can listen. Plus, Neil Peart live is something of a religious experience.

The lyrics. They are one of the few rock bands who do not, nor have they not, written about your typical sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Now, I don’t mind this stuff. Some great, fun songs are about that stuff. But there’s an element to Rush’s lyrics that makes their music…more interesting to listen to. Because you’re not hearing the same things. They write about historical shit and hard subjects and epic adventures and sometimes, you need a dictionary to understand what they’re saying. The vocabulary is musical at times, too. I like that.

They’re private. Well, subtle is more like it. They’ve never had a scandal or a sex tape or an overdose and they’ve had the same band members for roughly forever. They also have some personal stories that will shock, inspire, make you cry…all that stuff (ex., Geddy Lee’s parents are Holocaust survivors). Yet they’re not all up in your face about it. They just quietly go about making music and being generally awesome.

They’re different. They don’t sound like anyone else. Ever. It’s a nice change.

Good god, are they weird. And so are most of their fans. Yet so am I. It’s a perfect fit.

They’re funny. Even if it’s subtle. If you don’t believe me, watch the little movie short they did in response to/as part of the movie I Love You, Man.

I found this excerpt from Rob Sheffield’s book Turn Around Bright Eyes: The Rituals of Love and Karaoke (which I either DNF or didn’t read. One of those for sure) about Rush. It’s a pretty interesting read. Explains a lot and written by someone more talented than I. Read it here if you’re curious and/or have time. (This one from CNN, written around their R&R HOF induction is good, too)

Nothing I’ve said is different from what any Rush fan would say when questioned about the band. I think one thing that separates me from most other Rush fans (besides the fact that I’m woman. We’re few and far between. The last time I saw them, Geddy Lee actually made a comment that he saw 4 women in the audience and it was a record. See? FUNNY!) is that I can recognize, understand, and appreciate all the contempt towards them. I truly do understand why people don’t like them and I’d be lying if I said that there are some songs that I just cannot listen to either.

But I don’t pay attention to those.

And I won’t try to convert you to a fan.

Do you have a band or an artist or an author you love but most people don’t understand why?

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