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?
I had a friend who loved Rush so I’ve listened to them quite a bit in the past.
I’m not a huge music fan, but I do know my list of what I won’t listen to is much longer than what I will. I’m the opposite with books though. I’ll try almost any book, whether I finish it or not.
I think it’s good to know what you like and don’t like but sometimes closing yourself off to a particular genre might mean missing out on something pretty good. That’s how I felt about country and I’ve actually heard some great country songs once I let that rule go.
I remember thinking Rush is her favorite band? LOL
Vocabulary as music. Yes.
HAHA. I’m sure most people think that.
i LOVE depeche mode – they’re my all-time favourite band. i remember first hearing the song “Everything Counts” back in grade 7 and that was it; – favourite band, doubled-stamped it no take backs. I was the ONLY person in grade 7 and 8 who liked DM; to this day, majority of my friends don’t get why i continue to listen to DM but i’m like YOU DO YOU, OK?!
kathy @ more coffee, less talky recently posted…You know you’re old when….
Same exact thing with Rush for me.
They have the best drummer in the world in my opinion. While they are not my FAVORITE band, I think they are pretty damn amazing. Most people have never heard of my favorite musician: Amos Lee. I’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible!
I know who he is and I’m sure I’ll be treated to him again next week 🙂
I only really know of Rush from I Love You, Man and slappa da bass. I think it’s endearing when people love groups or bands that no one else understands, especially when it’s something a little more niche. I don’t know if I could pick a Rush song from a lineup, but if I ever do, I will totally associate them with you now!
I think the fact that I love them so much made me love that movie even more. And Geddy’s voice is pretty distinct. Once you hear it, you’ll know it forever.
I am a child of the 80’s – I was all about the boy bands. Yes, I Still love New Kids on the Block 🙂 haha… totally opposite of Rush 🙂
I love them, too! They were my first concert!
I’m a few years older than you, but we are close enough in age that I should be able to recall some of their songs. But I can’t. I’m sure if I heard them, I’d recognize their songs. The things you mentioned, especially that they write about more than just sex and drugs, make me like them, even if I can’t remember them!
Tanya @ A Mindful Migration recently posted…August Bookshelf: Sexy Cannibals, Harry Potter and Slasher Killers.
If you know Tom Sawyer or Limelight, you know Rush. Those are probably their two most radio played songs.
And they don’t write about sex or drugs at all. They have a song called Manhattan Project, if that puts everything into perspective.
Everytime someone mentions Rush, I think of the movie “I Love You, Man.” I’ve never really checked them out, but after reading your post, maybe I will.
I’m a big John Mayer nerd. Everything Born & Raised and earlier. I’m not a fan of the latest album.
Micah @ Unabashedly Me recently posted…Stuff & Things 9/15
I could never get into Rush but I love Coheed and Cambria. It seems like a lot of people who are fans of one at least appreciate the other, but I’m weird I guess. A couple of my ex-boyfriends were really into Rush, though.
I think most people are surprised when I talk about my musical taste in general (unless I’m wearing a band t-shirt, of course). I used to get the surprised response a lot more before I started dyeing my hair black. I guess the black hair makes me look more “alternative” or “indie” or “rock”? I have no idea. Haha.
Kristen recently posted…Recently Read: In-Depth Reviews – September 2016 Edition