Rush announce reunion at Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame
Rush kicked off their reunion on Sunday on the Rock and Roll Corridor of Fame, and legendary radio DJ Donna Halper was there to doc the special day.
Halper wrote on Reddit, “It began on Thursday evening, proper after Yom Kippur ended. I’m not on-line throughout the Day of Atonement, and so, I missed the message from Geddy’s administration. Once I learn it late that evening, the message was cryptic: mainly, might I preserve a secret and will I be in Cleveland on Sunday evening? I responded that sure, I might do each issues. And the subsequent factor I knew, I had my itinerary and I used to be headed for Cleveland. Why? I used to be not instructed. Simply that there was a non-public occasion on the Rock Corridor, and Geddy & Alex needed me to introduce them once they did their Q&A with Geoff Edgers, a journalist buddy of mine from the Washington Put up.
Seems I used to be not the one one who didn’t know what the occasion was about. A lot of the choose few who have been invited didn’t know both. It was a particular occasion, by invitation solely, and a few of us thought it was about Geddy & Alex making a donation to the Rock Corridor. One other journalist I knew steered she had heard a rumor that the fellows have been going to announce some reside concert events, however once more, nothing had been confirmed. So, I confirmed up, ready to introduce them and blissful to attend– regardless of the information was. I rapidly obtained the impression it was one thing large when all of the attendees have been instructed handy of their telephones and signal NDAs. So, most likely not an occasion a couple of donation.”
Rush members mentioned their well being
Halper then mentioned assembly with the reunited Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson backstage, and the way they mentioned how their well being will decide how lengthy the reunion goes, although their well being is nice proper now.
“I used to be introduced backstage, the place Geddy greeted me warmly. We hugged, and we talked some baseball– we’re each followers, and he was delighted that the Blue Jays had defeated the Yankees (he was watching the previous couple of minutes of the sport). Alex came visiting too, and we joked round a bit. However we didn’t focus on the rationale for occasion– simply what they needed me to do (give a 5 minute speech after which toss issues over to Geoff, Alex and Geddy). Earlier than I left Boston, I had dug out my 1974 WMMS t-shirt (it nonetheless match me)– it appeared applicable to put on it to the Rock Corridor, given the seminal function WMMS performed in Rush’s historical past (and mine); it obtained some constructive consideration from a number of the of us backstage.
So, after watching the footage from Rush’s induction, I went as much as the stage. I obtained a really good response from the viewers, which I appreciated. And I gave my heartfelt tribute to the band and to all of the loyal followers who had supported them (I used to be upset later that the Rock Corridor video chopped my speech, leaving only one minute, however hey, it was not about me; it was about Rush, and I used to be honored they needed me there). After which, like nearly everybody else, I watched as they introduced that that they had determined to return to creating music and so they had chosen a drummer, and so they have been going to do a couple of concert events to honor Neil’s reminiscence and play the songs the followers cherished. I obtained the impression that the love and loyalty of the followers performed a giant function within the choice. I additionally obtained the impression that Geddy had actually missed performing, and that the Taylor Hawkins profit actually woke up one thing in each Geddy and Alex, relating to the potential of performing collectively once more and honoring Neil. However in typical courteous vogue, the 2 contacted Neil’s widow to see if she was on board with their intentions. She was.
Few of us knew the fellows had been working with a drummer already (a really gifted and highly-recommended drummer named Anika Nilles). The chemistry needed to be proper, and evidently they do really feel comfy working collectively. I admit I wasn’t fully stunned to listen to the fellows say they have been going to tour: so typically, individuals say they are going to “by no means” do [whatever] once more; however years move, and immediately, it appears okay. I consider the Eagles, who broke up in a really acrimonious approach. One member famously mentioned they’d reunite “when Hell freezes over.” They ended up calling their reunion tour the “When Hell Freezes Over Tour.” However Rush by no means parted acrimoniously. Alex and Geddy remained mates. They stored in contact. They jammed collectively. But it surely took some time to place sufficient time between dropping Neil and considering of the long run.
After the occasion, Geddy and Alex and I chatted backstage. Geddy mentioned he hadn’t even instructed all of his relations but– the choice was that current. And so they each agreed a restricted tour was smart for now: whereas they’ve taken care of themselves, they’re of their early 70s, and as Geddy acknowledged, he wanted to understand how touring would have an effect on their our bodies and their well being. As for me, I’m blissful for them, no matter they resolve to do. They’re great individuals and if making music brings them pleasure, why shouldn’t they do it? I’m sure the followers are ecstatic in regards to the prospect of seeing them play reside. And I’m trying ahead to it too. And to everybody within the prolonged Rush neighborhood, know that the fellows care deeply in regards to the followers. Actually, as I mentioned, I’m satisfied that this new tour is a by-product of the truth that so many followers nonetheless love Rush; and giving them some new exhibits is one solution to present that love is reciprocated.”
