Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
Not my story but an interesting one nonetheless posted by someone on Facebook. I thought everyone would enjoy the read.
"And onto my story ...[I don't really expect anyone to read this, this is really for my own posterity - one day Facebook will remind me that I wrote this sometime in 2016 and I'll enjoy reading it in my old age ... If you happen to indulge me and read this, I hope you enjoy it] ...(Photos courtesy of and used with permission by: [url="http://www.camillapucholt.com/"]www.camillapucholt.com[/url]) When you live in or near Toronto, Ontario, you're likely only one degree away from knowing someone who is really close to someone in the band. I'm lucky that way. My brother is a member of the Coppinwood golf course and happens to work closely with a founder of the course, Paul McLean. Lifeson is also a member, one time owner, golf buddy and good friend of Paul. Tom Cochrane is a good friend and golfing buddy of Alex and Paul.
A few months ago, my brother told me there was going to be a 10th anniversary "dinner" for the golf course and that Lifeson and Tom Cochrane would probably be there and play something. He was allowed to buy extra tickets, so I agreed to go and he got me a ticket. I thought "why not, I'll get a good meal and maybe get to be in the same room as Alex and Tom and maybe they'll play an acoustic Crossroads, or something like that ..." I'll bring my Victor CD and a sharpie if the right moment arises. Upon arrival at the golf course on June 11, 2016, it was clear that this was more than just a run of the mill anniversary dinner. A well crafted stage was set up overlooking the picturesque golf greens and fairways and I noticed a number of somewhat familiar Rush-looking roadies scrambling around, as they do, solving sound, lighting and setup issues. I distinctly picked out Geddy's bass tech, John "Skully" McIntosh fiddling with things and some others wearing R40 roadie gear. A prominent "Lerxst" branded amp sat front and centre on the stage. Something special was in the air.
We milled about the world-class venue, being treated to amazing food stations, open bars and sponsored drink booths (you have to try the 80 calorie "SocialLite" vodka, lime, ginger and soda beverage.) If my account of things are a bit inaccurate, I blame this company ([url="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.sociallitevodka.com/&h=iAQHdemoxAQGV9AcuU5px6GbZTkC5bJIYjorHWCrCSFwUZw&enc=AZNv_coq0rEIBLG_D4RmpC7aA7-T3owwQwHXeOaSjmelmB1idXRlK6LAcxuOIR4oUU38A6ytRw6glpjbkpx8wViqYi9mg28xJ31kRUcWN29v94s-giTO6SmTzW6d2oQtKylEDG5TLqU08E3SBusn6bjRj001BY1WYpl3hG5gYioMVQ&s=1"]www.sociallitevodka.com[/url]). Drinks and food in hand, my brother (another lifelong Rush fan and the reason I am a Rush fan quite frankly) and I recognized Alex milling about as he was waiting to do the mini-photo shoot with the Trailer Park Boys in front of the golf course that you can see in the photos. Alex seemed to recognize my brother from the golf club and they started chatting about golf. Alex in a humorous and animated way mentioned he was disappointed that the one summer he's had off in so many years, he wasn't able to play golf because of a shoulder injury. The thoughts running through my head at this point: "wow, I'm two feet away from Lifeson and he's talking to my brother ... wow ... he's pretty tall ... and he's got really nice teeth ..."
I've always feared running into any of the members of the band as I didn't want to ruin my lifelong idolization and adoration with an unpleasant and awkward moment that would have ruined one of their days and tarnished my image of a band member. I'm no "long awaited friend" and I acknowledge that. With that in my head, I attempted my best at small talk with Alex. The thoughts in my head at this point: "wow... don't be a dumbass, you're talking to Lifeson; be cool." Without revealing what a Rush fan(atic) I am, I politely asked Alex if he was playing later, which he acknowledged and I joked with him "so this may be the biggest gig you play all year!" He chuckled a response: "Yeah, I'm not too happy about that."
Alex was swept away with photo duties and with other members and fans wanting a picture, so I thought I would keep my sharpie and Victor CD to myself for the moment. I was happy not to get anything signed that night and figured it wasn't the right place to ask to get something signed. Alex is such a down to earth and disarming person and he was clearly enjoying the event like everyone else; I didn't want to be the one to start a barrage of autograph signing to ruin his evening. We settled into watching the Carpet Frogs, a great local band, perform some amazing covers and thought at some point Alex and Tom were going to come out and maybe join them to do some covers themselves. The drinks kept flowing and everyone in attendance was clearly enjoying themselves. I later found out, thanks to someone in this group, that the bass player was actually Jeff Jones, the bass player before Geddy Lee in Rush, or some proto-Rush incarnation with Alex and John Rutsey. There were some celebratory speeches and then Alex was introduced and took over as the MC of the evening. He is inherently witty and humorous as we've all heard and I've now had the pleasure of witnessing beyond any rants and jokes during past tours. He joked about not playing and that how this band was so much better looking than his other band. He adjusted a guitar strap on a red Gibson and was poised to play something and then he introduced ... Distant Early Warning! What?! He's playing Rush? He's playing Distant Early Warning! I'm two feet away from Lifeson and he's playing Rush?! I'm in the front row? Heck I AM the front row! There's no one at the front of the stage but ME! ... and they sound amazing! (Note to self at this point - find out who this bass player is - he can really sing AND play bass - answer: see above.) In retrospect, I was witnessing 2/3 of a form of Rush. Admittedly, I don't think many golf club members even knew "Distant Early Warning" - but I was there, front row, all by myself, my personal Rush concert, singing along ... "Absalom, Absalom, Absalom" ... Jeff Spiccoli from Fast Times at Ridge Mount High, eat your heart out, you may have had Van Halen play for you at your birthday ... but I'm having Alex Lifeson and a really amazing band play for me on this amazing late spring evening. It was wonderful to see Alex sing along to all the songs and truly have a great time as a guitarist and fan of well, his own band's songs. (He knows all the lyrics by the way.) If the night ended right then and there, I would have been happy, amazed and buzzing about it as much as I am now, but it continued ..... Limelight, Spirit of Radio and a closing of the set with "another from Moving Pictures and a bit of a standard at Rush shows" according to Alex ... Tom Sawyer. Alex left the stage saying, I would really love to play some more, but I don't think they can afford my regular rate. continues.....
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
edited June 2016
The evening continued with a comedy routine by the Trailer Park Boys (you remember Bubbles from the R40 Roll the Bones rap video!) Jokes included thanking the wealthy and successful club members for having such nice cars that they could steal from and that they should probably just leave the doors open so they don't have to break any windows .... their routine ended with Bubbles leading a left to right chorus of golf members shouting "Cock!" "Tractor!" ... I still don't get it, but it was funny. A group ensemble, including Lifeson, played (I think) a Johnny Cash standard with Bubbles on vocals and as the Trailer Park Boys prepared to leave the stage, Bubble's mic picked up his trademark whine: "I'm not leaving the fockin stage until I play a Rush song ..... there's no fockin way ..." ... and then the trademark arpeggio starts; I'm listening to Bubbles and Lifeson do "Closer to the Heart." Can it get any better? Well it did. In introducing Tom Cochrane, Alex told a story how he had a night listening to Tom play all his hits on an acoustic guitar when they were away in Arizona and how it actually brought him to tears how good they were and how talented Tom was.
Tom made a joke about Alex complaining about not working and mocked him with the words "blablablablabla." (I got the joke.) Tom Cochrane then came on to play an amazing set of his and Red Rider hits. Jeff Jones continued on bass. I didn't realize it, but he was also a member of Red Rider in the past (this guy never had a break all night! Three sets with three different bands!) In truth, I think the golf club demographic was more attuned to Tom Cochrane and Red Rider songs than Rush songs and Tom had everyone worked up to a frenzy by this point of the night. You don't realize how many great hits he and Red Rider had until you hear them one after the other, played with the expertise and perfection of well, a Rush concert. Again, the night really couldn't get any better.
Until, I looked to the right. Alex had come out into the crowd to watch his friend Tom play and randomly (or serendipitously, from my perspective) decided to stand beside me to enjoy the show. In my head: "I'm here watching an amazing concert, head banging to Tom Cochrane hits with Alex Lifeson beside me. Is this for real?" By now the alcohol had amplified my courage and I took out my Victor CD and sharpie and humbly asked: "Excuse me Alex (like somehow I'm on a first name basis), but could I bother you to sign this CD?" He was a bit surprised it was a Victor CD and not "just" a Rush CD and replied: "Oh for this CD, for sure...." I fumbled around for words to say (the '80 calorie' vodka drinks probably added up somewhere near 640 calories by now) and thanked him for a lifetime of music and for giving me a soundtrack to my life. I expressed how I really hoped that the band would continue and he agreed. "Don't worry, we'll be doing something soon." If you've suffered to this point of my story to hear this, then your patience was worth my verbosity. There is hope. There is a Rush. Alex definitely wants to do something. I joked "... at least another album ...." and he smiled with approval. I realize now that I probably could have kept talking to him probing for more information, as he really wasn't that annoyed with me, but I really wanted him to just enjoy the concert, enjoy the night, enjoy the talents of his friend playing an awesome set ... I motioned away, giddy (and drunk, let's be real) and almost embarrassed that I didn't know what else to say ... my final words to him were "Clockwork Angels was a masterpiece, by the way ...." He smiled and thanked me for my praise and kindness (and probably started looking for where the nearest security guard was ..) Lifeson and others later joined the stage for the crowd pleasing hit "Life is a Highway" with Lifeson soloing on this and the encore, Lunatic Fringe. My brush with greatness didn't disappoint. He's just a down to Earth, genuine, humorous, witty and class human being. I'm glad I went to Coppinwood for dinner this June 11, 2016. I need to learn how to play golf."
Awesome story, I had to post this story in parts due to character limits.
Peace
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
These are some images of Alex playing, laughing and having the best time. Looks like he lost quite a bit of weight. Great to hear RUSH fans WILL hear something from them in the future. OH man I tried every which way to get the images to show up but I failed every time.
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
edited June 2016
Oh crap I got it work.....never give up.
Peace
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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g under p
Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
edited June 2016
G
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
Maybe Alex and Geddy are making Neil an offer he can't refuse.
Peace
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
He looks about 15 here.
Peace
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Been playing Different Stages in the car this week. My first live show ever was seeing Rush on that very tour. To say it was a life changing experience would be an understatement. Sometimes we look back on our lives and we see paths we've taken and how they correlate to where and who we are today. It's been 19 years since I saw Rush - the first band I ever saw live - at Starlake Amphiteater. It is because of not only the band, but that entire experience, that I'll never stop going to live shows!
Been playing Different Stages in the car this week. My first live show ever was seeing Rush on that very tour. To say it was a life changing experience would be an understatement. Sometimes we look back on our lives and we see paths we've taken and how they correlate to where and who we are today. It's been 19 years since I saw Rush - the first band I ever saw live - at Starlake Amphiteater. It is because of not only the band, but that entire experience, that I'll never stop going to live shows!
That was an incredible tour. It was the first Rush tour where I saw more than 1 show.
Bright eyed kid: "Wow Typo Man, you're the best!"
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
A very interesting read from the forward of Neil's book.
Reality hits you at 60
During the R40 tour I struggled just to get out of bed. After a show muscles ache, and no matter how many Asian masseuses Alex lines up for me, I still hurt. Epsom salt baths are beneficial but the side effects outweigh the benefits. Not to call him out in a public way, but most of his twitter followers know this already. My security guard has a bath salt addiction. So I gotta watch those around him on the bus and in the hotels, primarily because he runs the bath water for me.
In a perfect world I could keep on touring, but I'm no spring chicken and have a flourishing life outside of my chosen profession. Most Rush fans probably have no idea that I ride from show to show on a motorcycle, choosing the back roads for my routes. The more remote, the better. Claustrophobia and xenophobia are issues I deal with on the road. Traveling by bike makes those mental hurdles a bit easier. If I traveled by jet I would still have issues. Imagine living your life where you play a gig, fly to the next city, get to your hotel, stay there all day, waiting until the next day to jam. That's what many people don't get. Touring life is really no life at all. Hurry up and wait. So I travel by motorcycle to break up the droning monotony.
Don't get me wrong; the payday is significant. Financial embarrassment is something that I gladly left behind years ago, and I'm used to a lifestyle that many would die for. I have a huge garage full of cars. A swimming pool in the shape of a money sign, and three housekeepers I call Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria...in other words life is good, so why try harder?
Peace
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
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Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,199
Gerry accepts the fact that the band has done it's last tour.
I came to that realization after the Time Machine tour that the end was near. I just hope somewhere down the line they will get together and make a new album that's all I can hope for.
Peace
Post edited by g under p on
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Gerry accepts the fact that the band has done it's last tour.
I came to that realization after the Time Machine tour that the end was near. I just hope somewhere down the line they will get together and make a new album that's all I can hope for.
Peace
Who the hell is Gerry? Ha ha.
Yeah it sucks that NP has decided to hang it up and stop playing. Rush is definitely one of my all time favorite bands.
Gerry accepts the fact that the band has done it's last tour.
I came to that realization after the Time Machine tour that the end was near. I just hope somewhere down the line they will get together and make a new album that's all I can hope for.
Peace
Who the hell is Gerry? Ha ha.
Yeah it sucks that NP has decided to hang it up and stop playing. Rush is definitely one of my all time favorite bands.
That must be my new auto correct on this new tablet. Well Geddy (my tablet corrected his name again) is now free to concentrate on his space crime fighting alter ego Gedi-Lee.
Peace
*We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Whoa totally shocked RIP indeed one of thee best to have lived in our time, I was never really into them growing up but a close friend is a diehard fan !
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
8/28/98- Camden, NJ
10/31/09- Philly
5/21/10- NYC
9/2/12- Philly, PA
7/19/13- Wrigley
10/19/13- Brooklyn, NY
10/21/13- Philly, PA
10/22/13- Philly, PA
10/27/13- Baltimore, MD
4/28/16- Philly, PA
4/29/16- Philly, PA
5/1/16- NYC
5/2/16- NYC
9/2/18- Boston, MA
9/4/18- Boston, MA
9/14/22- Camden, NJ
9/7/24- Philly, PA
9/9/24- Philly, PA
Tres Mts.- 3/23/11- Philly. PA
Eddie Vedder- 6/25/11- Philly, PA
RNDM- 3/9/16- Philly, PA
are you kidding me? he had the same brain cancer type as Gord Downie? WTF?
That’s crazy. Fuck Cancer
Fuck it indeed.
Been thinking since I heard about Neil how he handled this and how it reflected him vs Girds ordeal. A very private man thrust into a public life handled terminal illness with privacy.
And Gord decided to share publicly and somehow give us 15 glorious goodbye shows.
are you kidding me? he had the same brain cancer type as Gord Downie? WTF?
That’s crazy. Fuck Cancer
Fuck it indeed.
Been thinking since I heard about Neil how he handled this and how it reflected him vs Girds ordeal. A very private man thrust into a public life handled terminal illness with privacy.
And Gord decided to share publicly and somehow give us 15 glorious goodbye shows.
Inevitably both methods suck. Cancer sucks.
i still don't know how gord did that. he was an intensely private person. even the canadian media didn't know he was divorced until someone noticed his house went up for sale. i can't imagine the humility of dealing with that, the possibility of being on stage in front of 20,000 people and forgetting not only the lyrics but what you are doing there. he gave his all for his band mates and his fans. just incredible.
that being said, i don't fault neil at all for retiring. that's probably what most of us would have done, especially after doing it for 40 years.
"Oh Canada...you're beautiful when you're drunk" -EV 8/14/93
Comments
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
Not my story but an interesting one nonetheless posted by someone on Facebook. I thought everyone would enjoy the read.
"And onto my story ...[I don't really expect anyone to read this, this is really for my own posterity - one day Facebook will remind me that I wrote this sometime in 2016 and I'll enjoy reading it in my old age ... If you happen to indulge me and read this, I hope you enjoy it] ...(Photos courtesy of and used with permission by: [url="http://www.camillapucholt.com/"]www.camillapucholt.com[/url])
When you live in or near Toronto, Ontario, you're likely only one degree away from knowing someone who is really close to someone in the band. I'm lucky that way. My brother is a member of the Coppinwood golf course and happens to work closely with a founder of the course, Paul McLean. Lifeson is also a member, one time owner, golf buddy and good friend of Paul. Tom Cochrane is a good friend and golfing buddy of Alex and Paul.
A few months ago, my brother told me there was going to be a 10th anniversary "dinner" for the golf course and that Lifeson and Tom Cochrane would probably be there and play something. He was allowed to buy extra tickets, so I agreed to go and he got me a ticket. I thought "why not, I'll get a good meal and maybe get to be in the same room as Alex and Tom and maybe they'll play an acoustic Crossroads, or something like that ..." I'll bring my Victor CD and a sharpie if the right moment arises.
Upon arrival at the golf course on June 11, 2016, it was clear that this was more than just a run of the mill anniversary dinner. A well crafted stage was set up overlooking the picturesque golf greens and fairways and I noticed a number of somewhat familiar Rush-looking roadies scrambling around, as they do, solving sound, lighting and setup issues. I distinctly picked out Geddy's bass tech, John "Skully" McIntosh fiddling with things and some others wearing R40 roadie gear. A prominent "Lerxst" branded amp sat front and centre on the stage. Something special was in the air.
We milled about the world-class venue, being treated to amazing food stations, open bars and sponsored drink booths (you have to try the 80 calorie "SocialLite" vodka, lime, ginger and soda beverage.) If my account of things are a bit inaccurate, I blame this company ([url="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.sociallitevodka.com/&h=iAQHdemoxAQGV9AcuU5px6GbZTkC5bJIYjorHWCrCSFwUZw&enc=AZNv_coq0rEIBLG_D4RmpC7aA7-T3owwQwHXeOaSjmelmB1idXRlK6LAcxuOIR4oUU38A6ytRw6glpjbkpx8wViqYi9mg28xJ31kRUcWN29v94s-giTO6SmTzW6d2oQtKylEDG5TLqU08E3SBusn6bjRj001BY1WYpl3hG5gYioMVQ&s=1"]www.sociallitevodka.com[/url]).
Drinks and food in hand, my brother (another lifelong Rush fan and the reason I am a Rush fan quite frankly) and I recognized Alex milling about as he was waiting to do the mini-photo shoot with the Trailer Park Boys in front of the golf course that you can see in the photos. Alex seemed to recognize my brother from the golf club and they started chatting about golf. Alex in a humorous and animated way mentioned he was disappointed that the one summer he's had off in so many years, he wasn't able to play golf because of a shoulder injury. The thoughts running through my head at this point: "wow, I'm two feet away from Lifeson and he's talking to my brother ... wow ... he's pretty tall ... and he's got really nice teeth ..."
I've always feared running into any of the members of the band as I didn't want to ruin my lifelong idolization and adoration with an unpleasant and awkward moment that would have ruined one of their days and tarnished my image of a band member. I'm no "long awaited friend" and I acknowledge that. With that in my head, I attempted my best at small talk with Alex. The thoughts in my head at this point: "wow... don't be a dumbass, you're talking to Lifeson; be cool."
Without revealing what a Rush fan(atic) I am, I politely asked Alex if he was playing later, which he acknowledged and I joked with him "so this may be the biggest gig you play all year!" He chuckled a response: "Yeah, I'm not too happy about that."
Alex was swept away with photo duties and with other members and fans wanting a picture, so I thought I would keep my sharpie and Victor CD to myself for the moment. I was happy not to get anything signed that night and figured it wasn't the right place to ask to get something signed. Alex is such a down to earth and disarming person and he was clearly enjoying the event like everyone else; I didn't want to be the one to start a barrage of autograph signing to ruin his evening.
We settled into watching the Carpet Frogs, a great local band, perform some amazing covers and thought at some point Alex and Tom were going to come out and maybe join them to do some covers themselves. The drinks kept flowing and everyone in attendance was clearly enjoying themselves. I later found out, thanks to someone in this group, that the bass player was actually Jeff Jones, the bass player before Geddy Lee in Rush, or some proto-Rush incarnation with Alex and John Rutsey.
There were some celebratory speeches and then Alex was introduced and took over as the MC of the evening. He is inherently witty and humorous as we've all heard and I've now had the pleasure of witnessing beyond any rants and jokes during past tours. He joked about not playing and that how this band was so much better looking than his other band. He adjusted a guitar strap on a red Gibson and was poised to play something and then he introduced ...
Distant Early Warning! What?! He's playing Rush? He's playing Distant Early Warning! I'm two feet away from Lifeson and he's playing Rush?! I'm in the front row? Heck I AM the front row! There's no one at the front of the stage but ME!
... and they sound amazing! (Note to self at this point - find out who this bass player is - he can really sing AND play bass - answer: see above.) In retrospect, I was witnessing 2/3 of a form of Rush. Admittedly, I don't think many golf club members even knew "Distant Early Warning" - but I was there, front row, all by myself, my personal Rush concert, singing along ... "Absalom, Absalom, Absalom" ... Jeff Spiccoli from Fast Times at Ridge Mount High, eat your heart out, you may have had Van Halen play for you at your birthday ... but I'm having Alex Lifeson and a really amazing band play for me on this amazing late spring evening. It was wonderful to see Alex sing along to all the songs and truly have a great time as a guitarist and fan of well, his own band's songs. (He knows all the lyrics by the way.)
If the night ended right then and there, I would have been happy, amazed and buzzing about it as much as I am now, but it continued ..... Limelight, Spirit of Radio and a closing of the set with "another from Moving Pictures and a bit of a standard at Rush shows" according to Alex ... Tom Sawyer. Alex left the stage saying, I would really love to play some more, but I don't think they can afford my regular rate.
continues.....
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
The evening continued with a comedy routine by the Trailer Park Boys (you remember Bubbles from the R40 Roll the Bones rap video!) Jokes included thanking the wealthy and successful club members for having such nice cars that they could steal from and that they should probably just leave the doors open so they don't have to break any windows .... their routine ended with Bubbles leading a left to right chorus of golf members shouting "Cock!" "Tractor!" ... I still don't get it, but it was funny.
A group ensemble, including Lifeson, played (I think) a Johnny Cash standard with Bubbles on vocals and as the Trailer Park Boys prepared to leave the stage, Bubble's mic picked up his trademark whine: "I'm not leaving the fockin stage until I play a Rush song ..... there's no fockin way ..." ... and then the trademark arpeggio starts; I'm listening to Bubbles and Lifeson do "Closer to the Heart." Can it get any better?
Well it did. In introducing Tom Cochrane, Alex told a story how he had a night listening to Tom play all his hits on an acoustic guitar when they were away in Arizona and how it actually brought him to tears how good they were and how talented Tom was.
Tom made a joke about Alex complaining about not working and mocked him with the words "blablablablabla." (I got the joke.) Tom Cochrane then came on to play an amazing set of his and Red Rider hits. Jeff Jones continued on bass. I didn't realize it, but he was also a member of Red Rider in the past (this guy never had a break all night! Three sets with three different bands!) In truth, I think the golf club demographic was more attuned to Tom Cochrane and Red Rider songs than Rush songs and Tom had everyone worked up to a frenzy by this point of the night. You don't realize how many great hits he and Red Rider had until you hear them one after the other, played with the expertise and perfection of well, a Rush concert. Again, the night really couldn't get any better.
Until, I looked to the right. Alex had come out into the crowd to watch his friend Tom play and randomly (or serendipitously, from my perspective) decided to stand beside me to enjoy the show. In my head: "I'm here watching an amazing concert, head banging to Tom Cochrane hits with Alex Lifeson beside me. Is this for real?"
By now the alcohol had amplified my courage and I took out my Victor CD and sharpie and humbly asked: "Excuse me Alex (like somehow I'm on a first name basis), but could I bother you to sign this CD?" He was a bit surprised it was a Victor CD and not "just" a Rush CD and replied: "Oh for this CD, for sure...."
I fumbled around for words to say (the '80 calorie' vodka drinks probably added up somewhere near 640 calories by now) and thanked him for a lifetime of music and for giving me a soundtrack to my life. I expressed how I really hoped that the band would continue and he agreed.
"Don't worry, we'll be doing something soon."
If you've suffered to this point of my story to hear this, then your patience was worth my verbosity. There is hope. There is a Rush. Alex definitely wants to do something.
I joked "... at least another album ...." and he smiled with approval. I realize now that I probably could have kept talking to him probing for more information, as he really wasn't that annoyed with me, but I really wanted him to just enjoy the concert, enjoy the night, enjoy the talents of his friend playing an awesome set ...
I motioned away, giddy (and drunk, let's be real) and almost embarrassed that I didn't know what else to say ... my final words to him were "Clockwork Angels was a masterpiece, by the way ...." He smiled and thanked me for my praise and kindness (and probably started looking for where the nearest security guard was ..)
Lifeson and others later joined the stage for the crowd pleasing hit "Life is a Highway" with Lifeson soloing on this and the encore, Lunatic Fringe.
My brush with greatness didn't disappoint. He's just a down to Earth, genuine, humorous, witty and class human being. I'm glad I went to Coppinwood for dinner this June 11, 2016. I need to learn how to play golf."
Awesome story, I had to post this story in parts due to character limits.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13497983_10156982503140858_6827210045389383978_o.jpg
https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495178_10156982505635858_8920443597315111383_n.jpg?oh=b3ae7111a1f3fc7c73dbfadd249a9fed&oe=57FDDE69
https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13495178_10156982505635858_8920443597315111383_n.jpg?oh=b3ae7111a1f3fc7c73dbfadd249a9fed&oe=57FDDE69
https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13521991_10156982505640858_2172467775775813507_n.jpg?oh=10cba28ecdb8d41934bea982e12908f4&oe=57EFBD33
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Maybe Alex and Geddy are making Neil an offer he can't refuse.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
He looks about 15 here.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Typo Man: "Thanks kidz, but remembir, stay in skool!"
A very interesting read from the forward of Neil's book.
Reality hits you at 60
During the R40 tour I struggled just to get out of bed. After a show muscles ache, and no matter how many Asian masseuses Alex lines up for me, I still hurt. Epsom salt baths are beneficial but the side effects outweigh the benefits. Not to call him out in a public way, but most of his twitter followers know this already. My security guard has a bath salt addiction. So I gotta watch those around him on the bus and in the hotels, primarily because he runs the bath water for me.
In a perfect world I could keep on touring, but I'm no spring chicken and have a flourishing life outside of my chosen profession. Most Rush fans probably have no idea that I ride from show to show on a motorcycle, choosing the back roads for my routes. The more remote, the better. Claustrophobia and xenophobia are issues I deal with on the road. Traveling by bike makes those mental hurdles a bit easier. If I traveled by jet I would still have issues. Imagine living your life where you play a gig, fly to the next city, get to your hotel, stay there all day, waiting until the next day to jam. That's what many people don't get. Touring life is really no life at all. Hurry up and wait. So I travel by motorcycle to break up the droning monotony.
Don't get me wrong; the payday is significant. Financial embarrassment is something that I gladly left behind years ago, and I'm used to a lifestyle that many would die for. I have a huge garage full of cars. A swimming pool in the shape of a money sign, and three housekeepers I call Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria...in other words life is good, so why try harder?
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Gerry accepts the fact that the band has done it's last tour.
I came to that realization after the Time Machine tour that the end was near. I just hope somewhere down the line they will get together and make a new album that's all I can hope for.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Yeah it sucks that NP has decided to hang it up and stop playing. Rush is definitely one of my all time favorite bands.
Peace
*MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
.....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti
*The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
-EV 8/14/93
About to hit the commute home. If I play rush I might not keep my cool.
-EV 8/14/93
10/31/09- Philly
5/21/10- NYC
9/2/12- Philly, PA
7/19/13- Wrigley
10/19/13- Brooklyn, NY
10/21/13- Philly, PA
10/22/13- Philly, PA
10/27/13- Baltimore, MD
4/28/16- Philly, PA
4/29/16- Philly, PA
5/1/16- NYC
5/2/16- NYC
9/2/18- Boston, MA
9/4/18- Boston, MA
9/14/22- Camden, NJ
9/7/24- Philly, PA
9/9/24- Philly, PA
Eddie Vedder- 6/25/11- Philly, PA
RNDM- 3/9/16- Philly, PA
Fuck it indeed.
Been thinking since I heard about Neil how he handled this and how it reflected him vs Girds ordeal. A very private man thrust into a public life handled terminal illness with privacy.
And Gord decided to share publicly and somehow give us 15 glorious goodbye shows.
Inevitably both methods suck. Cancer sucks.
that being said, i don't fault neil at all for retiring. that's probably what most of us would have done, especially after doing it for 40 years.
-EV 8/14/93
-EV 8/14/93