RUSH - In Concert The Canadian Rockers bring their "Time Machine" to the Frank Erwin Center by Greg Testerman

When I received official word from Atlantic Records that I would be covering this show, I was absolutely thrilled. I've seen this Canadian band of three perform twelve times in my life and at the end of these shows, I've always been completely satisfied. Sunday night at the Frank Erwin Center was no exception. The band is still bringing in big crowds and performing at an incredibly high level. These three excellent musicians have been performing together since the late '60's and I don't think they have any plans of stopping anytime soon. Rush is currently on the second leg of their world tour in support of their newest album release - Time Machine.

Rush is one of those very special bands. A unique triangular combination of talent that has created it?s own signature on rock-n-roll history. In my opinion, and in this unique situation, the band would not exist without all three members actively in tact. Some bands can get away with changing a drummer, bassist, or guitarist - but not this one. Each member has such a powerful signature and unique element to the bands sound that substituting anyone of these elements would make the continuation of the band virtually impossible. Fortunately for Rush fans around the globe, the band continues to create and is currently planning, or at least hoping to release yet another studio album before Christmas this year. In addition, the band is also working on a new DVD and filming was taking place at this show. There's still a lot going on with the band!

I remember hearing the album 2112 for the first time when I was thirteen in Houston. This was album rock in it's most genuine form. As the 70's rolled on, the band was producing quality albums at an incredibly fast pace. The debut album Rush (1974) was followed immediately by Fly By Night (1975), Caress of Steel (1975), 2112 (1976), All the World's a Stage (1976), A Farewell to Kings (1977), Hemispheres (1978), Permanent Waves (1980), Moving Pictures (1981) and at least fifteen more since then not including all the compilations. All these releases produced annual tours and Austin was included in almost of them. The old Municipal Auditorium (Palmer) was the home to most of these shows and I recall in 1979, we actually saw the band twice that year. I remember these shows were also our first look at other supporting bands such as April Wine, Pat Travers, Legs Diamond, and Saxon just to mention a few.

Fast forward to 2011. The show began with a five minute video - Rash which featured a little fun, humor, and self mockery. It included all the band members, acting in costume as they revisit the bands humble beginnings, trying to get a start in the biz. The stage set up was cool and resembled a giant Time Machine. The band opened the show with Spirit of Radio and the big crowd - responded with a roar! Time Stand Still and Presto followed and the night took off from there. As the show continued, I noticed the light show seemed to improve and the sound was just great all night. One of my favorite moments of the evening was the performance of Freewill from Permanent Waves - one of my favorite Rush songs. It seemed to really give the band members a chance to flex their muscles and they flat out rocked it. The vocals put out by Geddy Lee no longer include the screeching high notes in years past, but I love the effort and he still has the ability to reach the high notes when necessary with great voice control. One of the things we don't here much about is his talents as a bass player. He's without a doubt one of the very best and this is obviously a big part of the Rush sound. I also loved his performance in 2112 (Part I: Overture & Part II: The Temple of Syrinx) and I was wasn't alone here, everyone in the house stood and sang along with him on this one. It was like our unofficial teenage anthem!

One of my idols growing up and even now is Alex Lifeson. In concert, he soars like a Eagle in flight - making every move appear effortless and natural. As I mentioned above, he is extremely important to the Rush signature sound. I was moved by his performances of Subdivisions, Faithless, Far Cry and La Villa Strangiato. As a guitarist, I can really appreciate his unique skills and style. It's impossible to duplicate, much like a fingerprint and you can trust me on this - been trying since I was a kid.

As with every Rush concert, you get a chance to sit back, have your beer (or whatever you prefer), and watch the performance of the best drummer that has ever lived, Neil Peart. Again, there would be no Rush without the talents of this amazing man. He has not only mastered the drum kit, he has reinvented it to suit his personal style and abilities. During his five minute drum solo, he uses all of his unbelievable 360º drum set which contains a complete set of acoustics and electronic elements that are fine tuned and pre-programmed to his desired style and sound. It's amazing...Since they were filming the DVD as I mentioned, my ability to get in the needed position to properly photograph the master of the drum kit just wasn't there this time so I'm a little disappointed about that. Just the way it goes sometimes.

All in all this was a very entertaining three hour show and one I would suggest for everyone. A loud and powerful show and my ears are still ringing to prove it. If you missed it, I have no doubt that Rush will be back in support of a new record - possibly as early as next year. Ha! I guess some things never change. GT

Set List
1. The Spirit Of Radio
2. Time Stand Still
3. Presto
4. Stick It Out
5. Workin' Them Angels
6. Leave That Thing Alone
7. Faithless
8. BU2B
9. Freewill
10. Marathon
11. Subdivisions

- - - Intermission - - -
12. Tom Sawyer
13. Red Barchetta
14. YYZ
15. Limelight
16. The Camera Eye
17. Witch Hunt
18. Vital Signs
19. Caravan
20. *Drum Solo*
21. Closer To The Heart
22. 2112 (Part I: Overture & Part II: The Temple of Syrinx)
23. Far Cry

Encore
1. La Villa Strangiato
2. Working Man

On The Web
www.rush.com
www.uterwincenter.com
jgregoryphotography.com
www.austinlivemusic.com/reviews.aspx