July 7, 2002

From Gerald R. Lucas

Rush Rocks!

Rush2.jpg

I just returned from Raleigh with my brother where we saw Rush play on July 4, perhaps for the last time. One of my favorite bands since I began listening to music, Rush has provided a soundtrack to many of the recalled moving pictures of my life. Rush has been present through all of the memorable stages of my life, like a devoted friend: through trauma and good times, the music has augmented my experiences of life, and for that I thank them. Yet, I fear because of recent events in Peart’s personal life, this will be the band’s last tour.

As always the show was full of energy; they played almost three straight hours. Included in the set were some of my favorites: the haunting and lugubrious “The Pass,” the forceful and resilient “Earthshine,” and the always appreciated “The Spirit of Radio.” While I have seen bigger crowds at Rush shows, the enthusiasm for this band was apparent in their cheers and smiles. They love what this band gives them: whether intellectually stimulating lyrics, powerful and articulate percussion, or precise guitar virtuosity, it seems we all went away happy, if a bit auditorily challenged. Thanks, Rush, for making such great memories, and know that the love will always remain.