July 7, 2002

Rush Rocks!

“And if the music stops
There’s only the sound of the rain
All the hope and glory
All the sacrifice in vain
And if love remains
Though everything is lost
We will pay the price
But we will not count the cost

And if love remains...”

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.