Sleep Train Pavilion Concord Ca

Their record label left them alone because they sold albums at impressive levels, so the band members were essentially free to follow their muse knowing that 1.) The would sell albums and make money touring. And 2.) Their fan base had become a loyal group of people who would buy anything the band released.  Also, they didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, and didn’t care one whit what critics said about their music — mostly because their business model and rabid fan base immunized them from having to suck up to the music press to sell their records and promote their tours.  People could write and say what they wanted about Geddy Lee’s “Cat screeching” voice, Alex’s “Poor man’s Jimmy Page” guitar playing, or Neil’s bombastic drumming and overwrought lyrics, it didn’t (and doesn’t) matter.  The people who “get” Rush, can’t be dissuaded by what others say about the band. They know what great musicians they are, they know what their songs mean to them, and they marvel at how these three suburban Canadian guys can play some of the most complex hard rocking songs live – and sound very much like what they recorded in the studio.

But since their R30 Tour, they have expanded an element that’s been part of the band’s personality since the get go — but only in the last 10 years has really evolved: their sense of humor.  Rush’s songs aren’t really humorous, and the music is anything but comic, but the boys really do have great comic timing, and they use it to poke fun of themselves during their shows.  Now, Geddy’s brother works in video production, the three guys are goofs, and who knows, after a few bottles of wine, someone must have convinced them to try their hand at acting. The result?  A funny series of videos that opens each set and closes the show.