Living In The Limelight...
Friday night I ventured to the Regent THeatre in Arlington. They were having a one night only showing of Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, a documenting chronicling the history of the band and then some. Eventhough it hits the stands in two weeks I couldn't pass up an opportunity to see this movie on the big screen.
Walking from the parking lot to the theatre I got that same feeling I get when I go to see Rush in concert: I don't know too many friends who like Rush, and most of my friends that like Rush got introduced to them because they know me, or Jason, or both of us. It's always amazing to go to a Rush-related event and see so many Rush fans in one place. Big ones, small ones, some the size of your head: Rush fans of all ages and hair styles (or lack of) all coming together to celebrate the band they love. While waiting for the festivities to start everyone in the theatre made friends with the people they were sitting next to, swapping Rush concert stories, favorite songs, and pretty much anything else Rush related. After havung so many interactions with fans of different bands and genres, I think I proudly say that Rush fans are not only dedicated and loysl to the band, but also very friendly and approachable. The same can't be said about Lamb Of God fans.
The night started with a set from Lotus Land, listed as New England's Rush tribute band. Myself, Jason, and Matt gave a collective sigh when we heard the band was playing first- when you've seen Rush live five times the thought of watching a tribute doesn't sound that appealing. However, if you want to be a tribute band to Rush you have to know your stuff, and these three guys certainly did. Their brief set featured spotless playing and an excellent attention to detail. The bass player even looked like Geddy Lee, if Geddy was bald and sporting a slightly longer version of Patrick Stewart's hair line. The band members were laid back in their approach and on stage persona, which made myself and everyone in the crowd love them even more. Even though the majority of the audience were wearing the tour t-shirts to prove they have seen the real deal in concert, they still played air guitar and air drums like the band onstage was the real thing. A highlight of their set for me was at the end of their set, while playing "Working Man" the band broke into a verse of Yes's "Roundabout." A brief but great tribute to another Prog Rock juggernaut.
After their set I couldn't help but wonder if when Rush goes on tour (like they are this summer), does that mean Lotus Land is out of a job for the next five months?
The movie itself was great to watch. The list of people interviewed about their love of Rush ranged from the obvious people like Mike Portnoy and Les Claypool, to members of Death Cab For Cutie and Rage Against The Machine- bands who at a glimpse you wouldn't expect were housing Rush fans. The chronology of the band's history was detailed and flowed nicely, with a strong emphasis on the song writing process and the relationship between Geddy, Alex, and Neil on and off stage. Despite most of the facts in the movie being infro I already know, it was still insightful and hilarious to watch (Rush, and their fans, have a great sense of humor). I can't wait for this movie to go onsale at stores in a few weeks; odds are I'll wear out that DVD in no time.
Walking from the parking lot to the theatre I got that same feeling I get when I go to see Rush in concert: I don't know too many friends who like Rush, and most of my friends that like Rush got introduced to them because they know me, or Jason, or both of us. It's always amazing to go to a Rush-related event and see so many Rush fans in one place. Big ones, small ones, some the size of your head: Rush fans of all ages and hair styles (or lack of) all coming together to celebrate the band they love. While waiting for the festivities to start everyone in the theatre made friends with the people they were sitting next to, swapping Rush concert stories, favorite songs, and pretty much anything else Rush related. After havung so many interactions with fans of different bands and genres, I think I proudly say that Rush fans are not only dedicated and loysl to the band, but also very friendly and approachable. The same can't be said about Lamb Of God fans.
The night started with a set from Lotus Land, listed as New England's Rush tribute band. Myself, Jason, and Matt gave a collective sigh when we heard the band was playing first- when you've seen Rush live five times the thought of watching a tribute doesn't sound that appealing. However, if you want to be a tribute band to Rush you have to know your stuff, and these three guys certainly did. Their brief set featured spotless playing and an excellent attention to detail. The bass player even looked like Geddy Lee, if Geddy was bald and sporting a slightly longer version of Patrick Stewart's hair line. The band members were laid back in their approach and on stage persona, which made myself and everyone in the crowd love them even more. Even though the majority of the audience were wearing the tour t-shirts to prove they have seen the real deal in concert, they still played air guitar and air drums like the band onstage was the real thing. A highlight of their set for me was at the end of their set, while playing "Working Man" the band broke into a verse of Yes's "Roundabout." A brief but great tribute to another Prog Rock juggernaut.
After their set I couldn't help but wonder if when Rush goes on tour (like they are this summer), does that mean Lotus Land is out of a job for the next five months?
The movie itself was great to watch. The list of people interviewed about their love of Rush ranged from the obvious people like Mike Portnoy and Les Claypool, to members of Death Cab For Cutie and Rage Against The Machine- bands who at a glimpse you wouldn't expect were housing Rush fans. The chronology of the band's history was detailed and flowed nicely, with a strong emphasis on the song writing process and the relationship between Geddy, Alex, and Neil on and off stage. Despite most of the facts in the movie being infro I already know, it was still insightful and hilarious to watch (Rush, and their fans, have a great sense of humor). I can't wait for this movie to go onsale at stores in a few weeks; odds are I'll wear out that DVD in no time.