For many, Rush’s R:40 stop at the Saddledome July 15th might have felt like it would never happen. Their previous Clockwork Angels tour, in 2012, visited Edmonton only, and then when they looped back around with a 2013 Calgary date it was moved to Red Deer because of the flood (the band donated all proceeds from that show to Alberta Flood Aid, which speaks volumes). All in all it was almost eight years to the day since Rush played Calgary, so when the trio of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson took the stage, it was almost a cathartic reaction from an audience that has waited far too long to see their rock heroes.
From the opening moments of The Anarchist and The Wreckers, the trio showcased what has made them a Canadian success story for the past 40 years. As a first time Rush concert attendee, I couldn’t help but be impressed with the musical chops, displayed frequently in lengthy guitar solos and Pearts’s powerful drumming. While very serious on stage the band clearly does not take itself too seriously, with funny video intros as well as celebrity cameos from the likes of Paul Rudd, Jason Seagal and Peter Dinklage lipsyncing the rap on "Roll The Bones".
It was a spectacle suitable for one of Canada’s biggest bands, and a fitting farewell for the group, which has announced that this will be their final large-scale tour. Lee even joked "due to our advanced age, we will take a brief intermission, but will be back" partway through the three-hour show. Despite their age the bands outplayed and outperformed artists decades younger. In the day of 75 to 90 minute shows, with $100-plus price tags, fans truly got their money’s worth.
During the second half, the band really brought their A-game, kicking things off with the legendary "Tom Sawyer" and adding other mainstream hits like "The Spirit of the Radio" and "Closer To The Heart". Lee’s trademark voice showed no sign of strain as he hit the notes made famous over the decades. By the final notes of "Working Man" everyone was worn out from an epic night of classic Canadian rock.
This year is a big year for fans of Canadian music from the past few decades. Calgary has already seen Bryan Adams and The Tragically Hip perform, and the list for later this year includes the likes of Barenaked Ladies, The Tea Party and Shania Twain, among others. Yet, of all of the great Canadian acts that have made names at home and internationally, few have had the influence of Rush. From pop culture TV and Film (I Love You Man, South Park) to instantly recognizable songs, you cannot help but respect what the trio has accomplished over their career. For those lucky enough to catch this tour, they can proudly add Rush to the ultimate concert bucket list.
