Rush Biography, Facts & FAQ

Rush is a Canadian rock band originally formed in August 1968, currently comprised of bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The band re-configured several times between 1968 and 1974 before taking on their current form two weeks before the group's first U.S. tour.

Rush is a band known widely for the instrumental skills of its members, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs drawing heavily on science fiction, fantasy, libertarian philosophy, and environmental concerns. Musically, their style has evolved over the years, beginning in the vein of blues-inspired heavy metal, then encompassing hard rock, progressive rock, a period dominated by synthesizers and, more recently, modern rock. Their sound has influenced artists such as Metallica, The Smashing Pumpkins and Primus, as well as notable progressive metal bands such as Dream Theater and Symphony X.

Rush was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994. Over the course of their careers, the individual members of Rush have been acknowledged as being some of the most proficient players on their respective instruments.

Rush has garnered 24 gold records and 14 platinum records over the course of their career. The band is currently promoting their latest album, Snakes & Arrows with an intercontinental tour. The second leg began in San Juan, Puerto Rico on April 11, and is set to finish in Atlanta, Georgia on July 22.

Rush Awards

Lifetime Awards

1990 - named Group Of The Decade in Canada
1990 - won the revered Mayor's Award at the Toronto Music Awards
1992 - Lifetime Achievement Award from the Musician's Institute in Hollywood
1992 - the prestigious Harold Moon Award from SOCAN
1993 - Musicians Of The Millennium Award from Harvard National Lampoon
1993 - Toronto Arts Award from the Arts Foundation of Toronto
1994 - inducted into the CARAS Canadian Music Hall of Fame
1997 - named as Officers of the Order Of Canada
1997 - Outstanding Contribution to Music Award from The Foundation Forum
1999 - awarded a star on Canada's Walk of Fame in Toronto
2000 - named Best Canadian Musicians of All Time in the JAM! online poll
2003 - inducted into the CMW Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame

Rush Discography

Snakes & Arrows Live 2 CD Set
Released: 04-15-2008
Discs: 2
Tracks: 27