The Three Kings of Rock
After reading the play list for this Tour, the anticipation that had been building since last November reached fever pitch yesterday evening as I took my place at The O2 with thousands of other loyal RUSH fans. Amazingly there was a wider age group than expected. In front of us there was a Forty Something Father and his two daughters who had a combined age of no more than 20.
Wow, did the Canadian Magicians deliver….opening with a comedy sketch on the big screen starring the Trio, leading into The Spirit of Radio, a great start to a cracking opening hour which also contained Presto, Time Stand Still, Workin’ Them Angels and Free Will, ending with a brilliantly executed Subdivisions. These guys execute every song with precision and care. As musicians there are no equals, coupled with Mr Peart’s lyrical genius, they may as well be named greatest Rock Band of all Time Right Now! We can forgive Geddy for not reaching all the high notes, these guys are all in their late fifties yet enjoyed themselves like teenagers and this show proved that they don’t take things too seriously these days.
The second half started with another slice of Comedy on the big screen. Then to great cheers, Tom Sawyer followed by the rest of The Moving Pictures album. YYZ in particular was excellent with Alex Lifeson making everything look so easy and effortless. Neil Peart then showed his brilliance with Love 4 Sale a stunning Drum Solo. Geddy clearly had a smile on his face as the crowd joined in on Closer To The Heart. A party atmosphere then strangely descended in The O2 for 2112 and The Temples of Syrinx. Far Cry then led into the encore. La Villa Strangiato and Working Man ended the evening. By then they had Assumed Control.
A big mention must also go to the stage show, Fireworks, Flames, brilliant lighting and large screens so you didn’t miss a thing. The comedy sketches also played their part. It was clear they wanted to project a Band that is enjoying itself. There was also a genuine appreciation from them in thanking the audience. These boys never “just go through the motions”
Such is the quality of This Band three hours was never going to be enough…….
Geddy, Alex and Neils 80slegends salute you. Please return these shores soon. We wish them well as they head to Rotterdam.
Short URL: http://80slegends.com/?p=894
Posted by
Pretty much as the Hog said – the concert was a veritable cornucopia of musical goodness… Rush played one of their greatest albums together with a good selection of other songs both old and new. The one thing that must distinguish Rush from other groups though is their sense of humour – both halves of the gig started with a video segment where the touch was light-hearted and a knowing wink to the fans (the “video encore” was a total classic and probably explains why they have remained together for so long and why they are still so loved/popular)
it has to be said that the O2 is also a cracking venue