Return to Rush

Last night, I stepped into my own "way-back machine" and attended a Rush concert at the United Center in Chicago. I was joined by my Lovely Lady Friend, Liz...who happens to front a cover band, and thus has an interest in live music in general. That...and she's also a GREAT sport! First, a bit of background...

25 years ago, in March of 1986, as a acne-covered 17-year old, I attended my first real concert with my friend Dave. I say "real" since I don't count Sha-na-na as such when I attended that with parental units as a boy. This was certainly different. The show was at the Rosemont Horizon on the north side of Chicago (now the Allstate Arena). Walking in I can recall a couple of things vividly - the size of the crowd (a sellout of probably 15,000), and the smoke. LOTS of smoke. There was literally a cloud hanging above us before the show started. Apparently there was also an opening band, which Dave reminded me about recently. Guess not very memorable. The smoke had all different aromas, most prevalent cannabis (shock!). Rush had a very large following in the rock world (still does), and being only a few years removed from the "up in smoke" 70's...this scene was quite familiar.

Not for me however, and maybe it was the contact high kicking in, but when Rush hit the stage, it began a roller coaster ride of utter glee from the very first riff. This was their Power Windows tour, and honestly, I didn't know many of their songs. I was lost in my ELO/Elton John world to care. So the lights go down, and then some strange music plays - it was the theme of the Three Stooges...barely recognizable over the din from the drug-saddled crowd. Then a blast from Alex Lifeson cracking out the instantly recognizable first riffs of "Spirit of the Radio", and from there...sheer ecstasy! Little did I know I was now witnessing probably the best live act in rock, and even though many songs were foreign to me, I was caught up in the music, and especially the various video montages playing behind the band. Our seating location directly in front, and just up on the first level provided an absolutely perfect view. All said, even after many subsequent concerts, this still remains far-and-away my best experience.

Which brings me to last night. I haven't been to a concert in so long I simply can't recall. Maybe the mid-90's? Anyways, it's at least a decade ago. One thing that has changed quite dramatically is ticket prices...whoa! I was able to get seats last week, but at $80 a pop, mid-top level of the arena. I know the floor was going for $300 a pop...OUCH! The merchandise also has skyrocketed. Now Rush is an iconic band, with a rabid following, so they can pull these prices off. It also helps that their core fan base is OLD, and can afford it - as well as sending their kids too. The crowd, as I predicted, was upper-middle aged. There were a few youngsters - but mostly with their ex-burnout parents. I did comment to Liz that the younger set looks strangely like their counterparts in the 80's - now carrying cell phones around instead of lighters.

We made it to our seats which were dead center, third level. Great view! Since Rush is an "arena band", they tailor their shows to keep everyone involved - no matter how crappy your seat is. This is accomplished with a large video screen and a gaggle of lights that seem to fire out at you from everywhere. Not that they really needed them - these three are considered the most accomplished musicians in the rock world. Having these "frills" just made the experience even more memorable. As the concert time approached, I found myself with a curious excitement I have not felt in many years. Both Liz and I truly felt that we had traveled back in time once again, which was very fitting since Rush had named this their "Time Machine Tour".

As for the concert, it was simply amazing...as expected. They started this one off with "Spirit of Radio" following a humorous opening video parodying their start as the band "Rash". I give this band a lot of credit for not only keeping together for 35+ years, but doing so with a tongue-in-cheek style that keeps them modest and appreciative to their fans. Their concerts are also a tribute to their legions of supporters - they are amazingly well-choreographed and enthralling. You don't have to be a huge fan to follow-along...and Liz was a testament to this...she was caught up as well from the opening, and stated to me afterwards "I'm a Rush fan now!"

I won't detail the actual event since you can search that out on Google. I'm sure there are many that have taken a good chunk of their lives out to explain this - and there are also MANY You Tube videos as well. Have fun. The only interesting thing was the intermission - about an hour into it. Geddy Lee, their uber-talented lead singer, explained that as old men they needed quick break. No argument from me and probably most of the "old" crowd in attendance. As for "old" men (I think late 50's), they rocked just as good as when I first saw them...maybe even better. The concert clocked in at over 3 hours, with an amazing encore. It concluded with another video - a nice touch.

Maybe this experience will re-awaken my love for concerts once again - just as my first experience with Rush did. I know there are a few artists out there that I would spend a small fortune to see, so who knows. As for now, I will take the time to relish this amazing experience which linked my past to my present.