Anthem: Rush In The 70s

Description

The definitive biography of the rock ’n’ roll kings of the NorthIncludes two full-color photo inserts, with 16 pages of the early days of the band on tour and in the studioWith extensive, first-hand reflections from Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, as well as from family, friends, and fellow musicians, Anthem: Rush in the ’70s is a detailed portrait of Canada’s greatest rock ambassadors. The first of three volumes, Anthem puts the band’s catalog, from their self-titled debut to 1978’s Hemispheres (the next volume resumes with the release of Permanent Waves) into both Canadian and general pop culture context, and presents the trio of quintessentially dependable, courteous Canucks as generators of incendiary, groundbreaking rock ’n’ roll.Fighting complacency, provoking thought, and often enraging critics, Rush has been at war with the music industry since 1974, when they were first dismissed as the Led Zeppelin of the north. Anthem, like each volume in this series, celebrates the perseverance of Geddy, Alex, and Neil: three men who maintained their values while operating from a Canadian base, throughout lean years, personal tragedies, and the band’s eventual worldwide success. Review: A must have - First heard the band in a friends house (2112) and just loved them from then. Have other books but I just needed to buy the Trilogy (Limelight & Driven). A thoroughly enjoyable read and should be included in every fans library Review: A must for Rush fans and those going into the music business - Excellent book. Many interviews from people who had never been interviewed before. Great insight on the music business and the intelligent way they continued to make their own music and not follow the label’s advice, adulterating their vision. Explanation of the albums in the ‘70’s and honest insight into grueling touring. Their professional attitudes and lack of excess drinking and drug use. There is mention of marijuana and hash use, but that’s considered legal in many state (not federally) now. They don’t want to appear on stage and embarrass themselves with a shoddy performance. Descriptions on being an opening act for many bands and their drug/alcohol use, to being headliners. Frank interviews from many affiliated persons sometimes good, others negative. This is the REAL LIFE of a rock and roll group. Some reviews find this to be negative, but it’s honest and the biggest point is that they strive to be their best when performing for huge or small crowds. They do get a bit worn out at the end of a long tour with few days off, driving a few hundred or more miles after the show to the next venue. And the show must go on.. not “calling in sick” as they would let down thousands of fans. Only cancelling, say, when Geddy lost his voice. Pratt drumming with a puke bucket to the side of his drum kit, hoping not to throw up until the song was over and the lights went out. Geddy playing while sick. Not much is mentioned about Alex, the least celebrated member of the band, but he contributes to the book in interviews. My only gripes are that at times, it’s difficult to tell who is saying what in the written interviews. You really have to pay attention to the subtle shifts in the interviews as there are many people who were interviewed. Also, though the book seems hard bound and has a faux black leather cover, the gold embossed secondary title and spine Wears off rapidly. I noticed it after 3 readings. Perhaps, if important to you, a book cover could be made... like we did in school when we had 50 pounds of books and related homework! Limelight is the next book “rush in the ‘80s. I can’t wait to read it! And a new book is sold on desertcart as pre-orders for Spring Maybe winter’s end) the title escapes me right now. Overall, this is an awesome book. Some of the few photos seem to be new too.