Canadian power trio Rush

Over the course of their decades-spanning career, the Canadian power trio Rush emerged as one of hard rock's most highly regarded bands; although typically brushed aside by critics and although rare recipients of mainstream pop radio airplay, the group nonetheless won an impressive and devoted fan following while their virtuoso performance skills solidified their standing as musicians' musicians.

Alexander Zivojinovich (Alex Lifeson), Gary Weinrib (Geddy Lee), and John Rutsey came together in the fall of 1968. Rush formed in Toronto, Ontario, in the autumn of 1968, and initially comprised guitarist Alex Lifeson (born Alexander Zivojinovich), vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib), and drummer John Rutsey. The band currently performs with the lineup of Geddy Lee (vocals, bass, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums). In their primary incarnation, the trio drew a heavy influence from Cream, and honed their skills on the Toronto club circuit before issuing their debut single, a rendition of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away," in 1973. Their first album was released in March 1974.

Although the entrance of Rush into the '80s immediately began to spotlight the band's pop leanings - shrouded so much before by thundering hard rock or baffling prog exploration - this accessible tune packed in plenty of virtuosic density to please Rush purists.

As a group, Rush possesses 24 gold records and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records. According to the RIAA, Rush’s sales statistics place them third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band. Although they have been passed over by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and have not always been warmly embraced by critics, Rush have maintained a large and loyal fan base.

In a nutshell about their success…

30 albums over 30 years have sold more than 40-million copies
17 albums have been certified platinum, another eight certified gold
Four Grammy nominations and eight Juno awards
Subject of 11 books, including four written by drummer Neil Peart

In 2004 the band embarked on their 30th anniversary tour, documented on the DVD R30, and in 2006 they returned to the studio to begin work on a new album. A new studio album was released in 2007, suggesting that this venerable power trio still has some good years left. Rush tickets for his concert available online.