-Yes, quite a lot has already been said indeed.. yet, some things may not have been noticed or given much attention when the world looks more at technical expertise and the charts, than content when it comes to music or the arts for that matter.
This is not just a "fan" page, this is an attempt to shed some light on a lesser noticed aspect of these musicians, virtuosos and men, in a modest tribute to all that lies in the invisible side of their powerful and unique message.
When you look at a group and you decide that you like their music, what are you really observing? The music itself, the technical prowess or the lyrics? Actually, all of these but perhaps the first two are the most noticed both by the casual listener and the hardcore fan.
In this case, RUSH is no ordinary group, as you will agree if you like them and you're here, but there's more than readily meets the eye.
They are the only group to have put all these three elements together with equal force and meaning.
Sure, there are lots of talented groups out there and several can be special for one reason or another, but RUSH is in a class of its own.

What am I saying then?
Simply that RUSH has the most powerful message a group can deliver in a world like ours. A combination of individual stature and maturity that has not been equaled anywhere, not just because of their obvious musical skills, but especially because of the inner message, the spiritual content of every song. Yes, I know many fans know their lyrics are different, but it may not be known that every line, every play on words, every rhythm is intentionally true to its Mission. You won't see inconsistencies, nor any songs about romance, lost loves or trivial longings.

RUSH albums from the first to the next are always reflecting that spiritual knowledge and maturity that is not common anywhere, less so in the Northwestern hemisphere where established religions, social common sense and upbringing teach a different set of views on Life, however noble. Here in Brazil, we have one important advantage over other western nations -if I may put it that way- and that is that serious Occult Science, Spiritualism and Esoteric Teachings have found their way here in a way that is uncommon elsewhere. Many of the important books are originally in Portuguese and their translations into English are poor and also sound rather hollow in this language, because still many terms they use do not have enough "tradition" in them and end up getting labeled as "New Age" stuff. Also unfortunately, sometimes such spiritualist terms have a phony ring to them when translated into English. As if there was no tradition in occult teachings in English, which is not so, of course, but I am talking about more recent teachings such as those found in Allan Kardec's Spiritism and Ramatis. These are not well represented in English but are extremely important as they contain vast timely and clear ingredients that are harder to find in older teachings. Traditional, older books tend to be less clear and sometimes require a very good background if you are to learn anything. Also, they tend to reveal only some aspects of our Real Life, whereas these in Portuguese go straight to the point, obeying the premise that the Times are different now and no longer can we waste time with indoor initiation, but rather, we must live our beliefs in the daylight, so to speak.

And RUSH is perfectly tuned with this notion, as all of their lyrics and rhythm bear this urgency and call to being authenthic, true to oneself and the world. The New World Man of a new time that is coming.

I can say, from my experience as native to both languages, that it is quite different to read any major spiritualist book in Portuguese and then the same title in the English version. Also, the very different background of English language readers, sometimes can be a handicap in undersatnding certain ideas and foreign, translated books.

All this makes RUSH's accomplishments even more breathtaking when viewed from here:
A Power Trio as they have been called so many times, yes..but a trio that is sending out a very important and consistent message, appreciated by all fans but on another level only by those who can really understand their message in another context. A message about renewing ourselves, our fears and beliefs, about saving our energies for what's important, a message about leaving the past behind and forging ahead with an eye on today's technology but with a firm grasp on Evolution. No, mere words cannot describe any better than reading stuff in their own words and listening to every song they ever made. From "Finding My Way" to "Test For Echo" and G. Lee's MFH and now Vapor Trails, its all there.
Does any other band have a message as pure, as untainted by other moods, completely independent of their private lives, without a contradiction whatsoever? Some, very few, songs may not have been their best, as many fans rightly have pointed out, but all are true to form and function. In a common world how can this be achieved?

This is the method: If you have something unique, powerful and necessary to deliver to the world or your audience, you can only expect success if you gain respect first. This respect comes from technical prowess, where each one is a master in his chosen instrument: bass, drums and guitar. Once you show the power of your musical skills, your message is already half delivered. Many musicians are virtuosos, but very few -if any- match this with CONTENT. Precious, useful, clear, uncompromised content. No bizarre ideas, no hollow idealism, no laments or banal disillusionment. Only what is REAL and fabulous, dressed in a dynamic, relentless drive.
Next, you combine three people that have a clear role in the strenght of the trio: Peart as the Mentor, Lee as the Soul&Expression and Lifeson the Energy. Not that all three don't share the same attributes in the powerful synergy of working together, it's just that each has a definite contribution to the whole. You may disagree, of course, but nevermind: you get the point! In their solo careers and ventures you can see this quite clearly too.

What a rare and blessed opportunity to produce something great! And that they did and I'm sure still do, in the quiet almost anonymous situations of their personal lives and close friends and also to the world every so often. So few of us that feel the same and understand can have the same opportunities and such a life of accomplishments..

This is my best attempt at a tribute for now and it is offered with an inner happiness to be, in some distant way, part of all this with my thoughts and my small work, now materialised via the Internet for you too and what you stand for.

We should all do what we can with what we've got. To do less, would be to dishonor the legacy of people like Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson that are an enduring streak of light in this Marathon.

Warmest greetings to all from
R. Rajabally / Brazil.
-If anytime I could be of any help in RUSH related matters, please let me know. I'd be honored to contribute with whatever my Studio can produce, to help translate into words and imagery, that which is contained in their spectacular musical and written work, part of which is reflected already in this site.

-->There is another Gold Section in this site dedicated to country singer/songwriter JOHN DENVER, that has everything to do with all this. Take a look and see for yourself..

-->ALSO: Be sure to check out our modest photos of the band in their passage through Brazil last November 2002, as part of their unforgettable Vapor Trails Tour. The new link is on the menu above or simply click here. Enjoy!