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Rush is Formed
In 1971, Rush began to evolve away from a hobby and into a job. The members at the time were Geddy Lee (vocals and bass), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and John Rutsey (drums). From their beginnings in 1968, numerous roster changes would take place but this trio would start off the journey. The band obtained their first and only manager in Ray Danniels at this time. -
Rush Released Debut Album
Rush released their debut self-titled album on March 1, 1974. The album received airplay on Cleveland radio station WMMS 100.7FM. “Working Man” was added to the regular playlist and this led to interest from Mercury Records. Mercury signed the band and panned a US tour to promote Rush. -
Neil Peart Joins Rush
On July 29, 1974, just two weeks before the US tour was to begin, Neil Peart joined Rush as replacement on drums for John Rutsey. Rutsey had health concerns and wasn’t interested in the extensive touring the band would soon be undertaking. Peart was able to bring a new element to Rush and became the principal lyricist. This is the current lineup still touring today. -
2112 is Released and soon goes Platinum
Rush released their fourth studio album entitled 2112 on April 1, 1976. The album featured a single 20 minute track divided into seven parts. It is a concept album telling dystopian story set in the year 2112. The album was certified Gold in the USA in 1977 and reached Platinum by 1981. 2112 was by far the band’s most successful album to date even though the previous concept songs had not done well. This showed that the band did not need to conform to mainstream music to succeed. -
Rush wins Juno for Group of the Year
Rush won the Juno for Group of the Year in 1978 against established artists April Wine, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, The Stampeders and Trooper. A Farewell to Kings was also nominated as the Best Selling Album that year. Rush also won the Juno for Most Promising Group of the Year in 1975. -
Rush single "Sprit of the Radio" is a Radio Hit
Rush’s first radio hit was Spirit of the Radio from “Permanent Waves.” The single was released in March 1980 and soon reached #51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #33 in Canada. Though it wasn’t top 10, this was the highest recognition the band had received in North America. The song, as well as the album, was much simpler than what Rush usually created and was received very well by the media. -
Rush Sells Out Radio City Music Hall
During their 1983 tour, Rush sells out Wembley Arena in London for 4 consecutive nights and Radio City Music Hall in New York for 5 consecutive nights. It was the first rock act of its kind to play a series of shows at Radio City Music Hall. -
Rush Goes on Hiatus
Rush begins five-year hiatus in 1997 after concluding their tour supporting “Test for Echo.” Peart’s daughter was killed in a car accident that in August and his wife passed away from cancer in June 1998. -
Rush Returns from Hiatus
Returns from a 5 year hiatus in 2002 and released a new album titled “Vapor Trails.” The album did not include a synthesizers as had been common for them in the last two decades. They returned to more of a rock feel during the 14 months spent creating the album. This led Rush back to the stage and they would continue to tour and create new albums.
