Rush formed in Toronto in 1968 and, with the classic trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, became one of the most important progressive rock bands in history. 2112 (1976) was the breakthrough; Moving Pictures (1981) is the peak and the place to start. Browse Rush vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Rush formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1968 around Alex Lifeson (born August 27, 1953, Fernie, British Columbia) and Jeff Jones (bass; departed shortly after formation). Geddy Lee (born July 29, 1953, Willowdale, Ontario) joined as bassist and vocalist later in 1968, completing the early lineup with John Rutsey (drums; departed 1974). Neil Peart (born September 12, 1952, Hamilton, Ontario) joined as drummer in July 1974, replacing Rutsey, and completed the stable classic three-member lineup that recorded the band's entire catalog. They are widely cited as one of the most important progressive rock bands in popular music history, with foundational influence on contemporary progressive rock and progressive metal. Their 1976 album 2112 - featuring the side-long title track (20-minute Ayn Rand-inspired science fiction narrative composition) - established their commercial breakthrough. Their 1981 album Moving Pictures - featuring the international singles Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and YYZ - became their commercial peak, with over 4 million US copies sold. Neil Peart is widely cited as one of the most important drummers in popular music history; he was also the band's lyricist. The band paused activity after their 2015 R40 tour and dissolved in 2018 following Neil Peart's brain cancer diagnosis (glioblastoma, diagnosed in 2016 and kept private). Peart died on January 7, 2020 at age 67. The remaining members (Lee and Lifeson) have stated they have no plans to reunite as Rush. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Their foundational influence on progressive rock is widely cited as one of the most important contributions to the form.
Rush's sound is foundational to progressive rock as a recognized genre - combining progressive rock, hard rock, progressive metal, art rock, heavy metal influences, and arena rock with Geddy Lee's distinctive high-tenor vocal delivery, virtuosic multi-instrumental compositions (range across guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums), Neil Peart's foundational drumming approach and lyrical content addressing science fiction, philosophy, individual liberty (Ayn Rand reference points in early period), and broader literary themes, and varied compositional approaches across their multi-decade career. Their foundational influence on progressive rock is widely documented.
Original Moon, Anthem, Mercury, and Atlantic Records pressings of the Rush catalog are foundational items in progressive rock collecting, with collector premiums on rare pressings.
Listeners new to Rush typically start with Moving Pictures (1981) or 2112 (1976).
