The band’s “nerds” and “geeks” revel in all-things Rush.
The 1987 song by the Canadian progressive rock band Rush called “Time Stand Still” cautions “learning to live as if each step was the end.”
It’s a heartrending track written by iconic Rush drummer Neal Peart and would become a harbinger for the tragic losses of his teenage daughter and his wife within the next decade, and his own death at just 67 in 2020.
Hearing that song again prompted a bucket list adventure in August to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the band originated, and has partnered with Henderson Brewing Co. to produce Rush beers and showcase tour artifacts.
Peart, with his Rush bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, spent more than four decades producing music beloved by fans around the world. Hundreds of these fans show up at the annual Rush Day at the brewery’s Toronto location – a day showcasing all things Rush. For the band’s die-hards, possibly the most intensely loyal rock fan base of all time, it’s like Mecca.
The third annual Rush Day included Rush stage props, artifacts and a pop-up art gallery; a Rush X Henderson merch shop; a pop-up Rush tattoo studio (limited pre-booked sessions); “Become a Beer Genuis” Tasting Sessions; “Something for Nothing” Live Podcast Recording; a charity silent auction; a DJ; karaoke (which was surprisingly good); a Rush tattoo competition; raffles; trivia; and a screening of “Exit … Stage Left,” the band’s 1981 live concert film.
Howard Ungerleider, interviewed by Universal Music archivist Ivar Hamilton, enthralled the hundreds of attendees with stories of his 24 years as the band’s tour manager, tour accountant, lighting designer and lighting director.
Upon arrivial, you’re immediately swallowed by a sea people in Rush T-shirts from the band’s 24 gold and 14 platinum records (including three multi-platinum), which places them third among the rock bands with the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums and behind only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
You’ll meet folks who have had custom Rush jewelry made, share unlimited stories, and air drum to your heart’s content.
Rush guitar picks with QR codes were a very clever way of sharing the day’s agenda.
Rush’s music may not be your cup of tea, but you must respect those three guys and their legacy.
Adam has been a fan since junior high school, and has long played the drums dreaming of Peart’s genius. It was a day he’ll never forget.
“Time Stand Still” lyrics:
I turn my back to the wind
To catch my breath,
Before I start off again.
Driven on
Without a moment to spend
To pass an evening
With a drink and a friend
I let my skin get too thin
I’d like to pause,
No matter what I pretend
Like some pilgrim —
Who learns to transcend —
Learns to live
As if each step was the end
Time stand still —
I’m not looking back —
But I want to look around me now
See more of the people
And the places that surround me now
Freeze this moment
A little bit longer
Make each sensation
A little bit stronger
Experience slips away…
I turn my face to the sun
Close my eyes,
Let my defences down —
All those wounds
That I can’t get unwound
I let my past go too fast
No time to pause —
If I could slow it all down
Like some captain,
Whose ship runs aground —
I can wait until the tide
Comes around
Make each impression
A little bit stronger
Freeze this motion
A little bit longer
The innocence slips away…
Summer’s going fast–
Nights growing colder
Children growing up —
old friends growing older
Experience slips away…
Music: Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson
Lyrics: Neil Peart
