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I recently had an opportunity to catch an advance HD broadcast of the new Rush documentary, Beyond The Lighted Stage. Besides being a fun nostalgia trip for Rush junkies like myself, it offers a fascinating look at the nerdy, uncompromising and unlikely group of Canadian prog-rock heroes. Regardless of what you think of the band and their genre, you can’t deny their talent.

Technical skill and prog-snobbery aside, there is a segment of the film that should be required viewing for every independent and DIY band out there. About halfway through, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson discuss the failure of one of their early records. At this point in the early ’70s, the band was seemingly on the way out. Their album Caress of Steel had rightfully tanked with critics and fans. The group was also finding themselves playing to smaller and smaller crowds, in seedier and seedier venues.

The record label was not pleased, to say the least. They demanded that the band release something more commercial and radio friendly for their next album. Instead, the group essentially told the label to “shove it,” and delivered their breakthrough record 2112 the following year. 2112 went on to be a landmark album in the genre, and allowed Rush to showcase their creativity and songwriting talents on their own terms.

Stick to your guns. Be an artist. If you truly believe in what you’re doing, then find a way to do it.  If Rush has taught us anything, it’s that three goofy guys from Toronto can sell out arenas, and that big payoffs only come from taking big chances.

-Benjamin Ricci

Editor

P.S. – originally I just planned on re-printing the lyrics to “The Humpty Dance.” Ultimately, I decided that this would be a better choice.