Review of Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010) by Darren C — 30 Jun 2010

Not everyone cares about Rush. They are a nerd band. They are a band that predominantly dudes like, and that most females don't understand/like. They are not pretty. They don't tend to delve into the world of drugs (anymore), groupies or excess (unless you include Neil Peart's excessive motorcycling between gigs).

They are, in Geddy Lee's own words "the biggest cult band ever". So why make a documentary about people who are somewhat reserved, shy, and borderline anti-social (in Peart's case)? Because they have been around since the 60's, continue to make interesting music, are 3 of the most proficient musicians in rock, and have influenced countless of people, some famous, most not.

Whether they WANT their day in the sun, they deserve it. And Sam Dunn's/Scot McFadyen's documentary illustrates all of this beautifully (even managing to get multiple interviews with Neil Peart, who doesn't generally do interviews ever).

It is beautiful. If you don't love Rush, you will likely not bother, but you should. They are incredibly talented Canadians, and as I sit here on Canada Day, I can't think of 3 more talented, amazing and deserving Canadians to speak of.

I have always been proud that Rush were Canadian, and that they made "their" music and if others didn't "get" it, too bad. A masterfully designed documentary, about one of my absolute favourite bands ever.