Rush - Beyond the Lighted Stage [2 DVD]

Okay, until about 2 years ago, I was decidedly in the camp of women who would tolerate Rush on behalf of the husband/boyfriend who has been obsessed with them since birth, but wouldn't necessarily call myself a "fan" of Rush. I knew one or two of their songs from high-school and even sort-of liked Tom Sawyer and Limelight, but I really had little knowledge of the band nor an appreciation of their musicianship, etc.In 2002, my DH took me to a concert on the Snakes and Arrows tour while I was 7 months pregnant with our first child, and aside from the "fragrant" audience members nearby, I truly enjoyed the show and was suprised by how many of the songs I actually knew. Mostly, though, I enjoyed the light-show and the washing machines and found myself wondering what hair-product Geddy used, and whether Alex was a natural blonde, stuff like that. Still, Rush remained somewhere in the Top 20 of my all-time faves behind U2, The Police, Zeppelin, Dave Matthews, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Journey, etc. The introduction of Rock Band and Rock Band 2 in our household began to change all that however, and, as our faux-band's intermittent vocalist/bassist, the Rush songs quickly became my favorites to play while on tour with "Needs Swabbed." (Don't ask!) By far some of the most challenging and enjoyable songs for a wanna-be Rock Star to play of the entire RB setlist are Camera Eye, YYZ, and Working Man!Fast-forward to Spring/Summer 2010, my husband and I attended a showing of Beyond the Lighted Stage at our local artsy-theatre, and, all of a sudden, I just "got it." These are three guys who are true musicians, who write meaningful songs about things that matter in life as opposed to smut, who are committed to their wives and families, were never defined by drug-abuse and womanizing, who never sold-out musically, and who genuinely like each other after 40 years. What other band can you honestly say all of that about that is still around today?As a female, music has to have some sort of an emotional hook to it in order for there to be a lasting connection and to truly win me over. Sort of like watching football. If I know the story behind the team or if there is a player who has overcome great odds or has done something great in life outside the field, then I can get excited about watching a game and rooting for a particular team. I can't just watch some random team for the pleasure of the game itself. Sorry. Same holds true for music. I can appreciate certain songs for the difficulty of the playing or the beauty of the vocals or intricacy of the lyrics, but a true connection with a song or band is rare. Either it has to have been relevant for me at a certain stage in my life so as to bring me back to a place in time, or there has to be a story behind it. Rush has an amazing story. I just can't help but genuinely "like" the guys as people first, and I am now listening to their songs with a whole different perspective and connectedness. I truly get excited about rooting for them to keep bringing amazing music to their devoted fans and new fans alike, and can't wait for our kids to be old enough to see them in concert!In July 2010, my husband and I attended the Rush concert in Saratoga Springs, NY, and although we were some 30 rows back, we both felt like teenagers again and had a whole new level of connection to each other because of our shared love for the band and the music. Completely different experience this time as compared to the show we attended together in 2002, and the more I'm learning about Rush (just finished Neil Peart's Ghost Rider...a must read!), the more I'm looking forward to seeing more shows together (please keep touring guys!). Being one of the only "hot chicks" (husband's term, not mine!) at the show was kinda fun too, given the 80/20 ratio of dudes to babes, and walking into the ladies room "line-free" was a first for sure!

"Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" is an interesting, entertaining 2-DVD set that offers a chronology of one of the most influential progressive rock bands ever and certainly, the most famous as a 3-piece act. The first includes the history of the band from the Lifeson/Lee high school days to present and the second, a video scrapbook of clips, some rare and some available on other Rush DVD sets.The first DVD is a little more than an hour in length and although the material is priceless, I was a little disappointed as a longtime Rush fan that it was not longer. There is definitely enough to mention with the band's 40-plus years to cover at least 2 hours, if not more. Certain important periods of the band's history, e.g. A Farewell to Kings (after 2112) were grouped in a period representing the introduction of the use of synthesizers in the band's music. It would have been nice to have certain barely-mentioned albums given a little more commentary. Even so, this DVD is definitely worth its weight, with comments offered by various other musicians, the likes of Sebastian Bach, Gene Simmons, Jack Black, Les Claypool and others.Through the camera lens, we see the formation of the Lifeson/Lee bond in the high school years and the early version of Rush with John Rutsey. After the first album, Rush decides that Rutsey's health is too questionable for him to endure the rigors of constant touring. Shortly after, the Neil Peart audition happens and the new version of Rush forms with Lee and Lifeson more convinced by Neil's phenomenal drumming and intellect than his outward appearance. The new Rush is born and the progressive rock world is about to change forever. Some rare footage of these early periods is offered and the video quality is excellent.From that point, we see that the Lee/Lifeson/Peart trio endures some tough early years with pressure from the record label to conform and the band resisting, marching to "its own beat". These were very difficult times for Rush and nearly resulted in its own dissolving. The breakthrough was "2112", which to the label's surprise, gained quite a cult following. At that juncture, Rush was then able to dictate back to the label just what it would play, as well as how it would write/arrange its music.Later scenes progress through Rush's success in every significant period: Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Signals, Grace Under Pressure, etc. through the desire to minimize or eliminate the use of keyboards (Test for Echo), the unimaginable tragedy of Peart and the triumphant return of Rush.One of the most significant features throughout the DVD is Neil Peart joking and smiling in front of the camera. This is a major juxtaposition of his expressions offered while onstage and reveals the side of him that fans really want to see. Of course, the life of fame, coupled with highly intrusive fans and personal tragedy have changed him. I just watched the Grace Under Pressure DVD (1984)(Rush Replay X3) and he was a totally different guy, very relaxed in front of the camera and not uptight at all. He might be humble and private in nature, but he should accept that he is widely considered to be one of the most (if not THE MOST) accomplished drummers in the history of modern music. Not only that, but the drummer/lyricist-turned-social and environmental psychologist has authored the lyrics to some of the most phenomenally important songs in the last 30 years of rock: The Spirit of Radio, Tom Sawyer, Subdivisions, Distant Early Warning, The Big Money, etc....Through both of the DVDs, one can see the personal chemistry that has made Rush successful throughout their history: it happens offstage as well as on. An intimate bond of friendship between highly-talented musicians doesn't happen often and it's no wonder that Rush is so highly regarded by their fellow musicians. Their individual abilities transcend into superstardom, whose fans have long since inducted them into their own Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame.This DVD set is definitely for old Rush fans, but also new ones just coming onto the scene who want to learn about the extraordinary musicianship of perhaps the greatest "cult" band of all time.

Whether or not you're a Rush fan, this film is absolutely fascinating. It charts the rise, near-failure & rise again of one of the world's greatest rock bands. One of the world's greatest rock bands - that's not a statement without substance - check out the album & concert ticket sales!In true 'Spinal Tap' fashion, it offers '...the sights, the sounds, the smells of a working rock band...' - the story of three normal guys who really shouldn't be rock stars, but are. Always a trio, with Neil Peart replacing John Rutsey after the first album, the film chronicles the enduring - and rather surprising - success of three unique people who have never really lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle to the full, and who could be employed in any job other than as rock musicians. With Geddy Lee's unique voice bringing Neil Peart's lyrics to life, and Alex Lifeson adding substance to Geddy Lee's bass and Neil Peart's drums, it is an unlikely trio that shouldn't but just does work. With a history starting in the late sixties and which is still being written today, with personal tragedies along the way, the trio have produced a succession of hit albums that still sell today and stand the test of time.From prog-rock beginnings, they have always done it their way - no compromise. This is to be much admired. The fact that they appear to be normal people outside of the band - with the history of rock littered with tales of bands' excesses resulting in failure, and in certain very unfortunate cases, death - is a miracle. It is this very normality that is so compelling. The rest of us may harbour secret thoughts of success and fame, but we're all normal people - it will never happen to us - well, it COULD, & Rush is very much the proof.AS to who they are, the film does provide poersonal insights. Admittedly shy and aloof, Neil Peart comes across as a normal human being - there's not too much to judge Neil Peart on a personal level in the public domain but this film gives an insight to a Master Musician and Wordsmith that is both very interesting and comforting - he's not abnormal, just shy; a normal guy doing an extraordinary job. If I may draw on a parallel from the UK, it's like Paul Scholes, a Manchester United footballer, who has an incredible talent for playing football, but away from the pitch he's a normal family man with no desire to live the high-life of today's highly-paid premiership footballers.As for Geddy and Alex, they have been friends since school, and a friendship that can stand the test of working together so closely for so many years is a true friendship. Away from Rush they're family men, living a nromal life.So many groups started the same way - friends at school, forming a band and living the rock 'n' roll dream - but ended up splitting up due to 'artistic differences'. Sure, there's been arguments and differences, but there is a bond that has endured for many years. The friendship between the three is obvious - even if Neil Peart's STILL the new guy - and has sustained one of the greatest rock bands in history.My avice is; you may or may not know them, you may or may not like their music, but I doubt you'll be bored - it's a reat film about a real band. The three members of Rush are humorous, charming & super-talented. Watch this and judge for yourselves, and see if I'm not right...

If you even just like Rush you will LOVE this beautiful film. Wonderfully put together from some great archive footage (how come all North American kids seemed to film their childhoods?!?) and live concert film. The interview sections are honest and revealing, and the band's story is a fascinating and, at times, tragic and deeply moving one.I liked Rush when I saw this, but now I love them. and this film played a large part in that. Highly recommended as a document of a very special and unique band.

Beyond the Lighted Stage is a fantastic documentary on Canadian Rock band Rush.The film takes the viewers on a voyage from the very early days of the band with Alex and Geddy and the drummer they started out with John Rutsey and subsequent the introduction of Neil Peart as Rush's Drummer completing the lineup.Beyond the Lighted Stage also shows the band's evolution from Progressive Rock in the seventies to their current Heavy sound.The music and archival concert and studio footage used in the film are to a really high standard.Interspersed with the story are talking heads contributing to the story being told and these include actor Jack Black, Musicians Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) and many more.The special features are really good which includes deleted and extended scenes being the 'Dinner with Rush at a Hunting Lodge' scene which is hilarious.As a recent convert to Rush via my wife this film is a great introduction to the music and influence of Rush and made me like them even more.

Like many others here, I've followed Rush since the early days when I was a kid and although they have always been there, I'm rediscovering them now. This DVD is a great achievment. It charts the band's history from the early period to the present day. Its unlflinchingly honest and in places very moving, how for example Geddy's parents were Holocaust survivors and the manner in which Geddy and Alex were there for Neil when he lost his immediate family within the space of one year and waited for him to come around to thought of performing again. Apart from these sad moments, this really is an engrossing 2 DVD set, which is helped in no short measure by the down to earth ego-free personalities and easy humour of all three band members and the fact that they are such evidently good friends, who think the world of each other. They are impressively articulate as well and as for Mr Peart, well, he must have two brains! Rush have always been underrated by the world at large - God alone knows why - but having had my heavy rock phase as a youngster, the only bands of that era I still really enjoy are Led Zep...and Rush. In my book, that speaks volumes.

This movie of the chronicles of RUSH is excellent. I have been a fan of Rush for over 30 years, having bought everything they've ever made including 'Bastille Day' the day it was released. (Although I wasn't that keen on their 'synth phase'!). This is a movie that will bring that lump to your throat because Rush are 'your' band, and have been the soundtrack to your life. Yes, a bit of a cliche, I know. But still true, especially when you see 60,000 people singing along to every note in San Paolo. (Get 'Rush In Rio' too!!) I give it 9.99 out 10, as the missing 0.01 should perhaps have been the untimely death of John Rutsey, and the blasphemy of the Taser 'incident' on Guitar God, Alex Lifeson. (How dare they??!!).Maybe a bit more about the technical aspects of their playing, as most rock fans are pretty keen musicians too.All in all, my recommendation is BUY IT!!"Oh, they call me the working man......... I guess that's what I am...etc" (Had to quote a bit of Rush!)