Rush Review 7/11/08 Manchester, NH

[btweensunandmoon]

Finally, after a very long time, got to see Rush this past Friday at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH. I've been a die hard fan since being a teenager but it is the one show that has alluded me due to various reasons. They certainly did not disappoint!

Alex was in good form, preferring an original floyd equipped Les Paul for his main guitar. Of course the old trusty ES-335 made an appearance but he used the Les Paul about 75% of the time.

I was surprised at how much humor they weave into the show. There was everything from animated and live action skits on screens behind the stage (ala Ozzy style) to hilarious stage props (which I won't give away at this time if you haven't seen them on this tour yet). This is one band that doesn't take themselves too seriously and it made for a great all around experience.

The set list was impressive, and according to some Rush veterans I know, featured stuff they either haven't done in many many years or not ever. I've heard the rumors of people getting their money's worth at Rush shows but I certainly wasn't expecting a 3 hour set with 25-30 songs. It made the $77 much easier to swallow. With such a long set, they managed to represent most eras quite well. There were notable omissions which I'll get to.

The playing was tight. I can usually pick out a mistake or 2 even from the best but these guys were spot on. The sound was good but I only have one complaint. Alex used the same effects on his lead sound all night. The massive delay he has employed in his later years didn't do justice to certain older solos that were much dryer in effects on the albums. For a man in his 50's, Geddy hit most of the vocals in impressive fashion except for a couple of highs in Tom Sawyer. Neil was Neil...enough said.

Surprisingly, the first 3 albums had zero, zilch, nothing played from them! I was expecting at least Working Man. No can do on that one! Other albums not represented were Counterparts ,Presto, & Hemispheres. They played 6 songs from Snakes and Arrows. I haven't been into later Rush but it was actually pretty good and I think I'll be purchasing that disc.

Highlights of the set in order of jaw dropping scale were

1) Witch Hunt - I nearly poo'd my pants on this one. A complete curveball.
2) A Passage to Bangkok - I pretty much told my sister (who I went with) before the show that I could die in peace if they played this.
3) Freewill - Well executed solo and vocals.
4) Ghost of a Chance - My favorite song off Roll the Bones and even better live.
5) YYZ - The song will never get old.
6) Subdivisions - seeing Geddy on the keyboards is a treat.

I'd recommend anyone who has the chance to catch a show on this tour to do so. You may not see them for a few more years.

I've seen many bands live over the years. I have to give this show an "A". One of the best I've ever seen.