Rush: The Illustrated History

by Martin Popoff

Formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 1968 under the heavy influence of British blues, Rush solidified its lineup in 1974 and has gone on to record 18 studio albums (and counting). Notable for bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee’s high register, Neil Peart’s virtuosic drumming and inventive lyrics, and the guitar heroics of Alex Lifeson, the multiplatinum band melds a diverse range of influences and along the way has amassed a large, notably loyal following worldwide. Rush is bigger than ever before with the hit 2011 documentary  Beyond the Lighted Stage  and this year’s new album,  Clockwork Angels , and tour.

 

Now, for the first time, Rush is treated to the epic visual celebration they so richly deserve in a beautifully designed and profusely illustrated history following the band’s entire career. A chronological overview history written by noted music scribe and Rush authority Martin Popoff spans the band’s entire career from 1968 to today. A complete Rush discography chronicles all their albums, from the debut album to  2112 ,  Moving Pictures , and  Signals  to  Grace Under Pressure ,  Vapor Trails , and more. The authoritative text is complemented by album reviews written by well-known music journalists from around the globe, commentary from fellow musicians, a discography, and hundreds of photographs and pieces of memorabilia, including picture sleeves, gig posters, rare vinyl, handbills, ticket stubs, and much more.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History, Biography

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

At approximately 7900 (with over 7000 appearing in his books), Martin has unofficially written more record reviews than anybody in the history of music writing across all genres. Additionally, Martin has penned approximately 85 books on hard rock, heavy metal, classic rock and record collecting. He was Editor-In-Chief of the now retired Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles, Canada’s foremost metal publication for 14 years, and has also contributed to Revolver, Guitar World, Goldmine, Record Collector, bravewords.com, lollipop.com and hardradio.com, with many record label band bios and liner notes to his credit as well. Additionally, Martin has been a regular contractor to Banger Films, having worked for two years as researcher on the award-winning documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, on the writing and research team for the 11-episode Metal Evolution and on the ten-episode Rock Icons, both for VH1 Classic. Additionally, Martin is the writer of the original metal genre chart used in Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and throughout the Metal Evolution episodes. Martin currently resides in Toronto and can be reached through martinp@inforamp.net or www.martinpopoff.com.

Reviews

[David Muir · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, the negative.: I found the style of writing a bit wearing. For example, Popoff describes Clockwork Angels as an "...over-the-sholder-boulder-holder of an album." What? That's just nonsense isn't it? (Unless that phrase means something different in America.) Also, although all of Rush's albums are reviewed, they are not all reviewed by the same person so there is a very different feel from one review to the next. Finally, I would consider myself only a moderately obsessed fan, but there was not a lot of information in this book that was new to me.

Next the positive: ... and it's fair to say the positive outweighs the negative. For me, the best thing about this book is the quality and quantity of photographs. Combine that with the collection of ephemera (flyers, adverts, tickets, backstage passes...) and you have a book that is a joy to leaf through. In fact I became extremely jealous of how many times the people contributing to this book have seen, and even met, Rush. I began to think perhaps I'd made the wrong career choice! Finally, reading and often disagreeing with the reviews of Rush albums in the book has made me go back and listen to Rush again and again - anything that does that is a good thing!

For a Rush fan, this book is worth getting for the photographs alone. For someone who isn't a Rush fan, it may not convert you but I think the commitment to music and the integrity of Geddy, Alex and Neil is clear and it will hopefully make you want to check out their music.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, this book felt like something that didn’t really need to be published. Most hardcore fans (and really who else is going to buy a Rush history book? ) are going to know pretty much everything covered. How many times do we need to read about how the boys ignored the record company execs and recorded Caress and then did it again with 2112? Or, how the move to keyboards caused a rift in the fan base and tension within the band? It’s not particularly exciting stuff especially when you’ve heard it a hundred times. And other than a bunch of ticket stubs I’m not sure what makes this history particularly “illustrated” compared to other Rush history books. Sure, there are some great concert shots but those are kind of expected. I was also not a fan of the author’s writing style and phrasing, which I found a bit odd at times. And the album”reviews” were generally pretty poorly written and often very negative. It may be worth a read for those who haven’t read much or watched the many documentaries about the band or for the completionists out there. But otherwise, you’ve probably heard it all before.

[Yves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a long time Rush fan, I truly enjoyed reading through this short and picture filled historical! It really made me want to go back and listen to every album in chronological order.... so now I will get to it!

[pianogal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Probably would have been better had I had the actual book, instead of reading it on my Kindle.

[Scott Kovatch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with some in accuracy.

[Edward Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and loads of fun to read. Fans will love it. I am and I did.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a die-hard Rush fan, buy this book.

Written in a rather "shoot from the hip" voice, Popoff fills us in over the years and its a blast to bring back all those pleasant memories. The photos are amazing and the tidbits are enjoyable. Where did he get all this trivia, concert stubs and old posters? Yes I was at several of those concerts advertised in the book. That is die-hard. I liked the separate page reviews of all of their albums - some I liked, some I hated but they generate things to ponder. Rush is putting out even better albums than before and this book, which covers Clockwork Angels just adds to the excitement. Hey, just weeks to go till the concert.... Gotta get my t-shirt!

Read it, you won't be disappointed. I wasn't.

[Bob Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a RUSH fan, then this is a book for you. Outstanding pictures and commentary of each studio album. I really enjoyed reliving the albums. Each chapter brought back memories of where I was when the album came out and how I felt about the music when I first heard it. The concert photos had me reliving the same shows in many cases that the author attended. I can't believe it has been forty years of music and concerts from my favorite band. I guess I'm getting old, but it's been a pleasure having RUSH be the music of my life. Martin, thanks for an awesome book that will stay on my coffee table for many years.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very attractive book with great pictures, fun memorabilia (tickets, posters, t-shirts, promotional items etc). Was great to see the band get some more recognition for their long and fascinating career. Learned some new bits of trivia about the band(didn't know they have a star on the walk of fame in Hollywood)and I didn't always agree with the reviews of each of the band's albums but that's no surprise. It ties in nicely with the documentary Beyond the Lighted Stage.

If you are a Rush fan you will LOVE this. :)

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway, i entered for my dad since i am personally not a fan of Rush but i have to say this is a very good and informative book. It has gorgeous pictures, a lot of history and really dives into who the guys in the band really are. My dad also loved it, says it brings back a lot of memories considering he's see Rush 16 times, even if you don't like the band i recommend it if you just like music history!

[Chris Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures, memorabilia, and writing about the band. I was a bit surprised that it glossed over the record company difficulties after 'Caress of Steel'. True to its music, the band stuck to their guns, did what they wanted, and produced the masterpiece that is '2112'. Small complaint though, on an overall great book.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice illustrated history of one of my favorite bands. Popoff, an insider to the Rush world, had direct access to the band to write the book. He also has a strong opinion regarding what constitutes good Rush albums and bad ones.

Great illustrations and photographs throughout.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved savoring over the details and pictures, many I hadn't seen before. Must have for any true Rush fan.

[Syd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not definitive, but a decent overview with good pictures. Collectors will enjoy the photos of rare ads, vinyl and tour programs.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fucking Awesome.Rush Rules.

[Bogdan Bele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any Rush fan.

[Phil Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written and illustrated.

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another picture book by Popoff. At least this does not have 'complete' in the title. It is nice as a trip to the 1980s. And nothing more.

[Jeff Holton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book

I enjoyed reading this book. There are a loot of fun memorabilia and band photos. It is a very easy read and a perfect primer to all things rush.