Rush at 50

by Daniel Bukszpan

A beautifully produced, photo-packed celebration of the beloved rock trio, Rush at 50 examines the history of the Canadian rockers through the lens of 50 milestone events and an illustrated gatefold timeline. Formed in Toronto in 1968, Rush became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history, thanks to their tireless effort and imaginative, ever-evolving music. This richly illustrated and entertainingly written book from Rush expert and music journalist Dan Bukszpan pays tribute to the trio on the 50th anniversary of their debut album by curating and examining 50 of the most significant milestones in their career. Bukszpan covers everything down through the   The band’s formation by bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in suburban Toronto and their early gigs and tours opening for the likes of Kiss Their breakthrough in the United States thanks to a Cleveland DJ The role of co-founding drummer John Rutsey Rush’s early Led Zeppelin–influenced efforts and their breakthrough, 2112 The band’s ever-evolving musical style through the 1970s and 1980s The controversial influence of novelist Ayn Rand on Neil Peart’s lyrics Geddy Lee’s instantly recognizable vocal style Recording sessions with various producers in Wales, Quebec, and elsewhere In examining 50 touchstones, Buszpan presents a unique look at Rush’s career arc from Toronto bar band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, ticket stubs, and more. The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a coffee table style book, heavy in weight and beautiful photos in color and black and white. It would be a great keepsake for fans. The font size is small like most coffee table books. I had never heard of this band so I learned about their lives and later checked out their music through time. Overall, this book is very well done.

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great, breezy coffee table look at the history of Rush. The photographs are the star here and but I enjoyed the writing and opinion of the author and the ultimate compliment I can pay Daniel Bukszpan is that he made me interested to relisten to every single Rush album to see what he saw. Highly recommended.

Special Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group/Motorbooks and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

[A.J. Sefton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The band Rush are one of my all-time favourite bands. I like the songs as a whole: the tunes, the melodic guitar solos, the original bass rhythms and the creative and athletic drumming. Above all I love how the music manages to possess my being and emotionally move me. This is mainly down to the intelligent and perceptive lyrics and the power of the performance.

I didn't buy the first album that this book commemorates. At the time I was too young to be aware of such things as music albums or bands. The concept of this book - fifty milestone events that signify their career - is a popular theme at the moment, but it is a great way to bullet point the progress and development of the band. Easy to flick through, starting with the original line up and moving through albums, gigs and personal events such as fatherhood. There are lots of colourful photographs, some I have not seen before, as well as images of concert tickets, album covers and posters.

This is an insightful book that does include new information not previously published. It ends with an epilogue following the death of the drummer, Neil Peart, in 2020, thus the end of the band. A fun and very readable book, well organised and visually very appealing. The kind of book to leave on the table to dip into while listening to A Farewell to Kings. Apt really.

Probably a book for fans of Rush and those who enjoy progressive rock, or people who collect band biographies.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of photos marking the 50th anniversary of Rush. The book is well organised and the discography at the back of the book is also a nice touch.

Unfortunately, the writing lets the book down. Clunky, repetitive and - at times - just plain annoying, the author rehashes the history of Rush from formation to present day. Whilst sections such as the tribute to Neil Peart are touching, I could have done without the authors personal opinions on certain albums and songs and the editing is shoddy to say the least (don't try to make a drinking game out of every time "Donna Halper, former music director for WMMS radio in Cleveland" is unnecessarily written - every self respecting Rush fan knows who Donna Halper is!)

What's left to say about Rush after so many books have already been published? In this case - not much.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Donna Metler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved a copy of this book through Amazon Vine so I could read and review it.

As a proud member of the class of 1990, Rush has been part of the soundtrack of my life. This was an interesting book to read to match to those memories. I was impressed, and surprised, by just how critical the author was, particularly of albums I remembered being pretty popular. The band members truly came to life, and it makes the songs even more meaningful.

There are many, many photos of band events and of artifacts of the band's history, and the sum total is a book that fans of the band will probably enjoy, and even folks like me, with fond memories who never bothered to go to a concert, will find familiar.

[David Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you know me at all, you know I'm a hardcore Rush fan. I have been following them religiously since 1989, when teenaged me discovered their 1981 live album Exit: Stage Left. Their music has been the soundtrack to my life.

So there's not much in this book which is new to me, especially after reading Geddy Lee's memoir last year. But I have to admire the work anyway -- the task of editing down the incredible amount of minutia available about this band into a readable, enjoyable book is incredible. Couple it with pictures spanning 5 decades, and it was a real treat to just sit down periodically with this book and read it.

I'm glad I sprang for a real copy of the book. The photos are a key part of the enjoyment.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rush has always been a favorite classic band of mine. As a GenXr, I grew up with parents who listened to Rush, and other bands now labeled as classic rock. Tom Sawyer has, and will always be, my favorite Rush song. As an avid concert goer with my husband, Rush has been on my bucket list of must-see live bands. Unfortunately, seeing them never happened and now, never will.

Rush at 50 by Daniel Bukszpan is a wonderful compilation and historical record of the milestones in the career of the band. I loved the photos, the interviews, and background on one the most iconic rock bands of the classic rock era. A perfect gift for the Rush lover in your life.

[Wendi Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t wait to buy this book!!

There are so many great pictures and articles in here! I didn’t learn much I didn’t know, but that’s probably a me thing. I didn’t request it to learn stuff, I wanted to look at pictures and articles and tickets stubs and all the fun stuff you get in a coffee table book. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.

If you love Rush, this book will be a great addition to your collection! I really recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[The Arcist · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great coffee table book for the Rush fan in your life. The photographs are beautiful and well curated. The general knowledge isn't anything new for a fan but still a good read. I think I could do without the authors opinions on the band continuing after Peart's passing but it's not offensive, just unnecessary.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for this ARC. I am reviewing this title honestly and voluntarily.

[Edward Fenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for any Rush fan (like me). Nice album-by-album commentary with cool stuff in between about tours, recording sessions, and whatnot. Tons of great photos.