To address the obvious question, Anika fit naturally into the role. While respecting the parts created by one of rock's greatest drummers, she brought her own style to the songs.
It was strange to be at a Rush show where you could actually see the drummer. The kit she played was still large, but didn't obscure her presence. This allowed a clear view of a drummer who plays with genuine passion. When she hit accents, the emotion showed plainly on her face.
Her precision was remarkable to watch. I don't think I've ever seen a drummer who left less of a mark on their snare drum. It was as if she hit the same spot every single time.
Having confidence in Geddy and Alex's choice to fill the drum seat, my biggest concern going into the concert was Geddy's voice. In videos I'd seen from the previous tour, it often sounded rough, like he was struggling to find the notes in his impressive range. So much of Rush's unique sound depends on his distinctive vocal style that this was hard to watch.
Apparently, the eleven"'year break has done Geddy well, as he nailed the vocals throughout the show, which lasted more than three hours.
I was most curious about how the band would handle the promised tribute to their fallen drummer. For me, Queen still sets the bar for this, highlighted by a duet between Brian May and an old recording of Freddie Mercury. Instead, Rush chose a quieter, more personal approach.
The concert included two tribute videos featuring Neil's own voice as he explained his approach to drumming, being in a band, and life in general. After the first video, the band performed "Bravado" as pictures of Neil filled the video screen.
The second video was followed by "Time Stands Still," with Aimee Mann singing her part live. According to Setlist.com, this is the first time she has joined the band onstage. The video accompanying the song highlighted Neil's travels and paid tribute to his lyrics.
One of the surprises in the setlist was the inclusion of "By-Tor & The Snow Dog," played for the first time since 2004. Thirteen of the band's nineteen studio albums were represented, with Moving Pictures contributing five songs to the set.
Even with three hours of playing time, there still wasn't enough room to cover everything. Notable omissions included "The Trees," "New World Man," "The Big Money," and "One Little Victory."
Given the additional pressure it would have put on Anika, it's understandable that the show did not feature a drum solo. This was such a highlight of past shows that the first time I saw the band at Madison Square Garden in 1982, Neil's solo was even part of the encore.
As is tradition, the set closed with "Working Man" from the band's self"'titled debut album. After spending the night paying tribute to the drummer who played on every album but one, I thought it showed real class that Rush used this song to recognize the late John Rutsey, the drummer for their first album.
In 2020, Neil Peart died just before the start of the COVID pandemic. With the world shutting down, there was never an opportunity for a tribute event where fans could share their grief and say "goodbye."
With this tour, fans finally get a chance to celebrate the band's legacy. Yes, there were some emotional moments, and Geddy's voice occasionally cracked as he tried to pay tribute to his bandmate, but what came through most was an appreciation of the music the three had created.
Even with all the seriousness of the evening, the band never lost its sense of humor. As the last note faded and the goodbyes were said from the stage, the video screen lit up one final time. Reprising their roles from the sketch at the beginning of the concert, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel argued over how to pronounce "Peart."
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Post Article Comment and Rate This Article
