GIG: The Spirit of Rush (Rush Tribute Band), Nuneaton

 

Many many moons ago, Rose and I visited a Rush convention and saw a Rush tribute band who we 'think' were called 'The Spirit of Rush'. But equally they may have been called 'YYZ'. Either way this is not the same band as their website tells us they are a 'new' band formed from members with years of experience. 

The band comprises three members - Owen (Geddy), Tim (Alex) and Tufty (Neil), Tufty in particular is the spit of Neil Peart when he's drumming - the other two not so much. Oh but what I wouldn't give to see Tim in a powder blue suit. 

Given Rush's huge catalogue, I wondered where they would pull the most songs from. I kinda hoped they didn't bother with anything after Counterparts to be honest, well I certainly got my wish there, the latest song played being 'Ghost of a Chance' from 1992's 'Roll the Bones' album. 

Indeed the set list was very varied and included numerous surprises. I mean, of course we got Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Closer to the Heart, Limelight, Freewill, etc... but for every one of those there was a Prelude, Analog Kid, or even Losing It. I bet no one expected them to play that! 

I wasn't expecting them to play so long either... and if our feet hadn't been hurting so much this would have been great. Well, it was still great (and great value) but unfortunately there was barely anyone their to see it. Given the 20 or so punters in the fairly sizeable room I wouldn't have blamed the band for cutting their set short. But no, after 1hr and 15m the band said they were taking a break. 

Well I figured they'd come back on and play another 30-40m, but no we got another 1h and 15m set! Just like the real thing. Full credit to the band for their endurance (especially Tufty who was apparently not very well - not that we could tell) and for learning so many songs! Quite an achievement.

Set one had closed with Marathon from the awesome 'Power Windows' album and set two commenced with the opening tune from that same album 'The Big Money'. Thoroughly enjoyed both of these as I love that album. And then we were into the heavy hitters, Tom Sawyer gave way to YYZ (including a superb drum solo) and then Limelight, and then throwing a curve with 'Different Strings' from Permanent Waves. Again, I would never have guessed they would play that.

But after that it was 70s classics all the way to the conclusion. A brilliant gig, slightly dampened by achey feet and a sparse turnout. I'd definitely go and see them again.

SET LIST: Prelude / Analog Kid / Red Barchetta / Jacob's Ladder / Subdivisions / Lakeside Park / Ghost of a Chance / Losing It / Freewill / Marathon / Interval / The Big Money / Tom Sawyer / YYZ / Limelight / Different Strings / La Villa Strangiato / The Trees / Xanadu / Closer to the Heart / 2112 (Overture / Temples of Syrinx) / The Spirit of Radio