RUSH IN RIO

Recently Rush called it a day, to no surprise, after their long and impressive presence in prog and roll since the early Seventies. But a few years after they formed, the trio was mighty close to do the same, when everything went wrong since the release of their third album Caress Of Steel. Rush decided to give themselves a last chance with a new album. Geddy, Neil and Alex put everything in it, fortunately in 1976 the release of 2112 was a success .... and the rest is history!

Rush has always been a 'people's band', "nailed by the press and hailed by the fans". That's why I would like to put the focus on the Rush In Rio 2-DVD set.

DVD 1: In my opinion this live registration in Brasil is the best example of the warm connection and mutual appreciation between a band and its following. Because the audience (soaken by the heavy rainfall) went euphoric and because of their noisy appearance (of course here meant in a positive way) in especially YYZ, Closer To The Heart and La Villa Strangiato. It caused goose bumps on my skin, and it even gave me a bit wet eyes. How wonderful to watch that a band can evoke these wonderful emotions, and that music can mean so much to people!

Although the sound quality is not optimal, I enjoy this Rush playing in Brasil a very inspired set of songs from all periods, especially the 'classic' era compositions, like Natural Science, YYZ, The Trees and La Villa Strangiato. I am not very much into Rush after since Presto, the Vapor Trails tour didn't appeal to me during every song,but One Little Victory is a prog and roll gem, what an exciting guitar riff, on the level of Ritchie Blackmore and Jimmy Page! Funny is the interlude in La Villa Strangiato, a great example from Rush their excellent blend of skills and humour.

DVD 2 : It contains a lot of interesting bonus material, I was blown away by the Multi-angle tracks but the Boys From Brasil docu is also very worth watching.

To quote Abba: "Thank you for the music!".