The Boomer REport - Music Fun Facts

Rush - 10 Fun Facts

  1. They’re from Toronto – Formed in 1968 in Ontario, Rush became one of the most technically proficient bands in rock, despite flying under the mainstream radar for years.
  2. Neil Peart was a bookstore clerk before joining – He brought literary, philosophical, and sci-fi themes into Rush lyrics, inspired by Ayn Rand, Shakespeare, and dystopian fiction.
  3. They wrote a 20-minute rock suite about space rebellion – 2112 (1976) was a concept epic that saved their career after the label demanded a more commercial album.
  4. Geddy Lee’s voice was divisive – His high-pitched, nasal tone was often parodied, but became a defining element of the band's sound.
  5. They avoided radio singles for years – Despite hits like Limelight and The Spirit of Radio, the band focused on full albums with no regard for chart success.
  6. They’re obsessive about gear – Guitarist Alex Lifeson used over 20 guitar pedals during a single performance, and Peart custom-built his drum kits to include exotic percussion from around the world.
  7. They wrote a song entirely in Morse code – YYZ is named after the Toronto airport code and begins with a rhythm that mimics the letters “Y-Y-Z” in Morse.
  8. They performed 2112 in full… against label orders – The album's success gave them full creative control moving forward. It's now considered a prog-rock classic.
  9. Peart wrote lyrics alone, then handed them off – Neil would often write full lyrics without music, and Geddy Lee would compose melodies and arrangements afterward.
  10. They were all best friends for life – Despite decades of fame, Rush had zero tabloid drama
  11. , divorces between members, or financial feuds. Their chemistry was genuine and rare.