Rush – Beyond The Lighted Stage

When the stand up comedian steps onto the stage, he’s hoping to make a bond with the onlookers through shared human experience. He’s gambling that his humorous re-telling of life’s events will resonate with his audience, betting on the fact that they will have experienced the same, but were never able to articulate or bring those ideas out into the open. But inevitably one day he will stand up and bare his soul before a full house, telling them of his unquenchable desire to masturbate through Cash In The Attic. His expectation of riotous laughter will instead be met with looks of horror, followed by eternal silence. At this point he will realise that some of life’s rich pageantry is unique to us alone and shouldn’t be shared with a wider audience. The fear of this happening is what stops many of us from clamouring onto the nearest wall and yelling out our love for Rush. Isn’t it? Or is that just me?

Of the celebrity contributors to Beyond The Lighted Stage one wonders how many of them asked their agent “Who else is doing it?”. Rush can inspire internalisation of fandom, but the great and the good (and walking advert for sensible eating Sebastian Bach) have collectively stepped forward, unafraid to nail their colours to the mast. Metallica’s Kirk Hammett openly declares them as a massive influence, as does RATM’s Tim Commerford. Billy Corgan questions their lack of inclusion in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Yet, for some reason Rush remain as many peoples dirty little secret.

Since 1968 they have forged their own path as the anti-Anvil or un-shit-Muse. Making choices that have often eluded commercial success and more-often-than-not sent critics running for the red felt-tip pens. In spite of all this, their cult status and devoted fan-base has seen them ride through multiple fads without pandering to anything other than their own artistic desire. They are one of the rare bands that complete the holy trinity of songs, talent & ambition – something that should assure their place in the annals of rock history. It might be Geddy’s voice, their often-questionable image or the nerdy nature of their songs; but something has always kept them from their place at the head of the table.

Beyond The Lighted Stage chronicles the band from the schoolboy friendship of Geddy and Alex right through to where they are today. With candid interviews from three of the most amiable rock stars you are ever likely to meet. Even the normally reclusive Neil Peart talks openly about his life inside and outside of the band, lifting the curtain behind one of rock’s most able lyricists. His gift of painting cohesive worlds full of real characters, back-stories and architecture with just a few lines are without equal. The insights into his publicity and adoration shy approach bring further understanding into lyrics such as “Living in a fish eye lens / Caught in the camera eye / I have no heart to lie / I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend” from 1981’s ‘Limelight’.

But his words alone would be nothing if not propelled by the power-trio’s combined musical gifts – each a virtuoso in their chosen instrument – driven to push the very limits of their craft. The film documents the challenges undertaken to create their many complex masterpieces. Featuring talking heads from those closest to the band, adding colour and depth to their remarkable journey. Giving a potted history for those yet to be indoctrinated into the world of Rush, but also containing sufficient gems for the obsessives who have attended the lovingly documented Rush conventions.

It’s also scattered with live performances from every period of their career, beginning with seated high school shows right through to their stadium filling modern epics. But, whether there is a massive lighting rig or a couple of members of the PTA holding a torch, they all smoulder with the charisma and chemistry that erupts when Rush come together.

This intimate and affectionate biography is an essential piece of rock cinema that serves as a timely reminder to the greatness of Canada’s finest export. If you’ve ever wondered what all the fuss was about, or if you’ve been in the closest, there couldn’t be a better time to come out as a Rush fan. For those of you that have been loud and proud, we salute you and look forward to catching you at the next convention!