Rush - Live

[julesd68]

I am a huge Rush fan and have all the 70's and early 80's studio vinyl but have only just picked up a copy of 'All the World's a Stage'.

Whilst the technical sound quality leaves something to be desired, the sheer energy and rawness of it I find very appealing.

It made me think back to a couple of years ago when I saw them live for the first time at the O2. Of course I enjoyed them playing 'Moving Pictures' in its entirety, and the musicianship was impeccable as expected, but overall it was a bit flat as an experience. I know they aren't youngsters any more and don't expect them to be leaping around like idiots, but there was very little banter or interaction which might have lifted it a bit more as an occassion.

Was anyone lucky enough to see them back in the 70's and 80's?

[The Grand Wazoo]

They were exactly like that back then!
Leaping?
Banter?
Interaction?
No not never!

[julesd68]

Well that's interesting coz listening to the live lp they certainly sound a lot more youthful and there's more drive to the music ...
Definitely a rawer edge - nowadays they are much more concerned with carefully re-creating the studio sound on stage. All in my humble opinion of course!

[The Grand Wazoo]

The sound was always first class every time I saw them. I gave up with them after Signals but saw them many times before that.

[The Grand Wazoo]

....carefully re-creating the studio sound on stage
Would sum up every Rush gig I ever attended.

[julesd68]

I would have loved to have seen them in the 70's pre the heavy synth stuff but I also love 'Moving Pictures' and 'Signals' - never got to see them in the 80's as I was into more 'headbanging' stuff back then ...

[julesd68]

Chris - do you have 'Exit Stage Left'? Just wondering if I should pick that up aswell to complete the collection ...

[The Grand Wazoo]

Yes, if you like Moving Pictures you should get it - it's good - I played my copy to death at the time. One the tour they did just after it was released, I got to see their soundcheck at the gig I went to in Brighton. That was great!

[julesd68]

ooh you lucky chap ...

Now to find a nice copy that hasn't been hammered!

[John]

I love early Rush too
All the worlds a Stage a good album but needs to be listened to on a basic system due to its recorfing quality A Farewell to the Kings on vinyl is simply stunning recording wise
The next live album is not one of my favs.
I like Moving Pictures
The last album seemed to capture alot of that vibe
R30 is good in places and well recorded
I was never been a fan live (just like listening to them on record as not the greatest live band for me) but most of my mates are huge fans and last time when we talking Rush we all agreed All the Worlds A Stage was our favourite album

[Thing Fish]

I saw them once at Wembly arena in 1987 I think? (there were big red balls hanging everywhere). I wasn't a massive fan but a friend bought me a ticket. I seem to remember them being very good.

I do have a copy of 'Permanent Waves' that get's played every now and then...:)

[julesd68]

I love early Rush too
All the worlds a Stage a good album but needs to be listened to on a basic system due to its recorfing quality A Farewell to the Kings on vinyl is simply stunning recording wise
The next live album is not one of my favs.
I like Moving Pictures
The last album seemed to capture alot of that vibe
R30 is good in places and well recorded
I was never been a fan live (just like listening to them on record as not the greatest live band for me) but most of my mates are huge fans and last time when we talking Rush we all agreed All the Worlds A Stage was our favourite album

Two of my 'test records' are Moving Pictures and Signals. Quite apart from the music which I also love, they are staggeringly well recorded and bring out the best in my system.

The earlier recordings can be great aswell, but once I got over the fact that 'ATWAS' isn't such a reference quality recording, it does have a great vibe and energy about it and offers something worth having in addition to the studio lp's ...

[John]

I have Signals Moving Pictures and A Farewell to the Kings all on vinyl
Have a listen to Xandhu on vinyl it can make your hairs stand on edge
I agree about the live vibe as I say its my fav album but rarely listen to it these days as my system just shows up its recording quality to much

[The Grand Wazoo]

Did anyone else go to the show that they put on at the Planetarium when Signals was released - the album played back to an incredible night sky lightshow.

[Oldpinkman]

This whole subject gives me very mixed emotions about my teenage years. Girl I had a huge crush on was a bug rush fan. Committed suicide in her late 20s because nobody loved her. Still struggle with this band...