Time Machine Tumbler
by Radio RockonTour host Timothy Tilghman
Rush turns back time to rearrange Moving Pictures
Longevity into four decades as a successful rock band is not an easy endeavor. Surviving as a rock musician in the music industry is actually recognized as an occupational hazard. It is therefore an amazing accomplishment for a Canadian power trio to compose and produce new material that continues to drive demand for the group to appear live in concert on tour.
Rush’s Time Machine Tour calculatingly celebrates the 30th anniversary of the release of Moving Pictures, a vital album that sky-rocketed the band’s touring fortunes. Returning to perform in Baltimore after an extended hiatus on Friday, April 22, 2011, Rush was at the top of their game fueling fan fealty at the 1st Mariner Arena.
Rush infrequently exhibits a Second City comedy streak that they enjoy displaying in cinematic style on the stage jumbotron. Specifically filmed to reflect the Time Machine theme, Geddy appeared as an ethnic short order cook, Alex was an obese sausage snarfing foreigner, and Neil was an Irish flatfoot imbibing on a bar stool.
The concert commenced with “The Spirit Of Radio”, the first of many popular hits and outstanding stage jams. Mob town was christened with a listen of two new compositions from the forthcoming Rush album Clockwork Angels. “BU2B” (I was brought up to believe) had a cool retro Rush sounding vibe. “Caravan” was another promising rocker with a raw structure embellished by Lee’s bass solo and jam.
To introduce the second half, Rush again spoofed themselves in another cinematic charade with Geddy portraying an effeminate film director, Alex as an obese band manager, and Neil was a detached cameraman. The visual punchline of “1980 AD: The Real History of Rush – Episode #17” was three busty blonde bier frauleins being ordered to stop moving pitchers!
Rush launched into performing the entirety of Moving Pictures delivering an incendiary replication of that extraordinary 1981 recording. Restaging complete classic rock albums live is one surefire avenue to ensure high volume tour ticket sales in this depressed economy. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy a masterfully recorded album and groove to the music live.
Baltimore was once a thriving east coast blue-collar port in its former heyday last century employing thousands of skilled laborers. It was altogether fitting that Rush closed their standing-room appearance with “Working Man” as an appropriate anthem recalling Baltimore’s productive past. Rush appeared to be enjoying themselves far more than the arena audience enveloped in a high octane jam that climaxed in a crescendo on stage.
After Rush had exited the stage to thunderous applause, another comedy short began to roll on the center video screen. This animated skit contained two huge Rush fans clambering about backstage in Rush’s personal space. One friend claimed to have secured All-Access Backstage passes for his friend on his birthday. When the power trio discovers the unauthorized pair backstage, the two find themselves being asked to leave or be ejected. But true to form, the power trio came through for the birthday boy after a hastened departure.
Having the incredible pleasure of witnessing a talented trio progress and improve with age as a performing unit on stage for practically a quarter century is way cool beyond words to express. Although the press critics effectively derided Rush during their formative fist decade, there is no doubt whatsoever that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart have proven their ability to achieve success and retain it pretty much dispelling all of the unfavorable criticism they had to endure early on.
Baltimore 1st Mariner Arena April 22, 2011 setlist: The Spirit Of Radio * Time Stand Still * Presto * Stick It Out * Workin’ Them Angels * Leave That Thing Alone * Faithless * BU2B * Freewill * Marathon * Subdivisions * intermission * Tom Sawyer * Red Barchetta * YYZ * Limelight * The Camera Eye * Witch Hunt * Vital Signs * Caravan * Love 4 Sale * Closer To The Heart * 2112 Part I: Overture * 2112 Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx * Far Cry * Encore: La Villa Strangiato * Working Man