If there's one thing that our great city Toronto is known for, it's that it's the birthplace of not only the greatest rock trio or rock band, but possibly the greatest band ever. I am talking of course, about RUSH!
Rush has been astonishing the world with their out-of-this-world musical talent, skills, complexity and live shows for over 35 years. As well as on top of that, releasing so many records that have gone on to become classics and the gems of any hard rocker's record collection. 
I have been a Rush fan since age 9, and it's all thanks to my dad. I have to really thank my dad for being into the type of music he's into because he's the one who inspired me to pick up a pair of drumsticks. He started taking me to rock concerts at 4 years old, and he has introduced me to so many amazing rock and metal bands. That sent me on a journey to expand and discover the rest of the rock and metal world.
The first time he took me to see Rush was in 2004 on the R30 tour at the Molson Amphitheatre, and the band played a massive set filled with so many of my favourite Rush classics and Rush newbies. I thought nothing could be more thrilling. That is one show that will stick in my memory forever.
Rush's most recent studio effort "Clockwork Angels" landed a #1 chart position in Canada, and a #2 chart position in the USA. It is also a return to the heavy guitar driven force displayed on so many of Rush's early records. In September 2012, the band embarked on a continental tour hitting major markets across the USA and Canada. The band stopped in Toronto for two sold out nights at the Air Canada Centre on October 14th and 16th. This was my third time seeing Rush, and I went with my dad and younger brother, and we went to the second show. The band, as always, put on a spectacular performance with a dazzling light show, crisp crystal clear sound, outstanding musicianship, and a fantastic set list.
The band took the stage around 8:30 and finished around 11:30. The band's set list consisted of most material from the 80’s and 90’s eras, with almost the entire Clockwork Angels album played, as well as one track from the 70’s era. The show started off with the classic opening track on the Signals album Subdivisions, which is one of my absolute favourite Rush songs.
The second song was, “Big Money” from the Power Windows album, and that was a song that my brother and I used to crank all the time back when we were first getting into Rush, so to finally hear it live was a real treat. I'm really glad that the band included the song, “Territories” into their set because that was my gateway Rush song.
Another great moment was when they broke into the song, “The Analog Kid”, because that's an obscure track from their well known album Signals. The set list also contained not only one, but three drum solos from drum master Neil Peart. I have always said that Neil is my biggest inspiration on drums, and he never ceases to amaze the world with his show-stopping skills on the skins. The band ended the first half of the set with their juggernaut Far Cry from their 2007 release Snakes & Arrows.
After a short 20 minute intermission, the band returned with the second half of the set featuring a string ensemble. The second set started with the Clockwork Angels opener "Caravan”. The second set also gave the audience to hear a rarity in the Rush world, which is Alex Lifeson shine on the keyboards, while keyboards is Geddy Lee's typical stage duty. The band concluded the second half with "Dreamline”, “Red Sector A”, “YYZ”, and “Spirit Of Radio". The encore consisted of Tom Sawyer and 2112: Overture/Temples Of Syrinx/Grand Finale.
In conclusion, Rush has amazed me once again, but what amazed me more about the show was looking around in the crowd and discovering the amount of father-and-son groups that attended the show. It warms my heart dearly to see young kids at rock concerts with their fathers. It almost brings tears of happiness to my eyes every time I think of something like that because that just makes me want to hug my dad and just thank him for getting me into music. I definitely look forward to seeing Rush again sometime down the road because like I've been saying for the past 11 years as a Rush fan, they remain the world's top band and a real gift to the music world.