It really isn't amazing anymore. I used to think Rush couldn't possibly outdo themselves tour after tour. But after seeing them for the eleventh time on the Time Machine tour, it has become obvious that Neil, Alex and Geddy have an endless supply of creativity. Yes, they have an incredible catalog of material to pull from. So it is not too farfetched to believe they could promote a new CD entitled "Time Machine", and expect that they would perform many of their classics from a 40 year career. But when the realization hits you, that they are touring to promote a new CD that hasn't even been recorded yet, then you realize, Rush could tour from now on without any new material, and still draw tens of thousands of fans to their shows. Like probably most Rush fans, I never tire of hearing the classics from Rush, even dating back to their debut hit, "Working Man", and progressing to the more current tracks destined to become classic Rush tunes, such as "Far Cry" from their last record.
When Rush started touring without an opening band in '97 on their "Test For Echo" tour, fans were given possibly the best live stage show ever produced. Nearly three hours, with a short intermission. This has become the norm from Rush now. But this tour, the return to the stage had quite a different anticipation from previous tours. During the break, a counter was projected on the huge screen behind the band. The numbers began at "1973" and slowly progressed, until reaching "1980". At which time, the alarm bells went off, and the band resumed the show to perform "Moving Pictures" in it's entirety.
They guys may be older. But I am still amazed every time I see them how they are able to maintain incredible concentration on the music. Performing up to 30 of their compositions, as difficult as they are, night after night, is an achievement that boggles the mind. Even if they did write all of the material, it still requires an incredible amount of focus to perform so flawlessly, every time.
The music aside, Rush gives fans the complete sensual experience with an amazing light show that dazzles the mind. Every tour is different, but I'm always blown away but what they are able to achieve with lights and video. I found myself watching the light show just as much as the band. And the placement of on stage cameras now gives every fan not just the best seat in the house, but a seat right on the stage. One such view during Neil's solo, looked straight down on him while he performed his magic, giving you the feeling of standing right over his drum kit.
The fans. Rush's fans are like no other. Everyone has their story of what album they started following the band. Every new release, added more and more fans. The ages of fans begins in the 60's, and includes even teenagers, who started liking the band just a few years ago on their "Snakes And Arrows" release. It's refreshing to see the vast range of ages at a rock concert. You won't see that for ANY other performer's show. ANY.
Time doesn't seem to have any effect on Rush. Weather it's their music, some produced almost 40 years ago. Or their fans, some which have followed the band for nearly 40 years. As their music catalog continues to grow, their fan base does accordingly. And their stage show evolves with each new tour, becoming advanced in technology. Just as their music continues to give us more great sounding material. Even when it hasn't yet been recorded for all to hear.