Guitarist Alex Lifeson Wades Into Rush Concept Album Debate
Rush bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee recently told classicrockmagazine.com that – contrary to rumours – the band have no plans to record a brand new concept album next time around. (See Top Story, above.)
Now Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has echoed Lee’s sentiments.
Lifeson told MusicRadar a concept album isn’t on the agenda, even though producer Nick Raskulinecz, who helmed Rush’s last studio effort, Snakes & Arrows, is urging them to do record one.
“It’s a very funny thing,” Lifeson says. “We’re in this mode of not working now, kind of enjoying being bums. And Nick is calling us with all of these heavy conceptual ideas. I think he thinks we have to make our grand statement – like it’s now or never.”
According to Lifeson, Rush haven’t discussed concrete plans for recording their next album, but “we’re thinking fall. After the summer I think we’ll be ready to work again.”
Lifeson said the next Rush release could well be a double-CD.
But he added: “That’s the only concept we’re after: ‘Is it good?’ If there’s a storyline attached, well, I don’t know… I’m not thinking along those lines. Didn’t we do that already?
“Rush aren’t into repeating themselves.”
Read more here.
As a major league rush fan since 1978, I have to disagree with Alex’s comment when he says ” Rush aren’t into repeating themselves “. Every new album which is released may be different musically but certainly repeats itself brilliantly.
Rush has made a lot of albums with certain themes, but I would say that technically they really have never made an album that is one complete story. I am a lot more interested in the possibility of a double studio album anyway.
nobody really mentioned that snakes and arrows was a concept album… but i thought it was — tough the songs were not placed as a one song unit like 2112, hemisperes or even the fountain of lamneth they did tie in together as one theme– how religion and government all tie together weather we like it or not and how people’s live are centered around that again weather we like it or not…anyway, yeah, it would be cool to see a true concept album again but like the members of rush have said–they never repeat themselves again….
I’ve been a die hard fan since 1979. As Geddy once said, in a recent interview, “We’re no spring chickens!” I recall reading an article years ago where the boys stated that recording ‘Hemispheres,’ was one of the most mentally taxing efforts they’de ever done. Which is probably why they never got aound to playing that live. Then again, they did an excellent performance of 2112 on the ‘Different Stages’ live album. Maybe, given their maturity, concept work might too much of a commitment. They work too hard enough, night after night; so much so, that I’m amazed each of their heads haven’t exploded when playing. Thank GOD for Rush! RUSH RULES!
Who actually cares? As a Rush fan since 1977, I have never been disappointed by the albums or the live shows I’ve seen in the UK.
I think the enduring thing with Rush for me at least, has been the changes from the one side long tracks of the 70’s to where we are now. So many bands have a “style” and stick with it, not altogther bad, but you very rarely get a surprise.
I remember Neil Peart saying in the early 80s we as band have moved on from “myth and mysticism”. Frankly if they hadn’t I doubt they would still be going now.
A concept album DOES NOT have to be about “myth and mysticism”. RUSH have been there and done that.
BUT…..
RUSH could certainly bring a new immediate urgency and fresh exploratory ideas to longer extended pieces and brutal gut wrenching intensity to shorter pieces.
A double CD would be awesome and with all due respect to Nick Raskulinecz, I would love for Steven Wilson to produce a RUSH album.
The thought of Steven Wilson producing a Rush album just blows my mind. That would be so cool.
A concept album would be great as both 2112 and Hemispheres are out of this world! Im a young fan as im only 14 and ive never seen them live. I hope they tour again .. that would be just too cool!!
Shane Robert Stevens comment that Rush have probably never done Hemispheres live. They did in 1978 on the Hemispheres live tour. Brilliant they were too. As for a new concept album, I’m all for it, if they want to do it. What ever they do it will always be done with professional excellence in mind. I must say though, Snakes and Arrows is the best since Moving Pictures. All in between were never of the same calibre of the older material.
Rio in 2003 virgin terratory.
Australia in 2010 – Perhaps as headline for the F1 Grand Prix as an invited performer by the Victorian State government and the Grand Prix organising committee.
Would be awesome.
Only regret migrating in 2005 to Australia from the UK is that Rush are not big here and (from what I can gather) have never played here.
Were I still in the UK I would not have missed the Snakes and Arrows tour dragging my ever suffering missus with me.
We’ve had Kiss and half of the Who at the GP.. perhaps ALL of Rush would be an acceptable draw card. They certainly won’t let their audience down as their touring performances are unsurpassed.
I think a concept album would be COOL . After the Time Machine Tour.I have an awesome idea for the cover! I also think every-one should put more effort in getting them in the HALL-OF-FAME! I have seen the 2112 Tour& Snakes& Arrows. I need to see the Time Machine,And i need to see my Friends Geddy-Neil-Alex, and of course Doug&Bob Makinzy.Hose-ers.
Keep Rushing Through Time! DJ
I think you might be disappointed becauseevery-one arround you was young , and you thought like an old man? I don’t think you would have fun at any concert.Rush has sold out the concerts halls from the time you seen them in the late 60’s to now because they can stand the test of time, and stand together like Real Brothers should.Thank-You Neil Peart-Alex Lifeson,and Geddy Lee.Too many Critic’s -A-A-A!
DJ
Rush is life. Lifeson is Rush of course with Geddy, and Peart. The concept is there! A . Life is once, and lifeson with rush is for the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame ! That is the Concept! A. Douglas. M. Jones