Anthem: Rush in the ’70s (Rush Across the Decades, 1) Imitation Leather – May 12, 2020

Thorough picture of Rush in their early formative years. Broken down by album chapters with some repetitive info in each, but still a good read. Much of the same info can be found in Beyond the Lighted Stage bluray but I like sitting down with a good book regardless.

Excellent book. Many interviews from people who had never been interviewed before. Great insight on the music business and the intelligent way they continued to make their own music and not follow the label’s advice, adulterating their vision. Explanation of the albums in the ‘70’s and honest insight into grueling touring. Their professional attitudes and lack of excess drinking and drug use. There is mention of marijuana and hash use, but that’s considered legal in many state (not federally) now. They don’t want to appear on stage and embarrass themselves with a shoddy performance. Descriptions on being an opening act for many bands and their drug/alcohol use, to being headliners. Frank interviews from many affiliated persons sometimes good, others negative. This is the REAL LIFE of a rock and roll group. Some reviews find this to be negative, but it’s honest and the biggest point is that they strive to be their best when performing for huge or small crowds. They do get a bit worn out at the end of a long tour with few days off, driving a few hundred or more miles after the show to the next venue. And the show must go on.. not “calling in sick” as they would let down thousands of fans. Only cancelling, say, when Geddy lost his voice. Pratt drumming with a puke bucket to the side of his drum kit, hoping not to throw up until the song was over and the lights went out. Geddy playing while sick. Not much is mentioned about Alex, the least celebrated member of the band, but he contributes to the book in interviews.My only gripes are that at times, it’s difficult to tell who is saying what in the written interviews. You really have to pay attention to the subtle shifts in the interviews as there are many people who were interviewed. Also, though the book seems hard bound and has a faux black leather cover, the gold embossed secondary title and spine Wears off rapidly. I noticed it after 3 readings. Perhaps, if important to you, a book cover could be made... like we did in school when we had 50 pounds of books and related homework!Limelight is the next book “rush in the ‘80s. I can’t wait to read it! And a new book is sold on Amazon as pre-orders for Spring Maybe winter’s end) the title escapes me right now.Overall, this is an awesome book. Some of the few photos seem to be new too.

Just started the book. I have been a RUSH fan since 14 ( I'm now 60 ,so a fan for life )I am looking forward to reading it. So far( in 23 pages ) it covers alot of the same things in Geddy's book about family (not so deep though). Can't wait to get to the parts about the band. The 70's were my era 😀

The gift was much appreciated!

As a longtime Rush fan since Power Windows and Hold Your Fire, I looked forward to this project in the wake of Neil Peart's tragic passing. When I got this first volume, I was slightly familiar with the career of Martin Popoff, whose relationship with Rush goes back to 2004. It's a refreshing visit to the roots of Rush with many interviews, though I found its narrative quite sprawling. It was hard to say whether a conversation took place in say, the Fly By Night era or 2112 era, because there was a lot of bleed-over in Popoff's quotes. This grated a bit on the history PhD in me, because I feel narrative should follow a linear path forward. However, the biggest annoyance is reserved for the author's constant and near-obsessive insistence that Rush are the progenitors of "progressive metal." The band members themselves often denied being in a metal band of any kind. Geddy Lee said it best when he described Rush as a "hard rock band with a strong whiff of progressive." Perhaps there are many "prog-metal" bands who cite Rush as their influence, but retrofitting this label is akin to putting words in the subjects' mouths.

I really enjoyed-- written well and lots of anecdotes from the band, crew, and their parents. Fills in a lot of details about the album's that I wondered about over the years. My only regret is that it naturally stops after the Hemispheres your. Permanent Waves, MP and ESL kind of wrap up the era for me. Much better than the album by album book which totally misses the mark about 2112 for example. This author understands the music, the lyrics, the backstories of each album.

Martin Poppof is the consulate Rush expert and his chronicles of Rush through the years is the ultimate History of Rush and an important part of any fan's collection!!

I have been listening to Rush since the late 70’s, and they are my favorite band of all time. This is definitely the most comprehensive biography of the band. I learned quite a bit about the early days, even back their childhoods. There’s also lots of discussion about touring, the other bands, etc. Nice selection of pictures too, including one from back in the Rutsey days that will test the loyalty of any fan :-) I highly recommend this for any Rush fan.Note- if you want to focus strictly on the music, then pick up the author’s “Rush: Album by Album”.

Bought this as a present and the person who received it has read some other books about the band and told me this one is a very good read.

I was just hooked on this series of books. I started backwards with the book Driven. This is my last and as excellent as the next books. Only a little expensive for those who buy in Brazil, but reading is excellent. Only problem is you'll probably want to buy the other two!

Brilliant book.

What a great read this was...It brought back so many memories. I grew up with these guys and went to high school with Alex. In fact, I still chat with Alex to this day every once in awhile. He doesn't live too far from me.That work ethic that is mentioned so often throughout this book is so true. These guys had energy and devotion to their craft like no one I've ever come across before or since (except for my dad).The reason why they lasted so long is that they did their thing, their way and to hell with the "fad-du-jour" and what the record company wanted. As a result, their music has stood, and will continue, to stand the test of time.

Exactly what husband wanted, great book.