44 years after their inception in 1968, Rush returned to Chicago, amazingly still in top form. The United Center was host over the weekend as the great Canadian trio rocked the crowd for just over three hours. Starting the show with “Subdivisions” the band took immediate charge of the stadium and never let go.
Geddy Lee’s precision with the bass was as good as it gets while his vocals held true to most songs, only straining a bit on an occasional song where his high octave range of yesteryear has become tough to duplicate – even for himself. But lets give Geddy a well-deserved break. The 59 year-old vocalist held his own, and beyond, performing at an optimum level throughout the entire show. At the same time, Alex Lifeson, made the intricate guitar work required in each and every Rush song look so easy, it will be sure to frustrate the up and coming guitarists in attendance, but inspire them simultaneously.
Of course, one of the highlights in every Rush show is watching drummer Neil Peart do his thing. Breaking from songs on three separate occasions to break into a drum solo, Peart showed everyone why he is one of the most revered and influential drummers in the history of rock and roll.
After a ten minute break, the band continued this time with a 9-piece string section for set two, adding a whole new – and awesome – element to Rush music. The good mix of songs brought the band to “Spirit of the Radio” just before kicking off a high-powered encore with “Tom Sawyer” followed by “2112 Part I: Overture”, “2112 Part II: The Temples of Syrinx” and “2112 Part VII: Grand Finale”.
Bottom line – Rush kicked ass with a phenomenal live show that will hopefully continue to stop by Chicago for years to come.
Set List United Center September 15th, 2012
- 1.Set One
- Subdivisions
- The Big Money
- Force Ten
- Grand Designs
- The Body Electric
- Territories
- The Analog Kid
- Bravado
- Where's My Thing?
(with Drum Solo)
- 11.Set Two, with string section
(with Drum Solo)
(The Percussor)
(no strings)
Encore:
