Today, February 1, 2012 has been named “Rush Day” in honor of Rush’s fourth studio album 2112 (Anthem Records 1976). In celebration of Rush, their landmark album, and all of the bands influenced over the years, Rush fans have declared today “Rush Day.”
I recently spoke with rock music writer Jeff Wagner, who wrote Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal, about everything Rush. “Rush’s 2112 is probably the first album that can be rightfully called progressive metal, so it’s only appropriate we blast the album from the rooftops, from our cars, from our iPods, from everywhere, to celebrate the landmark album and Rush’s incredible longevity and lasting influence,” he said.
Wagner wrote his book because he told me that there were already books written about the metal genre, but not the progressive metal genre. The book took him two years to write, and is a must read for any music lover.
When asked the first time Wagner heard Rush, he said, “I was about 11 or 12 and first getting into FM rock radio. I was sitting in my local arcade playing “Space Invaders” when someone put “Tom Sawyer” on the jukebox. I was in this fantasyland of video games, and the music was so powerful. I bought Moving Pictures (1981 Anthem Records) and I’ve been in love with the band ever since.” Other favorite progressive rock bands include Radiohead, Porcupine Tree and Black Sabbath.
As far as Wagner’s favorites, he thinks Rush’s best album is Moving Pictures and says it’s the “perfect album.” Favorite songs include their “well-written, long form” songs including “Cygnus X-1” and “2112”.
Wagner said, “2112 is just a number, but make something fun out it. I’m going to open my windows, no matter how cold, and blast 2112. I hope every Rush fan does that.”
Be sure to look for more in the future from writer Jeff Wagner. Beginning this month, you can also read his monthly column on www.noisecreep.com.
Rush is Geddy Lee (bass, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar) and Neil Peart (drums)
For more about Rush: www.Rush.com
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