Rush should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
For those of you who are familiar with Rush’s music, you probably agree that the trio has received indignant treatment at best from the voters.
And if your familiarity with the Canadian powerhouse ends with their cameo appearance in the bro love comedy “I Love You, Man,” then you are doing yourself a huge disservice.
According to Rolling Stone Magazine, they have been eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ballot since 1998, yet this is the first time they are actually on it, despite being initiated into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame back in 1994.
Furthermore, Rush is placed third only behind Rock giants The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums by a rock band.
All of this from a band who has not stopped touring since their inception in 1968.
My love affair with Rush started in my middle school days where I thought it would be a good idea to pick up the bass guitar.
Every shortlist for aspiring bassists have Rush’s wailing frontman, keyboardist, bassist, and overall multitasking extraordinaire Geddy Lee at the top.
While my bass playing days are long behind me, my affection for Rush is not.
Rush pioneered a style of prog rock that heavily places emphasis on technical instrumental mastery, poetic lyrical prowess, unparalleled cohesiveness, all achievable and enjoyable in a live setting.
All of them are the bar by which other musicians that play their instrument are measured.
As mentioned before, Geddy Lee is not only one of the most recognizable bass players to ever play, he manages to do this while playing keyboard and singing at the same time.
Their guitarist, Alex Lifeson, transitions from reality altering solos to friendly familiar riffs as easily as you and I walk down the street.
Perhaps the most revered, drummer Neil Peart has been known to have drum sets that take up entire stages at a time, needing to wear a bungee harness in order to jump around and reach the whole set for any given song during a live show. His love of mystical lore is the main inspiration for much of the songwriting.
Put them together and what you have is a true band.
No frills, no egos, just three guys who genuinely enjoy to make exceptional music.
Quick, off the top of your head, how many bands can you think of where the drummer is the songwriter and the bassist is the frontman?
Probably not many.
It can only happen because of Rush’s unique ability to recognize each others talents and what works best for the band’s sound instead of the individual’s career.
Instead, they spend their time and effort focusing on how to push the limits of their own instruments.
Wouldn’t the world of music be so much better off if more artists took this approach?
What would have happened if instead of vying for recognition over McCartney, John and Paul strove for harmonious collaboration?
The good news is, for the first time fans can vote on who they think should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame from now until Dec. 3.
The rest of the names on the ballot include; Albert King, Chic, Deep Purple, Donna Summer, Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Kraftwerk, the Marvelettes, the Meters, N.W.A., Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Procol Harum, Public Enemy, and Randy Newman.
The inductions take place April 18, 2013.
So make the most of your vote this election season.
Send Rush to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tim Wessel is a senior majoring in a finance and is The Daily Collegian’s Thursday columnist. His email is tgw5023@psu.edu.
