Thus far, they’ve been snubbed. Legendary progressive rock band Rush has never been nominated for the Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame. Here are 18 reasons why they should be included in that great museum in Cleveland:
1. Mike Swanson – They’re Canadian. đ Seriously though, not only does Rush rock, but they have had an enormous influence on other musicians. What Geddy Lee can do playing the bass while singing is insane. Most bassists can’t play what he plays without singing. Neal Peart is one of the best rock drummers ever. Alex Lifeson has been a steadying influence and kept Rush from ever going too far into experimental territory. They absolutely belong in the RRHF.
2. Bill Patton – Alex Lifeson
3. Donald Mabbott – Yeah. On sheer musicianship, half the guitarists already inducted could not carry Alex Lifeson’s jock strap.
4. Steve Stav – Admittedly, they’ve had an odd career in that their music is often so complex, their fan base is mostly people who can really appreciate music – including other musicians, of course. They do not appeal to the lowest common denominator. Is that a reason for denial, that they set a really high bar? Maybe for Cleveland. It’s like Rush is a musical centrifuge when it comes to fans – they go to Rio or somewhere, 50,000 fans who know music show up. The ones that don’t are into Bon Jovi.
5. Linda Kirsininkas – I have to get my head out of the politics bag. For some strange reason, I thought you were referring to Rush Limbaugh.
6. Rich Evans – It’s an irrelevant institution anyway. They finally got around to nominating Heart and Joan Jett, and apparently any metal band not named Metallica gets zero love. Total joke.
7. Stuart Bander – Fly By Night, 2112, Working Man, Spirit of the Radio, Trees, etc, etc, etc…
8. Ted Pickett – They brought progrssive rock and hard rock together…they also sold out and went more commercial in the mid 80’s which should make them great candidates for the people who decide who get’s into the R&R hall of fame.
9. Nick Kapetan – They fall into the same category as Yes. They should both be in there. Both bands have influenced so many.
10. Karl Clifton-Soderstrom – You think they want to be in it? I’m just saying that sometimes glittering prizes and endless compromises shatter the illusion of integrity. It all echoes with the sound of salesmen.
11. Eduard P. Gomez – It’s a dam shame that Rush is still omitted. But neither are the Moody Blues. Coincidence, I think not! The great bands of the Prog genre are woefully not represented..Rush, Moody Blues, Emerson Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, Yes, Jethro Tull.
12. Garrett Lindahl – From the HOF website: We shall consider factors such as an artist’s musical influence on other artists, length and depth of career and the body of work, innovation and superiority in style and technique, but musical excellence shall be the essential qualification of induction.
Using this criteria, one has to ask why ABBA is in and RUSH is not??
13. Bob Kazel – What about the Monkees? They might not be accepted in our lifetime, or even in the lifetime of our children. But let us begin.
14. Eduard P. Gomez – I think Rush is not in because they are a “THINKING MAN’S” group – thought provoking lyrics, complex arrangements…all set in Head Banging Rock!
15. Steve Stav – Reason #1 : Neal Freakin’ Peart. I’ve been a Rush fan for 30 years – not a nut, but a fan – and anyone who’s seen that newer documentary about them would push the induction button. It is already been mentioned that Rush – like Yes and The Moody Blues – went “commercial” with big hits in the 80s… that should satisfy the Hall right there. The Moody Blues, for pete’s sakes: “mod” street cred with “Go Now,” epic street cred with Days of Future Passed. The rest of their catalog is icing. At least the Small Faces are nominated, but they’ll never get in. No American presence.
16. James Bresnahan – They are not in the R&R Hall of Fame because the’re busy moving pictures.
17. Steve Stav – No Rush. Freakin’ amazing. Wenner really must hate Canadians. Laura Nyro nominated, but no Rush. And no KISS. Eric B. and Rakim… War… Donovan… no KISS. Pardon my french, but the Hall is full of dildos, that’s been obvious since the beginning.
18. Brian Bohnert – No Rush and more disco era bands in there than rock and roll type bands. Rock and Roll Hall of Shame indeed!!!
19. Al Milman – No, they definitely do not belong there!
