It's been so long since I posted anything here, I forgot that I changed the layout. I'm not even sure I like it that much. Kind of dark.
Anyway, I wanted to geek out a bit and talk about how much fun I had at last night's Rush show. If you're unaware, I've been a big fan since the early 90's, when Rush was already considered to be a little passe', their hey-day (at least success-wise) being the late-seventies/early eighties, Power Windows/Moving Pictures era. For those still unaware, "Tom Sawyer" came out then. For those still unaware, this is the band with the dude singer that sounds like a chick. And kind of looks like one, too.
So, long-time devotee of Rush here, but not seventies, burn-out Rush fan. I have seen them in concert way more than any other band in my life, and I doubt anyone will knock them off that perch (Springsteen is already in his mid-fifties, after all.) And a Rush show is always a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. This particular one saw them do that thing that a lot of established bands are doing these days, which is playing and entire album start to finish during the show. This is kind of gimmicky, but does allow you to hear some songs that are rarely-played live, and even rarely-listened to by anyone who doesn't name their children after the band members.
So, great stuff there, but for me, it was made even greater because I got to enjoy it with two of my oldest friends. Of course, the definition of "old friends" means that you could probably enjoy almost any activity with them, but there's something about the shared experience of a live show by one of your shared favorite bands that really ramps up the evening. There are few things I haven't done with these people already, but doing something fun with people you've literally known for decades just makes me appreciate life in general. Sadly, the fact that I've known them for decades does underscore how old we all are, but maybe that helps us appreciate Rush all the more. Hey, at least we aren't as old as them.
Allow me to illustrate; another long-time (not "old") friend asked how the show was, and asked if Rush was like vintage wine, getting better with age. I said they actually are. Not because they are necessarily getting better musically, because they should pretty much know it all by now. but they are well passed the point of trying anything really experimental. Sure, they released that cover album a few years ago, but that was mostly for themselves. They have done a lot, even trying a little rap in one song, but I think they just enjoy what they do and certainly don't need to impress anyone at this stage, so they just rock out and whatever will be, will be. An old friend can be the same way. You do not need to impress them. You know what to expect from each other, so just enjoy the ride. I my recent move has taught me anything, it's that I have a lot of stuff. But that's really all it is. I have no children. No wife. I don't own a home, or a car, or even a pet. I have comics, Jokers, and old friends. I value my friends the most (although the Jokers are a close second), so any time I get to do something like I did last night, I cherish those moments. No matter how many times I've done them.
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