Seems the ceiling was unlimited - 40 years later they reached that star, and we all followed with them on whatever album WE discovered within their illustrious history, and the amazing music within it :).
But on this day, it would be a solid 36 years (1973 released a "single" on Ray Danniel's label, and 1974 released their debut self-titled album, but they had been together since 1968 with its first configuration, and up to the last tour in 2015 for their 40th Anniversary) and 20 studio albums; 19 having the same 3 members, including 11 Live albums, Best of compilations, 1 tribute album, various Tour videos and 2 Documentaries. But now a special star was waiting for them, and many came to see it shine and bring smiles to our proud faces . . .
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"When we are young
Wandering the face of the earth
Wondering what our dreams might be worth
Learning that we're only immortal
For a limited time"
- Rush/"Dreamline"
Revisiting the day with a friendly voice . . .
When I started getting a bit more serious in my writing and eventually having my own blog, I have wanted to re-tackle this event (rewrite, polish and correct the awful typos) and present it again to YOU who follow this blog and share it as a post wherever Rush fans are found.
So I hope you will indulge me in the retelling and hope you enjoy the stories, photos and links in this event where the band was immortalized, for more than a limited time :).
As for the question; "How does a Band get a 'Hollywood' Walk of Fame Star? How many songs does Rush have in the history of movies :p?":
Rush received a Star under "Recording", as have many in the previous history of the Walk of Fame, as you can see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_stars_on_the_Hollywood_Walk_of_Fame
And you can see more info here: http://www.seeing-stars.com/Immortalized/WalkOfFame.shtml
Rush in Pop Culture: http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/main/RushReferences.htm
The Rush Forum:
http://www.therushforum.com/index.php?/topic/101212-rush-songs-in-movies-and-tv-series/
And within one of my fave films, which was pointed out a few years after seeing it already many times, I never caught the "song". So what song does Jack Black mimick when coming into the store? ; ) . . .
memory written on the wind
Fading away, like an hourglass, grain by grain
Swept away like voices in a hurricane"
- Rush/"Vapor Trail"
Prelude: With (in)sufficient tact
Back in the days of working for Tower Records in Santa Monica by the 3rd Street Promenade (It was probably around October in 2000), I saw a rather tall man walk in the store with a full Yellow Rain Suit and wearing a Bicycle Helmet, it was typical in that store to have the "weird" and homeless come in (LA Beach cities tended to attract the odd etc.). But this man looked confidant, and an air of purpose, with probably
some specific purchases in mind.
Soon after, the rather tall fellow asked me in a deep baritone English accent;
Bicycle Man: "Scuse me, can you tell me where I could find 'Hyper CD's?"
I looked puzzled; "Hyper CD's . . . Oh! You mean the 5.1 Surround Sound CD's!?"
Bicycle Man: "Yes! that's it..."
Me: "You know, we got the shelving for them but they are due in very soon"
Bicycle Man: "Oh okay, thank you very much".
He went on looking around, soon went to the King Crimson section and remembered thinking to myself "Good taste!". He came around and asked me another question, which I don't remember what specifically, and went about his biz again.
I then had a thought come into my head, and ignored it . . .
He came up to me one more time . . . I looked at him, paused, then asked;
"I'm sorry but . . . is your last name Peart?" (And yes, I pronounced it properly :p)
Bicycle Man: "Why yes it is!"
I purposely very quietly said; "Its an honour to meet you, your music and lyrics mean soo much to me . . ."
Neil: "Why thank you"
We talked for about 5min. and asked; "Have you had a chance to hear Geddy's Solo album yet?" (The album had not been released as of yet).
Neil: "As a matter of fact I am going to see him later today to hear (a preview of) it!"
It struck me that he started to become a bit anxious, he didn't want to be recognized, so I instigated the "goodbye and take care", which he said his thanks, paid for his CD and swiftly left.
You could've hit me with a bat to the face and I would not have noticed, I was a bit star struck. And sure
enough, my 2 Prog Rock and Metal co-workers, and 2 others that would have known, were not there that day, I said to the cashier in a loud whisper; "Do you have any idea who that was!!!!??? That was the drummer for RUSH!!! That was Neil Peart!!!!" - they were looking at me (including the customers at the counter) like I had 3 heads.
Truth of the matter is, no-one would have recognized him, he was completely safe in his anonymity, then my co-worker said; "Too bad, I could have given you a copy of his (Credit Card) Receipt"! (No worries, I would
have actually declined, that's just too weird).
Yes . . . the "English Accent" still begs the question, what was that all about? He was either disguising
himself or he had just spent some more time in England . . . or he has an Evil Twin, maybe named Pratt or Bubba :p.
The day I waited for (yet delayed) almost came to pass . . .
Coming home after a long day on a Thursday of job searching since I had been out of steady 9 to 5 work now for 1 Year and 4 months, and the day before that - meeting a client for a continuing Freelance Art Gig for a "Film Pitch" gaining some steam, In Hollywood around the "Strip" (a bookstore that has since closed on Sunset and Vine), I was a bit tired from the hours of travel. I was visiting a friend in the Town where my Mom and Brother live (in San Bernardino County/close to Upland Calif.-1hr. 45min. East of Downtown LA), which is way out in the boonies (funny that, I would learn that there are cities farther out in the boonies with far less to do and even more of a cultural vacuum).
For some reason I checked-up on the "Rush is a Band" Website around 12am, 1st thing I see, "Rush to get their Star tomorrow"!!! WHAT!!!??? Gah!!! I had been checking the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Website incessantly for 2 Years (when it was 1st announced), and about 3 months before I stopped
checking-in.
Month after month, Celebs would pass away, as the Stars that were next in-line would get pushed further and further back, the obvious was happening that this little band from Toronto would be the very last in line. But POW! finally, one little victory!
...and its my turn to drive.
So I figured, what the hell, RiaB is saying that Billy Corgan and Donna Halper will be the "Spokesman" on behalf of Rush. I'd love to say "Thanks for your eloquent words on Rush" to Billy on the Rush Doc, and thank you Donna for bringing The Band's music to the World on WMMS Cleveland.
What should I bring? What if "they" show up? Well, I'm limited, I would LIKE to get my "Hemispheres" LP in Red Vinyl! But its in storage and I have to wake up at 5am to catch the 1st (Leg) Bus that shows at 6:35am (not early enough). I originally wanted to see if I could get a couple of friends and do an all-nighter on Hollywood Blvd. But no, I was going solo. If I heard something on the news that it was extraordinary, if the "3" showed up, or just Alex and Ged (being that Neil Peart is so deathly shy), if I didn't go, It be one of the biggest regrets of my life.
. . . I doubt I'm gonna' catch any Zzzz's.
As it turns into one more
Another chance at victory
Another chance to score"
- Rush/"One little Victory"
Couldn't sleep. It was a muggy night, nervy, and needed a shower . . . and a few z's. But 5:15am came too soon. Got ready quickly not to miss the Bus, grabbed my copies of "Grace Under Pressure", as it was the day in 1984, that the album went Platinum (and it was one of my faves), a copy of "Victor" (That I recently found without the "Promotional Use" stamp on the cover) and Geds "My Favorite Headache".
Slipped them into my Military Alice Pack (my "Parachute"), put on my PrOgulus.com white T as an undershirt, over it a Black Longsleeve embroidered "Test for Echo" Shirt (it turned into a brisk morning) and stuffed my Tie-dyed "Feedback" shirt in the Bag, Walkman and Wallet full of Rush CD's and Prog Compilations and off we go out the door.
To give you an idea how long it takes on the road . . .
1st Bus from the "boonies"; 6:37am to Transcenter at 7:21am (Yay! its early!), 2nd Bus-The "Silver Streak" Express Bus to LA Union Station 7:25 to 9:12am, Metro Subway to Hollywood Blvd. and Highland at 9:22 to 9:50am . . . walk from Highland Mall (Where the Kodak Theatre and Manns Chinese Theatre are located), down Hollywood Blvd. toward MI (Musicians Institute) and arrived at about 10:15am. Approx. 100+ folks are there, I arrive on the right side of the location where there are only about 15 people to my surprise!
I notice that some folks have KLOS fm Rush Bumper Stickers, "Scuse me, where did you get those!?" - "There are 2 people walking over that way giving them out", I ask a youngman (that sounds really weird, I'm not that old) "Can you save me this spot?" - "Sure no problem".
I find the KLOS "Street Team", but they ran out. But I look around . . . there is a "Line" of 100+ people "waiting"! Did I just "cut" into a Line? yikes! . . . I better get back!
As I am there against the barricade, the area is getting set-up. Only the barricade, a few guest chairs
separate me and the left of the "Podium", THEE podium where Donna and Billy will speak!
As she waited for the ceremony to begin, I yelled over to her, "Are you Jillybean"!?, her eyes lit-up and said "Yeah! Are you from RiaB!?" - "Yes, I just found out about all this last night around 12am!!!" and she gave her thumbs up :).
As the crowd got bigger and bigger behind me, more Rush Fanatics, including Tourists were wondering WHO were we lining up to see, and most probably thinking that this was where "Michael Jackson's Star"
was (Ironically it was the Anniversary of his death). Behind the podium, beyond about 30 Yards of space
and barricades, a hundred more lined up, hundreds more on our far left, more in front of the podium at
about 40+ yards . . . we were literally 10 feet away from the left side of it!
A woman next to me was taking Pics, we then introduced ourselves, as we started talking they started playing the "Hits" of Rush (As the same songs "looped" I said to the folks that were talking to me "I have 5
CD's in my Bag, maybe I should offer them" :p), the woman says "Oh No!", it is then when the woman
revealed she was NOT a Fan :p. But she was there for her Husband, a total Rushaholic!
His Mother had just died the day before :(, being overwhelmed, he just couldn't go, his wife volunteered to document the event on Video :). They have been married 29 years and she said "I love him to death, I can't
STAND Geddy's voice! But here I am doing this for him. He always begs me to watch their DVD's, to read their
lyrics, sometimes surprised at how thoughtful and 'spiritual' they are". I talked to her about that "spiritual" side, being that they are not that kind of spiritual, but have always been in tune to the goodness of humanity and seemingly very humble and friendly people. But its always interesting how many ways you can
interpret a Rush song and no matter what your beliefs or tastes are, you can still "get it", a kind of spiritual awakening, or we learn that we all have a deep goodness in our hearts, we just need to acknowledge and
share it, instead of keeping it inside or afraid to show it.
All those words that have touched people's hearts, and be so articulate, prolific. . . . That clever Pratt.
With the rhythm of my own reactions
With the things that last
And the things that come apart
Out of sync
With love in the land of the living
A gentle hand, a secret touch on the heart
You can never break the chain
There is never love without pain
A gentle hand, a secret touch on the heart
A healing hand, a secret touch on the heart"
- Rush/"Secret Touch"
Excitement goes to my head . . .
The people to the left of me were getting "Reports", Geddy and Alex were here (!!!!!!!!!!!!!), we were not sure if Neil was going to make it . . . I - was - in - total - and - utter - shock. I am soooooooooo glad I brought my CD's! The Rush fans now starting to get to know each other, swap stories, many from RiaB and this one guy, telling me - basically his life story, looking like Richard Dreyfuss long lost brother . . . would talk for almost 30min. without taking a single breath! (Hahahaha, I seem to be a magnet to these types of people in my life, sorry if you are reading this :p But I go into full NERD mode at times too) :p. If people think I'm bad... But hey, we were all Rush Geeks ready to see the ceremony of a lifetime. Somewhere at this time (or before), a friend of a fellow Rush fan/Artist (Hi Chris! Not sure if you were still working in SoCal) Mike Van Dyke, had come to see the ceremony as well, we talked for a few minutes, then he rushed off to a possible better vantage point.
Again, the people to the left of me gave the latest report, "Neil is not coming, he is biking to the gig in Albuquerque New Mexico". No prob, I understand, its a huge crowd and from all the years of stories of his shyness (especially after seeing the Documentary) and humbleness, it would be too much for him (especially if he'd have to sign tons of stuff under duress).
- Rush/"Countdown"
Strangers and long awaited friends . . .
tides respond to lunar gravitation
everything turns in synchronous relation
Laughter is infectious
excitement goes to my head
winds are stirred by planets in rotation
sparks ignite and spread new information
Respond, vibrate, feed back, resonate!"
- Rush/"Chain Lightning"
On the dot, at 11:30am, folks start screaming/applauding! From the middle of the 2 buildings of MI, came the Gods amongst us mortals . . . Geddy and Alex step into everyone's view! I had this feeling of . . . they were not real, I've seen them soo far away since the Signals Tour, on Magazine covers, photos on albums, posters, experienced only "3" guys play such HUGE music (without the aid of "background musicians") and here they were, waiting behind the podium mixed with smiles, joking amongst themselves and
overwhelming "shock" I would imagine. They were "human" after all . . . but are they really? I hear music
when I look at them, this prolific and unique music that no-one can reproduce with the tones all their own that are soo recognizable. These humble Gods of musicians though were quite amazed at the whole event. It was evident that they were human after all (well of course), I had flashes of their music, humor and words in all the Interviews, behind the scenes and the Documentary in my head, as it brought it all back to Earth. To this proud moment . . .
Read the words
That touch my heart
I gaze at their feverish pictures
The secrets that set them apart
When I feel the powerful visions
Their fire has made alive
I wish I had that instinct
I wish I had that drive"
- Rush/"Mission"
pointing at little ol' me...
Here's an excerpt of the Star ceremony and Alex yucking it up as per usual :D.
Something that was super cool, which can be seen in a few photos and quickly in Vids, from my vantage point, to the Right of the Podium, there were MI Students faces "plastered" on the window of their Cafe' with smiling faces, laughter and shock that their heroes were only separated by glass. What a cool treat for those who are inspired to learn music from them, many I would guess, trying to hear the speeches on the PA's and taking Pictures. As the MC said, "Now they have a Star right outside their door to inspire future generations!". Ya' gotta' love that!
Interviews after they were finished with their speeches:
1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9_cPT2ldBQ
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rriEGwGYkh8
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z2P6pJa2YA[/i]
What a wonderful day to be alive, to have seen this event 1st hand, to share the experience with Rusheads from all over. But it wasn't done! Ged and Alex were rushed away to the press in the alleyway of MI, the crowd was still revved up and it was an acknowledgement to all around me that they were still "close enough" for a last request . . .
There was a Woman a few feet from me who was pleading "Alex, Geddy, PLEASE SIGN MY ALBUM"!!!
So what the heck, I got my stuff too! Some people know that I can really belt out a "Voice", so I yelled "ALEX, GEDDY, COME BACK OUT!!!!!!" :p. As folks across from us and within the "Red Carpet" turned around smiling and laughing. The Woman loved that I was helping in the situation, folks laughing all around me, we would say amongst ourselves funny lines- "Please come back, have you gone Hollywood on us!" - "Come Back, I have a nice catfish for you!" - "Encore Encore!" - "Don't leave us, we need you!" etc. etc. as we laughed.
Me and the woman continued pleading for the next 15min. . . .
Then the crowd roared again! They came back out and we weren't sure if they'd make it to our side, but they started signing autographs! They started from the Left side, to make sure they didn't "miss us", me and the woman continued to call them over until it was perfectly clear that they were heading our way, but we were a bit afraid they would be whisked away and miss the opportunity.
Finally when they came close enough, it was obvious that these wonderful and patient good hearted guys were going to sign "every" article of swag that all of us fans had brought (and the guys brought their own Sharpies as well)! When they got closer, a guy held out a $20 bill for Ged to sign, Geddy says; "A $20 Bill!?" And he signs it, then laughing, other bills start appearing! :D
Finally, with a bit of nervousness and probably a HUGE smile on my goofy face, my moment came with Geddy Lee, I held out my Solo and Rush (Grace Under Pressure) Album to Ged and say; "Thank you so much for your decades of music (while thinking, wow! these guys are my height! :D) and Billy should be your official spokesman, I mean he brought tears to my eyes".
-Ged: "Thanks man, Billy is such a good guy and was soo eloquent in the movie" (I was totally dumbstruck and too nervous to "ask" when he says...), "Hey, I've gotta' sign my album too!" :D
I respond; "Awww thanks Ged" (Oh Shit!)! You could see how good natured he was to EVERYONE there, laughing and kidding around, no apprehensions whatsoever . . .
Then came one of my all time Guitar Heroes; "King Lerxst" himself! Alex Lifeson. Now confidant to have him sign the "Victor" CD, I say:
"Thanks Alex, you have a great Guitar tone and your Solos are awesome" (When I mentioned his Tone-He looked up at me and had this surprised look on his face and said) "Thanks man!" :), as he started on the next autograph I said to him; "I'm glad you haven't gone Hollywood" - he says, "ehh...I still got time" :D.
I looked to whomever was next to me, acknowledged my CD Covers and was on cloud 109 . . . wow.
Exotic and strange
They would likely have
Gladly exchanged them
For something a little more plain
Maybe something a little more sane..."
- Rush/"Mission"
Grace under pressure.
Here, Geddy starts his autograph run down the line . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhTiy5riYwM
(In the Vid, you can see me, long curly hair, white T, right above Donna Halper - Top Left Corner, you may hear me doing the chant for them to come over, before we learned that they were going to approach "everyone" which comes after the earlier chants down the line :). Geddy is such a nice guy, he almost had a new Son to run off with (see baby) :D.
Sadly, it was time to go and everyone said their "Thank you's" and Goodbyes as they waved to the crowd. I never do well in the heat, but my adrenaline was too high to notice, I was in awe and figured . . . I could get hit by a Bus . . . I'm done :D. I then got to meet the photographer "Jillybean"! What a sweetheart, we talked
for a bit and she told me that they would put-up (her and associate) all the Pics taken on their site very soon (of recent note: unfortunately, seems the "company" and its links are not active any longer to see the photographs as public domain).
In the available light.
Make each sensation a little bit stronger
Experience slips away
Experience slips away"
- Rush/"Time Stand Still"
This is one for the books, to tell my Grandchildren, I was there when they got the Star, I got a "Zinger" in and got a reaction from Alex as he and Ged look and laugh at my line! They stood right in front of me and signed my prized possessions that filled my life with hope, soothing words and colours of sound. And they turned out to be warm and friendly people, what more could you want . . .
Well . . . more Music! :D
Thank you RUSH for decades of great music, thank you Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Purdy's, Donna and Billy and the FANS, and the "LA crowd" really showed their love! I am really critical of the "LA scene" at Arena Concerts. I'm a Los Angeleno, born and raised, and they can be unresponsive, low-key and "too cool for the room", but the die-hard Rush Fans came through and were a blast! And thanks for all the News and Media from "Rush is a Band":
http://www.rushisaband.com/display.php?id=2199
. . . I'm still on the high :).
- June 26/27 2010
Tetralogy of Fear? :p
Hehe, Alex going Nuts! as Photographers constantly asked, "Hey Guys! Look Left, Look Right, In the Middle Guys!, To the Corner!!!" - Next 4 photos are of Photographers asking both of them; "Touch the Star Guys, Touch the Star!!!" (Alex complied, but with his face :D Thank goodness that part of the walk is new and shiney clean . . . YUCK!). There is also the moment, at the time I thought Alex yelled out in mock frustration at all the requests of the photographers, but actually someone minutes before yelled out; "Be the Star Man!", so basically he did, flat on the ground, but then as a "scared" reaction if you saw him from the front :p! Alex is the notorious funny guy in the band and it seems he just gets nuttier :D.
- Alex "Lerxst" Lifeson
Making memories . . .
Thanks to ALL who were able to supply us fans with all these great moments:
A photograph
The way I used to be
Some half-forgotten stranger
Doesn't mean that much to me
Trick of light
Moving picture
Moments caught in flight
Make the shadows darker
Or the colors shine too bright"
- Rush/"Available Light"
| Neil Ellwood Peart |
September 12, 1952 ~ January 6, 2020
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another's audience
Outside the gilded cage"
- Rush/"Limelight"
I
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/115212104483179045835/album/AF1QipPr_d2Z-DgD6eI2Ysr18BJCUYRzuvUXvlZBV9i8?source=pwa
II
https://get.google.com/albumarchive/115212104483179045835/album/AF1QipMnYqFw9F0Nux_jeUV9LG57XeQcPzE1aEylf06c
But what'a day it was back in 2010, thanks for (re)visiting folks :D.
"The future disappears into memory
With only a moment between
Forever dwells in that moment
Hope is what remains to be seen"
- "The Garden"
And remember . . . Jazz is WEIRD.