RUSH

Rush is a Canadian progressive rock band comprising bassist, keyboardist and vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Rush formed in the summer of 1968, in Willowdale, Ontario (now part of Toronto) by Lifeson, Lee, and John Rutsey. Peart (from St. Catharines, Ontario) replaced Rutsey on drums in July of 1974, two weeks before the group's first US tour, to complete the present lineup. Since the release of their eponymous debut in 1974 the band has become well-known for their instrumental virtuosity, complex compositions, erudite lyrics, and inspirational camaraderie. Rush's three decades of continued success under their current lineup of Lee, Lifeson, and Peart has earned the band the respect of their musical peers, and their supporters are often cited as some of the most intensely loyal in rock. Rush has influenced various rock artists such as Metallica,[1] Smashing Pumpkins[2] and Primus,[2] as well as notable progressive bands such as Dream Theater[1] and Symphony X.[3]
Rush has been awarded the Juno Award[4] several times and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994.[5] Additionally, Lee, Lifeson, and Peart are all Officers of the Order of Canada[6], the first rock musicians so honored. Over the course of their career, the individual members of Rush have been recognized as some of the most proficient players on their respective instruments. Each member has won several awards in magazine readers' polls[7]. As a whole, Rush boasts 23 gold records and 14 platinum (3 multi-platinum) records making them one of the best selling rock bands in history. Rush currently place fifth behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, KISS and Aerosmith for the most consecutive gold and platinum albums by a rock band[8].