In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I’ve been a Rush fan for almost 30 years.
With that said, when I heard a full-length documentary film about Rush was in the works, I broke out my autographed copy of Exit…Stage Left, tapped my Rush bobbleheads a few times and prayed that the film would be shown on the big screen here in Austin.
Thank you, Alamo Drafthouse for answering my prayer.
Rush fans are, generally speaking, not cool. If you’re familiar with Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons, that’s pretty much the first ten rows at any Rush concert. And I’m somewhere in there. I’ve made my peace with that, so we can move on.
Beyond The Lighted Stage documents the entire 30-plus year run of the band. From awkward early beginnings in the Toronto suburbs, to a musical body of work that includes 24 gold and 14 platinum records (behind only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones). Along the way there are the predictable highs (Moving Pictures) and lows (Caress of Steel). Through interviews with singer and bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, Beyond The Lighted Stage shines a spotlight on a band devoted to doing what they love, and the devotion of their legions of fans. Add to their voices interviews with the likes of Gene Simmons, Trent Reznor, Billy Corgan and Jack Black, and the scope of Rush’s long-term influence becomes clear. The music-magazine “in-crowd” may never give the band its due, but musicians get, and are inspired by, Rush.
Some will ask whether non-fans will be able to enjoy a film that’s clearly made for disciples. It’s hard for me to answer that with any objectivity , but here’s what I can tell you…
This is basically the story of three guys, friends, who’ve worked hard to build careers doing what they love. The music provides much of the momentum, to be sure. But there’s much more to it than just long, flowing robes, double-necked guitars and odd time signatures. The film is a testament to finding your way in the face of critical rejection. It’s an inspiring story of being true to your artistic ideals when everyone around is pushing you to sell out. And it’s a tale of pure, Canadian determination.
Perhaps the most moving segment of the film comes as the band recounts the chain of events that took drummer Neil Peart’s daughter and wife in the span of less than a year. The story of how Peart and the Rush “family” dealt with that tragedy underscores just what kind of human beings these guys are. They refuse to be defined by triumph or tragedy, by success or failure.
As the credits roll, Peart, Lee and Lifeson share a bottle of wine and crack jokes. It’s no surprise that after more than 30 years, the music still moves fans. With Beyond The Lighted Stage, however, what may be most impressive isn’t the longevity or the sales numbers, but the powerful bond the three still share.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose, vraiment.
