My pals the
Cortwright Brothers should really co-author this post because besides beings good friends of mine, they are experts on both of today's topics:
NHL hockey and the band
Rush. See comment below. But I hope they will each comment, below. It's not unusual for those on stage to announce something like, "we'd like to dedicate this next song, ________, to _________. But last night at the United Center, two songs were each so dedicated. One song each to two NHL legends and Hockey Hall of Famers; former
Blackhawks Stan Mikita and Pierre Pilote. Canadian rock stars know their hockey first, then their music. And my guess is, when these three North York Torontoans play in large North American indoor arenas - during or before afternoon sound checks, they scan the rafters and see the retired numbers/sweaters of their childhood heroes. Most know Slovak-born Ontarian, Stan Mikita, but during the show's intermission, people around out seats asked about Pierre Pilot. I explained that he was one of the all-time great defense men, playing almost 900 games in the NHL, and many (13) seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks, and later for the Maple Leafs. Back to the concert. On this, their Time Machine tour, they play a 75-minute set of classics and nuggets, take a 20 min. break, and come out and play Moving Pictures in its entirety. Then blast though another 6-8 songs ending the 3-hour show with their perfect coda, Working Man (off their 1974 eponymous debut album). I am rather late to this band, only catching on to them since the last 15 years, unlike most true Rush fans who've been with them since 1975's Fly by Night album.
This is part of Spencer's review from last night: We sat in the upper reaches of UC, but still enjoyed the show. After ca. 40 Rush concerts, nowadays I just like to be in the hall (or on the lawn). I enjoyed mostly the songs they don't play as often (Presto, Marathon, Time Stand Still, The Camera Eye, Witch Hunt), but did get renewed vigor on Freewill and Closer to the Heart (2112 felt good too). Of the newer songs, Far Cry is an impressive song considering it's on their most recent album (Workin' Them Angels is solid too, and has a great story for how Neil chose the title). I look forward to their next cd, whenever they get it done!
