Rush

Canada, 1974–2018

Canadian trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. 2112 and Moving Pictures combine complex metre and extended form with a hard rock sound.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Rush and 3 artists Rush influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Rush?

• Led Zeppelin — Early Rush was open Zeppelin discipleship — Geddy Lee has said 'we wanted to be the Canadian Led Zeppelin'.
• The Who — Neil Peart named Keith Moon the reason he played drums the way he did — The Who was his declared foundation.
• Yes — Geddy Lee has named Chris Squire the single biggest influence on his bass playing — Yes's arrangements were Rush's prog gateway.

Which artists did Rush influence?

• Tool — Rush's virtuosic, long-form progressive rock is a foundational model for Tool's odd meters and epic structures.
• Mastodon — Rush's progressive ambition and Neil Peart's drumming are a core influence on Mastodon — Brann Dailor's busy, melodic playing especially.
• Dream Theater — Rush's virtuosic progressive rock is the core model for Dream Theater's long-form, technical progressive metal.