Rush: A Show of Hands (1989) (V)

User Rating:

7.8/10   

Director:

Lawrence Jordan

Release Date:

1989 (USA)

Plot:

A visual record of Rush's 1988 "Hold Your Fire" Tour, shot on film, over 2 nights in Birmingham, England. |

Cast

Geddy Lee	...	Himself (bass guitar, synthesizers, vocals) (as Rush)
Alex Lifeson	...	Himself (guitars, synthesizers, backing vocals) (as Rush)
Neil Peart	...	Himself (acoustic and electronic percussion) (as Rush)

Also Known As:

Rush: Live (USA) (alternative title)

Runtime:

USA:90 min (VHS version)

Country:

Canada | UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

NEC, Birmingham, West Midlands, England, UK

Company:

Anthem Entertainment Group Inc.

Trivia:

When the band starts playing "La Villa Strangiato", Alex says things into the microphone that are mockingly censored on the video. The band's explanation for this "joke" is that Alex simply jabbered into the microphone (as he does, uncensored, on later concert videos), and his voice was not recorded. The "censored" warnings on-screen were a manufactured aspect of the joke. The band laments that viewers often don't get the joke.

Goofs:

Continuity: Though presented as a single concert, evidence of multiple shows spliced together can be seen at the beginning of the encore: During the opening to "2112", Alex Lifeson's guitar can be seen to change back and forth from a black one to a white one, between wide shots and close-ups.

Movie Connections:

Features The Last Mile (1932)

A great time capsule

A Show Of Hands is a great snapshot of the band at their best as the 80's wrapped up. If you can find the laser disc make sure you watch it before you buy it. The copy I have is inferior to the VHS as it was a bad pressing and doesn't track very well. When it does work the sound and picture are great. If you can only find the VHS grab it. Don't hold out for the laser disc. Like all great RUSH shows this one features a fabulous audience that feeds the band and makes them play harder as the show goes on. Neil's drum solo is fantastic, as always. It's a shame this one hasn't been transferred to DVD but I suspect that's because this video was released by a different label than the one the band is currently with. If you really want to see the band at their very best just watch Rush in Rio. Still, A Show Of Hands is a must have for all die-hard fans.