Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010)

An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.

Directors:

Sam Dunn, Scot McFadyen

Writers:

Scot McFadyen, Sam Dunn

Stars:

Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Geddy Lee	...	Self
Alex Lifeson	...	Self
Neil Peart	...	Self
Trent Reznor	...	Self (as Nine Inch Nails)
Mike Portnoy	...	Self
Kirk Hammett	...	Self
Tim Commerford	...	Self
Sebastian Bach	...	Self
Jack Black	...	Self
Gene Simmons	...	Self
Billy Corgan	...	Self
Mary Weinrib	...	Self - Geddy Lee's mom
Melanija Zivojinovich	...	Self - Alex Lifeson's mom
Ray Danniels	...	Self - Rush manager
Bernie Finkelstein	...	Self - True North Records

Storyline

An in-depth look at the Canadian rock band Rush, chronicling the band's musical evolution from their progressive rock sound of the '70s to their current heavy rock style.

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Plot Keywords:

rush | progressive rock | toronto ontario | ontario | subject name in title | 

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Taglines:

Beyond the lighted stage

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Music

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage

Filming Locations:

Fisherville, Ontario, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Banger Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

107 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

Billy Corgan (of Smashing Pumpkins), who was interviewed for this documentary, has admitted to stealing a riff from Rush's "By-Tor & The Snow Dog".

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Goofs

It is stated that two men showed up at Neil's fathers place in a white corvette to take Neil to lunch and ask him to audition for Rush. A corvette is a two-seat-er. Three grown men wouldn't go to a business lunch in a corvette.

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Quotes

Geddy Lee: [During the end credits] I think we've been successful in destroying these people's film. I will remind them that I said 'you will regret it'. I said 'don't be surprised when you discovered how boring we really are.'.

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Connections

References Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

User Reviews

Ahhh...this was a fun experience!

RUSH. You're going to have one of three reactions to that title. One: Who are they? Two: Oh yeah, some group that recorded Tom Sawyer back in the day. Three: Awesome kings of Rock 'n' Roll! I used to be a massive Rush fan up until around their Test For Echo album. Major life changes and having gotten too frustrated with their 80's synthesizer work put them on the back burner for awhile. I had, however, been to the Counterparts concert and was exhilarated by their fun performing. I was so excited to see the boys in this documentary though. The documentary is fairly simple: some concert footage, talking heads from Rush themselves or people who worked with them/admired them, a little footage of the band just goofing off together, and you've got your film. So don't go to this documentary expecting a breakthrough in the film genre. It is a solidly produced and edited movie that has an undercurrent of positivity, fun, and honesty. You feel like you get to know the band, and they come across as good friends, good husbands, and good guys. It's something awesome to see hard rockers getting hit with success but never giving in to the usual temptations of infidelity, casual sex, and heavy drug usage (except for pot). There's a sense of righteousness about this band, in a weird way.

Much is focused on the band getting little critical respect, but winning devoted fans worldwide. I remember growing up I actually got teased for having them as my favorite band. As I watched the film, I had a big smile on my face as memories flooded back from how I tried to cop Neil Peart by taking pots and pans and drumming on them. Their epic song story concepts always fascinated me. But they were always on the edge of mainstream. Now Rush seems to be cool again. Rush fans, we can come out of the closet and enjoy them once again publicly. This movie is not for someone who is not a Rush fan, but it is very endearing for those who enjoy them. I have been listening to my old Rush music since seeing this documentary and marveling once again at their craftsmanship.