Rush: From Hard Rock Beginnings to Progressive Rock Pioneers
Rush, the legendary Canadian band formed in Toronto in 1968, initially made waves as a Hard Rock group, even drawing comparisons to Led Zeppelin with their debut album. However, their sound evolved dramatically after drummer Neil Peart joined and took over as the primary lyricist. With Peart’s influence, guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee began to delve deeper into their Progressive Rock roots, blending complex Prog elements with their Hard Rock foundation to create a distinctive, genre-defying sound. Over their illustrious career, Rush wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, experimenting with everything from simple riffs to intricate compositions.
The Rush Hit That Challenges Geddy Lee Every Night
Despite their prowess, not all of Rush’s music is easy to perform live. In a candid interview with Prog magazine in 2013, Geddy Lee revealed that “Spirit of Radio,” a fan-favorite track from their 1980 album Permanent Waves, remains a daunting task to play live.
“There are two or three songs we do every night where I hope we’re all on the same page when we play them. ‘Spirit of Radio’ is one of them. It was always hard to play, and it’s still hard to play! I always hold my breath a little bit before we play it. And some nights it goes completely haywire. It’s a toughie!” Lee admitted.
The Real Radio Station Behind “Spirit of Radio”
“Spirit of Radio” isn’t just a technical challenge; it’s also a nostalgic homage. The song’s iconic opening line, “Begin the day with a friendly voice, a companion, unobtrusive, plays that song that’s so elusive, and the magic music makes your morning mood,” pays tribute to the magic of radio. While the track celebrates radio stations worldwide, it was specifically inspired by CFNY, a Canadian station that started in 1960 and still exists today as “102.1 The Edge,” known for its Alternative Rock programming.
In the same Prog magazine interview, Lee reflected on how CFNY captured the essence of FM radio’s early days in North America. “CFNY reminded us of when FM radio first started in America and Canada,” he said. “You’d have your favorite DJ who had no playlist – they would just play music. They were turning you on to new music all the time. It was part of why we became musicians – it was that important.”
Lee continued, expressing a sense of loss for those days: “This was a stark contrast to what was happening in 1980 – the beginning of consultants programming 50 radio stations across the country. That was kind of depressing to think of. So the song was a lament for a better time.”
A Subtle Nod to Simon & Garfunkel
Interestingly, “Spirit of Radio” also contains a subtle nod to Simon & Garfunkel’s 1960s classic, “Sound of Silence.” In their song, Simon & Garfunkel sing, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls and whispered in the sounds of silence.” Rush cleverly twists this line in “Spirit of Radio” to reflect the commercial pressures of the music industry: “The words of the profits are written on the studio wall, concert hall. Echoes with the sounds of salesmen.”
A Lasting Legacy
“Spirit of Radio” remains one of Rush’s most enduring songs. Featured on the Permanent Waves album, it was also released as a single, peaking at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number 13 on the UK singles chart. Its blend of technical brilliance, nostalgic tribute, and sharp social commentary continues to resonate with fans old and new, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of Rush’s remarkable legacy.
