I am taking a look at my Rush scrapbooks, album by album (studio only). This is Part Two, A Farewell to Kings.
People do stupid things. Like myself, about 20 years ago. I had put my Rush tour books in a box. Our junk area downstairs was full, so I put the box next to our water heater.
Yeah.
Fortunately, in 1977, I had put the one for "A Farewell to Kings" in my scrapbook. It’s been safe and secure there on the basement shelf.
Rush released "A Farewell to Kings" in September, 1977. I remember that, unlike 2112, it took a couple of listens to get into it. But I was hooked again. All great songs and this one became one of my favorites (Geoff Barton, Editor of Kerrang loved it and said it was their best).
I had joined the Air Force in March, 1978. Before being assigned to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, I was sent in May to Lowry AFB in Denver for training. Twist my arm and what brilliant timing. The lads were playing there on May 16th.
I will never forget the concert. I asked around the TV room in the dorm, but there were no takers. That was not about to stop me from going so I called for a cab and went.
Uriah Heep made for a great pairing. Their hit had been “Easy Living” in 1972. Back in 1974 when Rush made their concert debut with Neil, Uriah Heep was the headliner. Guitarist Mick Box would say nice things about Neil when he left us in 2020.
Then came the boys. I can still remember the weird feeling of being alone. Then that magic moment when the lights go down, everyone roars, and the great anticipation begins. Wonder what song they will lead off with? Will I have a good angle to see Neil?
I can still see the white carpet, the fog machine, Neil’s elaborate equipment, and Geddy and Alex standing closer to each other than they would on later tours. Man, they look so cool with the robes and the double necks.
If I could go back in time to see a Rush show, this might be the one. I can still hear Neil’s drum solo, the acoustics perfect in the venerable arena. Most all of my future concerts would be a coliseum. No complaints, but in looking back, that venue made of wood really added something special, as well as its form being more intimate.
As I mentioned, putting the tour book in my scrapbook turned out to be a good move, but it involved some sacrifices. Showing one side of a photo or image meant hiding the other. In one case I had to decide between a great photo of The Professor or one of him and Alex together. I chose the former.
With scrapbooks, softer paper sticks and so you’re stuck (ha, ha). But with some tender pulling, I lifted this one (Alex and Neil) out without any damage. Really hard to know, but I’m guessing this photo is not on the web.
I’m also including the bus they were using at the time. It's another great early photo of them. They looked like they were dragged out of a sound sleep for the shot.
Of course, when Fin Costello came calling, you obliged. He was so prolific and took many of Rush’s early photos.
I found this at getreadytorock dot com.
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Shooting for 3 days on the road with Rush and loosing the film in a lab accident. Having to call the band and tell Geddy was very embarrassing. They were very understanding and I went and did it again and we remained friends.
That was Rush. Three great musicians and three great people...
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