Greetings SOR Nation! Here's a little recap from our most recent show on January 24 at Red Clay Music Foundry (set list below). I hope you enjoy it!
We have a birthday show just about every year. It gives Ed and I the chance to celebrate in our favorite way - with our fans! This birthday felt a little different to me. With so much tumult going on in the world, I wondered if we could truly bring people together through our music. I needn't have worried.
The band arrived early to roll through soundcheck, then before I knew it the time had come for me to get hair pinned, makeup on, and voice warmed up! At 7:55, we made our way to the stage.
Ed pounded out the keyboard riff for Subdivisions and we were off. I saw so many familiar, smiling faces, and the music of Rush flowed through me. A good start! We played Limelight, then guest keyboardist Jeff Blanks came on stage for his tunes, Territories, Force Ten, and The Big Money. Those all had meaning to me, with Force Ten being the first Rush song I ever heard live.
Next I asked the fans if they were ready for Hemispheres. They responded with a resounding yes of whoops and hollers. Okay then, let's go! We launched into Cygnus X-1 Book II and followed the story of division between Apollo and Dionysus. I loved watching the guys rock some of the instrumental sections; they still amaze me after eleven years. As I sang the final words of the tune, I thought about how much I really wanted to convey the message of the heart and mind united in a single, perfect sphere. “We can walk our road together…”
When the song ended, our fans gave us lots of appreciation and we finished out Hemispheres with La Villa Strangiato, which I got to listen to from the side of the stage. I was so proud of those three, and Jeff too! At the break, I felt energized, but desperately needed some sugar after burning so many calories in set one.
We kicked off with the South Park intro, then into Tom Sawyer. Next was Far Cry, and as I sang it, I felt the presence of Neil, as I often do when I sing that song. Then it was time to dive into Permanent Waves. The Spirit of Radio got the fans even more energized, and they clapped along with us.
We then rocked on with the rest of the album, including the rarely played Different Strings with a beautiful piano solo from Jeff. And of course our Natural Science, which is the first Rush song I ever heard. I still feel privileged to actually play it!
The show came to a close with Time Stand Still. I always have to practice that song a ton because of the complex vocal structure, but it paid off. I once again felt the beauty of the moment, and a great deal of gratitude for my time on stage. What an uplift!
As we finished out the song, the crowd leapt to their feet, shouting for one more song. I drank in their love, then we kicked off Working Man. We enjoyed seeing people on their feet, dancing and air drumming along. As the song ended, we took a bow and I blew the fans kisses of thanks.
Once the lights came on I sat on the edge of the stage and had the honor of chatting with several folks. I even got some birthday gifts!
Music has incredible power to unite, heal, and get us in touch with our true nature. Our mission remains the same as it has always been, to lift people up and bring them together through the music of Rush. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
See you on March 16 at Madlife Stage in Woodstock, GA!
Love,
Vicki and The Spirit of Rush
