|
Random Ramblings by T. Owen Stark
I know many of you are not Rush fans, and this isn't about me trying to convince you to become one. This is about the insanity of the music industry and why I feel that Rush is one of the top 5 bands ever to grace a concert stage and how a few entities wielding power can manipulate, discriminate and in their determination to do so, limit the growth and acceptance of whomever they choose for whatever reasons. Let me give you a few numbers. Rush is number 5 behind The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kiss and Aerosmith for most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band. They rank 78th all time in U.S. album sales. Their worldwide album sales is estimated to exceed 40 million units. Their current tour has become their highest grossing tour ever. Their latest album release; 'Snakes & Arrows' hit the charts at number 3. Even if you're not a fan, you must admit that those are pretty good stats for 3 guys pushing sixty. Now I'm going to tell you why the music industry is a joke! Rush has not been inducted into the 'Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.' Rush has never been on the cover of 'Rollingstone', a magazine that has trashed Rush albums consistently and regularly adorns it's covers with the talentless likes of Justin Timberlake and Brittney Spears. Have you ever seen Rush on the Grammys? Have you ever seen Rush on television? Why is a band that has consistently produced gold and platinum albums, shunned by the hierarchy of the industry. Is it because they are Canadian and not American? Is it because Geddy Lee is not the most handsome lead singer in the business? Is it because they refuse to alter their music to reach the drones that purchase the uninspired, insipid garbage that spawns itself from American Idol? Yes, Rush has carved out quite a career considering the complete lack of attention from most mainstream music media and negative press from others. With support from these same hacks, they could have become in the minds and hearts of many, many more what they deserve to be; one of the greatest Rock and Roll bands ever! From the song 'Witch Hunt' Neil Peart said it best:
To Alex, Geddy and Neil….I love you guys! Keep Rockin'!
Tom Owens was born in Washington DC. After living in Maryland for many years, he became a single parent and now resides in Virginia with his children who are the first 3 loves of his life. The other three are music, movies and The Washington Redskins. Tom also dabbles in poetry. You can read more of his poetry at http://starkimages.blogspot.com/ For more from Tom visit: March, February January, December, November, and October. |
Cheshire Cat
Nothin' Better
Songs
of
It
started for me sometime around 1984. I'd heard of them, but really
didn't pay them much attention. I was waiting on a customer in
the shoe store where I was the Assistant Manager. It was a weekday
afternoon and the mall was dead as usual. This was a 2 story
monster of a mall. She was walking around, checking herself out
in the mirror. I was leaning against the counter trying to stay
awake. Women always take their time when they've got plenty of
it. Am I right, guys? Anyway, in the midst of this memorable
moment, I heard the faint sound of music in the distance. It
slowly got louder and louder until a teen-aged lad passed the
entrance to the store with a size XXXtra Large jam box hoisted
upon his left shoulder. Each speaker was the size of his head.
Playing from this machine and echoing from one end of this massive
mall to the other was the incredible sound of Rush and 'Tom Sawyer.'
From that moment on I've been the staunchest of Rush fans. I
haven't missed a tour since the release of 'Moving Pictures'
considered by many to be their masterpiece. Today, my 22 year-old
son is as big a fan as I am. My 18 year-old daughter saw them
for the first time with my son and I last Summer, and this Summer
my 11 year-old daughter will attend her first Rush concert with
us.
