Get ready for RUSHfest Canada, the ultimate celebration of one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands: RUSH! This two-day extravaganza is landing in Toronto on Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall and Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall.
It’s been 10 years since RUSH played their final concert in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015, and this event is a tribute to the legendary drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The masterminds behind RUSHfest Canada are Steve Brown, founder of RUSHfest Scotland, and Canadian superfan Paul Beaulieu, a music journalist who’s been following RUSH since 1976 – yes, you read that right, he’s been to 114 RUSH concerts!
“We asked ourselves what the most excellent thing we could do would be,” says Brown. “And it was simple: bring RUSH fans together, celebrate their music in the venue where it all started for them, and raise money in Neil’s memory.”
Massey Hall is where RUSH recorded their first live album All The World’s A Stage in 1975, so it’s the perfect spot for Friday’s showcase. Expect special guests like Terry Brown (RUSH’s producer for their first 10 albums – that’s a whole lotta work!) and Hugh Syme (RUSH’s art director since 1975, and designer of some seriously iconic album art). Syme also designed the artwork for Songs For Neil Vol. 6, which will be released on Neil’s birthday, September 12, with proceeds going to charity.
Friday’s lineup is a who’s who of RUSH enthusiasts, including:
– JONATHAN DINKLAGE – toured with RUSH as part of the Clockwork Angels string ensemble
– JACOB MOON – known for his viral cover of “Subdivisions,” which led to private RUSH performances – talk about a dream come true!
– NINA DIGREGORIO & BRODY DOLYNUik – from Femmes of Rock, endorsed by ALEX LIFESON himself – that’s some serious cred right there!
– CHRIS HERIN – guitarist of progressive rock band TILES
– DAVID BARRETT – Toronto-based instrumental virtuoso
– ADI BERK – known for his haunting “Red Sector A” arrangement with Moon
– MOVING PICTURES (UK) – official house band, featured at RUSHfest Brazil and Lakeside Park
– KEVIN J. ANDERSON – acclaimed sci-fi author and NEIL PEART’s writing partner – a match made in heaven!
Saturday’s show at TD Music Hall continues the party with:
– 2112 (BURLINGTON) – tribute band faithful to the RUSH spirit – performing the full All The World’s A Stage
– PERMANENT WAVES (TORONTO) – crowd-favourite live performers
– THE RUSHFEST CANADA ALLSTARS BAND – international lineup of handpicked musicians
– Return performances by JACOB MOON, DAVID BARRETT, and DIGREGORIO & DOLYNUik
“We’re excited to bring the global RUSH family together,” adds Beaulieu. “This is more than nostalgia—it’s about keeping the spirit alive, supporting a vital cause, and creating new memories in places that mean something to RUSH fans.”
Special guests of honour include members of the Peart and Živojinoviç families, as well as key figures in RUSH’s legacy such as Bob King and Mike Dixon. And, fun fact: RUSH’s iconic guitarist ALEX LIFESON has given his blessing to the event.
Limited tickets remain and can be snagged via the links below:
– Friday, August 1 at Massey Hall
– Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall
