The definitive chronicle of ‘the world’s biggest cult band’ comes to DVD.
Very few bands have a history as long, productive, and fascinating as Rush, so filmmakers Scott McFadyen and Sam Dunn (Metal, A Headbangers Journey, Iron Maiden: Flight 666) certainly had a lot to work with in approaching their feature length exploration of the band’s history, ‘Beyond The Lighted Stage’. That the duo have produced such a sensitive and wide ranging film is unsurprising given the pedigree of their previous projects, and this is a hugely refreshing watch when one thinks of the critical snobbery that the Canadian trio have received over the years; this is a film for music lovers, long-term fans, and the curious laypeople who have yet to be introduced to the wonderfully bizarre world of Rush.
Spanning the entirety of the band’s career, from their schooldays in suburban Toronto to drummer Neil Peart’s tragic loss in the late nineties and their subsequent hiatus and reformation, ‘Beyond The Lighted Stage’ is probing but respectful, steering clear of hagiography (the ‘interesting’ synth period of ‘Power Windows’ et al is explored without gloss) but steadfastly refusing to poke fun at the band’s devoted fanbase and experimental tendencies. The sheer love of music that Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart share is genuinely moving, the brotherly relationship of the former duo and resilience of the latter sure to inspire would-be musicians. It’s not just the inter-band dynamics and creative alchemy of the band which are exposed here though; the film also serves as an apt reminder of the trio’s huge impact on the rock world over the last thirty years, anecdotes and commentary from the likes of Billy Corgan, Tim Commerford, Trent Reznor, Kirk Hammett, and even Jack Black (whose ‘hot sauce’ metaphor here is priceless) showing that, while never anything close to fashionable, Rush have left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of millions, including the creative giants of today.
The point is this, my friends... If you’re a Rush fan, you need to see this. It’s in turns funny, motivating, expansive and tragic, a portrait of three world-class musicians who, for the most part, have their feet firmly set on the ground. If they’ve been a formative influence, rest assured that there’s little rock star conceit to be found here to taint those memories of spinning ‘2112’ for hours on end, or attempting in vain to master ‘La Villa Strangiato’ on Guitar/Bass/drums: on the contrary, the band members exude a humble charm that is instantly likeable. If you’re not already sold there’s a bunch of bonus features/live performances on the package’s second disk, including rare footage of them playing with original drummer John Rutsey, plus some amusing scenes that didn’t make the cut. So, cue up ‘Snakes And Arrows’ (one of their best albums for a long time, in my opinion,) crack open a beer, and enjoy.
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Rob Sayce
