Rush was never interested in music for financial reasons from the start. Throughout their time together, the Canadian power trio was known for pushing their sound into any genre they could think of. This was all in the interest of hearing what they could do outside of conventional meat-and-potatoes rock and roll. While Neil Peart raised the bar upon joining, touring with one icon exposed him to corporate life.
When the three began performing, it appeared that destiny would lead them to follow in the footsteps of their idols, The Who and Led Zeppelin. Their initial album revealed their propensity for blues rock in the spirit of 1960s British blues performers. Peart’s addition to Fly By Night represented a shift in direction. He wrote the lyrics and created intricate parts that set them on the route to progressive giants. Even though the band was gradually gaining popularity, most performers refused to accompany them on tours. While Rush developed their craft and toured, another NYC band built their fan base, wearing costly stage makeup. The band adorned themselves while performing, gaining fans with each gig.
Kiss, a few years Rush’s senior, was establishing themselves as one of the most fantastic live acts in the world at the moment. They transformed their shows into gigantic circuses every time they performed. Despite their progressive tendencies, Rush caught Gene Simmons’ attention, despite their divergence from typical hard rock. He told his management that he wanted the band to open on every leg of their Canadian tour.
While Rush was once a local hero, this would be one of the first occasions they would perform for large crowds. They brought their intricate ideas on rock and roll to stadiums around the world. Peart admired Kiss for giving them a chance and had pleasant recollections of working with Criss and Frehley. He frequently stated that they functioned better as a business than a band.
When discussing the group’s salad days, Peart noted Simmons and frontman Paul Stanley’s clinical approach to their music. He said, “Kiss always was a perfectly focused corporation.” “In those days I saw Gene Simmons, his notebook.” He and Paul were both well aware of what they were planning and how they intended to carry it out. Ace and Peter, who possess soft hearts, couldn’t portray the part with the same cynicism. They became damaged by it tragically.”
As Rush expanded their reach, their pals began to question their career, with Stanley unsure where they were going on Caress of Steel. Despite experimenting, Rush found their audience with each album, with 2112 emerging as a career highlight.
Neil Peart even found time to mock their celebrity acquaintances. He penned ‘The Spirit of Radio‘ in response to the cookie-cutter chatter Stanley would say at every event, signifying the “sound of salesmen“. Kiss may have been looking to gain the audience’s attention at any cost. However, Rush recognized that by performing to their best potential and testing their limitations, their audience would come along for the ride with them.
