WITH some 15 years between this and their last visit to Sheffield's arena it seems this Canadian rock trio weren't living up to their name when it came to returning to the city in which they played their first ever show outside North America.
A generation on, somehow some of the songs they would have played on that historic trip to Sheffield City Hall just don't appear to have aged, even if we and the band have.
Maybe it is the continuity of virtuoso musicianship, notably from guitarist
Alex Lifeson; perhaps it is a committed knack for dodging fads that has preserved a set-list here spanning 30-plus years.
Either way, for a band that once served up notoriously short albums this was a marathon of a show; no support, 7.45pm start, career-defining songs from Tom Sawyer and Subdivisions to Natural Science and closer YYZ.
A hefty helping from first album in five years Snakes & Arrows worked painlessly alongside anticipated classics A Passage To Bangkok, Freewill and Spirit Of Radio, all played with the gusto of a trio that never seems to tire of its calling or each other's company; singer Geddy Lee's defining bass skills equalling the flamboyant drums of Tom Hanks doppelganger Neil Peart (discounting his tryingly indulgent solo).
Advancing years have brought greater humour to Rush – mystery surrounds the chef-attended chicken rotisseries beside the back line - along with video and lighting artistry to match the sophistication of the musicianship.
Through it all Rush remain a one-off, a rare example of ability and inimitable style over fashion with a peerless loyalty to match.
David Dunn
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