I’m tracking the setlists and adding any new songs to my Rush concert prep playlist.
The vast majority of drummers out there don’t wear gloves, and don’t have calluses at all, let alone an inch thick. Calluses would generally come from improper technique (stick gripping).
From what I’ve heard so far, Anika is doing a fine job. I listened to the first show and she sounded a little stiff, but I think that was nerves, which would be very understandable considering the big shoes she is filling. But she nailed all the classic parts and the band sounded really good.
There’s a great video shot of her right after she finishes the fills section of Tom Sawyer that first night where she and Alex share a big grin as the crowd roars.
They’ve had to reschedule 3 shows in Texas, the first because their equipment didn’t arrive in time from Ciudad de Mexico, and now two shows because Geddy has laryngitis and bronchitis.
I’m probably not the only person who wondered if they might be able to skate by with an instrumentals-only show, and the doctor told him, “You’re NOT performing tonight.”
I saw them this week in Chicago and the show was outstanding. Geddy’s voice was up to the task and they never ran out of steam.
Anika was a monster on drums and I was slightly surprised there was no drum solo. There were nice homages to Peart and Rutsey as well.
I’m surprised how long the tour is. I was expecting a limited run, but there are a lot of cities, a lot of dates.
I think they have at least 2 shows in each city, so less traveling, and they always book a rest day between shows. Hopefully they are still going strong and well-rested by the time I see them in Boston.
I had friends at a Chicago show and they reported the same thing.
I was going through your link up thread and was surprised to see the tour goes through April just for the Americas. Plus it’s not like Geddy flies their jet around like Iron Maiden.
I forgot to mention a couple of other things:
The visuals are really cool without being too distracting.
And I don’t remember Alex doing as many background vocals before. It was hard to tell, but I think he was teamed up with the keyboardist. Maybe this helps take some pressure off of Geddy.