Yeah, down with opinions!
I recognize that they have talent, apparently their drummer is some sort of drumming cyborg, but I just can’t stand to listen to them. I don’t know why, I put up with dumb lyrics and a bad singer from some other bands, but Rush is like nails on a chalkboard.
I enjoy Rush, but it seems like for the past 15 to 20 years or so, they’re riding on their laurels. When were the last real hit songs from Rush that got any radio airplay outside of Canada? They just don’t seem relevant anymore, and that’s a shame.
I’ve liked Rush since I first heard them in 1976.
I happen to agree with a lot of the philosophy in the lyrics. Also, thery’re the only band I’ve seen 3 times in concert.
Never seen them in concert, I own about half the albums. I’m looking to buy them all.
I loved them 20+ years ago. Hell, I was 15 (1976!) when 2112 came out, and I was learning to play guitar – wow, an almost 7-minute song that’s all power chords*, I can play that!! And the drums and bass were cool enough that my drummer/bass friends also wanted to do Rush jams, so we did which was way fun. I saw them several times in concert through Hemispheres, and they were awesome. That said, I still think they rock, but I’ve moved on.
*I guess the modern equivalent of 5+ minute songs that are all power chords is Green Day. And sure enough, my son is learning guitar and loves Green Day. What goes around…
I’ve always liked their music, though Geddy’s voice takes a bit of getting used to.
I’ve seen them ten times since 1982, have almost everything they’ve released, and when I practice my guitar, at least Limelight gets played.
I like 'em. A lot. I plan on seeing them on this tour too. The Camera Eye live? Oh yes.
That’s pretty damn funny, and is my take on them as well.
They have no flow.
Their fans point to the technical skills, but I like to point out that too many of their songs have neither melody nor rhythm. I rather like “trees” but most of their work makes me change the radio station.
Sadly, this poll is missing a “Godlike” option. 
Geddy Lee inspired me to put down my violin and take up bass.
I like them, and have since the 70s. I find it interesting that every couple of albums their music changes slightly - which I find amusing to hear fans discuss. Sort of along the order of I liked albums 1,2 and 3 but 4 sucks. They should never change their music!!1!eleventy. Music is a personal expression and they change their music to reflect what is going on in their heads. Just because they changed from one style to another [and they have gone from hobbit rock, to almost metal to space oddity to an entire album of covers [I particularly like a few on that disc Heart full of Soul, 7 and 7 is, Crossroads]] seems to be a reason to start hating on them for certain fans.
Tough call on the poll options. If you’d asked me 25 years ago, I would have gone with “They Rock!” but like all bands composed of 60 year old guys, they aren’t exactly on the cutting edge anymore.
Career-wise I think they are a great band with a ton of talent and many years of fantastic music. I also think they were completely self-indulgent at times and a lot of their stuff bores me to tears.
Then again, I’ve watched a couple of their concerts from recent years on the TeeVee and they were still good. Peart is just incredible.
I don’t object to people liking them, but I do find the cult-like reverence of a third-rate band pretty pathetic. It’s as though Rush fans know the band isn’t any better than mediocre and have to neurotically proselytize its greatness to validate themselves.
Rather sad, actually.
I’m a bass player in an original rock band. In my spare time, I’ll set up my rig of synths & pedals and stuff and play along to Rush al la Geddy…Playing the bass, singing & pedal synths. It still boggles my mind that he does the things he does.
To speak to A Monkey With a Gun’s criticism…that may be true for certain periods of their music. At the height of their popularity in the mid-80s, this is true in spots. Of course, over the course of 30 years the band’s style has morphed and grown quite a bit. It’s not fair to say they didn’t bring it blues-style over the first couple of discs…or that they didn’t find all kinds of textures on later releases like “Hold Your Fire” or “Presto.”
Naturally, any opinion is a valid one, but I happen to disagree with Monkey’s blanket assessment…when they want to, the boys can Groove.
Oh…and I’ll fight RealityChuck for his blasphemy. 
Ultimate “Dude” band.
Everyone I know who is a fan is a guy. Ihave never EVER met a woman who likes them.
Doesn’t matter if their ipod is full of Christina Aquillara or Turbo Negro, women hate this band.
I myself am very, very ambivilant.
Had you taken a picture looking backwards, I would have been in it. So you avoided that problem.
I really must get a picture of my Rush wall to use in answering polls such as this. I have flown to other cities for Rush shows (once to see the tour opener, and another time to as an excuse to go to Vegas.) My son now asks for Rush or They Might Be Giants in the car, so his brainwashing is coming along nicely.
If only that were true. IMO, Geddy Lee sings like someone nailed his scrotum to the stage.
Do Not Want. Don’t care for Rush, at all. I find them boring and overrated. There’s just no there there, you know? No interest in them.
Do also not want. I may be generous by saying there are a couple of songs worth digging, but I couldn’t name them.
I selected ‘Rush rock!’ but I don’t know if any of the options really captured my love for them. I’m not obsessed with them or anything (or any band, I guess) but I’ll turn any of their songs up if it’s on the radio (extra loud), I know most of the lyrics to the biggies, I know Geddy Lee was born Gary Lee Weinrib without Googling, and overall I just find them hilarious. Not quite a Deadhead-level of devotion.
Also, if any fans have yet to see* I Love You, Man*, like half the movie is Rush references.