Longtime No Expiration readers know that I'm an absolutely huge Rush fan. But before seeing this film, I really had no idea just how influential they are among other musicians. It's funny, I usually think that inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be voted in based mainly on influence on other musicians. I wasn't sure they should be voted in based on my criteria, I actually thought they were a bit too left field for the hall. But now I've changed my mind about it. Guys from Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Rage Against The Machine, Primus, Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Pantera, The Foo Fighters... even Death Cab For Cutie! I was surprised not to see anyone from Pearl Jam, Living Colour and Soundgarden, I know guys from those bands are also fans.
It's interesting to see that in the past few years, rock critics have come around at least a bit to Rush. I remember a few years ago, Rolling Stone did a big piece on Rush, and that in itself was a big deal. I read that it was one of the most-read articles ever on the magazine's website. It was cool that they did it, but: sort of too little too late. While rock critics were condescending, there was a culture of fans being built around this band, and this film is a celebration of that. I'd love to see it win the Grammy. Even if it doesn't, I'd like to thank Sam Dunn and Scot McFayden for honoring something that has been so close to my heart for more of my life, and I bet a lot of other fans feel the same way.
