Why Rush Matters

If you told Jeff and Ray a year ago that the biggest tour of summer 2026 would feature a reborn Rush, they might’ve wondered what parallel reality you’d taken up residence in. Sure, wishful thinking has its place, and who are we if we live without belief in a dream? But back then, the cold reality smacked of finality. The beautiful dream was over. And yet, here we are, nearing the end of a summer season we never thought we’d be gifted. The band firmly exists in the here and now, the reviews from fans and critics alike have been close to unanimously glowing, and as the Fifty Something Tour rolls on, the 2026 edition of Rush grows tighter, more powerful, the performances ever more emotionally resonant and meaningful. For this new episode of Why Rush Matters, Jeff & Ray take some time to reflect on the shows they’ve seen so far, the magnificence of Anika Nilles, the difference between a transcendent show and one that is simply “great,” and their plans for the remaining dates on the US portion of the tour. Join them as they take a moment to bask in the glory of “The Summer of Rush!” ~~~ Follow us on Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyrushmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whymusicmatterspodcast Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - What a time to be a Rush fan! While Geddy, Alex, Anika and Loren - as well as thousands of grateful fans - recover from an epic 4-night run in Toronto, Jeff and Ray present their recent conversation with legendary CFNY DJs Ivar Hamilton, Scot Turner and Liz Janik, who were in town to promote their new documentary on the history of that fabled station, which will open in Buffalo this fall. As any self-respecting Rush-head knows, the band wrote The Spirit of Radio to pay homage to CFNY and the power and impact of free-form radio. During our chat, Ivar and Scot share their Rush related memories, and Liz recounts the story of Neil Peart traveling over the Niagara escarpment and hearing her spin the Genesis epic Watcher of the Skies, an experience he cited as an inspiration for the writing of The Spirit of Radio. Sit back, relax, and remember a time when invisible airwaves crackled with life! ~~~ Follow us on Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyrushmatters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whymusicmatterspodcast Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Ray deep into his stint with the Fifty Something Tour, and Jeff preparing for his first date with the 2026 edition of Rush - on August 7, as the band kicks off a 4-night run in Toronto - we spend some time with Steve Himel, co-founder and General Manager of Toronto’s Henderson Brewing Company, and creator of the Rush line of brews.  Steve tells us about his plans for the 4th annual Rush Day, which welcomes an international community of Rush freaks to Henderson’s Toronto brewery on Saturday, August 8th; Jeff tells Steve that he’s his personal hero for combining the two things he loves the most - Rush and beer; and Steve tells us about the roots of the partnership with Alex and Geddy that led to the creation of Rush beer.  For the next hour, let time stand still!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 2026 edition of Rush continues to roll across the country, claiming one (not so) little victory at a time, Jeff & Ray dig through decades of intense fandom, personal experiences, and close listening, to defend their Rush top 10 lists. Interesting and sometimes intense discussion ensued! Before you listen and wonder why your own favorites ranked low or didn’t make the cut, remember that, as Neil once wrote, our differences make us interesting to each other, and “The spaces in between leave room for you and I to grow.” We look forward to you sharing your own ‘best of’ lists with us! ~~~ Follow us on Socials Instagram:   / whyrushmatters   Facebook:   / whymusicmatterspodcast   Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Fifty Something tour rolls on, and Geddy, Alex, Anika and Loren navigate a bump in the road or two, Jeff & Ray look back on the Rush concerts from years past that formed and fostered their love for the band, reflect on”spontaneous relations and the long enduring kind,” and highlight through-lines in the trio’s illustrious tenure as a premier live band. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices