RUSHfest Canada lands in Toronto this summer for a once-in-a-generation celebration of one of Canada’s most iconic bands. Taking place Friday, Aug. 1 at Massey Hall and Saturday, Aug. 2 at TD Music Hall, the event comes 10 years to the day after Rush played their final concert in L.A. on Aug. 1, 2015 — and brings together fans, friends, collaborators, and tribute artists.
Curated by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian superfan and music journalist Paul Beaulieu, RUSHfest Canada is a legacy event with heart, history and an extraordinary mission: All profits will be donated to Brain Cancer Research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto in honour of late drummer Neil Peart.
“We asked ourselves what the most excellent thing we could do would be,” says Brown. “And it was simple: Bring Rush fans together, celebrate their music in the venue where it all started for them, and raise money in Neil’s memory.”
Massey Hall, the venue where Rush recorded their first live album All The World’s A Stage in 1975, will host the Friday night showcase. Special guests include Terry Brown (Rush’s producer for their first 10 albums) and Hugh Syme (Rush’s art director since 1975). Syme recently designed the artwork for Songs for Neil Vol. 6, which will be released on Neil’s birthday, Sept. 12, with proceeds going to charity.
The Friday Lineup
Jonathan Dinklage | Toured with Rush as part of the Clockwork Angels string ensemble
Jacob Moon | His viral cover of Subdivisions which led to private Rush gigs
Nina DiGregorio & Brody Dolynuik | From Femmes of Rock, endorsed by Alex Lifeson
Chris Herin | Guitarist of progressive rock band Tiles
David Barrett | Toronto instrumental virtuoso
Adi Berk | Known for his haunting Red Sector A arrangement with Moon
Moving Pictures | Official house band, featured at RUSHfest Brazil and Lakeside Park
Kevin J. Anderson | Acclaimed sci-fi author and Peart’s writing partner
The Saturday Lineup
2112 | Burlington tribute band performing All The World’s A Stage in full
Permanent Waves | Hometown Toronto favourites
RUSHfest Canada Allstars Band | An international lineup of handpicked musicians
Return performances by Moon, Barrett and DiGregorio & Dolynuik
“We’re excited to bring the global Rush family together,” adds Beaulieu, who attended 114 concerts by the band. “This is more than nostalgia — it’s about keeping the spirit alive, supporting a vital cause, and creating new memories in places that mean something to Rush fans.”
Guests of honour include members of the Peart and Živojinoviç (Lifeson) families, as well as key figures in the band’s legacy such as Bob King and Mike Dixon. Though not officially affiliated with or endorsed by the band, RUSHfest Canada has the blessing of many who helped shape their story.
Get tickets for Friday HERE, get tickets for Saturday HERE, and get more information at the RUSHfest Canada website and Facebook.
