Rush Rash with Chaz N Schatz

This week, the Rush Rash train pulls into a very specific station: the official 420 Council Session. And wouldn’t you know it — after spinning the wheel for what feels like decades, we’ve finally landed on “A Passage to Bangkok” from 2112.Joining the council in the club car:Malcolm McKinnon – High Times legend, strain sommelier, and walking encyclopedia of global cannabis loreDaniel Bukszpan – Rush historian, author, and certified mapmaker of the band’s musical universeWhat goes down in this smoke-filled session:The real origin story of 420 (yes, the Waldos make an appearance)A lyrical world tour: Colombia, Jamaica, Morocco, Thailand… and what was actually being passed aroundThe myth, magic, and mild danger of strains like Acapulco Gold, Afghani, and Thai stickWhy recording music while high might turn into “take 50”Rush’s unexpected connection to global cannabis cultureAnd a hidden moment in the track that will make you never hear it the same way again 👀Council Topics Include:Hash vs flower debates that get… philosophicalOld-school vs dispensary-era weed cultureStories from the High Times vault that may or may not be safe for air travelWhy Rush fans in South America are basically a soccer riot (but joyful)THIS WEEKS SONG “A Passage to Bangkok” – a riff-driven, tongue-in-cheek travelogue that somehow became a cornerstone of 420 culture worldwide.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grace Under Pressure…Under a Microscope. This week, Chaz and Schatz throw the format out the window like a busted cassette deck and go full album-mode on Grace Under Pressure—but not just any version. Oh no. We’re diving headfirst into the 2026 Super Deluxe Edition featuring the long-awaited Terry Brown mix…and folks, things get spicy.Schatz rolls in looking like he lost a fight with a pollen storm, but don’t worry—our clinicians have prescribed a heavy dose of sonic therapy. Instead of spinning the wheel, the boys go track-by-track comparing the original mix vs. the remaster vs. Terry Brown’s fresh take… and let’s just say: one of these things is not like the others.From the opening blast of “Distant Early Warning” to the brooding thunder of “Between the Wheels,” Chaz and Schatz hear things they’ve NEVER heard before—buried guitars, resurrected drums, and (yikes!) effin keyboards that finally step out of the fog too. Is this the mix that finally gives Neil Peart his full chest-thumping glory back? Did Geddy Lee’s keys get unfairly accused all these years? And did Alex Lifeson just sneak back into the spotlight like a six-string ninja?Also discussed:Why the original mix now sounds like “AM radio Rush Lite”The great ‘80s production arms race (looking at you, Yes and Genesis)Electronic drums vs. acoustic punch (and where things got… weird)Whether Terry Brown just gave this album its “balls back” (their words, not ours… okay, also ours)By the end, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a remix—it’s a revelation.Bottom line: If you thought you knew Grace Under Pressure, think again.Play along at home: Queue up your versions and A/B this beast with us… just be prepared to question everything you thought you heard before!SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz and Schatz welcome Jillian Maryonovich of RushCon back into the co-host chair—fresh off a surreal, boots-on-the-ground experience at the JUNOS where Rush did the unthinkable: they got back on stage as Rush with some Noobs.Jillian walks us through the emotional rollercoaster:From spotting the gear…To locking eyes with fellow Rush-shirt-wearing lifers…To realizing this is actually happening when Geddy walks out.We break down the performance of “Finding My Way”—a bold, risky, slightly bananas choice—and debate:Was it genius symbolism, inspired management, or both?Did Geddy prove he’s still got it… or is the voice the elephant in the room?How did the new lineup chemistry land?And why were there teenagers at the JUNOS who had NO IDEA who Rush is?! (Psst...the JUNOS are in Canada - for you non-Canadians)Plus:The 70/30 fan reaction divide on the comebackThe pressure on the “new era” membersAlex Lifeson still being an absolute wizard with hands that should legally require WD-40And the emotional weight of moving forward without NeilJillian also opens up about the deeper struggle: loving this band so much… but not being sure she’s ready for what they are now.Oh—and yes: there’s a straw-less beverage incident that may be the true emotional climax of the episode.THIS WEEK'S SONGA surprise pull from the wheel—and an instant favorite. Jillian calls it a “top five… it’s a keeper,” while the crew dives into the legacy of the track, its place in the catalog, and the unique role of guest vocals from Aimee Mann.The conversation also veers into modern-day “what ifs” around the current lineup.Indeed, even in someone like our intrepid co-host, the RushRash does not stand still, it just keeps on spreading...so come along and give us an itchy scratchy, hmm?SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz and Schatz celebrate 50 years of 2112 with a very special guest—YouTube sensation and all-around Rush whisperer Mike Massé—who drops in (freshly fumigated from the Haggis Shack) to talk about his gorgeous new cover of “Tears.”The guys dig into Mike’s creative process, from Mellotron patch-hunting to channeling Geddy’s extra-vibrato-when-you-feel-fancy technique, and why sometimes the internet is both your best friend and a chaotic dumpster fire of “release date truth.” (April 1st? March? WHO KNOWS—ROLL THE BONES.)We also:Spin Mike’s stunning rendition of Tears in honor of 2112’s 50thDebate the actual release date like proper Rush nerdsTake a wild detour into Beatles territory with Mike’s Rubber Soul tribute bandBreak down the Rush reunion performance (yes, THAT one)React in real-time like well behaved Cygnus-X1.Net Facebookers (we get into THAT too)Plus:RushCon plansTouring chaos across the US, Europe, and beyondAnd the eternal question: Can you actually have too much Rush? (Spoiler: no, don’t be ridiculous.)It’s just the right amount of unhinged—exactly how The Professor would want it.THIS WEEK'S SONGEffin A, it's Cygnus X-1 Book Two: Hemispheres. Need we say more? The wheel has spoken - Cygnus X1.Net Facebookers - GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER. - NEPSCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch the Junos Live at the CBC.Follow Paul's stage-side iPhone updates on Facebook!Follow Jillian and her live from the floor updates with RushCon on Facebook!This week on Rush Rash, things get delightfully chaotic as Chaz and Schatz pull off an impromptu hotline call with Rush insider Paul—caught somewhere between Oakville and rock history itself.What starts as a “hey, let’s try this” moment turns into a boots-on-the-ground preview of the Juno Awards, with Paul heading in alongside legendary producer Terry Brown—yes, that Terry Brown.We dig into:The mystery of who might (or might not 👀) show up from RushBehind-the-scenes vibes heading into the JunosRush Fest Canada updates (bigger, louder, and more gloriously nerdy than ever)The rising prog torchbearers Crown Lands and their deep Rush DNAAnd the ongoing celebration of 2112 turning 50…because apparently time is a flat circle and also rudeThere’s tech chaos, muted mics, Canadian weather math, and just enough inside baseball to make you feel like you’re riding shotgun to the Junos yourself.And in true Rush Rash fashion…we learn absolutely nothing definitive—and love every second of it.Hot damn, Eh!You know where to scratch!SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode of Rush Rash, Chaz and Shatz are joined once again by CMPU and Boneless Podcasting Network stalwart Corey Morissette, a man who now hosts approximately seventeen podcasts, three mixtape shows, and possibly a municipal council meeting somewhere in Manitoba.Between discussions of Canadian winters, radio overkill, and the ever-expanding Corey Morissette Podcast Industrial Complex, the gang checks in on the freshly released 40th Anniversary edition of Grace Under Pressure and the new Terry Brown remix of “Distant Early Warning.” Yes — the knobs have been turned. Yes — it sounds different. Yes — the internet will be normal about it.Then the wheel spins.Corey quietly attempts to will Hemispheres into existence through sheer mental concentration. Shatz campaigns for hometown heroics. Chaz stands back and lets fate do its thing.THIS WEEK'S SONG“A Farewell to Kings.”For Corey, it’s a first listen — always a dangerous moment on this show. Is it medieval prog majesty? Is it lute-adjacent wizardry? Is it a band from suburban Toronto suddenly sounding like they’ve wandered into a Renaissance fair with a Marshall stack?All will be revealed as the hosts unpack one of Rush’s most theatrical openings — complete with nylon-string guitars, dystopian lyrics, and the unmistakable moment when the band collectively decides: yes, we are absolutely doing this.No bones. Just Rush.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chaz and Schatz burst back through the podcast portal scratching like two men who just sat on a cactus made entirely of Rush vinyl. What starts as a quick catch-up turns into a full-blown Rush news avalanche: rehearsal rumors, Annika taking the drum throne, and the surprise addition of keyboard wizard Lorne Gold. Along the way, the boys debate tribute bands and discover that Alex will soon be tending bar on Canadian television like the world’s most progressive bartender.Listener mail rolls in from a steelworker who accidentally turned his car dashboard into the Starship Enterprise while listening to Subdivisions, a Canadian golden retriever named Maple who howls along to Tom Sawyer, and a dad using 2112 on vinyl to teach his kid the ancient lost art of listening to an entire side of a record.THIS WEEK’S SONG: The Pass – Presto (1989)Neil tackles the difficult subject of teen suicide in one of the band’s most emotionally direct songs. Chaz and Schatz dig into the lyrics, the message behind them, and why Geddy Lee considers it one of the band’s most meaningful accomplishments—even if the production screams late-80s adult contemporary Rush.All that and more as the rash continues to itch.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s gloriously over-caffeinated episode of Rush Rash, Chaz and Shatz throw open the castle gates and welcome back the noble troubadours of prog pageantry — A Farewell to Kings (AF2K) — for a discussion that is equal parts rock summit, gear symposium, and mildly controlled chaos.Adam and Johnny arrive armed with tales of theaters conquered, albums performed in their entirety, and the delicate art of recreating Rush 2.0 without being chased out of town by purists wielding vintage tour programs.There is spirited debate over:The audacity of a four-piece Rush tribute in a three-piece universeWhat happens when Rush themselves re-enter the live arenaThe logistical ballet of hauling enough equipment to invade a small countryPerforming Power Windows, Moving Pictures, 2112… and not collapsingBubba Bash heroics and keeping the community heartbeat loudIt’s tribute band life examined under a microscope — with reverence, with laughter, and with just enough self-awareness to keep the torches lowered.THIS WEEK'S SONGThe Wheel spins and lands on Malignant Narcissism from 2007's Snakes and Arrows. The gang weighs in on this late-era instrumental groove, celebrating Rush’s ability to jam, stretch out, and surprise. And it really isn't a surprise the wheel would spin this song in the presence of these world-class musicians now, is it? Why are we here? If you’ve got an itch, you know where to scratch.Rush Rash.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz n Shatz welcome Paul Rydalch — lifelong Rush obsessive, repentant superfan, and now official roadie for Rush Archives — for one of the wildest, funniest, and most heartfelt conversations the show has ever hosted.Paul traces his journey from a teenage Signals-era gateway moment to 17 Rush shows, backstage misadventures, near-misses, security scares, meet-and-greet miracles, and ultimately finding his place behind the scenes with Rush Archives. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories involving soundchecks, banners, pit passes, hotel stairwells, Mr. Rush figurines, and the fine line between passion and obsession — all told with honesty, humor, and hard-earned self-awareness.The episode also digs into what makes Rush Archives special: the community, the family atmosphere, and the love-driven dedication it takes to faithfully bring Rush’s music to life on stage. From road crew realities to the emotional pull of Rush’s legacy, this is a deep dive into fandom, forgiveness, and finding your people.As always, the night ends where it should: with the Bone Roller spinning fate’s wheel. The result — Secret Touch from Vapor Trails sparks a thoughtful discussion about grief, resilience, texture, and why this track stands as one of Rush’s most underrated late-period compositions.Big stories. Big laughs. Big feelings.This is Rush Rash at full scratch — and it’s one you don’t want to miss.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this gloriously unhinged episode of Rush Rash, Chaz and Schatz throw all sense of structure out the window and celebrate Haggis Day the only way they know how: by heeding the call of one Steve Brown to invite Paul Beaulieu and make the Haggis Shack the World's Deli in honor of Robbie Burns' Birthday!A full detour involving wild haggis, vegetarian haggis, Robert Burns, bagpipes, kilts, lamb lungs (allegedly), neeps, tatties, whisky gravy, and the eternal mystery of how Scotland continues to function at all. Cultural education may occur. Digestion is discussed. Poetry is threatened and delivered. No empty words here.Once the haggis smoke clears, however, the episode pivots hard into serious Rush business—and there is a lot of it.Steve and Paul unload a whirlwind of updates from the front lines of the Moving Pictures and RushFest universe, including:Massive touring plans and behind-the-scenes realities of running one of the busiest Rush tribute bands on the planetMajor announcements for RushFest Scotland and RushFest Canada, including venues, dates, and an absolutely stacked lineup of guestsAppearances and involvement from Rush inner-circle legends including Terry Brown, Hugh Syme, Kevin J. Anderson, Nancy and Judy Peart, and moreUpdates on Songs for Neil, including upcoming volumes, new contributors, and the staggering amount of money raised for brain cancer researchA brand-new solo piano Rush album in the works, with artwork by Hugh SymeThe return of The Professor whisky with Volume 2 officially on the wayCharity auctions, ticket giveaways, and community-driven fundraising that somehow keep getting bigger, louder, and more meaningfulEventually—because it is Rush Rash—the wheel spins.THIS WEEK’S SONG🎵 “Hope” (Snakes & Arrows)Alex Lifeson’s delicate 12-string instrumental lands at exactly the right moment, prompting reflections on alternate tunings, restraint, beauty, loss, resilience, and why this quiet piece carries so much emotional weight. Guitars are fetched. Feelings happen. The wheel, once again, proves it knows more than anyone in the room. All wrapped into one very Scottish, very Rush-brained celebration. We might not have played How Many Times Did They Play It Live (113 Chaz wins again!) becasue the BPM Monkey was nowhere to be seen, but rthe wheel did bestow a new song for Steve to learn. And in the end...Haggis was honored.News was delivered.Hope prevailed.Slàinte. 🥃SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The episode’s highlight is a full listen and discussion of "Runaway Train" from Geddy Lee’s 2000 solo album, "My Favorite Headache." Chaz and Schatz react in real time, dissecting the song’s dense lyrics, musical structure, and its unmistakable Rush DNA. They debate whether the track could have been a hidden Rush cut, praise its "Peartian" lyricism, and compare its style to both classic Rush and contemporary influences. The hosts also reflect on the challenges of solo projects, the evolution of Rush’s sound, and the enduring impact of Neil Peart’s writing.As always, listeners can expect candid commentary, inside jokes, and thoughtful analysis as Chaz and Schatz celebrate Geddy’s artistry and muse on the future of Rush-related music.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rush Rash Presents: TOM SAWYER — A GENERATIONAL EVENTStep right up for a heartwarming, music-filled adventure the whole family can enjoy! In this special episode, Chaz and Schatz, together with their children, two generations come together to describe the forthcoming Rush Rash Reactions, where a couple of Rushian parents spin a wheel packed with nearly 200 songs from every genre imaginable. Watch as classic rock dads bravely hand over the aux cord to their kids, diving into a vibrant world of K-pop, hip-hop, indie, and anime soundtracks. We preview the new format with Keara and Paul Howley and Emma and Sam Schatzberg, the curators of our new show's soundtrack!After years of forced exposure to their parents’ playlists in the car, the kids finally get a voice. They join the show this week to talk about their own musical tastes, how they experience music differently, and why certain songs land while others don’t. As part of the visit, they unveil a brand-new, 192-song wheel they curated themselves, setting the stage for future episodes of Rush Rash Reactions, the fun has only just begun!THIS WEEK'S SONGWe've threatened to do a special Tom Sawyer episode, and we couldn't have found a better time to do it! The group listens to Rush’s most iconic and widely recognized song and breaks it down together—parents and kids in the same room, hearing it from very different perspectives. The conversation moves from first impressions and familiarity to deeper discussion around lyrics, independence, perception, and what the song represents to longtime fans versus newer listeners.Topics include:How the kids know Rush—and how often they’ve actually chosen to listenWhy Tom Sawyer functions as a cultural constant, even for non-fansFirst-time reactions versus decades of contextNeil Peart’s lyrics as expressions of individuality and worldviewThe contrast between inherited music and personal tasteThe result is a candid, funny, and revealing episode that’s less about explaining Rush and more about learning who the kids are through how they hear music.Tune in this coming Wednesday for the premiere episode of Rush Rash Reactions—a reactional conversation to a generational gap in music enjoyment - because listening matters as much as legacy.SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.