Review: Rush – RUSH 50 (Anniversary Super Deluxe)

Mercury/Anthem (March 21^st 2025)

Reviewer – Chris O’Connor

Rush has long been revered as one of the most innovative and technically gifted rock bands of all time, and with the release of ‘RUSH 50‘, fans are treated to an expansive retrospective that captures the full scope of their storied career. Spanning from their very first single in 1973, ‘Not Fade Away’,’ to their final, emotional performance in Los Angeles on August 1st, 2015, this collection offers a definitive look at a band that defied the odds and redefined progressive rock. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and the late lamented Neil Peart made music that simply defied convention, and speaking personally, touched me as almost no other artist ever has.

Among the fifty tracks included, twenty-eight are live recordings, spanning four decades of electrifying performances. A particularly intriguing highlight is the inclusion of Rush’s debut single ‘Not Fade Away/You Can’t Fight It‘, featuring original drummer John Rutsey. These early, blues-inflected efforts serve as a fascinating glimpse into the embryonic stages of a band that would later ascend to legendary status. Additionally, the set boasts alternate studio mixes of classics like ‘Working Man‘, ‘The Trees‘, and ‘One Little Victory‘—a testament to Rush’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to their fans.

The sheer depth and quality of music on offer here are almost overwhelming. Revisiting this collection multiple times, I find myself lost in a reverie, transported back to key moments in my life that Rush so powerfully soundtracked. Unlike many greatest-hits compilations, ‘RUSH 50‘ is far from a simple cash grab; it’s a carefully curated anthology featuring previously unheard material, stunning live renditions, and deep cuts that remind us why this band holds such an enduring place in rock history.

One of the standout moments is the newly unearthed live version of ‘Xanadu‘ from the Hammersmith Odeon in 1978—a performance so intense and mesmerizing that it feels almost otherworldly. The seamless transition from ‘Witch Hunt‘ into ‘New World Man’ (the former from 1984 and the latter a live audio cut from the ‘Grace Under Pressure‘ DVD) demonstrates Rush’s unparalleled ability to craft a sonic journey. The live rendition of ‘Freewill‘ resonates more than ever, its powerful message echoing with newfound relevance. And then, there’s the medley of ‘What You’re Doing/Working Man/Garden Road‘, which served as the band’s final encore—a heart-wrenching moment that encapsulates the passion and artistry that defined Rush’s career.

The boxset itself is a collector’s dream, available in multiple configurations, with the Super Deluxe Edition standing out as the ultimate tribute. Encased in a golden box, it features seven vinyl LPs, four CDs, two hardcover books, twenty song-inspired prints, and, for those who opt for the Rush Backstage Exclusive Super Deluxe Edition, a bonus set of four lithographs. Accompanied by breathtaking artwork curated by longtime visual collaborator Hugh Syme, the presentation is nothing short of exquisite.

Reflecting on my own journey with Rush, I’m transported back to 1978, sitting in my boarding school study when a fellow student barged in and unceremoniously thrust an album into my hands with the words, “This is the kind of crap you listen to!” That album was ‘Hemispheres‘ and from that moment on, Rush became my guiding light in music. Over the years, they have remained my constant companions, their discography weaving through every triumph and tribulation of my life. Alongside luminaries like Ian Hunter, Judie Tzuke, Motörhead, Hawkwind, Marillion, The Grateful Dead, ZZ Top, Killing Joke, and Frank Zappa, Rush has always stood paramount—offering a song for every emotion and a melody for every moment.

With the devastating passing of Neil Peart and the band’s official retirement in 2015, releases like ‘RUSH 50’ serve as both a celebration and a bittersweet reminder of their unparalleled legacy. While more archival releases are sure to follow, this stunning retrospective is an absolute must-have for any serious rock enthusiast. Utterly brilliant, and a fitting tribute to a band whose music will forever echo in the hearts of their fans.

‘RUSH 50’ – Configurations & Track Listings:

Super Deluxe Edition:

CD 1
1. Not Fade Away**
2. You Can’t Fight It**
3. Working Man (Vault Edition)**
4. Need Some Love (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)**
5. Before And After (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)**
6. Bad Boy (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
7. Garden Road (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
8. Anthem (Live at Electric Lady Studios, New York – December 5, 1974)*
9. Fly By Night
10. Bastille Day
11. 2112: Overture / The Temples Of Syrinx
12. By-Tor & The Snow Dog (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)
13. Something For Nothing (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)

CD 2
1. Closer To The Heart
2. Xanadu (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
3. Drum Solo (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
4. The Trees (Vault Edition)*
5. La Villa Strangiato (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
6. In The Mood (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
7. The Spirit Of Radio
8. Natural Science (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
9. A Passage To Bangkok (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
10. Tom Sawyer
11. Limelight (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
12. Vital Signs (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)

CD 3
1. YYZ (Live at The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – March 27, 1981)
2. Subdivisions
3. Red Sector A
4. Witch Hunt (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
5. New World Man (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
6. The Big Money
7. Time Stand Still
8. Distant Early Warning (Live at NEC Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom – April 21-22-23, 1988)
9. Superconductor
10. Dreamline
11. Stick It Out
12. Test For Echo
13. The Rhythm Method (Live at World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois – June 14, 1997)

CD 4
1. One Little Victory (Remixed)
2. Cygnus X-1 (Live at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 23, 2002)
3. The Seeker
4. Between The Wheels (Live at Festhalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany – September 24, 2004)
5. The Main Monkey Business
6. Workin’ Them Angels (Live at Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland – October 16-17, 2007)
7. Freewill (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
8. Red Barchetta (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
9. Headlong Flight
10. Manhattan Project (Live at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona; American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas; AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas – November 25-28-30, 2012)
11. Jacob’s Ladder (Live at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 17-19, 2015)
12. What You’re Doing / Working Man / Garden Road (Live at the Forum, Los Angeles, California – August 1, 2015)*

LP 1 – SIDE 1
1. Not Fade Away**
2. You Can’t Fight It**
3. Working Man (Vault Edition)**
4. Need Some Love (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)**
5. Before And After (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)**

LP 1 – SIDE 2
1. Bad Boy (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
2. Garden Road (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
3. Anthem (Live at Electric Lady Studios, New York – December 5, 1974)*
4. Fly By Night
5. Bastille Day

LP 2 – SIDE 3
1. 2112: Overture / The Temples Of Syrinx
2. By-Tor & The Snow Dog (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)
3. Something For Nothing (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)

LP 2 – SIDE 4
1. Closer To The Heart
2. Xanadu (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
3. Drum Solo (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)

LP 3 – SIDE 5
1. The Trees (Vault Edition)*
2. La Villa Strangiato (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
3. In The Mood (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)

LP 3 – SIDE 6
1. The Spirit Of Radio
2. Natural Science (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
3. A Passage To Bangkok (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)

LP 4 – SIDE 7
1. Tom Sawyer
2. Limelight (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
3. Vital Signs (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
4. YYZ (Live at The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – March 27, 1981)

LP 4 – SIDE 8
1. Subdivisions
2. Red Sector A
3. Witch Hunt (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
4. New World Man (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)

LP 5 – SIDE 9
1. The Big Money
2. Time Stand Still
3. Distant Early Warning (Live at NEC Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom – April 21-22-23, 1988)
4. Superconductor

LP 5 – SIDE 10
1. Dreamline
2. Stick It Out
3. Test For Echo
4. The Rhythm Method (Live at World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois – June 14, 1997)

LP 6 – SIDE 11
1. One Little Victory (Remixed)
2. Cygnus X-1 (Live at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 23, 2002)
3. The Seeker
4. Between The Wheels (Live at Festhalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany – September 24, 2004)

LP 6 – SIDE 12
1. The Main Monkey Business
2. Workin’ Them Angels (Live at Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland – October 16-17, 2007)
3. Freewill (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)

LP 7 – SIDE 13
1. Red Barchetta (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
2. Headlong Flight
3. Manhattan Project (Live at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona; American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas; AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas – November 25-28-30, 2012)

LP 7 – SIDE 14
1. Jacob’s Ladder (Live at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 17-19, 2015)
2. What You’re Doing / Working Man / Garden Road (Live at the Forum, Los Angeles, California – August 1, 2015)*

* Previously unreleased
** Previously unreleased on CD & LP

7 LP Deluxe Edition

LP 1 – SIDE 1
1. Not Fade Away^^
2. You Can’t Fight It^^
3. Working Man (Vault Edition)^^
4. Need Some Love (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)^^
5. Before And After (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)^^

LP 1 – SIDE 2
1. Bad Boy (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
2. Garden Road (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
3. Anthem (Live at Electric Lady Studios, New York – December 5, 1974)*
4. Fly By Night
5. Bastille Day

LP 2 – SIDE 3
1. 2112: Overture / The Temples Of Syrinx
2. By-Tor & The Snow Dog (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)
3. Something For Nothing (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)

LP 2 – SIDE 4
1. Closer To The Heart
2. Xanadu (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
3. Drum Solo (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)

LP 3 – SIDE 5
1. The Trees (Vault Edition)*
2. La Villa Strangiato (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
3. In The Mood (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)

LP 3 – SIDE 6
1. The Spirit Of Radio
2. Natural Science (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
3. A Passage To Bangkok (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)

LP 4 – SIDE 7
1. Tom Sawyer
2. Limelight (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
3. Vital Signs (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
4. YYZ (Live at The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – March 27, 1981)

LP 4 – SIDE 8
1. Subdivisions
2. Red Sector A
3. Witch Hunt (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
4. New World Man (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)

LP 5 – SIDE 9
1. The Big Money
2. Time Stand Still
3. Distant Early Warning (Live at NEC Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom – April 21-22-23, 1988)
4. Superconductor

LP 5 – SIDE 10
1. Dreamline
2. Stick It Out
3. Test For Echo
4. The Rhythm Method (Live at World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois – June 14, 1997)

LP 6 – SIDE 11
1. One Little Victory (Remixed)
2. Cygnus X-1 (Live at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 23, 2002)
3. The Seeker
4. Between The Wheels (Live at Festhalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany – September 24, 2004)

LP 6 – SIDE 12
1. The Main Monkey Business
2. Workin’ Them Angels (Live at Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland – October 16-17, 2007)
3. Freewill (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)

LP 7 – SIDE 13
1. Red Barchetta (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
2. Headlong Flight
3. Manhattan Project (Live at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona; American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas; AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas – November 25-28-30, 2012)

LP 7 – SIDE 14
1. Jacob’s Ladder (Live at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 17-19, 2015)
2. What You’re Doing / Working Man / Garden Road (Live at the Forum, Los Angeles, California – August 1, 2015)*

* Previously unreleased
^^ Previously unreleased on LP

4 CD Deluxe Edition:

CD 1
1. Not Fade Away^
2. You Can’t Fight It^
3. Working Man (Vault Edition)^
4. Need Some Love (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)^
5. Before And After (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)^
6. Bad Boy (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
7. Garden Road (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
8. Anthem (Live at Electric Lady Studios, New York – December 5, 1974)*
9. Fly By Night
10. Bastille Day
11. 2112: Overture / The Temples Of Syrinx
12. By-Tor & The Snow Dog (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)
13. Something For Nothing (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)

CD 2
1. Closer To The Heart
2. Xanadu (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
3. Drum Solo (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
4. The Trees (Vault Edition)*
5. La Villa Strangiato (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
6. In The Mood (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
7. The Spirit Of Radio
8. Natural Science (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
9. A Passage To Bangkok (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
10. Tom Sawyer
11. Limelight (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
12. Vital Signs (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)

CD 3
1. YYZ (Live at The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – March 27, 1981)
2. Subdivisions
3. Red Sector A
4. Witch Hunt (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
5. New World Man (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
6. The Big Money
7. Time Stand Still
8. Distant Early Warning (Live at NEC Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom – April 21-22-23, 1988)
9. Superconductor
10. Dreamline
11. Stick It Out
12. Test For Echo
13. The Rhythm Method (Live at World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois – June 14, 1997)

CD 4
1. One Little Victory (Remixed)
2. Cygnus X-1 (Live at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 23, 2002)
3. The Seeker
4. Between The Wheels (Live at Festhalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany – September 24, 2004)
5. The Main Monkey Business
6. Workin’ Them Angels (Live at Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland – October 16-17, 2007)
7. Freewill (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
8. Red Barchetta (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
9. Headlong Flight
10. Manhattan Project (Live at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona; American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas; AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas – November 25-28-30, 2012)
11. Jacob’s Ladder (Live at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 17-19, 2015)
12. What You’re Doing / Working Man / Garden Road (Live at the Forum, Los Angeles, California – August 1, 2015)*

* Previously unreleased
^ Previously unreleased on CD

Digital Edition:

Disc 1
1. Not Fade Away*
2. You Can’t Fight It*
3. Working Man (Vault Edition)
4. Need Some Love (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)*
5. Before And After (Live at Laura Secord Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada – May 15, 1974)*
6. Bad Boy (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
7. Garden Road (Live at Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, Ohio – August 26, 1974)*
8. Anthem (Live at Electric Lady Studios, New York – December 5, 1974)*
9. Fly By Night
10. Bastille Day
11. 2112: Overture / The Temples Of Syrinx
12. By-Tor & The Snow Dog (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)
13. Something For Nothing (Live at Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 11-12-13, 1976)

DISC 2
1. Closer To The Heart
2. Xanadu (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
3. Drum Solo (Live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, United Kingdom – February 20, 1978)
4. The Trees (Vault Edition)*
5. La Villa Strangiato (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
6. In The Mood (Live at Pink Pop Festival, Burgemeester Damen Sportpark, Geleen, Netherlands – June 4, 1979)
7. The Spirit Of Radio
8. Natural Science (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
9. A Passage To Bangkok (Live at Manchester Apollo, Manchester, United Kingdom – June 17-18, 1980)
10. Tom Sawyer
11. Limelight (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)
12. Vital Signs (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – March 24-25, 1981)

DISC 3
1. YYZ (Live at The Forum, Montreal, Quebec, Canada – March 27, 1981)
2. Subdivisions
3. Red Sector A
4. Witch Hunt (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
5. New World Man (Live at Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – September 21, 1984)
6. The Big Money
7. Time Stand Still
8. Distant Early Warning (Live at NEC Arena, Birmingham, United Kingdom – April 21-22-23, 1988)
9. Superconductor
10. Dreamline
11. Stick It Out
12. Test For Echo
13. The Rhythm Method (Live at World Music Theatre, Tinley Park, Illinois – June 14, 1997)

DISC 4
1. One Little Victory (Remixed)
2. Cygnus X-1 (Live at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – November 23, 2002)
3. The Seeker
4. Between The Wheels (Live at Festhalle Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany – September 24, 2004)
5. The Main Monkey Business
6. Workin’ Them Angels (Live at Ahoy Arena, Rotterdam, Holland – October 16-17, 2007)
7. Freewill (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
8. Red Barchetta (Live at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, Ohio – April 15, 2011)
9. Headlong Flight
10. Manhattan Project (Live at US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona; American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas; AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas – November 25-28-30, 2012)
11. Jacob’s Ladder (Live at Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada – June 17-19, 2015)
12. What You’re Doing / Working Man / Garden Road (Live at the Forum, Los Angeles, California – August 1, 2015)*

* Previously unreleased

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