Battle Scar

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a wild ride as the Zoo Crew spins "Battle Scar" by Max Webster from their 1980 album Universal Juveniles. This track is a legendary collaboration with fellow Canadian rockers Rush, recorded live in the studio on July 28, 1980, at Phase One Studios in Toronto. A massive thunderstorm raged outside during the session, setting an ominous tone for the song’s brooding, intense vibe. Both bands played together in a “duelling instruments” approach, with Rush’s Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart joining Max Webster’s Kim Mitchell, Gary McCracken, Dave Myles, and returning keyboardist Terry Watkinson. The track wasn’t overdubbed; it was captured in one electrifying take, showcasing the raw energy of both groups. Neil Peart later recalled spending an afternoon with McCracken at his farmhouse, working out drum parts with two kits in a room above the garage, mapping out unison and alternating fills for the song’s dynamic rhythm.

Another cool tidbit: "Battle Scar" was demoed by Max Webster in 1979 without Rush, with a focus on polished production. This demo, released on the 2017 box set The Party, reveals a different, more studio-crafted take compared to the live, moody version on the album. The song’s lyrics, penned by Kim Mitchell and Pye Dubois, paint a gritty picture of struggle and defiance, with lines like “bust the busters, screw the feeders, make the healers feel the way I feel.” Geddy Lee’s unmistakable vocals blend with Mitchell’s, creating a high-low effect that’s a treat for fans. Rush rarely guested on other records, making this collaboration a rare gem. On New Year’s Eve 1980, Geddy Lee even joined Max Webster onstage at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens to perform "Battle Scar" live, rocking his iconic Rickenbacker bass.

Max Webster started in Toronto in 1972, initially as a trio with guitarist-vocalist Kim Mitchell, bassist Mike Tilka, and drummer Phil Trudell. They briefly went by names like Stinky and Special Delivery before settling on Max Webster in 1973, a name inspired by Tilka’s time in a Milwaukee band with Daryl Stuermer, who had a song called "Song for Webster." By early 1973, they added keyboardist Jim Bruton to become a quartet, and over time, the lineup evolved with key members like Terry Watkinson, Gary McCracken, and Dave Myles. Their sound blended hard rock, prog, and theatrical flair, thanks to lyricist Pye Dubois, considered the band’s “fifth member.” Max Webster built a cult following in Canada through relentless touring, playing 200-250 shows a year in bars, high schools, and arenas, often alongside Rush, whom they supported over 200 times. Their quirky, genre-defying style and Mitchell’s wild guitar work earned them a gold-certified album with Universal Juveniles and a 2023 induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

You can dive deeper into Max Webster’s world at Kim Mitchell’s official site, kimmitchell.ca, which covers his solo career and Max Webster’s legacy. Check out their official Facebook for updates and fan chatter, or follow Kim Mitchell on Instagram for throwbacks and current gigs. On X, Kim engages with fans and shares music nuggets. For fan communities, the Max Webster Cafe on Facebook is a vibrant spot where Zoo Freaks can connect with other devotees, swap stories, and celebrate the band’s epic run.