Bastille Day

The Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes at THE ZOO, spinning "Bastille Day" by Rush from their 1975 album Caress of Steel for all you Zoo Freaks out there. This track, a fiery opener, is steeped in historical rebellion, drawing inspiration from the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution. Lyrically, it’s a Neil Peart masterpiece, sparked by Geddy Lee’s obsession with Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Peart crafted the song to channel the rage of the oppressed, with lines like “There’s no bread, let them eat cake” nodding to the infamous (though likely misattributed) Marie Antoinette quote. The song’s intensity made it a staple in Rush’s live sets, often kicking off their shows in the late ’70s, as heard on their 1976 live album All the World’s a Stage. Fun fact: progressive metal band Dream Theater, originally called Majesty, got their name from drummer Mike Portnoy describing the song’s ending as “majestic.”

Another tidbit about "Bastille Day" comes from its raw, direct energy compared to Rush’s later prog epics. In a 2015 Rolling Stone interview, Geddy Lee reflected on the Caress of Steel era, saying the band felt “serene and confident” despite the album’s commercial struggles. The song’s thrashy, almost proto-metal edge has been praised by fans, with a 2024 post on Rush is a Band’s X account calling it “the band’s thrashiest song ever.” However, the album’s darker, fantasy-driven shift confused some early fans, leading to the infamous “Down the Tubes” tour, where Rush feared they’d be dropped by their label. Despite this, "Bastille Day" endured, even making a comeback in the instrumental “R30 Overture” for Rush’s 30th-anniversary tour, as noted on the Rush Wiki.

Rush began in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, when guitarist Alex Lifeson and bassist Jeff Jones formed the band, soon joined by drummer John Rutsey. Geddy Lee, who’d later become the band’s iconic vocalist and bassist, replaced Jones early on after singing at a rehearsal. As Lee shared in his 2023 memoir My Effin’ Life, posted about on his Instagram, the trio bonded over their love for Led Zeppelin and Cream, playing covers in basements and high school gigs. By 1971, they were a staple in Toronto’s bar scene, but Rutsey’s health issues and creative differences led to his exit in 1974. Neil Peart, a drummer with a penchant for lyrical storytelling, joined just before their second album, Fly by Night. Peart’s arrival, detailed in a 2016 Rolling Stone interview, marked Rush’s shift toward progressive rock, blending complex instrumentation with philosophical themes. Their self-titled debut in 1974 was raw hard rock, but Peart’s influence pushed them into the prog territory that defined Caress of Steel.

Stay connected with Rush through their official website, where you can dive into their discography and tour history. Follow them on Facebook for updates, though the band has been less active since their 2015 tour. Geddy Lee’s Instagram offers personal insights, like his recent Record Store Day appearance in Toronto, shared via Rush is a Band. On X, the fan-run Rush is a Band account keeps the community buzzing with news and trivia. Fans can also join the Rush Fan Community on Facebook for discussions and memorabilia swaps. For deeper dives, check out Rush is a Band, a fan site with detailed blogs, or the Rush Wiki for everything from song origins to gear specs. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks!