Closer to the Heart

"Closer to the Heart" by Rush is a standout track from their 1977 album A Farewell to Kings, and it holds a special place in the band’s history. One fascinating piece of trivia is that it was the first Rush song to feature an external co-writer, Peter Talbot, a friend of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Talbot contributed the title and the first verse, which Peart then expanded upon, crafting a song that explores solutions to societal issues, in contrast to the album’s title track, which focuses on problems. Geddy Lee, the band’s frontman, noted in an interview that the song’s folk-protest vibe and concise structure made it as close to a pop song as Rush ever got, helping it become their first hit single in the United Kingdom, reaching number 36 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1978. The song’s enduring popularity is evident from Lee’s recollection of reintroducing it to the setlist for the Rio shows due to overwhelming fan demand, despite the band having dropped it temporarily because, as Peart candidly admitted, they “got sick of it.”

Another intriguing story comes from the song’s recording process at Rockfield Studios in Wales, where Rush laid down the album in just three weeks. Lee highlighted the studio’s unique environment, which allowed for experimentation, such as recording the birds heard in the album’s tracks like “A Farewell to Kings” and “Xanadu” right outside the studio. The song’s live performances have also left a mark, with notable variations captured across Rush’s career. For instance, the 1981 live album Exit...Stage Left features a version that segues into “Beneath, Between and Behind,” while the 2011 Time Machine live recording shifts to a triplet feel for the final verse. A particularly memorable performance occurred in 2022, when Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson joined Primus and South Park co-creator Matt Stone for a rendition at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert, marking their first public performance together since Peart’s passing and Rush’s disbandment.

Rush, formed in August 1968 in the Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto, Ontario, began as a teenage dream fueled by a love for rock music. The band’s core lineup—bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart—solidified in 1974 when Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey just two weeks before their first U.S. tour. Initially, Rush played covers of bands like Led Zeppelin and The Who in local bars and high school gigs, with Lee and Lifeson bonding over their shared passion for music as high school friends. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging, including opening for acts like the New York Dolls in 1974, where Lifeson humorously recalled the crowd’s lukewarm response to their set. Rush’s self-titled debut album in 1974 leaned heavily on hard rock, but their sound evolved with Peart’s arrival, whose intricate drumming and cerebral lyrics pushed the band toward progressive rock. Their breakthrough came with 1976’s 2112, which established their reputation for complex compositions and philosophical themes, setting the stage for albums like A Farewell to Kings.

Fans can stay connected with Rush through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates on reissues, like the 40th anniversary edition of A Farewell to Kings, and archival content are shared. The Rush fan community thrives online, with dedicated spaces like The Rush Forum, a vibrant discussion board where fans, affectionately calling themselves “Rush nerds,” debate everything from album rankings to live performances. On Facebook, groups like Rush Fans foster a sense of camaraderie, with members sharing memorabilia and personal stories about the band’s impact. Social media posts, such as a 2015 X post by @rushtheband linking to an Alex Lifeson interview about “Closer to the Heart” in Guitar World, highlight the song’s significance, while fan-driven accounts like @igormirandasite celebrate the album’s anniversaries, noting its sophisticated tracks like “Xanadu” and “Cygnus X-1.” These platforms keep the Zoo Freaks’ love for Rush alive, spinning records and stories that resonate closer to the heart.