Dreamline / Limelight (Live 1998)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the iconic "Dreamline / Limelight (Live 1998)" by Rush, taken from their live album Different Stages, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to this progressive rock masterpiece. "Dreamline," originally from the 1991 album Roll the Bones, captures a sense of wanderlust and youthful invulnerability, as described by bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee in an interview: "I love the spirit of 'Dreamline' and the way Neil captures that feeling of wanderlust and invulnerability that comes in a particular trying time in your life." Music critic Martin Popoff noted its dynamic structure, calling it "strafed by a crouching-then-striking verse and clouds-breaking chorus," making it a powerful opener for Different Stages. The live version from 1998, recorded during Rush's 1997 Test for Echo tour, showcases an extended bridge with a searing guitar solo by Alex Lifeson, a staple of their live performances.

"Limelight," from the 1981 album Moving Pictures, is deeply personal for drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, reflecting his struggles with fame. In a 1988 interview, Geddy Lee explained, "Limelight was probably more of Neil's song... his feelings about being in the limelight and his difficulty with coming to grips with fame and autograph seekers and a sudden lack of privacy." Alex Lifeson, in a 2007 interview, highlighted the emotional weight of the song’s guitar solo, saying, "There’s something very sad and lonely about it; it exists in its own little world." He performed it on a modified Fender Stratocaster dubbed the "Hentor Sportscaster," equipped with a Floyd Rose vibrato arm, which critics like Max Mobley praised for its "dripping" vibrato influenced by Allan Holdsworth. The song’s lyrics nod to Shakespeare’s As You Like It, paraphrasing "All the world’s a stage," a reference Rush also used for their 1976 live album.

The Different Stages album, released in 1998, captures Rush’s raw energy, with the first two discs recorded during their 1994 Counterparts and 1997 Test for Echo tours, including performances at the Chicago World Amphitheater on June 14, 1997. Unlike their earlier live albums, Exit...Stage Left and A Show of Hands, the tracks on Different Stages were left unpolished, avoiding overdubs to preserve the live intensity. The album’s third disc, featuring a 1978 performance at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, has been a fan favorite, offering rare live renditions of tracks like "Cygnus X-1" and "Cinderella Man." "Dreamline" and "Limelight" together highlight Rush’s ability to blend technical prowess with emotional depth, making them enduring staples in their live sets, with "Dreamline" performed on every tour from 1991 until 2011, and "Limelight" remaining a fan favorite for its introspective lyrics and Lifeson’s iconic solo.

Rush, the Canadian progressive rock trio, began in Toronto in 1968, initially formed by guitarist Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and bassist/vocalist Jeff Jones, who was quickly replaced by Geddy Lee. The band cycled through several lineups until Neil Peart joined in July 1974, replacing Rutsey just before their first U.S. tour, solidifying the classic lineup of Lee, Lifeson, and Peart. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1974, leaned heavily on hard rock influences, but Peart’s arrival brought a shift toward complex compositions and literary lyrics, evident in their 1975 album Fly by Night. Despite early struggles, including the commercial flop of Caress of Steel, which nearly led to their label dropping them, Rush persevered, gaining traction with albums like 2112 and building a loyal fanbase through relentless touring. Their blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and later pop and synth elements influenced countless artists, from Metallica to Tool, as noted in the 2010 documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage.

Stay connected with Rush through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates and throwbacks. Fans can dive deeper into the Rush community via dedicated fan sites like Power Windows, a comprehensive archive of Rush history, or join discussions on the Rush Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memorabilia, concert stories, and trivia. These platforms keep the spirit of Rush alive, celebrating their legacy as one of rock’s most innovative bands.