Driven

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin Driven by Rush from their 1996 album Test for Echo here at THE ZOO! This track is a bass-heavy banger, and Geddy Lee himself called it a “quintessential Rush song” in a 1996 interview. What makes it stand out? Geddy wrote it entirely on bass, layering three separate bass tracks to create that gnarly, driving sound. During live performances on the Test for Echo tour, Driven became a showcase for Geddy’s bass skills, with a funky solo that had fans losing their minds. Alex Lifeson, in a chat with Guitar World, mentioned the song’s raw energy came from the band’s desire to strip back the synths and crank}!5E6D4A2C-5B7B-4E6D-9E46-5DAFBACDDC81 rush.com, digging into the recording process, it’s cool to note that the band worked with engineer Clif Norrell, a Rush fan who used to cover their songs in his own band. The mixing by Andy Wallace brought fresh ears to the tracks, giving Driven a punchy, in-your-face vibe.

Let’s talk some trippy trivia. The music video for Driven is a wild ride, blending dystopian visuals that feel like a mix of Blade Runner, The Matrix, and Mad Max. According to a post on The Rush Forum, fans dig the song’s gritty edge, though some prefer the live version on Different Stages for its extra fire. On Instagram, Geddy Lee shared a throwback to the Test for Echo tour, where Driven was a setlist staple. The song’s lyrics, penned by Neil Peart, touch on ambition and the relentless push forward, which hit home for the band after a three-year break before the album’s release. Check out fan chatter on the Rush Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can join discussions about the song’s heavy riffs and that iconic bassline.

How did Rush get their start? Picture Toronto, 1968, with teenagers Alex Lifeson and John Rutsey jamming in basements, inspired by heavyweights like Led Zeppelin and Cream. Geddy Lee, then Gary Lee Weinrib, hopped on bass and vocals after their first bassist bailed. They gigged around Toronto, playing bars and high schools, honing their chops. By 1973, they cut their first single, a cover of Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away, which flopped, but it pushed them to start their own label, Moon Records. Their debut album, Rush (1974), got traction when Cleveland’s WMMS radio spun Working Man, catching Mercury Records’ attention. Drummer John Rutsey split in ’74 due to health issues, and Neil Peart stepped in, locking in the classic trio. Their big break came with 2112 (1976), a sci-fi epic that went platinum in Canada and built their cult following. Connect with fans on Rush’s official Facebook or follow Alex Lifeson on Instagram for more band lore.

For more Rush goodness, hit up their official website or follow them on X. Fan sites like Rush is a Band and Cygnus-X1.net are goldmines for Zoo Freaks craving deep dives into Rush’s history. Join the Rush Fan Community on Facebook to keep the vibes flowing. Now, crank up Driven and let’s ride that bassline into the cosmos!