Jacob’s Ladder

Zoo Freaks, get ready to climb the cosmic rungs of Jacob’s Ladder from Rush’s 1980 album Permanent Waves! This track is a psychedelic march, blending heavy metal and New Age vibes, with a cinematic approach that paints a vivid picture of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Drummer Neil Peart described the song as a musical depiction of this natural phenomenon, inspired by a term he heard from Geddy Lee’s mother-in-law. The band crafted the music first, using complex time signatures like 11/4 and 13/8, to evoke a stormy, ominous atmosphere before the lyrics were added as a final touch to enhance the imagery. Peart noted in a 1985 Backstage Club newsletter that the song’s title, tied to the Biblical vision of angels ascending and descending a ladder to heaven, was chosen for its poetic resonance with the visual of sun rays piercing the clouds.

One juicy tidbit comes from Geddy Lee himself, who admitted in a Classic Rock interview that he wasn’t initially thrilled about reviving Jacob’s Ladder for Rush’s R40 tour in 2015. The band hadn’t played it live since the Permanent Waves tour in 1980, but fan demand—constantly listing it among their top five requested songs—pushed them to bring it back. Lee’s reluctance faded during rehearsals when he rediscovered the song’s relentless, signature moments that Rush fans adore. The performance became a highlight of the tour, with stunning lights and lasers designed by Howard Ungerleider, as noted on the band’s official website. Fun fact: during the R40 tour, Lee mistakenly claimed the song had never been played live before, only to be corrected by eagle-eyed fans online, who pointed out its inclusion on the 1981 live album Exit...Stage Left.

Another gem from the Rush vault:Minnesota’s Jacob’s Ladder is often overshadowed by Permanent Waves hits like The Spirit of Radio and Freewill, but it’s a fan favorite for its atmospheric depth. Reddit threads on r/rush buzz with fans calling it “significantly underrated” for its wild rhythms and Alex Lifeson’s spiraling guitar work, with some even declaring it their favorite Rush song. The track’s three seamless sections, described as a “biblical steampunk” journey by Progarchy, showcase Rush’s ability to blend epic storytelling with tighter song structures, a pivot from their earlier, lengthier compositions. Metallica’s Kirk Hammett even admitted to borrowing a riff from the song for The Thing That Should Not Be, a nod to its influence.

Rush, the Canadian power trio, began in the Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto in August 1968. Originally a bluesy hard rock band, the group was founded by guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer John Rutsey. They gigged around local bars and high schools, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1974, which included the minor hit Finding My Way. The band’s sound shifted dramatically when Neil Peart replaced Rutsey just before their first U.S. tour in 1974. Peart’s intricate drumming and philosophical lyrics, influenced by Ayn Rand and sci-fi, gave Rush its distinctive progressive rock edge. Their 1976 album 2112, a dystopian concept record, became their breakthrough, earning them a loyal following among prog and metal fans. Over four decades, Rush sold over 40 million records, earned seven Grammy nominations, and secured 25 gold or platinum albums, cementing their status as one of rock’s most enduring acts.

For more Rush goodness, check out their official website for tour archives, merch, and news. Connect with the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwback posts. Fans can dive into communities like the Rush is a Band fan site for detailed discographies and blogs, or join the Rush Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and setlist debates with fellow Zoo Freaks. Keep spinning those records, and let Jacob’s Ladder light up your airwaves!