Stick It Out

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Stick It Out" from Rush's Counterparts album! This track, the second on the 1993 release, is a heavy-hitting gem with a playful edge. In a 1993 interview on the Counterparts World Radio Premiere, drummer Neil Peart explained that the song's title is a clever wordplay, capturing both a defiant "stick it out" attitude and the endurance to push through tough times. He described it as verging on parody, with lyrics like "stick it out" and "spit it out" adding a fun, tongue-in-cheek vibe. Peart noted in a 1994 Modern Drummer interview that he aimed to give this riff-rock tune a touch of elegance, balancing its raw energy with Rush's signature sophistication.

Fans on Reddit have praised "Stick It Out" for its drop-D tuning and Alex Lifeson's killer guitar solo, with some calling it one of Rush's heaviest tracks. A post on X from 2022 highlighted the song as a single from Counterparts, alongside tracks like "Nobody’s Hero" and "Animate." One fan on Reddit shared their thrill at seeing it performed live during the 2010-2011 Time Machine tour, rating it an 8.5/10 for its in-your-face sound. However, not all fans vibe with it; some feel it leans too much into the early '90s grunge trend, with one Reddit user giving it a 6.5/10, noting they rarely listen to the full track. Interestingly, the song’s drum work stands out—Peart avoids using toms entirely, relying on simple yet distinctive beats, as a Reddit commenter pointed out.

Rush, the Canadian trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, began their journey in 1968 in Toronto. Formed by Lifeson and original drummer John Rutsey, with Lee joining soon after as bassist and vocalist, the band started as a scrappy group playing covers in local bars and high schools. According to their bio on Rush.com, they honed their craft in Toronto’s club scene, drawing inspiration from bands like Led Zeppelin and Cream. Their self-titled debut album in 1974, recorded after scraping together funds, caught the ear of Mercury Records, launching them onto the global stage. Peart replaced Rutsey that same year, bringing his intricate drumming and cerebral lyrics, which shaped Rush’s progressive rock sound. Albums like 2112 (1976) and Moving Pictures (1981) cemented their legacy, blending technical prowess with themes of individuality and human struggle.

Stay connected with Rush through their official channels: their website at Rush.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper into the Rush community at The Rush Forum, a vibrant fan website where Zoo Freaks can geek out over discography debates and concert memories. Join the Rush Fans Facebook group to share your love for tracks like "Stick It Out" and connect with fellow devotees. Whether you’re headbanging to the heavy riffs or pondering Peart’s lyrical puns, Rush’s music keeps the Zoo Crew and our Freaks rocking!