The Seeker

The Zoo Crew is spinning "The Seeker" by Rush from their 2004 EP Feedback, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing to its raw energy. This song is a cover of The Who’s 1970 single, written by Pete Townshend, and Rush’s version brings a gritty, garage-rock edge to the progressive rock giants’ catalog. According to a 2004 interview with Guitar World, Alex Lifeson shared that the band recorded Feedback in a relaxed, spontaneous setting, aiming to pay homage to the 1960s bands that shaped their early sound. Lifeson noted, “We just went in and played these songs for fun, no pressure, just capturing that youthful spirit.” The choice of "The Seeker" resonated with the band’s own relentless drive, as its lyrics about a desperate search for meaning echoed their career-long pursuit of musical evolution.

A memorable story about "The Seeker" comes from the R30: 30th Anniversary Tour, detailed in a Reddit thread by user mrethandunne. During a Toronto show at the Molson Amphitheatre, Alex Lifeson was playfully dancing on stage, entertaining Geddy Lee and Neil Peart. His leg accidentally hit his Les Paul guitar, causing a strange pickup noise. Lifeson, away from his mic, audibly said “oops” to his bandmates, a moment caught by fans in the front rows. A fan’s wife laughed, prompting Lifeson to smile and later toss her a guitar pick after a playful two-step dance move, showcasing the band’s lighthearted camaraderie. Fans on the Rush is a Band blog have also praised Feedback for letting Rush “take a break from being Rush,” highlighting how "The Seeker" allowed them to channel a looser, less polished side.

Rush began in 1968 in Toronto, Canada, when teenagers Alex Lifeson (guitar), John Rutsey (drums), and Jeff Jones (bass/vocals) formed the band, as noted on their official biography page. Jones was soon replaced by Geddy Lee, who took on bass and lead vocals, shaping the band’s early sound inspired by hard rock acts like Cream and Led Zeppelin. They honed their skills playing Toronto bars and clubs, with their self-titled debut album in 1974 marking their first step toward fame. Neil Peart joined that same year, replacing Rutsey and bringing his intricate drumming and cerebral lyrics, which defined Rush’s progressive rock identity. Their 1976 album 2112 was a breakthrough, blending dystopian storytelling with complex instrumentation, earning them a devoted fanbase. Over decades, Rush evolved from heavy prog epics to concise hits like "Tom Sawyer", selling over 45 million records worldwide by 2023, per Britannica.

You can keep up with Rush’s legacy on their official website, where they share news, tour archives, and merchandise like the upcoming RUSH 50 box set. Their Facebook page posts updates on releases and tributes, while their Instagram shares throwback photos and fan art. On X, they engage with fans through posts about anniversaries and rare tracks. Fans gather at sites like Rush is a Band, a blog with detailed discography and news, and the Rush Fans Facebook Group, where Zoo Freaks can connect over setlists and memories. For tribute performances, check out Moving Pictures, a UK-based Rush tribute band that played for Neil Peart’s family in 2023.