Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage

Toronto-based power trio Rush was formed in 1968 by guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist and singer Geddy Lee, and drummer John Rutsey; the band made their way through the Canadian bar scene until they signed a recording deal and released their self-titled debut album in 1974. However, it wasn't until Rutsey left the group and Neil Peart signed on as their new drummer that Rush's signature sound took shape, a muscular variation on progressive rock marked by the keen instrumental prowess of all three members and the lyrically and musically adventurous songwriting of Peart. With little help from the music press or mainstream radio, Rush grew into a commercial powerhouse, releasing a long string of multi-platinum albums and playing sold-out shows in North America and Europe. A notoriously reclusive band, Rush offer their fans a rare and intimate behind-the-scenes look into their music and their career in the documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, which features exclusive interviews with the members of the group and footage of them on- and off-stage as well as contributions from a number of famous fans -- from Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Gene Simmons of KISS to Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and actor and musician Jack Black. Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage received its world premiere at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival.