True artistry in any domain is an inspiration to artists of all domains. I frequently can't wait to get home and write after an amazing concert, art show, play, etc. (Same, of course, when I finish a great book, like, say, Kavalier & Clay. 😎)
I'm so delighted that you got to witness the magic, and equally excited that I'll have the opportunity in late July in New York.
Live music is as close to religion as I get, as I find singing along with a crowd of thousands, united in purpose and simultaneously located in a precise moment of space and time that somehow stretches on into infinity inherently spiritual. And that's never more true than when the band is Rush--their longevity is a time machine in and of itself, each performance and note simultaneously an invocation of some higher power of creativity that harnesses the raw energy and evocation of each the moment and energy of performance past and yet to come.
In a world where we're increasingly disintermediated from experience, I can't wait to be in that moment again, in all those moments again, surrounded by people who just get it.
I listened to yootoob videos of the entire first two shows and was astonished at how good Rush sounded. Specifically Lee, whose vocals sounded like he was struggling and pained in their last and most-enduring incarnation. But with Niles, they sound rejuvenated, and Geddy hiting registers smoothly that no longer hint he is straining the limits of machine and man. That said, the dearest moment of the sets for me was Aimee Mann joining him, something so poignant i want to freeze those moments a little bit longer.
Apparently, Geddy and Aimee have done some mutual appreciation on Insta. I do not know why this gladdens me so, but it does. Between that and Robert Smith joining Olivia Rodrigo onstage and on vinyl, it has been a great week to be an 80s icon. And alive.
Your vivid description of the current trio ("Anika" is the new drummer) is inspiring. I'm seeing them in October, looking forward. Also toward the next time I see Hockney's work on a museum wall.
Piecing the man together from various obituaries over the last 24 hours, I’m struck by the man’s artistic courage, working against the artistic grain of his time, bravely himself in his sexuality — but, equally, I’m struck by the man’s more subtle courage: I’m thinking of his move as an elderly man to Normandy. “I will go here now. This will be home.” There’s a lesson for all of us in that. That is North Star behavior. RIP, David Hockney.
Truly, a brilliant artist, I've had a reproduction of his road to Mulholland in my room for decades, and it feels tethering, not just to Los Angeles, but do that feeling
I agree with you about the live music. However, reading what you wrote here about Hockney and rush was also akin to a religious nirvana for me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work, Michael Chabon.
It is so moving. I’m trying to figure out how the fills in Tom Sawyer, for instance, executed so perfectly by her make me weep. But there it is. Seeing them here in Toronto August 6th. And I get to bring my 14-year-old son.
I wen to see a Hockney show at the deYoung followed by a show of Anders Zorn at the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and was floored by the contrast, with the intricate detailed watercolors by Zorn, and was at first disappointed at the work of Hockney, but soon realized how amazing his work with colors and subjects was,(especially the ipad video experience of four seasons in four directions in one room). Nice that he kept up his art. I just saw Booker T in a show, and at 81 he is still performing his skill, and watching him with his group of younger musicians, all were loving the moment.
True artistry in any domain is an inspiration to artists of all domains. I frequently can't wait to get home and write after an amazing concert, art show, play, etc. (Same, of course, when I finish a great book, like, say, Kavalier & Clay. 😎)
I'm so delighted that you got to witness the magic, and equally excited that I'll have the opportunity in late July in New York.
Live music is as close to religion as I get, as I find singing along with a crowd of thousands, united in purpose and simultaneously located in a precise moment of space and time that somehow stretches on into infinity inherently spiritual. And that's never more true than when the band is Rush--their longevity is a time machine in and of itself, each performance and note simultaneously an invocation of some higher power of creativity that harnesses the raw energy and evocation of each the moment and energy of performance past and yet to come.
In a world where we're increasingly disintermediated from experience, I can't wait to be in that moment again, in all those moments again, surrounded by people who just get it.
Your words here really hit home for me.
I’m glad I’m not alone (being not alone is a pretty great feeling)!
I listened to yootoob videos of the entire first two shows and was astonished at how good Rush sounded. Specifically Lee, whose vocals sounded like he was struggling and pained in their last and most-enduring incarnation. But with Niles, they sound rejuvenated, and Geddy hiting registers smoothly that no longer hint he is straining the limits of machine and man. That said, the dearest moment of the sets for me was Aimee Mann joining him, something so poignant i want to freeze those moments a little bit longer.
You mean… make time stand still?
We saw her and it was enchanting.
Apparently, Geddy and Aimee have done some mutual appreciation on Insta. I do not know why this gladdens me so, but it does. Between that and Robert Smith joining Olivia Rodrigo onstage and on vinyl, it has been a great week to be an 80s icon. And alive.
Your vivid description of the current trio ("Anika" is the new drummer) is inspiring. I'm seeing them in October, looking forward. Also toward the next time I see Hockney's work on a museum wall.
Thank you for the correction!
Piecing the man together from various obituaries over the last 24 hours, I’m struck by the man’s artistic courage, working against the artistic grain of his time, bravely himself in his sexuality — but, equally, I’m struck by the man’s more subtle courage: I’m thinking of his move as an elderly man to Normandy. “I will go here now. This will be home.” There’s a lesson for all of us in that. That is North Star behavior. RIP, David Hockney.
Canada exports it's greatest talent. Popular in Europe, it took decades for Rush to be accepted as the great talents that they are back home.
I also love the story of how Geddy became the bass player.
Truly, a brilliant artist, I've had a reproduction of his road to Mulholland in my room for decades, and it feels tethering, not just to Los Angeles, but do that feeling
This is wonderful. Thank you.
I agree with you about the live music. However, reading what you wrote here about Hockney and rush was also akin to a religious nirvana for me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work, Michael Chabon.
Great piece, Michael.
Thanks, Joe!
Beautiful piece. Makes me want to out-craft aging and go practice something.
It is so moving. I’m trying to figure out how the fills in Tom Sawyer, for instance, executed so perfectly by her make me weep. But there it is. Seeing them here in Toronto August 6th. And I get to bring my 14-year-old son.
With your silver beard and your offspring at your side, you will fit right in
I wen to see a Hockney show at the deYoung followed by a show of Anders Zorn at the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and was floored by the contrast, with the intricate detailed watercolors by Zorn, and was at first disappointed at the work of Hockney, but soon realized how amazing his work with colors and subjects was,(especially the ipad video experience of four seasons in four directions in one room). Nice that he kept up his art. I just saw Booker T in a show, and at 81 he is still performing his skill, and watching him with his group of younger musicians, all were loving the moment.
Just beautiful. Thank you.
Lovely Rush reverie but note that Neil P. died in 2020 not 2000.
Thank you!
But you never answered the most important question. Does Geddy Lee talk like a regular guy?