In Joseph Arthur's initial LSD journey, the experience combined with listening to "2112" by Rush led him to appreciate the grandeur of the pyramids, and he felt as if he was cycling through streets that flowed like water towards "YYZ".
In the world of progressive rock, few bands have left an indelible mark like Rush. American singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur, in a 2013 statement, shared his reasons for naming Rush as his favorite progressive band.
Arthur's love for Rush began with a significant influence - his first and only guitar teacher, who was part of a Rush tribute band named Hemispheres. The teacher viewed Rush as gods, a sentiment that Arthur adopted and held in high regard.
The first time Arthur took acid at age 15, Rush’s music became his soundtrack. He experienced vivid, surreal visions while listening to their songs like "Song of the Siren," "2112," and "YYZ." These experiences further cemented his appreciation beyond just liking their music.
Growing up in Ohio, where Rush was especially popular, also connected him culturally and personally to the band. The immersion in Rush's complex and imaginative music during those formative and intense moments solidified his admiration.
Arthur's only live Rush experience was through his guitar teacher's tribute band. He claimed to have seen pyramids while listening to 2112 and "sirens covered in pavement sing to him" during Song Of The Siren.
In his own shows, Arthur uses Moog bass pedals, a sign of his influence from Rush's unique sound. He also recalled a memorable session in a crappy apartment in Cleveland, where he drank beer and smoked joints while listening to Rush records. However, he did not specify which Rush records were played during that session.
Arthur's love for Rush extends to their individual members. He named Alex Lifeson's technical guitar and Geddy Lee's bass playing as notable aspects of the band's sound. Despite these personal experiences, Arthur does not endorse the use of drugs or alcohol.
In summary, Joseph Arthur's love for Rush is a testament to the transformative power of music, personal mentorship, and regional affinity. His experiences with the band have left a lasting impact on his musical career and personal life.
[1] This paragraph is a summary of the reasons Arthur gave for his love for Rush, as stated in his 2013 statement.
- Arthur's initial exposure to Rush was through his guitar teacher, a member of a Rush tribute band, who instilled in him a reverence for the band by viewing them as gods.
- Arthur's first experience with acid at 15 was soundtracked by Rush's music, particularly tracks like "Song of the Siren," "2112," and "YYZ," transforming his appreciation of their music into a deeper and more personal connection.
- The cultural and personal connections to Rush, rooted in growing up in Ohio where the band was especially popular, further solidified Arthur's admiration for the band.
- Arthur's live Rush experience was through his guitar teacher's tribute band, during which he claimed to have seen pyramids while listening to 2112 and heard "sirens covered in pavement sing to him" during Song Of The Siren.
- In his own music, Arthur emulates Rush's unique sound by using Moog bass pedals and cites Alex Lifeson's technical guitar and Geddy Lee's bass playing as notable aspects of the band's sound, despite not endorsing the use of drugs or alcohol.
