RUSHfest Canada Comes to Toronto for Historic Two-Day Tribute Celebrating 10 Years Since Rush’s Final Show
TORONTO — It’s a milestone moment for Canadian rock fans as RUSHfest Canada lands in Toronto for a once-in-a-generation celebration of Rush—the iconic progressive rock trio that forever changed the landscape of Canadian music. The two-day fan festival will take place August 1–2 at Massey Hall and TD Music Hall, marking exactly 10 years since Rush played their final concert in Los Angeles on August 1, 2015.
Organized by RUSHfest Scotland founder Steve Brown and Canadian music journalist Paul Beaulieu, the event will bring together fans, collaborators, tribute performers, and family members of the band in a heartfelt homage to late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Proceeds from the event will go toward brain cancer research at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, honouring Peart’s memory and legacy.
A Return to Where It All Began
Friday’s show at Massey Hall—a legendary venue where Rush recorded their 1976 breakthrough live album All the World’s a Stage—will feature a star-studded lineup of special guests and performances. Among the highlights:
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Terry Brown, longtime Rush producer behind the band’s first 10 albums
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Hugh Syme, iconic Rush album cover artist and designer of Songs for Neil Vol. 6
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Jonathan Dinklage, strings performer from the Clockwork Angels tour
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Jacob Moon, known for his viral acoustic cover of “Subdivisions”
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Nina DiGregorio & Brody Dolynuik, of Femmes of Rock, personally endorsed by Alex Lifeson
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Chris Herin, of the band Tiles
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David Barrett, Toronto-based instrumental guitar virtuoso
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Adi Berk, known for his “Red Sector A” performance with Moon
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Moving Pictures (UK), a top Rush tribute band that’s toured Brazil and headlined Lakeside Park
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Kevin J. Anderson, co-author with Neil Peart on Clockwork Lives
More Music, More Magic at TD Music Hall
The celebration continues on Saturday, August 2 at TD Music Hall with performances by:
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2112, a Burlington-based tribute band performing All the World’s a Stage in its entirety
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Permanent Waves, Toronto’s beloved Rush fan band
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RUSHfest Canada Allstars, a special collaborative tribute ensemble
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Return performances by Jacob Moon, David Barrett, and DiGregorio & Dolynuik
Honouring Neil Peart and the Rush Family Legacy
Members of the Peart and Živojinoviç families will be in attendance, along with longtime Rush collaborators including Bob King and Mike Dixon. While not officially affiliated with Rush, RUSHfest Canada has the blessing of many who contributed to the band’s enduring legacy.
The event coincides with the release of Songs for Neil Vol. 6, a global tribute album curated by RUSHfest Scotland, which will launch on Peart’s birthday, September 12. All profits from the album and the Toronto festival go directly to brain cancer research.
Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability remaining:
VIP experiences and full event details are available at www.RUSHfestCanada.ca.
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