A really great, breezy coffee table look at the history of Rush. The photographs are the star here and but I enjoyed the writing and opinion of the author and the ultimate compliment I can pay Daniel Bukszpan is that he made me interested to relisten to every single Rush album to see what he saw. Highly recommended.

Special Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group/Motorbooks and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

Rush at 50 by Daniel Bukszpan is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of rock's most iconic and enduring bands. As Rush celebrates half a century since their debut, this book takes readers on a visual and narrative journey through 50 significant milestones in the band's illustrious career. Bukszpan, a seasoned music journalist and Rush expert, provides an engaging overview of the band's evolution from humble beginnings in suburban Toronto to becoming an international rock legend.

The book is organized around critical moments in Rush's history, starting with the band's formation by bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson; it extends through their early gigs, breakthrough moments, and the ever-evolving musical style that defined their sound. Each chapter delves into a different milestone, offering readers a chance to explore the band's achievements, influences, and the unique dynamics that made Rush a beloved and innovative force in rock music.

Bukszpan does an excellent job of highlighting the contributions of each band member, including the original drummer, John Rutsey, and the legendary Neil Peart, whose drumming and lyrical genius became a cornerstone of the band's identity. The book also touches on the influence of Ayn Rand on Peart's lyrics, the band's various recording sessions, and the role of pivotal figures like Cleveland DJ Donna Halper in helping the band gain traction in the United States.

One of the standout features of Rush at 50 is its rich visual content. The book is filled with stunning concert photos, candid offstage moments, and a wealth of memorabilia, including gig posters, album covers, ticket stubs, and more. This visual feast complements the text and serves as a nostalgic journey for fans who have followed the band over the decades.

While the book is an excellent resource for any Rush fan, some readers might find the writing style repetitive or the author's opinions on specific albums and songs somewhat distracting. However, these minor issues do not detract from the book's overall value. The tribute to Neil Peart, in particular, is heartfelt and poignant, honoring his immense contribution to the band's legacy.

For die-hard Rush fans, Rush at 50 is a must-have addition to their collection. It offers a well-organized and visually captivating exploration of the band's history, making it a perfect coffee table book or a thoughtful gift. While the book may offer little new information to those familiar with Rush, it is a delightful way to relive the band's most significant moments and appreciate their enduring impact on rock music.

Rush at 50 is a fitting celebration of a band that has captivated audiences for five decades. Daniel Bukszpan has created a work that honors Rush's legacy with the respect and admiration it deserves, making it an essential read for anyone who appreciates Rush's artistry and innovation in rock music.

A wonderful collection of photos marking the 50th anniversary of Rush. The book is well organised and the discography at the back of the book is also a nice touch.

Unfortunately, the writing lets the book down. Clunky, repetitive and - at times - just plain annoying, the author rehashes the history of Rush from formation to present day. Whilst sections such as the tribute to Neil Peart are touching, I could have done without the authors personal opinions on certain albums and songs and the editing is shoddy to say the least (don't try to make a drinking game out of every time "Donna Halper, former music director for WMMS radio in Cleveland" is unnecessarily written - every self respecting Rush fan knows who Donna Halper is!)

What's left to say about Rush after so many books have already been published? In this case - not much.

Thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Motorbooks and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a great coffee table book for the Rush fan in your life. The photographs are beautiful and well curated. The general knowledge isn't anything new for a fan but still a good read. I think I could do without the authors opinions on the band continuing after Peart's passing but it's not offensive, just unnecessary.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for this ARC. I am reviewing this title honestly and voluntarily.

I can’t wait to buy this book!!

There are so many great pictures and articles in here! I didn’t learn much I didn’t know, but that’s probably a me thing. I didn’t request it to learn stuff, I wanted to look at pictures and articles and tickets stubs and all the fun stuff you get in a coffee table book. I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.

If you love Rush, this book will be a great addition to your collection! I really recommend it!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

As a huge Rush fan, I was excited to see such a well organized and edited tribute to the band. The milestones were a clever way to watch the band grow and evolve over time. The text is filled with quotes from over the years so as the reader, you can take in what was going on in each timeframe. The images chosen were a fun way to relive moments as well as discover new ones. I also loved the layout of albums in the back of the book near the index, which is one of those choices that doesn't seem obvious but when it's done it's a "oh, of course!" reaction. My only deduction was while it is wonderfully executed and the work gone into this is clearly a labor of love, I did feel a little removed from the band in the way only a Rush diehard would pick up on. It felt like I was just observing, whereas the Rush experience in real life and in the Rush community feels very inclusive, thanks in part the the members being so open. #Rushat50 #NetGalley.