The legendary Canadian rock trio RUSH is embarking on a significant period of commemoration and continued engagement with their devoted fanbase, marked by the announcement of two pivotal new releases coinciding with their celebrated Fifty Something Tour. On October 2, 2026, fans will have the opportunity to acquire a special 50th Anniversary Liquid Vinyl Edition of their seminal 1976 album, 2112, and the inaugural vinyl pressing of the 2003 compilation, The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987. These releases underscore the band’s enduring legacy and their ongoing connection with audiences worldwide.
A Landmark Album Reimagined: The 50th Anniversary Liquid Vinyl Edition of 2112
The 50th Anniversary Liquid Vinyl Edition of 2112 pays homage to an album that not only achieved multi-platinum status, recently certified 4x Platinum, but also cemented RUSH’s reputation as pioneers of progressive and conceptual rock. This unique edition draws inspiration from the iconic cover art of the original release, featuring a die-cut hole designed to elegantly showcase the distinctive black liquid vinyl disc. Initially, a limited quantity of this special pressing was exclusively available at the UMusic Shop in New York City during RUSH’s four sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden in late July. Now, it is being made available more broadly as a Sound of Vinyl exclusive, with pre-orders open for enthusiasts eager to own this collector’s item.
The production of 2112 was overseen by longtime collaborator Terry Brown, whose expertise was instrumental in capturing the band’s evolving sound. The album’s centerpiece, the seven-part, 20-plus-minute title track, "2112," remains a testament to RUSH’s forward-thinking approach. This epic narrative, which occupies the entirety of the album’s first side, chronicles an individual’s struggle against oppressive authority, a theme that continues to resonate with profound relevance fifty years after its initial release. The thematic depth and musical complexity of "2112" propelled RUSH into a new echelon of artistic achievement, influencing countless musicians and solidifying their place in rock history.
The second side of 2112 showcases the diverse songwriting talents within the band. Neil Peart’s contributions include "A Passage to Bangkok," a vivid account of global travel with a clear objective, and "The Twilight Zone," an homage to two episodes of Rod Serling’s classic science fiction anthology series. Alex Lifeson’s "Lessons" offers a powerful instrumental interlude, distinguished by its dynamic slide guitar work. The album also features Geddy Lee’s poignant ballad, "Tears," and concludes with Peart’s philosophical reflection on decision-making and its ramifications in "Something for Nothing." Together, these tracks demonstrate the cohesive yet multifaceted artistry that defined RUSH’s creative output during this pivotal period.
The Spirit of Radio Finally Arrives on Vinyl: A Definitive Collection
Complementing the 2112 reissue is the first-ever vinyl release of The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987. This compilation, originally released in 2003, serves as a comprehensive overview of the band’s foundational years, featuring distinctive artwork by their long-time creative director, Hugh Syme. The collection encapsulates key tracks that highlight the initial phase of RUSH’s illustrious recording career.
Fans will have two configurations to choose from. The primary offering is a 2-LP set pressed on 180-gram black vinyl, featuring the original 16-track collection. A more concise, retail-exclusive 1-LP edition will also be available, presenting 10 tracks on black vinyl. While the 1-LP version shares nine songs with its double-LP counterpart, it notably excludes "Finding My Way," the opening track from their 1974 self-titled debut album. This particular song is exclusively featured on the 2-LP set, offering a deeper dive for dedicated collectors. Both versions of The Spirit of Radio are now available for pre-order, providing an opportunity for fans to experience the band’s early sonic evolution in a tangible format.
The tracklist of The Spirit of Radio is a curated journey through RUSH’s most impactful early work. It opens with the raw, guitar-driven energy of "Working Man," a staple that introduced the band to a wider audience. This is followed by "Fly by Night," a narrative of departure and exploration, and the conceptual introduction to the world of "2112: Overture / The Temples of Syrinx." The compilation also includes "Closer to the Heart," a song that resonated deeply with listeners for its themes of connection and shared humanity.
Further into the collection, tracks like "The Trees" delve into allegorical political commentary, while the title track, "The Spirit of Radio," celebrates the vibrant power of broadcast media. The intricate musicianship of "Freewill" showcases the band’s mastery of complex time signatures, and "Limelight" offers a prescient reflection on the challenges faced by introverted artists navigating public life and the desire for personal privacy. This track, in particular, has become an anthem for introspection and the balancing act between fame and solitude.
The compilation continues to highlight RUSH’s iconic status with enduring concert favorites such as "Tom Sawyer," a song celebrated for its lyrical depth and musical dynamism. "Red Barchetta" evokes a thrilling narrative of a high-stakes car race, painting a vivid sonic landscape. The reggae-tinged "New World Man," a chart-topping single in Canada and a significant hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, demonstrates the band’s willingness to experiment with diverse musical influences. The collection also features the synth-driven "Subdivisions," a powerful anthem capturing the restless spirit and anxieties of youth.
Rounding out the compilation are tracks from the band’s influential mid-80s period. "Distant Early Warning" from Grace Under Pressure (1984) is included, alongside the Top 50 hit "The Big Money." "Force Ten" from 1987, which achieved significant airplay on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart, further underscores the band’s consistent ability to produce hit singles. The final track on both versions of The Spirit of Radio is the introspective "Time Stand Still." This poignant song features a rare guest appearance from Aimee Mann of ‘Til Tuesday, who provided haunting vocal counterpoints to Geddy Lee’s lead vocals on the choruses. Notably, Mann recently joined RUSH onstage during their Fifty Something Tour in Los Angeles, performing her part of "Time Stand Still" live with the band for the first time.
The Fifty Something Tour: A Celebration of a Storied Career
The release of these new vinyl editions coincides with the continuation of RUSH’s universally acclaimed Fifty Something Tour. This highly anticipated tour marks the band’s first live performances in eleven years, a significant milestone for both the musicians and their dedicated fanbase. Co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are joined on this tour by acclaimed drummer Anika Nilles and keyboardist Loren Gold, carrying forward the band’s formidable musical legacy.
The "evening with" format of the tour features two sets each night, with RUSH curating setlists from a catalog of 40 songs. These selections span the band’s celebrated five-decade career, offering a comprehensive musical journey through their extensive discography. The tour, which commenced in Los Angeles, will continue throughout North America for the remainder of 2026 before expanding to South America and Europe in 2027. Fans seeking detailed information on tour dates and tickets are encouraged to visit www.rush.com/tour/fifty-something.
RUSH: A Legacy of Innovation and Influence
RUSH, comprising Geddy Lee (bass, keyboards, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar, vocals), and the late Neil Peart (drums, lyrics), has consistently pushed the boundaries of rock music. Their career is marked by over 45 million albums sold worldwide, seven Grammy Award nominations, billions of streams, and induction into prestigious halls of fame, including the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The trio’s unparalleled interplay and innovative approach have inspired multiple generations of musicians and cultivated one of the most devoted fan bases in music history.
The band’s ability to balance virtuosic musicianship with anthemic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics has defined their sound. RUSH holds the distinction of achieving the third most consecutive gold and platinum studio albums by a rock band, surpassed only by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Their significant contributions to culture and the arts have been recognized through various honors, including being appointed Officers of the Order of Canada in 1996, receiving the Canadian Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 2012, and earning stars on both the Canada Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The passing of Neil Peart on January 7, 2020, following a battle with brain cancer, marked a profound loss for the music world. In his honor and to celebrate the enduring legacy they forged together, Lee and Lifeson are continuing to share RUSH’s music live on the Fifty Something Tour. This tour represents an opportunity for new listeners to experience the band’s music in its full live glory and for long-time fans to reconnect with the sounds that have soundtracked their lives.
The simultaneous release of the 2112 50th Anniversary Liquid Vinyl Edition and the first-ever vinyl pressing of The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987 ensures that the spirit of RUSH continues to captivate and endure on vinyl, offering both a nostalgic journey for seasoned fans and an accessible entry point for those discovering their monumental body of work.
