This week on Rush Rash, Chaz and Shatz crack open the Haggis Shack to welcome a true lifer: Rob Silverberg, the driving force behind Midwest RushFest. Before the wheel spins, the guys dive deep into Rob’s Rush origin story—Signals and “The Analog Kid” as the gateway, Columbia House confessions, and buying Grace Under Pressure on release day like it was a sacred ritual.

From there, it’s all about community. Rob walks through the evolution of Midwest Rush Fest—from a heartfelt gathering in 2016 to a full-blown annual celebration at The Pageant in St. Louis. Along the way: Martin Popoff, Kevin J. Anderson, Maya Wynn, Nancy and Judy Peart, Thunderhead, jam sessions, catered dinners, raffle giveaways, and hundreds of Rushians sharing one room where everyone gets the references. As Rob puts it, it’s the rare place where you’re not the only Rush fan in the room.

The conversation detours into serious collector territory—basements lined floor to ceiling, the philosophy of “exhibition, not competition,” and the surreal moment of spotting his own Rush license plate hanging in Ray Daniels’ office in Beyond the Lighted Stage. Add 60 live Rush shows, multiple meet-and-greets, and a possible nod of recognition from Geddy Lee, and you’ve got a résumé that earns its stripes.

The wheel lands on Dreamline from Roll the Bones.

The trio breaks down the song’s urgency, cinematic production, and that unmistakable opening drive. They dig into the themes of youth, motion, and the fleeting nature of time—“we are young, wandering the face of the earth”—and reflect on how the song mirrors the Rush touring life itself: rolling at home when you’re on the run.

A celebration of fandom, fellowship, and forward momentum—this episode proves that even decades later, the dream is still alive.

SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS

Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!

⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)

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