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!)

GO BONELESS

Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz n Shatz welcome Paul Rydalch — lifelong Rush obsessive, repentant superfan, and now official roadie for Rush Archives — for one of the wildest, funniest, and most heartfelt conversations the show has ever hosted.

Paul traces his journey from a teenage Signals-era gateway moment to 17 Rush shows, backstage misadventures, near-misses, security scares, meet-and-greet miracles, and ultimately finding his place behind the scenes with Rush Archives. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories involving soundchecks, banners, pit passes, hotel stairwells, Mr. Rush figurines, and the fine line between passion and obsession — all told with honesty, humor, and hard-earned self-awareness.

The episode also digs into what makes Rush Archives special: the community, the family atmosphere, and the love-driven dedication it takes to faithfully bring Rush’s music to life on stage. From road crew realities to the emotional pull of Rush’s legacy, this is a deep dive into fandom, forgiveness, and finding your people.

As always, the night ends where it should: with the Bone Roller spinning fate’s wheel. The result — Secret Touch from Vapor Trails sparks a thoughtful discussion about grief, resilience, texture, and why this track stands as one of Rush’s most underrated late-period compositions.

Big stories. Big laughs. Big feelings.

This is Rush Rash at full scratch — and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

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!)

GO BONELESS

Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We go all in on what Alex is doing here. Like, really man...pretty Rush-ie trip with Edwin. Check it out.

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!)

GO BONELESS

Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.