Rock band Rush gives a shout out to Sault in Rolling Stone article

Offering reflection in a recent Rolling Stone article, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson says some elements of the bands seminal album 2112 — which was released 40 years ago this week — were worked out in Sault Ste. Marie.

Asked by Rolling Stone reporter Kory Grow about the distinctive guitar riff in the album’s second track, Temples of Syrinx, Lifeson said the band worked on that part of the track while in Sault Ste. Marie.

“I can visually picture us being in this little, freezing-cold room, with a Pignose tuning amp, and we were working through the tempos and that rest and the chords for that song, and working with the lyrics at the time, too,” replied Lifeson.

Rush first Sault show was scheduled for June 21, 1975 at the Memorial Gardens, but the show actually occurred the following day due to a travel delay.

An advance ticket cost $3.50, or $4 at the door.

Paul Muncaster, owner of The Rad Zone in the Wellington Square Mall, said in their early years, Rush would strategically target areas, such as northern Ontario and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to grow their fan base.

He remembers seeing them for the first time at age 16 at the Memorial Gardens, where Rush played in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

“Nobody knew who they were — and we were into Queen and Black Sabbath — so we walked down to the Gardens and were just awed by them,” said Muncaster.

He added, “it was a landmark in music for me, to see such an amazing Canadian band.”

Rush hasn't played the Sault since. 

The article in which Sault Ste. Marie is mentioned appeared on Rolling Stone’s website on Tuesday. To read the complete article click here.

Rush’s 2112 album was released 40 years ago, on April 1, 1976.

Muncaster said it’s cool to think such an important part of the band’s history was worked on in the Sault, and demonstrates the band’s work ethic in those early years.

“They’re just sitting there, waiting before they go on and still working, putting things together while they were travelling,” said Muncaster.

When buying records from a collector a few years ago, Muncaster acquired a tour poster from Rush’s 1976 show at the Memorial Gardens — which was in support of the 2112 album.

“It’s the coolest thing we have ever had in here,” he said.