Book review: Limelight: Rush in the 80’s by Martin Popoff

[Publication date 20.10.20]

Martin Popoff’s follow up to ‘Anthem: Rush in the ‘70s’ he now covers the band’s 80’s albums – both studio and live. Different from the ever expanded ‘Track By Track’ books in that although Martin Popoff critiques each song, there is a wealth of interviews with the band members, namely Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart, along with the producers Terry Brown, and Rupert Hine. Plus other assorted music biz people, in a mixture of interviews conducted by the author (some of which are published for the first time in this book) and from previously published interviews from the likes of Kerrang! Hit Parader and more.

For me the decade produced some classic Rush albums including ‘Signals’ and ‘Grace Under Pressure’, along with memorable album covers. Interesting to see how regular guys the members of Rush are, with other bands and tour managers stating how kind the band were to support bands (unlike how Aerosmith’s management treated Rush when they supported them). Fascinating band and producer interviews give the insight to each album’s recording process, along with how the band were doing in the music world at that time.

Popoff writes as a fan, but never goes ‘fanboy’, covering the great, good and not so memorable music the band made during the course of the 80’s. Reading the book whilst listening to the album in question is a great way to combine a love of books and music.

Recommended read for any fan of the band and already looking forward to Rush in the 90’s!

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)