concert

And now, Rush . . . (air drumroll, please)

By SEAN DALY
Published June 14, 2007

A wise, gently mocking colleague once told me that a Rush show is the place where rock fans prefer air drumming to air guitaring. Such is the mythical allure of Neil Peart, the time-keeping marvel behind the prog-pop trio that rocketed to cult status in the '70s. Bassist-singer Geddy Lee is a hero, and guitarist Alex Lifeson is an underrated great. But Rush's Peart, who sits behind a drum kit larger than Rhode Island, is a legend whose rhythm prowess can be heard from classic rock stations all over the world. Peart is also the band's allegory-happy lyricist, which makes him even more of a deity with rabidly protective fans. I recently gave Rush's new album, Snakes & Arrows, a B- grade, and from the amount of hate mail received, I almost had security walk me to my car. I can't have someone air drumming me into an early grave.

Rush performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Ford Amphitheatre, Interstate 4 at U.S. 301 N, Tampa. $42-$82. (813) 740-2446.

[Last modified June 13, 2007, 16:34:44]