Legendary rock band RUSH is set to release their first comprehensive career anthology titled "Rush 50" on March 21 through UMe/Mercury and Anthem Records, celebrating 50 years of musical excellence.
The massive 50-track collection spans the band's entire journey, from their 1973 debut single to their final performance in 2015. The anthology features seven previously unreleased tracks, including the long-awaited official reissue of their first Moon Records single "Not Fade Away" and "You Can't Fight It."
"50? Is that all?...seriously...it's a cool collection...but look at all those songs — I'm exhausted just reading the effin list!" remarked RUSH bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee.
The collection showcases rare live recordings from the band's early days, including performances with original drummer John Rutsey at Laura Secord Secondary School in Ontario and later shows featuring Neil Peart at Cleveland's Agora Ballroom in 1974. The anthology concludes with RUSH's final performance - a medley of "What You're Doing/Working Man/Garden Road" recorded at The Forum in Los Angeles in 2015.
Fans can choose from five different configurations:
- Super Deluxe Edition (4 CDs, 7 LPs, artwork, books)
- Rush Store Exclusive Super Deluxe Edition (includes bonus lithographs)
- 7-LP Deluxe Edition
- 4-CD Deluxe Edition
- Digital Edition
The Super Deluxe Edition features new artwork by longtime creative director Hugh Syme, a 104-page hardcover book with essays by rock journalists David Fricke and Philip Wilding, and a 100-page graphic novel titled "The Fullness Of Time." The novel, illustrated by Fantoons, chronicles conversations between Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson about recording each studio album.
The anthology includes selections from all 20 studio albums, highlighting the band's evolution from their progressive rock roots through decades of musical innovation. The collection has been meticulously remastered, with the vinyl editions cut using Direct Metal Mastering at GZ Media.