Notable for singer Geddy Lee's glass-shattering vocals and the rest of the band's impressive musical chops, Rush carved itself a place in the prog-rock elite through three decades of popular releases.

Formed in 1968, guitarist Alex Lifeson (born Alexander Zivojinowich), vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee (born Gary Lee Weinrib) and drummer John Rutsey spent several years touring Toronto clubs, releasing a cover of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" as its debut single in 1973.

After the release of a self-titled album the following year, Rutsey was replaced with drummer Neil Peart, who took over as the band's chief songwriter. Rush released two albums the following year and in 1976, hit a breakthrough with the now platinum concept album 2112 (Moon/Mercury).