RUSH: What They Taught Me About Writing

I finally saw the 2010 documentary, RUSH: Beyond the Lighted Stage about the rock band of the same name http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1545103/

I really enjoyed it—although I was a bit biased going into the film. I’ve seen RUSH in concert at least 3 times during the last 20 years. During my teen and college years I spent many an hour (sometimes while writing and/or doing homework) listening to the fantastic guitaring, drumming and lyrics of RUSH. The movie has some fun cameos featuring various actors and musicians who have been influenced by their music.

As I watched “Beyond the Lighted Stage” I could not help but marvel at their wisdom and how they developed their craft from high school students forming a band to prolific rock legends. Here are a few tidbits I learned from this movie that I think apply as much to writing as to rock and roll.

• Practice, practice, practice
• Have a sense of humor about yourself
• Your art is just one aspect of your life (be it music or writing)
• Your health and well being are more important than your art
• Build on known stories and mythos
• Good friends can help you succeed
• It’s not about the booze, drugs and chicks
• Go for your passion
• Don’t focus on making money
• Ignore expectations of others
• Be true to yourself/don’t cater to what sells and you’ll succeed
• Read – it’s good for your writing/lyrics (Neil Pert)
• A large nose can come in handy (Geddy Lee)
• Humility is a good thing
• Always be open to new influences
• You can always learn something new
• Be aware of what you have—and appreciate it
• Hard work & virtue are rewarded
• Some of my favorite RUSH songs:

The Trees: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4amV7__XFA

La Villa Stangiato: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78D00dYOBrM

Closer to the Heart: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEgXe-gQxX4

Spirit of the Radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm0hSUs6giA

Red Barchetta: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMtTJS3YcMc

Help RUSH into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lets-get-RUSH-into-the-Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame/102414003128378