Since my first live concert somewhere in 1982 I have seen quite a number of groups performing but in spite of all the live action I have seen in front of my steaming eyes there are still some gaps in my ‘wanted-list’ waiting to be filled.

One of them was Rush, and I almost gave up on ever catching them live when suddenly earlier this year the announcement was made that on their 30th Anniversary tour Europe was also included. We still had to make a trip to our northern neighbours however to see them but that was only a minor obstacle for many a devoted Rush fan.

Twelve long years have past since their last performance on these shores and not surprisingly tonight’s gig, the last of the European tour, was already sold out for months. This Canadian threesome have a reputation of making high quality progressive rock and I wondered if they could deliver the same energetic performance on stage as in the studio. But I didn’t need to worry as Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee & Neil Peart brought a three hour set (including a break) with a perfect balance between technique and musicality. It was nice to see that these guys still play with a lot of enthusiasm. Something not to be taken for granted if you hear the complex bass-parts and the high notes Geddy Lee has to put up with song after song. Completed by the powerful yet at times subtle guitar of Alex Lifeson and the difficult but genius drum rhythms of Neil Peart, they created a unique and perfect sound. It’s almost hard to believe that this is brought by only three musicians who are playing close to perfection while still sounding very musical. Although the volume was pretty loud, in the middle part of the arena everything sounded crystal clear and in balance. With a 30-year career it’s hard to put together a set list that satisfies everyone’s demands but they managed to include songs from every album. Naturally the older ones such as ‘YYZ’, ‘La Villa Strangiato’ and ‘2112’ were greeted with the biggest crowd response but in my opinion ‘le moment supreme’ was saved for Neil Peart with his solo ‘O Baterista’, during which he showed us why he is still one of world’s best drummers. After all the problems this man had to endure the last years, I’m glad I could witness this piece of outstanding drummanship. But not only our ears were in for a treat. On a huge screen video fragments and live shots were shown so everyone could follow the show from a front row seat point of view. Together with a multi-coloured lightshow that included some impressive lasers, the visual aspect really made the whole experience complete. During the encores, covers ‘Summertime Blues’ and ‘Crossroads’ (both from the latest ‘Feedback’ EP) were aired while the magnificent ‘Limelight’ marked not only the end of their set but also of the European tour.

Without a doubt this was one high standard classic rock spectacle rarely to be seen these days. Hopefully next time their tour itinerary will include Belgium as well!