Rush Rash with Chaz N Schatz

Chaz and Schatz are cracking the Haggis Shack doors for our annual deep dive into Bubba Bash, the celebration that honors Neil Peart with musicianship, camaraderie, and the kind of backstage family energy that only Neil's personal friends can generate. This isn’t a memorial; it’s a living, breathing night of joy, excellence, and community. Michael Mosbach, Neil’s close friend of 25 years, joins us. Michael is the guy who helped Neil keep a normal, peaceful life by managing privacy, safety, and everything in between. Not a bodyguard—don’t even start. He’s a threat-management and privacy-protection pro who made sure Neil could live without a spotlight in his face. He arrives not as a celebrity guest, but as part of the Bubba Bash family, bringing clarity, humor, and stories grounded in friendship, not mythology.Tim Starace, bassist for YYNOT and co-architect of the Bash, takes us behind the scenes on how this whole thing came to life—from one frantic phone call to a full-blown annual tradition that sells out even in Pennsylvania snowstorms. Tim breaks down the passion, the planning, the near-misses, the late-night texts, the chaos, and the joy behind making Bubba Bash happen.Cathy Rankin, the metal mistress herself and the host of Bubba Bash, talks about stepping into the whirlwind that first year, balancing the emotional weight of the event with the electric energy of the musicians and fans, and how the backstage vibe evolved into a genuine family reunion—complete with nerves, laughter, and maybe a few tears during “Losing It.”Together, this power trio walks us through:• How Bubba Bash began—and why it exploded• The outrageous level of musicianship (and the zero rehearsals)• The guest artists flying in on their own dime• The mission: raising funds for glioblastoma researchAt the heart of it is the purpose: honoring Neil through action, generosity, connection, and community. Just people coming together to celebrate someone they loved by doing something good.This episode is Bubba Bash as told by the people who build it, live it, and feel it every year. This is the conversation Rush fans rarely get to hear.GET INVOLVED!4th Annual Bubba Bash, celebrating Neil PeartJanuary 10, 2026 • Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PAAnchored by YYNOT:Tim Starace, Billy Alexander, Mike Hetzel, Adi ArgelaziGuest Artists:Jonny Dinklage • Jason Bittner • Ed Toth • Joe Bergamini • John WesleyTyler Warren • kOko pOwell • Alex Figueroa • Rodney McGMike Orlando • Fer Velasco • Greg Russell • Jack Gibson • Tyme RogersHosted by:Cathy Rankin, the metal mistress herselfDONATE & GET TICKETSDonate directly to Cedars-Sinai in memory of Neil:https://support.cedars-sinai.edu/fundraiser/5043373Grab tickets before it sells out (it always does and we got ours):https://www.axs.com/events/1160303/bubba-bash-tickets

This week, Chaz and Schatz welcome a true RushRash first — a father-and-son Rush podcaster duo right out of the Haggis Shack: Trent and Trion Fancher, the minds behind The Digital Man and His Analog Kid podcast.From womb-level Rush exposure to diaper-drumming, from attic-found Neil promo pics to a Rush-themed studio complete with the sacred pinball machine, the Fanchers take us through a lifetime of prog devotion. Trent shares stories from touring with Wayne Brady, playing Massey Hall, and assembling his own Neil Peart-inspired fortress of chimes and cowbells. Trion talks bass wizardry, Midwest emo, band life in Birmingham, and discovering the full Rush discography the right way — chronologically and obsessively.We dive deep into:🎧 Gateway Rush moments across generations🥁 Raising a musician inside a Neil Peart rhythm womb📼 Their podcast origins, rankings, “wish-’em-wells,” and the hardest question: What’s the worst song on a perfect album?🎟️ Thoughts on Rush 3.0 with Anika NillesTHIS WEEK'S SONGThe wheel gives us By-Tor And The Snow Dog. Cue the mythical battle. Cue the chaos. It’s a Living in the Limelight moment if there ever was one.Rush, music nerdery, podcasters who pod about podding, gutteral animal sounds from stringed instruments, and multigenerational fandom — at over 2 effin hours, this episode delivers for you, eh?CALLING ASPIRING TRIBUTE BAND MUSICIANSAre you a guitarist or vocalist who loves Rush? Trent is assembling a Rush tribute band and is actively searching for an “Lerxst” and possibly a lead vocalist to round out the lineup. If you can channel Lifeson’s iconic guitar work—or have the vocal chops to take on Ged’s legendary parts—Trent wants to hear from you. Join a passionate project dedicated to celebrating Rush’s music in the Birmingham area. Interested musicians should contact Trent on Instagram: @trentfancher.

Here comes TRon! Rush love stories, ticket chaos, and dancing to deep cuts in 11/8 at your wedding—this week, Chaz and Schatz welcome Rush Fest All-Stars Terry Hill and TRon into the Haggis Shack for a transatlantic celebration of prog fandom and community.They break down:🎸 Terry and Ron’s Rush origin stories—from Ontario radio waves and summer camp cassettes to buying the entire back catalog in a Cologne record shop🥁 How Rush fandom led to a wedding on 21/12/2012, a circle of lifelong friends, and playing Massey Hall as part of the Rush Fest All-Stars🎟️ The wild ride of scoring tickets for Rush’s new tour🎶 Hear Schatz's “special left-handed cowbell” backing up Terry on In The Mood, live from Massey Hall in their RushFestCanada25 All Star Band Boneless Records Debut Single!!🎶 Hear “Life’s a Rush" a TRon love song, written and perfromed by Maria Wallace (with permission you bastards at Spotify!!)💬 Misheard lyrics, karaoke challenges, and the joy (and pain) of tribute band gigsTHIS WEEK'S SONGAnd then—it’s time to spin the wheel. The mischievous wheel lands on “Beneath, Between & Behind,” launching a spirited debate on why this short, sharp classic still resonates 50 years on, and how Rush’s lyrics remain as relevant as ever.Plug in, laugh along, and “go scratch that itch”—the Rush family is back, and the journey continues.

Schatz said it would take a couple of listens on this one...well, he gets what he wants. What happens when the guys listen to a song twice? Do the votes change? Go back to episode 33 and find out for yourself! At the End is spun again - have fun with this second spin.

After two years of promises, it finally happened — the mighty Rush Archives join Chaz and Schatz in the Haggis Shack! Colorado’s premier Rush tribute trio — Steve Clark (Geddy), Ferando Escobar (Alex), and Ron Straley (Neil) — finally sit down to talk all things Rush, from 2112 to Clockwork Angels.They break down:🎸 The band’s gateway Rush moments — Spirit of Radio, 2112, The Camera Eye🥁 How Steve learned bass, keys, and foot pedals in six months (because...Geddy Lee)📸 Legendary photographer Bill O’Leary still shooting film — with the same camera he used on Rush themselves🤘 The impact of Rush’s return with Anika Nilles behind the kit💸 Ticket prices, tribute scene realities, and what keeps the Archives authenticAnd then — it’s time to spin the wheel…the mischievous wheel gives us the lead track to the Rush 2.0 era, “Anthem.”The guys break down why that track still hits like a musical thunderclap — from Alex’s surgical riffing to Neil’s impossible syncopation — and why it remains a rallying cry for every working man.GO catch Rush Archives' Next Show: Wednesday, November 26th @ Buffalo Rose, Golden, Colorado — The Night Before Thanksgiving Rush Bash!

The guys add a few tracks to the wheel and end up spinning Victor, off Alex Lifeson's 1996 solo record Victor. Ummmm...you just need to listen. This is the one to go get some gummies for...