Rush Rash with Chaz N Schatz

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz and Shatz crack open the Haggis Shack to welcome a true lifer: Rob Silverberg, the driving force behind Midwest RushFest. Before the wheel spins, the guys dive deep into Rob’s Rush origin story—Signals and “The Analog Kid” as the gateway, Columbia House confessions, and buying Grace Under Pressure on release day like it was a sacred ritual.From there, it’s all about community. Rob walks through the evolution of Midwest Rush Fest—from a heartfelt gathering in 2016 to a full-blown annual celebration at The Pageant in St. Louis. Along the way: Martin Popoff, Kevin J. Anderson, Maya Wynn, Nancy and Judy Peart, Thunderhead, jam sessions, catered dinners, raffle giveaways, and hundreds of Rushians sharing one room where everyone gets the references. As Rob puts it, it’s the rare place where you’re not the only Rush fan in the room.The conversation detours into serious collector territory—basements lined floor to ceiling, the philosophy of “exhibition, not competition,” and the surreal moment of spotting his own Rush license plate hanging in Ray Daniels’ office in Beyond the Lighted Stage. Add 60 live Rush shows, multiple meet-and-greets, and a possible nod of recognition from Geddy Lee, and you’ve got a résumé that earns its stripes.The wheel lands on Dreamline from Roll the Bones.The trio breaks down the song’s urgency, cinematic production, and that unmistakable opening drive. They dig into the themes of youth, motion, and the fleeting nature of time—“we are young, wandering the face of the earth”—and reflect on how the song mirrors the Rush touring life itself: rolling at home when you’re on the run.A celebration of fandom, fellowship, and forward momentum—this episode proves that even decades later, the dream is still alive.

This week on Rush Rash, Chaz n Shatz welcome Paul Rydalch — lifelong Rush obsessive, repentant superfan, and now official roadie for Rush Archives — for one of the wildest, funniest, and most heartfelt conversations the show has ever hosted.Paul traces his journey from a teenage Signals-era gateway moment to 17 Rush shows, backstage misadventures, near-misses, security scares, meet-and-greet miracles, and ultimately finding his place behind the scenes with Rush Archives. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories involving soundchecks, banners, pit passes, hotel stairwells, Mr. Rush figurines, and the fine line between passion and obsession — all told with honesty, humor, and hard-earned self-awareness.The episode also digs into what makes Rush Archives special: the community, the family atmosphere, and the love-driven dedication it takes to faithfully bring Rush’s music to life on stage. From road crew realities to the emotional pull of Rush’s legacy, this is a deep dive into fandom, forgiveness, and finding your people.As always, the night ends where it should: with the Bone Roller spinning fate’s wheel. The result — Secret Touch from Vapor Trails sparks a thoughtful discussion about grief, resilience, texture, and why this track stands as one of Rush’s most underrated late-period compositions.Big stories. Big laughs. Big feelings.This is Rush Rash at full scratch — and it’s one you don’t want to miss.

We go all in on what Alex is doing here. Like, really man...pretty Rush-ie trip with Edwin. Check it out.

On this gloriously unhinged episode of Rush Rash, Chaz and Schatz throw all sense of structure out the window and celebrate Haggis Day the only way they know how: by heeding the call of one Steve Brown to invite Paul Beaulieu and make the Haggis Shack the World's Deli in honor of Robbie Burns' Birthday!A full detour involving wild haggis, vegetarian haggis, Robert Burns, bagpipes, kilts, lamb lungs (allegedly), neeps, tatties, whisky gravy, and the eternal mystery of how Scotland continues to function at all. Cultural education may occur. Digestion is discussed. Poetry is threatened and delivered. No empty words here.Once the haggis smoke clears, however, the episode pivots hard into serious Rush business—and there is a lot of it.Steve and Paul unload a whirlwind of updates from the front lines of the Moving Pictures and RushFest universe, including:Massive touring plans and behind-the-scenes realities of running one of the busiest Rush tribute bands on the planetMajor announcements for RushFest Scotland and RushFest Canada, including venues, dates, and an absolutely stacked lineup of guestsAppearances and involvement from Rush inner-circle legends including Terry Brown, Hugh Syme, Kevin J. Anderson, Nancy and Judy Peart, and moreUpdates on Songs for Neil, including upcoming volumes, new contributors, and the staggering amount of money raised for brain cancer researchA brand-new solo piano Rush album in the works, with artwork by Hugh SymeThe return of The Professor whisky with Volume 2 officially on the wayCharity auctions, ticket giveaways, and community-driven fundraising that somehow keep getting bigger, louder, and more meaningfulEventually—because it is Rush Rash—the wheel spins.THIS WEEK’S SONG🎵 “Hope” (Snakes & Arrows)Alex Lifeson’s delicate 12-string instrumental lands at exactly the right moment, prompting reflections on alternate tunings, restraint, beauty, loss, resilience, and why this quiet piece carries so much emotional weight. Guitars are fetched. Feelings happen. The wheel, once again, proves it knows more than anyone in the room. All wrapped into one very Scottish, very Rush-brained celebration. We might not have played How Many Times Did They Play It Live (113 Chaz wins again!) becasue the BPM Monkey was nowhere to be seen, but rthe wheel did bestow a new song for Steve to learn. And in the end...Haggis was honored.News was delivered.Hope prevailed.Slàinte. 🥃

Part two of our Bubba Bash 2026 recap drops us right back into the thick of it, with exclusive backstage access courtesy of Rush Rash correspondent Jillian Maryonovich of RushCon while Chaz and Schatz were… let’s say administratively indisposed.This episode is anchored by deeply personal, moving conversations with John Wesley (Vertical Horizon, Porcupine Tree) and Ed Toth (The Doobie Brothers), as both musicians reflect on the profound impact Neil Peart had on their lives — not just as a drummer, lyricist, or philosopher, but as a friend, mentor, and fellow traveler.John Wesley shares unforgettable stories of riding with Bubba, earning his trust on winding roads, and the bond forged through music, motorcycles, family, and long conversations about life. His memories — from celebrating Neil’s birthday to living by the mantra WWBD (What Would Bubba Do) — are heartfelt, raw, and deeply human.Ed Toth traces his Rush origin story back to seventh grade, discovering Moving Pictures, receiving a handwritten postcard from Neil, and carrying those words with him for decades. His reflections capture what Rush means to generations of fans and musicians alike — a band that transcends music and becomes part of who you are. And a surprise interloper in the form of Jonny Dinklage, who diverts attention and steals the show along with it!and we wrap it up with reflections from Tim Starace of YYNOT, one of the organizers, on how it all began, what it all means, and where it goes from here.There are laughs, tears, unfiltered honesty, and a shared understanding that Rush isn’t just a band — it’s a compass. From backstage tears to life-altering moments, this episode is a powerful reminder of Neil Peart’s enduring legacy and the way his spirit continues to ride alongside us.So grab a Macallan, find a comfortable chair, and settle in — this is Rush Rush at its most personal, most emotional, and most essential. No effin kiddin'. DONATE - GET SOME STICKS IN THE GAME Please join the cause by donating directly to Cedars-Sinai in memory of Neil: support.cedars-sinai.edu/fundraiser/5043373

The episode’s highlight is a full listen and discussion of "Runaway Train" from Geddy Lee’s 2000 solo album, "My Favorite Headache." Chaz and Schatz react in real time, dissecting the song’s dense lyrics, musical structure, and its unmistakable Rush DNA. They debate whether the track could have been a hidden Rush cut, praise its "Peartian" lyricism, and compare its style to both classic Rush and contemporary influences. The hosts also reflect on the challenges of solo projects, the evolution of Rush’s sound, and the enduring impact of Neil Peart’s writing.As always, listeners can expect candid commentary, inside jokes, and thoughtful analysis as Chaz and Schatz celebrate Geddy’s artistry and muse on the future of Rush-related music.