Rush were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Thursday night in Los Angeles.
The group were honored as part of the Class of 2013, along with Heart, Public Enemy, Donna Summer, Randy Newman and Albert King.
Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters delivered the induction speech, filled with references to Rush’s lengthy career.
“Playing upwards of 250 shows a year from day one,” said Grohl, “the band built its following the right way. They did it from the ground up… without any help from the mainstream press…(coughs)…Rolling Stone.”
Rush then took center stage to wild applause from fans; the band seemed overwhelmed by the event and its meaning.
“We've been saying for a long time, years, that this wasn't a big deal,” said drummer Neil Peart. “Turns out that it kind of is."
Bassist Geddy Lee made a point of thanking the fans for their never-ending support.
“On my behalf of my two partners, I have to thank the most passionate, most dedicated, incredible fan base around,” said Lee. “For not only supporting and encouraging our musical progress over the years, but for the insistence of their voices, which has most certainly led us to this evening.”
Alex Lifeson wrapped up the speeches with three straight minutes of the phrase, “blah blah blah.”
The Rush portion of the live performances kicked off with Grohl (as Lifeson), Hawkins (as Peart) and producer Nick Raskulinecz (as Lee) - dressed in the 2112-era white robes, with wigs - cranking out a version of the 2112 Overture. The guys were joined near the end of the tune by Lee and Lifeson themselves.
Rush then rocked their 1981 classic, “Tom Sawyer,” and were the backbone of the night’s closing jam on “Crossroads,” which also included Heart, Chuck D, Grohl, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello and others.
The 28th annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony will be broadcast on HBO on May 18.
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