Rush Setlist at United Center, Chicago, IL, USA

Are they for real with is crappy set-list? They should play this B-side set-list for their die-hard fans at some bar. Hopefully, the UC will have the MSU vs. ND game on at the bar so I can watch that instead of listening to most of these worthless songs. I go to Rush to hear their hits, not this shit. I've seen them everytime they come to Chicago. That run is now over.

Mark, I think their "die-hard" fans would appreciate both sets. It's really your lose if you're not gonna go.

Um, 2112 in it's entirety is worth the price of admission. Just hope you don't get "New Hampshired."

I attended the Pittsburgh show. I would have preferred a more heavy 'old' songlist because RUSH is an acquired taste, not a band that will gain many fans from the new stuff. It was great to hear 2112, but to not hear Spirit of Radio, Freewill, Limelight, Dreamline, The Trees and Closer to the Heart was a downer. Strong show musically, of course, all the way around

HAHAHAHAHA WOW all these people claiming to be a Rush fans, yet whining about this set list. Mark if you were a true fan you would be happy to go. Go to your bar or Shut up please!!!!.

Rush has a huge catalog of music. The first time i seen them was on Power Windows that was a great show. Then seen them on Roll The Bones. Then Snakes And Arrows twice. Then the Time Machine Tour twice. Now i will be seeing them 2 days after my B-Day and will enjoy every second of this great show. And if they come thru again i will go again.

So what they are playing the keyboard era, its been skipped now for a long time. If you don't like it, sell your tickets and let someone who will appreciate the show, GO!!!!. I love all of Rush's music. They are like fine wine they get better with age. The fact they have 2 set lists is awesome. The last 3-4, tours if not more, its been 1 set list. It looks like their still tweaking the set list's.

Got my girlfriend who hated them in the 80's, to go to the last show of the Time machine tour and she absolutely love it! Shes looking forward to seeing them again.

Its come full circle for me i will be seeing them in the same Arena i seen them the first time on Power Windows. They haven't played there sense then. Now their doing a good chunk of that album. Ahhhh as the song Lesson's says,

Sweet memories
Flashing very quickly by
Reminding me
And giving me a reason why

This will be a night to add to those memories. After all thats whats its about, Making Memories of good times. Nov. 13th Looking so forward to this show. Ohhh and if they did nothing but their keyboard era id still go. Why??? Cause i'm a true RUSH FAN !!!!!

I agree with Mark. This is a pass show; not sure who they are targeting. Totally mechanical. The audience did not come alive until the end of the show when they played a few if their better known songs. Honestly, this is a shadow of the band I saw in the 70's. The arrogance to play all new music should be left to Van Morrison... not the show I hoped to see.

Just got back from the show and it was as bad as I was afraid it was going to be. Bigdan said it, the crowd was sitting in their seats and playing on their phones for over half the show. It was by far the lamest, low energy show I have ever seen from Rush and one of the worst period. Waste of money.

I thought it was a great show. It was to hear some different songs for a change. tired of hearing the same songs in concert. That is great about rush they do mix it up and play some different songs and not all the radiosingles they release The new album sounded great live and if havent listened to it you are missing out on a great album. You cant please everyone some is complain about something they didnt play. It would of been nice to hear more 70s rush but when they come back they might. The people around me were really into to the show.

I saw the show tonight and thought it was fantastic. My first show ever was Power Windows, so it was great to see them mix up their routine by playing several songs from that album. Their 80's music was the soundtrack of my formative years.

I also appreciate hearing the new music. At least everyone around me got off their asses for headlong flight (which was incredibly rockin'), and stayed up all the way through The Garden.

To those that want more 70's Rush, I hear you, but the obvious reason to reach back only as far as the 80's (for the most part) is Geddy's aging voice. He does incredibly well still, considering. Just think of how sad it is to hear Robert Plant these days, for comparison. You can't ignore the fact that Geddy is just singing a low harmony to the real vocal part of 2112. I guess they just prefer to keep up a better quality show for the entire tour. Personally, I would rather hear him sing in tune, in key, than a long setlist of him struggling through their 70's song's.

OK, I guess just one 70's song such as Circumstances in the first set would have been nice. :)

Don't care if they change the set every night, it's gonna be a great show regardless. Just hope they will keep 2112 Overture/ Temples/ Finale in the encore. Bad ass way to end a great show.

Going to the Philly show on October 12th, and I can't wait. It looks like they may be settling into this setlist. Thank goodness. Taking a look at the first couple setlists, I was concerned I was going to hit them on either a Spirit of Radio night or a 2112 night. Hopefully, they will continue to play both. I, too, am excited to hear anything Rush plays. I love the new album and the opportunity to hear almost all of it live. That opportunity may not come around again. Always love the old stuff and would have appreciated some Caress of Steel, Fly by Night, Hemispheres material, but am I disappointed, not really. Just love the fact that these guys are still around and still making new and awesome music. Wonder what the next album will be like. And can't wait to hear that one live as well. Long live RUSH!!!

I kind of knew the Set list beforehand so I was disappointed, however I told myself if they played Spirit of Radio I would be satisfied, and they did, I think they should have thrown 1 or 2 "hits" into the first set list (freewill, working man?) and it would be a overall satisfying concert, if I had not looked at the set list before the show I would probably be really disappointed, but going in knowing what I did I had my expectations down, and I told myself just play Spirt and I would be satisfied, and they did, and I was into the new album with the strings alot more then I thought I would

This for a couple claiming die hard fans. If you want to hear only the hits you are not a die hard fan> Im a die hard fan this was 25th rush show over 30 yrs and it was a great show. It was good hear some different songs now that same songs over and over and over.

Had a great time last night. It was my first live show and I've been listening since the early 80's. Thought the garden was my favorite song. The guitar solo was amazing.

This is a great setlist. I'm truly looking forward to it specially since I missed the Power Windows Tour and Clockwork Angels is their best album since Moving Pictures. If your going to this show I suggest you listen to both albums and if you're taking kids drill it into their heads. IMO replacing Working Man with The Spirit of Radio was the best move they have done since the first show. All they need to do now is replace Bravado with Middletown Dreams, Freewill or Limelight.

If you appreciate art you'll appreciate Rush regardless of what they play. I seen plenty of bands i have been blown away with without knowing a single song from them. If the people actually payed attention to the new material as well as the synth stuff with an open mind they would've loved it. So sad to see so many close minded fans that only walk away happy if Rush plays "the hits". Rush has to love what they are playing cuz they are the ones playing night in and night out. This is the Clockwork Angels tour and is not a nostalgia tour so people need to realize that Rush is FWD thinking band and they are going to play the newer stuff. The time machine tour with Moving Pictures was last tout Not this tour. Triple AAA show if you love Rush for real and for open minded people that like to pay attention to what it's being played.

Lame. So disappointing. I totally agree with Mark, the crowd was bored and so was I. At least I was a little stoned and drunk. I was in the first row of the club level and I felt like if I stood up people would get pissed and yell at me. That should not be the vibe at a freaking rock concert! Totally weak. Very low energy. I'm just glad I got the tickets for free cause my neighbor couldn't go. I would be pissed if I shelled out for this crappy setlist!

Those bitching about the setlist obviously aren't die hard Rush fans. I've heard "They didn't play Limelight?" D: They might not play Tom Sawyer in the future?! No, it can't be true! If you actually know why they wrote 2112, you already know they play and do whatever they want and still give the true fans a really great show.

I think that the big arena thing is a little overdone with Rush, and their more recent albums tend to blur a bit--maybe I'm just over band worship (all the people who claim to be die hard Rush fans, do you still draw the little star on your notebooks like we all did in 8th grade [right next to the VH]).

I've seen them twice in the last ten years and I have enjoyed the shows, mainly because they make me feel like I'm 18 again.

Then I got excited when they are going to go on tour, but then I saw the set list.

Really it's a who cares moment--there isn't anything to draw in the greatest hits crowd, and nothing to draw on the sense of nostalgia. Instead the only people who will enjoy this show are the people who blindly worship the band, and tell the rest of us to shut up.

Because Rush has more money and the money can't be why they are doing this, the band could give the fans something more.

So here is what I will suggest to Rush and all the die hard fans for some potentially exciting shows.

1. Have a tour where the band plays a series of small clubs (2000 people or less) and just play whatever. How about concluding on Austin City limits.
2. Have a new album that is recorded in one take--these are three of the best rock musicians of all time; wouldn't it be cool just to hear a jam session album that is mainly improvised. Then take this on tour in a more jam session environment.
3. Have a tour where the band plays songs that they have never played live.
4. Retire the top 10 played Rush songs of all time for one tour.
5. Continue with the playing a whole album per tour--in 15-20 tours we'll have heard them all.

As for being a "true fan," grow up and who really cares. Honestly some of the "true fans" sound like a bunch of 8th graders proving that Alex, Geddy, and Neil are your new BBFs; whether you are a true fan or not, they ain't inviting you over to dinner.

Two more comments to my previous post.

Option 6: at least play one 10 minute instrumental medley of great riffs like R30.
7. I understand that Geddy's voice is aging and this might prevent some of the classic stuff; why not ask Aimee Mann to go on tour with them ("Time Stands Still" voice for those who aren't die hard fans like me) and crank out some of the higher ranged stuff.
8. Or send out a fan survey of the top 15 songs that the fans want to hear--see what comes up and have a give back to the fans set.

Saw this show as well. Was disappointed that the tour wasn't advertised as Clockwork Angels & mid-late 80's before tickets were sold. IMO songs like Grand Designs, Territories, Bravado & Manhattan Project just don't all need to be revisited. The first 6 songs played from CA were great - the last 3 a bit lacking. Thankfully, we got both Spirit & 2112.

Good lord people! Its Rush i love this set list. I dont care if its setlist A or B when i see them in Nov. Because i love their music. ALL OF IT!!! I have my least fav song and albums but i still listen to them.

Mark you should have sold the ticket and went to the bar like you said you were. Geez you just went to a great show. And because they didnt do what YOU wanted you wine.

The rest who are griping so what the crowd wasnt into it if you were a true fan you should have been giving energy. But instead you all just went along with what was around you.

I WILL BE ROCKING OUT!!! They went with stuff that hadnt been played sense the 80's wow. Power Windows is a great album. Brian you went for free, and had great seats. Yet you still complain noe thats LAME!!!

If i go to see a concert, i go to see the show, the band, and hear their music. Im not there to make any demands because i payed for a ticket. I payed for a ticket to see the band no matter what they play. Its all about making memories so when your lights fade out you can smile when they fade because of the memories you have.

Id rather have good mems and not be thinking why didnt they play that or this. Ill remember the good time i had with my woman and the show and the music. along with the memories of my kids and loved ones.

These people are spoiled and want want want. They didnt give energy they took it and made a negative out of the positive energy the band was giving. Waaaaaaay to go whiners. Way to go!!

Ohh and further theys guys played for 3 hours when other bands will play for 1 1/2 hours. And these other bands will play what they want. Ill take the 3 hours

I have to say, I'm in the camp of thinking this was a great show. Was it the same as standing for 3 hours singing along to their better-known material? No, but honestly I'd been wondering for the last few tours if that's how Rush was going to end their career - and if so, would I continue to shell out $100+ per ticket to keep hearing the same show.

I first fell in love with Rush when I was 10, thanks to one of my brothers who introduced me to 2112. For several years, I consumed a steady diet of early 70s stuff because that's what he liked. Seeing those songs performed live is a visceral, communal experience that I always enjoy immensely.

But I also love sharing an evening with Rush as they "indulge" as Geddy put it, hearing them perform some of their more musically and lyrically complex works.

Signals was my first live concert, as well as my first Rush show. Saw Power Windows tour too, and as someone else said, that heavy keyboard era coincided with my "formative" teenage years. So maybe it's just arrested development raring its ugly head - that's always possible!

I would be up for hearing each album live its entirety - would be a hell of a way to spend the next 20 years, eh? It might also be nice to get an idea of the setlist at the same time tickets go on sale - that way people could decide in advance whether that show is one they'll enjoy or not.

Personally, I'm very satisfied with the ability to hear variety and a bit more of their discography. After their 5-year hiatus before Vapor Trails, and knowing that we may never hear them live again - I'm just grateful they are back in full force and continue to share their incredible talents with us.

This was my first time seeing Rush. I wasn't looking forward to the new album stuff very much, but I fully expected it going into the show. They still jammed, even though most of the crowd didn't know the songs. Tom Sawyer and 2112 were completely worth the $50 I paid to get in (I actually ended up standing in about the 5th row on the floor, which was awesome).

I still really wanted to hear Working Man... and The Trees.

chicagomark66 You are the kind of fan that I hope dies off soon. You have no intellectual capacity to appreciate material from the 80's. Songs like Middletown Dreams, Grand Designs, Territories, Manhattan Project, and others are beyond you. Go back to your Ozzy and AC/DC. You make me sick.

Thank you Rush for this tour.

I'm going tomorrow. Rush Signals tour was my very first concert. I'm taking my 14 year old son to this show. Yeah, they're not playing a lot of the hits I grew up listening to, but musically these guys are incredible so I don't see how I will be disappointed with a three hour show by three of the best pure musicians of our time.

I went to the Indy show. I really loved the 80's stuff. I like the new album and enjoyed it too. I understand why people want less new and more old. That has become a cliche. I must admit, that I was disappointed that they left out "spirit". It's their best live song. I hope they play it in Columbus. I'm gonna go and try to buy a ticket out front. Any advice???

Rush could play the happy birthday song for 3 hours straight on acoustic instruments and I would still go without a doubt. These guys are truly awesome and to just be in the same room with them is inspiring. I listen to Spirit, freewill, tom sawyer, etc all the time and I even jam to them. When I go to a show, I wanna hear material I probably wouldn't have checked out previously or just skipped over on other records. For example, I came out of the Manchester show with a whole new respect for them when I heard songs such as territories and wheres my thing for the first time. Granted I probably should have heard those before, but still. I'm just happy to see them live regardless, Bands like this we take for granted, almost as if they'll tour every year, but they are getting old, enjoy it while it lasts!

I'm 20 years old. I'd only seen 7 of these songs played before on the past two tours. I LOVED seeing songs like Manahattan Project, Territories, Bravado, etc. Yes, I could have used a couple more songs from the 70's and maybe 1 or 2 less songs from Clockwork Angels, but I loved this setlist and it was great to see a bunch of my favorite songs live.

Ah, I just thought of something that could have been utterly amazing --give one of their string accompanists an electric violin and play Losing It. I have no doubt that these string players are accomplished performance artists and could easily handle the electric violin solo. Geddy, Alex, Neil... are you listening? Please try it!

I'm a italian fan and I think that this setlist was very good, every rush's song is good, but I prefer that they use 1 or 2 songs from the 70's classics, like closer to the heart, freewill or spirit of the radio (the played this song only one time!). americans have many tours in their towns, but for a italian this is not the rule, so I want to se some classic of this band because this will be probably the only time that i can see thi awsome band

The guy who said there was no energy and that the crowd wasn't in it obviously wasn't at the show. I've never seen a crowd more into a Rush show (except Rush in Rio), and i've been to 13 Rush shows going back to Power Windows. I was most surprised by the overwhelmingly enthusiastic reaction to the Clockwork Angels material. I definitely appreciated hearing new material, and not the same show that i've seen so many times in the past.

When I saw them in Vancouver for TM tour our seats were at the back of the arena and the energy there was OK, but not like it was for those down closer. Saw them two days later at The Gorge and seats were much better, and energy was ROCKIN. I have VIP seats for Seattle show and cannot wait! My seats for Vegas show a couple of weeks later aren't as good but not terribly bad...so we'll see.

My first Tour was Hemispheres at the Chicago International Amphitheater a lot of people said they were disappointed with this tour I am not one of them I thought that the Clockwork Angels stuff with the strings was Amazing I have had a few months to listen to the Disc before seeing the show so I was familiar with the new material and really thought that the performance was a great. I mean I have seen them open with Limelight and Spirit of radio a bunch of times it was cool to see them play the Keyboard era stuff I loved power windows I only hope that they are doing a 20 yr tour for Test for echo someday !!!

im all for leaving out the songs that we can hear on r local radio stations 8 times a day ex// sawyer,closer,subdivions,workin man,free,lime,and spirit, play some deep cuts that rock that they dont play and i dont mind the keyboard era at all but i dont want windows and hold fire revisited either signals and pressure r great albums in my opinion,,, distant early warning ,after image ,wheels and digital man ,analog, chemistry would have fit the 1st set just fine there keyboard era and the rock and come on we should get 5 songs or so from the 70s era i mean the have the material by tor,hemispheres complete would be a nice encore but regardless im gonna go and have a good time in bridgeport connecticut

I enjoyed the show. Yeah, I missed hearing Freewill, Limelight, Closer to the Heart and other staples, but was surprised with some of the songs like Analog Kid that I hadn't listened to for years. I enjoyed the Clockwork Angels songs. Some are much stronger than the others, especially "The Garden" was incredible, and the crowd did go crazy once they blazed into Spirit of Radio, but it was a cool twist and this is just another side of Rush, we have the Prog years, the Keyboard 80's, the harder 90's and now a more modern 2112 concept. Its Rush and its all good. Don't like it, go see Barbara Streisand

For those complaining they should have played more "hits" in the first set, they played 10 songs, at least 4 of them were "hits" Subdivisions/Big Money/Force Ten/Far Cay Each one of those was a radio single.

Like TheHip said, there are plenty of hits in this setlist: Tom Sawyer/Spirit/Subdivisons/Big Money/Manhattan Project/Red Sector/Analog Kid/Body Electric/Territories/Force 10/Far Cry - these were ALL singles.

Hell, the entire first set alone is almost entirely comprised of radio singles. No idea what everyone is crying about here. I think this is a great setlist and I plan to have an awesome time when I see them in Newark in a few weeks.

This show was all new CD, and the rest was 82-91. I hope next tour is mostly their new, new CD, and then everything else is off of Counterparts, Test For Echo, Vapor Trails, Snakes and Arrows, and Clockwork Angels :)

Saw this show in Seattle and it was one of the best shows I have seen in quite a while. Great setlist and the crowd was on their feet from the roll of the intro tape. Personally, been listing to Rush since Permanent Waves, first saw them on the Moving Pictures tour and I was so glad not to hear them regurgitate their hits like some useless washed up nostalgia act. It was great to hear songs that haven't been played for 10 years or more. A show for the real Rush fans ... for those of you wanting a nostalgia act go buy a 'best of" CD and listen 'til you puke.