That 70s Guy – Retro Review Albums Turning 50 in 2025
Hey folks, it’s me “That 70’s Guy” back with another retro review of albums turning 50 in 2025. This time around we return to the second studio album from Toronto’s Rush featuring the debut of legendary drummer Neil Peart joining alongside Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Released on Valentine’s Day 1975 it sure set the bar high for any releases to follow that year – especially Canadian! So, let’s dig right into it!
RUSH – Fly By Night – February 14, 1975
Let’s start with my introduction to Rush. Back around the summer of 1974, I was listening to CHUM-FM which was only broadcast through your tv as audio only. They would play deeper album cuts and generally played about an hours’ worth of music before the DJ would come on and recap everything played (well at least you hoped so). This particular day I heard three massive songs in a row and was praying the DJ would name them all. Luckily, he did and the three songs heard for the first time to my ears were “Dominance and Submission” by Blue Oyster Cult. “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd and last but not least “Working Man” by Rush. What a set!
Fast forward a couple of months, my friends held a surprise party for my 15th birthday at my buddy’s house. When I entered the house, they said my present was sitting in the living room. I went in and it was a girl I had a crush on. How many people can say they got a girl for their birthday? After that shock set in, they approached me with another gift. Low and behold it was Rush’s debut album. Bottom line is I still have that album. As for her, it was fun while it lasted.
Ok, now it’s early summer 1975, and Fly By Night is the cream of the crop within our group. Whether blasting on the 8-track player in my buddy’s car or sitting in the backyard of my cousin’s house listening through the basement windows on his stereo, the memories never ended. But before I reminisce any further, let’s do a quick song-for-song review.
Side 1
1. “Anthem” – A fabulous heavy opening track with a monster riff at :34. We used to argue if it was named after their new label. Alex’s insane solo is included free of charge.
2. “Best I Can” – a quick fast-paced little gem with another one of Alex’s signature guitar solos. This always got us fighting for the old wooden guitar! One of the two songs written before Neil joined.
3. “Beneath, Between and Behind” – maybe the forgotten song on the album. I even had to give it a new spin for my memory’s sake. But ahh yes, good stuff. Neil’s first writing contributions.
4. “By-Tor and the Snow Dog” – this song always brought the theatrical battle between us guys. Each took a side and the air guitar war would last for about 8:37 or all 8 segments. Which one are you?
Side 2
1. “Fly By Night” – finally Rush getting some major radio airplay here. “While In the Mood” fared well, this one put them on the map. A great Geddy personal experience song. I still crank it when I hear that opening riff! A Canadian classic!
2. “Making Memories” – time for a bit of an acoustic intro of a Rush semi-ballad that still contains a nice solo.
3. “Rivendell” – now for an actual ballad. Despite being a very beautiful song, I gotta admit the needle may have been lifted a few times to get to the next song. Not even a solo?
4. “In the End” – Now for the true “anthem” of the record. Appropriately named “In the End” ends such a great album. The pounding guitar riff after the soft intro is very reminiscent of Moxy’s “Sail On Sail Away“. The second of the two songs written before Peart’s tenure.
So, Fly By Night along with the debut and to a degree the follow-up Caress of Steel were pure Canadian hard rock bordering on early metal in parts.
On June 22, 1975, we saw Rush for the first time at the Market Street Arena in Dundas Ontario. It was the Fly By Night tour. Before the show, I ironed my naturally curly hair straight to mirror my hero, Alex Lifeson. We also made our own tee shirts with iron-on patches carved from the image on the debut cover. Of course, mom helped. We loaded into my cousin’s 1964 Dodge 440 (The Black Beauty) and headed to the show. It truly was a night to remember. From then we saw them at the Summer Gardens in Port Dover and another memorable night at BCI, a rival school’s gymnasium on February 21st, 1976 with opening act Max Webster. Finally taking my curtain call on them on April 19/2011 in Hamilton during the Time Machine tour letting my son see them at least once.
Final thoughts:
Although our true love for Rush was short-lived as we distanced ourselves from them as they slowly morphed into a progressive rock band leaving the guitar-driven hard rock and roll in their rear-view mirror, it was a fantastic ride to be on in those early days. I always say to this day that when we loved Rush, that love and dedication were unmatched before and to this very day towards any other band. Geddy, Alex, Neil and John, I bow my head to you.
So, there you have it my friends, an absolute Canadian gem turning 50. Did I say 50? WOW! Stay tuned right here for the next installment of That 70’s Guy – Retro Review Albums Turning 50 in 2025.
Brian
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Great nostalgia write up Brian! Can’t wait forcthe next one!