European Rush Convention 2004 -
Birmingham NEC
The annual Rush Nerd Love-in took place on September 11th 2004 and came back new and improved - it took place at the NEC on the same day Rush were due to play there and everything was bigger and better - especially the catering prices which really did require a second mortgage in order to feed your face (one area in which the Limelight really was better). However, it still proved to be a superb event and I was proud to take part....... the What's New Diary for Sept-Dec 2004 contains a run down of events.......
Just some of the throng who swarmed by to pay tribute to our Canadian heroes.......
The audience participation bit - yours truly on the drums during Freewill with Woody lurking in the background .... photo kindly provided by Alex. Alex can be contacted through the TNMS website.
Another picture unearthed on the TNMS website - taken by Henke Vinkes.....
Me again - taking advantage of the brilliant sound of the Paragon ride.....
.......a gaggle of Rush-Nerds attempt Tom Sawyer. It isn't easy being Rush - especially when nobody will play keyboards for you....
Being a girly helps with reaching that elusive chipmunk-on-helium Geddy Lee vocal range..... this band's version of Red Barchetta turned out to the highlight of the Rush-Idol competition.....
Tim kindly provided a Tama kit - designed along Neil lines (right down to the Paragon cymbals) - for us to all strike very roughly indeed, Centurion.......in the name of Rush. Here it is being borrowed for Red Barchetta.
This guy did a damn good job of Red Barchetta - but clearly got lost on the way to the Dire Straits Convention....
This young chap did very well for Red Barchetta - and he is only fifteen! He was the Pete (15 year old from last year who did Spirit of Radio) of this year.............. he also looks a bit like Gareth Keenan out of the office.....
Start 'em young - that's what I say. Young Daniel about to embark upon a life where he will be uncool but have superb and informed taste in music.
Subdivisions - delivered by another girly - and Will (on his Stag Night no-less!) who was almost a perpetual presence on the bass guitar..... this is one example of how sometimes it is only just possible to deliver a keyboard led track without any keyboards......
The Spirit of Radio.......
Vocals here brought to you courtesy of the big guy in the bandana......
The big finish with some axe and drum hero poses......
This guy put in a most spirited performance during YYZ - well done, fella......
The house band turn out another run through YYZ - along with Tim's solo - he can do what he wants - it's his kit!
The undisputed champs of Eucon'04 - Alex Body (Bass), Guiseppe (Guitar), Terr (Vocals) and Andy on the drums........
Could not resist (no pun intended) including a picture of the quite hideous Rotunda whilst on my way back through Brum..... clearly the effects of 1960's drug abuse did not wear off in time for the town planners to recover sufficiently. Thus, many of major city and town centres were designed by stoned people. Mind you, it does have a sort of silly attractiveness.
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