Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Rush sign with Roadrunner US, albums on the way

Rush have changed dance partners in the US, thanks to the dogged pursuit of the band by US label Roadrunner Records.

"After years of Roadrunner pursuing the band, Tom Lipsky [President, Lipsky Music LLC] presented a deal that worked and the timing was right," Rush manager Ray Danniels said in an announcement. "We wanted to be at a label focused on the rock genre -- and that's Roadrunner."

Billboard.biz reports the group's departure from Mercury Records means the next full-length studio album, a long-gestating work titled "Clockwork Angels," will be released in 2012 on Roadrunner. The delay - a lead single, "Caravan," was released in June 2010 - was due to the success of their Time Machine Tour, which just wrapped.

A first Roadrunner release will actually be a live album culled from the blockbuster tour. According to the label, details will be revealed in the coming weeks. Anthem/Universal Music will continue to release their music in Canada only.

Roadrunner is understandably excited to bag a band that has sold more than 40 million records and - thanks to their doc "Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage" and the Rush-heavy comedy film "I Love You, Man" - is enjoying heightened attention and accolades across generations.

"In another life, I worked with Rush and their great management team more than 30 years ago and to have Rush finally on the Roadrunner label is a dream come true," said Cees Wessels, Roadrunner Records Chairman.

Lipsky, who brokered the deal, remarked that Rush has a "tradition of excellence and independence, both in the studio and on the live stage, and they remain as prolific today as at any point in their career. We are excited to be their label partners."

Rush's new labelmates include fellow prog rockers Dream Theater, metal heavies Megadeth and the indie rock band of the moment, Young the Giant, among others.

Rush Rush

Rush – Caravan (2010)

See also: Rush: Rare 1974 concert coming to cd Rush: Live In Cleveland DVD details Rush: Neil Peart instructional video due this fall Rush drummer Neil Peart talks fitness Rush: Neil Peart tops the hennemusic Hot 10 VIDEO: Rush’s Neil Peart rocks Drum Solo Week on Letterman Rush: New live DVD to be titled Time Machine VIDEO: Tour Neil Peart’s Time Machine drum kit Rush: Neil Peart caps off Drum Solo Week on Late Show with David Letterman VIDEO: Rush’s Neil Peart discusses Moving Pictures track by track Rush: Neil Peart to appear on Late Show With David Letterman Rush: new live DVD due in September VIDEO: Rush song wakes up Space Shuttle crew