It is an understatement to say that Rush has always been associated with Canada and have always worn their nationality on their sleeves. The band and their hometown of Toronto, Ontario, are synonymous, and finally the city has honored them in a ceremony in the neighborhood in which the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers came together.
Mayor John Tory presented the key to the city to the legendary rockers at the official opening of the new “Lee Lifeson Art Park” in the vicinity of Yonge and Sheppard for those familiar with the Canadian metropolis. Drummer Neil Peart’s name is not included as, unlike bassist/singer Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson, he is not from Toronto.
Says Mayor Tory, “We forget that people like this, who become world famous, started somewhere and in this case, they started right here in Willowdale. I think a lot of Torontonians will understand, we’re paying tribute to great Toronto artists and we’re providing for a park that allows artists of the future to come and do what they do best.”
Tory continues, “I don’t think a lot of people in Toronto understand how revered they are around the world, they are among our most famous Torontonians. Beyond that, they are great citizens. When we had the trouble with SAARS back in 2003, who showed up to play a concert to get us back on our feet? Rush. When people in Alberta faced floods out there, who showed up to play? Rush.”
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