Rush R40 Live: A Retrospective on the 40th Anniversary and Farewell Tour

The Final Bow: A Chronological Journey Through Time

Rush’s R40 Live tour wasn’t just a concert; it was a time machine. Celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2015, the band crafted a unique “reverse” setlist, beginning with their then-recent Clockwork Angels material and methodically working backward through their extensive catalog, ultimately landing on the raw energy of their self-titled debut. This innovative approach provided a powerful lens through which to view their musical evolution, highlighting their growth and experimentation over four decades.

A Bittersweet Symphony: Neil Peart’s 40th and Farewell

Adding to the tour’s emotional weight was the unspoken acknowledgment of Neil Peart’s health challenges. While not officially billed as a farewell tour, a palpable sense of finality hung in the air, intensifying the connection between the band and their devoted fans. Every note resonated with a deeper meaning, transforming each performance into a cherished memory. The 35-date North American trek, grossing nearly $38 million, became a communal experience, a shared pilgrimage for fans to celebrate the music that had shaped their lives.

The Stage: A Visual Echo of the Music

Mirroring the musical journey, the stage production for R40 was a visual marvel. Beginning with the complex and visually arresting setup of the Clockwork Angels era, the stage gradually deconstructed throughout the show, shedding layers of equipment to reflect the simpler setups of their earlier years. This dynamic visual storytelling enhanced the retrospective nature of the tour, providing a tangible link to Rush’s history.

The Setlist: A Deep Dive into Rush’s Catalog

The R40 setlist was more than just a list of songs; it was a carefully curated narrative. Opening with the powerful complexities of “The Anarchist” and “Headlong Flight,” the show progressed through iconic anthems like “Tom Sawyer,” “Subdivisions,” and “Closer to the Heart.” As the night unfolded, deeper cuts emerged, rewarding longtime fans with treasures like “Jacob’s Ladder” and “A Passage to Bangkok.” The culmination, featuring early gems like “Working Man,” “Finding My Way,” and occasionally “What You’re Doing,” transported the audience back to Rush’s beginnings, creating a powerful sense of nostalgia and closure. This reverse chronology, likely designed as a symbolic return to their roots, transformed the concert experience into a communal celebration of their shared history.

Experiencing R40 Today: Reliving the Magic

For those who weren’t there or simply want to relive the magic, the R40 Live concert film and album, released in November 2015, offer a portal back in time. Available on Blu-ray, DVD, CD, and digital platforms, the recording captures the energy and emotion of the tour with stunning audio and visual clarity. While the official release provides a polished and professional perspective, venturing into the “bootlegosphere” of fan recordings offers a different, often more raw and immediate, view of specific shows. These recordings, found on platforms like YouTube (though subject to copyright takedowns), can sometimes reveal unique angles and rare performances, adding another dimension to the R40 experience.

The Legacy of R40: A Farewell to Remember

The R40 Live tour wasn’t just a series of concerts; it was an event. It was a celebration, a thank you, and a goodbye. It was a moment in time, captured forever in the hearts of those who were there and preserved for future generations to discover. The tour solidified Rush’s legacy, not just as musicians, but as innovators, storytellers, and connectors. It demonstrated the power of music to transcend time and generations, creating a lasting bond between a band and its fans.

Alex Lifeson Reflects

In a poignant reflection, Alex Lifeson later stated, “I think if we had known it would be the last, we would have tried to push a little harder to extend that tour. But at the time, we thought, well, if we want to possibly do another one, and we’re able to, then we shouldn’t push it this time. And that turned out to be a mistake.” This statement underscores the bittersweet nature of R40, a celebration tinged with the unspoken farewell.

R40 Live: A Summary

Aspect	Details
Tour Name	Rush R40 Live: 40th Anniversary Tour
Dates	May 8, 2015 – August 1, 2015
Reason	Neil Peart’s 40th Anniversary with Rush; Farewell Tour
Shows	35 (North America)
Gross Revenue	Approximately US$37.8 million
Live Release	R40 Live (November 20, 2015)
Formats Available	3CD/Blu-ray, 3CD/DVD, Digital Download, Streaming

The R40 Live tour remains a powerful testament to Rush’s enduring influence and the deep connection they forged with their fans. It serves as a reminder that even in farewell, there is celebration, and that the echoes of truly great music continue to resonate long after the final note is played.