“Backstage Secrets” On the Road with the Rock Band RUSH”

By Skip Daly

This latest DVD release from Longtail Distribution promises to take the viewer “behind the scenes to get a backstage look at what it takes to present the legendary band Rush during their 2008 Snakes & Arrows Concert Tour. It may appear to be one of the most exciting and glamorous jobs in the world – but being a roadie with a top-rated world-famous rock and roll band can be a grueling marathon of 18 hour work days.”

The DVD delivers on its promise, but make no mistake – this is not just a release for fans of Rush. In fact, it is actually geared in a much more general way, and any fan of “arena rock” who has always wondered what is involved in large-scale concert production will thoroughly enjoy this DVD package.

Rush fans might even feel a tad disappointed, given the title of the release, as there are certainly no big “secrets” revealed about the band’s backstage activities. The real merit here lies in the detailed description of how a professional road crew delivers a large-scale show – day after day, in city after city.

Exploring everything from sound and lights to monitors and instrument maintenance, the dvd takes the viewer through a day in the life of a professional roadie, hour by hour.

While live music fans will likely find the level of detail interesting, with a run-time of 250 minutes, this is not a package for the light-hearted. (So, when we say “detail”, we mean DETAIL.)

This reviewer found the description of monitor mixes particularly fascinating, as it really delves into the customization of each band member’s personal stage mix. There is also some “human interest” in the storyline, as the documentary shatters any illusions one might have about the ‘glamorous’ life of a roadie, shedding light on the stark reality of how difficult and demanding the job truly is. These guys work their tails off, and often pay a heavy personal price for their nomadic existence.

Anyone who enjoys large-scale concerts will find this interesting. And anyone who has ever enjoyed a magical rock show experience will likely offer up a silent “thank you” to hard-working roadies everywhere after watching this dvd set.

RUSH – Backstage Secrets