Rush Discography – Bootleg CDs (by date)

(Part of the Rush Collector Resources)

© Dave Weller, 2002 - last updated 27th December

This is a complete list of all known commercially available Rush bootleg CDs and CDRs, last updated on 27th December 2002 ( since 3rd March 2002). The policy for what gets included in this listing is at the bottom of this page. I have also started to add some of the best shows from Digital Reproductions even though these are not commercial releases in any sense of the term. The listing is in chronological order with additional commentary. For each CD I have given details of format, country of origin, year produced, label, catalogue number, source, and quality. A straight alphabetical listing is also available. What I consider to be the top ten bootlegs are marked with a .

Please note that this is just a discography. It is not a catalogue and I do not sell bootlegs. Neither can I tell you where to get them from.

Acknowledgements: many thanks to Jim Wright, Allan Hirt.

Can you help? I am looking for a copy of the June 2nd 1977 show from the Manchester Free Trade Hall (UK), which doesn't cut out before the end of "What You're Doing".

Rush tour

14/08/74 Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

First Time (1CDR, Italy, 1999, I-Vent Records, 0706.33-99, AUD, ?)

26/08/74 Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Fifth Order Of Angels (1CDR, US, 2001, Sirius Records, SIR 0490, SB, EX)

Fly By Cleveland (1CD, Japan, 1996, Element of Crime, elements-024, SB, VG)

New In Town - Platinum Edition (1CDR, US, 2000, Digital Reproductions, DR, SB, EX)

Return To Cleveland (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 185/186, SB, EX-)

The Agora Ballroom had a policy of recording every band that played there and so there are a number of Rush shows from this venue from the early 70s, many of which were broadcast on local radio stations. One station in particular was WMMS (where Donna Halper was the director of prgramming and first introduced Rush to Cleveland). To celebrate the issue of Geddy Lee's solo album they re-broadcast two shows, this and one from the 16th December 1974. The Digital Reprudctions version of this also has a short interview with Donna Halper. Great stuff! Even better is that this show has the encore 'Garden Road' which was dropped from the Rush set list pretty much when the 'Rush' album was released.

The Gypsy Eye vesion of this show combines the two WMMS broadcasts, this and the 16/12/74 show. But be warned, the quality of the 26/8/74 show is not a patch on the Digital Reproductions version. The best version of this show is the Sirious Records one, which was taken from the pre-broadcast discs rather then from the FM broadcast.

?/11/74 Convocational Hall, Toronto

Come In And Feel The Show (1CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 3101.9-98, AUD, VG-)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on label on the disc.

05/12/74 Electric Lady Studios, NY

By-Tor 74 (1CDR, US, 1998, Scarred Records, SB, EX)

Rush Hour (1CD, Italy, 1994, CT002, SB, EX-)

Electric Ladyland Studios 1974 (1CD, Japan, 1997, Element of Crime, elements-039, SB, VG+)

Live From The Electric Ladyland Studios 1974 (1CD, 1993, Klondyke Records, KR 016, SB, VG+)

This concert was an important showcase for the band, done while they were recording the follow up to 'Rush', 'Fly By Night'. The title track of that album gets an early airing and Geddy forgets some of the words. Excerpts from 'By Tor and the Snow Dog' can also be heard during 'Working Man'. What is also interesting about this show is that it has a cover version of 'Bad Boy' made famous by the Beatles but originally recorded by Larry Williams. The show was recorded live in the studio made famous by Jimi Hendrix in front of a small audience, and then broadcast by WQIV in New York. The actual name of the studio is Electric Lady, not Ladyland.

The 'By Tor 74' version of this show is the best, with 'Rush Hour' coming a close second. Both of these were taken from tapes of the radio broadcast whereas the other two versions are from earlier vinyl bootlegs. 'By Tor 74' has more treble and is generally clearer and more consistent. The downside of this is a very small amount of hiss. 'Rush Hour' sounds like it has sufferred from too much noise reduction and the quality fluctuates quite a bit.

Although 'By Tor 74' is a fans-for-fans CDR is still has the best packaging of all the releases. The front insert is a double sided booklet with contemporaneous pictures of the band backstage on the inside and a picture of entrance to the studio on the rear. The disc is emulsion printed and is a limited edition of 200 numbered copies.

16/12/74 Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Finding Prime (1CDR, US, 2001, Sirius Records, SIR 0500, SB, EX)

Freefall (1CDR, US, 1997, Gold Tone, GT-022, SB?, VG-)

Fancy Dancers (1CDR, 1997, Canadian Bacon, CB006CD, SB?, G)

Here Again At The Agora - Platinum Edition (1CDR, US, 2000, Digital Reproductions, DR, SB, EX)

Return To Cleveland (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 185/186, SB, EX)

Recorded just a few days after the Electric Ladyland Studios show, the set list is similar but the sound quality is not quite as good - until WMMS re-broadcast it (see 26/8/74 above). The performance is a bit more relaxed and there is an extended guitar solo in the middle of 'Bad Boy'. It also has the first ever live concert performance of 'Fly By Night' (if you consider the Electric Lady show to be a studio).

The 'Fancy Dancers' version of this show comes with three bonus tracks from the Whiskey Club in Los Angeles one of which is the the song Fancy Dancer, an early Rush-written piece that was never officially released.

The 'Freefall' version of this show was limited to 1000 numbered copies.

The 'Digital Reproductions version of this show has an interview with Donna Halper, from when WMMS re-broadcast this in November 2000.

The Gypsy Eye vesion of this show combines the two WMMS broadcasts, this and the 26/08/74 show. It incorrectly attributes this show to 03/11/74.

The best version of this show is the Sirious Records one, which was taken from the pre-broadcast discs rather then from the FM broadcast.

Fly By Night tour

25/06/75 Massey Hall, Toronto, ON

The Age Of Wonders (1CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, PR-1297, AUD, VG)

Live Anthem 1975 (1CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, GE-085, AUD, VG)

'The Age Of Wonders' was one of the first CDRs to have emulsion printing on the disc; it also has the edge on 'Live Anthem 1975' for sound quality.

15/11/75 Agora Ballroom, Cleveland, OH

Can't Fight It (1CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE122, SB, ?)

2112 tour

30/05/76 Nelson Center, Springfield, IL

Another World A Stage/Tuning Man (2CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE117/8, SB, VG)

This show is on 1CD of a 2CD set - see 28/11/76 below.

All The World's A Stage tour

25/10/76 Paramount Theatre, Seattle, WA

2112 Days (1CD, Japan, 1996, Element Of Crime, elements-006, AUD, VG)

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (1CDR, Japan, 1996, Trade Mark Of Quality, TMOQ-9603, AUD, VG) first pressing

One, Two, Buckle My Shoe (1CDR, Japan, 1997, Trade Mark Of Quality, TMOQ-9603, AUD, VG) second pressing

Paramount Eve (1CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 3107.35-99, AUD, ?)

Seattle Supersonic (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records - Caribou, 0598-01/02, AUD, VG)

The 'Seattle Supersonic' version of this show is the best quality of the three. It is the only version to feature the whole show including an improvised blues jam. The discs have adhesive labels, and this is a numbered edition limited to 125 copies.

'2112 Days' was the first Rush title on the Element Of Crime label; to date one the most prolific as far as Rush CDs go.

The first pressing of One, Two, Buckle My Shoe comes on a plain gold CDR with a small white sticker around the spindle; it was limited to 100 copies. The second pressing comes on a Maxell branded CDR and does not have a sticker. The (minimal) packaging is the same on both with the exception of the colour of the sleeves; the first is blue the seond, lilac.

It should be noted that there is some ambiguity about the source of the show - until recently it was considered to be a soundboard recording but this is now disputed as is the date, some claiming it was March 28th 1976.

26/11/76 The Winterland, San Francisco, CA

The Waterland (1CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 0107.33-99, AUD, ?)

28/11/76 Selland Arena, Fresno, CA

Another World A Stage/Tuning Man (2CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE117/8, SB, VG+)

Discoveries (1CDR, UK, 1998, Syrinx Productions, SRR-005, AUD, VG)

Fresno Mood (1CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 0207.34-99, AUD, ?)

Wonders Of The World (1CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records, 0498-01, AUD, VG+)

The best version of this show is "Wonders of the World" which was limited to 125 numbered copies. The Gypsy Eye pressing incorrectly gives the date and venue as 2nd November at The Winterland, San Francisco. It is also 1CD of a 2CD set - see 30/05/76 above.

17/04/77 Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC

Capitol Punishment (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records - Caribou, 0998-01/02, AUD, VG-)

Capitol Punishment (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records - Caribou, 1098-03/04, AUD, VG-)

There are two slightly different versions of this pressing. The first had a minor pressing problem during 'Grand Finale' and was replaced - only about 25 to 50 copies were made and these should be avoided. The second version corrects this and has dark blue labels whereas the faulty version has light blue labels, they also have different catalogue numbers. The correct set was limited to 125 numbered copies.

01/06/77 City Hall, Sheffield, England

The Necromancer (2CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE109/10, AUD, VG+)

This was the first ever show Rush played in the UK. Although the recording isn't quite as good as the following night at Manchester it is still pretty good and well worth a listen.

02/06/77 Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England

Sign Of Eth (1CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records - Caribou, 0898-01, AUD, VG+)

The Hallowed Halls (1CDR, UK, 1997, Syrinx Productions, SRR-003, AUD, VG+)

Celebrate the Eve of Big Wave (1CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE119, AUD, VG+)

This was the second ever show that Rush played in Europe, at the start of a mini tour before heading of to Rockfield Studios in Wales to record 'A Farewell to Kings'. The atmosphere of this show is just amazing; it features an early version of 'Xanadu' and a great version of 'By Tor and the Snow Dog' segued into the 'Necromancer'. Allm of the CDs are from a very low generation copy of the show and the quality really is good especially given that it was recorded 20 years ago. I think this was helped in part by the fact that the Free Trade Hall is an old Victorian building with very good acoustics and also much smaller than the sort of US tramsheds that Rush play today.

'Hallowed Halls' was limited to 100 copies.

'Sign Of Eth' is the better of the two; it has labels on the disc and proper track indexing (unlike 'Hallowed Halls'). It is limited to 125 numbered copies.

Drive 'Til You Die tour (A Farewell To Kings)

02/12/77 The Forum, Montreal, Quebec

Fly in the Night (1CD, Italy, 1991, Rarities & Few, TKCD 1053, AUD, G) first pressing

Fly in the Night (1CD, Italy, 1992, Rarities & Few, RFCD 1053, AUD, G) second pressing

There have been two pressings of this CD, though the packaging is the same on both - including the 'limited to 1000 copies' splash on the cover. Bootlegs on the Rarities & Few, Post Script, and Live Storm labels were all distributed by the same company - Red Line. Most of the early titles have been pressed at least a couple of times. (See also 'Red Barchetta' and 'New Orleans 1992' below).

10/12/77 The Sportatorium, Hollywood, FL

Siren Song (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records - Caribou, 0898-02/03, AUD, VG)

Canadian Bacon Platinum Edition (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 91077, AUD, VG+)

Like other Moose Records releases this comes with colour inserts with contemporaneous photos, and the discs have stick on labels. Limited to 125 numbered copies.

14/02/78 City Hall, Newcastle, England

Drive Til You Die (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 0410.20-98, AUD, VG-)

22/02/78 City Hall, Sheffield, England

Working Man (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 2011.27-98, AUD, ?)

Tour of the Hemispheres

04/11/78 Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, BC

Rocinante (1CDR, UK, 1997, Syrinx Productions, SRR-001, AUD, VG)

This was the first release by Syrinx Productions, a 'fans for fans' label.

Vancouver Circumstances (1CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE 143, AUD, ?)

15/11/78 Warners Theatre, Fresno, CA

Tour Of The Hemispheres (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypy Eye, GE 166/167, AUD, ?)

20/11/78 Arizona Convention Centre, Tucson, AZ

Black Hole Of Cygnus X-1 (2CD, Japan, 1999, Gypsy Eye, GE095/096, SB, EX-)

Cygnus (1CD, US, 1995, Prism Records, PR-0795, SB, VG+)

Cygnus Gold Edition (2CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, P199507, SB, EX-)

Cygnus X Story (2CD, Japan, 1997, Gypsy Eye, GE024/025, SB, EX-)

Every Soul A Battlefield (2CDR, US, 2001, JKR Productions, JKR 001, SB, EX)

First Time In Tucson (2CDR, Japan, 1996, Trade Mark of Quality, TMOQ-9602, SB, EX-) first pressing

First Time In Tucson (2CDR, Japan, 1997, Trade Mark of Quality, TMOQ-9602, SB, EX-) second pressing

La Villa Stransoundboard (2CDR, Japan, 1997, Glow Girl, Glow 8003, SB, EX-)

Passage To Tucson (2CDR, ?, 1998, SB, EX-)

My personal favourite. When the first version of this show was pressed onto CD (Cygnus) it was quite a revelation. Since then better and more complete versions have gradually crept out of the woodwork culminating in 'Every Soul A Battlefield' - an absolutely must have show. And we have also seen the recent release of more soundboard recording from the Hemispheres tour, but this is the one to get. It is an incredibly atmospheric recording. Many of the special effects that would normally get lost on an audience recording are quite high up in the mix so there is tons of echo and the like. There is also a surreal section where Geddy pleads with the crowd to stop pushing as the stage is about to collapse!

Before 'Every Soul A Battlefield' was released, the 'Cygnus X Story' version of this show is the best (and remains so if you want this on silver CD); 'First Time in Tucson' and 'Cygnus Gold Edition' are a close second. All three sound a lot better than 'Cygnus'; 'Cygnus X Story' gets the edge as it has a stronger signal level and sounds a bit richer and clearer, and it has an extra minute or so of 2112 that isn't on FTIT. It also comes in better packaging and is on proper CDs rather than CD-Rs. ('The Black Hole of Cygnus X-1', also on the Gypsy Eye label, claims to be an upgrade to 'Cygnus X Story' but isn't significantly different). The advantage of 'Cygnus Gold Edition' is that it has been mastered with parts of other shows to present the whole concert.

All of the CDs are very hard to find and command quite high prices Cygnus was limited to 1000 numbered copies, and was the first Rush release by Prism Records, the original Rush 'fans for fans' label. The gold edition is a revamped version of the original Cygnus release using a superior quality source tape, with printing on the discs.

The first pressing of First Time In Tucson comes on plain gold CDRs with a small white sticker around the spindle; it was limited to 100 copies. The second pressing comes on Maxell branded CDRs and does not have a sticker. The (minimal) packaging is the same on both.

La Villa Stransounboard and Passage To Tucson are both straight copies of Cygnus X Story. The latter even uses a copy of the packaging with just the name changed. The both have printed labels on the discs.

02/12/78 Cobo Hall, Detroit, MI

Buenos Nochas! Motor City (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 20278, SB, EX)

Oak Expression (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 183/184, SB, EX)

Road To Motor City - The Lost Cobo Tapes (2CD, Germany, 2002, Heavy Mutha Discs, SB, EX)

18/12/78 International Amphitheater, Chicago, IL

Live Hemispheres (2CDR, US, ?, Rare Recordings, RR0088/0099, AUD, VG+)

Tour Of The Hemispheres Vol. I (1CDR, Japan, ?, Lost Horizons, 0023, AUD, ?)

Tour Of The Hemispheres Vol. II (1CDR, Japan, ?, Lost Horizons, 0024, AUD, ?)

'Live Hemispheres' was the first Rush bootleg to be done on CDR. It is incredibly hard to find and was probably pressed in very limited numbers.

22/05/79 Chateau Neuf, Oslo, Norway

Hemispheres Performance (1CD, Japan, 1997, Element Of Crime, elements-042, AUD, VG)

A Passage to Oslo - Platinum edition (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 52479, AUD, EX-)

The Digital Reproductions version of this show was taken direct from the master of the original taper. The show itself was recorded with borrowed professional equipment.

23/05/79 Concert House, Gothenburg, Sweden

Admission Free (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 0610.19-98 , AUD, VG-)

25/05/79 Tivoli Gardens, Stockholm, Sweden

Tivoli (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 0110.16-98 , AUD, ?)

28/05/79 Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany

Black Forest (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Productions, DR52879, SBD, EX)

Farewell To Frankfurt (2CD, Japan, 2001, Shout To The Top, STTP 134/5, SBD, EX)

Journey Of Man (Trouble In The Forest) (2CD, Germany, 2002, Heavy Mutha Discs, SBD, EX)

For years the only soundboard recording from the Hemispheres tour was the 'Pink Pop' festival. Then, in the lates 90s, the Tucson show emerged and now, in the space of a couple of months, two more superb shows have surfaced courtesy of Digital Reproductions. This show is the best, both in terms of sound quality and performance, but the other, 'Buenos Nochas! Motor City', is still well worth tracking down. Both surpass the Tucson show. The only slight niggle is the lack of any real atmosphere as the audience can hardly be heard at all - it's strange hearing a superb rendition of 2112 and then just a couple of whistles as the feedback fades away...

'Farewell to Frankfurt' has a sudden drop in quality just as 'In The Mood' starts, and never recovers again.

04/06/79 Pink Pop Festival, Geleen, Holland

A Right to Passage (1CD, Luxembourg, 1993, Rockdreams, ROCKS 92050, SB, EX+)

Rushian Roulette (1CD, Italy, 1991, Metal Memory, MM 90018, SB, EX)

Pink Pop (1CDR, 1997, Canadian Bacon, CB001CD, SB, VG+)

Praying For The Light (1CD, 1998, Gypsey Eye, GE039, SB, EX)

Another show that is widely available as it has been broadcast many times on the BBC and throughout Europe. This was the final concert of the Hemispheres tour. The best version is 'A Right To Passage' which was allegedly made from the original radio station tapes rather than being taken from an FM broadcast.

The Pink Pop version of this show was limited to 100 copies.

Tour of the Semispheres

12/09/79 Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentown, PA

The Great Suites (2CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE112/3, AUD, VG+)

This show has been around for a long time in trading circles but has only just come out on CD. It features an early version of "Freewill".

Permanent Waves tour

21/01/80 Montreal Forum, Quebec, Canada

Invisible Airwaves (2CDR, UK, expected 1999, Syrinx Productions, SRR-010, AUD, ?)

02/02/80 TCCC, Fort Worth, TX

The Three Magicians (2CD, US, 1995, Balboa Productions, BP-95002/3, AUD, VG+)

14/02/80 Keil Auditorium, St Louis, MO

Hyperspace (1CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, P199817, SB, EX)

La Villa Strangiato (1CD, Italy, 1992, Seagull Records, SEA 040, SB, EX)

La Villa Strangiato (1CD, Czech Republic, 1997, Flood Recordings, FLD1011, SB, EX)

Magic Of Radio (2CD, Japan, 1999, Gypsy Eye, GE088/089, SB, EX)

Natural Science (1CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, GE061, SB, EX)

Spirit Of Radiostar (1CD, Japan, 1996, Element Of Crime, elements-022, SB, VG+)

Spirit Of St Louis (1CD, Luxembourg, 1992, Rockdreams, ROCKS 92016, SB, EX)

Taurus Pedals From Hell (1CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records, 0498-02, SB, EX)

The source for this show is a promotional record that was distributed by Anthem Records in Canada called 'Live in St Louis'. The radio show itself was pressed in very limited numbers and is extremely hard to find. The Spirit Of Radiostar CD is from a tape that is quite a few generations old hence the lower sound quality.

Taurus Pedals From Hell is limited to 125 numbered copies.

'Magic Of Radio' is includes 8 bonus tracks from a soundcheck at Cleveland from 18/2/80; though the quality is not good.

30/09/80 Allentown Fairgrounds, Allentwon, PA

Hyperspace (1CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 143, SB, VG+)

Pictures Preview (2CD, Japan, 2001, Brain Food, no catalogue #, SB, EX-)

Something Old, Something New (2CDR, US, 2000, Digital Reproductions, DR 93080-2, SB, EX-)

The Digital Reproductions and Brain Food versions of this show includes 'The Spirit Of Radio'. All three include versions of 'Limelight' and 'Tom Sawyer' as they were performed live prior to appearing on the 'Moving Pictures' album.

Moving Pictures tour

01/03/81 International Amphitheater, Chicago, IL

Exit... Stage Right (2CDR, 1998, Moose Records, 0498-03/4, AUD, EX-)

Mystery Eyes (2CD, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 199/200, AUD, ?)

This is great show, great quality for an audience recording of this time, and has the reggae version of Working Man. The Moose Records version was limited to 125 numbered copies, and the discs have stick on labels.

27/03/81 The Forum, Montreal, Quebec

A New Reality (1CD, Australia, 1992, Turtle Records, TR-05, SB, EX)

A Symptom Of Life (1CDR, US, 1998, Crystalline Records, C199804, SB, EX)

Careful With That Axe, Alex (1CD, Germany, 1995, Chase The Dragon, CTD 009, SB, EX) silver disc

Careful With That Axe, Alex (1CD, Germany, 1995, Chase The Dragon, CTD 009, SB, EX) yellow disc

Red Barchetta (1CD, Italy, 1991, Rarities & Few, RFCD 1055, SB, EX) first pressing

Red Barchetta (1CD, Italy, 1994, Live Storm, LSCD 51055, SB, EX) second pressing

Red Stars Of The Solar Federation (1CD, France, 1990, X Rekords, CD 9 DEF, SB, EX)

There are quite a few different versions of this show around. Many of them are taken from the Exit... Stage Left video but Red Barchetta is sourced from a 'Supergroups in Concert' radio show. The latter has the same tracks with the exception of YYZ. 'A Symptom Of Life' is taken from the ESL laserdisc and also has Vital Signs from the flip side of the New World Man single.

There are two pressings of Red Barchetta but the packaging is the same in both cases.

Red Stars Of The Solar Federation has the distinction of being the very first Rush CD bootleg and the only one from France.

14/06/81 Long Beach Arena, CA

Moving Stage (2CD, Japan, 1999, Gypsy Eye, GE093/94, AUD, VG+)

Tom Sawyer (2CDR, 1997, Canadian Bacon, CB002CD, AUD, VG)

The 'Moving Stage' version of this show is by far the best, well worth while getting. The 'Tom Sawuer' version sounds like it is a copy of the old vinyl bootleg of the same name.

16/06/81 Convention Centre, Anaheim, CA

Atmospheric Disturbance (2CDR, UK, 1998, Syrinx Productions, SRR-006, AUD, VG+)

Limited to 50 copies, stick on labels on disk, but no track indexing. There are two slightly different versions of the insert - one with the venue and date, and one without.

Exit... Stage Left tour

02/11/81 Conference Centre, Brighton, England

Freewill and a Broken String (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 10281, AUD, ?)

12/11/81 Hemmerleinhalle, Nuremburg, Germany

Hemmerlein Halls (2CDR, Italy, 1997, I-vent Records, 30.12.2-97, AUD, VG)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs.

20/12/81 Civic Center , Hartford, CT

Moving Pictures Story (2CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, GE056/057, SB, VG+)

Tempest (2CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, P199810, SB, VG)

This is a genuine soundboard recording (that has down the rounds on the tape trading circuits for a while). The sound on 'Moving Pictures Story' is a bit muffled, but better than 'Tempest' which is very heavy on the bass.

New World tour (Signals)

09/12/82 Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, NY

Autumn Woods and Winter Skies (2CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, P199807, AUD, VG+)

07/05/83 Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany

Signpost (3CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 2410.23-98, AUD, ?)

The third CD features Nazareth, who were the guest support band for the show.

08/05/83 Congress Centrum, Hamburg, Germany

Hydrant (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1111.25-98, AUD, ?)

10/05/83 Philipshalle, Dusseldorf, Germany

New World Man (2CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 0511.24-98, AUD, ?)

21/05/83 Wembley Arena, London

Absolutely Signals (2CD, Japan, 2002, Gypsy Eye, GE 215/216, AUD, ?)

Signals From London (2CD, US, 1996, Tornado, TOR045, AUD, VG+)

Signals From London Remaster (2CDR, US, 1998, Scarred Records, AUD, VG+)

In the 1980s there was a huge market for bootleg tapes, often recorded on professional Sony Walkmans. They could often be found on sale at record fairs, and a show in London would probably be available just a few days later. One of the problems though was that they were mass produced and copied at high speed which sometimes resulted in sound problems. This was the case with this show, most copies running about 4.5% fast. This speed problem was reproduced when the tape was used as the source for Signals From London.

The Scarred Records version of this show is a remaster of Signals From London and has corrected these speed problems; it sounds a lot better than the original and almost gets a EX- rating for sound quality . It is also the first fans-for-fans release to have a professionally produced booklet insert, and printed discs. It is limited to 125 numbered copies.

Grace Under Pressure tour

25/06/84 Mecca Arena, Milwaukee, WI

Experience To Extremes (2CDR, US, 1997, Prism Records, PR-0897, AUD, EX-)

29+30/06/84 Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL

Ductile Iron (4CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 2008.38-99, AUD, ?)

17/09/84 Madison Square Garden, New York

Mars On The Horizon (2CD, Japan, 2002, Gypsy Eye, GE 225/226, AUD, ?)

21/09/84 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto

Currently In Vogue (GUP Video) (1CD, Italy, 1991, Good Karma, GK 002, SB, EX) yellow printing on disc

Currently In Vogue (GUP Video) (1CD, Italy, 1991, Good Karma, GK 002, SB, EX) black printing on disc

Enemies Within And Beyond (KBFH) (1CD, Germany, Howdy! Records, CD 555-15, SB, EX)

Fear (1CDR, US, 1998, Crystalline Records, C199805, SB, EX)

First Vision Under Pressure (KBFH) (1CD, Japan, 1997, Element Of Crime, elements-034, SB, EX)

Life Under Pressure (KBFH) (1CD, Italy, 1991, Metal Memory, MM 90021, SB, EX)

Live In Toronto 1986 (KBFH) (1CD, Luxembourg, 1993, Best Of Live Series. BOLS019, SB, EX)

Live In Toronto 1986 (KBFH) (1CD, Luxembourg, 1993, Best Of Live Series. JNS2023, SB, EX) Japanese import with obi strip

Live Vol 1 (1CD, Australia, 1993, Joker Records, JOK 027A, SB, EX) first pressing

Live Vol 1 (1CD, Australia, 1993, Joker Records, JOK 027A, SB, EX) second pressing

Obsolete Absalom (1CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, GE052, SB, EX)

Rushhour (1CD, Germany, Spotlight, SL-CD 009, SB, EX)

Temple Of Syrinx (1CD, Italy, 1991, Papillon, CD 011, SB, EX)

The Spirit Of Radio (1CD, Italy, 1994, Viva, CD 7543, SB, EX)

Tom Sawyer (1CD, Australia, 1993, Joker Records, JOK 027A, SB, EX)

There are three different sources for this show, the official Grace Under Pressure concert video, the GUP laserdisc, and a King Biscuit Flower Hour (KBFH) radio show on CD. The latter has been broadcast at least 6 times. Although this is the most widely bootlegged show no one has yet put all the pieces together.

The track listing of the GUP video is as follows:

The Spirit of Radio/The Enemy Within/The Weapon*/Witch Hunt/New World Man/Distant Early Warning/Red Sector A/Closer To The Heart/medley (YYZ*/Temples of Syrinx*/Tom Sawyer), medley(Vital Signs*/Finding My Way/In The Mood).

Those tracks marked with an asterisk are not on the KBFH CD, but it does have Limelight and Freewill. However, what is strange is that Rush didn't play these songs on the GUP tour, yet neither are they from the Exit... Stage Left video has some people have suggested.

The first pressing of Live Vol 1 has a simple text cover with black ink on the disc; the second pressing has a picture sleeve and red ink on the disc. The Tom Sawyer disc is identical to the second pressing of Live Vol 1. All three have the same matrix number on the disc. The label that made these bootlegs was exploiting a copyright loophole in Australian law. To avoid the accusation from the record labels that people buying the CDs might think they were 'regular' releases they put the words "unauthorised" across the covers of all their releases. It seems they did this in a hurry as all their releases became 'live vol 1' or 'live vol 2'.

27/09/84 Capital Center, Largo, MD

Bottle Of Booze (1CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE133, SB, EX)

Tip Of The Iceberg (1CDR, US, 1999, LMDX001, SB, EX)

20/11/84 Foritsu Taikukan, Osaka, Japan

Another Wasteland (2CDR, UK, expected 1998, Syrinx Productions, SRR-008, AUD, VG+)

Four Nights In A Judo Arena (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records, 1098-05/06, AUD, EX-)

Grace Under Pressure (2CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 2104.14-98, AUD, VG+)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs.

Made In Japan (2CD, Japan, 2000, Gypsy Eye, GE115/6, AUD, ?)

21/11/84 Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Red Sector A (2CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1402.13-98, AUD, VG)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs.

Power Windows tour

? Studio

Through The Window (1CD, Canada/Japan?, 1999, Faith Records, FCD1 7004, STD, F)

This claims to include outtakes from the 'Power Windows' recording session plus a couple from 'Moving Pictures', and some bonus live tracks from 1975. The sound of the outtakes is poor; they may well be genuine but I can't tell. The live tracks are straight from 'All The World's A Stage'.

24/03/86 Mecca Arena, Milwaukee, WI

Better Beer (2CDR, US, 1998, Moose Records, 0598-03/04, AUD, EX-)

Catch The Spirit (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 168/169, AUD, ?)

Diamonds in the Waste (1CD, 1993, Blue Moon Records, BM CD007, AUD, VG)

Dreams Flow Across The Heartland (2CDR, US, expected 1998, Prism Records, P199809, ?, ?)

14/04/86 Spectrum, Philadelphia

Mystic Dreams (1CD, Japan, 1996, Whatever, WER-05, SB, EX+)

Heaven And Earth (1CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, ?, SB, EX+) never released

Visions And Illusions (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 41686, SB, EX+)

Mystic Dreams is probably the best sounding CD available, and incredibly hard to find. It sounds like it has been professionally mixed as if it was being prepared for a live album as opposed to a straight feed from the soundboard. The only bad thing about it is that it is not the complete show. For a more complete version of the show go for the 'Digital Reproductions' version.

16/04/86 Spectrum, Philadelphia

Grande Designs (2CD?, ?, 1998, Pieman Productions , Pieman 0008/9, ?, ?)

Philadelphia Project (2CD, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 192/193, AUD, ?)

17/04/86 Baltimore Civic Center, Baltimore, MD

Maryland '86 (2CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 1808.37-99, AUD, ?)

Hold Your Fire tour

29/01/88 The Summit, Houston, TX

Red Stages (2CDR, Italy, 1999, I-Vent Records, 0106.31-99, AUD, ?)

25/02/88 Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL

Hear In Hear Out (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 164/165, AUD, ?)

25 + 26/02/88 Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, IL

Extreme Exult (4CDR, Italy, 1999, I-Vent Records, 0406.32-99, AUD, ?)

28/02/88 Civic Centre, Peoria, IL

In Touch (3CDR, Italy, 1999, I-Vent Records, 2905.30-99, AUD, ?)

02/04/88 Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE

Anything Can Happen (2CDR, US, expected 1998, Prism Records, P199803, SB, ?)

05/04/88 Mecca Arena, Milwaukee, WI

Imaginations On Fire (2CDR, US, expected 1999, Scarred Records, ?, ?, ?)

21/04/88 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England

A Desparate Voice (2CDR, US, 1998, Crystalline Records, C199806, SB, EX)

This was primarily sourced from the 'A Show Of Hands' purple-label laserdisc. This is the only version of the laserdisk or video to include 'Lock and Key'. The show is complete with the exception of 'Limelight'.

04/05/88 Festhalle, Frankfurt, Germany

Event (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-vent, 1001.4-98, AUD, ?)

The third CD features 30 minutes of Wishbone Ash, who were the guest support band for the show.

05/05/88 Hans Martin Schleyer Hall, Germany

Here Again (2CDR, Italy, 1998, I-vent, 2501.8-98, AUD, ?)

Presto tour

28/03/90 Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA

Scissors, Paper, Stone (2CDR, UK, 1998, Syrinx Productions, SRR-004, AUD, VG+)

05/04/90 Sports Arena, San Diego, CA

In Town (2CDR, Italy, 1997, I-vent Records, 27.12.1-97, AUD, VG)

08/05/90 Hartford Civic Center, Hartford, CT

War Paint (2CD, Japan, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 209/210, SB, ?)

17/06/90 Alpine Valley Amphitheater, East Troy, WI

That's Entertaintment (2CDR, US, 1998, Prism Records, P199806, AUD, EX-)

Definitely the best of the shows from the Presto tour. The discs are emulsion printed.

27/06/90 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA

A Pass Through Mountain View (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 62790, SB, ?)

Roll The Bones tour

1/11/91 Rosemont Horizon, Chicago, IL

One/Two (2CD, Italy, 1992, Invisible Passion, INV.CD5-008/9, AUD, VG+)

Beware that this double CD set comes in two different jewel boxes.

1992 ?

Live (1CD, Brazil, 1998, Musictape, MT CD 110 4066, AUD, EX-)

1992 North America

Live (1CD, Wall Of Sound, WS-CD 018, AUD, EX-)

1992 North America

Time To Roll (1CD, Germany, Red Devil, RED-004, AUD, EX-)

7/12/91 Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Big Money Meets The Big Apple (2CD, Japan, 2002, Watch Tower, 2002079/80, SB, ?)

The Fly (1CD, Italy, 1992, Metal Crash, MECD 2069, AUD, VG)

Rush Live USA (1CD, Germany, Imtrat, imm 40.90111, AUD, VG+) first pressing

Rush Live USA (1CD, Germany, Imtrat, imt 900.111, AUD, VG+) second pressing

Both these two CDs have the same tracks.

22/01/92 Great Western Forum, Los Angeles, CA

Inglewood (2CDR, ?, 1998, Jutti Records, JR 010/011, AUD, ?)

31/01/92 Oakland Coliseum, CA

Conductoration (2CD, Japan, 1998, Gypsy Eye, GE059/060, SB, EX+)

Mirrors (2CD, Italy, 1995, Oxygen, OXY 003/4, SB, EX+) first pressing

Mirrors (2CD, Italy, 1997, Oxygen, OXY 003/4, SB, EX+) second pressing

Rush n Roulette 92 (2CD, Italy, 1992, Silver Rarities, SIRA 54/55, SB, EX+) colour printing on disc

Rush n Roulette 92 (2CD, Italy, 1992, Silver Rarities, SIRA 54/55, SB, EX+) black printing on disc

Rush Hour (Greatest Hits Live) (1CD, Germany, 1993, Living Legend Records, LLRCD 221, SB, EX)

The intended recipient of the soundboard DAT tape that was used to make these CDs was Les Claypool of Primus (who supported Rush on this tour). Mirrors, Conductoration, and Rush 'N' Roulette 92 are the full show.

There are at least two pressings of Mirrors. The first has an 8 page booklet and marbled picture discs, one red and one green. The second has the same external packaging but only a double-sided insert and plain black discs.

Conductoration is called 'Conduction' on the insert but 'Conductoration' on the discs. There are quite a few mistakes in the track listing on the back insert.

Rush Hour is part of this show plus a few other tracks from the Grace Under Pressure video; it has the title embossed in black lettering on the jewel case and comes with a 12 page booklet with a band history written in German. This is quite a difficult CD to find.

23/02/92 UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, CA

Mardi Gras (2CD, Australia, 1992, Goregon Music, GM-3A/B, AUD, ?)

New Orleans 1992 (2CD, Italy, 1993, Post Script, PSCD 2257, AUD, EX-)

25/02/92 Civic Centre, Pensacola, FL

Pensacola (2CD, Australia, 1992, Goregon Music, GM-4A/B, AUD, EX-)

15/03/92 Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY

Bravado (2CD, Red Robin Records, RR021/022, AUD, VG+)

12/04/92 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK

Roll The Stones (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-vent, 1601.5-98, AUD, ?)

The third CD features 30 minutes of Primus, who were the guest support band for the show.

17/04/92 Wembley Arena, London

Run Faster (1CDR, US, 1998, Scarred Records, SB, EX+)

Run From The Fans (1CD, Italy, 1992, Kiss The Stone, KTS094, SB, EX-)

Superconductor (1CD, Germany, Extremely Rare, EXR 009, SB, EX+)

This show was a radio broadcast by the BBC. According to East/West Records, Rush tried to get hold of the original tapes for a possible live album. The Run From The Fans version runs at the wrong speed, it is 3.2% too slow. Run Faster is a corrected version of Run From The Fans.

23/04/92 Sporthalle, Koln, Germany

Bone The Rolls (1CD, Germany, 1992, Great Live Records, GLR 9251, AUD, VG+)

29/04/92 Hans-Martin Schlayerhalle, Stuttgart, Germany

Over The Europe (2CD, Italy, 1992, Metal Crash, MECD 2084/2085, AUD, EX-)

30/04/92 Frankenhalle, Nuremburg, Germany

Salt & Pepper (3CDR, US, 1999, I-Vent Records, 1508.36-99, AUD, ?)

01/05/92 Le Zenith, Paris, France

Paris 1992 (2CDR, ?, 1998, Jutti Records, JR 008/009, AUD, ?)

03/05/92 Ahoy Hall, Rotterdam, Holland

Atmospheric (2CD, Germany, 1992, Crystal Cat Records, CC 301/302, AUD, EX)

This is a superb audience recording from the Roll The Bones tour. It's a shame that nothing approaching this quality has so far emerged from either the Counterparts or Test For Echo tours.

14/06/92 Blockbuster Pavilion, Charlotte, North Carolina

Because It Happens (2CD, Japan, 2002, Gypsy Eye, GE 234/235, AUD, ?)

20/06/92 Jones Beach, Long Island, NY

Cold Flames (2CD, Italy, 1993, Class Shots on CD, CSCD 007/008, AUD, EX)

Counterparts tour

April-June 93 Morin Heights Studio

De Javu (1CD, Japan, 2000, Sweet Encore, SW-001, SB, EX)

Deja Vu (1CDR, UK, expected 1998, Syrinx Productions, SRR-007, SB, EX)

This disc features alternate takes from the recording of Counterparts. There is not a huge amount of difference from the versions that appeared on the album, but there is some. 'Deja Vu' was limited to 100 copies. The disc has an adhesive label. The front and back inserts are printed on glossy paper and are a big improvement on previous Syrinx releases. 'De Javu' is a straight copy of the Syrinx original.

22/01/94 Civic Arena, Pensacola, FL

Northern Heroes (2CD, Italy, Cocomelos Records, CM025/026, AUD, VG)

23/01/94 UNO Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA

Gangster of Boats (2CD, Italy, 1994, Insect Records, IST21/22, AUD, VG+) pink rear insert

Gangster of Boats (2CD, Italy, 1994, Insect Records, IST21/22, AUD, VG+) re-issue with red rear insert

Lakefront Assault (2CDR, US, 1999, Arena, 003/4, AUD, ?)

02/03/94 Jacksonville, FL

Come to a Standstill (2CD, Germany, 1994, Flashback, Flash 05.94.0230/1, AUD, VG+)

04/03/94 Thunderdome, St. Petersburg, FL

Florida 1994 (2CD, Italy, 1994, Live Storm, LSCD 52605, AUD, VG)

Storm in St. Petersburg (2CD, Italy, 1994, Home Records, HR5973/74, AUD, EX-)

08/03/94 Madison Square Gardens, NY

At The Big Apple (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-vent, 2001.6-98, AUD, ?)

The third CD features Candlebox, who were the guest support band for the show.

09/03/94 Madison Square Gardens, NY

At The Big Apple - Part 2 (2CDR, Italy, 1998, I-vent, 2401.7-98, AUD, VG+)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs.

09/03/94 Madison Square Gardens, NY

Closer to Our Heart (1CD, Italy, 1994, Metal Crash, MECD 1160, AUD, VG+)

22/03/94 The Palace, Auburn Hills, MI

Critical Mass (2CD, US, 1996, Prism Records, PR-0696, SB, EX)

For Your Mind (2CD, Japan, 1997, SKY 193/4, SB) never released

Majestic Symphonies (2CD, Germany, 1996, Ride The Tiger, RTT 034/035, SB, EX-)

May (2CD, Singapore, 1996, 83.13,42.40, SB, EX-)

The source for the CDs of this show was a pro-shot video used for the projection screens at the back of the stage and the hospitality suites. The 'Critical Mass' version is in stereo but other versions are from later generations of the video and are mono.

Critical Mass was limited to 500 copies.

For Your Mind was never actually released.

02/04/94 Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI

Cool Dream (2CD, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 203/204, SB, ?)

Nuts and Bolts (2CDR, US, 2000, Audio Collections, no catalogue #, SB, EX+)

26/04/94 US Air Arena, Landover, Maryland

Lock, Stock and Barrelled (2CD, 1995, Blue Moon Records, BMCD21/22, AUD, VG)

Darkness and Light (1CDR, 1998, Prism Records, P199816, SB, EX+)

Although 'Darkness and Light' is not the complete show the quality is outstanding, probably the best of the three soundboard recordings from this tour.

29/04/94 The Spectrum, Philadelphia

A Night At The Spectrum (2D, Japan, 2002, Watch Tower, WT 2002081/82, SB, ?)

07/05/94 Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto

Animated (2CD, 1996, SB, EX+)

Mistress Of The Dark (2CD, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 171/172, SB, ?)

This is another great soundboard recording from the last date of the Counterparts tour.

An Evening With Rush (Test For Echo)

18/10/96 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY

Echoes On The Stage (3CD, Japan, 2002, Watch Tower, WT 2002083/84/85, SB, ?)

This is a recording of the rehearsal for the Test For Echo tour.

19/10/96 Knickerbocker Arena, Albany, NY

Never Stands Still (2CD, US, 1997, The Flying Tigers, FTCD 096/097, AUD, VG+)

28/10/96 United Center, Chicago, IL

Echo (3CDR, Italy, 1997, I-vent, 3112.3-97, AUD, ?)

29/10/96 Target Center, Minneapolis, MN

Individually, We Are Ass, But Together, We Are Genius (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1102.10-98, AUD, ?)

31/10/96 Keil Center, St Louis, MO

Greatest Show (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 0202.11-98, AUD, VG+)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs.

03/11/96 Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

Echoes for Test (2CDR, Japan, 1997, Road Kill Records, RK-97012, AUD, VG+) first pressing

Echoes for Test (2CDR, Japan, 1997, Road Kill Records, RK-97012, AUD, VG+) second pressing

The first pressing of Echoes For Test comes on plain gold CDRs with a small white sticker around the spindle; it was limited to 100 copies. Some come with a bright pink cover others with a bright yellow one. The second pressing comes on Maxell branded CDRs, does not have a sticker, and comes with either a white, pale green, or bright green cover. Besides the colour, the (minimal) packaging is the same on both.

04/11/96 Gund Arena, Cleveland, OH

Test It (3CDR, US, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1010.21-98, AUD, ?)

06/11/96 Corestates Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA

No Opening Act (3CDR, US, 1996, OTB, OTB 001/2/3, AUD, EX-)

Is There Anybody Out There (3CDR, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1202.12-98, AUD, ?)

Look And See (3CDR Box Set, Italy, 1998, I-Vent Records, 1605.15-98, AUD, VG)

Professionally printed inserts and stick-on labels on the discs. Each disc is in its own jewel case, with all three housed in a printed box.

21/11/96 Arco Arena, Sacramento, CA

Testdrive (2CD, Singapore, 1997, AUD, VG+)

29/11/96 America West Arena, Phoenix, AZ

Virtual Songs (3CDR, US, 1997, Prism Records, PR-0597, AUD, VG+)

This was limited to 250 copies.

05/12/96 The Summit, Houston, TX

Some Kind Of Drama (3CD, Japan, 2002, Gypsy Eye, GE 227/228/229, SB, EX+)

The Summit Board (3CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 20596, SB, ?)

15/12/96 Continental Arena, NJ

Dances With The Moon (3CDR, US, 1997, Syrinx Productions, SRR-002, AUD, VG+)

This was limited to 50 copies. Each CD comes in a separate jewel case with a velcro-sealed strip to hold them all together.

05/11/97 Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA

Mountain View (2CDR, ?, 1998, Jutti Records, JR 001/002, AUD, EX-)

To Hear Amazing Things (3CDR, US, 1998, Scarred Records, SC199807, AUD, EX)

'To Hear Amazing Tings' is an an amazing release. It is definitely the best quality recording from the TFE tour. There is a small amount of audience noise but nothing too intrusive. The packaging is superb and sets new standards for 'fans for fans' releases. It comes in a proper 3CD box. Each disc is printed, and there is a 12 page professionally printed booklet of photographs from the show. It is limited to 300 numbered copies.

And now another high quality release of this show... 'Mountain View' is from the same source as 'To Hear Amazing Things' but doesn't sound quite as good. Neither does it feature the full show, and the packaging is basic - this release does not have printed discs, and has self-printed liners. It is limited to 100 numbered copies.

14/06/97 World Music Theater, Chicago, IL

Road Tested (2nd Leg) (2CDR, Japan, 1998, Road Kill Records, RK-98999, AUD, VG+)

O'Chicago (2CDR, US, 2001, Digital Reproductions, DR 61497, AUD, ?)

The 'Road Tested' version of this show comes on plain gold CDRs with 5 different coloured front inserts, and each insert has a different symbol on the front. The cover also states that this is to be the last release from Road Kill Records. The 'Digital Reproductions' versionis from a superior source.

30/06/97 Molson Amphitheater, Toronto, Ontario

An Evening With Rush (3CD, 2001, Gypsy Eye, GE 189/190/191, ?, ?)

An Evening With Rush (Vapor Trails)

20/07/02 Tweeter Center, Tinley Park, Illinois

Changes Never End (3CD, Japan, 2002, Gypsy Eye, GE ?, SB, ?)

Not a true soundboard recording, it is actually taken from an audio loop for people with hearing impairment.

Various

Exit... Stage Live (1CD, Czechoslovakia, 1995, Amazonas, FK 509, AUD + SB, G to EX)

This is a compilation of tracks from some of the more common shows, mainly 14/02/80, 27/03/81, and 04/06/79. The CD istelf comes in a fold out digipak,

Policy:

A few years ago collecting Rush bootleg CDs was relatively straightforward. They were sometimes hard to find but if you did find one you knew what it was. Then things started to change. The loopholes in copyright law that many of the European manufacturers were exploiting started to be closed and it became much harder to get silver CDs pressed. At the same time recordable CD technology (CDR) started to become more widespread.

Wind forward a few years and the situation now is that the majority of silver CD bootlegs originate from Japan. The other main source is the increasing number of 'fans for fans' labels who create CDR bootlegs. The latter have developed from initially quite crude efforts with poor packaging, through the use of stick-on labels, to very high quality packaging with emulsion printing on the discs. Often the 'fans for fans' releases feature shows that the more commercially minded manufacturers would have overlooked, or would not have even found.

As creating a CDR is relatively straightforward, it has also been used to create replicas of silver CD bootlegs. Where the original CD is scarce this seems very worthwhile. There has also been quite a few one offs where people press up a few copies of a CDR, advertise it, sell it, and then disappear. This creates a bit of a dilemma - what should be included in this discography?

I have decided to try and implement the following policy:

1. I will endeavour to include every single silver CD that is pressed.
2. I will include CDRs from 'fans for fans' labels that have produced at least one quality release. The definition of quality is obviously difficult but includes things like using DAO to avoid 2 second gaps, correct track indexing, proper packaging, liner notes, a catalogue number, a set print run, printing on the disc, etc. The threshold will also increase over time, and so some of the CDRs currently on the list would probably no longer make the cut.
3. I will not include CDRs where they are straight replicas, unless they fix a problem with the original.
4. The exception to the 'commercial' bit is that I have added some shows from Digital Reproductions, which is strictly non-commercial, where there are rare shows or the quality is better.