In 1977, Rush dressed for a prog-rock epic. Their tourmates were embarrassed for them
Rush’s 11-minute song ‘Xanadu’ brought together elaborate fantasy, extended instrumental passages and a theatrical look during the band’s progressive-rock period. The story follows a traveller whose quest for immortality turns into a nightmare, reflecting Rush’s willingness to pursue ambitious ideas despite pressure for more radio-friendly material.
Their kimonos drew teasing from tourmates UFO: singer Geddy Lee recalled finding fuzzy white slippers nailed to the stage and being mocked as “Glee”. Fans joined in with signs quoting the song, while the musicianship was harder to dismiss: guitarist Alex Lifeson said the band recorded the track in one complete take at Rockfield, after rehearsing and playing it live. Birds recorded outside the Welsh studio feature in its introduction.
In short
- Rush made ‘Xanadu’ an 11-minute progressive-rock epic.
- UFO’s tourmates mocked the band’s kimono-inspired stage clothes.
- The track was recorded in one complete take at Rockfield.
Explained simply
Rush were a Canadian rock band whose best-known line-up included singer and bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. In the 1970s, they became known for progressive rock: music with long pieces, intricate playing and stories that often drew on fantasy and science fiction.
“Xanadu” is an extended song inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “Kubla Khan”, in which a traveller seeks a place linked with eternal life. Rush’s elaborate stage clothes suited the song’s fantastical mood, even as the band faced pressure to make shorter, more radio-friendly music.
Their 1977 tour brought them together with UFO, a British rock band with a different image. The episode shows how Rush’s theatrical approach could invite teasing, while their demanding music earned respect from fellow musicians and fans.