Rush’s 2002 album Vapor Trails marked the band’s return after drummer and lyricist Neil Peart suffered the deaths of his daughter and wife in 1997 and 1998. The article argues that the record saved the group from an uncertain future by turning Peart’s grief and recovery into new music, and ultimately restoring the trio’s ability to perform together.

Following the tragedies, Peart left Toronto and travelled around North America by motorcycle before eventually returning to Rush. He was unsure whether he could again devote himself to writing lyrics and drum parts, but Vapor Trails featured more openly emotional songs including ‘One Little Victory’ and ‘How It Is’; the band’s subsequent live return convinced them their reunion had been worthwhile.