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The 2002 album that saved Rush from prog-rock oblivion: “An uncertainty”
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.
In short
- Vapor Trails restored Rush after Neil Peart’s personal tragedies.
- Peart initially doubted he could return to music.
- The album and tour reaffirmed the band’s future.
Explained simply
Rush is a Canadian rock band that enjoyed decades of success in the rock music world. In 1997 and 1998, the band experienced a major crisis when drummer and lyricist Neil Peart lost his daughter and then his wife in consecutive years, leaving the group's future in serious doubt.
Following these tragedies, Peart left Toronto and spent time travelling across North America by motorcycle before deciding to work with his bandmates once more. He was unsure whether he could again dedicate himself to writing and creating music for the band.
In 2002, Rush released the album Vapor Trails, which featured openly emotional songs reflecting Peart's experiences of loss and recovery. The album's release enabled the band to return to live performance after years of inactivity, allowing Rush to continue as a working group.