Rush open book on artistic journey

A book celebrating the relationship between Rush and artist Hugh Syme is to be published on May 1, it’s been announced.

The Art Of Rush: Serving A Life Sentence will feature original illustrations, paintings and photos by Syme, who’s designed all the band’s artwork since 1975’s Caress Of Steel.

The 272-page coffee table volume was penned by music journalist Stephen Humphries and includes interviews with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart, along with Syme himself.

Drummer Peart says: “From the first time Hugh and I met, we shared a level of communication that would sustain us through all the years of discussing art by long distance.

“We had the same values and tastes in images and design, and simply spoke the same language. That’s why I off-handedly referred to him one time as ‘serving a life sentence as my art director.’”

The book will be available in three versions: a Classic Edition, a signed, individually numbered Special Edition limited to 250 copies, and a Roadcase Deluxe Limited Edition featuring custom slipcase, signed lithograph and metal-plated casing. Only 100 of these will be available and all will be autographed by Syme and band.

Pre-orders begin today (March 27) from 2pm GMT directly via their Backstage Club.

Rush were awarded a Juno in their homeland earlier this month for their humanitarian work. They’re gearing up to embark on what could be their final large-scale tour.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.