Rush Shocks Fans! "A Farewell to Kings" Returns After 47 Years in LA!
Rush Shocks Fans! "A Farewell to Kings" Returns After 47 Years in LA!
Rock legends Rush delivered an unforgettable surprise at their LA Kia Forum show, playing "A Farewell to Kings" for the first time since 1979! Don't miss the details of this historic night. #RushTour #RockHistory
Rock icons Rush recently wrapped up their triumphant Los Angeles leg of the "Fifty Something Tour" with an electrifying fourth night at the Kia Forum, delivering a surprise that left fans stunned and overjoyed. The highlight of the evening, and arguably the entire run, was the band's decision to perform "A Farewell to Kings," the title track from their 1977 album, for the first time in an astonishing 47 years.
Geddy Lee, looking out at the roaring crowd, confessed, "I never thought I'd see this again," perfectly capturing the sentiment of many long-time fans. This historic performance was part of a dynamic strategy for their current tour, where Rush plans to rotate between four different setlists each night, ensuring unique experiences for attendees. Saturday's show, like night two, also featured all seven sections of "2112" and introduced other tour debuts including "The Pass" from 1989's Presto and "The Anarchist" from 2012's Clockwork Angels.
The return of "A Farewell to Kings" was an unexpected treat. The track, which began with Alex Lifeson's delicate nylon-string intro before exploding into powerful electric riffs, sounded as fresh and potent as ever. For years, the song was seemingly avoided due to its challenging vocal range, which stays at the top of Lee's register. However, thanks to effective coaching, Lee has reportedly regained much of his signature banshee range, making him "perhaps the only rock singer of his generation to actually reverse vocal aging." His comfortable delivery, alongside Lifeson's 'Seventies self' soloing and touring drummer Anika Nilles' impressive handling of Neil Peart's intricate parts, made the performance a true masterclass.
This Los Angeles run has set a high bar for the rest of the "Fifty Something Tour," promising a journey through Rush's vast catalog with plenty of surprises along the way. Fans can look forward to more iconic moments as the band continues their highly anticipated return to the stage.
