Progressive rock

Liner notes: FM, Black Noise

FM – Black Noise   Oh, the endless possibilities that can be stoked by science fiction. It’s a realm where imaginations are stimulated, emancipated, and allowed to run wild; where boundaries are stretched and eliminated, and where the inconceivable can become an accomplished reality. It’s a topic that is so entrenched and valued in our society that sci-fi has gifted us with some of our most beloved cultural milestones, be…


Nash The Slash, Toronto rock violinist, dead at 66

Born Jeff Plewman, Nash the Slash’s stage wardrobe consisted of wrapping his face in bandages adorned by sunglasses and wearing a top hat. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Mon May 12 2014 Pioneering electronic musician, composer and performance artist Nash the Slash has died. The eccentric Toronto electric violinist, whose mummified stage wardrobe consisted of wrapping his face in bandages adorned by sunglasses and a top hat, was found…


Kraftwerk delights the faithful at Sony Centre

If this is Kraftwerk’s final live hurrah in Toronto, they’ve left on a triumphant note. By: Nick Krewen Music, Published on Sun Mar 30 2014   2.5 stars Kraftwerk doesn’t do hugs. A female fan rushed the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts stage shortly after the four members of Düsseldorf-based techno pop pioneers Kraftwerk had finished their encore and were taking their final bows. She made a beeline for…


Geddy Lee on the sustained Rush

Fabled Toronto rock trio, doing two dates Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 at the ACC, still learning things on new album. By: Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Wed Oct 10 2012   Twenty albums and nearly 40 years in, Toronto hometown heroes Rush are continuing to defy the odds. Despite creating a musical niche that courts intellectualism, prides itself in technical proficiency and continues to influence the…


The Spirit of Rush

NEWS Rush frontman Geddy Lee discusses the band’s upcoming tour, the challenges of picking a set list and the reason for their longevity NICK KREWEN GRAMMYS MAY 15, 2017 GRAMMY.com For nearly 40 years, Toronto-based progressive power trio Rush have been the thinking man’s rock band. On the way to refining and defining themselves as peerless musicians, vocalist/bass player Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart have stayed…