In February 1977, at the age of 16, I called in on a friend. He had just bought a new record, a double live album called All The World's A Stage by a Canadian band I'd never heard of called Rush, and was playing it when I arrived. I was fascinated by the triple-gatefold cover, featuring a host of photos of the band in action on stage, and intrigued by the music.

I borrowed my friend's record, and, disregarding the quite legitimate prevailing popular advice that home taping was 'killing music', made a cassette copy. I played it over and over again, and fell in love with it. I became an ardent fan - indeed, Rush became something of a religion to me. The band toured the UK for the first time in June 1977, and I saw them at Newcastle City Hall, spellbound. I saw all the subsequent UK tours and bought all of their albums, sometimes in later years, it must be said, listening through clenched teeth.

27 years later, Rush are still recording and performing. It can't be denied that their creative powers have been in decline for many years - and as if to prove the point, they release a mini-album of cover versions this month, entitled Feedback - but at the peak of their powers, they were a phenomenal band. In September 2004 they will tour the UK for the first time in 12 years, probably their last visit to these shores.

I'm attempting here to write a definitive guide to their recorded music.  When complete, this will comprise the most accurate and informed critical analysis of their canon available in any medium.

James, July 2004