February 27, 1997
A nervous Rush as rock stars receive Order of Canada OTTAWA (CP) -- Rock 'n' roll did it for Rush, Frank Shuster made it with his droll wit and the King of Kensington got there after two decades on TV. The Grammys, Genies or Junos it wasn't. How about the Order of Canada. Try Geddy Lee, OC, on for size. The bassist-singer and his fellow Rush-ites Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson were the first rockers to be given the medal of distinction in its 30-year history. "I'm just going to wear it all the time and see if it gets me better tables at restaurants," the irreverent Lee, decked in a black suit and tie, said after a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General where 43 Canadians were inducted Wednesday. As the hip rock stars brushed cuff-links with philanthropists, scientists and business leaders in the regal ballroom, the trio was a long way from the dingy bars where they started out 25 years ago. The honor was created in 1967 to recognize "significant achievement in important fields of human endeavor." "It kind of touches you in a place that none of these other things do touch you," said Lee. "It's not so much music related as your country saying thank you ... something about our home country has kept us here and moments like this make you feel like you've made the right decision." It was perhaps fitting that Rush, which has stayed put in Canada, was being decorated for its contribution on the same night as the Grammys where several Canadians were up for awards. The Rush rockers said they were more nervous than they've ever when Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc presented them with the Order. "I'm just a musician in a band," said a humble Lifeson. It's a distinction that some say is long overdue for the unofficial ambassadors of Canadian rock. The band, which is currently taking a break from a tour promoting their latest release, Test for Echo, is noted for raising millions of dollars for charities. The Order of Canada was also a long time coming for Shuster. He and his late partner, Johnny Wayne, started making people laugh after the Second World War. "I don't know if Count Dracula ever wore anything like this," joked Shuster as he displayed his medal. "This is quite interesting." He said the honor also belongs to Wayne, who died in 1990 at age 72. Media mogul Roger Landry, publisher of Montreal's La Presse, and genetic researcher Charles Scriver, also of Montreal, were promoted to the order's highest level of companion. Rush, Shuster, the late philanthropist Peter Bronfman and Arthur Labatt were among the 10 people decorated as officers, the second highest distinction. Among the new members are actor Al Waxman, the King of Kensington in the former television series, Alan Abraham, the former lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia, William McKeag, former lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, Montreal police chief Jacques Duchesneau, and Gordon Penrose, the zany Dr. Zed of Owl and Chickadee magazines for children. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 27, 1997 Called to Order By TRALEE PEARCE Ottawa Sun Canadian rock legends Rush stepped onto an unfamiliar stage yesterday, as they were inducted into the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall. Trading stadium digs for red carpets, frontman Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer-lyricist Neal Peart stood shoulder to shoulder in the Rideau Hall Ballroom to receive their medals from Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc. They were named Officers of the Order of Canada. The award was given as much for their community service as for their contribution to the arts. They have raised over $1 million for food banks and the United Way. "It's a great honor. It's a very patriotic moment," said Lee, sporting his new medal after the ceremony. Lifeson hammed it up with the press, pinching one photographer's camera and snapping a few shots. Of the medal, he cracked: "I think I'll wear it to bed. Maybe I'll get more respect that way." Actor Al Waxman (King Of Kensington, Cagney And Lacey) and comedian Frank Shuster (of Wayne And Shuster) were also recognized for their contributions to Canadian society -- with Member and Officer designations, respectively. Waxman, who will star in Death Of A Salesman at Stratford next summer, said he never dreamed of such awards back in his Kensington days. "I never did. I must say in recent years I hoped that something like this would happen. I take my country very personally. So, for me, it's a personal joy to be here today." And Shuster, who mused that his medal looked like something Count Dracula might have worn, paid tribute to his late partner-in-laughs, Johnny Wayne. "He should be part of this. We all miss him ... the team is always the team." Other arts industry recipients included Haida artist Robert Davidson, choreographer David Charles Earle and jazz guitarist Edward Isaac Bickert. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- February 25, 1997 Geddy up for top honor By PAUL CANTIN Ottawa Sun Nobody gets into rock 'n' roll to get the Order Of Canada, but now that the honor is about to be bestowed upon Rush, Geddy Lee is happy to accept. "I think it is really cool. I'm really honored to be given a medal by my country," says bassist-singer Lee, who will join drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson tomorrow at Rideau Hall, honored alongside actor Al Waxman, comedian Frank Shuster and a host of unsung Canadians in receiving our highest civilian award. "I've never had a medal, and I'm sure it will look nice at the breakfast table every morning," says Lee, father of a 16-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl. "It will be a great source of getting more respect out of my children. "Sir Geddy would be good," he adds with a laugh. Considering their many achievements, it's a surprise that it has taken so long for the trio to get recognized. "Oddly enough, throughout the world, we are kind of considered slightly more underground," says Lee. "But in our own home country, we are treated more as a mainstream, established group. As a result, we do get taken for granted from time to time. But it comes with the territory. I can't say I harbor any weird feelings." The temptation of warmer weather and lower taxes could have lured them elsewhere, but the decision to stay in Toronto was a deliberate one. "There is a nice sense of giving a damn about certain social programs that don't exist in other countries. Although our present government in Ontario is trying hard to cut them all out, I think there is an outcry and people are concerned about the kind of community they have here," he says. "Although I am not a socialist, I do favor supporting certain programs that benefit our society. Things like childcare and so forth. How do you help people help themselves? That's an attitude that does exist in this country and I'm proud of that." Rush maintains a devoted following but continues to attract new, young fans, and enjoys a healthy respect in underground rock circles. Pavement even name-checks Lee on their new record (he hasn't heard it), but Lee says respect comes from not dwelling on the past. "All these bands coming back with great revival tours, I don't want to go through that. I want to make new music and experiment within ... a little niche for ourselves." Despite their focus on the future, the band is preparing to reissue its early albums with upgraded sound and restored artwork. There's also what Lee calls a "plethora" of live material awaiting release and discussions about a follow-up to their recent Test For Echo LP. But for now, Rush is focused on its ongoing tour, which should touch down in Canada by summer. He won't comment on rumors the group could open the Canadian leg in Ottawa on Canada Day and he pours cold water on bothersome suggestions about the band's future, including whispers that Peart has been suffering health problems. "There have been times where there was the feeling of giving it a rest. But considering the length of time we have been together, they have been remarkably few," he says. But back to titles. Lee jokingly wonders if, in 20 years, Rush could be promoted within the Order Of Canada, from "officer" to the loftier title of "companion." "I think Prime Minister of the Order of Canada would be nice." Or just Prime Minister Geddy? "I don't think I'd get enough votes from all the special interest groups." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 27, 1997
A nervous Rush as rock stars receive Order of Canada OTTAWA (CP) -- Rock 'n' roll did it for Rush, Frank Shuster made it with his droll wit and the King of Kensington got there after two decades on TV.
The Grammys, Genies or Junos it wasn't. How about the Order of Canada.
Try Geddy Lee, OC, on for size.
The bassist-singer and his fellow Rush-ites Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson were the first rockers to be given the medal of distinction in its 30-year history.
"I'm just going to wear it all the time and see if it gets me better tables at restaurants," the irreverent Lee, decked in a black suit and tie, said after a formal ceremony at Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General where 43 Canadians were inducted Wednesday.
As the hip rock stars brushed cuff-links with philanthropists, scientists and business leaders in the regal ballroom, the trio was a long way from the dingy bars where they started out 25 years ago.
The honor was created in 1967 to recognize "significant achievement in important fields of human endeavor." "It kind of touches you in a place that none of these other things do touch you," said Lee.
"It's not so much music related as your country saying thank you ... something about our home country has kept us here and moments like this make you feel like you've made the right decision."
It was perhaps fitting that Rush, which has stayed put in Canada, was being decorated for its contribution on the same night as the Grammys where several Canadians were up for awards.
The Rush rockers said they were more nervous than they've ever when Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc presented them with the Order.
"I'm just a musician in a band," said a humble Lifeson.
It's a distinction that some say is long overdue for the unofficial ambassadors of Canadian rock.
The band, which is currently taking a break from a tour promoting their latest release, Test for Echo, is noted for raising millions of dollars for charities.
The Order of Canada was also a long time coming for Shuster. He and his late partner, Johnny Wayne, started making people laugh after the Second World War.
"I don't know if Count Dracula ever wore anything like this," joked Shuster as he displayed his medal. "This is quite interesting."
He said the honor also belongs to Wayne, who died in 1990 at age 72.
Media mogul Roger Landry, publisher of Montreal's La Presse, and genetic researcher Charles Scriver, also of Montreal, were promoted to the order's highest level of companion.
Rush, Shuster, the late philanthropist Peter Bronfman and Arthur Labatt were among the 10 people decorated as officers, the second highest distinction.
Among the new members are actor Al Waxman, the King of Kensington in the former television series, Alan Abraham, the former lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia, William McKeag, former lieutenant-governor of Manitoba, Montreal police chief Jacques Duchesneau, and Gordon Penrose, the zany Dr. Zed of Owl and Chickadee magazines for children.
February 27, 1997 Called to Order By TRALEE PEARCE Ottawa Sun Canadian rock legends Rush stepped onto an unfamiliar stage yesterday, as they were inducted into the Order of Canada at Rideau Hall.
Trading stadium digs for red carpets, frontman Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer-lyricist Neal Peart stood shoulder to shoulder in the Rideau Hall Ballroom to receive their medals from Gov. Gen. Romeo LeBlanc. They were named Officers of the Order of Canada.
The award was given as much for their community service as for their contribution to the arts. They have raised over $1 million for food banks and the United Way.
"It's a great honor. It's a very patriotic moment," said Lee, sporting his new medal after the ceremony.
Lifeson hammed it up with the press, pinching one photographer's camera and snapping a few shots.
Of the medal, he cracked: "I think I'll wear it to bed. Maybe I'll get more respect that way."
Actor Al Waxman (King Of Kensington, Cagney And Lacey) and comedian Frank Shuster (of Wayne And Shuster) were also recognized for their contributions to Canadian society -- with Member and Officer designations, respectively.
Waxman, who will star in Death Of A Salesman at Stratford next summer, said he never dreamed of such awards back in his Kensington days.
"I never did. I must say in recent years I hoped that something like this would happen. I take my country very personally. So, for me, it's a personal joy to be here today."
And Shuster, who mused that his medal looked like something Count Dracula might have worn, paid tribute to his late partner-in-laughs, Johnny Wayne.
"He should be part of this. We all miss him ... the team is always the team."
Other arts industry recipients included Haida artist Robert Davidson, choreographer David Charles Earle and jazz guitarist Edward Isaac Bickert.
February 25, 1997 Geddy up for top honor
By PAUL CANTIN Ottawa Sun Nobody gets into rock 'n' roll to get the Order Of Canada, but now that the honor is about to be bestowed upon Rush, Geddy Lee is happy to accept.
"I think it is really cool. I'm really honored to be given a medal by my country," says bassist-singer Lee, who will join drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson tomorrow at Rideau Hall, honored alongside actor Al Waxman, comedian Frank Shuster and a host of unsung Canadians in receiving our highest civilian award.
"I've never had a medal, and I'm sure it will look nice at the breakfast table every morning," says Lee, father of a 16-year-old boy and a two-year-old girl. "It will be a great source of getting more respect out of my children.
"Sir Geddy would be good," he adds with a laugh.
Considering their many achievements, it's a surprise that it has taken so long for the trio to get recognized.
"Oddly enough, throughout the world, we are kind of considered slightly more underground," says Lee.
"But in our own home country, we are treated more as a mainstream, established group. As a result, we do get taken for granted from time to time. But it comes with the territory. I can't say I harbor any weird feelings."
The temptation of warmer weather and lower taxes could have lured them elsewhere, but the decision to stay in Toronto was a deliberate one.
"There is a nice sense of giving a damn about certain social programs that don't exist in other countries. Although our present government in Ontario is trying hard to cut them all out, I think there is an outcry and people are concerned about the kind of community they have here," he says.
"Although I am not a socialist, I do favor supporting certain programs that benefit our society. Things like childcare and so forth. How do you help people help themselves? That's an attitude that does exist in this country and I'm proud of that."
Rush maintains a devoted following but continues to attract new, young fans, and enjoys a healthy respect in underground rock circles. Pavement even name-checks Lee on their new record (he hasn't heard it), but Lee says respect comes from not dwelling on the past.
"All these bands coming back with great revival tours, I don't want to go through that. I want to make new music and experiment within ... a little niche for ourselves."
Despite their focus on the future, the band is preparing to reissue its early albums with upgraded sound and restored artwork. There's also what Lee calls a "plethora" of live material awaiting release and discussions about a follow-up to their recent Test For Echo LP. But for now, Rush is focused on its ongoing tour, which should touch down in Canada by summer. He won't comment on rumors the group could open the Canadian leg in Ottawa on Canada Day and he pours cold water on bothersome suggestions about the band's future, including whispers that Peart has been suffering health problems.
"There have been times where there was the feeling of giving it a rest. But considering the length of time we have been together, they have been remarkably few," he says.
But back to titles. Lee jokingly wonders if, in 20 years, Rush could be promoted within the Order Of Canada, from "officer" to the loftier title of "companion."
"I think Prime Minister of the Order of Canada would be nice." Or just Prime Minister Geddy? "I don't think I'd get enough votes from all the special interest groups."