1/2 of the Rush fanbase are pseudo-metalheads who also liked Led Zep, and then perhaps got into the Metallicas of the world, but still liked Rush, but it's the "lightest" stuff they listen to.
The other 1/2 of the Rush fanbase aren't quite metalheads, but like progressive music (Yes, Gabriel, Early Genesis, Floyd, King Crimson, etc.) and tend to be exceedingly intelligent, but slightly, nerdy engineers and such.
Boy...am I gonna blow your "stereotype".
I grew up in rural Georgia, am not much of an intellectual nor am I musically talented. Growing up here during the 70's, most people in my age and socioeconomic group were into southern blues rock, so that was primarily my favorite type of music. Allman brothers, Skynard, Marshall Tucker etc.
However, as I reached the end of my teenage years, I went through a punk stage, then a Floyd, Rush, Yes stage right after I saw "The Wall" for the first time.
In my CD changer right now is Moving pictures, a classical mix cd,Patsy Cline's greatest hits, Dark side of the moon, and the Allman bros. greatest hits.
Anyway, the reason I like Rush and Yes is the quality and depth of the music. They are about the only groups I can listen to entire cd's of without skipping tracks. I prefer both groups early work more than their newer work, but all their work is timeless.
The Wall was the only movie I've ever walked out of.
Rush 2112 back in the day.