Rush Rash with Chaz N Schatz

Chaz Charles & Alan "Schatz" Schatzberg

A weekly listen through all 166 original studio tracks in the band R U S H's catalog, one track at a time. Chaz Charles and Alan "Schatz" Schatzberg take listeners through each track with their unique blend of uninformed opinion, musicianship and misguided attempts at humor along the way. Listeners are invited to fact check and play along at home, because who doesn't like getting fact checked on R U S H?! Hot Damn, Eh!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6D AGO

    Episode 101. Dreamline

    This week on Rush Rash, Chaz and Shatz crack open the Haggis Shack to welcome a true lifer: Rob Silverberg, the driving force behind Midwest RushFest. Before the wheel spins, the guys dive deep into Rob’s Rush origin story—Signals and “The Analog Kid” as the gateway, Columbia House confessions, and buying Grace Under Pressure on release day like it was a sacred ritual. From there, it’s all about community. Rob walks through the evolution of Midwest Rush Fest—from a heartfelt gathering in 2016 to a full-blown annual celebration at The Pageant in St. Louis. Along the way: Martin Popoff, Kevin J. Anderson, Maya Wynn, Nancy and Judy Peart, Thunderhead, jam sessions, catered dinners, raffle giveaways, and hundreds of Rushians sharing one room where everyone gets the references. As Rob puts it, it’s the rare place where you’re not the only Rush fan in the room. The conversation detours into serious collector territory—basements lined floor to ceiling, the philosophy of “exhibition, not competition,” and the surreal moment of spotting his own Rush license plate hanging in Ray Daniels’ office in Beyond the Lighted Stage. Add 60 live Rush shows, multiple meet-and-greets, and a possible nod of recognition from Geddy Lee, and you’ve got a résumé that earns its stripes. The wheel lands on Dreamline from Roll the Bones. The trio breaks down the song’s urgency, cinematic production, and that unmistakable opening drive. They dig into the themes of youth, motion, and the fleeting nature of time—“we are young, wandering the face of the earth”—and reflect on how the song mirrors the Rush touring life itself: rolling at home when you’re on the run. A celebration of fandom, fellowship, and forward momentum—this episode proves that even decades later, the dream is still alive. SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 23m
  2. FEB 10

    Episode 100. Secret Touch

    This week on Rush Rash, Chaz n Shatz welcome Paul Rydalch — lifelong Rush obsessive, repentant superfan, and now official roadie for Rush Archives — for one of the wildest, funniest, and most heartfelt conversations the show has ever hosted. Paul traces his journey from a teenage Signals-era gateway moment to 17 Rush shows, backstage misadventures, near-misses, security scares, meet-and-greet miracles, and ultimately finding his place behind the scenes with Rush Archives. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories involving soundchecks, banners, pit passes, hotel stairwells, Mr. Rush figurines, and the fine line between passion and obsession — all told with honesty, humor, and hard-earned self-awareness. The episode also digs into what makes Rush Archives special: the community, the family atmosphere, and the love-driven dedication it takes to faithfully bring Rush’s music to life on stage. From road crew realities to the emotional pull of Rush’s legacy, this is a deep dive into fandom, forgiveness, and finding your people. As always, the night ends where it should: with the Bone Roller spinning fate’s wheel. The result — Secret Touch from Vapor Trails sparks a thoughtful discussion about grief, resilience, texture, and why this track stands as one of Rush’s most underrated late-period compositions. Big stories. Big laughs. Big feelings. This is Rush Rash at full scratch — and it’s one you don’t want to miss. SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 6m
  3. FEB 2

    Episode 99. Hope

    On this gloriously unhinged episode of Rush Rash, Chaz and Schatz throw all sense of structure out the window and celebrate Haggis Day the only way they know how: by heeding the call of one Steve Brown to invite Paul Beaulieu and make the Haggis Shack the World's Deli in honor of Robbie Burns' Birthday! A full detour involving wild haggis, vegetarian haggis, Robert Burns, bagpipes, kilts, lamb lungs (allegedly), neeps, tatties, whisky gravy, and the eternal mystery of how Scotland continues to function at all. Cultural education may occur. Digestion is discussed. Poetry is threatened and delivered. No empty words here. Once the haggis smoke clears, however, the episode pivots hard into serious Rush business—and there is a lot of it. Steve and Paul unload a whirlwind of updates from the front lines of the Moving Pictures and RushFest universe, including: Massive touring plans and behind-the-scenes realities of running one of the busiest Rush tribute bands on the planetMajor announcements for RushFest Scotland and RushFest Canada, including venues, dates, and an absolutely stacked lineup of guestsAppearances and involvement from Rush inner-circle legends including Terry Brown, Hugh Syme, Kevin J. Anderson, Nancy and Judy Peart, and moreUpdates on Songs for Neil, including upcoming volumes, new contributors, and the staggering amount of money raised for brain cancer researchA brand-new solo piano Rush album in the works, with artwork by Hugh SymeThe return of The Professor whisky with Volume 2 officially on the wayCharity auctions, ticket giveaways, and community-driven fundraising that somehow keep getting bigger, louder, and more meaningfulEventually—because it is Rush Rash—the wheel spins. THIS WEEK’S SONG 🎵 “Hope” (Snakes & Arrows) Alex Lifeson’s delicate 12-string instrumental lands at exactly the right moment, prompting reflections on alternate tunings, restraint, beauty, loss, resilience, and why this quiet piece carries so much emotional weight. Guitars are fetched. Feelings happen. The wheel, once again, proves it knows more than anyone in the room. All wrapped into one very Scottish, very Rush-brained celebration. We might not have played How Many Times Did They Play It Live (113 Chaz wins again!) becasue the BPM Monkey was nowhere to be seen, but rthe wheel did bestow a new song for Steve to learn. And in the end... Haggis was honored. News was delivered. Hope prevailed. Slàinte. 🥃 SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 29m
  4. JAN 25

    Episode 98. Bubba Bash 2026 Part 2

    Part two of our Bubba Bash 2026 recap drops us right back into the thick of it, with exclusive backstage access courtesy of Rush Rash correspondent Jillian Maryonovich of RushCon while Chaz and Schatz were… let’s say administratively indisposed. This episode is anchored by deeply personal, moving conversations with John Wesley (Vertical Horizon, Porcupine Tree) and Ed Toth (The Doobie Brothers), as both musicians reflect on the profound impact Neil Peart had on their lives — not just as a drummer, lyricist, or philosopher, but as a friend, mentor, and fellow traveler. John Wesley shares unforgettable stories of riding with Bubba, earning his trust on winding roads, and the bond forged through music, motorcycles, family, and long conversations about life. His memories — from celebrating Neil’s birthday to living by the mantra WWBD (What Would Bubba Do) — are heartfelt, raw, and deeply human. Ed Toth traces his Rush origin story back to seventh grade, discovering Moving Pictures, receiving a handwritten postcard from Neil, and carrying those words with him for decades. His reflections capture what Rush means to generations of fans and musicians alike — a band that transcends music and becomes part of who you are. And a surprise interloper in the form of Jonny Dinklage, who diverts attention and steals the show along with it! and we wrap it up with reflections from Tim Starace of YYNOT, one of the organizers, on how it all began, what it all means, and where it goes from here. There are laughs, tears, unfiltered honesty, and a shared understanding that Rush isn’t just a band — it’s a compass. From backstage tears to life-altering moments, this episode is a powerful reminder of Neil Peart’s enduring legacy and the way his spirit continues to ride alongside us. So grab a Macallan, find a comfortable chair, and settle in — this is Rush Rush at its most personal, most emotional, and most essential. No effin kiddin'. DONATE - GET SOME STICKS IN THE GAME Please join the cause by donating directly to Cedars-Sinai in memory of Neil: support.cedars-sinai.edu/fundraiser/5043373 SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 29m
  5. JAN 19

    Episode 97. Bubba Bash 2026 Part 1

    On this very special part one of a Rush Rash episode, we welcome Jillian from RushCon, officially crowned the show’s Field Correspondent, reporting live(ish) from the 2026 Bubba Bash. Jillian delivers the goods: interviews, live recordings, backstage audio, after-party vibes, and the kind of behind-the-scenes reality you only get when musicians are running on fumes and love for the music. The conversation digs into what these events really take — minimal rehearsal, high pressure, maximum respect for the Rush catalog — including Jillian’s chat with Tyler Warren about the weight of playing this music live. Chaz also reconnects with Greg Russell, swapping stories and reflecting on how these fan-driven events keep evolving year after year. And then there’s that moment — Jillian meeting Neil Peart’s daughter, a powerful reminder of why these gatherings hit so hard for the Rush community. (Also confirmed: yes, she’s very tall.) We go live with recordings of Driven, Natural Science and Working Man straight from the floor of the show. It’s an episode full of travel chaos, Rush family vibes, exhausted joy, and the kind of stories that only happen when fans come together for the music that changed their lives. No matter where they are in the world, Chaz and Schatz keep scratching the itch. Now, let's got to the Keswick Theater in Glenside Pensylvania for the start of our 2026 coverage of Bubba Bash! SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 30m
  6. 12/28/2025

    Episode 96. Tom Sawyer SPECIAL EPISODE

    Rush Rash Presents: TOM SAWYER — A GENERATIONAL EVENTStep right up for a heartwarming, music-filled adventure the whole family can enjoy! In this special episode, Chaz and Schatz, together with their children, two generations come together to describe the forthcoming Rush Rash Reactions, where a couple of Rushian parents spin a wheel packed with nearly 200 songs from every genre imaginable. Watch as classic rock dads bravely hand over the aux cord to their kids, diving into a vibrant world of K-pop, hip-hop, indie, and anime soundtracks. We preview the new format with Keara and Paul Howley and Emma and Sam Schatzberg, the curators of our new show's soundtrack! After years of forced exposure to their parents’ playlists in the car, the kids finally get a voice. They join the show this week to talk about their own musical tastes, how they experience music differently, and why certain songs land while others don’t. As part of the visit, they unveil a brand-new, 192-song wheel they curated themselves, setting the stage for future episodes of Rush Rash Reactions, the fun has only just begun! THIS WEEK'S SONG We've threatened to do a special Tom Sawyer episode, and we couldn't have found a better time to do it! The group listens to Rush’s most iconic and widely recognized song and breaks it down together—parents and kids in the same room, hearing it from very different perspectives. The conversation moves from first impressions and familiarity to deeper discussion around lyrics, independence, perception, and what the song represents to longtime fans versus newer listeners. Topics include: How the kids know Rush—and how often they’ve actually chosen to listenWhy Tom Sawyer functions as a cultural constant, even for non-fansFirst-time reactions versus decades of contextNeil Peart’s lyrics as expressions of individuality and worldviewThe contrast between inherited music and personal tasteThe result is a candid, funny, and revealing episode that’s less about explaining Rush and more about learning who the kids are through how they hear music. Tune in this coming Wednesday for the premiere episode of Rush Rash Reactions—a reactional conversation to a generational gap in music enjoyment - because listening matters as much as legacy. SCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDS Scratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!) GO BONELESS Certified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    2h 48m
4.2
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

A weekly listen through all 166 original studio tracks in the band R U S H's catalog, one track at a time. Chaz Charles and Alan "Schatz" Schatzberg take listeners through each track with their unique blend of uninformed opinion, musicianship and misguided attempts at humor along the way. Listeners are invited to fact check and play along at home, because who doesn't like getting fact checked on R U S H?! Hot Damn, Eh!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.