Mr. Speaker, today Rush, one of the most influential rock bands in Canadian history, is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The trio, composed of leader singer and bassist Geddy Lee, guitar player Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart, has sold more than 40 million records worldwide. Their album sales place them third behind The Beatles and the Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum studio albums sold by a rock band.
Rush followed Tom Sawyer, Roll the Bones and rode their Red Barchetta into the Limelight of YYZ, a Subdivisions for the Working Man, and their Freewill is now being rewarded.
Could the Minister of Canadian Heritage please expand on how this influential band has impacted and shaped the music scene in Canada?