What is Why Rush Matters? It’s a dedicated Rush podcast from Buffalo music journalist Jeff Miers and Rush historian Ray Wawrzyniak, created for listeners who want the deep cuts, the big questions, and the stories behind the sound.
Spun out of the most-listened-to Rush conversation on Why Music Matters, the series explores the albums, lyrics, musicianship, mythology, and emotional pull of one of rock’s most enduring bands.
With Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson returning to the road with drummer Anika Nilles, Jeff and Ray guide fans through this remarkable moment with insight, context, reverence, and joy.
Top Ten Rush Alex Lifeson Guitar Solos! | Why Rush Matters
Hey there, Rush freaks! Jeff & Ray must confess that their heads are spinning, what with all this Rush-related activity happening! Ray has been out on the road acting as docent for the Rush Xanadu Lounge VIP Experience, and Jeff is still reeling from the Cleveland shows. The arrival of the highly anticipated (and simply stunning) Scot McFadyen & Sam Dunn documentary Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple demanded their attention as well, and they’ll surely be doing a deep-dive on that poignant doc soon! But in the meantime, join Jeff & Ray as they pay homage to good ol’ Lerxst, and offer up their respective lists of Top 10 Alex Lifeson guitar solos! ~~~
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Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers
Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network
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3 Sept 2026
The Summer of Rush! | Why Rush Matters
If you told Jeff and Ray a year ago that the biggest tour of summer 2026 would feature a reborn Rush, they might’ve wondered what parallel reality you’d taken up residence in. Sure, wishful thinking has its place, and who are we if we live without belief in a dream? But back then, the cold reality smacked of finality. The beautiful dream was over.
And yet, here we are, nearing the end of a summer season we never thought we’d be gifted. The band firmly exists in the here and now, the reviews from fans and critics alike have been close to unanimously glowing, and as the Fifty Something Tour rolls on, the 2026 edition of Rush grows tighter, more powerful, the performances ever more emotionally resonant and meaningful.
For this new episode of Why Rush Matters, Jeff & Ray take some time to reflect on the shows they’ve seen so far, the magnificence of Anika Nilles, the difference between a transcendent show and one that is simply “great,” and their plans for the remaining dates on the US portion of the tour. Join them as they take a moment to bask in the glory of “The Summer of Rush!”
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyrushmatters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whymusicmatterspodcast
Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers
Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 Aug 2026
Emotional Feedback on a Timeless Wavelength | Why Rush Matters
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again - What a time to be a Rush fan!
While Geddy, Alex, Anika and Loren - as well as thousands of grateful fans - recover from an epic 4-night run in Toronto, Jeff and Ray present their recent conversation with legendary CFNY DJs Ivar Hamilton, Scot Turner and Liz Janik, who were in town to promote their new documentary on the history of that fabled station, which will open in Buffalo this fall.
As any self-respecting Rush-head knows, the band wrote The Spirit of Radio to pay homage to CFNY and the power and impact of free-form radio. During our chat, Ivar and Scot share their Rush related memories, and Liz recounts the story of Neil Peart traveling over the Niagara escarpment and hearing her spin the Genesis epic Watcher of the Skies, an experience he cited as an inspiration for the writing of The Spirit of Radio.
Sit back, relax, and remember a time when invisible airwaves crackled with life!
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Follow us on Socials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whyrushmatters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whymusicmatterspodcast
Title and Outro music by Jeff Miers
Why Rush Matters is part of the Pantheon Media Network
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Aug 2026
To Spend an Evening with a Drink and a Friend…
Host Jeff and guest Steve Himel, co-founder of Henderson Brewing Company, discuss the origins and future of Rush-themed beer, celebrating the band's enduring legacy.
23 Jul 2026
A Garden to Nurture and Protect…
Hosts Jeff Miers and Ray explore decades of Rush fandom, defending their personal top 10 lists in this interview episode.
9 Jul 2026
The Echoes of Old Applause…
Jeff and Ray reminisce about past Rush concerts, exploring the band's enduring live performance legacy and the deep connections forged through their music.
25 Jun 2026
The Road Unwinds Before Me
Host Jeff and guest Ray discuss the early success and surprising setlists of the Rush Fifty Something tour, highlighting Anika Nilles' performance.
11 Jun 2026
The Underlying Theme
Host Jeff Miers and collaborator Ray Wawrzyniak explore the enduring power and personal impact of the band Rush, discussing their origin stories and the reissue of "Grace Under Pressure" in this interview.
8 Jun 2026
Welcome to Why Rush Matters
Buffalo music journalist Jeff Miers and Rush historian Ray Wawrzyniak explore the enduring legacy and profound impact of the band Rush in this interview.
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