Rush glad to have film open shows

When you play the new Rush DVD called R30, you'll see a bit of comedy before the band even plays their first note. The band usually have a filmed opening segment for their shows, and on their 30th anniversary tour last year, they used a bit done by actor Jerry Stiller. Guitarist Alex Lifeson told us that it was great to lead off every night with one of the stars of Seinfeld:
[ click here to listen if you have a Backstage Pass] "We had a few people in mind, and Jerry was very interested in doing it, and he's a real pro. And it was just such a cool idea to have George Costanza's father introducing the band (chuckles), you know? So he was a really, really good sport, and I think he did a great job. (We) get a lot of laughs out of that."

Rush will likely start work on a new album early in the new year. Lifeson previously told us that the goal is to have it finished by summer, with a tour to follow late in 2006 or early in 2007.