The Digital Dan:

Taken from a newly obtained source and remastered for the best sound possible from this source.  Last X-mas I obtained the Holy Grail of Rush shows, a full opening act show from the Down the Tubes tour (Stainless Steel), and while it wasn't great sounding, it was a recording that every crazed Rush fan had been looking for.  This X-mas we have been lucky enough to find another Holy Grail Rush recording.  A long hoarded recording that has taken many years to get out into the common trading circles.  It had been long rumored that the show existed, but no one would trade it unless you complete a virtual obstacle course to get it.  Well the friends of Digital Reproductions came through again and acquired this magnificent source for every Rush fan to savor.  This show is the soundboard and not a broadcast performance as has often been eluded.  And unlike the Tucson show, we finally have both a full show and an uncut version of both books of Cygnus!  The only cut on this recording is the first minute of Working Man is missing, a small price to pay to have all the marathon songs intact and uncut.  

And the sound you ask?  Well this sounds better than any version of the Tucson '78 show save (A Desert Passage).  The source is extremely low gen, 1st or 2nd at worst.  Everything is crystal clear with virtually no tape hiss to be heard anywhere in the recording.  There is some minor tape fluctuation during the first part of the show, only noticeable to those that desire nothing but absolute perfection.  It is great to hear a fully uncut version of Cygnus X-1 and Hemispheres.  The boys sound great on this night, Geddy is hitting the high notes with Neil putting down a firm foundation for Alex's searing solo's.  If you are a die hard Rush fan, you cannot be without this show.  As with all Digital Reproductions recordings, they are available for free-trade or blank media trades only.  If someone tries to sell it to you, you are being ripped off as any one of several hundred Rush traders will gladly do it for free.  I'm sure with a source this unique, some low life will try selling it, it's only a matter of time before Gypsy Eye or the like get a hold of it. 

Special Note:

This production was released as the 2000 Digital Reproductions - X-mas Gift to Rush Fans.

LeeGeddy:

It's wonderful to find a source such as this show. There is a bit of flutter during the first song or two and Working Man's beginning is slightly cut. These are small prices to pay in exchange for a complete and uncut Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres and CTTH!!! Geddy is very talkative and Neil's drums are hitting hard. This show will be enjoyed by me for many years to come!! In regards to the artwork, the map on the front cover is an actual map of Detroit where Cobo Arena is located, and I do own the Rush toy truck!!! This release was first made available to the members of the DRE Newsgroup (Christmas 2000). Please do NOT pay for a copy of this show. It is available via free trading only. Contact the Webmaster for my email and I will personally make sure you get a copy via a trade. (Mar 2000)

Northern Reflections: