Rush is one of the most beloved and iconic rock bands in music. The rock-and-roll hall of famers have fans that would kill to see them live. The band won\u2019t be touring for awhile, but you can catch the next best thing, when \u201cThe Rush Tribute Project\u201d hits Fort Lauderdale, Wednesday.<\/p>\n
For almost six decades, Rush has been laying down some of the most unique and powerful sounds in rock-and-roll.<\/p>\n
The band\u2019s impact hit home to three musicians who call themselves \u201cThe Rush Tribute Project.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deco caught up with drummer Thomas Slawnik. He\u2019s been a fan since he sat down behind his kit.<\/p>\n
Thomas Slawnik: \u201cWell, I was pretty much learning how to play at the time I discovered Rush.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was the playing of drummer Neal Peart that sealed the deal for Thomas.<\/p>\n
Thomas Slawnik: \u201cWhat really got me was the intricacy of his parts, the Tom sounds, the flurry of everything he does. It was a huge challenge to learn everything. I\u2019m still learning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Playing in a tribute band is no walk in the park. The guys in the project work just as hard as the real group.<\/p>\n
Thomas Slawnik: \u201cIt takes endless amounts of practice, over and over, to get everything as close as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rush fans, rejoice. You\u2019ll hear all of the classic album, \u201cMoving Pictures,\u201d at the show.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a special reason that release is being featured.<\/p>\n
Thomas Slawnik: \u201cIt\u2019s the 45th anniversary of it this year, so we decided to take and do the whole album as part of our second set.\u201d<\/p>\n
One thing\u2019s for sure at a \u201cRush Tribute Project\u201d show: whether you\u2019re in the audience or up on stage \u2014 everybody wins.<\/p>\n
Thomas Slawnik: \u201cIt\u2019s just a way of saying thank you and if we do it as close as possible to their ambitions, it\u2019s better for us and it\u2019s better for the fans.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Rush Tribute Project\u201d is playing The Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, Wednesday night.<\/p>\n