Rush Visions: The Official Biography (Paperback)

by Bill Banasiewicz (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Omnibus Press (June 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711911622
• ISBN-13: 978-0711911628
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #507,072 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "have faith in the goodness of humanity...", August 1, 1999

By A Customer

A a long-time Rush fan, I respect the fact that everyone has a right to their own opinion. I will say, however, that in a time when there is such a tabloid mentality when it comes to books or articles on bands(especially one of this caliber!), it is a nice change to every once in a good while find a book such as this. I can't speak much on proper grammar, syntax and the like, but I found it to be very informative and interesting to read. I didn't know what Alex and Geddy's real names were until I saw this book! Another nice thing about it is the great collection of photographs, many of which are from the band's own personal scrapbook. I grew so tired of reading magazines in the 80's that could only focus on someone's physical appearance or how strange they sounded. It seemed as though no one had anything decent or positive to say about a group or artist. Rush should be respected and admired for their longevity and integrity. There certainly aren't too many groups around these days that you can say that about. I will admit I envy Bill as far as the opportunities he's had to see this band and actually meet them and become friends with them. I've been going to their shows since 1981 and would give anything to be able to talk to them. They have been a major influence on me as a musician for a long time. I'd like to see more books like this.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Atrocious Grammar - Tenny-Bop Mentality - Cool Photos, June 14, 2004

By	"123andy" (Chicago) - See all my reviews

If this is indeed "The Official Biography" Rush should be extremely upset for not proofreading this book before signing off on it. The grammar is so poor it becomes painful to read and the 6 & 7 word sentences are so sophomoric I can only read a few pages at a time.

The photographs are pretty neat, though. I'd like to read more about the band, but if this is how the words would come out, then just give me more photos! I don't care how happy the author was to receive a personal birthday greeting from Geddy Lee onstage. (A blessing! A blessing from the Lord!)

The book is so full of mutilated teenage dialect and selfish, self-centered authorship that most true, long-time Rush fans will be embarrassed on behalf of the band because this piece of literary excrement actually got itself published.

My 2 cents.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Book a good reference source, but author too self-important., December 17, 2000

By	Mark Daniels (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews

So many differing opinions regarding this book! Ah well, what's one more!

The book is ideal for the new Rush fan, and even the veterans can learn SOMETHING (particularly in early chapters regarding their beginnings). I keep the book around as a Rush reference source along with interviews they've given to the various musicians magazines. For THAT, it gets it's 3 stars.

The author, Banasiewicz, DOES write on the poor side (as has been stated below). The most obnoxious thing about the book, however, is the author's self-important insistence on placing HIMSELF in the action. We learn about the author's experiences while in (drummer) Neil Peart's home, or while flying with (guitarist) Alex Lifeson. This gets tedious...if this is the biography of Rush, why am I learning so much about 'the B-man'? Furthermore, among one of the largest fan bases ever to follow a band, why does HE get to spend PERSONAL TIME with them?? Telling us his tales of 'my day with (bassist) Geddy Lee'

only serve in making us JEALOUS of the author! Was this his intent?

Annoying, too, is reading a simple-minded fellow's interpretation of songs written by an intellectual. We get paraphrased lyrics, or an OBVIOUS interpretation of the song...not a 'plumbing of the depths.' Thus, the song 'Tom Sawyer' is about "a modern day warrior with mean, mean stride" or 'Countdown' is a song about a space shuttle launch. Thank YOU, Dr. Insight!

Still, the book comes in handy as a reference source when debating matters Rush. The book and the Rush FAQ (found on-line) are two valuable resources, together with the album liner notes, band tourbooks, and magazine interviews.

I can't speak about the B-man's 'flaming' on Rush-related BBs. I know nothing about this. If it's true, shame on you Banasiewicz! I've seen your ilk, and people like this anger me! You wouldn't do that if you were REALLY their #1 fan!

Drummer/lyricist Neil Peart is OBVIOUSLY a good writer, and has expressed interest in writing MORE. Why doesn't HE write the band's definitive biography? And why does he trust Banasiewicz to do it for him?