It’s a really bad idea to hold Bluesfest at the same time as the World Cup (or is it the other way around?), so, unfortunately, I missed some quality acts like Timber Timbre and Charlie Winston. Still, the former gets around these parts a fair bit (and is a huge recommendation in my books), while I suspect Mr. Winston is going to be in heavy demand soon, due to the quality of his recent records.

The real focus for tonight though – amazing, really, given the presence of The Band founder Levon Helms’ current group, and the arrival of L.A funk kings Ozomatli – are the gods known as Rush.

It’s difficult to state just how important Rush are to the world of rock, and especially Canadian rock. They made music completely on their own terms in a time when demands by major labels could basically make or break a group’s career, and they remain a major touching point for rock fans everywhere due to this independent and quietly confident spirit, something a lot of fans have attributed to their Canadian upbringing. Let’s pat ourselves on the back a bit more, shall we? Anyway, none of this even begins to speak to the quality of musicianship and song composition that they’ve managed to produce over the past. Let’s put it this way: only The Beatles and The Rolling Stones have sold more records. Fact.

So last night’s show was understandably the province of the Canadian rock fan, replete with faded black Rush tour shirts from 1970-something, and a determination to sing the words of every song at top volume. I can’t compete with the energy levels of these super fans, and found a seat for myself and the lady back where green grass could still be found (this was far back, believe me, as 20,000 people came to claim territory hours before the show). Like everyone else, though, I was treated to a three hour dream set of gems like “Tom Sawyer”, “Working Them Angels”, “2012”, and “Closer To The Heart”. There was also material from their upcoming album, “Clockwork Angels”, but it was really the old stuff that floored me. The only bad part of the set was the weird video thing they showed at the end; it might have been tongue in cheek, but it seemed like a really lame fanboy attempt. Not something I ever expected from Rush, have to say.

But as that kid by the bus stop after the show was yelling to anyone that would listen – Neil Peart is my god! While I know Peart himself wouldn’t like that over inflated compliment too much, he is easily the best drummer I’ve ever heard. It’s actually impossible to imagine how someone could be better. To be honest, it would enough to just go watch him drum for 3 hrs.

A brilliant night, and easily the hit of the festival – may be the year – so far.