UPDATE - 9/19@8:49AM: Here's a photo gallery from the Toronto Sun, and another one from DeadFly Media.
UPDATE - 9/18@10:03AM: A teacher from A.Y. Jackson was at the presentation and asked Alex about the band room mural that Alex painted while a student at A.Y. Jackson SS. Alex confirms that he did the mural and spoke with the teacher about it as seen in this video (thanks RushFanForever).
UPDATE - 9/18@9:40AM: Here's some video news coverage of the ceremony:
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UPDATE - 9/18@9:36AM: Here's some great coverage and photos from Paul at The Canadian Music Scene.
UPDATE - 9/17@11:30PM: Here's video of Jacob Moon's performance and their interview with George Stroumboulopoulos:
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UPDATE - 9/17@4:43PM: Here's some coverage from the CBC and also from InsideToronto.com:
... Hundreds gathered in the park to see their rock icons be so honoured, braving a chilly rain to cheer on their heroes. "We grew up right around here, we hung out right around here, we skipped school right around here," Lee said at the event. "We played Earl Haig probably five times...in the early days," Lifeson added. "It was known as The Factory." Lee said he was "thrilled and amazed" to be recognized with a park named after he and his bandmate of nearly 50 years. More importantly, he said, the park will provide a huge benefit to Willowdale residents and others from across the city. "We're really happy for the community that there's some investment in art and leisure for this neighbourhood," he said. The 7,000 square metre Lee Lifeson Art Park features music-themed installations, a small amphitheatre stage to give up-and-coming Toronto artists a place to play and a large pavilion bearing the likenesses of Lee and Lifeson. "Art is a thing that you pour your heart into, that whatever you're doing, whatever aspect of life, whatever situation you find yourself in, art elevates, art heals," Lee said. "It's what's given us everything in our lives, so to be associated with that kind of thought and that concept is amazing to me...fantastic." ... both Lee and Lifeson say they enjoy playing and neither ruled out further collaborations. Whether they take up their instruments again for another tour or album, their rock legacy was further cemented with the park naming. "This park will still be here weeks after we're gone," Lifeson joked.
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Toronto Mayor John Tory will be presenting the key to the city to all three members of Rush in a special ceremony this afternoon at the newly-opened Lee Lifeson Art Park in the Toronto neighborhood of Willowdale, where Geddy and Alex grew up. From Rush.com:
Mayor John Tory will present the key to the city to the members of Rush - Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart. At the official opening of the new Lee Lifeson Art Park this Saturday at 1:00 p.m., Lee and Lifeson will join Mayor Tory for the presentation. "Rush has played a vital role in defining Toronto's musical identity and given so much to our city through their music, live performances and their generous support for charities," said Mayor Tory. "We are pleased to honour them with a key to the city and the launch of the new Lee Lifeson Art Park." ... The new park, part of the Willowdale Park footpath corridor, features new trees, grass, benches and unique music-themed art installations. To celebrate on Saturday, Jacob Moon will play a Rush classic in a small performance space made for acoustic concerts and George Stroumboulopoulos will interview Lifeson and Lee for the audience. Councillor John Filion, Ward 23 Willowdale initiated the creation of the art park, and the naming of it after Willowdale natives Lee and Lifeson. "I see this park as a place that encourages and celebrates the creative spirit," said Councillor Filion. ...
The ceremony kicked off a short while ago at 1PM. I'll be using this post for live updates, photos and videos. To start things off, here's a short video of Geddy and Alex with George Stroumboulopoulos:
When RUSH comes to your house #StromboSessions @rushtheband - today they get honoured by their city pic.twitter.com/s8sDBpeCTG
- Stroumboulopoulos (@strombo) September 17, 2016
Here's Jacob Moon performing Subdivisions at sound check:
