The new VH1 Classic show Metal Evolution premiered last Friday, November 10th. The show is the brainchild of Rush documentary and Time Machine video director Sam Dunn and builds on the mission brought forth in his groundbreaking Metal: A Headbanger's Journey documentary - in which Geddy Lee had appeared. In the film Geddy discusses the contributions of American garage rock band Blue Cheer to the origins of heavy metal. Metal Evolution's second episode aired last night and focused on the history of American heavy metal, and Geddy once again makes a brief appearance about 10 minutes in to discuss Blue Cheer. Here's what Geddy has to say about the band:

In many ways they were the first metal band but they didn't think in terms of metal. It was volume that they were all about - and fury.

Rush had covered Eddie Cochran's Summertime Blues - which had also been covered by Blue Cheer in the '60s - for their 2004 Feedback covers album. One of the upcoming episodes of Metal Evolution will focus on progressive metal and will very likely make heavy mention of Rush, so stay tuned. In another bit of Rush-related information regarding the show, the production manager is credited as Allan Weinrib - Geddy Lee's brother. For more information visit the Metal Evolution website.

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