50 years ago today (April 1, 1976), Rush released their magnum opus—and the album that saved their career—2112. After the commercial disappointment of Caress of Steel, the band refused to compromise, doubling down on sprawling compositions and bold, conceptual storytelling.
That gamble paid off. 2112 stands as the definitive early Rush statement, before their shift toward more concise, radio-friendly sounds on Permanent Waves and Moving Pictures.
Let’s take a look at Rush performing the full seven-part “2112” suite live in 1976 at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic (December 10, 1976).