Photo via Richard Sibbald

Rush is cresting. The rock stalwarts commenced their Fifty Something Tour on June 7 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., the first of a two-night run at the venue, with a follow-up on June 9. The latter performance was marked by a series of significant call-backs to choice material that had previously been shelved and only pulled from storage on Tuesday evening. The most striking inclusion was “2112,” played in full for the first time since 1997. 

Night two of the tour included various revived originals during the first set. Amongst the picks from Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee and company were “The Analog Kid” (last played in 2013), “Leave That Thing Alone” (first time since 2011), “The Trees” (performed previously in 2008), and “Headlong Flight which beckoned to a final play that was last heard 11 years ago. Another special moment included a “Bravado” dedication to the late Neil Peart. 

Trailing the first half of the night was the seven-part sci-fi masterpiece “2112,” initially housed on one side of the Canadian ensemble’s fourth studio record, which bears the same moniker. Prior to Tuesday’s resurgence, the band hadn’t attempted the suite since July 4, 1997, at an Ottawa concert; its return ended a 29-year hiatus in live performances while topping the 20-minute marker. 

Later on, the group provided live treatments of other revived tunes, including “Animate” and “Closer to the Heart,” both of which were last played in 2015, as well as “A Passage to Bangkok,” performed for the first time since 2008. In time, the group was joined by Amy Mann during “Time Stand Still.” Also included was the first full take on “Anthem” since 1978, and “Witch Hunt” reemerging after a 15-year pause in plays. 

Before ending their time in Southern California, the band provided a tour debut of “Finding My Way Out,” which served as the onset of the evening’s encore. It was followed by “Working Man” and a final visual send-off to Peart. 

Watch a video of “2112” below.