Rush to mark 40 years with final big tour

Canadian progressive rock giants and libertarian icons Rush on Thursday announced concerts across North America in what the band said would be its last major tour.

The tour, which comes 41 years after Rush released its self-titled debut album, will start May 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and close on August 1 at the Los Angeles-area Forum.

Rush's three members in a statement said they wanted to "celebrate with the most loyal fans in the world" by playing four decades worth of material on what "will most likely be their last major tour of this magnitude."

(L-R) Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, singer/bassist Geddy Lee and drummer Neil Peart perform on August 14, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada ©Ethan Miller (Getty/AFP/File)

Rush had its start in Toronto playing the hard guitar-driven sound that was then becoming popular but eventually became a major force in so-called progressive rock, which employed synthesizers and explored more complex song structures.

The band's lyrics, written by drummer Neil Peart, often examine the responsibility of the individual in society in songs inspired by science fiction and ancient mythology.

The lyricism has made Rush the favorite band for many in the libertarian movement, which opposes a large role for government, although Peart and lead vocalist Geddy Lee have steered clear of identifying themselves directly with political groups.