Rush released the 1981 album Moving Pictures.
The Canadian progressive rock band’s eighth studio album became one of its most successful releases. It combines complex musicianship with concise song structures, helping Rush reach a broad audience without abandoning its progressive style.
The record includes “Tom Sawyer,” “Red Barchetta,” “Limelight,” and the instrumental “YYZ.” “Tom Sawyer” became one of Rush’s signature songs, while “YYZ” takes its title from the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport, the band’s home-city airport.
Moving Pictures followed Permanent Waves and preceded Signals. Although Rush is usually classified as progressive rock, the band’s intricate riffs, heavy guitar sound, and strong influence on later progressive metal make the album relevant to metal history. Bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart formed the classic lineup.