Rush Move Calgary Concert to Red Deer, Donate All Proceeds to Flood Relief

BY Alex HudsonPublished Jul 12, 2013

Calgary's devastating floods had a major impact on the city's music scene, as Sled Island had to cancel part of programming. What's more, Rush have had to cancel their concert at the Scotiabank Saddledome on July 24, but they've announced a makeup gig with all proceeds going to flood relief.

The show will take place on the same night as the axed gig, July 24, at Red Deer, AB's Enmax Centrium. This is the closest possible available location to Calgary.

On the night, Rush will be giving up their fee in addition to paying for all of their own expenses. Similarly, promoter Live Nation will be working for free, while the Enmax Centrium will donate goods and services, and all the money will go to the cause. The donations will be handled by the Canadian Red Cross.

Rush's singer-bassist Geddy Lee said in a statement, "After seeing the devastation from the recent floods, we felt compelled to do what we could. While we had hoped to avoid cancelling the Calgary show, venue safety concerns have closed the venue. Our apologies to all of the fans that bought tickets to the Calgary show for any inconvenience. We're hoping they — along with the great people of Red Deer — can come to the Enmax Centrium for what has now become a benefit concert. We'd like to thank everyone helping to put on this show for joining us in donating their time & services so we can raise as much money as possible to help those in need."

Ticket holders from the canceled Calgary gig will be able to access a pre-sale for the new show starting on Friday (July 12) at 10 a.m. and running until Saturday (July 14) at 10 p.m., or until supplies last. After that, tickets will go on sale to the public on Monday (July 15) at 10 a.m. local time. Pre-sale information will be sent directly to fans who bought tickets for Calgary.

This is part of the band's North American tour behind last year's Clockwork Angels. See the schedule here.

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