After awarded Drake the key to the city back in February, Toronto Mayor John Tory is set to give out some more keys to Canadian prog rock legends Rush.
The band will receive the "key to YYZ" from Tory in a ceremony to take place this coming Saturday (September 17). Bassist/lead vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson met and formed the band in the Toronto suburb of Willowdale, while drummer Neil Peart hails from St. Catharines.
The announcement also coincides with the opening of Lee-Lifeson Art Park, a new piece of of green space named after the two members in Willowdale that will include art-themed installations.
Toronto's key to the city is awarded to "inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of our city and have contributed significantly to civic life." Past recipients include His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Atwood, Mike Myers, Celine Dion, George Chuvalo and Ed Mirvish.
Rush were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and were named to the Order of Canada in 1997. Read through a series of congratulatory tweets from Tory below.
The band will receive the "key to YYZ" from Tory in a ceremony to take place this coming Saturday (September 17). Bassist/lead vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson met and formed the band in the Toronto suburb of Willowdale, while drummer Neil Peart hails from St. Catharines.
The announcement also coincides with the opening of Lee-Lifeson Art Park, a new piece of of green space named after the two members in Willowdale that will include art-themed installations.
Toronto's key to the city is awarded to "inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who embody the spirit and potential of our city and have contributed significantly to civic life." Past recipients include His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, Margaret Atwood, Mike Myers, Celine Dion, George Chuvalo and Ed Mirvish.
Rush were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and were named to the Order of Canada in 1997. Read through a series of congratulatory tweets from Tory below.
RUSH will receive Key to the City this Saturday at opening of Lee Lifeson Art Park. 1pm at 45 Princess Ave #KeytoYYZ pic.twitter.com/H0cWlq7Tuw
— John Tory (@JohnTory) September 15, 2016
For 40+ years, RUSH has rocked the world with 39 albums 70+ singles. 3rd all-time for most consecutive gold or platinum albums. #KeytoYYZ
— John Tory (@JohnTory) September 15, 2016
.@RUSHtheband have also given back to community through charitable work for UNICEF, United Way & Toronto Food Bank. #KeytoYYZ
— John Tory (@JohnTory) September 15, 2016
From Willowdale to the world, the Key to the City is theirs. Congratulations Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson & Neil Peart! @Rushtheband #KeytoYYZ
— John Tory (@JohnTory) September 15, 2016
