M&R Rush
Coffeyville, Kansas, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
6 DECEMBER 2011
M&R Rush – From Chicago - Who Are These Guys?
Once Upon a Time, when rock & roll ruled the air waves, M&R Rush headlined the best Rock & Roll Clubs in the Midwest. Other noteworthy headliners at this time included Cheap Trick, Survivor, John Cougar and M.S. Funk (Tommy Shaw’s old band –from Styx).
This was a great time in Chicago’s proud Rock & Roll history, a time that will never be forgotten. The good news for Chicago’s Rock & Roll fans is that M&R Rush, one of these perennial powerhouse rock bands is back and fans have been re-living those Glory Days! Yes, Marty Mardirosian, Roger Hirtz, CarlMoszur, John McFarland, Paul Martin and Jeff Luif have been working their special kind of music magic and people have been lovin’it!
Hey, these are all the original guys, not many bands can say that. Along with playing festivals and a few selected club dates over these past nine years M&R Rush has released four CD’s.
M&R Rush is proud to announce the release of their new 8 song CD “Alpha”. Created in the studio between November 2010 and August 2011, the long awaited CD contains 7 new M&R Rush songs as well as a special bonus video that can
be seen on “You Tube”.
M&R Rush has always been a powerful,exciting band and since their rebirth nothing has been more true. Their sound is tight, their vocals and harmonies are exceptional, their songs are melodic, the orchestration of 3 guitars, keyboards, bass and drums are stellar.
From the time the show starts till the final encore, the audience knows they are witnessing something special. M&R Rush has style, class and undeniable presence. Their ability to connect to the crowd and to have a lot of fun while making great music must be the reason why so many people love M&R Rush.
They will be playing a Special Holiday show on
Saturday, December 17th
Viper Alley with Head East
275 Parkway Drive
Lincolnshire, Illinois
M&R Rush Showtime - 9:00PM
Also visit their website at www.mandrrush.com or fi nd them on facebook for dates
for next years “2012 ALPHA SUMMER TOUR”. - Wassup! Magazine
6 DECEMBER 2011
M&R Rush – From Chicago - Who Are These Guys?
Once Upon a Time, when rock & roll ruled the air waves, M&R Rush headlined the best Rock & Roll Clubs in the Midwest. Other noteworthy headliners at this time included Cheap Trick, Survivor, John Cougar and M.S. Funk (Tommy Shaw’s old band –from Styx).
This was a great time in Chicago’s proud Rock & Roll history, a time that will never be forgotten. The good news for Chicago’s Rock & Roll fans is that M&R Rush, one of these perennial powerhouse rock bands is back and fans have been re-living those Glory Days! Yes, Marty Mardirosian, Roger Hirtz, CarlMoszur, John McFarland, Paul Martin and Jeff Luif have been working their special kind of music magic and people have been lovin’it!
Hey, these are all the original guys, not many bands can say that. Along with playing festivals and a few selected club dates over these past nine years M&R Rush has released four CD’s.
M&R Rush is proud to announce the release of their new 8 song CD “Alpha”. Created in the studio between November 2010 and August 2011, the long awaited CD contains 7 new M&R Rush songs as well as a special bonus video that can
be seen on “You Tube”.
M&R Rush has always been a powerful,exciting band and since their rebirth nothing has been more true. Their sound is tight, their vocals and harmonies are exceptional, their songs are melodic, the orchestration of 3 guitars, keyboards, bass and drums are stellar.
From the time the show starts till the final encore, the audience knows they are witnessing something special. M&R Rush has style, class and undeniable presence. Their ability to connect to the crowd and to have a lot of fun while making great music must be the reason why so many people love M&R Rush.
They will be playing a Special Holiday show on
Saturday, December 17th
Viper Alley with Head East
275 Parkway Drive
Lincolnshire, Illinois
M&R Rush Showtime - 9:00PM
Also visit their website at www.mandrrush.com or fi nd them on facebook for dates
for next years “2012 ALPHA SUMMER TOUR”. - Wassup! Magazine
M&R Rush Releases New CD – ‘ALPHA’
October 6, 2011
The Chicago based band M&R Rush is proud to announce the release of their new 8 song CD titled “Alpha”.
The CD was recorded between November 2010 and August 2011 at
Star Tracks Music Productions in Homewood IL. and contains 7 new M&R Rush songs as well as one cover song of the band Autograph.
Also included on Alpha is a bonus track video of the first single “He’s A Different Breed of Kat” which is posted on YOU TUBE.
The release of the CD will be supported by the 2012 ALPHA tour
For more information please visit www.mandrrush.com
- Ready Records
For its latest CD, this veteran Chicagoland group sticks to the formula that has served it well since 1980. M&R Rush members are masters at creating hook-laden rock with a distinctive '70s flair, akin to such groups as Styx, REO Speedwagon and Journey. In fact, Journey's early hit, "On A Saturday Night," is impressively covered on this 11-song collection, along with the classic Free song,"Wishing Well." Having multiple lead singers and songwriters has always been a strong point for M&R Rush, as it keeps things fresh from track to track. Production is stellar from start to finish. Highlights: "Keep On Rockin'," "Time Waits For No One" and "Still in Love With You."
- Times Newspaper - Tom Lounges
It's always a joy to hear harmony vocals in the true spirit of 70's AOR like Boston, REO Speedwagon, Survivor and Journey but it's a rare thing nowadays. M&R Rush delivers amazing harmony vocals with a sound that easily can be compared to the 70's era REO Speedwagon. The second track "If you should walk away from me" wakes me up totally with a splendid AOR chorus - I can listen to it over and over again. "Come back to me" is a highlight that could've been featured on an early Survivor album. I like the high energy rocknroll of "Ready" that sounds like a mix between Boston and Kiss.
- Melodic.net - Kaj Roth
M&R Rush hit their stride impressively, combining the athletic grace of a long distance runner with the explosive energy of an Olympic sprinter. There's a love of the melodic rock genre and an almost palpable enthusiasm emanating from these grooves. The fact that several band members can and do handle lead vocals gives the band a genuine edge over many of their contemporaries. Powerful harmonies ensue. A sweaty, Stonesy riff fuels 'Dream Girl', throwing of sparks and steam as it hurtles toward a raucously harmonic chorus. There's a real Myles Goodwin feel to the lightfooted AOR of 'One More Night' and 'Still In Love With You'. Producers applied the studio polish sparingly, preserving the music's warm, valve driven ambience. Tracks like 'Time Waits For No One' and the title cut, 'Keep On Rockin' come out of their corners fighting, eyes on the prize. 'Come Back To Me', might just be the album's standout track. It's tuneful, urgent and it gains a pacey momentum as it heads inexorably in the direction of a captivating hook. Better than that, it's got a bouncy, breezy middle eight that's full of crisp invention, with an occasional progrock twist. M&R Rush's melodic rock vision has never been dimmed by the passage of time.
- RevelationZ Magazine -Brian McGowan
It's always a joy to hear harmony vocals in the true spirit of 70's AOR like Boston, REO Speedwagon, Survivor and Journey but it's a rare thing nowadays. M&R Rush delivers amazing harmony vocals with a sound that easily can be compared to the 70's era REO Speedwagon. The second track "If you should walk away from me" wakes me up totally with a splendid AOR chorus - I can listen to it over and over again. "Come back to me" is a highlight that could've been featured on an early Survivor album. I like the high energy rocknroll of "Ready" that sounds like a mix between Boston and Kiss.
- Melodic.net - Kaj Roth
Eleven songs that are pure rock and roll. There is clear melodies of AOR and hard rock. The guitars are ` presented/displayed in all the songs and sometimes are mixed to the front. M&R Rush voices are special and is shared by 5 of its members – with a sound similar to the best of Toto. As other good AOR bands – like Bad Company, Foreigner, etc. - This band sounds well compact, and I do not doubt that live they must be impressive!
- Metalraw Magazine -Lucas Gordon -
Regional rock fans who spent any time at all in Chicagoland night clubs during the late 1970s and mid-1980s, have likely crossed paths at one time or another with the band M&R Rush, a hard rockin’ group that originally came out of the south Chicago suburb of Roseland.
Since then, the members have cut their hair, gotten real jobs and raise families, but despite all of these things that usually spell the death for most rock ‘n’ rollers, ALL of the original members of M&R Rush has kept on rockin’ for the last three decades.
That is why the group chose the apt title, “Keep On Rockin’,” for their third album of the digital era.
“We’re a band from the era of vinyl, and here we are putting out our third CD,” said seemingly astonished drummer Marty Mardirosian, the “M” in M&R Rush. “A lot of things have changed, but like the (title) song of the new CD says, we just ‘keep on rockin’.”
Demands for their old songs warranted the release of “Rock And Roll Chicago”, a ‘Best Of...’ compilation of their original 1980’s recordings.
“We took all the old songs and released them for the first time on CD,” recalled Mardirosian. “After that, the next logical step seemed to be finding out if we still had it in us to write good songs.”
The 2005 CD, “The Thrill Of The Chase,” proved the band’s songcrafting skills were better than ever. A special Chicago Bears Superbowl song – “Bear Down Bears” – followed last winter and landed M&R Rush all over Chicagoland radio stations.
Which brings us to “Keep On Rockin’,” which came out late last year and has been getting international interest as well as regional airplay on WXRD / X-ROCK 103.9.
“The internet has opened up a whole new world to us and our music,” said Mardirosian. “We’re selling CDs to people in Europe and Japan and all over the place. It’s pretty amazing really how well things have gone for us.”
Something notable about M&R Rush that warrants mention, is that the line-up remains intact, plus one. The all original co-founding quintet – Mardirosian, guitarists Paul Martin and John McFarland, bassist Roger Hirtz, keyboardist Carl Moszur – have remained the best of friends and are still together.
An added bonus to the new millennium M&R Rush, has been the inclusion of third guitarist/ vocalist Jeff Luif, who had replaced Paul Martin in the line-up for a few years in the mid-1980s, when they briefly changed their name to Eminar (still pronounced M&R), before disbanding for nearly 20 years.
“When we got back together five years ago for what we thought would be just a couple of reunion dates for fun, we wanted to represent both incarnations of the group, so we called up Jeff and he was all for it,” said Mardirosian.
Lucky for the band that they did, for Luif is not only a valuable asset as a performer and member of the writing team, he is also the one who has been the key to a new beginning for the band, musically speaking.
Luif is a professional recording engineer and producer, with access to a studio that has an A-List client roster. “We record during the down time around the other artists in the studio,” explained McFarland, who assists Luif in the engineering the band’s recordings. “So it takes us a little longer to get our stuff done, but when it is done, it sounds great.”
Something new with “Keep On Rockin’,” is that Moszur did not to the lion’s share of writing this time around as has been the case with all of the band’s past albums over the decades.
“This album features songs and input from everyone in the band,” said Moszur. “They all got very involved when it came to the writing end.”
Because Roger Hirtz, the “R” in M&R Rush, lives in Indianapolis and the travel routes between Central Indiana and the region can often be hazardous during the winter months, M&R generally book dates only from Spring to Fall.
“It’s nice to have that long stretch of down time, because by the time Spring rolls around, we’re excited and ready to start playing again,” said McFarland. “Taking the winter off also gives us time to work on new songs,” injected Luif.
With Spring now officially here, M&R will begin their 2008 performance schedule soon and advise people to look for them at local festivals in the coming months.
Get more information, keep up on their summer tour calendar, listen to and order their music online at: www.MandRRush. com or www.nightwoods.com
- Written by Ernie Thomas
Eleven songs that are pure rock and roll. There is clear melodies of AOR and hard rock. The guitars are ` presented/displayed in all the songs and sometimes are mixed to the front. M&R Rush voices are special and is shared by 5 of its members – with a sound similar to the best of Toto. As other good AOR bands – like Bad Company, Foreigner, etc. - This band sounds well compact, and I do not doubt that live they must be impressive!
- Metalraw Magazine -Lucas Gordon -
Once Upon a Time, when rock & roll ruled the air waves, M&R Rush
headlined the best Rock & Roll Clubs in the Midwest. Other noteworthy
headliners at this time included Cheap Trick, Survivor, John Cougar and
M.S. Funk (Tommy Shaw’s old band –from Styx). Heck, even Yanni was
rocking back then with his band Chameleon. This was a great time in
Chicago’s proud Rock & Roll history, a time that will never be forgotten.
The good news for Chicago’s Rock & Roll fans is that M&R Rush, one
of these perennial powerhouse rock bands is back and fans have been
re-living those Glory Days! Yes, Marty Mardirosian, Roger Hirtz, Carl
Moszur, John McFarland, Paul Martin and Jeff Luif have been working
their special kind of music magic and people have been lovin’ it! Hey,
these are all the original guys, not many bands can say that. Along
with playing festivals and a few selected club dates over these past six years
M&R Rush has released 3 CD’s and has added a website – mandrrush.com -
that gets up to 1000 hits a week.
M&R Rush has always been a powerful, exciting band and since their rebirth
nothing has been more true. Their sound is tight, their vocals and harmonies
are exceptional, their songs are melodic, the orchestration of 3 guitars,
keyboards, bass and drums are stellar. From the time the show starts till the
final encore, the audience knows they are witnessing something special.
M&R Rush has style, class and undeniable presence. Their ability to connect to the crowd and to have a lot of fun while making great music must be the reason why so many people love M&R Rush.
Contact Information:
Marty Mardirosian – 219-384-0149
www.mandrrush.com
email: mandrrush1@yahoo.com
- Dyer News
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
Lincoln Avenue & Fullerton
Chicago, Illinois
Festival of the Lakes- With REO Speedwagon
Hammond, Indiana
Star Plaza Theatre – With Buckinghams, Cryan Shames, The Boyzz, New Colony Six & Heartstfield
Katrina Benefit Chicago Classics To The Rescue Concert
Merrillville, Indiana
4th of July Celebration - With Foghat
Hoffman Estates, IL
Chicago Ridge Fest - Wth Survivor
Chicago Ridge, IL
Oak Lawn Family Days Festival – With The Turtles
Oak Lawn, Illinois
Homewood Days – With Heartsfield
Homewood, IL.
Lisle Eyes to the Skies Festival
Lisle, IL.
CD’& Me Concert Series
Frankfort IL.
Schererville Festival
Schererville IN.
Oak Fest
Oak Forest IL.
Windjammer Marina Festival
Calumet City, IL.
Orland Hills Festival
Orland Hills, IL.
Redmond Rocks Concert
Bensenville, IL.
Monee Faire Festival
Monee, IL.
Valparaiso Popcorn Festival
Valparaiso, IN.
Michigan City Festival
Michigan City, IL.
Indiana State Fair
Darien Fest
Darien IL.
- M&R Rush
Once Upon a Time, when rock & roll ruled the air waves, M&R Rush
headlined the best Rock & Roll Clubs in the Midwest. Other noteworthy
headliners at this time included Cheap Trick, Survivor, John Cougar and
M.S. Funk (Tommy Shaw’s old band –from Styx). Heck, even Yanni was
rocking back then with his band Chameleon. This was a great time in
Chicago’s proud Rock & Roll history, a time that will never be forgotten.
The good news for Chicago’s Rock & Roll fans is that M&R Rush, one
of these perennial powerhouse rock bands is back and fans have been
re-living those Glory Days! Yes, Marty Mardirosian, Roger Hirtz, Carl
Moszur, John McFarland, Paul Martin and Jeff Luif have been working
their special kind of music magic and people have been lovin’ it! Hey,
these are all the original guys, not many bands can say that. Along
with playing festivals and a few selected club dates over these past six years
M&R Rush has released 3 CD’s and has added a website – mandrrush.com -
that gets up to 1000 hits a week.
M&R Rush has always been a powerful, exciting band and since their rebirth
nothing has been more true. Their sound is tight, their vocals and harmonies
are exceptional, their songs are melodic, the orchestration of 3 guitars,
keyboards, bass and drums are stellar. From the time the show starts till the
final encore, the audience knows they are witnessing something special.
M&R Rush has style, class and undeniable presence. Their ability to connect to the crowd and to have a lot of fun while making great music must be the reason why so many people love M&R Rush.
Contact Information:
Marty Mardirosian – 219-384-0149
www.mandrrush.com
email: mandrrush1@yahoo.com
- Dyer News
Homewood Days Show
On July 16th, I had the pleasure and the luck of being front row & center while M & R Rush put on another excellent show at Homewood Days. The weather was beautiful(although Mom Nature did tease us a bit),their timing was perfect & the concert was exactly what we all expected from the Super Six. They said it was like coming home and you could tell, they all seemed more relaxed and at ease than at Hobartfest. Now don't get me wrong Hobart was outstanding & even though it was 48 deg, we never felt the chill. As soon as the guys hit the stage, you knew it was where they belonged, there was immediate chemistry between them and their audience.
They came up, sang a couple songs, then the fun started. From the comedic relief, perfect rhythm & almost acrobatic moves of Paul, the eldest of the group, to the fine tuned vocals, smooth guitar playing & happiness of the shortest distance to drive was Jeff, the youngster of the band. Then we have all of those in between- Front & center is John, with his wicked wit, fair attempt at a British accent( I think it was British)& of course, amazing ability with the strings. Carl, the mastermind behind the music(with a little help)& let's not forget his unmistakable skill at the keys. Now we come to the founders of the group. Roger, front man, flawless at bass guitar and amazing vocals & his concern for his buddy Marty, who while playing his solo, offered a squirt or two of water, not even fazing Marty’s effortless speed & precision on the skins. This is supposed to be a review on the show & let's face it THEY ARE THE SHOW!
It was another magnificent feat of musical skill & interactive ness with each other & the audience participation is always great P.R. & Let us never forget all of those behind the scenes. Without them, the Super Six would be too pooped to play. Can't wait to catch the show at Chicago Ridge Fest.
Nancy H.
-----------------------------
The year was 1980 something, oops no it wasn't it was Homewood Days 2004 last Friday Night, but for anyone lucky enough to catch the M & R Rush show at the Harris Bank pavilion you had to be rockin'!
Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the show. Wish you guys would have had the second spot and would have been able to play all night long like you used to. It was truly fun to listen to the music, that in my book, mattered. Love some of the new stuff out there but nothing beats the original M&R tunes and others such as UFO, Queen and of course my Rushette song "Stealin'"!
The new cd is great - I know in all of our busy lives, this has to be a challenge for the band to get in practices and show dates, but please keep the music coming. It's as exciting now as it was then!
Thanks again,
Lisa Lannon
-------------------------------
What more can you ask for. A beautiful evening, good food, good drink and an awesome performance by M&R Rush...
Once again, the guys put on a terrific show....Jeff and John came off the stage and jammed a couple riffs in the audience, which I've never seen them do before. Marty had an excellent drum solo going on and all the guys played like the rockers that they are......Every time I see them (I see them often) I am more amazed at how great they sound...Make sure you purchase Thrill of the Chase, you won't be disappointed !!!
Keep rockin guys...See you at Ridge fest
Kim Bobbitt
----------------------------------
A BAND YOU WOULD NEVER FORGET - who else could that be but M & R Rush! Homewood Days proved nothing short of another memorable night! The band was solid, the music was great, and the guitars rocked!
The commitment to music that you all continue to show is truly reflected in your performance as a band....you continue to take fans from the past years back 20 years and at the same time draw in a younger audience to keep the music going.
The new CD is a must have for any M & R Rush fans old and new! The new CD, "Thrill of the Chase" rocks and again reflects the bands love for music.
It is easy to get caught up in the music and the fun and the guys in the band but, "Hats" off to the people behind the scenes that help to bring it all together with the lights, stage set up and sound!
I am looking forward to more show dates and more memorable nights of rockin' with a band I knew that I would never forget!
You guys are the best!
Kim Parra
------------------------------
I began going to M & R Rush "concerts" about 1976 and have now logged some 200 plus shows. Back then, for $3, $4, or $5, you could go to your local rock club or regional college and see a real "rock and roll show". The M & R RUSH experience was always driven by the high powered energized music, their charisma and showmanship, and the feeling that you were at an arena type rock concert!
Friday's show at Homewood Days definitely confirmed that all the above are still true some 30 years later!
From the opening intro music of ELP - Various
Homewood Days Show
On July 16th, I had the pleasure and the luck of being front row & center while M & R Rush put on another excellent show at Homewood Days. The weather was beautiful(although Mom Nature did tease us a bit),their timing was perfect & the concert was exactly what we all expected from the Super Six. They said it was like coming home and you could tell, they all seemed more relaxed and at ease than at Hobartfest. Now don't get me wrong Hobart was outstanding & even though it was 48 deg, we never felt the chill. As soon as the guys hit the stage, you knew it was where they belonged, there was immediate chemistry between them and their audience.
They came up, sang a couple songs, then the fun started. From the comedic relief, perfect rhythm & almost acrobatic moves of Paul, the eldest of the group, to the fine tuned vocals, smooth guitar playing & happiness of the shortest distance to drive was Jeff, the youngster of the band. Then we have all of those in between- Front & center is John, with his wicked wit, fair attempt at a British accent( I think it was British)& of course, amazing ability with the strings. Carl, the mastermind behind the music(with a little help)& let's not forget his unmistakable skill at the keys. Now we come to the founders of the group. Roger, front man, flawless at bass guitar and amazing vocals & his concern for his buddy Marty, who while playing his solo, offered a squirt or two of water, not even fazing Marty’s effortless speed & precision on the skins. This is supposed to be a review on the show & let's face it THEY ARE THE SHOW!
It was another magnificent feat of musical skill & interactive ness with each other & the audience participation is always great P.R. & Let us never forget all of those behind the scenes. Without them, the Super Six would be too pooped to play. Can't wait to catch the show at Chicago Ridge Fest.
Nancy H.
-----------------------------
The year was 1980 something, oops no it wasn't it was Homewood Days 2004 last Friday Night, but for anyone lucky enough to catch the M & R Rush show at the Harris Bank pavilion you had to be rockin'!
Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed the show. Wish you guys would have had the second spot and would have been able to play all night long like you used to. It was truly fun to listen to the music, that in my book, mattered. Love some of the new stuff out there but nothing beats the original M&R tunes and others such as UFO, Queen and of course my Rushette song "Stealin'"!
The new cd is great - I know in all of our busy lives, this has to be a challenge for the band to get in practices and show dates, but please keep the music coming. It's as exciting now as it was then!
Thanks again,
Lisa Lannon
-------------------------------
What more can you ask for. A beautiful evening, good food, good drink and an awesome performance by M&R Rush...
Once again, the guys put on a terrific show....Jeff and John came off the stage and jammed a couple riffs in the audience, which I've never seen them do before. Marty had an excellent drum solo going on and all the guys played like the rockers that they are......Every time I see them (I see them often) I am more amazed at how great they sound...Make sure you purchase Thrill of the Chase, you won't be disappointed !!!
Keep rockin guys...See you at Ridge fest
Kim Bobbitt
----------------------------------
A BAND YOU WOULD NEVER FORGET - who else could that be but M & R Rush! Homewood Days proved nothing short of another memorable night! The band was solid, the music was great, and the guitars rocked!
The commitment to music that you all continue to show is truly reflected in your performance as a band....you continue to take fans from the past years back 20 years and at the same time draw in a younger audience to keep the music going.
The new CD is a must have for any M & R Rush fans old and new! The new CD, "Thrill of the Chase" rocks and again reflects the bands love for music.
It is easy to get caught up in the music and the fun and the guys in the band but, "Hats" off to the people behind the scenes that help to bring it all together with the lights, stage set up and sound!
I am looking forward to more show dates and more memorable nights of rockin' with a band I knew that I would never forget!
You guys are the best!
Kim Parra
------------------------------
I began going to M & R Rush "concerts" about 1976 and have now logged some 200 plus shows. Back then, for $3, $4, or $5, you could go to your local rock club or regional college and see a real "rock and roll show". The M & R RUSH experience was always driven by the high powered energized music, their charisma and showmanship, and the feeling that you were at an arena type rock concert!
Friday's show at Homewood Days definitely confirmed that all the above are still true some 30 years later!
From the opening intro music of ELP - Various
Discography
ALL MUSIC IS AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.MANDRRUSH.COM
Alpha - 2011 - CD Album with Bonus Video
Keep on Rockin' - 2007 - CD Album
The Thrill of the Chase - 2004 - CD Album
Rock & Roll Chicago - 2003 - CD Album
Chicago Rocks, Volume One - 1980 - LP (vinyl)
Rock 'n' Roll Chicago - Side B Track 1
The first commercial release by M&R Rush. This hometown album was produced by Chicago radio station WLUP-FM (The Loop) and featured 10 local acts from the Chicago area. The song "Rock 'n' Roll Chicago" can also be found on the M&R Rush CD titled "Rock 'n' Roll Chicago" released in 2003.
Reach for the Stars - 1980 - EP (vinyl)
Set the Streets on Fire (Eminar) - 1984 - Cassette
Eminar - 1986 - 45rpm Single (vinyl)
Good-Bye City Lights
First Time I Saw Her
Heavy Metal Christmas - 2003 - CD Single
You Don't Wanna Mess With A Hungry Bear - Go Bears Go! - 2006 - CD Single
Photos
Bio
M&R; Rush - Remember them? They're back....Currently planning their 2014 Tour!!!
M&R; Rush had its beginnings in the early 70's, when a group of five high school friends from Chicago's Roseland neighborhood had a dream of making it in the music business. It wasn't long before M&R; Rush had won a couple of "Battle of the Bands" contests and started to build a following.
Within a year M&R; Rush was signed by the same Chicago based management company who was guiding another local Chicago group called Styx. M&R; Rush opened a string of high school and college concerts for the band prior to Styx becoming national recording artists. This gave M&R; Rush instant recognition with the 1,500 to 2,000 fans that came to the shows.
The word was now out about this hot new band and high schools and colleges were booking M&R; Rush based on their reputation to put on a great show and draw a huge crowd. During the early 70's, M&R; Rush performed at over 100 different schools and colleges to sell out crowds nightly.
As the band matured they took their show on the road to the college club scenes in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio and Iowa. There they rocked the Red Lions in DeKalb, Champaign and Normal. McCabe's and McFly's in Carbondale, Ted's Warehouse in Mattoon, Headliners in Madison, Wis and Junies in Dubuque, Iowa just to name a few. The management of these establishments were not prepared for the crowds that came to see M&R; Rush and on many occasions asked, "Who are these guys"?
Moving into the Chicagoland club scene, M&R; Rush joined the likes of other local bands such as Survivor, Cheap Trick and Tommy Shaw before he joined Styx, looking for that national recording contract. During this time M&R; Rush drew packed houses at Haymakers in Wheeling, The Spirit in Downers Grove, Haywires in Burbank, Point East in Lynwood, Monopoly in Palatine, B'Ginnings in Schaumburg, The Thirsty Whale in River Grove, Mothers and Huey's in Chicago.
As the band's following continued to grow, their mailing list also grew to over 10,000 fans. (No such thing as E-mail then.) The band used this to their advantage to book their own sold out shows at various theaters through out Chicagoland.
In 1980, "The Loop" radio in Chicago chose M&R; Rush to be on their first hometown album. The song "Rock & Roll Chicago", written and performed by M&R; Rush, became the most requested song off the album and finished at #45 for the year at that station.
With their popularity high, M&R; Rush released an EP titled "Reach For The Stars" and promoted its release by performing in their hometowns at Chicago Fest, Loop Fest, Hammond Fest, Oak Lawn Fest, Chicago Ridge Fest, Berwyn Fest and more while also hitting the road performing in a fourteen state area in the Midwestern United States.
During this time M&R; Rush shared the stage with and opened shows for Styx, Survivor, Sammy Hagar, Judas Priest, Black Oak Arkansas, Head East and the Go Go's.
With the music industry changing and record companies looking for new acts who sounded like Flock of Seagulls or at the other extreme Motley Crue and other hair bands, M&R; Rush disbanded in 1987.
The band members kept in close contact at an annual golf outing for the former road crew and band. Every year at the outing the question would be asked, "When are you guys getting back together?"
At the 2002 outing, thanks to an impromptu jam session, it was decided that the summer of 2003 would mark the return of M&R; Rush. With the help of Jim Lenz from Paradise Artists, M&R; Rush has performed 78 shows, seven of the nine summers, at summerfests and clubs in Illinois and Indiana. The response has been tremendous as performances included shows with REO Speedwagon, Survivor, Kansas, Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Uriah Heep, Foghat, Jim Peterik, the legendary Temptations, a benefit performance at the Star Plaza Theatre with Chicago legends The Buckinghams, The Cryan Shames and others for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and a performance at the Taste of Lincoln Avenue in the heart of Chicago at the corner of Lincoln Avenue & Fullerton.
M&R; Rush music has also returned to the airwaves as regional radio stations have featured live-unplugged performances of M&R; Rush and music from four recently released CD's.
The excitement continues as plans for the 2013 Summer "License To Rock" Tour are in the works .
Thank you so much for all your support! Hope to see you on our 2013 summer tour!! Check the "Tour" section of the website for all tour dates!!!
Keep On Rockin!!!!
Marty, Roger, Carl, John, Paul and Jeff.
M&R; Rush
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