There are tribute bands and then there is Moving Pictures.
For Rush fans across Scotland and far beyond, the trio have become something much bigger than simply musicians covering another band’s songs, because what they recreate on stage is not just the sound of Rush but the feeling of what it was like to stand in front of one of the greatest progressive rock bands ever assembled.
That passion and devotion was on full display once again last weekend as RUSHfest Scotland 2026 returned to Glasgow for its thirteenth year, bringing together fans and musicians from around the world for three days dedicated to the music and legacy of Canadian rock legends Rush.
Since launching in 2013, the festival has welcomed performers and guests from Canada, the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Norway, Italy, The Netherlands and across the UK, while previous special guests have included Rush producer Terry Brown, legendary art director Hugh Syme and members of Neil Peart’s family.
This year’s event also carried a deeper emotional purpose, with all profits going towards Glasgow charities Funding Neuro and Beatson Cancer Charity following the death of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart from Glioblastoma in 2020.
To date, RUSHfest Scotland has raised an astonishing £186,000 for cancer charities, including the £30,000 being donated this week alone.
Founded by Arisaig musician Steve Brown, the festival itself grew from grief, friendship and a lifelong love of music after the loss of close friend Angie Townsend to cancer, eventually becoming one of the most respected Rush celebrations anywhere in the world.
Brown’s own band, Moving Pictures, has since evolved into one of the globe’s leading Rush tribute acts, performing around 70 shows a year including appearances at Massey Hall and Lakeside Park in Canada at the request of Neil Peart’s family.
This year’s RUSHfest Scotland climaxed with Moving Pictures headlining the legendary Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow alongside support from Pink Floyd tribute Mac Floyd, with reactions from fans described as nothing short of ecstatic.
Steve Brown said:
“RUSH fans have once again shown their incredible support and generosity.
“This year was our biggest to date, taking our show to the mighty Barrowland Ballroom.
“But it worked and, to everyone’s surprise, brought in way more than we could have imagined.
“Thanks to everyone involved.
“How can we top that?
“We have a cunning plan!”
For Highland fans who missed Glasgow, there is good news.
Moving Pictures return north for a special performance at Eden Court Theatre on Friday 26 June where audiences can once again expect the sort of precision, musicianship and sheer emotional energy that has built the band such a fiercely loyal following.
Anyone who witnessed their previous Inverness performances at An Seòmar or Eden Court already knows this is not simply nostalgia.
It is a room full of people rediscovering music that still matters deeply to them played by musicians who understand exactly why it mattered in the first place.
And perhaps most remarkably of all, at a time when original Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are preparing to tour again next year with drummer Anika Nilles, it suddenly feels like Rush are very much alive and well in Inverness too.
