Watch Rush’s Newly Released Throwback Performance Of ‘Tom Sawyer’ In 1981

Prog-rock heroes Rush are giving a glimpse of the upcoming 40th-anniversary edition of their Moving Pictures album reissue – releasing an unearthed audio of a 1981 live version of “Tom Sawyer.” The version can be heard below.

The audio belongs to the band’s third and final concert night in support of their 8^th studio album. The phenomenal show occurred in Maple Leaf Gardens, in Toronto, Ontario, their hometown. The then-unreleased concert has finally come out of its shell for fans to enjoy.

The “Tom Sawyer” performance is a new addition to Rush’s recently released audio samples: “Vital Signs” and “Limelight.” Moreover, the band has also shared a fantastic video of them performing “YYZ” at the same concert. In case you don’t know, Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” is among the band’s finest pieces of creation; it was said to be based loosely on Mark Twain’s classic book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Neil Peart, who wrote the song, is a huge bookworm – perhaps one of the reasons why he knew how to tap into epic imagery and wonderful lyricism that Rush became known for.

You can listen to the audio below.