Most of the bands circulating around the Lexington music scene are bands chalked full of members who are in college or have at least graduated within the last five years.
But Al Greiser, lead singer of Unstable Condition — A Tribute To Rush, has not seen the inside of a college hallway since the mid-1980s — almost 30 years ago. However, Unstable Condition will be making its way back to the college scene when they come to The Dame on Wednesday.
Not only has Greiser been out of college for a few decades, he is also a proud grandpa to a 2-year-old granddaughter, according to the band’s Web site (www.unstablecondition.com).
However, there are no rules in rock n’ roll that state you have to be a certain age — look at Gene Simmons, the man is pushing 60 and still putting out music. The only rules are leather pants, maybe, if you’re feeling festive, some face paint and a few groupies.
These rules may seem a little dated, but Unstable Condition is not just any band, they are a tribute band to the 1970s Canadian, rock phenomena Rush. With classic hits like “Tom Sawyer,†“Subdivisions,†“Limelight†and “Working Man,†Rush was basically the U2 or Green Day of their generation.
Technically, Unstable Condition can’t really be considered a tribute band since Rush just finished up their tour last July. But, for the sake of not causing any drama with the Georgetown and Winchester natives of Unstable Condition, they have one of the most striking resemblances of any tribute band that’s played around Lexington in a while — even better than Talking Heads tribute band, Same As It Ever Was.
This will be the first time Unstable Condition has ever been to The Dame, and according to the band’s Web site, they don’t have many other shows besides this one coming up until June. But Greiser, who also plays guitar and pedals a bass drum, is not new to the music scene, recording his first song, “Jasminize,†in 1982.
The 1970s may have been a while ago, and many of us were probably not even born yet, but, if you still enjoy the sounds of Metallica or Kiss, then Rush may be of some interest. And since Rush is no longer on tour, nor have they released any information on whether they will be putting out a new CD, Unstable Condition is pretty much the only band around playing the 1970s hits of Rush.
Unstable Condition will be at The Dame on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $3.
Kelly Wiley is a journalism senior.
Dude, Rush is frickin’ awesome.