Limelight is book two of Popoff's overwhelming Rush trilogy. While the first volume took readers from childhood through the band's breakthrough in the Seventies, Limelight takes the reader through the next decade as the band's sound changed and it became the headliner rather than the opening act. Rather than stories from tours and personal issues, this book focuses on the changes in production from one album to another, telling us about how decisions were made, and what the results were. A must read for fans of the band, but perhaps a bit much for someone who is only a casual fan and only knows the few big hits.

Martin Popoff’s follow up to ‘Anthem: Rush in the ‘70s’ he now covers the band’s 80’s albums – both studio and live. Different from the ever expanded ‘Track By Track’ books in that although Martin Popoff critiques each song, there is a wealth of interviews with the band members, namely Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart, along with the producers Terry Brown, and Rupert Hine. Plus other assorted music biz people, in a mixture of interviews conducted by the author (some of which are published for the first time in this book) and from previously published interviews from the likes of Kerrang! Hit Parader and more.

For me the decade produced some classic Rush albums including ‘Signals’ and ‘Grace Under Pressure’, along with memorable album covers. Interesting to see how regular guys the members of Rush are, with other bands and tour managers stating how kind the band were to support bands (unlike how Aerosmith’s management treated Rush when they supported them). Fascinating band and producer interviews give the insight to each album’s recording process, along with how the band were doing in the music world at that time.

Popoff writes as a fan, but never goes ‘fanboy’, covering the great, good and not so memorable music the band made during the course of the 80’s. Reading the book whilst listening to the album in question is a great way to combine a love of books and music.

Recommended read for any fan of the band and already looking forward to Rush in the 90’s!

Well written, easy to read. Popoff books are always a great read for a fan of any band that he decides to write about it. Highly recommended!

I'll read anything about Rush. This book did not disappoint, though I found it relied a little too heavily on quotes from band members and others. Looking forward to the third installment of this series.