The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) recently announced that iconic Canadian band Rush (Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart) as the recipient of the 2015 Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, sponsored by Bell Media, which will be presented during this year’s Juno Awards.
Juno winners themselves, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio, Rush exemplifies the spirit of the award through their music and devotion to philanthropy and humanitarian causes, both of which have touched millions of lives and spanned generations, an official press release on the Junos’ website said.
“We are sincerely grateful to be recognized as this year’s recipients of the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award. We are proud, honoured and humbled to be in the company of all Canadians who find it within their hearts to help those in need,” the band said in a statement.
“We are proud to be recognizing Rush’s noble legacy with this award,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. “The group’s dedication to countless charities and organizations over the course of their career is truly remarkable. Their tenacity and spirit serves as an inspiration to all of us, and we salute them for all of their exceptional work.”
”Bell Media congratulates Rush on being honoured with this year’s Allan Waters Humanitarian Award,” said Phil King, President of CTV, Sports, and Entertainment Programming. “As true rock icons, Rush embodies Canada’s innate spirit of compassion. Their generous support of and commitment to numerous worthy causes over their prolific career make them truly worthy of this prestigious award.”
With more than 40 million records sold worldwide and countless sold-out tours, Rush is not only one of the most inventive and compelling groups in rock history, but remains one of the most popular. According to the RIAA® Rush’s sales statistics place them third for the most consecutive gold/platinum studio albums by a rock band, topped only by the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. In addition to their commercial success, Rush has also been recognized with nine JUNO Awards and seven Grammy nominations, including one for the acclaimed documentary “Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage.” The group has remained unwaveringly committed and daring throughout their musical journey, and the same characteristics can be used to describe their charitable dedication.
The Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, named after CHUM Ltd. founder Allan Waters, will be presented to Rush at the 2015 Juno Gala Dinner & Awards on March 14th in Hamilton, Ontario.
Photo: Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com
