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Pittsburgh’s Distant Signals no fly by night tribute band

By Staff | Apr 30, 2014

Pittsburgh-based Rush Tribute Band played to an enthusiastic crowd at the Adelphia Music Hall on April 19.

There are few bands with as dedicated followers as progressive rock band, Rush. After 40 years of beloved music, Rush fans span multiple generations. This past Easter weekend, fans in the Mid-Ohio Valley had another way to celebrate that music, with a live show by master rock musicians Distant Signals.

“As a long-time Rush Fan – ok, fanatic – I was really looking forward to hearing Rush in the Adelphia and after hearing the online clips, it made me even more excited,” said Brian Honey of Marietta, Ohio. “In short, Distant Signals did not disappoint. Their renditions of Rush songs – old favorites, ’80s, ’90s, even some new ones from the last couple of albums, including the song The Garden – were great.”

The crowd was very engaged with the band as they played tunes from the breadth of the Rush catalog ranging from their biggest hits and ‘anthems’ like “Working Man” and “Tom Sawyer,” to some more obscure material that the Rush fans in the audience definitely appreciated.

“I drove [from Gallipolis] to see Distant Signals Rush Tribute,” said Kevin D. Jolley, a Gallipolis, Ohio resident and fellow musician of the Ohio-based band, Still Water. “This band captured the essence of the band Rush in a captivating way that was enjoyed by all.”

Musically, the performances were on target. Distant Signals didn’t shy away from some of Rush’s very long shows, like Xanadu and the classic “2112”.

“Vocally it’s very difficult for any singer to match Geddy Lee’s range,” continued Honey, “but the lead singer hit it perfectly.”

Distant Signals is comprised of Matt DeSantis, bass; Mike Moscato, lead guitar, Dave Normile, percussion; Dave Smith, lead vocals, guitar; and Don Tomlinson, keyboards, pedals, guitar. Information about the band is available at www.distantsignals.net.

“Distant Signals was formed on the sole premise to replicate the music of Rush to near perfection and share it with Rush fans,” said band founder and keyboardist, Don Tomlinson. “It’s terrific to see that our efforts are paying off and that audiences are enjoying the set lists as much as we enjoy playing it.”

“The talent of the band, their obvious love for the songs, the excitement of the crowd, who clapped and yelled after every song and the thrill of hearing instrumental Rush songs like YYZ performed so well by a top-notch bassist and drummer,” said Honey, “all combined to make for a magical evening. I hope they return to the Adelphia soon.”

Jolley summed up the popular sentiment best, “I look forward to hearing the Distant Signals band in 2112!’

More information about the band and upcoming events available at www.distantsignals.net