Rush fans know Hemispheres as one of the band's most ambitious albums—but the story behind it is every bit as fascinating as the music itself.

In this episode, Robert John Hadfield uncovers an incredible 1979 interview with Alex Lifeson recorded during the Hemispheres tour. Looking back in time, you'll hear Rush talk about the album they hadn't even begun recording yet—what would eventually become Permanent Waves. Along the way, Robert explores the hidden meaning behind the Hemispheres cover, the surprising identity of one of the people featured on it, the origin of "The Spirit of Radio," and why Rush decided to leave their epic concept pieces behind.

You'll also discover how a legendary Canadian radio station helped inspire one of Rush's greatest songs, hear fascinating stories from the road, and find out why Alex Lifeson and the band spent their downtime... roller skating through the arena halls.

If you love the stories behind classic albums and the moments that shaped rock history, this is one you won't want to miss.

00:00 Rush's backstage ritual
00:05 Alex Lifeson interview from 1979
00:55 Discovering Hemispheres
01:28 The surprising story behind the album cover
03:05 Apollo, Dionysus, and the meaning of Hemispheres
04:24 The real identity of the "Starman"
05:17 Rush on tour in 1979
06:47 The end of the Hemispheres tour
07:42 Rush predicts Permanent Waves
09:06 Why Rush couldn't get radio airplay
10:05 The true origin of "The Spirit of Radio"
14:00 Why Rush always wrote music for themselves
15:30 The importance of dynamics in Rush's music
16:38 How Rush killed time before concerts
17:10 Rush trivia challenge
18:44 Join Robert's Thailand adventure