Bubba Bash 2024 Rocks The Keswick Theatre

Article and Photos by Melissa DeBrigida-Parent
Videos by Donn Parent
​Courtesy of Music Matters Media Productions

Premiere RUSH tribute band YYNOT, along with an all-star lineup of musicians and friends of drum icon Neil Peart, hosted the 2nd Annual “Bubba Bash” at The Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA on January 6, 2024. Peart died from Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, at the age of 67 on January 7, 2020. The event, organized by Peart’s longtime security manager and friend, Michael Mosbach, and YYNOT’s Tim Starace, was a heartfelt tribute to Peart, his life’s work (both on and off the stage), and the impact he had on millions throughout his lifetime. It was indeed a special night of amazing performances! The sold-out audience of RUSH fans was captivated, engaged, and loving every minute from the first song to the finale, which featured multiple drummers on stage.

Joining YYNOT on stage to honor Peart and perform a select few of RUSH hits and deep cuts were: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Winery Dogs), Frank Bello (Anthrax), Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall, Overkill), Jon Dinklage (Violinist from "Losing It," the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree), Rodney McG (Iron Christ, bass teacher), Allan Lobo (keyboardist and sound designer), Dan Avidan (Ninja Sex Party), Seven Antonopoulos (Opiate for the Masses), and Joe Bergamini (drum instructor and author, who was in attendance but couldn’t perform due to an injury). Emceeing the night was entertainment and music personality, as well as a RUSH superfan, Cathy Rankin.

Proceeds from the event will once again go to Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Peart’s memory, as they did the previous year. Donations can still be made by following the link below. Bubba Bash 2023 raised $100,000, and I predict that this year’s total will surpass that, setting the bar even higher for Bubba Bash 2025!

YYNOT Members: Billy Alexander (guitar), Mike Hetzel (drums), Adi Argelazi (vocals), Tim Starace (bass). For more about YYNOT, visit their website. Management contact: [email protected] General inquiries: [email protected] Cedars-Sinai donation link: Cedars-Sinai Donation Venue website: Keswick Theatre
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Set 1:

1. “Different Strings” (Rush cover) (Orchestral arrangement, Jonathan Dinklage on violin)
2. “The Spirit of Radio” (Rush cover)
3. “Tom Sawyer” (Rush cover)
4. “Red Barchetta” (Rush cover)
5. “Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres Part I: Prelude” (Rush cover) (Ed Toth on drums)
6. “Subdivisions” (Rush cover) (John Wesley on guitar, Dan Avidan on vocals)
7. “Vital Signs” (Rush cover) (Rodney McG on bass)
8. “Losing It” (Rush cover) (Jonathan Dinklage on violin, Allan Lobo on keyboards)

​Set 2:

1. “La Villa Strangiato” (Rush cover)
2. “Natural Science” (Rush cover) (Ed Toth on drums)
3. “Anthem” (Rush cover) (Frank Bello on bass)
4. “Freewill” (Rush cover) (Frank Bello on bass)
5. “Limelight” (Rush cover) (John Wesley on guitar, Seven Antonopoulos on drums)
6. “Distant Early Warning” (Rush cover) (Jason Bittner on drums)
7. “The Analog Kid” (Rush cover) (Jason Bittner on drums)
8. “Afterimage” (Rush cover) (John Wesley on guitar, Jason Bittner on drums)
9. “YYZ” (Rush cover) (Mike Portnoy on drums)
10. “By-Tor & The Snow Dog / In the Mood / 2112 Part VII: Grand Finale” (Rush cover) (Mike Portnoy on drums)

Encore:

1. “Closer to the Heart” (Rush cover) (With all drummers switching in at the end)