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Steel Drum Orchestra, “Pan Rocks”, lead by founder Tracy Thornton, returned to Los Angeles to record  a tribute to RUSH, "Pan Rocks RUSH!.  This time around Mike Portnoy (Sons of Apollo, Winery Dogs) was tapped to handle drumming duties for the recording project.  

"I am excited to take part in this unique musical experience unlike anything I have done in my career...and it is always an honor to pay tribute to one of my biggest inspirations, my hero and friend, Neil Peart", adds Portnoy.

Bassist Philip Bynoe (Steve Vai band) and guitarist Pete Thorn (Chris Cornell) rounds out the band.

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Pan Rocks is a 50 piece steel drum orchestra founded by drummer Tracy Thornton. The RUSH recording is a follow-up to 2017‘s Pan Rocks Project LA which featured the music of Led Zeppelin, KISS and Jane’s Addiction performed by 30 steel pan drummers and a band consisting of Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, Sons Of Apollo), Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction, Porno For Pyros), Tracii Guns (LA Guns) and Bruce Kulick (KISS, Grand Funk Railroad). 

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Tracy Thornton once again  called on Matt Starr (Mr. Big, Ace Frehley) to produce the follow up release. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to help Tracy to realize his vision for this amazing project.” says Starr. “Hearing 50 steel pan drummers play RUSH is just mind blowing. I can’t wait for everyone else experience it .”

The Pan Rocks Orchestra is made up of anywhere from 30-100+ steel pannists from around the world. “I’m so excited to be doing another Pan Rocks project and celebrate the music of the band that inspired me to be a musician in the first place, RUSH”, said Tracy Thornton. 

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Regarding the future of the project, Thornton says,“My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries and highlight the capabilities of steelpan in the rock and roll genre and reach more music enthusiasts. Ultimately, I envision a touring show.”

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The recording took place place at El Dorado Studios Burbank in Los Angeles. It was once again  mixed by Smiley Sean (APC, Motley Crue) and mastered by Grammy Award Winning Mastering Engineer Dave Collins (Metallica, The Police).