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A Farewell to Kings

by Rush

Released: August 29, 1977

Progressive rock

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Why This Album Matters

The central hook is supported by multiple first-hand accounts from independent publishers. In Prog’s 2017 A Farewell to Kings feature, Alex Lifeson said Pat Moran recorded a partial run for balances and tones, followed by one complete top-to-bottom performance that is heard on the album; this resolves the apparent distinction between a preliminary check and the first full take. ([cygnus-x1.net](https://cygnus-x1.net/links/rush/prog-12.2017.php)) In Guitar Player’s August 2002 interview, Lifeson independently described “Xanadu” as recorded in one take with the whole band and said the engineer was dumbfounded. ([cygnus-x1.net](https://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/rush/guitar-player-08.2002.php)) Geddy Lee also told Guitar Magazine in 1993 that the well-rehearsed song had been played live in Britain and was recorded straight through rather than assembled in sections. ([2112.net](https://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19931100guitar.htm)) Neil Peart’s contemporary A Farewell to Kings tour-book text separately confirms that the birds audible on “Xanadu” were recorded at Rockfield, while Rush’s official album page confirms the album’s recording location. ([rushvault.com](https://rushvault.com/2011/03/12/a-farewell-to-kings-tour-book/))

The Album

"A Farewell to Kings" is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on August 29, 1977, by Anthem Records. Following the success of 2112, Rush chose to record A Farewell to Kings outside of Toronto for the first time, opting for Rockfield Studios in Wales. The album marked a significant moment for the band, achieving their first Top 40 success in both the US and the UK, and reaching No. 11 in Canada.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album is noted for its expanded sound…

The album is noted for its expanded sound, incorporating greater use of synthesizers and a variety of instruments.

It features both lengthy tracks like the 11-minute…

It features both lengthy tracks like the 11-minute "Xanadu" and shorter ones such as the under 3-minute "Closer to the Heart," which became live favorites.

In 2017, a 40th-anniversary remastered edition was released…

In 2017, a 40th-anniversary remastered edition was released, featuring bonus tracks and a 5.1 surround sound mix.

The closing track, "Cygnus X-1 Book I: The…

The closing track, "Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage," is part of a science-fiction themed story that continues on their next album, Hemispheres.

The album was supported by Rush's most extensive…

The album was supported by Rush's most extensive tour up to that point, covering over 140 dates across North America and Europe.

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Essential Tracks

A Farewell To Kings

"A Farewell to Kings" is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on August 29, 1977, by Anthem Records.

Xanadu

It features both lengthy tracks like the 11-minute "Xanadu" and shorter ones such as the under 3-minute "Closer to the Heart," which became live favorites.

Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage

The closing track, "Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage," is part of a science-fiction themed story that continues on their next album, Hemispheres.

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Explore the Album

Rush - A Farewell to Kings

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Reception

Critically, A Farewell to Kings was generally well-received. The single "Closer to the Heart" reached No. 36 in the UK.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"A Farewell to Kings" is the fifth studio album by Canadian rock band Rush, released on August 29, 1977, by Anthem Records. The album marked a significant moment for the band, achieving their first Top 40 success in both the US and the UK, and reaching No. 11 in Canada.

Following the success of 2112, Rush chose to record A Farewell to Kings outside of Toronto for the first time, opting for Rockfield Studios in Wales. The album is noted for its expanded sound, incorporating greater use of synthesizers and a variety of instruments. It features both lengthy tracks like the 11-minute "Xanadu" and shorter ones such as the under 3-minute "Closer to the Heart," which became live favorites. The closing track, "Cygnus X-1 Book I: The Voyage," is part of a science-fiction themed story that continues on their next album, Hemispheres.

Critically, A Farewell to Kings was generally well-received. The single "Closer to the Heart" reached No. 36 in the UK. The album was supported by Rush's most extensive tour up to that point, covering over 140 dates across North America and Europe. In 2017, a 40th-anniversary remastered edition was released, featuring bonus tracks and a 5.1 surround sound mix.