LOL, the Rush detractors.
Just because Rush isn't part of your (apparently limited) musical world, doesn't mean they're only "big" in North America. Every time Rush tours they sell out. Everywhere. And in South America, they'll play multiple nights in pretty damn big stadiums. And yeah, they sell out all over Europe as well.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Rush are anywhere as big as U2. That's not up for debate...they're not. They don't occupy anywhere near the cultural space that U2 does. And musically, they couldn't be more different. But the bands do have some rather nice things in common. Like U2, Rush has been around for 30+ years with basically the same lineup intact (Peart joined on the second record). They all remain good friends to this day and like U2, are all pretty good people. Like U2, they've (mostly) avoided many of the cliches that surround rock bands...drug addiction, destructive infighting, trashing hotel rooms, etc. They split their royalties equally, like U2, and are very loyal to the people who work with them. The continue to put out new, vital music to a large, and very loyal fan base, while having a huge reservoir of hits to draw from. And they are one of the best selling, most successful rock acts in history. I don't see how you can say otherwise about a band that has sold 25+ million albums, has dozens of gold and platinum records, and has a few multi-platinum ones in there if I'm not mistaken.
Add to that the fact that Geddy Lee and and in particular Neil Peart are considered among the best at their respective instruments in rock history. And Alex Lifeson, while not quite on that level, is no slouch himself.
So yeah, the comments that they are only "big" in North America are mostly spoken out of ignorance.
