Rush Lyrics Cited in Canadian Parliament Question Period, Band in Attendance

Canadian rock group Rush took a trip to Ottawa's Parliament Hill yesterday, leaving some of the country's more powerful, influential politicians fawning like teenaged girls over their idols.

According to CBC, the visit by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart -- which included attending a question period in Parliament -- was part of a reception for the 2012 Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. Rush was announced as one of the award winners in March.

However, besides the usual glad handing and small talk, Rush became a running theme (or gag) during question period, with album titles and song lyrics incorporated into answers and questions from Members of Parliament.

"In this place, for the men who hold high places, they must be the ones who start to mould a new reality closer to the heart," Conservative MP and President of the Treasury Board Tony Clement replied to one question, using the opening lyrics of "Closer to the Heart." Clement then placed both arms wide open and looked up to the gallery as the rock group looked on.

"Mr. Speaker, there they go, another rush to excuses when they get caught," NDP MP Charlie Angus quipped afterwards before asking a question.

"Another fly by night question, Mr. Speaker," Clement replied, later adding, "What a villa strangiato," the latter an instrumental from their 1978 Hemispheres album, while the former referred to the band's 1975 album Fly By Night.

Clement continued with the references, stating the Conservatives are "new world men and women" before the House Speaker stopped proceedings to announce the Award recipients were in the building.

"Om gosh Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson & Neil Peart are all in the Commons Gallery!" Clement tweeted yesterday. "FYI! I told Alex I have been trying to learn 'Limelight' on my guitar, but the Arpeggios are killing me."

Clement, who said Lifeson especially "liked my ref in QP to 'La Villa Strangiato," also included a photo.

A Parliament Hill reporter replied via Twitter to Clement asking him to stop using Rush references, adding that most MPs probably weren't up to date on newer groups like Billy Talent.

"I know Billy Talent," Clement tweeted. "Billy Talent are friends (OK acquaintances) of mine. And Jason, you're no Billy Talent..."

Rush will mount their North American Clockwork Angels Tour in Manchester, New Hampshire on Sept. 7. The trek wraps up Dec. 2 at Houston's Toyota Center. The band's new studio album Clockwork Angels comes out on June 12.

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