Prominently featured in Ernest Cline's work. In Fanboys, one character has the entire discography of Rush, declaring that in his van, it's, "All Rush, all the time, no exception." Even more so in Cline's first novel, Ready Player One, the Third Key Challenge set forth by Halliday is set in a recreation of Megadon from Rush's 2112, and Wade has to find the guitar featured in the song and play the third section, "Discovery". James Halliday refers to the band as "the Holy Trinity" or "the Gods of the North".
The song "Stereo" by Pavement references Geddy Lee's singing style. Lead singer Stephen Malkmus asks how did his voice "get so high" and "I wonder if he speaks like an ordinary guy". Band member Bob Nastanovich replies, "I know him, and he does!".
Dr. Krieger of Archer infamy is a huge fan. He owned a series of panel vans, each given a Punny Name based on one of their albums ("Exit...Van Left", "Vanispheres", "Caress of Krieger", etc.), and occasionally attempts to cover "YYZ"'s drum solo to no success.
South Park: The band appeared in the Season 15 episode "Royal Pudding". In real life, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson also appeared as surprise guests at the South Park 25th Anniversary Concert in 2022.
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