The Tragic Real-Life Story Of Rush

According to the Naples Daily News (via BraveWords), jazz singer Freddy Cole was performing at a $325-a-plate New Year's Eve party at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, in 2003. While singing one of his jazzy love songs, a seemingly intoxicated man jumped on to stage, gyrated around, grabbed the microphone, and asked the audience for "a nice round of applause for this Count Basie." Before his mic was cut, the man was joined in his antics by another individual. 

It turns out the guys were Justin Zivojinovich and his father, Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. According to Courthouse News Service, the Ritz's manager on duty called the front desk to summon the police. Three deputies soon arrived and tried to escort Zivojinovich out of the hotel, but he resisted, leading the authorities to wrestle him to the ground and stick him with a Taser. As Lifeson tried to protect his son, one of the deputies punched the guitarist in the face and broke his nose. Both father and son were arrested and charged with resisting arrest. The duo later sued the police for use of excessive force.

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