Rush's "Clockwork Angels" Scores #2 Debut on "Billboard" 200

Andrew MacNaughtan/Anthem/Roadrunner RecordsRush has matched its highest showing ever on the Billboard 200, as the Canadian prog-rockers' latest album, Clockwork Angels, debuts at #2 on the chart.  The record sold 103,000 copies in the U.S. during its first week, the band's biggest sales week since Vapor Trails moved 110,000 units in 2002.

The power trio previously had a #2 hit with their 1993 release, Counterparts.

Clockwork Angels is a concept album that tells the story of a young man from a retro science-fiction world who attempts to follow his dreams while being threatened by a variety oppressive characters.  In a recent Rolling Stone interview, guitarist Alex Lifeson reports that Rush is planning to include "a major portion" the album on its set lists when the group hits the road in September.

As for possibility of playing Clockwork Angels in its entirety live, Lifeson says, "Not on the first leg of the tour.  But perhaps if people become more familiar with it, or if it becomes a very strong demand, then we'd consider it for the second leg."

Rush's North American tour in support of Clockwork Angels gets under way September 7 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

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