Episode 93. 4th Annual Bubba Bash

Chaz and Schatz are cracking the Haggis Shack doors for our annual deep dive into Bubba Bash, the celebration that honors Neil Peart with musicianship, camaraderie, and the kind of backstage family energy that only Neil's personal friends can generate. This isn’t a memorial; it’s a living, breathing night of joy, excellence, and community. Michael Mosbach, Neil’s close friend of 25 years, joins us. Michael is the guy who helped Neil keep a normal, peaceful life by managing privacy, safety, and everything in between. Not a bodyguard—don’t even start. He’s a threat-management and privacy-protection pro who made sure Neil could live without a spotlight in his face. He arrives not as a celebrity guest, but as part of the Bubba Bash family, bringing clarity, humor, and stories grounded in friendship, not mythology.Tim Starace, bassist for YYNOT and co-architect of the Bash, takes us behind the scenes on how this whole thing came to life—from one frantic phone call to a full-blown annual tradition that sells out even in Pennsylvania snowstorms. Tim breaks down the passion, the planning, the near-misses, the late-night texts, the chaos, and the joy behind making Bubba Bash happen.Cathy Rankin, the metal mistress herself and the host of Bubba Bash, talks about stepping into the whirlwind that first year, balancing the emotional weight of the event with the electric energy of the musicians and fans, and how the backstage vibe evolved into a genuine family reunion—complete with nerves, laughter, and maybe a few tears during “Losing It.”Together, this power trio walks us through:• How Bubba Bash began—and why it exploded• The outrageous level of musicianship (and the zero rehearsals)• The guest artists flying in on their own dime• The mission: raising funds for glioblastoma researchAt the heart of it is the purpose: honoring Neil through action, generosity, connection, and community. Just people coming together to celebrate someone they loved by doing something good.This episode is Bubba Bash as told by the people who build it, live it, and feel it every year. This is the conversation Rush fans rarely get to hear.GET INVOLVED!4th Annual Bubba Bash, celebrating Neil PeartJanuary 10, 2026 • Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PAAnchored by YYNOT:Tim Starace, Billy Alexander, Mike Hetzel, Adi ArgelaziGuest Artists:Jonny Dinklage • Jason Bittner • Ed Toth • Joe Bergamini • John WesleyTyler Warren • kOko pOwell • Alex Figueroa • Rodney McGMike Orlando • Fer Velasco • Greg Russell • Jack Gibson • Tyme RogersHosted by:Cathy Rankin, the metal mistress herselfDONATE & GET TICKETSDonate directly to Cedars-Sinai in memory of Neil:https://support.cedars-sinai.edu/fundraiser/5043373Grab tickets before it sells out (it always does and we got ours):https://www.axs.com/events/1160303/bubba-bash-ticketsSCHATZ'S SCRATCH LIST - RUSH TRIBUTE BANDSScratch your itch to hear RUSH music played live by going to check out any of these great RUSH Tribute Bands - these bands are keeping the community and the music alive - the most current, curated, and rockin' list of RUSH Tribute Bands in the world! Yeah!⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here: ⁠Schatz's Scratch List⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠(And say it 5 times fast!)GO BONELESSCertified boneless in the state of Ohio by the Boneless Podcasting Network. Go Boneless. Boneless Makes a Better Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.