A Conversation with our South Florida Rush Tribute Band

It was the evening of May 20th; I was excited to be on my way to meet the South-Florida Rush tribute band, Afterimage. For nearly four years, this talented group has channeled the spirit of one of rock’s most iconic bands, steadily building a dedicated and growing fan base. Their attention to detail, passion for the music of Rush, and high-energy performances have earned them a strong reputation in the tribute scene. Meeting the members of Afterimage in person feels like a rare and thrilling opportunity, especially as a long-time fan of Rush.

I arrived at their headquarters—an impressive, stage-like warehouse packed wall to wall with instruments, amplifiers, and sound equipment. It was immediately clear that this wasn’t just a practice space but a sanctuary for music. The atmosphere was electric, with the faint hum of amps and the occasional sound check echoing in the background. It set the perfect tone for what I knew would be an inspiring and memorable interview.

Echoes: What inspired you to form a Rush tribute band?

Victor: I played in a Rush Tribute for about 10 years (Crush), and the guitar player was moving away. I found out through the original drummer of this band, who is now gone, that they were looking for a bass player for a new Rush Tribute. So, since I learned all the songs from the previous band, I contacted Chato (Hernando) and sent them videos of me playing some covers. He said he liked them, which was how I got into the band. Then, since I knew Mark, I invited him to join us; I knew he played Rush before and similar music, so I thought he would be a perfect fit. The first time I asked him to play, he said no. So, I came up with a story about having an upcoming big tour in Spain. Ha, ha…. So, he said: Okay. Of Course, there was no tour.  So that’s how I got marked and joined up, and we’ve been together over three years now, going to four years.

Then Markus said: To add to his story. Before the band, I played with Chato (Hernando) during the pandemic. Chato and I had just started playing along with some songs, and we both liked Rush. We played a song called Mission, I on a grand piano and Chato on an acoustic guitar; we recorded it and posted it online, and people seemed to like it. That made us think about putting together a band, so we started looking for partners. That’s how we found Vic (Victor) and, later, Mark.

Echoes: How do you approach capturing the Rush sound, specifically with its technical complexity?

Victor: First, we approach it individually. We all have a long way to go, so we practice independently and work together to tighten the song.

Echoes: What about the set list? How do you come up with the selection?

Victor: We all do. We all do.

Markus: We all propose our favorite songs and decide together what to play.

Mark: We play it, and if it sounds great, we add it to our Setlist.

Echoes: What is the difference between you and other Rush tribute bands? Because I have something that comes to mind, which I will tell you later.

Victor: We’ve heard (because we can’t be objective about that) that we have a different approach to this type of tribute. I mean, some top Rush Tribute bands are out there; although they’re technically perfect, they don’t project the power or passion. This is why we’ve been called “Heavy Rush”. Also, people say that we project enjoyment while we play live instead of just playing the songs straight, like standing there and going through the notes, even though we play note for note as best we can, right? We still add something to it that they say other bands don’t have. What that is, as I said, is something about the feeling. You know, the passion camaraderie. When I heard the term “Heavy Rush” that somebody said to us, I thought I had already thought Rush was heavy, right? So, it’s like a compliment to me.

Echoes: I noticed that you are exploring music from various eras of the band, which many other tribute bands overlook. While most Rush tributes focus on classic albums like “2112,” “A Farewell to Kings,” “Hemispheres,” “Permanent Waves,” “Moving Pictures,” and “Signals,” you are not only playing these albums but also including tracks from albums such as “Power Windows,” “Roll the Bones,” “Counterparts,” and “Test for Echo… As a big-time Rush fan, ” Thank you for providing such a comprehensive Rush tribute setlist!.

Markus: We are heavily synth-oriented.

Photo: Julisa Sandra Marquez

Echoes: What is the most challenging Rush song you have ever tried to play or already played?

Mark: One of them is Jacob’s Ladder, for sure. Bravado is also a very tough one.

Victor: They’re all tough. Once you start playing them, even the simplest one that might sound “simple”, when you begin carefully hearing the stuff that Rush’s doing, you’re like, wow!

Markus: You’d have to copy off some live shows, and we try to duplicate their live shows and what they do.

Echoes: Rush lyrics are often philosophical and inspired by science fiction. Do you feel a connection to those types of lyrics?

Markus: Sure, they are. Neil Part (the lyricist) wanted to promote a moral view about love, peace, and respecting each other instead of going to war or fighting people and getting angry with each other because of politics from the left or right; it doesn’t matter.

Echoes: So, what is your favorite album?

Hernando: Moving Pictures

Mark: Technically, I guess it wouldn’t be just an album, but if I must pick one, this would be Exit Stage Left

Victor: I might have to go with Clockwork Angels. Believe it or not.

Markus: I’m more of a keyboard person, so I was always into Power Windows

Echoes: Why did you pick Afterimage as your band name?

Markus: That’s the name of a song on the album Grace Under Pressure. It is like an Afterimage of Neil’s life and lyrics. His message and moments are still carried on throughout the music.

Echoes: So, what are the next steps for the band?

Mark: We’re planning to make a promo video. A nice video. Hopefully, this will all work out on this next show, Saturday. We get the audio and everything like that.  We want to record a couple of full songs that we can release on YouTube. From there, we would make an actual press kit. And, you know, all the pieces will get together… this warehouse right here our studio this is all going to be revamped entirely new speakers everything so where we can practice more efficiently quicker record every session so we can listen back so a lot of things because um, the next step is taking the songs to the next level to where when we hear back to them we’re happy with what we played.

Echoes: In terms of shows, what is next for the band?

Hernando: Crazy Uncle Mike’s, this Saturday night, May 24th. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this fabulous show!

Afterimage: 

Hernando Vazquez: Guitar
Victor Montello: Bass
Markus Barrameda: Vocals and Keyboards
Mark Ellis: Drums

Visit the band’s website at www.afterimageband.com/ and do not miss the show tonight, May 24th @ Crazy Uncle’s Mike, 6450 N Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487 (561) 931-2889 info@crazyunclemikes.com