# Roll the Bones

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For the song, see [Roll the Bones (song)](/source/Roll_the_Bones_(song)).

1991 studio album by Rush

Roll the Bones Studio album by Rush Released September 3, 1991 (1991-09-03)[1][2] Recorded February–May 1991 Studio Le Studio (Morin-Heights, Quebec) McClear Place (Toronto, Ontario) Genre Pop rock[3][4] hard rock[5] funk rock[6] Length 48:04 Label Anthem Producer Rupert Hine Rush Rush chronology Chronicles (1990) Roll the Bones (1991) Counterparts (1993) Singles from Roll the Bones "Dreamline" Released: September 1991 "Roll the Bones" Released: February 1992[7] "Ghost of a Chance" Released: April 1992[8]

***Roll the Bones*** is the fourteenth studio album by the Canadian rock band [Rush](/source/Rush_(band)), released on September 3, 1991, by [Anthem Records](/source/Anthem_Records) in Canada and [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records) internationally. Produced by the band and [Rupert Hine](/source/Rupert_Hine), the album continued the shift away from the keyboard-heavy arrangements of the 1980s toward a more guitar-oriented sound, a transition that had begun with their previous release, *[Presto](/source/Presto_(album))* (1989). The sessions, primarily held at [Le Studio](/source/Le_Studio) in [Morin-Heights](/source/Morin-Heights), Quebec, saw the band embracing funk and jazz influences, most notably in the [title track](/source/Roll_the_Bones_(song))'s inclusion of a rap segment performed by bassist [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee).

Lyrically, the album explores themes of chance, fate, and the weight of circumstances, inspired by drummer [Neil Peart](/source/Neil_Peart)'s interest in the role of fortune in human life. The title is a slang term for rolling dice, a motif reflected in the [Juno Award](/source/Juno_Award)-winning cover art designed by [Hugh Syme](/source/Hugh_Syme). Musical highlights include the hard-rocking opener "[Dreamline](/source/Dreamline)" the atmospheric ballad "Bravado", and the [Grammy](/source/Grammy_Award)-nominated instrumental "[Where's My Thing?](/source/List_of_Rush_instrumentals#Where's_My_Thing?)", which marked the band's first instrumental track since 1981.

*Roll the Bones* was a commercial success, reaching No. 3 on the [*Billboard* 200](/source/Billboard_200)—the band's highest US chart position since *[Signals](/source/Signals_(Rush_album))* (1982)—and achieving platinum certification from the [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America). Critical reception was generally positive, with reviewers praising the group's renewed musical energy and melodic focus, though some contemporary critics were polarised by the title track's rap section. It has been remastered several times, most recently in 2015 by Sean McGee at [Abbey Road Studios](/source/Abbey_Road_Studios).[9] The album remains a significant entry in [Rush's discography](/source/Rush_discography), bridging their synth-rock era with the leaner, heavier sound of their 1990s work.

## Background and writing

In June 1990, Rush finished touring their previous album, *[Presto](/source/Presto_(album))* (1989). They purposely kept the tour short, which Lee said was due to the group feeling overcautious about touring the album. However, it became an enjoyable and positive experience for them, and by the time it finished, "we were so charged up we wanted to keep on playing."[10][11] This renewed energy in the band carried through to the writing and recording sessions for *Roll the Bones*.[10] They then took a break, but decided to cut it short in order to start work on new material for a follow-up record.[12]

As with *Presto*, Rush started work by retreating to Chalet Studios, a remote studio in [Claremont, Ontario](/source/Claremont%2C_Ontario).[13][14] They stayed for 2+1⁄2 months, with Lee and Lifeson working on the music while Peart wrote lyrics. The three would reconvene in the evenings, when Peart would hear what the other two had come up with during the day.[15] Lee had developed an interest in bird watching, and ensured some broken bird feeders by the studio window were repaired and filled with feed, which he enjoyed observing while writing. The album's liner notes include a thanks to birds.[16]

The demos were recorded using an eight-track [TASCAM](/source/TASCAM) 388 recorder and an integrated mixer hooked up to a sequencer running [C-Lab Notator](/source/Emagic) software. Lee set up simple drum patterns on the computer for Lifeson and himself to work from.[15] It took between nine and ten weeks to write and rehearse for the album, and eight weeks to record it.[10][17]

The album displays the continued change in the group's sound which started on *Presto*, with a reduction in keyboards and a return to guitar-driven songs. Lee said the change was "a backlash against the more computer-style of writing" which had dominated their sound through the 1980s, and the band now chose to use synthesizers and sequencers as an "orchestration device", rather than a key component in the songwriting.[18] The writing sessions for *Presto* had involved just bass, guitar, and vocals, which contributed to the style shift, and the group continued with this approach for *Roll the Bones*.[18][15] Another aspect that carried over from *Presto* was Lee's intention to come up with strong vocal melodies at the beginning and base the rest of the tune around it.[18] Lifeson had wanted to try playing funk rhythms and, after having attempted it on *Presto*, wished to explore it further on *Roll the Bones*.[15] The majority of the arrangements worked out at the writing stage remained unchanged, which allowed the group to use the demos as a guide for recording, done by transferring the completed demos to 24-track and re-recording the parts.[15]

The album contains a running lyrical theme concerning the element of chance in different aspects of life, which Peart had devised while experimenting with lyrics.[19] The first lyric that he wrote for the album was used on "Face Up", specifically: "Turn it up – or turn that wild card down."[12] He recalled sitting on his cottage floor "with a pile of papers around me" of notes from the previous two years, mostly consisting of phrases written on tour or during "that dreamlike moment before sleep."[12] He started to experiment with the phrases "turn it up" and "turn it down", which led to the idea of turning a card down and a wild card, and applied them to events that a person may face.[12]

## Recording

*Roll the Bones* was recorded at [Le Studio](/source/Le_Studio) in [Morin-Heights, Quebec](/source/Morin-Heights%2C_Quebec), and McClear Place in Toronto, between February and May 1991. The band resumed working with co-producer [Rupert Hine](/source/Rupert_Hine) and engineer Stephen Tayler, both of whom had worked on *Presto*.[17] The vocals were recorded in England.[20] Rush wanted to continue to work with Hine due to his accomplished songwriting, the feedback he gave their songs and his ability to allow the group to achieve a looser sound than previous albums.[18][15] Lee said that various production tricks they had learned from working with [Peter Collins](/source/Peter_Collins_(record_producer)) in the 1980s were used on *Presto* and *Roll the Bones*.[18]

The bass and drum parts were recorded in four days, and the guitars in eight. Lee was amazed at how Peart had learned his parts for an entire song prior to recording it, and that "Nine times out of 10 it took only one pass for him to nail it."[15] The band had originally planned to release the album in January 1992, but they finished it two months early.[10][21] They thanked the news channel [CNN](/source/CNN) in the liner notes, as they had the channel on while writing, and Lee recalled it was sometimes difficult to stop watching it while numerous events were taking place.[10]

Lee used two different [Wal](/source/Wal_(bass)) basses on the album. He liked its mid-range and "rich" bottom end sound, and the fact that he did not have to add much equalisation. He first learned of the instrument when the band were recording in England, and knew that bassist [Percy Jones](/source/Percy_Jones_(musician)) used one on [Brand X](/source/Brand_X) albums, of which he was a big fan. Lee had played one at the suggestion of Peter Collins during the recording of *[Power Windows](/source/Power_Windows_(album))* (1985).[18] Lee's bass was mixed closer to Peart's bass drum range, which freed up space in the music for guitar parts.[15] Peart also changed his sound, and while he did not make a conscious decision to avoid electronics altogether, he found that most of the songs did not benefit from him playing an electronic kit and instead mostly used acoustic drums.[20] Peart realized that he had a tendency to make his drum parts "too organized, too architectural" on an album, so for *Roll the Bones*, he deliberately left portions of songs unrehearsed and recorded them on the day of recording with the intention of capturing more spontaneous playing.[22]

Peart wrote that the group found each stage of the recording process particularly enjoyable and satisfying, which sparked a "new conviction, a sense of rebirth" within the group.[12] Lee described the writing sessions for the album as "very positive" and "optimistic".[18]

## Artwork

The cover was designed by longtime Rush associate [Hugh Syme](/source/Hugh_Syme). The liner notes contain the cryptic phrase "Now it's dark." Peart later revealed that the phrase occurs in the 1986 film *[Blue Velvet](/source/Blue_Velvet_(film))*.[23] The credits include a running joke that began on *Power Windows*, when the group noticed several song titles began with the letter "M". For "various reasons", they continued the gag on *Roll the Bones*, with "Brought to you by the letter B."[20]

## Songs

### Side one

The opening verse of "Dreamline" has references to astronomy, which Peart was inspired by after bicycling a hundred miles from Cincinnati to Columbus between two gigs on the [Presto tour](/source/Presto_tour). Upon arrival, he watched the [popular science](/source/Popular_science) series *[Nova](/source/Nova_(American_TV_series))* on [PBS](/source/Public_Broadcasting_Service), and a program on satellite imaging captured his imagination.[20]

"Bravado" deals with how one should not give up after failing, as opposed to ending life by suicide, which Peart had addressed in "The Pass" on *Presto*.[20] The song was particularly emotional for Lee, who rated it as one of the band's best ever songs, partly due to its different texture than the rest of the album.[10] The band was optimistic about its musical form but faced the problem of overworking its arrangement because all the parts sounded good to them. In the end, they learned that stripping the song back resulted in a stronger track.[24]

"Roll the Bones" was named after a science fiction story by [Fritz Leiber](/source/Fritz_Leiber) that Peart had read some 15 years prior, titled "[Gonna Roll the Bones](/source/Gonna_Roll_the_Bones)". Though the story had no influence on the music or its message, Peart took a liking to the particular phrase and had kept it in his notebook.[25] The phrase is also a [slang term for rolling dice](/source/Glossary_of_craps_terms#B). When the band was recording "Roll the Bones", Lee said they decided to "have some fun" with it and include a rap section.[18] Peart recalled some skepticism from his bandmates at first and they tried different ways to present it, including a female voice, but "the transition was too harsh." They instead opted to use Lee's voice with low-frequency effects applied to it.[26]

"Where's My Thing?" was the band's first instrumental since "[YYZ](/source/YYZ_(instrumental))" from *[Moving Pictures](/source/Moving_Pictures_(Rush_album))* (1981).[13] It has the humorous subtitle of "Part IV, 'Gangster of Boats' Trilogy", referring to an inside joke where Lee and Lifeson threatened to name a Rush album *Gangster of Boats* if Peart ever had difficulty coming up with a title, as well as the joke that it's the fourth part of a trilogy.[20] Peart wrote that the group had wanted to record an instrumental for a while at this point and that the group had "a lot of fun" recording it.[12] They had wanted to include one on *Presto*, but every time Lee and Lifeson had a piece of music, Peart provided a lyric that fit well with it. For this album, Peart let the two write an instrumental track and deliberately avoided providing them lyrics until they had put one together.[10] Rather than making the track a showcase for the group's playing ability, Lee and Lifeson wanted to give it a verse and chorus section to make it sound like a "genuine song".[13]

### Side two

"Heresy" is a more straightforward rock song with a rhythm that Lee described as a "heart beat pulse" that reflected some of Peart's lyrical ideas for it.[18] Peart was inspired by the events surrounding the [fall of Communism](/source/Revolutions_of_1989) in eastern Europe in the early 1990s and people regaining their freedoms.[10][25]

"Ghost of a Chance" features Lifeson playing a [PRS](/source/PRS_Guitars) guitar, and he rated his solo on the track as one of his best.[15] Lyrically the song is based on the compromises that one makes in a relationship to make it work. Peart was particularly proud of his words for it, as he had written a love song that avoided the clichés of more typical, sentimental love song lyrics.[27]

Lee said that, despite the fun involved in writing "You Bet Your Life", it was the most difficult to record, partly due to getting a balance in the chorus between the vocals and the vocal melody. It was also hard to mix, and Lee "never felt confident that we actually nailed [it]."[24]

## Release and promotion

*Roll the Bones* was released on September 3, 1991.[28] It marked a return to commercial success for the band, reaching No. 3 in the US, their highest charting album since *[Moving Pictures](/source/Moving_Pictures_(Rush_album))* (1981).[11] It also reached No. 10 in the UK and No. 11 in Canada. "Dreamline" reached No. 1 on the US [*Billboard* Album Rock Tracks](/source/Mainstream_Rock_(chart)) chart.[29] In 1992, "Where's My Thing? (Part IV, "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy)" became Rush's second song to be nominated for a [Grammy Award](/source/Grammy_Award) for [Best Rock Instrumental Performance](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Rock_Instrumental_Performance).[30] The song lost to "[Cliffs of Dover](/source/Cliffs_of_Dover_(song))" by [Eric Johnson](/source/Eric_Johnson_(guitarist%2C_born_1954)), who opened for Rush on the 1991 leg of the [Roll the Bones Tour](/source/Roll_the_Bones_Tour).[31]

Rush toured the album between October 1991 and July 1992, covering Canada, the United States, mainland Europe and the UK. As they had a productive and positive experience making the album, they were keen to go on the road and tour the album and toured longer than they had for *Presto*.[21]

## Reception

Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating AllMusic [5] The Encyclopedia of Popular Music [32] Entertainment Weekly B[33] The Essential Rock Discography 5/10[34] MusicHound Rock [35] The Rolling Stone Album Guide [36] The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music [37]

Chuck Eddy of *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)* felt the album treaded new ground, noting its "usual melodic nods toward [MTV](/source/MTV) metal and 19th-century concert halls" now had "rhythmic nods toward [Nintendo](/source/Nintendo) games and West Africa." Eddy also noted the rap in the title track, concluding, "For once, these guys seem to be acting silly on purpose."[33]

In retrospective reviews, Eduardo Rivadavia of [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) called *Roll the Bones* "quite possibly Rush's darkest album" lyrically, citing "Dreamline" as one of the band's best songs of the '90s. He added that, "though their negative subject matter can feel stifling at times, fine tracks like 'Bravado,' 'The Big Wheel,' and 'Heresy' feature wonderful melodies and arrangements."[5] *[Ultimate Classic Rock](/source/Ultimate_Classic_Rock)* included *Roll the Bones* on their list of "Top 100 90's Rock Albums".[38] They also ranked it the 9th (out of 19) best Rush album, with Dave Swanson writing, "even though synths still clang about and a few of the experiments go too far (um, yes, that's Geddy Lee rapping on the title track), the songwriting is stupendous."[39]

## Track listing

All lyrics are written by [Neil Peart](/source/Neil_Peart); all music is composed by [Alex Lifeson](/source/Alex_Lifeson) and [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee).

Roll the Bones track listing No. Title Length 1. "Dreamline" 4:37 2. "Bravado" 4:35 3. "Roll the Bones" 5:30 4. "Face Up" 3:54 5. "Where's My Thing? (Part IV, "Gangster of Boats" Trilogy)" (instrumental) 3:49 6. "The Big Wheel" 5:13 7. "Heresy" 5:27 8. "Ghost of a Chance" 5:18 9. "Neurotica" 4:39 10. "You Bet Your Life" 5:01

## Personnel

**Rush**

- [Alex Lifeson](/source/Alex_Lifeson) – electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals

- [Neil Peart](/source/Neil_Peart) – drums, cymbals

- [Geddy Lee](/source/Geddy_Lee) – bass guitar, vocals, synthesizers

**Additional personnel**

- [Rupert Hine](/source/Rupert_Hine) – additional keyboards, background vocals

**Technical**

- Rush – producers, arrangements

- Rupert Hine – producer, arrangements

- Stephen W. Tayler – engineer

- Simon Pressey – assistant engineer at Le Studio

- Paul Seeley – assistant engineer at McClear Place

- Ben Darlow – mixing assistant

- Everett Ravestein – pre-production assistant at Lerxst Sound

- [Bob Ludwig](/source/Bob_Ludwig) – mastering

- [Hugh Syme](/source/Hugh_Syme) – art direction, design

- [Andrew MacNaughtan](/source/Andrew_MacNaughtan) – portraits

- [John Scarpati](/source/John_Scarpati) – photography

- Joe Berndt – digitals

## Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1991) Peak position Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[40] 11 Dutch Albums (Album Top 100)[41] 38 Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[42] 6 German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[43] 35 Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[44] 31 UK Albums (OCC)[45] 10 US Billboard 200[46] 3 Chart (2025) Peak position Hungarian Physical Albums (MAHASZ)[47] 27 Year-end charts Chart (1991) Position Canadian Albums (RPM)[48] 55

## Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales Canada (Music Canada)[49] Platinum 100,000^ United States (RIAA)[50] Platinum 1,000,000^ ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

## References

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-ROCKLINE_20-5) Coburn, Bob (December 2, 1991). ["Neil Peart on Rockline for Roll the Bones"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911202rockline.htm). *[Rockline](/source/Rockline)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164751/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911202rockline.htm) from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 17, 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MEAT92_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MEAT92_21-1) Masters, Drew (March 1992). ["Canada's #1 Rock Act! Rush"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19920300meat.htm). *M.E.A.T*. No. 30. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164623/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19920300meat.htm) from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Haymes, Greg (December 12, 1991). ["Thinking Man's Rock Still Pushing, Hard-Rocking Rush Admits to Ambition, Not Pretension"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911212albanytimesunion.htm). *[Albany Times Union](/source/Times_Union_(Albany))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164753/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911212albanytimesunion.htm) from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Peart, Neil (January 1994). ["Rush Backstage Club Newsletter: Rush – Counterparts"](http://2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19940100backstageclub.htm). *2112.net*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120418082625/http://2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19940100backstageclub.htm) from the original on April 18, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TMP91_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TMP91_24-1) Fantino, Lisa (December 1991). ["Three is Never a Crowd"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911200musicpaper.htm). *The Music Paper*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164612/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911200musicpaper.htm) from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-TBG91_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-TBG91_25-1) Morse, Steve (December 6, 1991). ["Rush: Three Smart Rockers Loosen Up and Have Some Fun"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911206bostonglobe.htm). *[Boston Globe](/source/Boston_Globe)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180604073515/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911206bostonglobe.htm) from the original on June 4, 2018. Retrieved November 16, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-HS91_26-0)** Krewen, Nick (October 25, 1991). ["Tonight at Copps, it's...RUSH HOUR"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911025hamiltonspectator.htm). *[The Hamilton Spectator](/source/The_Hamilton_Spectator)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181116001145/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19911025hamiltonspectator.htm) from the original on November 16, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-OS92_27-0)** Abbot, Jim (March 6, 1992). ["Rush Discovers It Has a Future in Music Trade"](http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19920306orlandosentinel.htm). *[Orlando Sentinel](/source/Orlando_Sentinel)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164717/http://www.2112.net/powerwindows/transcripts/19920306orlandosentinel.htm) from the original on November 18, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["HOW A RENEWED FOCUS ON GUITAR GAVE RUSH A NEW START ON 'ROLL THE BONES'"](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-roll-the-bones/). Ultimate Classic Rock. September 3, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191206202530/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-roll-the-bones/) from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Mainstream Rock Airplay - Week of September 21, 1991"](https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/1991-09-21/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved December 19, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["34th Annual GRAMMY Awards"](https://www.grammy.com/awards/34th-annual-grammy-awards). *[Grammy Awards](/source/Grammy_Awards)*. Retrieved December 19, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** Bosso, Joe (December 16, 2010). ["Eric Johnson answers your questions"](https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/eric-johnson-answers-your-questions-334958). *[MusicRadar](/source/Future_plc)*. Retrieved December 19, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** [Larkin, Colin](/source/Colin_Larkin) (2007). [*The Encyclopedia of Popular Music*](/source/The_Encyclopedia_of_Popular_Music) (4th ed.). [Oxford University Press](/source/Oxford_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0195313734](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0195313734).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-EW_33-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-EW_33-1) Eddy, Chuck (September 20, 1991). ["Roll the Bones Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141217160944/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,315589,00.html). *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,315589,00.html) on December 17, 2014. Retrieved May 30, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Strong_34-0)** Strong, Martin Charles (2006). "Rush". *The Essential Rock Discography* (8th ed.). Open City Books. pp. 938–939. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-84195-860-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-84195-860-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** Graff, Gary; Durchholz, Daniel, eds. (1999). "Rush". *MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide*. Farmington Hills, MI: Visible Ink Press. p. 965. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-57859-061-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-57859-061-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Rush: Album Guide"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130704223108/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide). *[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/rush/albumguide) on July 4, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** [Larkin, Colin](/source/Colin_Larkin) (2003). "Rush". *The Virgin Encyclopedia of 80s Music*. [Virgin Publishing](/source/Virgin_Publishing). pp. 414–415. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1852279699](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1852279699).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** ["Top 100 '90s Rock Albums"](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/90s-rock-albums/). March 25, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191007205227/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/90s-rock-albums/) from the original on October 7, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Swanson, Dave (September 3, 2016). ["How a Renewed Focus on Guitar Gave Rush a New Start on 'Roll the Bones'"](https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-roll-the-bones/). *Ultimate Classic Rock*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191206202530/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/rush-roll-the-bones/) from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved June 25, 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Canada_Rush_40-0)** "[Top RPM Albums: Image 1641](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.1641&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.1641.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.1641)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Netherlands_Rush_41-0)** "[Dutchcharts.nl – Rush – Roll the Bones](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Rush&titel=Roll+the+Bones&cat=a)" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Rush". [*Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021*](https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf#page=221) (PDF). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 221. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Germany_Rush_43-0)** "[Offiziellecharts.de – Rush – Roll the Bones](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-31854)" (in German). [GfK Entertainment charts](/source/GfK_Entertainment_charts). Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ac_Sweden_Rush_44-0)** "[Swedishcharts.com – Rush – Roll the Bones](https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rush&titel=Roll+the+Bones&cat=a)". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-UK_albums_45-0)** "[Rush Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History](https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/Rush/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Billboard_200_46-0)** "[Rush Chart History (*Billboard* 200)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Rush/chart-history/TLP)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved November 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** ["Album Top 40 slágerlista (fizikai hanghordozók) – 2025. 10. hét"](https://slagerlistak.hu/album-top-40-slagerlista-fizikai-hanghordozok/2025/10). [MAHASZ](/source/Association_of_Hungarian_Record_Companies). Retrieved March 13, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** ["RPM 100 Albums (CDs & Cassettes) of 1991"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140408213817/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.1702&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062). RPM. December 21, 1991. Archived from [the original](http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/rpm/028020-119.01-e.php?brws_s=1&file_num=nlc008388.1702&type=1&interval=24&PHPSESSID=mhe12pta2k83e08udtq66ot062) on April 8, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CanadaRushRoll_the_BonesalbumCertRef_49-0)** ["Canadian album certifications – Rush – Roll the Bones"](https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/?_gp_search=Roll+the+Bones%20Rush). [Music Canada](/source/Music_Canada).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-RIAA_certification_50-0)** ["American album certifications – Rush – Roll the Bones"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Rush&ti=Roll+the+Bones&format=Album&type=#search_section). [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America).

## External links

- *[Roll the Bones](https://www.discogs.com/master/7695)* at [Discogs](/source/Discogs) (list of releases)

v t e Rush Alex Lifeson Geddy Lee Jeff Jones John Rutsey Neil Peart Studio albums Rush (1974) Fly by Night (1975) Caress of Steel (1975) 2112 (1976) A Farewell to Kings (1977) Hemispheres (1978) Permanent Waves (1980) Moving Pictures (1981) Signals (1982) Grace Under Pressure (1984) Power Windows (1985) Hold Your Fire (1987) Presto (1989) Roll the Bones (1991) Counterparts (1993) Test for Echo (1996) Vapor Trails (2002) Snakes & Arrows (2007) Clockwork Angels (2012) Live albums All the World's a Stage (1976) Exit... Stage Left (1981) A Show of Hands (1989) Different Stages (1998) Rush in Rio (2003) R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) Grace Under Pressure Tour (2009) Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) R40 Live (2015) Live videos Exit... Stage Left (1982) Grace Under Pressure Tour (1986) A Show of Hands (1989) Rush in Rio (2003) R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour (2005) Rush Replay X 3 (2006) Snakes & Arrows Live (2008) Time Machine 2011: Live in Cleveland (2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2013) R40 Live (2015) Compilations Rush Through Time (1979) Chronicles (1990) Retrospective I (1997) Retrospective II (1997) The Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974–1987 (2003) Gold (2006) Retrospective III: 1989–2008 (2009) Working Men (2009) Video compilations Through the Camera Eye (1985) Chronicles (1990) Box sets The Studio Albums 1989–2007 (2013) Extended plays Feedback (2004) Cygnus X-1 (2017) Singles "In the Mood" "Fly by Night" "Lakeside Park" "The Twilight Zone" "Making Memories" "Closer to the Heart" "Circumstances" "The Trees" "The Spirit of Radio" "Entre Nous" "Limelight" "Tom Sawyer" "Vital Signs" "New World Man" "Subdivisions" "Countdown" "Red Sector A" "Afterimage" "The Big Money" "Mystic Rhythms" "Time Stand Still" "Show Don't Tell" "The Pass" "Dreamline" "Roll the Bones" "Ghost of a Chance" "Stick It Out" "Nobody's Hero" "Test for Echo" "Half the World" "Driven" "One Little Victory" "Secret Touch" "Summertime Blues" "Far Cry" "Caravan" "Headlong Flight" Other songs "Working Man" "Before" and "After" I. "Into the Darkness" "Didacts and Narpets" "2112" "A Passage to Bangkok" "Tears" "Xanadu" "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres" (II. "Apollo Bringer of Wisdom" and III. "Dionysus Bringer of Love" IV. "Armageddon The Battle of Heart and Mind" VI. "The Sphere A Kind of Dream") "Freewill" "Red Barchetta" "YYZ" "Witch Hunt" "The Analog Kid" "Between the Wheels" "Marathon" "Manhattan Project" "Force Ten" "Mission" "Lock and Key" "Second Nature" "Heresy" "Animate" "Cold Fire" "The Larger Bowl (A Pantoum)" Tours Hemispheres Tour (1978–1979) Moving Pictures Tour (1980–1981) Exit... Stage Left Tour (1981) Power Windows Tour (1985–1986) Hold Your Fire Tour (1987–1988) Presto Tour (1990) Roll the Bones Tour (1991–1992) Counterparts Tour (1994) Test for Echo Tour (1996–1997) Snakes & Arrows Tour (2007–2008) Time Machine Tour (2010–2011) Clockwork Angels Tour (2012–2013) R40 Live Tour (2015) Fifty Something Tour (2026–2027) Related articles Discography Songs Awards Instrumentals Victor My Favourite Headache A Work in Progress Anatomy of a Drum Solo Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road Hugh Syme Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage Working Man – A Tribute to Rush Category

Authority control databases MusicBrainz release group

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Roll the Bones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_the_Bones) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roll_the_Bones?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.