2112

2112 can refer to several things, but it is most prominently known as a 1976 studio album by the Canadian progressive rock band Rush. The album is a landmark in the genre for its ambitious concept and extended form, with the title track occupying roughly the entire first side of the original vinyl.

The 2112 album presents a science fiction–inflected dystopian storyline. In the narrative, a theocratic regime known as the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx suppresses personal creativity and musical expression. The central figure, drawn by the discovery of a guitar, seeks to reclaim music as a form of personal freedom, challenging the regime’s control. The suite 2112 is complemented by four shorter tracks on the second side: A Passage to Bangkok, The Twilight Zone, Lessons, and Something for Nothing. The lyrics and structure reflect a blend of science fiction imagery and social commentary characteristic of early Rush.

Personnel on the recording are the band members Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, with the album produced by Rush and Terry Brown. Released on March 1, 1976, 2112 marked a turning point for Rush, expanding their audience and establishing their reputation within the progressive rock movement of the 1970s. The album’s combination of complex musicianship, thematic ambition, and distinctive production contributed to its enduring status as one of the defining works of its era.