The power trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart were sci-fi goofballs and technical masters who set the 1970s on fire with their intricate rhythms and virtuosic performances. When a band has as much staying power among fans as Rush does, you know they’re something special. From their prog epic 2112 to more radio-friendly work, Rush made the music scene their own.

These 70s pics hearken back to a time when bands were unafraid to go deep with the lyrics, bringing philosophy, dystopias, and mythology together into a tightly woven quilt of rock. Check out these 27 photos of Rush shredding the 70s and wonder how three guys were able to make that much noise.