Alex Lifeson, left, and Geddy Lee of Rush perform during a concert in Toronto in July 2003. The band will perform on The Colbert Report.Alex Lifeson, left, and Geddy Lee of Rush perform during a concert in Toronto in July 2003. The band will perform on The Colbert Report. (Aaron Harris/Canadian Press)

Canadian rock band Rush will make a live appearance on U.S. television for the first time in 30 years with an appearance on The Colbert Report Wednesday.

The veteran band, which formed in Toronto in 1968, will play its classic Tom Sawyer.

Rush's members are singer Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart.

The Colbert Report, which made its name by parodying conservative political pundits, has lately moved toward frequent musical performances.

John Legend, Neil Young, R.E.M., Tony Bennett, Peter Frampton, Willie Nelson, Barry Manilow, John Mellencamp, the Roots and Carole King have all performed on the show.

The rapper Nas will perform on July 23, Toby Keith will return for a second performance on July 28 and Crosby, Stills and Nash will play July 30 on the Comedy Central show.

Host Stephen Colbert mixes his enthusiasm for music with parodies of MTV-style band interviews.

Rush, currently touring North America in support of Snakes & Arrows, has dates coming up in Calgary, London, Ont., Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City.

The band last appeared live on U.S. TV in 1975.

With files from the Associated Press