- Andreas Hungerbühler
- 3. January 2025
The Iconic Rush: How a Name Became a Cultural Phenomenon
When Troye Sivan released his song Rush, he tapped into a feeling familiar to anyone who has experienced the euphoric highs of a night out — or the potent effects of poppers. With lyrics like, “I feel the rush, addicted to your touch,” Sivan’s track captures the carefree ecstasy and communal joy often associated with these brown bottles. But Rush, the brand, has been carrying this cultural legacy for decades, long before it hit Spotify playlists. The song highlights not just the sensation but the collective experiences tied to such moments, making it a fitting homage to a product that has shaped queer and nightlife culture.
A Universal Icon for Feeling Good
Rush poppers, with their unmistakable red-and-yellow bottles and lightning bolt logo, have transcended their utilitarian origins to become a symbol of liberation, identity, and unfiltered pleasure. First-timers encountering poppers are likely to start with Rush, making it synonymous with the category itself. In a way, Rush isn’t just a brand; it’s a rite of passage into a world of heightened sensations and unspoken camaraderie.
What makes Rush so impactful? It’s not just the product’s use but also its broader cultural associations. In a world where discussions around sex and queer identities remain on the agenda, Rush offers a playful yet powerful symbol of something still taboo: the freedom to feel good. It bridges the gap between personal exploration and collective celebration, standing as a quiet yet bold defiance of societal norms.
The Design That Defines an Era
From an academic perspective, the branding of Rush is genius. The bold red of the bottle — a color linked to passion, intensity, and excitement — contrasts with yellow, which exudes energy and optimism. Together, they create a visual identity that mirrors the product’s effects: dynamic and liberating. The lightning bolt logo adds to the sense of urgency and electricity, further solidifying its place as an instantly recognizable cultural artifact. This design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about evoking an emotional response that aligns perfectly with the product’s purpose.
The juxtaposition of the compact design — discreet yet bold, fitting comfortably in a pocket or on a nightstand — and statement makes it a product that feels both personal and shared, a secret passed between friends or strangers in the glow of a club. It’s this duality — being both understated and iconic — that has allowed Rush to transcend its origins and become a staple in queer culture and beyond.
Rush in Music, Fashion, and Drag
While Troye Sivan’s Rush brings poppers into the modern music conversation, the brand’s influence extends far beyond the dance floor. Rush-branded merchandise — from t-shirts to accessories — has found a second life in fashion, often worn as ironic yet glamorous statements. Drag queens, have embraced the brand, turning its bold aesthetics into wearable art that merges humor with rebellion. The adoption of Rush in drag culture underscores its symbolic role as an emblem of unapologetic self-expression and defiance.
This crossover between product and pop culture isn’t new. In fact, it’s what solidifies Rush as an icon. Whether it’s emblazoned on a shirt or tucked into a back pocket, the brand’s aesthetic has become a shorthand for sex, nightlife, and liberation. Rush poppers serve as a subtle yet powerful nod to queer identity and the celebration of freedom.
One particularly viral moment featured Charli xcx screaming “Gay rights!” while holding a bottle of Rush. The clip, which circulated widely on social media, encapsulated the playful and defiant energy associated with the brand. Charli’s enthusiastic declaration not only highlighted the deep connection between Rush and queer culture but also demonstrated how the brand has become an enduring symbol of pride and visibility in contemporary pop culture.
A Nod to John Waters and “A Dirty Shame”
Few artists understand the cultural resonance of poppers like John Waters. Known for his provocative exploration of queer culture and taboos, Waters has often woven poppers into his narratives, both in life and on-screen. His film A Dirty Shame offers a comedic yet incisive look at sexual liberation, with poppers serving as a metaphor for the exhilarating — and at times outrageous — freedoms people seek. The movie’s unabashed humor and honesty make it a fitting tribute to the cultural role poppers play.
Waters’ playful relationship with poppers invites fans of Rush to explore their history and cultural impact beyond the bottle. If you haven’t seen A Dirty Shame, consider it your next must-watch. The film not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reconsider societal norms around pleasure and taboo, much like Rush itself.
Inhaling History, One Bottle at a Time
Rush poppers are more than a brand; they’re a cultural touchstone. Every huff comes with a history that spans decades of queer identity, nightlife, and unapologetic joy. It’s a brand that belongs to everyone yet is owned by no one. The story of Rush is intertwined with the broader narratives of liberation and self-expression, making it a symbol of more than just its immediate effects.
But with great fame comes imitation. Rush-branded bottles include knockoffs and questionable formulations. So, the next time you reach for Rush, take a moment to check the composition, you can read the article on poppers authenticity here.
Rush doesn’t just make you feel good; it reminds you that feeling good is a legacy worth celebrating. With every inhale, you’re participating in a story that spans generations, communities, and countless moments of joy. So whether you’re dancing under neon lights, having sex, bating with buddies, or quietly reminiscing, remember that Rush is more than a bottle — it’s a movement, a symbol, and a reminder to embrace the rush of life.
Check out our Rush baseball cap here and our vast assortment of Rush poppers.
1 https://x.com/UpdatedTS/status/1673332673333325826?mx=2
2 https://www.discogs.com/release/29077954-Troye-Sivan-Rush
3 https://marianneboeskygallery.com/exhibitions/196/works/artworks-25860-john-waters-rush-2009/
4 https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/charli-xcx-goes-viral-after-shouting-gay-rights-with-a-bottle-of-poppers/
5 https://www.facebook.com/johnwatersdivinetrashpage/photos/patriciahearst-in-john-waters-a-dirty-shame-2004-patriciahearst-pattyhearst-john/921191963342953/