You also have to look at the media itself: Rush started in the early 70s and their music was sold only in analog form. According to their Wiki page, their albums only charted in Canada and USA in the early days. Nowadays, anyone can find music globally and download all around the world. How many of us have weird, foreign music in out collection?
There was no global juggernaut to shove a song down your throat. That's one of the bad things of all the stations being owned by the same people.
Let's not forget how the music industry gives you pennies on the dollar for your album. Money is made on touring. Let's be honest: these Pop artist rely on too much of a dog and pony show while bands like Rush went out there and played quality songs.