In addition to the absence of the late Neil Peart, the band leaving the scene at its “peak” means that the guitarist does not aim to return with another drummer
On August 1, 2015, the Rush performed the last show of his career. Fans didn’t know it, but the conclusion of the tour R40which celebrated 40 years of career, also represented the end of one of the most acclaimed bands in rock history.
The closure of activities was a request from Neil Peart. The drummer and main lyricist of the complete trio by Geddy Lee (voice, bass and keyboards) and Alex Lifeson (guitar) felt physically worn out. I wanted to rest and enjoy my time at home more.
Unfortunately, this did not materialize as planned: it wasn’t long until Peart discovered a rare brain cancer in 2016, which he fought bravely until he succumbed on January 7, 2020. He was 67 years old.
Since then, a portion of fans have been asking Lee and Lifeson to rescue Rush with another drummer. Mike Portnoymember of the Dream Theater and a declared admirer of the group, he is the most talked about name on the networks. However, according to the remnants, a meeting with a new member will never materialize.
In an interview with Classic Rock (via Guitar.com), Alex recalled the short performances he did alongside Geddy in recent years, especially the tribute shows to Taylor Hawkins (late drummer of Foo Fighters) in England and the United States. The events in 2022 left the guitarist excited, but the feeling soon passed. He explains:
“The energy was fantastic around that show. Some days, I wake up wanting to go out and tour again; other days, no. For 40 years Rush included Neil, and I don’t think putting together a new version would have the same magic. It was an incredible experience working together and making so much music. It was beautiful how much we loved, respected and had fun with each other, but everything, whether incredible or not, dies eventually and we are left with memories.”
In addition to it not making sense to return without Peart, the fact that Rush ended its activities at what Lifeson considers its peak is important. For him, “It is better to be remembered for this legacy than return as the best Rush cover band”.
Geddy Lee wanted to continue after 2015
Among the three members of the Rush, Geddy Lee was what he most wanted to continue doing shows in 2015. No wonder, the frontman asked for the expansion of the tour R40which had been restricted to just 35 shows in the United States and Canada — without Europe and the United Kingdom.
Also to Classic Rockthe musician stated:
“I tried hard to do more shows, but I was unsuccessful. I felt like I let our British and European fans down. It seemed incorrect that we didn’t do it, but Neil was adamant that he would only do thirty shows and that would be it. For him, this was a big commitment because he didn’t want to do any shows.”
According to Lee, the period between Rush’s demise and Peart’s death was “not a straight line.” Even so, he reinforces the feeling that he disappointed his fans by not performing more shows in different territories.
“These were very unusual, complicated and emotional times. The fans invested their entire being into our band and I thought they deserved a straight answer about what happened and how their favorite band came to an end. [o que é respondido no livro biográfico My Effin’ Life].”
Alex Lifeson admits that he was also upset by the limited number of shows on the final tour. The guitarist points out that “at least a dozen dates” would be welcome. He further comments:
“There was a point where I think Neil was open to maybe extending the tour and adding a few more shows, but then he got a painful infection in one of his feet. I mean, he could barely walk to the stage at one point. They gave him a golf cart to take him to the stage. And he played a three-hour show, with the intensity with which he played in all his shows. That was amazing, but I think it was at that point that he decided the tour would only last until the final show in Los Angeles.”
Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee after Rush
Geddy Lee he has been more away from music in recent years. He preferred to dedicate himself to publishing books, not just his biography, but also a work focused on bass.
In turn, Alex Lifeson set up the band Envy of Nonewith a sound more inclined towards alternative.
They admit that they still get together weekly to play and even record their rehearsals, but just as a fun experience, without professional commitment.
Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
