In addition to the absence of the late Neil Peart, the band’s exit from the scene at its “peak” means that the guitarist is not aiming to return with another drummer
On August 1, 2015, the Rush he performed the last show of his career. Fans didn’t know except for 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 the activities was a request of the Neil Peart. The drummer and main lyricist of the complete trio of Geddy Lee (vocals, bass and keyboards) e Alex Lifeson (guitar) felt physically exhausted. I wanted to rest and enjoy my time at home more.
Unfortunately, that didn’t go as planned: It wasn’t long before Peart discovered a rare brain cancer in 2016, which he bravely fought until his death on January 7, 2020. He was 67 years old.
Since then, a portion of fans have called for Lee and Lifeson to save Rush with another drummer. Mike Portnoymember of Theater of dreams a declared fan of the group, he is the most talked about name on the internet. However, according to the remains, the meeting with a new member will never materialize.
In an interview with Classic rock (go Guitar.com), Alex recalled the short performances he did together with Geddy in recent years, especially the tribute shows to him Taylor Hawkins (late drummer of Foo Fighters) in England and the United States. The events of 2022 left the guitarist emotional, but the feeling soon passed. He explains:
“The energy around that show was fantastic. Some days I wake up wanting to go out and do another tour; other days I don’t. For 40 years Rush has 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 and respected and enjoyed each other, but everything, whether it’s great or not, eventually dies and we’re left with memories.”
In addition to the fact that it makes no sense to return without Peart, it is important that Rush ended his activities at what Lifeson considers his peak. 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 Rush, Geddy Lee was what he wanted most to continue playing shows in 2015. No wonder, the frontman called for tour expansion R40which had been limited to just 35 shows in the US and Canada, without Europe and the UK.
Also to Classic rockthe musician declared:
“I tried really hard to convince us to do more shows, but I couldn’t. I felt like I’d let our British and European fans down. It felt wrong that we hadn’t, but Neil was adamant that he would .” just do thirty shows and that would have been enough. For him it was a big commitment because he didn’t want to do any show.
According to Lee, the period between the end of Rush and Peart’s death was “not a straight line”. Even so, it reinforces the feeling that he has let his fans down by not performing more shows in different territories.
“These were very unusual, complicated and emotional times. The fans invested their entire being in our band and I thought they deserved a straight answer about what happened and how their favorite band ended. [o que é respondido no livro biográfico My Effin’ Life].”
Alex Lifeson admits he was also shocked by the limited number of shows on the final tour. The guitarist underlines that “at least a dozen dates” would be appreciated. Also comment:
“There was a point where I think Neil was open to extending the tour and adding a few more shows, but then he had a painful infection in his foot. I mean, at one point he could barely walk on stage. They gave him a golf cart to take him on stage. And he played for three hours, with the intensity that he played at every show. It was incredible, but I think it was at that point that he decided the tour would only last as long at the final show in Los Angeles.”
Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee after Rush
Geddy Lee he has been further away from music in recent years. He preferred to devote himself to publishing books, not only of his biography, but also of work focused on the bass.
In turn, Alex Lifeson set the band Nobody’s envywith a sound more inclined towards alternative.
They admit that they still get together weekly to play and even record their rehearsals, but just for fun, without professional commitment.
+++ READ MORE: Why Rush have never released a hit, according to Geddy Lee
+++ READ MORE: Rush’s worst album, according to Geddy Lee
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Source: Terra

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.