Folks – Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, the dynamic duo from one of Canada’s most iconic bands, have been jamming out to their old hits, and the result? Let’s just say they’re not quite ready to hit the tribute band circuit just yet.
In a candid revelation to Ultimate Classic Rock, Alex Lifeson spilled the beans on his and Geddy Lee’s recent musical escapades. After a decade-long hiatus from Rush’s repertoire, the pair decided to dust off their instruments and dive back into the songs that made them rock royalty. But according to Lifeson, their initial attempts were a little rough around the edges. ‘We sound like a really, really bad RUSH tribute band,’ he admitted with a chuckle that could only come from a man who’s spent over 50 years in the music industry.
The weekly jam sessions at Lee’s place were meant to be nothing more than a bit of fun, a chance for two old friends to reconnect through the music that defined their lives. Yet, as they plucked and strummed their way through the classics, something more profound happened. They tapped into the joy and passion that had always been at the heart of Rush’s music. ‘We’re having a riot together doing that,’ Lifeson said, his words painting a picture of two rockers simply enjoying the ride, with no grand plans or tours on the horizon.
But before you get your air guitars out and start practicing your best ‘Tom Sawyer’ rendition, Lifeson has a reality check for us. At 70, the virtuoso guitarist is feeling the weight of time on his fingers, which ‘are much lazier than they used to be and they have a poor memory.’ It’s a humbling reminder that even the greats face the same challenges as us mere mortals. Yet, Lifeson isn’t letting it get him down. Instead, he’s embracing the therapeutic nature of these sessions, acknowledging that ‘doing this really helps a lot, and it’s fun.’
Lifeson made it clear that there’s no grand comeback tour in the works. No new drummer to fill the irreplaceable shoes of the late Neil Peart. No Rush 2.0. This is about two friends reliving their glory days, not for fame or fortune, but for the sheer love of music. ‘It’s just fun to do it,’ Lifeson reiterated, his words a gentle reminder of why we all fell in love with music in the first place.
The notion of Lifeson and Lee hitting the stage again has been a topic of speculation ever since Geddy Lee’s book tour sparked renewed interest in the duo’s chemistry. Lifeson himself teased the possibility, playing coy with the idea of ‘maybe soon we’ll find the time to sit down and see what happens.’ But as he’s quick to point out, ‘maybe nothing happens. Maybe it’s not there anymore. Maybe it’s gonna be amazing. I don’t know. We’ll see.’ It’s this uncertainty, this sense of possibility, that keeps the flame of hope alive for Rush fans around the world.
Despite the challenges, including Lifeson’s battle with psoriatic arthritis, the guitarist remains active, juggling multiple projects from his home studio. The medication regimen, while effective, comes with its own set of trials, but Lifeson’s resilience shines through. ‘I can still get by, and I’m so used to it, I don’t really even think about it that much anymore,’ he said, a testament to his enduring spirit.
Touring lost its charm for Lifeson due to toll of decades on the road. Still enjoys live performances at benefit shows. Geddy Lee explores literature with book projects. Lifeson and Lee hint at potential collaborations. Rush’s final tour honored their remarkable career. Aging challenges performing at previous level. Peart’s passing marked a significant loss.
As one of the most successful Canadian music groups in history, Rush has left an indelible mark on the world of rock. Lifeson, dubbed ‘The Musical Scientist’ by his bandmates, has earned his place among the pantheon of guitar greats, with accolades from Guitar World and Rolling Stone to prove it. And while his work with Rush may be his most celebrated, Lifeson’s contributions to music extend far beyond the band, from his solo album ‘Victor’ to his various collaborations.
What’s next for Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee? For now, it seems they’re content with their impromptu jam sessions, their ‘really bad tribute band’ that’s not quite a band at all. They’re living proof that sometimes, the best music comes from the heart, not the stage. And who knows? Maybe one day, when the stars align, and the music calls, we’ll see them together again, in whatever form that may take. But until then, we’ll just have to keep on dreaming and enjoying the legacy they’ve left us.
As we continue to revel in the nostalgia of Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee’s living room renditions of Rush classics, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the monumental legacy this band has carved out in the annals of rock history. Rush, a band that has performed before millions of fans worldwide, has not only left a mark but etched their names into the very bedrock of progressive rock.
Rush’s final tour in 2015 showcased their evolution through music, with a unique stage design matching each era. Alex Lifeson, despite arthritis, continues to create music actively. Passion conquers all obstacles.
Geddy Lee, on the other hand, has embraced a new chapter as an author, with his book projects taking him on a different kind of tour. The bassist and vocalist’s foray into literature has been met with enthusiasm, yet he too has expressed a desire to return to music when the time is right. The dynamic between these two rock icons is as strong as ever, and their proximity – living just five minutes apart – keeps the possibility of future collaborations alive.
Fans wonder if Lifeson and Lee will collaborate again post-Rush. Despite challenges, their bond and potential for new music spark hope. Rush’s impact endures, their influence resonates in music history. The duo’s legacy remains, inspiring joy and connection.
While the future of Lifeson and Lee’s musical partnership remains uncertain, their legacy is anything but. They have given us a soundtrack to our lives, a body of work that transcends time and continues to inspire. They’ve shown us that music is a living, breathing entity that evolves, adapts, and thrives – much like the musicians themselves.
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ALEX LIFESON And GEDDY LEE Have Been Playing RUSH Songs Again: ‘We Sound Like A Really Bad Tribute Band’
“We sound like a really bad tribute band”: Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee have been playing Rush songs together
“We sound like a really bad tribute band”: Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee have been playing Rush songs together
