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My Effin' Life
The long-awaited memoir, generously illustrated with never-before-seen photos, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rush bassist, and bestselling author of Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass.
Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.
Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather murdered in the Holocaust.
As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.
He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.
He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.
He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart—deeply mourning Peart’s recent passing—and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.
This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.
Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.
Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather murdered in the Holocaust.
As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.
He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.
He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.
He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart—deeply mourning Peart’s recent passing—and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.
This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published November 14, 2023
About the author
Geddy Lee
49 books114 followersGeddy Lee is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the rock group Rush since 1968.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 750 reviews
January 7, 2024
Full disclosure, I am a Rush fan.
They are my favorite band, I’ve listened to them since HS, have listened to every one of their albums multiple times, listened to live albums, watched documentaries, read Peart’s books, etc. So the 4 star rating is coming from someone who hung on every word, blazed though this, enjoying every page of Gary from Canada’s story. Not a fan? First of all why not? Have you listened to Rush??? But if somehow you’re not a fan, maybe just a 3 star.
While this was light in style and conversational, this was credited to Lee with writer Daniel Richler, this also includes some chapters with some heavy lifting, Geddy talks about his parents who were survivors of the Holocaust and how that history effected his life and his career as an artist. Lee’s thoughts on his complicated feelings as a Jewish man who did not practice his faith was engaging and thoughtful.
We follow a chronological journey from the small venues in Toronto to all the world as a stage. Geddy shares background information about his band mates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart and we also learn more about his family, and the struggles as a touring musician. (This is how Peart described himself and I always found this bit of honest understatement as endearing).
One of my attractions with Rush, besides the awesome music, was their approachability. Behind the Canadian civility, they seemed like nice guys. Geddy is a nice guy, a family man who is also a technical master of his craft, but he’s also a rock star.
Think about it, while there are plenty of people who sing and play bass (and keyboards, OH! the 80s!) how many people routinely and for decades stand on a stage in front of tens of thousands of people? Being a rock star, having those unique experiences, must be a little like being an astronaut: there are a finite amount of people in the world, in history, who will know what that’s like. Floating in space as the Earth looms blue and alone must be frightening and awe inspiring, maybe a little like being on a stage hooked up with amps and blasting out songs that the audience is singing with you.
We also learn a little more about his relationships with other musicians and with producers and engineers and this was a rare glimpse behind the scenes for this kind of life and career.
I’m a Kindle / Audible guy but for this one, I read the physical book and this is full of great photos, many taken by Geddy and the guys in the band.
Truth be told, I knew a lot of this but it was still great to read and learn more and did I listen to Rush as I read? Do you even need to ask?
Maybe just for fans, but this fan really, really liked it.
They are my favorite band, I’ve listened to them since HS, have listened to every one of their albums multiple times, listened to live albums, watched documentaries, read Peart’s books, etc. So the 4 star rating is coming from someone who hung on every word, blazed though this, enjoying every page of Gary from Canada’s story. Not a fan? First of all why not? Have you listened to Rush??? But if somehow you’re not a fan, maybe just a 3 star.
While this was light in style and conversational, this was credited to Lee with writer Daniel Richler, this also includes some chapters with some heavy lifting, Geddy talks about his parents who were survivors of the Holocaust and how that history effected his life and his career as an artist. Lee’s thoughts on his complicated feelings as a Jewish man who did not practice his faith was engaging and thoughtful.
We follow a chronological journey from the small venues in Toronto to all the world as a stage. Geddy shares background information about his band mates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart and we also learn more about his family, and the struggles as a touring musician. (This is how Peart described himself and I always found this bit of honest understatement as endearing).
One of my attractions with Rush, besides the awesome music, was their approachability. Behind the Canadian civility, they seemed like nice guys. Geddy is a nice guy, a family man who is also a technical master of his craft, but he’s also a rock star.
Think about it, while there are plenty of people who sing and play bass (and keyboards, OH! the 80s!) how many people routinely and for decades stand on a stage in front of tens of thousands of people? Being a rock star, having those unique experiences, must be a little like being an astronaut: there are a finite amount of people in the world, in history, who will know what that’s like. Floating in space as the Earth looms blue and alone must be frightening and awe inspiring, maybe a little like being on a stage hooked up with amps and blasting out songs that the audience is singing with you.
We also learn a little more about his relationships with other musicians and with producers and engineers and this was a rare glimpse behind the scenes for this kind of life and career.
I’m a Kindle / Audible guy but for this one, I read the physical book and this is full of great photos, many taken by Geddy and the guys in the band.
Truth be told, I knew a lot of this but it was still great to read and learn more and did I listen to Rush as I read? Do you even need to ask?
Maybe just for fans, but this fan really, really liked it.
November 22, 2023
I don’t normally rate memoirs because it feels like I am rating their life and memories, but this one was exceptional. I’m not a Rush fan but I have a basic knowledge of the band and their music. They were certainly part of the soundtrack for any weed filled party of my youth. The book is a nice balance of his personal and professional life. I was even brought to tears…more than once. I would read more from Geddy Lee, he’s a gifted storyteller.
January 3, 2024
By turns hilarious, poignant, and insightful, Lee’s memoir is essential reading for Rush fans, recommended reading for classic rock fans, and may be of interest to anyone interested in the creative process, the music industry, Canadians, and the heavy weight borne by Holocaust survivors and their descendants (clearly, this book packs in a lot).
November 20, 2023
**Fair warning: I am a huge rush fan! So i may be a little biased.
This memoir was fantastic. Geddy was candid, poignant, and funny in his telling of his own story. As amazing as a biography can be, I always prefer to hear these stories from someone who lived them as opposed to from a secondary source. Hearing Rush's story from Geddy himself was a real effin' treat.
Of course this isn't a book about Rush, but about the man who fronted the band for over forty years. So it opens with his childhood-and his parents history; chapter three of this book (which Geddy says in the book you're free to skip, although you would do yourself a disservice if you did) is the gut wrenching story of his parents history surviving the holocaust and the work camps (including Auschwitz.) It was a haunting and beautiful meditation on how cruel humans can be, but also how resilient they can be in the face of such extreme horror. It adds a lot to this book and brought tears to my eyes.
We follow Geddy through his life, through all his up's and downs in his personal and professional life. The book is filled with entertaining stories and is filled with extreme highs and extreme lows.
Anyone who is remotely interested in Rush (or in the workings of one of Rocks most successful bands) will do themselves great justice in picking up Geddy's book.
It was an effin' great read!
This memoir was fantastic. Geddy was candid, poignant, and funny in his telling of his own story. As amazing as a biography can be, I always prefer to hear these stories from someone who lived them as opposed to from a secondary source. Hearing Rush's story from Geddy himself was a real effin' treat.
Of course this isn't a book about Rush, but about the man who fronted the band for over forty years. So it opens with his childhood-and his parents history; chapter three of this book (which Geddy says in the book you're free to skip, although you would do yourself a disservice if you did) is the gut wrenching story of his parents history surviving the holocaust and the work camps (including Auschwitz.) It was a haunting and beautiful meditation on how cruel humans can be, but also how resilient they can be in the face of such extreme horror. It adds a lot to this book and brought tears to my eyes.
We follow Geddy through his life, through all his up's and downs in his personal and professional life. The book is filled with entertaining stories and is filled with extreme highs and extreme lows.
Anyone who is remotely interested in Rush (or in the workings of one of Rocks most successful bands) will do themselves great justice in picking up Geddy's book.
It was an effin' great read!
November 18, 2023
I listened to the audiobook. Geddy narrates and he does a great job. (Bono was better though.) This book is written in an interesting style. I am pretty sure it wasn't ghost written like a lot of celebrity books. It has all of the answers to things you have wondered about Rush. I just wish it had more funny stories about Alex.
November 17, 2023
I mean, it’s a memoir from one of the members of my favourite band, I knew it was going to be a 5-star going in! Geddy Lee tell his effin’ life from growing up in Ontario as a child of Holocaust survivors- dedicating a chapter to his parents’ experiences during the Holocaust- becoming a musician and telling his story of a member of the band Rush. There’s so much in this book that stood out to me, but him recalling the stories of his parents being Holocaust survivors and recalling his final days with and loss of bandmate Neil Peart were the most emotionally resonant for me.
A must for any Rush fan.
An added bonus on the audiobook are 2 unreleased demos from Lee’s solo album My Favourite Headache: Gone and I Am You Are
A must for any Rush fan.
An added bonus on the audiobook are 2 unreleased demos from Lee’s solo album My Favourite Headache: Gone and I Am You Are
November 30, 2023
I have been a die hard Rush fan for almost 40 years, so it was with great anticipation that I looked forward to reading Geddy Lee's autobiography. It was delivered to my front door the day it came out and I started reading it that night. At a little over 500 pages it is quite a hefty tome, so despite reading it every chance I had, it took me just about two weeks to complete.
I should start by saying I feel a little guilty giving this 4 stars instead of 5. If I were rating Geddy the man, Geddy the bass player, Geddy the performer, I would give him 5 stars without any question. He is one of my all-time favorite rockers and by all accounts an upstanding individual. On a scale of 1 to 5, I might even give him a 6 if that were legal. But the book, which I liked quite a bit-- and even loved in parts-- left me wanting so much more.
Part of the challenge for me is that as a die hard Rush fan I have read every book, watched every documentary, seen every interview, and looked at every social media post about the band. As such, my knowledge of the band and each individual member runs deep. My hope with this new book was that I would get to learn about Geddy, the man, on an even deeper level, beyond all the media that I had already consumed. That did happen a bit, particularly in the first few chapters that dealt with his childhood and his parents experiences in the Holocaust, but once it got into his band playing days, much of the story was familiar ground.
Don't get me wrong-- I loved reading about the history of Rush through Geddy's specific lens, and there were certainly nuggets throughout that were new to me, but I craved more insight into Geddy's many interests beyond music. In particular, I was hoping that he would dedicate a chapter, or at least a substantial part of a chapter, to his baseball memorabilia collection. I'm a big baseball fan and, knowing that Geddy is as well, and has put significant resources toward his collection, I'm sure he must have many stories about that aspect of his life. He kind of mentions this in passing in a couple of spots, but that's about it.
But I don't want to be negative about this book, since there was so much that I connected to, as I found that he and I have a similar background and very similar tastes in comedy. (He was constantly quoting or bringing up Monty Python, Woody Allen, and Mel Brooks, among other comic icons.) His description of himself as a cultural Jew brought up in a conservative Jewish household was very relatable for me, as was his heart-wrenching telling of losing his father at the tender age of 12. (I was 16 when my dad passed.)
This book was at its best when Geddy left the album production realm and discussed his relationships with his family, friends, and of course, his bandmates. The loving relationship between Geddy, Alex, and Neil, that Rush fans have been aware of for so long, was happily reinforced by Geddy's heart-warming telling of their interplay. Sure, there were times when they were at odds with each other in the studio, but their mutual respect and affection for each other always won out with positive results.
Ultimately, this is essential reading for any Rush fan, even if much of it is well-known territory for some. Geddy's personality is infectious and it comes through in his writing, so I want to see more of it! Hopefully he writes a sequel: "More of My Effin' Life" where he goes into more details about his love of baseball, bird-watching, and Beaujolais.
I should start by saying I feel a little guilty giving this 4 stars instead of 5. If I were rating Geddy the man, Geddy the bass player, Geddy the performer, I would give him 5 stars without any question. He is one of my all-time favorite rockers and by all accounts an upstanding individual. On a scale of 1 to 5, I might even give him a 6 if that were legal. But the book, which I liked quite a bit-- and even loved in parts-- left me wanting so much more.
Part of the challenge for me is that as a die hard Rush fan I have read every book, watched every documentary, seen every interview, and looked at every social media post about the band. As such, my knowledge of the band and each individual member runs deep. My hope with this new book was that I would get to learn about Geddy, the man, on an even deeper level, beyond all the media that I had already consumed. That did happen a bit, particularly in the first few chapters that dealt with his childhood and his parents experiences in the Holocaust, but once it got into his band playing days, much of the story was familiar ground.
Don't get me wrong-- I loved reading about the history of Rush through Geddy's specific lens, and there were certainly nuggets throughout that were new to me, but I craved more insight into Geddy's many interests beyond music. In particular, I was hoping that he would dedicate a chapter, or at least a substantial part of a chapter, to his baseball memorabilia collection. I'm a big baseball fan and, knowing that Geddy is as well, and has put significant resources toward his collection, I'm sure he must have many stories about that aspect of his life. He kind of mentions this in passing in a couple of spots, but that's about it.
But I don't want to be negative about this book, since there was so much that I connected to, as I found that he and I have a similar background and very similar tastes in comedy. (He was constantly quoting or bringing up Monty Python, Woody Allen, and Mel Brooks, among other comic icons.) His description of himself as a cultural Jew brought up in a conservative Jewish household was very relatable for me, as was his heart-wrenching telling of losing his father at the tender age of 12. (I was 16 when my dad passed.)
This book was at its best when Geddy left the album production realm and discussed his relationships with his family, friends, and of course, his bandmates. The loving relationship between Geddy, Alex, and Neil, that Rush fans have been aware of for so long, was happily reinforced by Geddy's heart-warming telling of their interplay. Sure, there were times when they were at odds with each other in the studio, but their mutual respect and affection for each other always won out with positive results.
Ultimately, this is essential reading for any Rush fan, even if much of it is well-known territory for some. Geddy's personality is infectious and it comes through in his writing, so I want to see more of it! Hopefully he writes a sequel: "More of My Effin' Life" where he goes into more details about his love of baseball, bird-watching, and Beaujolais.
November 14, 2023
One of my favorite musicians from one of my favorite bands.
April 15, 2024
As someone who has never quite hopped on the Rush bandwagon, despite numerous attempts and peer pressure, I approached Geddy Lee’s memoir with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. It’s no secret among my friends that Geddy Lee’s voice has always been an irking point for me; it’s a distinctive sound that I’ve struggled to embrace. Even tracks like “The Spirit of Radio,” which kicks off with an instrumental section that’s nothing short of electrifying, lose its luster for me once the vocals chime in, transforming into something I find unexpectedly dull and boring (right, hate on me!).
However, my penchant for memoirs led me to give this book a chance, and I'll tell you what? I’m glad I did. Geddy Lee comes across as incredibly grounded and personable, exuding a warmth and kindness that’s both refreshing and endearing. He’s not just a musician but a genuinely good soul, I think.
For a music enthusiast like myself, the sections detailing Rush’s creative process, studio time, and interactions with various producers were particularly fascinating. These behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the music that has captivated so many (apart from me, that is) were the highlights of the book for me.
That being out of the way, while my feelings towards Rush’s music remain unchanged, I can’t deny the merit of “My Effin’ Life.” Geddy Lee’s candid storytelling and insights into a life in rock ‘n’ roll are compelling enough to warrant a solid 4-star rating. Clearly, the book’s quality is there if even a non-fan like me can appreciate its value.
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However, my penchant for memoirs led me to give this book a chance, and I'll tell you what? I’m glad I did. Geddy Lee comes across as incredibly grounded and personable, exuding a warmth and kindness that’s both refreshing and endearing. He’s not just a musician but a genuinely good soul, I think.
For a music enthusiast like myself, the sections detailing Rush’s creative process, studio time, and interactions with various producers were particularly fascinating. These behind-the-scenes glimpses into the making of the music that has captivated so many (apart from me, that is) were the highlights of the book for me.
That being out of the way, while my feelings towards Rush’s music remain unchanged, I can’t deny the merit of “My Effin’ Life.” Geddy Lee’s candid storytelling and insights into a life in rock ‘n’ roll are compelling enough to warrant a solid 4-star rating. Clearly, the book’s quality is there if even a non-fan like me can appreciate its value.
Next!
December 10, 2023
Definitely 4.5
Geddy Lee tells his life story with skill and panache.
He researched and shared details of his parents' lives when they lived in Poland and how they survived concentration camps and the Holocaust.
Throughout this memoir, he weaves the details of how he became who he is because of his parents' strength and will to thrive after WW2.
There's a lot of drug abuse that we all suspected of rock and rollers in the 70s and 80s and 90s. This isn't glorified, just told as it was.
I especially liked the way Geddy Lee shared critical analysis of his relationships. Honest and important details.
Eventually I had to chuckle at the amount of footnotes! There are a lot. And I read every one of them.
It's a long book because he goes into a lot of detail about the making of Rush's music. Much of this was lost on me.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
Geddy Lee tells his life story with skill and panache.
He researched and shared details of his parents' lives when they lived in Poland and how they survived concentration camps and the Holocaust.
Throughout this memoir, he weaves the details of how he became who he is because of his parents' strength and will to thrive after WW2.
There's a lot of drug abuse that we all suspected of rock and rollers in the 70s and 80s and 90s. This isn't glorified, just told as it was.
I especially liked the way Geddy Lee shared critical analysis of his relationships. Honest and important details.
Eventually I had to chuckle at the amount of footnotes! There are a lot. And I read every one of them.
It's a long book because he goes into a lot of detail about the making of Rush's music. Much of this was lost on me.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
November 24, 2023
I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this memoir since it was announced. I have been a big Rush fan since the early 1980s, and for whatever reason, Geddy Lee was always my favorite. Call it a strange interest into the band member that looked so... unique!
A note that I listened to the audiobook as read by Geddy Lee himself, with additional narration by Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson and Cliff Burnstein, who read specific parts from their perspective. Although that means I do not get to see any pictures, I really wanted to hear Geddy tells his own story.
Right from the Prologue, I knew this was going to be so much more than just an amazing rock memoir. My Effin' Life is a raw and riveting autobiography that reveals the many ups and downs of not only rock stardom, but of everyday life. Lee's brutal honesty as to his flaws, his weaknesses, and yes, even his nearsightedness and self-centredness, are just so refreshing.
There is so much packed into this lengthy book that it at times seems more like a massive amends and confession than just a retelling of a life story. Lee goes deep into the emotional rollercoaster that were his professional and private lives, and his contant struggle to juggle both, and what it cost him.
Not wanting to say too much or provide any spoilers, Geddy Lee's My Effin' Life is packed with incredible anecdotes, loads of humour, but also tons of pain and sorrow... and not to worry, there are plenty of F bombs along the way, for Geddy Lee's life is anything but rated G! I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical memoirs as well as of the full range of musical stories, including songwriting, studio recording, touring, and band life.
A note that I listened to the audiobook as read by Geddy Lee himself, with additional narration by Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson and Cliff Burnstein, who read specific parts from their perspective. Although that means I do not get to see any pictures, I really wanted to hear Geddy tells his own story.
Right from the Prologue, I knew this was going to be so much more than just an amazing rock memoir. My Effin' Life is a raw and riveting autobiography that reveals the many ups and downs of not only rock stardom, but of everyday life. Lee's brutal honesty as to his flaws, his weaknesses, and yes, even his nearsightedness and self-centredness, are just so refreshing.
There is so much packed into this lengthy book that it at times seems more like a massive amends and confession than just a retelling of a life story. Lee goes deep into the emotional rollercoaster that were his professional and private lives, and his contant struggle to juggle both, and what it cost him.
Not wanting to say too much or provide any spoilers, Geddy Lee's My Effin' Life is packed with incredible anecdotes, loads of humour, but also tons of pain and sorrow... and not to worry, there are plenty of F bombs along the way, for Geddy Lee's life is anything but rated G! I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical memoirs as well as of the full range of musical stories, including songwriting, studio recording, touring, and band life.
November 18, 2023
A remarkable memoir from a gifted and caring human.
January 15, 2024
This book had a lot to love. The friendship among Geddy, Alex and Neal was so genuine for over 40 years. He gave so much credit to so many people who helped Rush succeed along the way, especially crew members and those who helped create albums. Chapter 3 was dedicated to his parents and grandparents experiences in the Holocaust and was as difficult to read as anything I’ve ever read about that time. As he says, it’s a miracle he even exists. The book also goes into great detail about the technical aspects that made their sound unique and how it evolved over four decades. There’s so many memorable passages in this book, it’s one I may have to own one day.
December 1, 2023
I mean how could it not be the most amount of stars possible?
January 24, 2024
My Effin' Life is the autobiography of Geddy Lee: lead singer, bassist, and keyboardist of the classic rock band Rush. One of my father’s favorite bands, I grew up with the music of Rush from the very beginning and some of the first songs I learned on guitar were Rush songs. As such, when Spotify recently announced that premium users get 10 hours of audiobooks for free each month (I promise this isn't an ad), I went in search of one and this book caught my eye (and ears) immediately.
The reader is met initially with heartbreaking stories of what his family went through as Jews during the holocaust. We then hear of his childhood, the early days with Rush, and walkthroughs of the behind the scenes of all their albums and tours. Rush fans who aren’t as interested in his personal life will get their fill of juicy tidbits around each of their favorite albums and songs, but there’s enough about his personal life to make one feel like you really get to know him as a person as well.
As a decently sized book, coming in at 512 pages, and the audiobook being over 16 hours long, I listened to the majority of it at 1.3x speed. But during the final chapter, I felt like I was doing him a disservice and put it back to regular speed to hear again his real cadence, especially as he talked about the death of his close friend and drummer Neil Peart. It honestly had me a bit emotional. He reads in such a calm and reassuring way that again, you do connect with him on a personal level.
I was trying to think of what to rate this book and ended up with five stars. Is it my favorite book of all time? No. But I never once felt like it was a chore to read it nor did I ever get bored or feel like speed reading. It kept my attention throughout, made me think about the people I care about in my own life, and gave me a lot of entertaining stories and interesting tidbits about some of my favorite Rush songs and albums. So for that, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in Rush, bass guitar, classic rock, or music in general.
The reader is met initially with heartbreaking stories of what his family went through as Jews during the holocaust. We then hear of his childhood, the early days with Rush, and walkthroughs of the behind the scenes of all their albums and tours. Rush fans who aren’t as interested in his personal life will get their fill of juicy tidbits around each of their favorite albums and songs, but there’s enough about his personal life to make one feel like you really get to know him as a person as well.
As a decently sized book, coming in at 512 pages, and the audiobook being over 16 hours long, I listened to the majority of it at 1.3x speed. But during the final chapter, I felt like I was doing him a disservice and put it back to regular speed to hear again his real cadence, especially as he talked about the death of his close friend and drummer Neil Peart. It honestly had me a bit emotional. He reads in such a calm and reassuring way that again, you do connect with him on a personal level.
I was trying to think of what to rate this book and ended up with five stars. Is it my favorite book of all time? No. But I never once felt like it was a chore to read it nor did I ever get bored or feel like speed reading. It kept my attention throughout, made me think about the people I care about in my own life, and gave me a lot of entertaining stories and interesting tidbits about some of my favorite Rush songs and albums. So for that, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in Rush, bass guitar, classic rock, or music in general.
December 8, 2023
This is actually the Audible Version I'm listening to, but CDs... just no Audible option listed yet. I pre-ordered this as soon as I saw it was coming out... just started it, and I'm already laughing. I expect a lot of emotions with this one... Rush has been my favorite band since the late 70s/early 80s, saw them in concert many times, and I love all the guys... still devastated we lost Neil so young.
Had to put it on hold to finish a couple of audiobooks coming due on Libby. Back to it as of 12/04/23. I also just ordered the hardcover so I could attend a virtual discussion with him tomorrow... lol! Did the same thing with "Making It So" by Patrick Stewart.
As expected my emotions ran the gamut with this book. First of all, it's an absolute treat to listen to Geddy reading it, laughing at stories he's telling us, getting emotional, and at one point singing lyrics to us instead of just reading them. A bonus at the end is two previously unreleased demos from "My Favorite Headache" that are both haunting and beautiful.
I highly recommend NOT skipping chapter 3 about his family's experiences during the Holocaust. It's a very important and powerful part of his family's history as well as something it is important for the world to remember. I will say they were more into drugs than I thought they were, although to be fair during the eras when they were starting out it would probably be hard not to be... lol. But I will also say that all of the times I saw them perform from 1984 on, they were the living embodiment of professionalism and very respectful of their fans... plus quirky and fun! My first Rush concert was 4 days before my one and only Van Halen concert where Van Halen was so drunk and stoned I didn't recognize their songs until they got to the lyrics! Such a stark contrast to Rush, and I was so grateful I hadn't paid for the VH tickets! My one regret with Rush is that I didn't see their last couple of tours.
It's fun learning about the interests and idiosyncrasies of your favorite band for decades, and I can honestly say my respect and love for these guys hasn't lessened one iota... if anything it increased. I likely would just meet their eyes and give them a nod to let them know I know who they are if I ever saw them out and about though rather than fangirl out. It was enlightening to read about how Robert Plant reached out after Neil lost his daughter and wife to give Geddy some advice on how to help them then checked in afterwards. That reinforces the impression I got of what a kind and humble man Robert can be after he checked in to a hotel where I was working the front desk that afternoon. He was so kind to everyone and spent a lot of time just hanging out with employees, guests and fans who heard he was there.
When Geddy talks about the huge reception they got when they finally went on tour after Neil came back and about their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (FINALLY!!), I laughed and cried. Listening to the lead-up to that last tour and the aftermath between the band members then through to Neil's death certainly had me crying. The last exclamation from his grandson in the book had me laughing away again. I spent an inordinate amount of time smiling and laughing while listening to this.
If you're a Rush fan, this is a must read, and I highly recommend listening to Geddy reading it (although I'm looking forward to getting that hardcover for pictures!). If you're not a Rush fan, I'd still recommend it for a great memoir of a life well-lived (so far) of a man who is both a rock star and all-around great human being.
Had to put it on hold to finish a couple of audiobooks coming due on Libby. Back to it as of 12/04/23. I also just ordered the hardcover so I could attend a virtual discussion with him tomorrow... lol! Did the same thing with "Making It So" by Patrick Stewart.
As expected my emotions ran the gamut with this book. First of all, it's an absolute treat to listen to Geddy reading it, laughing at stories he's telling us, getting emotional, and at one point singing lyrics to us instead of just reading them. A bonus at the end is two previously unreleased demos from "My Favorite Headache" that are both haunting and beautiful.
I highly recommend NOT skipping chapter 3 about his family's experiences during the Holocaust. It's a very important and powerful part of his family's history as well as something it is important for the world to remember. I will say they were more into drugs than I thought they were, although to be fair during the eras when they were starting out it would probably be hard not to be... lol. But I will also say that all of the times I saw them perform from 1984 on, they were the living embodiment of professionalism and very respectful of their fans... plus quirky and fun! My first Rush concert was 4 days before my one and only Van Halen concert where Van Halen was so drunk and stoned I didn't recognize their songs until they got to the lyrics! Such a stark contrast to Rush, and I was so grateful I hadn't paid for the VH tickets! My one regret with Rush is that I didn't see their last couple of tours.
It's fun learning about the interests and idiosyncrasies of your favorite band for decades, and I can honestly say my respect and love for these guys hasn't lessened one iota... if anything it increased. I likely would just meet their eyes and give them a nod to let them know I know who they are if I ever saw them out and about though rather than fangirl out. It was enlightening to read about how Robert Plant reached out after Neil lost his daughter and wife to give Geddy some advice on how to help them then checked in afterwards. That reinforces the impression I got of what a kind and humble man Robert can be after he checked in to a hotel where I was working the front desk that afternoon. He was so kind to everyone and spent a lot of time just hanging out with employees, guests and fans who heard he was there.
When Geddy talks about the huge reception they got when they finally went on tour after Neil came back and about their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (FINALLY!!), I laughed and cried. Listening to the lead-up to that last tour and the aftermath between the band members then through to Neil's death certainly had me crying. The last exclamation from his grandson in the book had me laughing away again. I spent an inordinate amount of time smiling and laughing while listening to this.
If you're a Rush fan, this is a must read, and I highly recommend listening to Geddy reading it (although I'm looking forward to getting that hardcover for pictures!). If you're not a Rush fan, I'd still recommend it for a great memoir of a life well-lived (so far) of a man who is both a rock star and all-around great human being.
March 6, 2024
Didn’t know his parents survived Auschwitz
Didn’t know Rush did a lot more than drink Canadian beer
I’d always been a bit antagonistic towards Rush…I knew music types whose idolatry of the group made me skeptical and engaged the heretic in me even at a young age…
Their musicianship is consummate and undeniable and several of their songs have stood the test of time. I just never felt a great emotional connection to the music which for me is core of when this art really grabs me.
Any band that stood for forty years without the cyclonic drug activated shitstorms that leave most bands broken on the rocks should be celebrated.. these were fine men…
Didn’t know Rush did a lot more than drink Canadian beer
I’d always been a bit antagonistic towards Rush…I knew music types whose idolatry of the group made me skeptical and engaged the heretic in me even at a young age…
Their musicianship is consummate and undeniable and several of their songs have stood the test of time. I just never felt a great emotional connection to the music which for me is core of when this art really grabs me.
Any band that stood for forty years without the cyclonic drug activated shitstorms that leave most bands broken on the rocks should be celebrated.. these were fine men…
November 25, 2023
Geddy Lee's "My Effin' Life" stands as a testament to both the legendary musician's iconic career and his deeply personal journey. In this candid and engaging biography, Lee invites readers into the heart and soul of his life, offering a glimpse into the highs and lows of a remarkable career in music.
The narrative unfolds with a refreshing honesty, painting a vivid picture of Lee's experiences as the driving force behind one of rock's most enduring bands, Rush. From the exhilarating highs of stadium tours to the introspective moments of creative solitude, Lee navigates his musical odyssey with unwavering passion and dedication.
What truly sets "My Effin' Life" apart is Lee's ability to intertwine the story of Rush's rise to stardom with his personal reflections, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with readers. His anecdotes and insights not only celebrate the music but also delve into the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to artistic expression.
Lee's storytelling prowess shines as he delves into the intricacies of his musical genius, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of iconic albums and the evolution of his craft. His passion for music reverberates through the pages, captivating readers and offering a profound appreciation for the artistry behind the melodies.
Moreover, "My Effin' Life" is not solely about fame and music; it's a heartfelt exploration of Lee's growth as an individual. His reflections on life lessons, personal struggles, and moments of self-discovery add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a relatable and inspiring read for fans and newcomers alike.
The book's candid nature, coupled with Lee's engaging prose, creates an immersive experience that transports readers through decades of musical history. Whether you're a die-hard Rush aficionado or simply someone intrigued by the life of a music icon, "My Effin' Life" is a captivating journey that leaves a lasting impression.
In essence, Geddy Lee's autobiography is a compelling testament to the power of music, resilience, and the indelible mark of a true artist. "My Effin' Life" stands as a must-read memoir that resonates long after the final page.
The narrative unfolds with a refreshing honesty, painting a vivid picture of Lee's experiences as the driving force behind one of rock's most enduring bands, Rush. From the exhilarating highs of stadium tours to the introspective moments of creative solitude, Lee navigates his musical odyssey with unwavering passion and dedication.
What truly sets "My Effin' Life" apart is Lee's ability to intertwine the story of Rush's rise to stardom with his personal reflections, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with readers. His anecdotes and insights not only celebrate the music but also delve into the challenges and triumphs of a life dedicated to artistic expression.
Lee's storytelling prowess shines as he delves into the intricacies of his musical genius, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of iconic albums and the evolution of his craft. His passion for music reverberates through the pages, captivating readers and offering a profound appreciation for the artistry behind the melodies.
Moreover, "My Effin' Life" is not solely about fame and music; it's a heartfelt exploration of Lee's growth as an individual. His reflections on life lessons, personal struggles, and moments of self-discovery add depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a relatable and inspiring read for fans and newcomers alike.
The book's candid nature, coupled with Lee's engaging prose, creates an immersive experience that transports readers through decades of musical history. Whether you're a die-hard Rush aficionado or simply someone intrigued by the life of a music icon, "My Effin' Life" is a captivating journey that leaves a lasting impression.
In essence, Geddy Lee's autobiography is a compelling testament to the power of music, resilience, and the indelible mark of a true artist. "My Effin' Life" stands as a must-read memoir that resonates long after the final page.
February 1, 2024
It's hard not to be biased about this book as I've loved Geddy Lee's music since I was a kid; however I still expected a lot and happily it did not disappoint.
His recounting of the liberation of his parents from Auschwitz concentration camp, stories from Rush’s 40 years of touring and making albums as well as his relationship with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart of Rush were fascinating and touching.
I 'read' the audiobook which was narrated by Geddy Lee with additional reading by Alex Lifeson and manager Cliff Burnstein.
His recounting of the liberation of his parents from Auschwitz concentration camp, stories from Rush’s 40 years of touring and making albums as well as his relationship with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart of Rush were fascinating and touching.
I 'read' the audiobook which was narrated by Geddy Lee with additional reading by Alex Lifeson and manager Cliff Burnstein.
January 4, 2024
Just as Peter denied Jesus, I have denied being a Rush fan to cooler people than me with much cooler taste in music. And I’ve done it more than three times.
I’d recommend this book to my fellow Rush fans, but only the serious ones because this book can be a bit too long in places and a bit self-indulgent in others. (But isn’t that also true of their albums? I kid, I kid.)
The beginning of the book, and the entire third chapter, is about Geddy’s Jewish roots and the terrible things his family endured during the Holocaust. Not what I was expecting from a rock memoir but very well-researched, well-written, and (sadly) timely.
But soon enough Geddy finds his passion and compatible band mates. Then they are off, singing about Ayn Rand in 7/8 time. (Every successful band is a minor miracle if you think about the twists and turns it takes for them to meet at the right time and place. I heard Rick Rubin explain that the story of The Beatles is a proof of God.)
For forty years(!) they would record an album then go on tour then take a little break and start the process over again. The time away from family takes a toll on them but also reveals how self-centered they chose to be. Even with Neil’s and Alex’s bodies wracked with major health problems (and grief in Neil’s case), Geddy is annoyed that they aren’t touring more.
Also this is the first time I’ve read anything bad about Billy Preston. I always thought of him as the sainted dude who got The Beatles to behave and churn out a few more albums. Perhaps he misread the cues from 3 dudes with long hair wearing kimonos? Bill Graham and Jann Wenner are called out as dicks, but that’s pretty much general knowledge. KISS, with the exception of one incident with Gene Simmons, come off as really nice and supportive of their opening acts. And you get a photo of Jack Black’s butt crack.
Again, recommended for serious Rush fans. You will get a real sense of the sacrifices that making art true to yourself requires and what it was like to be in their inner circle, weird nicknames, inside jokes, favorite movies/books and all. If you start reading now you can finish it before the cock crows.
I’d recommend this book to my fellow Rush fans, but only the serious ones because this book can be a bit too long in places and a bit self-indulgent in others. (But isn’t that also true of their albums? I kid, I kid.)
The beginning of the book, and the entire third chapter, is about Geddy’s Jewish roots and the terrible things his family endured during the Holocaust. Not what I was expecting from a rock memoir but very well-researched, well-written, and (sadly) timely.
But soon enough Geddy finds his passion and compatible band mates. Then they are off, singing about Ayn Rand in 7/8 time. (Every successful band is a minor miracle if you think about the twists and turns it takes for them to meet at the right time and place. I heard Rick Rubin explain that the story of The Beatles is a proof of God.)
For forty years(!) they would record an album then go on tour then take a little break and start the process over again. The time away from family takes a toll on them but also reveals how self-centered they chose to be. Even with Neil’s and Alex’s bodies wracked with major health problems (and grief in Neil’s case), Geddy is annoyed that they aren’t touring more.
Also this is the first time I’ve read anything bad about Billy Preston. I always thought of him as the sainted dude who got The Beatles to behave and churn out a few more albums. Perhaps he misread the cues from 3 dudes with long hair wearing kimonos? Bill Graham and Jann Wenner are called out as dicks, but that’s pretty much general knowledge. KISS, with the exception of one incident with Gene Simmons, come off as really nice and supportive of their opening acts. And you get a photo of Jack Black’s butt crack.
Again, recommended for serious Rush fans. You will get a real sense of the sacrifices that making art true to yourself requires and what it was like to be in their inner circle, weird nicknames, inside jokes, favorite movies/books and all. If you start reading now you can finish it before the cock crows.
November 29, 2023
They say don’t meet your heroes.
But I did.
I “met” Geddy at a Barnes and Noble after his LAST book release, his Big Beautiful Book of Bass.
I was UTTERLY gobsmacked, which was surprising to me until I really thought about the role Rush has played in my life.
Geddy, of course, was kind and generous, he tried to put me at ease and gave me a fist bump after signing my book. I was silent the entire time. Doh!
Well, reading his autobiography isn’t QUITE meeting him, but it’s as close as I suppose I’ll get, and once again, the saying about meeting your heroes doesn’t apply to the members of Rush.
This book is for fans, and it was an absolute labor of love to read. If you’re not a Rush fan, I wouldn’t bother or at least I wouldn’t START here. You’d have to begin with the music.
All I can tell you is that I came away from this book—despite its terrible title—more inspired, more impressed, and more thankful than ever that this band has had the success it’s had. The world’s most popular cult band, indeed.
But I did.
I “met” Geddy at a Barnes and Noble after his LAST book release, his Big Beautiful Book of Bass.
I was UTTERLY gobsmacked, which was surprising to me until I really thought about the role Rush has played in my life.
Geddy, of course, was kind and generous, he tried to put me at ease and gave me a fist bump after signing my book. I was silent the entire time. Doh!
Well, reading his autobiography isn’t QUITE meeting him, but it’s as close as I suppose I’ll get, and once again, the saying about meeting your heroes doesn’t apply to the members of Rush.
This book is for fans, and it was an absolute labor of love to read. If you’re not a Rush fan, I wouldn’t bother or at least I wouldn’t START here. You’d have to begin with the music.
All I can tell you is that I came away from this book—despite its terrible title—more inspired, more impressed, and more thankful than ever that this band has had the success it’s had. The world’s most popular cult band, indeed.
November 25, 2023
I am a diehard, long-time Rush fan so I will make one fanboy comment, then try to review objectively. The one comment is this: if you are a Rush fan, this is a must-read. Nothing else will give you insight on the band to the extent that this book does- and I have read lots of Rush books, including Martin Popoff's trilogy(which is great).
Now that that's out of the way, I will say that this is an immensely enjoyable book about someone pursuing their life's dream, from a very young age to the success of a major band. All along, Geddy Lee is humble, honest, and very funny. He writes very well and you get a view of the ups and downs, the struggles with labels, producers, etc. If you are a music fan, you will probably enjoy it just as an inside view.
Now that that's out of the way, I will say that this is an immensely enjoyable book about someone pursuing their life's dream, from a very young age to the success of a major band. All along, Geddy Lee is humble, honest, and very funny. He writes very well and you get a view of the ups and downs, the struggles with labels, producers, etc. If you are a music fan, you will probably enjoy it just as an inside view.
November 25, 2023
One of the best music autobiographies I've ever read. I did not want it to end and I'm sure he could have written a book that was double or triple in size. Geddy has a fanstastic sense of humor and self-deprecation. It's also very poignant at times, which is on par for his family history and seeing friends and colleagues pass away.
I've been a Rush fan for 40+ years so I may be a bit biased with my review. But I think that music fans, in general, would enjoy this. Yes, there is a lot of Rush but more about how one starts out in the industry, struggles and then makes it. How one copes with the pressures on family with touring (especially in the 70's/80's) and how a band kept it's friendship and collaboration going for all those years with very little drama.
I've been a Rush fan for 40+ years so I may be a bit biased with my review. But I think that music fans, in general, would enjoy this. Yes, there is a lot of Rush but more about how one starts out in the industry, struggles and then makes it. How one copes with the pressures on family with touring (especially in the 70's/80's) and how a band kept it's friendship and collaboration going for all those years with very little drama.
December 7, 2023
This was utterly enjoyable a memoir as I've ever read, musician or otherwise.
Geddy's a fantastic narrator of his own life, and through the book, he had me laughing, crying, raging, and just being blown away by his experiences, his honesty, and the unbridled rips at those who'd wronged him through the years as well.
Geddy is quintessentially Canadian, and a true icon of Canadian music. Whether you like Rush or not, this is just a wonderful read.
Geddy's a fantastic narrator of his own life, and through the book, he had me laughing, crying, raging, and just being blown away by his experiences, his honesty, and the unbridled rips at those who'd wronged him through the years as well.
Geddy is quintessentially Canadian, and a true icon of Canadian music. Whether you like Rush or not, this is just a wonderful read.
January 25, 2024
Full disclosure: I have been a Rush fan since high-school, which is perhaps why I rate this biography so highly.
Geddy Lee was the bassist of the Canadian power-trio Rush, a band that started out of Geddy Lee and fellow guitarist Alex Lifeson's highschool dreams and became a multi-platinum giant of the global music business over 40 years, while still maintaining the highschool nerdiness of its admittedly nerdy founders. Drummer Neil Peart joined the band just as they broke into the mainstream in 1974, and these three truly became like brothers.
This genuine and open style, with often self-deprecating, Canadian humour makes this book a treat to read for not only Rush fans, but perhaps anyone who grew up in Canada in the 1970s through 1990s. Lees narrative style is much like sitting in your suburban basement with your best friend, shooting the breeze and reliving memories.
Not all the memories that Lee shares are sunshine and rainbows either. He quite rightly delves into some sad and scary family history, explaining how his parents met and miraculously survived the holocaust as Polish Jews. You can see how this left an indelible mark on the young Gershon Lee Weinrib, living in suburban Toronto. He became somewhat of a rebel when his father died when he was just a young teenager--growing his hair long, listening to "weird" music, changing his name to something "stage-friendly" and losing all interest in school. Although he had quite a different highschool experience than me and most Canadian kids, there is something familiar about the alienation of adolescence that people of all different strokes can easily identify with.
After exploring his early years and family of origin story, the book moves logically and chronologically through the band's development and the adventures they have as a prolific album producing and touring group.
Geddy is not too shy about getting into more personal details that play into his story, while adroitly avoiding salaciousness and gossip. I must admit, the stories of drug consumption surprised me a little, as the band members always comported themselves with such dignity in public and pulled off amazing and professional stage performances. But this is the essential thing about Rush and those three gentlemen: they were genuinely interested in expressing their art to the fullest without the pretensions that others at that level may fall into. To the very last show in the summer of 2015, they were essentially three high-school nerds, living their musical dream. The drug scene of the 70-80s was perhaps unavoidable, and it seems not to have negatively affected them.
Of necessity, the closing chapters are tinged with sadness with the passing of drummer Neil Peart, whose life had already stumbled over earlier tragedies due to the untimely death of his teenage daughter and his wife, both within a year in 1998. Once again, Geddy handles it well, expressing his emotions with dignity and candor while letting his fans know what those days were like for him and Alex and their families. Rush can never exist again as it was, but the amazing story of these guys should last a very long time.
I consumed this book quickly, reading its 500 pages, also filled with wonderful photographs, in just two weeks. It also got me listening to Rush again, which I haven't done much of in the last few years!
Geddy Lee was the bassist of the Canadian power-trio Rush, a band that started out of Geddy Lee and fellow guitarist Alex Lifeson's highschool dreams and became a multi-platinum giant of the global music business over 40 years, while still maintaining the highschool nerdiness of its admittedly nerdy founders. Drummer Neil Peart joined the band just as they broke into the mainstream in 1974, and these three truly became like brothers.
This genuine and open style, with often self-deprecating, Canadian humour makes this book a treat to read for not only Rush fans, but perhaps anyone who grew up in Canada in the 1970s through 1990s. Lees narrative style is much like sitting in your suburban basement with your best friend, shooting the breeze and reliving memories.
Not all the memories that Lee shares are sunshine and rainbows either. He quite rightly delves into some sad and scary family history, explaining how his parents met and miraculously survived the holocaust as Polish Jews. You can see how this left an indelible mark on the young Gershon Lee Weinrib, living in suburban Toronto. He became somewhat of a rebel when his father died when he was just a young teenager--growing his hair long, listening to "weird" music, changing his name to something "stage-friendly" and losing all interest in school. Although he had quite a different highschool experience than me and most Canadian kids, there is something familiar about the alienation of adolescence that people of all different strokes can easily identify with.
After exploring his early years and family of origin story, the book moves logically and chronologically through the band's development and the adventures they have as a prolific album producing and touring group.
Geddy is not too shy about getting into more personal details that play into his story, while adroitly avoiding salaciousness and gossip. I must admit, the stories of drug consumption surprised me a little, as the band members always comported themselves with such dignity in public and pulled off amazing and professional stage performances. But this is the essential thing about Rush and those three gentlemen: they were genuinely interested in expressing their art to the fullest without the pretensions that others at that level may fall into. To the very last show in the summer of 2015, they were essentially three high-school nerds, living their musical dream. The drug scene of the 70-80s was perhaps unavoidable, and it seems not to have negatively affected them.
Of necessity, the closing chapters are tinged with sadness with the passing of drummer Neil Peart, whose life had already stumbled over earlier tragedies due to the untimely death of his teenage daughter and his wife, both within a year in 1998. Once again, Geddy handles it well, expressing his emotions with dignity and candor while letting his fans know what those days were like for him and Alex and their families. Rush can never exist again as it was, but the amazing story of these guys should last a very long time.
I consumed this book quickly, reading its 500 pages, also filled with wonderful photographs, in just two weeks. It also got me listening to Rush again, which I haven't done much of in the last few years!
January 24, 2024
I preface this with I never cared for the music of Rush. I always thought their type of Prog Rock was extremely pretentious.
That having been said, I wanted to read this book because Geddy's Mom and my late Bubbe both survived the same Nazi Concentration camps, both our families lost an incalculable number of relatives to this horror, and both of us have the same Survivor guilt.
Geddy spends the first 100+ pages (including a thoroughly researched chapter by his own doing) about his lost ancestors, his Mom's ability to somehow survivor, and his very difficult and depressing cloistered childhood as an Orthodox Jew in Canada who also faced Anti-Semitism.
His unlikely journey to being a founding member of Rush is fascinating.
The last 250-300 pages were a slog for me, because like I said, I do not care for Rush's music at all, but I never DNF a book I choose to read. Despite my lack of interest, this is the most heartfelt, introspective, and humble autobiography I have ever read by a musician. It took Geddy three years to write it & there really doesn't appear to be much of a ghostwriter influence. There are around 200 photographs sprinkled throughout the book that would appeal to any fan of Rush.
I'm rating this on the merits of the book itself, and not my lack of interest in the final half.
This is easily a 5 star book and anyone who is even remotely into the music of Rush or even wants to know Geddy and Company's creative process should read this book post haste.
It is deserving of the collective 4.67 stars on Goodreads and the near-perfect rating on Amazon.
That having been said, I wanted to read this book because Geddy's Mom and my late Bubbe both survived the same Nazi Concentration camps, both our families lost an incalculable number of relatives to this horror, and both of us have the same Survivor guilt.
Geddy spends the first 100+ pages (including a thoroughly researched chapter by his own doing) about his lost ancestors, his Mom's ability to somehow survivor, and his very difficult and depressing cloistered childhood as an Orthodox Jew in Canada who also faced Anti-Semitism.
His unlikely journey to being a founding member of Rush is fascinating.
The last 250-300 pages were a slog for me, because like I said, I do not care for Rush's music at all, but I never DNF a book I choose to read. Despite my lack of interest, this is the most heartfelt, introspective, and humble autobiography I have ever read by a musician. It took Geddy three years to write it & there really doesn't appear to be much of a ghostwriter influence. There are around 200 photographs sprinkled throughout the book that would appeal to any fan of Rush.
I'm rating this on the merits of the book itself, and not my lack of interest in the final half.
This is easily a 5 star book and anyone who is even remotely into the music of Rush or even wants to know Geddy and Company's creative process should read this book post haste.
It is deserving of the collective 4.67 stars on Goodreads and the near-perfect rating on Amazon.
December 12, 2023
There are some spoilers in this review.
DISCLAIMER: I am a huge Rush fan since the 80’s. I have never read any of Neil’s books, but when I heard Geddy was putting out his memoir, I really wanted to read this. Geddy had always, for unknown reasons, fascinated me. I play drums, so you would think Neil would be me guy, but honestly it was always Geddy. I do wish Alex would write his memoirs as well.
I gave this book 5 stars, but I really give it 4 ½ (which I’ll explain why) but rather give it 5 on here as opposed to 4. Anyway, I digress.
I bought this book because I wanted to know Geddy, the man. Not as much as of Geddy the bass player / singer of Rush. I mean, him as the front man of Rush, is much of what made Geddy who he is, but I wanted to know the little kid Geddy. The son, father, husband, friend, and person Geddy. I wanted to know what drove him and his thinking, which in turn would help me understand how he came up with the music that meant so much to me growing up. He did not let me down with his book.
I really loved how he described his parents struggle as they survived the holocaust in chapter 2. (I love how humble Geddy was when he explained that he would not mind if the reader skipped to chapter 3 to get into the “Rush Stuff” instead. If anyone did skip that chapter, they really missed out on a very impressive and enlightening part of the whole book. He goes through his life, and I felt as if I was there growing up with him. I enjoyed how he explained the beginning of his interest in preforming music, HOWEVER, I really wished he explained how he became such an amazing bass player and keyboard player, as well as singer. He talks about his first guitar and how he sort of fell into bass playing, but he never explained how he learned this. Did it come naturally? Did he really have to practice a lot at it to get that good? Stuff like that. The only other thing that I did not care for (and I understand this is just my opinion) was that he gets into the structure and musical mechanism with producing the music and so on a lot. These parts sometimes lost me, but I can see how maybe a musician (I feel drumming is different from writing musical notes etc.) might really enjoy this, however.
But outside this, I couldn’t put the book down and finished it rather quickly. I’ve learned things about this man that makes me really apricated what he has done deeper. I learned things that I never knew about him or thought about him (like how he tripped and used cocaine in the past). How he had issues with his wife and Alex and Neil! He beautifully laid out the last few years of Neil’s life and described in much respect his death. It was heart touching. I feel I know him a little better and a littler more personally, and I love that! Well done Mr. Lee!!
DISCLAIMER: I am a huge Rush fan since the 80’s. I have never read any of Neil’s books, but when I heard Geddy was putting out his memoir, I really wanted to read this. Geddy had always, for unknown reasons, fascinated me. I play drums, so you would think Neil would be me guy, but honestly it was always Geddy. I do wish Alex would write his memoirs as well.
I gave this book 5 stars, but I really give it 4 ½ (which I’ll explain why) but rather give it 5 on here as opposed to 4. Anyway, I digress.
I bought this book because I wanted to know Geddy, the man. Not as much as of Geddy the bass player / singer of Rush. I mean, him as the front man of Rush, is much of what made Geddy who he is, but I wanted to know the little kid Geddy. The son, father, husband, friend, and person Geddy. I wanted to know what drove him and his thinking, which in turn would help me understand how he came up with the music that meant so much to me growing up. He did not let me down with his book.
I really loved how he described his parents struggle as they survived the holocaust in chapter 2. (I love how humble Geddy was when he explained that he would not mind if the reader skipped to chapter 3 to get into the “Rush Stuff” instead. If anyone did skip that chapter, they really missed out on a very impressive and enlightening part of the whole book. He goes through his life, and I felt as if I was there growing up with him. I enjoyed how he explained the beginning of his interest in preforming music, HOWEVER, I really wished he explained how he became such an amazing bass player and keyboard player, as well as singer. He talks about his first guitar and how he sort of fell into bass playing, but he never explained how he learned this. Did it come naturally? Did he really have to practice a lot at it to get that good? Stuff like that. The only other thing that I did not care for (and I understand this is just my opinion) was that he gets into the structure and musical mechanism with producing the music and so on a lot. These parts sometimes lost me, but I can see how maybe a musician (I feel drumming is different from writing musical notes etc.) might really enjoy this, however.
But outside this, I couldn’t put the book down and finished it rather quickly. I’ve learned things about this man that makes me really apricated what he has done deeper. I learned things that I never knew about him or thought about him (like how he tripped and used cocaine in the past). How he had issues with his wife and Alex and Neil! He beautifully laid out the last few years of Neil’s life and described in much respect his death. It was heart touching. I feel I know him a little better and a littler more personally, and I love that! Well done Mr. Lee!!
December 18, 2023
Wow! Where do I start? Having been a Rush fan for over 40 years now and read countless books about the band, some of the stories recounted by Geddy were familiar. However, there was so much more about him that was very revealing. We are truly blessed that his parents survived the holocaust. I tried to prepare myself for the sad parts of his life, but it still didn't stop the tears. It truly puts things in perspective. Thank you Geddy.
January 31, 2024
I’m not a huge fan of biographies and memoirs, but I KNEW I’d love this book. I’ve been a huge fan of Rush for at least 10 years, so listening to Geddy Lee talking about his life was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. I loved how we get to know him better without him talking about Rush all the time. I thought maybe he’d spend more time talking about the band than himself, but that wasn’t the case. He’s such a humble and honest guy, and down to earth as well. I admire him even more now. The pace is great, the writing is beautiful and descriptive. It almost made me cry a few times with of the stories. Being a Rush fan is effin’ amazing, he NAILED IT.
December 27, 2023
got this for xmas, would have loved any insight at all into his bass playing or how rush wrote or literally anything beyond "oh wow drugs are fun but watch out! it sure was important when the beatles came to america! the road is fun but it's hard to be away from
your family!"
i am happy for geddy that his life was boring.
your family!"
i am happy for geddy that his life was boring.
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