Alex Lifeson Doesn’t Want A RUSH Reunion
via Alex Lifeson Official / Youtube
Alex Lifeson, legendary guitarist of Rush, has been enjoying weekly jam sessions with former bandmate Geddy Lee. But for fans hoping this means a Rush reunion is on the horizon, Lifeson has clarified that that’s not the case.
Lifeson shared in an interview:
“It’s good to jam with friends as you get older.
“I need to play. Once a week I go to Ged’s — it’s in the calendar — keep my fingers moving, play Rush stuff, new jams. We do record it, but I couldn’t even begin to tell you where it’ll go.”
Honoring Neil Peart and Reflecting on Rush
Rush’s final show was in 2015, and the passing of drummer Neil Peart in 2020 solidified the band’s end. Despite that, Lifeson and Lee reunited briefly in 2022 to honor Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins with two tribute shows. The pair performed Rush classics like “2112 Part I: Overture” and “YYZ” alongside talented drummers, including Dave Grohl and Danny Carey.
While the performances were met with immense enthusiasm, Lifeson said they didn’t spark thoughts of a permanent comeback. He explained:
“The energy was fantastic around that show, I know, and some days I wake up wanting to go out and tour again and some days I don’t.
“For 40 years Rush included Neil, and I don’t think putting some new version together would have the same magic.”
Musical Legacy Worth Preserving
The emotional high of performing at the tribute shows eventually led to reflection. Lifeson said:
“Despite all the pain of loss, Rush went out on a high note playing as well as ever with one of our best stage shows on R40.
“I guess I’d rather be remembered for that legacy than returning as the top Rush tribute band.”
For now, Lifeson is staying creative with his band Envy of None, whose second album Stygian Wavz is set for release on March 14. Meanwhile, Geddy Lee is focusing on his writing, with a baseball-themed book, 72 Stories, coming out on May 13, following his 2023 memoir My Effin’ Life.
While Rush’s story may have come to an end, Lifeson and Lee continue to celebrate their music and friendship, each in their own way.
