Alex Lifeson’s Motivation Was Lost Due To The Death Of Neil Peart

He Says “It’s Been Difficult”

In a new interview on Talkin’ Golf With Ann Liguori, Rush’s Alex Lifeson revealed that he lost his motivation after the death of his bandmate Neil Peart.

He said, “It’s been difficult. After Neil passed in January, I’ve played very little guitar. I don’t feel inspired and motivated. It was the same thing when [Neil’s] daughter died in a car accident in 1997.”

He added, “I didn’t really play for about a year. And I just don’t feel it in my heart right now. Every time I pick up a guitar, I just aimlessly kind of mess around with it and put it down after 10 minutes. Normally, I would pick up a guitar and I would play for a couple of hours without even being aware that I’m spending that much time.”

But he’s also positive that the motivation will eventually come back especially since he admitted that he misses being on stage: “I miss performing in its essence – get on stage, playing, especially when you’re really in good shape, you’ve rehearsed and you know everything, it’s effortless. I do miss that aspect of it. I don’t miss the touring.”

The last time they toured was in 2015 to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Although Geddy Lee’s been busy with promoting his book and going on tour, Peart retired and stayed away from the limelight. Only his close friends and family knew about his battle with cancer.