Geddy Lee Debuts Unreleased Solo Music On Book Tour Opening

Geddy Lee commenced his My Effin’ Life book tour on Monday at The Beacon Theatre in celebration of his memoir of the same title.

With a warm introduction from guest interviewer Paul Rudd, Lee took the stage to a standing ovation. The unreleased tracks “Gone” and “I Am… You Are,” from the sessions of his 2000 solo album My Favorite Headache, played before and after the intermission. These tracks will be officially released today alongside the launch of Lee’s audiobook and will be available for streaming soon.

During the conversation with Rudd, the duo reflected on their experience filming the 2009 movie I Love You, Man, followed by a discussion of key moments from Lee’s 507-page book. Notably, Lee revealed that the initial draft of his memoir spanned a whopping 1,200 pages.

The 70-year-old musician, initially resistant to writing a memoir, had a change of heart due to the loss of bandmate Neil Peart in January 2020, the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic, and his mother’s deteriorating health. Lee emphasized:

“All those things made me realize that this, what you’re holding up here is precious and it has a shelf life. And I just thought, ‘Well, maybe I should write my memories down before they disappear.’”

The memoir covers a comprehensive timeline of Lee’s life, from childhood memories and the loss of his father at age 12 to the early struggles of touring with Rush. It delves into humorous tales from the road, tender moments with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Peart, and the mourning process following Peart’s passing.

Unexpected Twists and Emotional Turns

Lee surprised the audience with a humorous revelation: he was once kicked out of Rush in 1969. Prompted by manager Ray Daniels, Lee briefly departed the band, only to later witness the decline of the renamed group, Hadrian, and eventually rejoin Rush at the invitation of former drummer John Rutsey.

A significant portion of the evening and the third chapter of the book focused on Lee’s parents’ Holocaust survival story. Lee highlighted the importance of acknowledging historical events, especially amidst current conflicts, and expressed that understanding his parents’ experiences is crucial to understanding him.

For attendees, the evening felt like a poignant reunion, with emotions stirred by Lee’s reflections on Peart’s final days and the band’s history. Despite promoting his memoir and an upcoming TV show, seeing Lee on stage evoked powerful emotions for many in the audience.

As the night concluded, it became evident that Lee is eager to return to the stage. This marks his first headlining gig since the last Rush concert in 2015. Reports suggest that Lee has a solo project in the works for 2024, with discussions of a collaboration with Lifeson. The future remains uncertain regarding live performances of Rush music, but the book tour will continue across major North American cities before heading to the UK in December.