Geddy Lee To Lead New Radio Documentary “The Spirit Of Radio”

Though Rush shows no signs of reuniting, frontman Geddy Lee is taking a prominent role in the upcoming documentary CFNY: The Spirit of Radio.

The film pays tribute to the iconic Toronto radio station that played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous Canadian rock legends, including Rush. The documentary’s title is inspired by one of Rush’s greatest hits, penned by drummer Neil Peart, celebrating their affection for the station.

Lee is not the only Canadian music icon contributing to the documentary. Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies and Dereck Whibley of Sum 41 will also appear, sharing their experiences as both fans and artists influenced by the station. The film delves into the life of Dave Marsden, CFNY’s renowned program director, who was instrumental in bringing new talent to the airwaves. Before his role at CFNY, Marsden was known as a host on the 1960s Canadian television show Music Hop, the country’s answer to American Bandstand.

CFNY was not only a champion of Canadian artists but also played a significant role in introducing punk and new-wave music from England to North American audiences. The documentary features contributions from prominent figures in these genres, including Peter Hook of New Order, Lol Tolhurst of The Cure, Jim Kerr of Simple Minds, and Andy McCluskey of OMD.

Producer Matt Schichter emphasized that the heart of the film lies in Marsden’s journey in radio. Schichter explained:

“Going into production, I thought we were telling a story about a radio station, but we quickly found out this was a really personal story about David Marsden’s vision and the alternative culture he created.”

Beyond his involvement in the documentary, Geddy Lee has been busy promoting his autobiography, My Effin Life. This has fueled speculation about a possible collaboration with Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. However, there have been no official confirmations about any new projects involving the two musicians.