Alex Lifeson Admits That A Rush Reunion Is A Cash Grab
Alex Lifeson of Rush - ISRAEL HECHEM / Youtube
When Rush was formed in 1968, it was the start of a journey that would leave its impact on the history of rock music. The first lineup of the band was Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and singer Jeff Jones (who would eventually be replaced by Geddy Lee). The group developed into a legendary force. Rush had several popular songs over their storied history, including as “Working Man,” “Freewill,” and “Closer to the Heart,” which led to millions of record sales and numerous accolades. When they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, their contribution to the genre was forever memorialized.
The Unvarnished Truth Behind a Potential Rush Reunion
Despite their disbandment and ceasing of touring, the lust for a Rush reunion among fans hasn’t dwindled. Many hold onto the hope of once again witnessing the trio’s magic on stage. However, Alex Lifeson sheds light on the reality of these prospects, dismantling any illusions of a reunion born from artistic intent. In a candid revelation to Classic Rock History, Lifeson voices his perspective on the notion of reviving Rush for public performances or creating new material. “So many people remember us, and there’s sadness amongst our fans that it ended, and they want more, but you can’t go back. We can’t just go and get another drummer, and go out and play concerts, and make new material. It just would not be the same. It would just be a money ploy.”
These words carry the weight of finality, underlining the improbability of Rush returning in the form that fans yearn for. The reason behind this stance isn’t just philosophical but grounded in the realities faced by its members, particularly the late Neil Peart. Lifeson reminisces about the challenges faced by Peart, especially during the twilight years of his career. “We toured for 41 years, and Neil [Peart] was done. He couldn’t play like he did 10 years earlier, and it was very difficult; he did not want to play even one percentage less than perfect. That was understandable. And it was sad when it was over, and all of that, but in retrospect, we went out on a high note, and that’s the legacy of Rush.”
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Lifeson and Lee’s Private Jam Sessions
Despite the band’s cessation of touring and the impossibility of a conventional reunion, Lifeson’s passion for Rush’s music hasn’t faded. He finds solace and joy in performing Rush songs alongside Geddy Lee, albeit in a more personal, informal setting. Lifeson shares insights into these jam sessions, revealing a side of Rush that remains untouched by time and the public eye. “We decided that we would play some Rush songs. Because, you know, we haven’t played these songs in 10 years. We started that a couple of weeks ago. We get together one day a week over at his place,” Lifeson told Ultimate Classic Rock. The humility and self-awareness in his subsequent reflection are both endearing and revealing. “We just picked some Rush songs and we started playing them and we sound like a really, really bad Rush tribute band.”
The way that Lifeson’s opinions about a formal reunion are contrasted with the candid jam sessions that he had with Lee reveals a complex perspective on musical integrity and legacy. It recognizes that there is an unbridgeable chasm between Rush’s former greatness and the current circumstances of its members, but it also affirms that Rush’s core values of deep friendship and collaborative musical creation still exist, albeit in new forms.
