The Story Of Geddy Lee Switching From Guitar To The Bass

Geddy Lee’s journey to becoming one of the most respected figures in progressive rock wasn’t always a straight path. Before becoming known for his iconic bass playing and vocals with Rush, Lee’s musical roots were in guitar. It wasn’t until his early days in Toronto that he made the surprising decision to switch instruments, a move that would ultimately shape his career.

In a 2017 interview with Dan Rather on AXS TV, Lee opened up about how this transition came about. Despite initially being drawn to the guitar, it was his switch to bass that sparked a new direction, both for his sound and his future in music. This pivotal moment not only changed his approach to playing but also helped define the legendary sound of Rush.

Lee’s story is a testament to how sometimes unexpected changes lead to the most influential careers. His evolution from guitarist to bass player played a key role in creating the unique blend of melodies and rhythms that Rush became known for.

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Geddy’s Early Music Journey

Geddy Lee’s love for music began with a bit of freedom and a mix of youthful rebellion. He recalled how his introduction to rock came from his lack of supervision and his connection with a group of friends who shared a passion for the genre. This early exposure sparked something within him.

In the interview, Lee admitted, “Because [my mom] wasn’t around, I think that I had a little more freedom than your average kid, and I got in with a bad crowd.” This crowd, though, would play a crucial role in his musical journey. His newfound interest in rock music would quickly become more than just a passing phase.

Lee’s early experiences with music were formative, setting him on the path to becoming the iconic musician he is today. He caught the “bug quite early,” and it was clear that this newfound passion for rock would shape his future in ways he never expected.

Geddy’s Musical Beginnings

Geddy Lee’s journey into music began at a young age, sparked by his desire to own an acoustic guitar. “I begged my mom to loan me some money to buy the acoustic guitar from the guy who lived next door,” Lee recalled. The guitar, decorated with palm trees, was irresistible to him, and with the loan, he was able to make the purchase.

Around the age of 12, Lee played in a neighborhood band, the Dusty Coconuts. “We would meet at our friend’s house,” he said, reflecting on the early days of his musical career. His passion for music grew as he played alongside his friends, laying the foundation for what would become his lifelong dedication to rock.

The turning point came when the band’s original bass player was no longer able to perform. Lee was voted in as the new bass player, a decision that would change everything. “I went back to my mom and I begged her to lend me money to buy a bass guitar. I bought my first electric bass guitar and sort of haven’t looked back.” From that moment on, Lee’s career took a new direction, and the rest is history.

Geddy Meets Alex Lifeson

Geddy Lee first crossed paths with Alex Lifeson in junior high school. “I was in junior high school at the time,” Lee recalled, remembering how he and Lifeson sat at the back of the class together. Their connection was instant, and they quickly bonded over their shared love of playing guitar.

The two started jamming together, not knowing that this would lead to a lifetime of musical collaboration. “He was really funny, and we sort of connected,” Lee said, reflecting on their early friendship. What began as a casual musical connection soon turned into something much bigger.

Their first real gig together marked the beginning of a partnership that would define Lee’s career. Lee joined Lifeson’s band, Rush, as a substitute for a show, unaware that this would be the start of a long-standing journey. After the successful gig, they celebrated with their usual tradition of French fries and gravy, symbolizing the beginning of a musical bond that would last forever.

Geddy Lee Joins Rush

Geddy Lee’s path to Rush was unexpected. “I wasn’t a founding member. I was just a pal,” he admitted, recalling how he became part of the band. Rush had a show scheduled at a local drop-in center, but their bass player couldn’t make it. In a panic, Lifeson called Lee and asked, “Do you think you can play the gig with us?”

Lee agreed, quickly learning the songs that afternoon. “We only knew about four songs anyway,” he laughed. The gig went off without a hitch, and afterward, they celebrated with their usual tradition of French fries and gravy. This marked the beginning of Lee’s career with Lifeson.

From there, Lee’s musical journey with Rush took off. “That’s how my career with Al started,” he said. The rest, as they say, is history, with Lee becoming an integral part of one of rock’s most iconic bands. Don’t miss the full video below: