Rush's Enduring Friendship Sparks Monumental Global Reunion Tour
In a posh London hotel suite, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush radiate a warmth that defies their decades in rock music. Having known each other for 60 years since meeting in junior high school, their bond is the very heart of Rush's unexpected return. After drummer Neil Peart's death in 2020, many assumed the Canadian prog legends were finished. Yet, it is this deep camaraderie that has drawn them back together for a mammoth global tour, adding 24 European and South American shows to 58 arena dates across North America, with UK performances scheduled for March 2027.
The Bromance That Built a Band
Lee, the elder by a month, recalls their first encounter with a chuckle. "He's the funniest guy I've ever known, and I make him laugh, too," he says, while Lifeson nods vigorously. Their playful teasing and mutual admiration create an atmosphere so infectious that Lee beams, "Everybody wants to have a bestie like this guy!" This friendship is not just a side note; it is the reason Rush exists again. They reformed not out of nostalgia for the band, but because they missed playing together as friends. "Music was what drove us as buddies," Lifeson explains, tracing their origins back to childhood jams.
The decision to revive Rush emerged organically from casual sessions. Lee describes how they sidetracked into playing old Rush songs, only to find they couldn't remember them properly. "We were so bad," Lifeson adds with a laugh. A pivotal moment came with tribute concerts for Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, which injected adrenaline into their plans. However, Lifeson initially got cold feet, leading Lee to issue an ultimatum: "I told Al: 'Look, we're either doing this or we're not doing it. I can't talk about it every two years. Because time marches on and I don't know how much time we have.'" Lifeson confirms, "True story."
Filling the Drum Stool: A Daunting Challenge
One significant hurdle remained: replacing Neil Peart, a drummer renowned for his distinctive style and technical prowess, who also penned the band's lyrics. Lee and Lifeson acknowledge the enormity of this task, likening it to a young ball player stepping in for Babe Ruth. "Go out there and take a swing, kid!" Lifeson quips. They selected 42-year-old German drummer Anika Nilles, recommended by Lee's bass tech after her work on a Jeff Beck tour. Following a video call, she auditioned in Canada last March.
Initially, the sessions were rocky. Lee admits, "When we started playing with her, something felt wrong. And I was, of course: 'This is not gonna work.'" Nilles struggled with the unique snare, bass drum, and hi-hat relationships integral to Peart's style. After four days of uncertainty, a candid chat led to a breakthrough. "We went into that last day and she just fucking nailed it," Lee exclaims. Lifeson adds, "It clicked in her," referring to her grasp of the subtle dynamics Peart mastered.
Navigating Legacy and Evolution
Rush's journey began in the 1970s, evolving from a blues rock sound to a prog-rock powerhouse with Peart's arrival. Lee reflects on their ambitions: "We wanted to play like people like that. We wanted to be that precise, to be as grandiose as they were, or as conceptual as they were." This led to iconic albums like 2112 and A Farewell to Kings, filled with multi-part suites and fantasy-inspired lyrics. Over the decades, they adapted to synths in the 80s and personal lyrics, with Lee sometimes finding Peart's confessional style too intimate. "That was a tough conversation," he admits.
Their friendship allowed them to weather creative differences that might have splintered other bands. In the late 80s, Lifeson's frustration with his diminished role led to a return to guitar-driven music, despite it ending Lee's favourite era. In the mid-2000s, Peart reinvented his drumming style with jazz influences, forcing the band to adapt. "For us not to be open to this change would have been antithetical," Lee notes, highlighting their collaborative spirit.
Remembering Neil Peart with Love and Laughter
When discussing Peart, Lee and Lifeson avoid sentimentality, yet the loss is palpable. "I just miss him," Lee says simply. Lifeson chimes in, "His laugh," while Lee recalls playful moments: "He was a mentor to me in many ways. And I love the way Neil used to punch him so hard in the shoulder." Their bond extends to the audience, with Lee observing that fans are deeply moved by their friendship. "They just love it," he says of social media responses.
Despite their differences—Lifeson's emotional outbursts contrasted with Lee's rationality—their connection remains unbreakable. Even at dinner parties, they often isolate themselves in their own world. "We did that at Tim's one night. They had planned this wonderful dinner party, and we just alienated them," Lee laughs, with Lifeson nodding happily. As Rush embarks on this new chapter, it is clear that their lifelong bromance is the driving force behind one of rock's most anticipated reunions.
