Geddy Lee: Very humbling interview

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I will choose a path that’s clear,
I will choose farewell.

 

[Mike Sorr]

I was a Rush fanatic when I was a kid and remain a fan today (I'm not a fanatic over anything these days). I admire them not only for their musicianship and creativity, but also for the way they handled being the icons they became. I've seen Rush dozens of times, but for me it was never the same as going to merely see a rock concert. To me a Rush show was like taking a class. I've actually taken notes at a Rush concert. My fellow musician friends who were also Rush fanatics used to say that "we're not going to see Rush...we're going to study Rush".

 

[Skillet]

Geddy really forged a singular voice for the bass, for me he took the out-front lyricism of Squire, and (with Neil) created a driving and unique rhythm section we'd never seen the likes of before.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I don't even see it in that way. To me, it's been a simple money grab for decades.

You have point, he would not be bouncing around for free.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Geddy really forged a singular voice for the bass, for me he took the out-front lyricism of Squire, and (with Neil) created a driving and unique rhythm section we'd never seen the likes of before.

For years, I was a casual Rush fan, and I thought he sounded a lot like Squier. Once I started downloading their albums and listening beyond the hit songs, it was clear that Lee had a deeper tone. His style also seemed more rooted to the bass drum than Squier’s.

 

[blue4]

The ironic thing is that Jagger was famous for his sex appeal as a young man. At this point, he comes off as desperate to hold who he was, while Rush played the sort of music that did not depend on the sort of image projected by bands that were seen as “teen idols.”

It does look desperate, but Mick has always struck me as that guy who always has to be off the couch and moving around. I always assumed it was boredom that drove their longevity more than anything else.

 

[gln1955]

Always truly classy. I feel kinda bad that I don't like their music more than I do.

 

[Rojd]

I saw Rush once, in 2007 for Snakes & Arrows at Red Rocks. Great stuff.

 

[Luckydog]

Yeah, I dunno, Mick Mars seems to have done as well as anybody as far as getting around with groupies, and have you seen that guy? He looks like Frankenstein's Monster made his own monster, said "Oh holy crap this thing is too horrible for me!" And then beat it with a burning log.

Prob doesnt hurt to have Mick’s $40M in the bank also.

 

[Rum Ham]

Not a fan of Rush, even though they are all individually the, and not arguably mind you!,
The best at their respective weapons.
Like Navy Seals. Maybe Team 6, or eh Team 3?..
But in all the interviews I've seen with 'em- They are firstly, and most importantly-
Beautiful Human Beings. Much respect for that- a masterclass, in Class.

 

[consectaneus]

I saw Rush in '86 on the Power Windows tour. My one and only time. Great concert. But speaking of Neil and what people expect of him, he is the one who really raised the bar and pushed himself to his limits. One of the things that sticks in my mind from that show was all the air drummers. These guys new all the fills like people usually know the words of the songs. I never saw anything like that. So he knew what his fans expected, and kudos to him for hanging it up rather than disappoint them and himself.

 

[Herrick]

I've never seen the band live so that sucks for me but I'm glad they went out strong.

Kind of off topic but Geddy has aged remarkably well. A lot of old rockers that still have long hair or still try to retain the "rock star look" end up looking more and more ridiculous as they get older. Dude must've taken good care of himself over the years.

 

[MCF]

Rush not only provided the blueprint for how to say farewell, they provided it for a band's entire career. How to play music, how to be professional, how to treat each fan with respect and value how much money it actually takes to buy your records and attend your shows. How to get along with your bandmates and not screw each other over for money. How to remain firm with your management and label, yet still maintain a professional relationship with them. How to have a family, go on tour, and not drag your family thru the mud with drugs and groupies.
I never "got" a lot of Rush's music. I have the Chronicles greatest hits but that's it. However I watch every interview they do, and the documentaries. They are the rare breed that can be down to earth and a musical idol at the same time. I've nothing but respect for them.

Agree completely. I’m in no way a fan; never got it either. But each of them are classy guys who from what I can tell put their fans first. I think we’re going to see a few others follow suit over the next few years. For example, who knows if Mighty Max can continue with the Boss and the E street band. I saw YES (at least the guys with the rights to use the name) earlier this year and frankly, it’s time for them to hang it up. Rush ended it with style and grace.

 

[Snowglo]

There’s hardly a day that goes by that I don’t listen to Rush, especially at work. I was instantly addicted the first time I heard them....it was 1979 and the song was Cygnus X-1. Nothing but respect for these guys.

 

[consectaneus]

As a young band chosen by Kiss to open some shows for them, Gene tells a story about the wild parties with groupies, and how the guys from Rush didn't participate in that. He couldn't understand it. "Gay? no...they like farm animals or what???"

Nice earnest Canadian boys.

 

[logdrum]

Canadians man.

 

[klokker]

I went to a couple of shows and have a few vinyl records still. Rush made music that at the times was about as good as it could get at least for me. Sad it's over, but that's the price you pay for something pretty dang good.

 

[Snibborwocky]

One thing he shouldn't be at peace with is his book publisher because I (and most likely hundreds of others) have been waiting since December for his Big Beautiful Book of Bass but my order keeps getting pushed back. Going on nearly 4 months now, is beyond ridiculous to say the least.

 

[sacahill42]

I went to a couple of shows and have a few vinyl records still. Rush made music that at the times was about as good as it could get at least for me. Sad it's over, but that's the price you pay for something pretty dang good.

I wore out my copy of 2112 in High School and saw the Farewell to Kings tour in Seattle. I remember showing my HS English teacher the lyrics to "Xanadu" and how he was amazed that a "rock band" would know anything about Coleridge's Kubla Khan. Those are fond memories. I agree with others here that Rush are a class act.

 

[hbarcat]

In all honesty, Rush probably less problems with groupies because they made music that appealed more to males, and a Geddy Lee was not a guy who would have been considered hot by random young potential groupies.

That said, they were all famous, young, and rich; with enough fame and money you don’t have to look like Sting during the Police era to cut out on your wife with fine looking women.

This topic was covered in the RUSH documentary "Beyond the Lighted Stage". There were interviews with bands that toured with RUSH, including KISS. They all said the same thing - The 3 members of RUSH purposely avoided groupies and locked themselves in their hotel rooms because they were all committed family men and believed in being faithful to their wives. All accounts described the trio as having every opportunity to imbibe of drugs and women but refrained.