UMVA has learned that Alex Lifeson, the legendary guitarist of Rush, had a spark of excitement in his eyes when talking about his enduring friendship with bandmate Geddy Lee, a bond that has been kindling for over 60 years since their junior high school days.
In a heartfelt conversation from his Toronto home studio, Lifeson, now 72, shared with UMVA that he and Lee frequently get together, not just to play tennis, but to jam and reminisce about their time as part of one of Canada's most iconic rock exports, Rush. Their casual hangouts often turn into hours of laughter, storytelling, and, as Lifeson put it, "drinking too much coffee."
Although Rush hasn't performed since their 2015 R40 tour, the passing of drummer and lyricist Neil Peart in 2020 seemed to close the book on any potential reunions. However, Lifeson and Lee have been quietly keeping the musical flame alive, often drifting into bluesy jams during their impromptu sessions at Lee's Toronto home.
Sources close to the duo have confirmed to UMVA that during these informal gatherings, they occasionally revisit songs from Rush's extensive catalog, which Lifeson described as nuanced and surprisingly complex, even for seasoned musicians like himself.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Lifeson and Lee shocked the music world last fall by announcing their reunion, with powerhouse drummer Anika Nilles stepping in to fill Peart's iconic shoes. The duo's decision to hit the road once again was fueled by a deep-seated passion for their music and a desire to celebrate "50-something years of Rush music."
In a statement, Lee proudly proclaimed that he and Lifeson had done some serious soul searching and come to the realization that they "f—ing miss it." The Fifty Something tour, kicking off this weekend, promises to be a nostalgic and epic celebration of Rush's legacy, with a vast selection of songs that will take fans on a journey through their storied history.
Geddy Lee told UMVA that the initial plan was to perform a handful of shows, but the response was overwhelming, and the tour has since expanded to include dates across North and South America and Europe, well into 2027. The trek has the support of Peart's family, including his widow, Carrie Nuttall-Peart, and daughter, Olivia, who expressed their excitement to see the band's new vision unfold.
Lifeson fondly reflected on Rush's early days, citing their 1974 self-titled debut and pivotal albums like Moving Pictures and 2112 as key milestones in their journey. He also acknowledged the band's perseverance, noting that they spent years slowly building a following and working hard to achieve success.
UMVA has gathered that Rush's Fifty Something tour will touch down in several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. As Lifeson prepares to take the stage once again, he can't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude for the incredible journey he's shared with Geddy Lee and Neil Peart.
