Though Rush, the Canadian rock trio consisting of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart changed over the years from a blues-inspired hard rock beginning and later moving into progressive rock — their popularity never waned.
And Rush’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 would solidify their lasting impact on music — even further.
However, their 2015 R40 Tour marked the group’s final chapter.
And later, in 2020, the music world mourned Neil Peart’s (the group’s drummer) passing after he succumbed to brain cancer.
But inasmuch as the band had fun playing the often three-hour sets, Peart, before his death, requested they play a limited amount of dates.
“Ged and I were disappointed that Neil [Peart] demanded playing only a limited number of dates…,” said Lifeson, the group’s guitarist. “I think a dozen or so more dates would have made us a bit more accepting.”
Lifeson recounted he thought Peart would have been open to extending the tour.
But sadly, he contracted a serious infection to his foot and then plans for further tours were cut short after his demise.
In speaking about the future of Rush, Lifeson opines going on without Peart just wouldn’t have the same magical effect.
In referencing the band’s legacy and its farewell tour and tribute shows for late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022, Lifeson, when conversing with Cygnus-x1 bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, noted that the band’s legacy would be a way to tell the whole story rather than “returning as the top Rush tribute band.”