Geddy Lee names the “most influential band in my entire career”
The power trio is an important thing in the world of rock music. It is a sound-inspired, energy-infused holy trinity that can dominate rooms and take over the world while still not filling up a Ford Focus. Rush is certainly considered one of the most influential three-piece rock bands in the world, as they constantly created exciting music and played incredible shows with just Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart.
This was important to the band. Even as they introduced more instruments to their sound, such as synthesisers and various effects, they were adamant that they would stay as a three-piece. This is likely because of how much of a strong unit Rush was but also because of Lee’s influence.
Though his music taste spans far and wide, there is one band in particular that he will always hold close to his heart. “Cream sort of changed my life,” he said when talking about his early influences. “They blew my mind and I remember they were coming to Toronto. I couldn’t get any of my friends interested to go see them; they were playing at Massey Hall, and I went down and bought a ticket, and I went by myself.”
Of course, it was the bass playing that stood out most to Lee, as someone who was growing enamoured with and developing an affinity for the instrument. But the band as a whole really cemented itself as one of the musical outfits that would have a lasting impact on Lee.
“I just had to see them,” he said, “They were such an important band to me. Jack Bruce’s bass playing was just out of this world. Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, I mean they were the ultimate trio. The most influential band in my entire career in many ways.”
It could well be argued that Rush wouldn’t exist without Cream. Not only because they were such a big influence on the band but also because when Lee first played with Rush, he was stepping in for their current bassist who was too drunk to play. After looking for common ground, the band decided to do a set mostly made up of Cream covers, given they were all such big fans.
“You know, Alex called me around 4pm. He said that their bassist [Jeff Jones] had gotten drunk, and they were looking for someone to fill in,” said Lee, recalling his first gig with the band. “We only had time for a short practice right before we had to go on stage. We could say that I really learned the material during the concert. It was a good time, but I admit that I got a little frustrated. I remember that evening very well.”
When quizzed about the kind of music that they played, Lee confirmed it was his favourite three-piece who came to the rescue, “Yes, Cream, but also John Mayall and… No, I don’t remember what else.”
