“Considerate people”: Geddy Lee on the simple secret to Rush’s longevity
Musicians and the wider world have much to learn from Rush. While closely associated with the often divisive prog-rock genre, the band transcended such subjective boundaries through their remarkable artistry and approach. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart were far more than just a rock band—their depth and innovation set them apart, earning them not only widespread acclaim but also one of the most loyal fanbases in music history.
When discussing Rush, you’d be remiss not to mention that each member is a master at their respective instrument. Lee is a bass player of storied proportions who took as much influence from the driving licks of Paul McCartney as he did the funky grooves of James Jamerson, leading to a unique one-fingered technique that was the glue of the band.
His late counterpart in the rhythm section, drummer Neil Peart, was also an esteemed player. While he might have had a comically large drum kit that gradually engulfed him over the years, his rhythmic flare left an indelible mark on everyone from Dave Grohl to Mike Portnoy. It’s not often that drummers successfully fuse power with technique, as they usually fit into one or the other categories, but this natural dexterity provided Rush with the perfect basis on which to construct their vast compositions.
As for guitarist Alex Lifeson, he’s one of those who can do it all. His stylistic grasp of genres ranging from metal to new wave allowed the band to evolve through the eras and keep themselves relevant by producing an array of classic riffs, encouraging other players to think outside the box, striving to do something unique, and not copying their heroes note for note.
While musically, Rush was always exemplary, from their abilities to their desire to evolve with the times, there are other things that set them apart. One is their refusal to give in to negativity. As they left blues rock behind and moved into prog with 1975’s Caress of Steel, things were so bad due to rotten reviews and lousy sales that their label nearly dropped them, and Lifeson even considered quitting.
However, they reacted to this nadir in the best way possible: by refusing to give in, and producing what many deem their masterpiece, 2112. This kicked off a stellar run, which saw them burnish their sound and become world-beaters. It also provided them with the blueprint of what to do the next time their sonic experiments didn’t land in the way that they wanted them to.
Rush’s career is littered with brilliant moments like this, with the trio not a typical one across the board, from their musical capabilities to their attitude. Humble, kind to each other, and friends before all else, splitting their earnings three ways, regardless of who devised the germ idea behind a song, this spirit was key to their success. It’s why they continued creating a riff on prog that flourished when many of the genre’s pioneers had long since imploded.
When speaking to AXS TV, Lee revealed the “secret” of the band’s longevity, which he put down to the group being “considerate people” and “rock-solid” friends at their core. He said: “I think I was blessed with meeting two people, that, at their core were considerate people. As far back as I remember I can’t think of a single ego trip that either of my partners ever went on, and we just are blessed with nice personalities, you know.”
While commenting that the “curse of being Canadian” is being nice, Lee noted that Rush never ganged up on each other, and even felt bad when it was two against one in a humourous context. He added: “At the core of it, we share a rock-solid friendship.” It’s a simple point, but one that is absolutely crucial for all musicians; be good to each other.
