“Such a favourite”: The anthem Geddy Lee calls “pure prog magic”
Defining Rush is a tricky task. They are a band that has such a unique approach to music that what they create seems to constantly defy expectations, creating complicated, elongated, and fun tunes that are both incredibly accessible but equally layered. In essence, they were able to make music that you could put on and enjoy; however, if you were so inclined, you could also spend hours picking different elements apart.
This is difficult to do and cannot be understated. Imagine if James Joyce wrote Ulysses but condensed it into a book that was as easy to get through as a John Grisham thriller. To create something that can both be enjoyed on its surface but has an extensive amount backing it up and built into its foundation is a triumph.
How did Rush do it? If we knew, then everyone would do it, but the musically creative combination of Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson certainly helped. Pair that with the fact that the band were very aware of the kind of music they wanted to make. Drawing from their influences, they could create a blend of hard and prog rock, unlike anything that was made at the time.
Where many creatives like to keep their influences close to their chest to look elusive and individualistic, Geddy Lee was always happy to talk about the different artists that contributed to the kind of music he would eventually make. In an interview, he spoke about five of his favourite songs of all time, which included the likes of ‘My Generation’ by The Who, ‘Your Protector’ by Fleet Foxes and ‘Communication Breakdown’ by Led Zeppelin. However, there was one track in particular that Lee described as “pure prog magic.”
Another band that is tricky to pin down is Jethro Tull. Starting as a fusion between jazz and rock, the band began incorporating folk music, classical sounds, and hard rock into its style to become something unique. Despite dividing audiences somewhat, there is no denying their success, as when they landed in America, they took the country by storm, selling over 65million records throughout their career.
One song in particular that stood out for Lee was their 1972 track ‘Thick as a Brick’ taken from an album with the same name. “I know this betrays me as the progger I am. But it was such a favourite piece of music for so many, many years,” said Lee. “It was just pure prog magic. To me, it was the ultimate thing to aspire to.”
Lee has always stood by the band, saying in another interview that he was disappointed they weren’t in the Hall of Fame, but Rush was. “I mean, I love Jethro Tull so much…” he said, “So the fact they are not in the Hall of Fame is just plain wrong. The fact that we are there before them is just plain wrong. So I hope they will correct that one day.”
It’s clear why Lee liked Jethro Tull so much, given that they were able to incorporate so many different sounds and create magical landscapes within their music. Their continued inspiration can be heard in Rush’s music. It is also admirable for Lee to not be afraid to admit who his influences are and ask they be given their flowers; the idea of getting into the Hall of Fame before the people who inspired you to make music in the first place must be a strange feeling.
