Alex Lifeson Reflects on Rush’s Legacy and the Band’s Future in Live Performances
Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has addressed the possibility of the iconic Canadian rock band ever performing live again, following their emotional farewell tour in 2015. The legendary trio, known for their progressive rock sound and intricate compositions, played their final series of concerts across North America, marking the end of an era after over four decades of groundbreaking music. The band’s drummer, Neil Peart, tragically passed away from brain cancer in early 2020, at the age of 67, further sealing the band’s closure.
In a recent interview with *Classic Rock*, Lifeson shared his thoughts on the band’s legacy and the idea of reuniting for future shows. Despite the highly successful farewell tour in 2015, Lifeson made it clear that he is at peace with how Rush went out and does not see the band returning to the stage. He explained that, while some days he feels the pull to tour again, other days he is content with the band’s decision to end on a high note.
“The energy was fantastic around that show, I know, and some days I wake up wanting to go out and tour again and some days I don’t,” Lifeson said. “For forty years Rush included Neil, and I don’t think putting some new version together would have the same magic.”
This sentiment reflects Lifeson’s deep connection to the band’s original lineup and the unique chemistry they shared. He continued, stating that after the emotional experience of performing in tribute shows for late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, he was reminded of the special bond he shared with Geddy Lee and other musicians, but the idea of continuing without Neil Peart felt incomplete.
“After those two gigs and the months of prep Ged and I went through, I was excited by the response and to be in the dressing room again with so many fellow artists in Wembley and LA I respected and felt a kinship towards,” Lifeson reflected. “But after a few weeks that wore 
Though Rush may never perform together again, Lifeson and bassist Geddy Lee continue to maintain a strong friendship and musical connection. Lifeson revealed that the two still regularly jam together, keeping their bond alive through music. “It’s good to jam with friends as you get older,” Lifeson shared. “I need to play. Once a week I go to Ged’s – it’s in the calendar – keep my fingers moving, play Rush stuff, new jams. We do record it, but I couldn’t even begin to tell you where it’ll go.”
Meanwhile, Geddy Lee, in the same *Classic Rock* interview, opened up about the band’s farewell tour, expressing regret over not being able to perform for their British and European fans. Despite feeling like they let down international fans by not including them in the farewell shows, Lee emphasized that the decision to limit the tour to 30 shows was primarily due to Neil Peart’s personal stance. Peart, who had already made significant compromises by agreeing to tour at all, was adamant that 30 shows would be the limit.
Lee explained, “I really felt like I let our British and European fans down. It felt to me incorrect that we didn’t do it, but Neil [Peart] was adamant that he would only do 30 shows and that was it.” He continued, explaining how Peart’s stance was a major factor in the band’s decision-making process, and he deeply felt the need to explain this to the fans, which led to the personal reflections found in his memoir, *My Effin’ Life*.
Despite the band’s emotional closure and Lifeson’s firm stance on no future live performances, it is clear that Rush’s legacy lives on through the music they created, the impact they had on the rock world, and the ongoing bond between Lifeson and Lee. Rush’s final tour may have been their last, but their music continues to resonate with fans around the world, cementing their place as one of rock’s most influential bands.
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