Geddy Lee on Rush Reunion Tour: “I Was Ready to Create Music Again”

## Geddy Lee Discusses Rush’s Reunion Tour

In a recent interview with CBC News, Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist of Rush, shared insights about the exciting plans for the band’s upcoming reunion tour. He also touched on his passion for the Toronto Blue Jays, who are vying for a spot in the World Series.

## Emotions Surrounding the Tour

Lee expressed feelings of being “overwhelmed” as he reflected on the band’s decision to tour again. He noted that both he and Alex Lifeson spent considerable time contemplating the feasibility of a reunion, especially after the passing of drummer Neil Peart in 2020. “When we finally decided to move forward, we were surprised by the incredible reaction from our fans. It has truly been an exhilarating few weeks,” said Lee.

## Preparing for the Road

Since Neil Peart’s departure, Lee has performed infrequently. However, as the reunion tour expands to include more dates and cities, he has been diligently preparing for the demanding schedule. “I’ve been actively playing for about a year and a half,” he explained. “While we didn’t plan this tour long ago, I felt it was time to reconnect with music after focusing on writing books and television.”

## Getting Back into Shape

Geddy Lee has been hitting the gym regularly to prepare both physically and musically for the tour. “Alex and I are committed to being ready, and we’re putting in the hours to ensure we deliver a great performance,” he said. While he mentioned that the concerts might not be as lengthy as in the past, they plan to offer over two hours of music, ensuring a rich experience for fans.

## Welcoming a New Drummer

For this tour, Rush has brought on board drummer Anika Nilles, who was recommended after her work with Jeff Beck. Lee reflected on the challenges of replacing Neil Peart, acknowledging the unique position they find themselves in. “It was tough to consider going back on the road after the loss of Neil. However, we were introduced to Anika, and after a week of practice, we knew she was the right fit,” he shared.

## Adjusting to New Dynamics

Lee and Lifeson faced the task of introducing Nilles to the intricacies of Rush’s music. “It was important for us to explain the nuances and idiosyncrasies of our songs,” he noted. Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed initially, Lee praised Nilles for her hard work, technical skill, and positive attitude.

## A Celebratory Moment with the Blue Jays

Beyond tour preparations, Lee recently enjoyed a thrilling moment at a Blue Jays game, where he witnessed George Springer’s game-winning home run to secure their place in the World Series. “The energy in the crowd was electric. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it,” he said, reminiscing about the exciting atmosphere at the stadium.

How does the anticipation of new music and the upcoming concert experience make you feel about Rush’s return?