Alex Lifeson Reflects on Neil Peart, new guitar sounds (EXCERPT)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ส.ค. 2024
- In this excerpt from our January 2021 interview with Alex Lifeson, he discusses the experience of loss following the death of Rush's drummer Neil Peart and how it affected his creative work.
Watch the full interview at • Alex Lifeson 2021 Inte...
Full interview transcript available at makeweirdmusic.com/interview/a...
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The interviewer gets props for not interrupting Alex once, that's rare, peace. RUSH forever.
I met Andre once, real cool down to earth cat and excellent guitarist himself. He was playing with project/object at the time. He is well respected as a guitar tech and great musician. Great interview with Alex!
Agreed. And he had a wonderful guest in Alex of course. Rush forever for sure. Best.
Well said. That was a real inside view. Painful reverence for a missing friend, ending in Hope in rediscovering the drive for making music. Proof of blessings that exist in trying times. Writers Block BE GONE FOR NOW!
Thank you guys for all the memories and making my teenage years more tolerable!
grt point Cy
Maybe the classiest, intelligent, tightest band of all time. All 3 of them.
Genesis was pretty tight also
Yep spot on!
Toronto baby!!
Yes, but when they accepted the hall of fame, they were denying their original concepts before Moving Pictures, and corrupt their spirit (of the radio). I can only come to the conclusion of one of their songs : Losing it!
If you're going to talk about someone being intelligent, make sure you use decent English when doing so. The proper statement should have been "most intelligent". Also, "all 3 of them" isn't a complete sentence. As for being tight, any professional band is going to be tight. It's not that hard to achieve.
Neil's influence on drumming will last for generations. His lyrics will live on forever.
I'm a drummer and if you're not impressed with his drumming, something is really wrong with you.
@@scottzappa9314 He probably meant both, or he be crazy!
100%
I’m not a drummer, I started on bass & I then learned guitar. I’m self taught but I always tell everyone I learned my listening to Neil Peart. He basically taught me to play bass. I know that sounds weird & I get a lot of “you mean Geddy Lee, right?!” but I’m telling ya, Neil taught me to play just by listening to those damn beats! RIP Neil. 🥁😕
@@Jacen13 this rings true as hell. Nothing teaches you better than playing along with a master
Rush has got to be the most cohesive band ever. I don't know of any other bands where the members got along as well as they did. RIP Neil, we miss you immensely.
I too love that about these three. They genuinely care(d) about each other and there was never any behind the scenes bs, battle of egos, one member screwing another over money or their girlfriend, no member strung out on drugs, no lineup changes. I love classic YES and even their 90210- Trevor Rabin album whatever it was. I always got the Beverly Hills 90120 mixed up with that album zip code lol.... Anyway, YES had how many lineup changes? Evh vs Roth vs Hagar. Divid Gilmour vs Roger Waters. The Stones bassist screwing a 13 year old... all kinds of crap and Rush was never linked with any of that garbage. AL was my #1 influence as a teenager in the 80s learning guitar. Rush was just on a higher level in so many ways.
I have been into other bands but not to the emotional extent that I am with Rush. It's probably because they are so down to earth and relatable. I was totally unaffected by Michael Jackson dying. I actually shed tears for Neil and still do sometimes. Q
that's because they didn't waist THIER brain cells, drugging and drinking... yet another reason to say...
DAMN GOOD BAND, Y'ALL!! THANK YOU. XOXO
Maybe Tony, Phil Mike and Peter of Genesis. they are all very tight. Steve has always seemed a bit strained from them. Not in a negative light. Maybe just a personality light.
Wow, almost took the words right out of my head?! I’ve been a die-hard RUSH fan since the late 70’s. I listened to their entire back catalogue throughout the 80’s and that was that, for no other band could match the precision and complexity of RUSH’s music. I too noticed how all 3 members of RUSH appeared to be the best of friends. There is simply no denying how their relationships with one another impacted and inspired such great music.
I also remember the dark days after Test for Echo and wondering if RUSH had finally retired for good. Then, seemingly out of no where, RUSH releases “Vapor Trails” and blows my mind all over again! “Ceiling Unlimited” was one of the best new tracks I’d heard from RUSH in almost a decade. RUSH’s last 3 studio albums were among their best. My sister called me when she heard the news about Neil’s passing and I was crushed. Not since the passing of little brother from cancer in 2014 had I received such horrible news. RUSH was nearly a life-long journey for me, and it seemed it was over with Neal’s passing. Not only had we lost the greatest drummer in history, but we also lost a collaboration of three of the world’s best musicians playing in a band called RUSH. We shall never hear their like again.
With enormous respect and thanks, rest in peace Neal Peart.
You can hear the pain in his voice..please be well for yourself Big AL ..we love you..
He blows most of the do called
So called top ten away he’s Awsome , I’ve been playing 40 yrs he’s Awsome !
Yes my god I love him!!!! Been listening to Rush since I was 15 years old. Im now 59 years old.!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@frankfossaceca9616 I have also been listening since i was about that age. I'm 56 now. These guys feel almost like family to me.
@@baconlatte Absolutely !!!!!! Man. Im a huge fan
My First concert Was Rush back in 1978. In My Hometown Cleveland Ohio
The Hemispheres tour. April Wine opened for them. Greatest concert I ever seen in my life. I was 18 Years old !!!!!!!!!!
This is why Rush were so beloved, these three people were real, no acting
Doesn't get more real than Rush.
Aaaaaannnnnnddddd didn’t take themselves too seriously... their videos, comedy vids .. were hilarious!!!
they are : AUTHENTIC
@@pablocruise678 That's what made each Rush tour so special .. the unpredictability of the setlists (for the tours themselves, obviously the band hardly ever deviated once the tour setlist was set) .. and the new videos for each tour!
So blessed that these guys were part of the soundtrack of my youth. Music was such a huge part of it, and Rush was at the top.
His voice is cracking the entire time holding back the tears. What a team those 3.. there will never be another trio like them..EVER.
100%
Agree
No that's just how all Canadians voices sound.
Never
Yup, we haven’t in over 40 years and probably won’t… Very Rare, missed!!
You can feel the loss in his voice ... what a great band.
Rush forever. I like the song Xanadu when Lifeson's epic riff meets Neil's cymbal crashes.
Knowing he and Geddy are hurting, just breaks my heart. Wish I could take some of it from them.
We love you guys!
Ales is not only horribly underrated but he’s a very good person. Long live Geddy and Alex.
Rolling Stone magazine had Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and others ahead of the great Alex Lifeson on an all time list of the best guitar players lol. His peers know how great he is....but the public and media, underrated.
Rob M I swear RS picks out of a hat when they make their lists. They never make any sense at all.
@@bobabooey4537 Springsteen and Willie Freakin' Nelson ahead of Alex?!? That is absolutely ridiculous. Some polls are completely retarded, and I don't care how politically incorrect that sounds. FWIW any top 10 list that includes Slash is ridiculous as well. Not that Ted Nugent belongs in the top 10, but when he's not in the top 100 while Springsteen or Nelson is makes no sense. I can see Keith Richards ranking high due to being so unique and influential, even though he's not a great soloist, but AS GUITARISTS Springsteen and Nelson aren't influential or groundbreaking. Not saying they can't play, but not even top 100. Give me a break!
I like to say that he lives on Planet Alex and we are all privileged to be invited over every once in a while. Truly a singular player.
I've heard this underated thing for years but he is hugely rated and winner of many accolades in the old days of guitar magazines and additionally by other musicians, I think he is deservedly highly rated and a genius
One of the greatest guitarists in history.
I don't think Alex is dead yet
And most importantly a beautiful soul.
@@jsullivan2112 Yeah I see what you mean. I personally agree that Alex is one of the greatest guitarists in history and that Rush is one of the greatest bands of all time. Didn't mean to cause any offence haha
My guitar hero
Andre C is a great guitarist too!
God, i miss the 70's & 80's. Awesome days. Rush was an incredible band. First time i ever saw them, i couldn't believe how they sounded as good live, as they did on the record. Us older people are losing all our childhood musical heroes. 😟 R.I.P. Neil 🙏
With ya on that! Cheers...
Better, LIVE!!! knew something was up, when? Neil came out from behind his kit...pretty much just...stand up, the wave and gone...R40...the 70's and 80's were excellent...and, RUSH' was a very big part of that...R.I.P. NEIL...appreciate it...miss you guys!!! Peace
His heart is breaking as he talks about his friend and comrade.
What a lovely guy.
Hey Adam!! Good to see you here! Yep, he is a lovely guy indeed.
My exact thought as well🙂
Small world (: all the youtubers i watch interact with each other and its always nice to see
It’s a small world on TH-cam
didn't know you liked rush, cheers
The Most underrated guitar Player in my opinion.
Rush is / was one of the best bands on earth.
R.i.p. Neil
Absolutely true!
Martin Barre Jethro Tull.
under rated as in the rolling stone magazine types never gave them their due proper.
The people that know...KNOW...he is an aficionado...as well as Neil and Geddy...without Alex there is NO RUSH. Love you Neil RIP.
alex #1 underated and then #2 brian may from queen imo?
Why people click thumbs down on a great musician telling the world how he feels about losing a friend and trying to get motivated again to play music. Such trolls. Sad, really sad.
Dinner with rush , was such a great vid , was so great to see these best friends and bandmates laughing and being goofy , i recommend that for any rush fan
The MOST underrated Guitarist in History, Unique.
No!! No one in Rush is underrated. He’s topped polls for years, hit albums, Canadian awards, top tours, Rock HOF. He’s not underrated
He's always been highly regarded (rated) I think you misunderstand what underrated means. . . He's extremely highly "rated."
I hate that term. I really don’t think that is true.
The word underrated is overrated. . .
Bruce Cockburn
Alex mentioned Neil’s daughter Selena dying. Very noble and caring. She passed away in a car accident August 1997. Her mother Jackie couldn’t sleep unless medicated, and she’d pass out with a picture of her daughter cradled in her arms. She herself died soon after from the enormous stress which brought about terminal cancer. This is data from Peart’s book Ghost Rider. Peart’s true tragedy began long before he was laid to rest.
I think every Rush fan found out about this when Rush's output and activity came to a complete standstill for several years. The book detailed Neil's travelogue mentally as well as literally but the outline of his loss was widespread news at the time as it explained why Rush had to stop. Most of us I'm sure thought that was the end. Even when they came back, louder live and relishing in those anniversary tours, I'm sure I'm not the only one who felt that it still cast a shadow somewhat over Neil. At very least I was aware that he was coming back in spite of what had happened rather than managing to move on entirely.
Grief. One person said to me once "You never get over it. Only used to it."
@@davidsanderson5918 There is a shadow cast upon the rest of the life of everyone who suffers a profound loss. It's part of being human. We learn how to deal with it, but we never get over it.
I read that book... tragic. Everybody wants to be Peart and then, no one wants to be him.
Yet he still gave us all he had...
After the loss of his wife and daughter, even when he smiled there was this grey haze behind his eyes, hard to compare it to anything but a victim of some horrible crime or a holocaust surviver. Absolutely crushed beyond anything I can comprehend. It was rough to watch from a distance. And I didn't even know the guy. But bless his soul he had the capacity to Love on a very deep level. I could sense this somehow. It was the first time in my life I cried and begged mercy for a soul that wasn't a nuclear family member. I know it may sound strange to feel for a stranger like that. But it happened.....
Absolutely masters of their craft, all three of them. And such good people too. Neil was the first celebrity I ever shed tears for. The world lost such a brilliant musician that day.
Me too. I've never gotten so emotional after the passing of a musician. I grew up in Memphis and when Elvis died, women on my street and everywhere were crying. I always thought that was silly. I understand now.
Neil, Prince, and SRV for me…
Don Knotts
I feel your pain Alex. I’ve been a huge fan for 40 years and Neil is the reason I’m a musician. I’m 52, divorced and lost both my parents all within a 5 year period. I’ve had to change jobs 3 times and struggle with depression. Loss of so many who I love made me quit playing guitar and break my band up. Praying for you and Ged and your families.🇺🇸
Hang in there, brother.
I hope you are in a better place today.
Follow the path that Alex followed. Good luck to you
Brother, letting you know that you are loved by many...
As Rush would say “Take yourself a friend. Keep ‘‘em till the end”
These three are FAMILY.
Tremendous human beings.
I know! That’s one of the things that makes Rush so special, they’re FRIENDS! I bet not too many days go by between visits, hanging out, etc. You can pick any of a number of bands where it seems half the members can’t stand the others, or one member is domineering and expects the others to fall in line, etc. For them it’s just a business, just a job, they don’t see each other and hardly ever talk when not recording or touring. Probably not very often then, either!
They broke all the rules for bands. They got along, didn’t overdose, didn’t sue each other, didn’t bad mouth each other, didn’t get divorced, and didn’t father children all over the place. They were three guys that mastered their crafts
@@NH2112 Yes Journey comes to mind. Rush was totally different from them and many others. Just incredible musicians, and more than that, down to earth people. RIP Neil.
He said everybody knew he was sick for 3.5 years. Then he said not publicly. What amazing friends to be able to respect and love him enough to keep it private in their circle. Wow! That is huge. Not only some of the best musicians of their time but some of the closest friends to each other.
TP- I mean, it's great that they respected him but, it's not really asking much of such close friends. If one of my best friends was dying from brain cancer and asked me not to tell anyone, I would have no trouble at all respecting his request and keep it a secret. Would you?
What hurts the most about my Mother, is that she hid the truth from me. She KNEW. And told NO ONE!
Still, 18 years later, I am angry. I, "kinda" understand why she kept her secret.
I might, in the condition. It still really hurts. 18 years later.
Just not as bad. Got sent home from work several times, because the wound was so deep.
I was there physically. But could not function.
Thank you, Mom.
Betty Gail Murphy, for giving me life. I am still licking the wound you left in me by telling me you were getting better.
So much, I wanted to say. The doctors said You were improving. You would be HOME.
Mom, sometimes I want to die. Just to have a chance to catch a glimpse of you. And say, "Thank you".
@@donaldmurphy3148 Hang in there, buddy. Praying that you might feel a sense of peace.✌️
@@donaldmurphy3148 Im sorry, I was in the same boat, My mom battled cancer for 4 years, She never told me just how bad it was getting, She was supposed to come home the next day and was in the hospital, I had this urge to go see her, I couldn't shake it, So I went and that is when she told me that she wasn't coming home and good bye.
I never was mad at her because I understood what she was doing, She was trying to spare me even more grief from worry, She wanted me to live a normal life and not be consumed by her illness, She passed 6 days before my 18th birthday. That was 33 years ago, I still think of her everyday, I still tear up.
I hope you find the knowledge of what she was thinking and I hope you find peace
Can you imagine how incredible it is, that it remained a secret? How over 3 yrs goes by and no one let it slip...
What a class act human being, so sincere and real.
I'm 56 yrs old, now... and rush has been my #1 favorite band since 1982, AND THEY STILL ARE.
YOU GUYS TOTALLY BLOW MY MIND. BLESSINGS TO YOU GUYS. HUGS AND KISSES TOO.
NEIL... YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
ALEX AND GEDDY... I HOPE YOU TWO CONTINUE TO LAUGH AND ENJOY YOUR FAMILIES..
Me too!, big fan since 1981 I am 58, THIS IS MY BAND!, ( the first album I bought was 2112)
Feel for Alex and Geddy. Losing a lifetime friend who just happened to be one of the best drummers in musical history.
oh i know! but he's not lost! we have not heard the last of these , uh, favorites of ours!
@Barry Katz yer talkin' to one of the best listeners! can ya speak a trifle louder? , haha!
when someone so close to you passes away you are never prepared even if you take time to get used to the idea that he'll soon go away and never come back. Because he's still alive with you, on your side and you don't think about it too much, you want to enjoy the best you can with him. And deep within you hope one day he comes along saying "hey, I am well, I'm not going to die anymore!"... But it doesnt happen. and one day you receive a call while you're going to see him home and hear on the other side: "don't come, he's gone.". You're never prepared. When it hits you it's like a train coming towards you at 200mph speed. It shatters your heart.
and he was YOUR drummer.
Mr. Blackmon, where you are is good music and where good music is... well, I seem to find you.
Last time it was Santana at Woodstock video I believe.
One last thing, anyone reading this who can't play guitar, Mr. Blackmonis a good instructor. He is simple(for our sake not his), he's NOT super extravagant with alot of charts and stuff to eventually complicate the whole thing. He speaks plain and explains most all of what he is doing. So you don't need to be good b4 you even start. How could you, really? Thanks everyone, thanks a ton Mr.B.
Your friend from one state up. You're in SC, right?
Alex is such a class act. Yes, he’s a goof, but he’s an immensely talented, caring, intelligent and fun goof. This interview is a great example of why Rush is so beloved by their fans. Those three giants of music are humble, compassionate and very decent men. The untimely loss of Neil is unfair, painful and difficult to process even now... and that’s coming from a mere fan.
Couldn't have said it better myself....Saw Rush a few times, the last time was their "Time Machine" tour. The performed the whole Moving Pictures album - by far my favorite from them. It was extraordinary!
oh i know! the only thing tougher, i bet, would be, if they'd never been so lucky, or fortunate, or worthy, or what-have-ya, to be in the coolest-band-of-all-time, --y'know, like the rest of us! the rest, is a very *big*, y'know, rest! haha~! respecto!
@@studio151llc5 I would love to have seen Witch Hunt and Vital Signs. Must have been awesome!
It's so hard to shine when you have 2 of the best musicians ever on each side of you. I saw a Rolling Stone "100 greatest guitarists" issue and Alex was #86! I literally laughed out loud 🤣. I mean, c'mon...that solo in Limelight is pure genius and, that's one of many. Jimi Hendrix is always #1 but Sky Dog was in the top 5 and that got me thinking 🤔. If you could resurrect Duane Allman and Jimi Hendrix...they would be baffled by Alex's ability to play guitar 🎸!!!
@@robertthompson5568 respecto! did i mention, alex could probly even kick al dimeola's ass, guitar-wise, i mean! he'd give him a run for his money, anyways, ha ha! but i know, i know, it's not a contest, but we know who belongs on mt. rushmore most, so t'speak, eh? big-league! it must be incredibly humbling, wow!
This man is a gift. What a genuine, sweet soul.
I just lost a close friend who was sick for 12 years. His loss was and still is devastating. Love your music Alex. Thanks for sharing.
He’s such a classy, humble guy!
The debate about whether Alex Lifeson is one of the all time great guitarists will go on. The debate about whether Alex Lifeson is one of the nicest people to ever play guitar is closed.
If anyone is arguing against the former, just... slowly... back away... then.... TURN AND RUN LIKE HELL!
It just goes to show that when you become famous you can still get on be one of the kindest and most humble people. My one musical regret is that for reasons unknown I never saw Rush live, for some reason I never got around to it. I have most of their stuff and I love their music. RIP Neil, thankfully your music will live on long forever.
Well said brother.
he's my favorite guitarist
Truly great guy 1st is most important, as for great guitarist, no question, the best guitarist? It's all a matter of taste and the mood I'm in, so that will reflect on the music I am listening to.
RIP Professor Neil Peart- Alex and Geddy are golden as well - LOVE their intense music - everything from their early works with John Rutsey - may he rest in peace- through now. Alex, you're a beautiful soul- thank you for paying tribute to one of the greatest drummers ever, and to your friend. God Bless
I remember the day he passed. My dad sat me down and told me like he was telling me a family member had passed... I was completely shocked! I usually listen to all sorts of music throughout my week, but not that week. That week I only listened to Rush and every time I would hear a snare or crash go off, I would cry. We miss you Neil!
I was driving on the highway when I found out. My friend texted it to me....I damn near crashed my car. The news hit me like a ton of bricks
@@ZEPPELIN198 Good thing you didn't crash.
My son called me and told me.
I literally felt my breath taken away and my heart break.
My son and I talked the day Neil passed. We were both shocked. We cried and expressed to one another how the loss affected us. we though of Alex and Geddy..and of course Neil's wife and family. It is a strange and beautiful thing that Rush has done. Beyond the music, beyond the stage and studio, Rush brought together fans in friendships that lead to familial bonds. My son and I are both musicians and music lovers. Rush was, is, one of our fav..if not our fav, band. I still shed a tear now and then when I hear Neil's familiar fills, his hi hat work, those cowbells! We lost many a great musician in the past few years. Neil, Eddie Van Halen, David Bowie are the ones that affected most. Not since the passing of Stevie Ray Vaughan in Aug of 1990 have I been affected so.
I was on my way home from work, and the radio DJ said something along the lines of "...rocks greatest drummer" and I started tearing up instantly, I knew what he was going to say. Then I pulled over and head the announcement that "Perhaps rocks greatest drummer has passed away today. Neil Peart of RUSH was 67 years old." I cried for 15 minutes before I could get back on the road. I've been a fan since I was maybe 10 or 11, when I heard All The Worlds A Stage and it blew my young mind. My whole life was listening to their music, and getting so excited with every new album they released.
RIP Professor.
You can feel the hurt in his voice. My heart goes out to Neil’s family and friends. I will miss seeing Rush live, but I will always have the music.
SO much music! Rush was one of the hardest working bands of all time. I’m so glad I got to see them live once.
It's true .. their concerts were events, man .. people that weren't hardcore Rush fans won't get it, although watching that final documentary did a great job of documenting the fan aspect of the band
I’ve seen Rush several times myself and will also miss seeing them play again, but the next best thing to seeing/hearing them play will be going to the RUSH Farewell to Kings tribute tour by Primus this August at Marymoor park in Kirkland Wa. with my son.
Not often you see Alex so serious. Usually just having fun and being goofy... enjoying life. Just goes to show the bond these 3 guys have. Brothers. Family. And the fact they kept Neil's illness quiet, no matter what. It's no wonder they lasted as long as they did. These guys are the very definition of class.
Well said and I have to add that Rush’s fans are the coolest people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. When you meet a fellow Rush fan, it’s like you have an instant bond and an instant friend. Their music made us that way and could there be a more meaningful legacy?
Yes, just watch the video on TH-cam entitled “Dinner with Rush” You see their love And closeness
The Three Stooges
He does have a great sense of humor!!! Saw him on Trailer Park Boys, one of the funniest shows I have ever seen........................
To have probably one of the best drummers ever. It's hard to play music when you spent most of your life touring and then it stops. Hope Alex is doing well.
Words can't even convey the appreciation and love I have for this band. I literally grew up with them.
Beautiful human being. Thanks for taking my hand in 1979 Al.
It meant a lot.
You can tell his heart is broken. He lost a brother - physically, musically, and spiritually.
It broke me listening to him.
I don't cry often at rockstars passing, but when the Neil news broke, I had to sit down a while and process it. Then I teared up.
wouldn't it be sorta the same, tho, after each album? because, y'know, there it was! it could only ever then be re-lived, but like, not-really, now it would live forever, and be permanent!
GO LEAFS GO. Neil Peart!
Not interested in the drama.. Love the music
I don't think I've ever admired a group both collectively and individually as much as Rush.
Rush fans are generally good people too. (As opposed to fans of another prog trio who shall remain nameless.)
@@1cr19 Ahhhh please do tell.😊
Nailed it, Rush is greater than the sum of its parts. If that makes sense.
Yeah, mad respect!🤘😪
Why?
WHO IN THE HELL gives this video, of a man pouring his heart and soul out over the loss of his friend, a thumbs down?? There are some truly lost and depraved people in this world. Thank you for sharing Lerxst!
You must be new here. lol
I know exactly what he’s talking about, my dad passed away from cancer and it was incredibly hard to move forward, but once a year passed it got easier. my dad was a musician and once he passed I became motivated to learn how to play guitar on my own and I’ve now been playing for 15 years. And the music my dad introduced to me as a kid was Rush. God bless Alex, geddy, and all of Neil’s family.
I highly recommend looking up on TH-cam dinner with Rush the three of them eating and it got filmed it’s hysterical and heartwarming
I wasn't expecting that to be good, but it's definitely worthwhile
@James Murray, I did watch the dinner with Rush, and it truly was a treat for me, a very long time Rush fan every since a friend of mine that I grew up with, and whose much older cousin was a bit of a vagabond or traditional "Blues traveler," were he would circumvent this big blueish green marble we live on... "mother earth" in an oddly unique quest to find the roots of music. Albeit, Rock, funk, blues, soul, country, proggy, metal, easy listening... truly the list is long!! However, he was looking for those who changed the norm, those who elevated their craft in the music scene beyond the mundane, it truly did not matter to Gary where he found it or how long it took him to catalog it all. Soooo, it was a late summer day in 1974 we were at Davies house and trying to get in as much fun as we could before school would start again. Gary stopped in to see his Aunt and cousin at the house, it had been over a year since Davie and family and friends had seen him. He was all excited, animated even in describing this band of three guys who he had trudged through the snow of winter to hear in Toronto at this bar in a hotel of all places. Now, Gary was a huge Uriah Heep fanatic and caught them in Pennsylvania, in the early spring, I think it was in Pittsburgh. But this band he had seen open for Uriah, and if memory serves me, I think there was a third band as well as Gary had said... But, it was the same band he saw in a Toronto hotel, but only difference he said was their drummer was different, "it was not this cat John, but a different guy named Neil!!" And "holy shit" Gary said, "this new guy is an absolute drumming monster!!" And something along the lines of, "he is twice as fast as a rattle snake!!" Gary must have said that a dozen times at least. He was head over heals for this band "RUSH" and that was when, in a cool January day in 1975 a couple of friends and I skipped school and drove to the city of Binghamton and went to a record, cassette and eight track music store and I scored my first "RUSH" album!! It had a white jacket and the words "RUSH" in hot pink-ish bubble font splased across the front!! A life long love affair with all things "RUSH" ensued... Of course concert after concert, they just never got old, or stale for me!! I too am a drummer who followed in my dad's footsteps, who he worshipped the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa. Bands that went from the swing of "Guy Lombardo," to the jazzy "Fifth Dimension," to horn bands like "Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass!!" It is said to know that the three piece band that is "RUSH," will not be doing what they did so well, for so long!! But, we all know the genius of those three men, who changed soooo much, including a few plays on their own birth given names to make music that will still be cutting edge for decades to come!! And seeing those three at dinner in a quiet restaurant, where AL and Ged toasted their success with fine wine, and Neil, well he just stuck to water and coffee...!! But the little gifts that were given were best played by Alex when he threw caution to the wind, and stashed it in his mouth!!!!
ANYWAY, KEEP ON KEEPING ON BROTHER ROCKERS!!!!!!
PEACE 🤘🏼!!!!!!!
it's amazing. they laugh so much. pure joy of brotherhood.
That was from (or perhaps included) in a documentary on them titled “Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage.” Excellent film and anyone who considers themselves a Rush fan would be doing themselves a favor to see it, IMO.
I just looked it up on here and see that the documentary I mentioned only had excerpts from it. Good find. Thanks.
Alex, you didn't waste the last 10 months. That was some of the time you needed to grieve your good friend. That is not time wasted.
Amen to that.
Well Said♡ I'm surprised it was only 10 months and not 10yrs. Neil was not only a bandmate he was family and a best friend. It takes time to process that kind of grief and loss. I'm so glad I got to see Rush several times in concert. I saw first hand the brotherhood and love these three men had for each other.
Well said. Grief is never wasted. It is the final and most enduring act of love one can give.
Yes, what you said… after losing a bunch of people in my life as a teenager and feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed by the grief and cruelty of life everywhere… my Mom sat across from me at our kitchen table and said this…
“You are like bread (???).. all these people, alive or dead are the ingredients.. they are part of you. You mix those ingredients together and then it takes some time to allow them to combine, integrate and then a bit of time to chill and then rise.. only then can you bake it and be the best of yourself.”
So strange to think about it now at 56 years old.. Rush and Neil are ingredients for me.. and the insights and clarity of Subdivisions, Time Stand Still, Limelight helped me define what was, and is important to learn as a young man.
@@ShroudedDay true.
I always found that after you mourn the loss of someone so close to you, all the greatest, warmest memories flood back to you like a warm blanket. Sharing those memories with those that were in the same circle of friends or family are some of the fondest memories of my life so far.
Will never be another Neil.😢 My husband introduced me to Rush...opening me up to a whole new world of music. I lost him last September and we shared 46 years of rockin' with Rush.❤
Just wanted to say hi. Sorry for your loss. They call me the working man. I guess that's what I am. RIP to your husband and Mr Peart....
Can you imagine being a giant in the history books of rock n roll? He's so humble and human. ....and terribly underrated.
He’s not underrated. No way. He’s name checked by so many people, Canadian awards and also American. Rock HOF too. No one in Rush is underrated
@@jimmatherly He means under appreciated as a whole!
Everyone in the music world knows Alex is a phenomenal guitar player - even those who are not huge Rush fans do respect all three guys great deal. Saying he's underrated is incorrect in my opinion.
He is one of the very few guitar players who's playing is very difficult to emulate and play covers of. Very unique, original style and quite difficult as well.
we can probly never understand! maybe it takes forty, or maybe a hundred years or somethin'...
@@batphink2655 but he's not ! He's a musical giant and most everyone agrees
There is no way that Neil Peart would want his friends to stop playing music, no matter what.
I have to believe this to be true.
Agreed
Cannot replace neil.the best look up you tube Neil's golden drum set his practice drums
They are solid pure gold !
@@franksmith7959 It would not matter if Neil were playing on the biggest and best set in the world, or a 3 piece practice set. Neil Peart was the best.
This band was my best friend during my teenage years and now at 50 I’m designing a stereo system in my vehicle that is custom tailored to crank digitally re-mastered Rush tunes…….very loudly.
Neil will be missed greatly but his spirit lives on in my stereo.
I still shed tears over Neil's passing. It is utterly heart breaking especially when you consider the heart ache poor Neil endured during his life time. Thanks to Neil I learned how to play drums and percussion.
this guy is a guitar beast, just a monster of rock yet so humble and sweet...you could pass him in the supermarket aisle and ask him to reach the cans on the high shelf for you and he'd apologize for not doing it sooner
That is as true of a statement about the decency and humility of Alex Lifeson as I have ever read.
He truly would react in that manner.
Wonderful point
That’s a perfect statement to describe Alex (an incredibly gifted musician), but a good man nonetheless.
Geddy is like that too. Only other rock bass legend I know of to be so humble is my own countrys Steve Harris. Its so refreshing to see a very non celebrity type celebrity. They know how talented and influential they are. So they dont need to flaunt and jerk their egos. Just normal men
I couldn't believe it. I remember for a long time wondering why Neil wasn't updating his website because I used to go there regularly to read his posts. I am a big fan of his books. I was hoping he was working on another book and thinking "i can't wait to read it". My heart is still broken. I feel for all his friends and family. If fans like me loved him so much, I can't imagine what it was like to be his family or close friends, or Geddy & Alex and lose him.
In retrospect, it wasn't odd at all. Privately and without anyone drawing attention to him is exactly how you'd expect Neil to deal with such a terrible illness.
I love your compassion for humanity !
God takes the great people like Neil to fast.. saw rush 9 times a nd my eyes were on Neil 90 percent of the time every time, still watch his drum only videos very often he was the greatest... what a master technician of the drums... Rest In Peace professor peart
Alex and Geddy if you ever see these comments just know what a profound impact your music and Neil's lyrics have made on so many people. "After Image" helped me to process the death of my father. And there are so many of your other songs that have helped me through the years.
I was at work when I heard the news about Neil and I immediately walked to the bathroom and cried. We have lost a lot of musicians that I have loved but none of them had the impact that Neil had on me. He will be missed by so many.
I too hope my heroes GEDDY and ALEX see our praises,
Can’t even imagine how much time these 3 spent together. They were basically brothers. Impossible to comprehend hundreds of hours in studio and all the touring? Just crazy. Love Rush!
two thumbs up to you!!
Note that Rush were not drug addicts and not drunks; like so many R&R bands. Being clear-headed was key to their longevity and creativity!
Thousands of hours-
It's still so hard to believe he's not with us anymore... RIP Professor.😥
He lost a brother and Alex is such a real and genuine man. RUSH is family
Glad to see Alex get back into playing music again. That really worried me about him, because music is his strength to deal with the lost of Neil. I’m very happy to see this video. RUSH, the greatest band in the world, with music that lives on 4EVER….
He just needed time. Neil would not want him to waste his talent.
No matter how prepared you are.....you're never prepared. R.I.P. Neil. And Godspeed to his two soul brothers, friends and family.
So humble and down to earth for a man of his accomplishments. When I was in my teens I had Rush posters all over my walls and looked at him as some kind of Rock and Roll god. Now we're both a lot older and I could imagine sitting down with him and having an intimate conversation.
Same here ! Still have the memorabilia and all but yes
Would love to just speak as people with Alex
Love the Aunt Esther! ;)
“Some sort of rock and roll god”, forget that, he’s the patron saint of prog
I too, would enjoy a lunch or something with Alex or Geddy. To me, they have it all. The talent, brotherly love, true life friends that is so rare, not only in these days, but any days. Love is a beautiful thing. Very inspirational. And the intellect, my goodness there is no shortage of that. I could just sit and absorb the life experiences these guys have endured. It would be a blessing indeed 😊
You can hear the pain in his voice but that probably doesn't come close to the pain in his heart. It must have been a great ride with three people who got along and had fun which is rare in bands of this longevity. Thank you all for the great music. Neil was and is a hero of mine.
Well that honesty and awesomeness just put a few tears in my eyes. Tears of Joy.
Because of RUSH....
I appreciate the music I am able to play and approach every musician I Jam with as a GIFT!
Those Canadian Three Stooges are
LEGEND!!!!
The impact that Neil has made on so many percussionists such as myself really can’t be explained. Rush always pushed the envelope to new heights! Always challenging me as well to push deeper than I ever thought I could as a percussionist. I thank him for that. Individuals the like of Neil Peary only come once in a life time. His lyrical ability was second to none as well! You will never be forgotten my Brother, but you will always truly be missed by us all. Michael J.
Yes, we can talk about their incredible talent, but first and foremost, the members of Rush have always been humble, authentic, and relatable. RIP, Neil.
To this I have always said "R"eluctant "U"shers of "S"piritual "H"armony is my ACRO! RIP Neil
Alex, my thoughts at prayers are with you and Geddy. We all miss Neil. Happy to hear you are playing again.
I am way more thankful that he lived than I am sad that he died...... Neil's legacy is set.... his inspiring lyrics and music will live forever!
The one thing a band of their magnitude never experiences is the individual depth of appreciation each of their audiences feel through time. They were the soundtrack for my life for many years. They were almost like a ‘long distance friend’ who was always there to say the right thing. So beloved they are! *RUSH* ❤
Oh Al... We know you’re hurting friend. You’re such a good person and we can’t even imagine losing someone like Neil. Thank you for your openness here and to this channel for providing this interview segment.
Can’t be easy. RIP Neil. So sad he’s gone.
It really touches my heart to hear just how human we all are
What an eloquent and articulate explanation of his feelings regarding the death of his old friend. We all struggle with such things, yet his words gave me some perspective.
I stupidly thought I could watch this without crying.
@M Brownie...Me too..RIP Neal..You're DEARLY missed!!.
I'm with you there! Just wiped away a tear. I can relate to Alex's pain in a creative and personal sense. My Dad passed away in 2002 and I found I was so broken up about it that I couldn't continue with the novel I was writing. It didn't help that the scene I was working on at the time was set in a hospital with a young boy fighting for his life. It took me ages to get back to writing again. Every time I tried to write something I thought of my Dad. But after a certain time of grieving I was able to write again. Alex is so right about leaving yourself time to overcome a loss.
I cried my eyes out the day I heard of Neil's passing, I am a huge RUSH fan, I miss them....
I was doing good until I read your comment. Now I'm bawling.
@@darrenprivate4391 Sorry, but it's better to let it out.
« We thought we would be prepared for the end when it came, and we weren’t ». He just described perfectly how you feel when you lose someone who’s been sick for a long time. You know it’s coming, you know it’s even gonna be a relief to some extent, yet when it happens... it hits you in ways you didn’t even know existed.
Truth. This was the case when my father passed. You think you’re prepared until happens.
Imagine that you were lied to.
"I'm in remission"
"I'm gonna be okay"
Then get a phone call. I woke-up just before my phone rang. I knew something was wrong.
Mom is in the hospital. My Dad told me. She fell in the shower. Broke her hip.
You go to see her. Look into the room and don't recognize her. But, a nurse walks you to that same room.
And there is my father holding her hand. But she didn't look like herself.
She was supposed to get better. Then I got a call from my Dad.
For the first time in my LIFE, I heard him cry.
My Mother was gone.
Her Favorite song was, "Dancing Queen", by ABBA.
Every time I hear that song, I'm riding in the station-wagon with her.
She sings along with the song and drives.
Sometimes that song hurts too much.
I was given a cassette tape of subdivision in my freshmen year. I was hooked and the girl who gave me the tape never got it back. Saw rush 6 times. Thier music is so incredible. Alex lifelong inspired me to pick a guitar up. If I couldn't buy tickets I would wait in the concert parking lot until I got some. Thanks for reading let's keep RUSH ALIVE
I still cry when I watch Rush videos. Its not possible to overstate Neil Pearts talent and influence or to quantify the enormity of the loss to music his passing leaves.
Met Alex 30 years ago at his house, inadvertantly, I was selling restaurant coupons. He took the time to answer a few of my questions. A real down to earth guy. Saw Rush at least once in every decade. Warms my heart to see Alex smile again. Great interview.
Lucky man
Similar "story" with me - I met him a dozen times at his house "selling cat diapers". He was so nice that I was never sure he suspected I was fan stalking him.
Alex still sounds deeply affected by Peart’s passing!!! Neil went through some really tough times!! He didn’t deserve that ending that took his life!!!!!
Three awesome human beings and awesome band gave so many years of awesome music thank you to each and everyone of you Neil is greatly missed.
What a classy guy. All 3 of them, truly.
He is still in pain, its so palpable...grief never ends, you just adjust your life around the loss...May God’s peace surround this family of Neils and their music is enshrined forever in our hearts
WR Sporing you are so right grief never ends you just learn to live with it. My sister and is the only members left in our family.
We can walk our road together
If our goals are all the same
We can run alone and free
If we pursue a different aim
Let the truth of love be lighted
Let the love of truth shine clear
Sensibility, armed with sense and liberty
With the Heart and Mind united in a single perfect Sphere...
@@tortillasarenotbiceps7622 nice! i was gonna say, if you identify too much with a name, or for too long, it might start to 'fit' too well! and so it might be hard to get thru to some folks, but relyin' on some name, is for poseurs, man! respecto!
"A spirit with a vision is a dream with a mission" Thank you Neil, Alex, and Geddy for more than 40 years of amazing music.
Best comment
You are beautiful souls Alex. The world was blessed to have been able to live vicariously through your music. I can't think of a single group that puts together so much joy in the world of rock and is such a pleasure to watch over and over. God Bless you all!
The most beautiful aspect of Rush was their immense love and respect for each other....that is where their music lies.....it is in within that love! That is their Greatness!!!
And their down-to-earth-ness
You are so right. I never realized how close they really were until after Neil’s passing. If you haven’t seen it, watch a video called “dinner with Rush” it’s just them having dinner together, talking laughing and drinking. It’s great
Anyone who has had a family member or friend pass away from cancer knows the pain of watching, waiting, and when it happens after a long process it leaves everyone drained but kind of relieved that the person is no longer suffering. As time passes so does the pain but there are always moments of that person we remember like a pilot light that never goes out that makes you smile of the good times you had with that family member or friend.
I know this sounds kind of crazy, but I feel like I know these guys as friends. I have been listening to them since their first album came out, going to there concerts and buying their music, t-shirts and all sorts of Rush memorabilia. Not to mention all the interviews over the years. They have been a huge part of my life.
Begin the day with a friendly voice, a companion unobtrusive.
Plays that song that's so elusive and the magic music makes your morning move.....
More like family.
They do feel like family. My brother loved them so I listened to them since I was four in the early 70s. Such a huge part of my life.
There's nothing more a band can get out of their fans.When your fans feel they know you like living with you and see you like family or you,the fan,feel like you wrote the songs because they match so much..
That's a win,that is the ultimate honor you can get.Priceless!
You can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend! ;)
Honest emotions. God bless Neil, Alex, Geddy, and their families and team. I miss them all.
Amazing interview. Such openness and transparency. Love the humanity of this band.
Will never forget when I heard of his death. Time stood still.
I didn't know that he passed until September.
I felt so ashamed for some reason that I didn't find out as soon as he passed.
RIP Señor Peart.
I see what u did there. And yes, it was one of those 'I remember where I was when...'. I felt a sadness that I don't usually have when it's someone I've never even met.
"Time stand still". That song gave me a chill when I heard it the first time. Been a favorite ever since.
Life passes too quickly.
Some things should be, "Second Nature".
@@donaldmurphy3148 I remember playing on a swingset outside of my house while listening on the radio through the kitchen window. Time Stand Still was the first rush song I remember as a child.
My girlfriend died of cancer after a five-year fight. I thought I would be more emotionally ready for it than I was. That was three years ago and I'm still struggling with the grief. You're rarely, if ever, prepared for that degree of loss.
It may not help when it happens, but I'll remember what you and Alex said.
✝️
For me, it was my wife in our forties. We just got our first house. That was 16 years ago. Yep, it will always hurt. Sorry!
Love light and blessings...we all grieve in our own way. Time doesn't always heal wounds lovey...😔🦋🤘🙏🏻
Yeah, sometimes seeing it coming doesn't help at all.
I became conscious of RUSH in 1979 when I heard The Spirit Of Radio. Changed my life. RUSH went right to the top of my favorite band list and never left. I love these guys. Signals was my first and their last tour was my last concert, with ten in between. Thank You, Alex, Geddy and Neil.
I will listen to RUSH on my deathbed.
Alex, thank you for all the years and various sounds. I'm glad you are digging back into doing more.
Just to remember these huge music legends are human beings too.
Great human beings at that!
How could this band not be great? Each member was one of the best musicians in the world on each one of their instruments.
I just had an unpleasant encounter with a 20 year old hair metal maniac (that claims to be a true metal fan) who pretty much dissed Neil when I asked him in the comment section at one of his videos why he did not do a Neil Peart tribute video - and he mocked me for being a "Rush fanboy." He added that he could care less about Neil's passing. He likewise refused to acknowledge NP's tremendous drumming talent or the FACT that he's a HUGE influence on the metal genre. So judging by HIS logic - Poison is a better rock band than Rush lol. What a dummy!
Thank you to the interviewer for not interrupting. Hard to watch but inspiring to know Alex is still making music.
I’ve never met this man but his music and specifically his guitar playing means more to me than almost everything …he’s one of the greatest rock guitar players of all time and is constantly under appreciated….absolute legend
No matter how much time you have to prepare for someone’s passing, you’re never prepared for it when it comes. Neil is sorely missed. 💜🙏🏻
I was in Maui, Hi last year the week Neil passed away. I’m back in Maui this week for vacation and to pay my respect to Neil again, the greatest progressive to ever play and live. Mahalo Neil!
My heart just goes out to this guy. The grief has been overwhelming, I’m sure, but it sounds like he’s been processing it in a healthy way. As someone very familiar with the grief journey myself, I wish I could give him a hug. 💜
RIP, Neil. Alex, thank you for speaking/sharing. Make Weird Music - thank you for posting/sharing.
I have a new respect for the band because Lifeson is expressing his heartfelt affection for Peart and he makes it clear Peart was more a friend than a drummer.
And the men who hold high places, must be the ones who start, to mold a new reality, closer to the heart.
Congratulations on a lifetime of greatness sir. Glad you are beginning to heal from a terrible loss. My deepest condolences. You 3 guys are not only the most original and phenomenal musicians but great human beings as well.
So glad your feeling inspiration again. 🙏🏼
I’m so glad to hear you say that Alex, take all the time you need to mourn such a loss