During a conversation with Twisted Sister’s Mark Mendoza internet show ”22 Now”, drummer Mike Portnoy talked about Rush, and how it would have been if he would be chosen to tour with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, as a replacement of late Rush drummer Neil Peart.
Here’s what Mike said:
“Of course. That would be a dream to play with those guys. But I don’t wanna see the Blabbermouth headline right now, me thinking that I deserve the gig. I’m not saying that. You’re asking me a question. Hypothetically, of course, it would be a dream come true. Neil was my hero, and always will be, and Geddy and Alex are as well.
“I don’t think in a million years they’ll play without him; I really don’t. But in a hypothetical dream scenario, I mean, come on — of course. But I don’t think in a zillion years it will happen. But it’s a nice dream to hypothetically wonder about. But I honestly don’t think it would ever happen. But who knows? You never know.
“As much as hypothetically it would be fun, it would be amazing, it would also be an impossible role to fill. It’s a no-win situation. Really, it would be impossible, ’cause his fans are as obsessive as they get — and count me amongst them. So, yeah, that would be a tough one.”
21 comments
It would not be Rush anymore. Don’t get me wrong Alex and Geddy are great musicians but it was Peart’s lyrics and mastery of the drum that pulled it all together
Pearl’s lyrics wtf?
Peart wad Rush’s chief lyricist.
Yup, like Neil Peart wrote the lyrics for Rush
Yeah, Peart’s lyrics.
Neil wrote the lyrics to most, if not all, Rush songs – you didn’t know that?
Oh, I see now – Pearl? LOL Nope Pearl did not write Rush’s lyrics but, Peart did!
I get the drum part but not the lyric comment, I mean it’s not like they would be changing the lyrics if they played so what exactly would they be missing in that aspect?
I’m sure musically it would be great. Geddy’s voice is waning now anyway, so best to let Rush retire gracefully.
It doesn’t have to be under the name “Rush” but why not as “Lee, Lifeson, Portnoy”?
What the hell im sure Neil would have approved!
Rush is no more, but I would like to see Ged and Alex stage a Rush Neil Peart Tribute Residency for a few weeks in a few destination cities (NYC, LA, Vegas, Cleveland, Toronto, & Vancouver) with themselves in their usual roles and a number of guest drummers rotating in and out during the show. Portnoy, Smith, Sorum, Cameron, Copeland, Alexander and so on. Friends of the band, friends of Neil. This would put a beautiful bow on their legacy.
This should absolutely happen. Neal would have approved. They should tour as Testing for Echo’s and play Rush and new material. It would be epic and Portnoy is the only guy that could make it work in talent and spirit.
That’s still too touchy of a subject , ya know
Wouldn’t work on every level. Thousands of drummers know the notes. Some much better than Portnoy. But even playing the right notes doesn’t say anything about style, touch and feel. You can copy the notes all you want. You can’t copy Neil’s feel for playing those same notes. Rush gave us enough. Why is this still a topic?
The real issue is Geddy’s vocal range. Portnoy would be a very capable replacement. Hardcore Rush fans believe the band is almost angelic when the fact is they are just a totally awesome band.
wow wow wow! it’s best message for today
You honor someone’s legacy by keeping it going.
Or if it was only Geddy Lee from Rush and Lifeson wasn’t involved, they could call it “Geddy Lee & the Music of Rush”
A tribute to Neil we miss Rush and Neil honor his legacy by getting back together!!!!
…Portnoy is NOT Canadian enough