Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers recently engaged in a conversation with Danny Wimmer, shedding light on his experience of sharing the stage with Rush legends Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at Taylor Hawkins’ tribute concert in Los Angeles last year. During the interview, Chad expressed his optimism for a potential Rush reunion, suggesting that their collaborative performance had rekindled the spark. He emphasized the irreplaceable void left by the late Neil Peart, who had been an integral part of the band for over four decades.
Smith elaborated on their renewed enthusiasm, remarking, “I think revisiting this Taylor Hawkins event has reenergized Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, making them ponder the possibility of a reunion. Neil’s absence was a monumental loss; you simply cannot replace someone like him. He had been their drummer for over 40 years.”
Continuing, he added, “Nevertheless, at the end of the day, they thought, ‘This is who we are; it’s what we’ve always done.’ Why should they stop doing what they excel at? They can still perform exceptionally well, so perhaps this experience will serve as inspiration for them.”
In addition to their collaboration during Taylor’s tribute concert, Chad Smith also discussed Geddy and Alex’s joint performance with Primus at the ‘South Park’ 25th-anniversary concert last summer. He suggested that this unique experience might have further encouraged Lee and Lifeson to contemplate a Rush reunion. Smith explained, “Seeing those guys thoroughly enjoying their return to the stage was remarkable. Another noteworthy event was when Geddy and Alex joined the South Park crew at Red Rocks. They played alongside the Primus guys, recreating tracks from albums like ‘Moving Pictures’ and ‘Hemispheres.'”
Chad went on to express, “Their enthusiasm for these performances was palpable, and it’s evident that they miss playing together. While Neil may no longer be with us, their passion for making music remains undiminished. They still possess the desire to play.”
For a more in-depth look at Chad Smith’s interview with Danny Wimmer Presents, you can watch the video below.
31 comments
I think that a Rush reunion would be good for the soul even though we are so used to see the 3 of them together with Neil and all. I dont think that Chad Smith is the drummer for them. Alex and Geddy could attract just about any drummer with the music that they play especially one that plays with the precision of Neil Peart and the way he played was so perfect. I hate when I see a song that is played totally different by another musician and it doesnt sound right. As for the replacement that would be a tall order for anyone. Who would that be?? I am a drummer myself and for the right person to do this is hard to ponder. My choices that I think would do “Neil” justice would be: Mike Portnoy who is a Rush fanatic and can cover the music. Secondly, this is very difficult but maybe Omar Hakim or Simon Phillips. Its a tuff act to follow. But Chad Smith would have to play a kit that he has never played on before considering the size of a Neil Peart kit .
Yes I agree Mike portions would be the best drummer to play with rush and I think Neal would be proud
Mike Portions? I wonder if anyone sees what they type or what is being typed for them
I agree Mike portony would be the best drummer for rush and I think Neal would be proud
Mike portions? Mike portony? Get a life!!!
Mike Portnoy is a fantastic drummer and great to watch. Passionate by Rush music, he’s my no. 1 choice and he would do a super job. If so, my tickets are bought instantly!!!
Totally agree with you on Portnoy. He would be about as close to Neil as any other drummer in the Prog genre.
I hope 1st and foremost that they do it…..If they do its not only what drummer is right for them (totally agree on Mike Portnoy) but its also what drummer would fill such a gigantic drum stool, what drummer at that level is simply available? They seem to like Danny Carey who really does have his own identity and style….Simply hope something happens
I agree, I do not think Chads the guy either. In my opinion I hope they stay away from a “big name” established drummer. I would love them to pull up some no name kid from YouTube or TikTok and put the “Limelight” on him/or her. We all know there is some drummer out there waiting for a shot, and this would be a perfect opportunity to make that happen. I think this would be awesome, plus the drummer wound not be bringing in their notoriety into the mix
Totally agree! Simon Phillips is def good not sure if he’s the right style either. I’ve seen a tribute band “New World Man” with a drummer that might be able to fill the shoes so to speak. That said Mike Portnoy would be good.
i would see simon but not hakim with all due respect to hakim
One option might be to have them play to some of Neil’s recorded performances (similar to the way Paul uses John’s performance of Everybody Had a Good Time).
Dave Grohl
Neil’s absence was a monumental loss)))
Who would write the lyrics for any new Rushatetial, being that Peart was the lyricist for the band?
Geddy wrote some good ones on my favorite headache.I thing being around a good songwriter rubs off ala George Harrison.IF Geddy doesnt measure up and I think he would I would rather have his and Alex”s attempts than anyone elses
Who would write the lyrics for any new Rush material being that Peart was the lyricist for the band?
Maytel Cohen would be a choice to supply the impact you need for a Neil Drummer. She is so versatile and note for note has played Drum covers from Rush’s list of Songs. Definitely my choice to choose to get this beautiful idea of getting Getty and Alex back on the stage and I don’t think she would miss a beat… please ask her and make a world wide tour… I’m in and definitely would not miss the concert if you came to Madison Square Garden New York !
She’s fine but I would not enjoy to see that smile during 2 hours.
I think it’s up to Geddy an Alex on what to do here. Life doesn’t stop because of death as we all know so if they chose a jamming drummer then THAT guy outta feel kinda special even if he laccs confidence in his own skills. Sure the songs probably wouldn’t sound the same ( but we dont really know that, do we? ) but it would keep Geddy an Alex busy if they chose to play live again. I wouldn’t expect any new albums or tour dates, Im sure they had there fill of that over the years. I vision them just doing special events to keep the music alive that they spent so many years producing. Neil did do ALOT of the writing but Alex an Geddy have tunes under their belts as well. It’ll be interesting to see how this pans out and dont forget Geddy’s book comes out later this month ” My Effin’ Life ” if it hasn’t already. Im positive there’ll be some things Geddy writes that will interest all of us.
terry bozzio comes to mind as who might be considered for a re- united Rush
Neil Peart is gonna be hard to replace, period! I’d go with either Carl Palmer or Mike Portnoy.
Becoming a Rush fan at 14 and then seeing them live at my first real concert in 1979, just blew my mind and cemented by love for them and their music. The thought of a Rush renion in 2024……….my 60th birthday year is tantalising beyond words. It would be without doubt one of the happiest (and probably most emotional) days of my life. I cannot imagine how hard it is to make the descision to do it without Neil but C’mon guys please………..please……….please in his honour is all we ask 🙂
I feel the same way!
I think the reunion could happen, but could only be pulled off with a HOST of different drummers, playing on different songs. I could see Simon Phillips, Mike Portnoy, maybe even Chad Smith, and a few others playing simultaneously or individually on various tracks. It could be a reunion and a tribute show.
Chad Smith would be a stellar replacement for Rush. Why not? He gets along with the guys and is a great drummer.
Stewart Copeland and Chad Smith
No one has said the obvious. It needs to be Dave Grohl. He can take a hiatus from Foo fighters to do either a select city tour or a year. He and Taylor introduced them at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Grohl is a huge fan and would be honored to do it. He has sat in with other bands before. Grohl is the ONLY answer!
Pretty sure that both Geddy and Alex have commented more than once that RUSH is over with the loss of Neil.
I’m not a Rush fan nor a 75 piece drum set fan…but….I vote for Stuart Copeland
my pick for a drummer for Rush would be Mike Mangini. he just got released from Dream Theater. and this is my own opinion, as good a drummer as Mike Portnoy.
I’ve seen Rush 15 times and would LOVE a reunion tour. Not an expert on drummers, but know enough to say, without reservation, that Brann Dailor is at or near the top of the heap. And Mastodon has become more proggy as they’ve aged.
Danny Carry is also worth considering.
At a minimum, I would hope whomever they choose, grew up as a Rush fan. I saw a video of Chad Smith talking about the influence 2112 had on him.