In a recent interview with “CBS News Sunday Morning,” the iconic progressive rock band RUSH, formed in the Toronto suburbs decades ago by guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, and drummer Neil Peart, explored their legendary musical journey.
With over 40 million albums sold, RUSH stands as Canada’s most revered rock band. Lifeson and Lee engaged with correspondent Jim Axelrod, discussing their unique blend of musicianship, stagecraft, and humor, as well as the profound impact of Peart’s tragic passing on the band’s dynamic.
As they pondered what the future holds without Peart, Lifeson expressed the challenge of envisioning the next chapter:
“Yeah, it’s difficult to figure out what that chapter is without him.”
When questioned about the possibility of recruiting another drummer and touring again, Lee acknowledged:
“Have we talked about it? Yeah.”
Pressed on whether it’s a definite possibility, Lee responded:
“It’s not impossible, but at this point, I can’t guarantee it.”
In contrast, Lifeson conveyed a more optimistic sentiment, emphasizing their innate drive to continue:
“It’s just not in our DNA to stop.”
Lee added a philosophical perspective, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself:
“Do what you believe, because if you do what someone else believes, and you fail, you’ve got nothing. If you do what you believe, and you fail, you still have hope.”
174 comments
This would be the greatest thing. I have been with my Husband 38 years n the first day i meet him he played Rush on his Guitar for me n it was the best.
George Hickey, a legendary drummer and specialist in prog rock.
Let Alex & Geddy do the picking on who’s replacing Neil just like the Foo Fighters did,,,let’s just respect their decision if we’re truly Rush’s Fan.
too bad the fanatics will not like it i for one have questions after alex said Rush was no more. I can only hope for the future and hope then make wonderful and beautiful music.
Peart wasnt the original drummer. Didnt form the band at all.
I would like to see Stewart Copeland from the police on chops.
I would be happy with Tommy Aldridge!
Who disagrees?
Good choice,he would beat the snot out of the drums just like Neil did not replacing him but doing his best.
So would I..
Tommy one of my favorite drummers of the 80’s, with
Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Pat Travers, Whitesnake & Ozzy.
Crazy fast feet on the Bass drum!!
Trevor Badger
i BET TOMMY LEE OR PETER CRISS OR EVEN JASON BONHAM COULD HANDEL THE JOB
You evidently don’t listen to RUSH.
Mike Mangini.. the only one
I can hear them now. What are these other drums for?
How bout Shane Hawkins…?
I bet that kid knows every song…..
Meg White will come out of retirement and handle the percusions.
Don’t call it Rush or play Rush songs start fresh or don’t do it too much ego and greed
💯👍
Your outta your freakin mind
?????? No sabes nada de bateristas
I don’t think so…Need someone like Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, or Dave Grohl. That’s just my opinion…
It’s going to be Danny Carey. He’s the who played the shows they already did late last year.
I think it’s Danny Carey. Alex has been playing with them on the tool tour.
Dave couldn’t handle it…Portnoy..yes.
I agree, but I’m sure he’d give it one hell of a try just outta the shear respect and love he had for Neil and the guys.
Mike Portnoy seems like he’s up to the task
It will be Danny but I think Mike would be a better fit seeing the catalog of Rush he played.
I would have picked Taylor Hawkins if he was still with us! Now I think I would pick Herb from Primus!
Definitely Portnoy
Yes! I agree with Mike Portnoy.
These are probably the only guys that could fill the Rush drummer seat.
LOL THOSE GUYS COULD NOT HANDLE THE JOB
Tommy Lee would need backing tracks… he’s out
What about Chad Smith Phil Ehart
With Phil’s recent health issues, he is probably not a candidate, but I’m pretty certain he has the chops. I still think Portnoy would fit beautifully.
those guys are already in bands.
These are bets you would lose. Also, it’s not 1998. You should learn to type without ALL CAPS.
Neil is rolling over in his grave…. Tommy Lee what blasphemy you speak. Tommy Lee couldn’t stay in the same hotel with Geddy and Alex let alone take Neil’s place.
Only EL Estepario could maybe hang with Neil’s drumming. That’s about it. No one else could.
Agreed. El Estepario is good enough.
That is who I was thinking of, dude is phenomenal
steve smith from journey could..
Give your head a shake please. Lee can’t even play with his own band let alone take Neil’s place.
Lol, not a chance of either of those drummers sitting on that stool. They’re both respectable amd good drummers but they are not that level.
You can be serious,none of these guys could remotely cover Neil. Impossible
maybe carey or thomas lang. no peter criss, tommy lee. dave grohl joke. phil ehart i don’t think so… maybe he is retired… i think if carey already played with them it would be him. tommy lee is a garbage can drummer… not even near peart. lol…
Absolutely a huge Peart fan ………..but Mike Portnoy although also older these days, could elevate the Rush repertoire over what level Neil was playing in the later years. Just saying 😉
Dave Groul would be the only option from Foo Fightees
There is no way Dave could play this…
Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, Stewart Copeland, Gavin Harris (is that his name? Porcupine Tree)
I know there are others
Gavin would be great on drums. Besides, Alex likes Porcupine Tree.
Gavin Harrison is his name, and no one is replacing Neal as a member of Rush that using a drummer so they can play live and as far as whom they want to getting my gas every day. Since he’s already working soon I’m done like there’s a bad and he’s got the most Neil Peart like like playing style I didn’t mean the other day but it just depends and tools busy at the time if he’s busy with his main band he won’t do it for sure but I’m sure he’d make time for something like that but I don’t think they’re trying to find a full-time replacement
Peter Criss wasn’t even the best drummer in KISS. Please leave his name out of this conversation.
Big Peter Criss fan, but, really, I’m not sure why. Wasn’t a very good drummer, and you point is right on.
tcat
Tommy Lee! Seriously? That dude doesn’t have the chops to come close playing like Neil… He be better off setting up the drums for someone who can play
Ok, this is pathetic. Lee is terrible. Criss is worse.
Carey can more than handle Rush but would not leave Tool for Rush. Kind of a step down moving to band that hasn’t made anything that good in a few decades. Rush is like Def Leppard and other 80s greats living on past. I live old Rush. New stuff is formidable but nothing without old foundation.
Grohl isn’t that good but Foo Fighters are a huge band and whywould he leave that?
Dream Theater is also bigger and Portnoy has waited 13 years to get back into the band he founded.
The OBVIOUS Answer in
MIKE MANGINI who is an upgrade tp Peart.
Upgrade? There wouldn’t be a Mangini without Peart
Not an upgrade, but he would totally be able to pay homage to Neil.
No way… Tommy Lee isn’t good enough
Tim Alexander from Primus would be at the top of my list
Jason Bunyan is a good drummer but not for Rush. Tommy Lee and Peter Criss are washed up clowns who aren’t even in the same league as Neil Peart…
I’ve heard a Foo Fighter – DG may be a possibility
Peter Criss? Are you freakin serious? WTF is wrong with you?
Doubt it
Not even close!
Uh….no.
Not even close dude. You’re gonna have to dig deeper than that.
Those drummers don’t have the chops to play Neil’s part in like 90% of Rush’ catalogue.
Ha! Not even remotely close…
Mike Portnoy the only choice
Those 3 can’t play even close to Neil. Think before giving your opinion …
🤦
Peter Criss can’t even play KISS songs let alone Rush songs. What are you smoking?
Peter kris??? Come on. We’re talking about Neil pert. They need a real drummer.
None of those 3 could handle Neil’s riffs – they’ll hire someone much more technical / talented.
impossible mit takes better drummer than these, i’m an experienced drummer and i know ….it takes not less good than Simon Phillips…
Tommy Lee!!!!??????
Are you kidding me???? His name doesn’t even belong in the same sentence as Neal Peart. Let alone being considered to replace him in Rush.
Tommy Lee..,……. SMH!!!
I guess next you’ll suggest Vince Neil to replace Steve Perry or Geoff Tate. Lol
Peter Criss is absolutely the worst drummer I’ve ever heard
You’re joking right? lol
as long as they don,t call whatever they do rush,i,m fine with it cause rush died with neil.
You beat me too it. Rush, for me anyway, has to include Neil. So while I hope very much Alex and Geddy continue I”d be somewhat saddened if they used the name. I’m sure they’re ever so concerned with what I think. LOL
I think they were already Rush before they picked up Neil.
They were.
Rush died when the ‘new guy’ passed away?
There was John Rutzy before Neil and there will be someone else after Neil.
Neil would want them to go on as RUSH. Journey went on as Journey w/o Steve Perry and Lynyrd Skynyrd went on with the same name after half the band was killed in a plane crash. With all things set aside, the band is still a business. And they’re doing it to make $$$. And the money is in the already established name of Rush.
Neil Peart, he was known as the New Guy by the guys. so, it is natural that they would do this. Alex has already had produced an Album and performed in many guest appearances.
The band was formed with original drummer, John Rutzy, who is on the first album. The Professor was recruited for the band afterwards.
I’ve been a big fan of RUSh since their second album.
Because of Neil, I wanted to learn to play drums. But health issues’s (Type 1 Diabeties) stopped this hopes!
I simply enjoyed Geddy, Alex and Neil’s work!
Neil was and will always be my drummer Rock God!
R.I.P. Neil
John B. Lawson Sr.
I would love to see Danny Carey or Chad Smith sitting behind Alex and Geddy. Both of them idolized and loved Neil. It would be a great tribute to Neil if the band forged ahead in his memory.
Would love to see Mike Mangini fill Neil’s spot. I think he would be a great addition to the band!!!
All the way
Mike Mancini is the best fit can’t see anyone else getting the job done with honor for Neil Peart
This is a job cut out for Mike Portnoy. Pretty much nobody else.
A couple of years ago I saw Kim Mitchell in concert. He had a young drummer who was amazing, I know he could cut it.
Two words!!! DAVE GROHL
I agree!! Dave appreciates RUSH and as a previous drummer understands.
I think they will do great. Neil was the GOAT. Noone wil compare but. They can make new music and still call it Rush if they play the old stuff too!
Neil was over qualified for the job. The 40 year audition went real well but it’s time to move on. Rest in peace professor and goat
I love Rush. It’s difficult to imagine replacing Neil; he was the lyricist on all but the first album, and a legendary drummer. Will a new drummer simply mean that Rush is a cover band of themselves, or will they write new songs?. TBH, I’d go see them if they were not writing, but it is the big question I have.
I know a drummer who would make Neil proud! 😁
Honestly I think it would be healthy for them to go to the next chapter.
My pick for a replacement drummer would be
Mike Portnoy
He can do the job, He has a great deal of respect for rush ,(Neil) and face it Neil and Mike both are professors .
Yep .
That’s my take on it !.
I 100% agree, maybe even Mike Mangini or Marco Minneman
I nominate Gavin Harrison.
It’s Alex’s band. He can hire anyone he wants and call it RUSH.
Tools drummer. Danny Carey is the latest I read.
I agree, He could bring a whole different rhythm to the new stuff they could produce AND is talented enough to bring a Neil’esque build for the group on the original songs.
What would Neil want them to do??
El Estepario Siberiano could do it. Thus is the closest to Neil you will ever get. Thus guy could play anything.
He would definitely be my top choice.
That dudes a total shredder on the drums! Be nice if he took up the challenge
Please stop.. tge internet drummer makes great vids.
But stop with Neal is irreplaceable.
Danny Carey uis a better drummer.
Mangini is a better drummer
Portnoy is a better drummer.
Oeart was king once upon a time but in time the talent gets better. EVH was king now 100s of guys are better
Marco Minnemann
The guy for the job no question is Tool drummer Danny Carey hands down
Danny Carey did the shows with them last year. He’s the one.
Here’s my unpopular opinion, and it’s based on what Geddy said while on The Strombo Show in January 2024. Geddy and Alex will never again “TOUR” as Rush. Geddy and Alex will never again TOUR at all! Geddy and Alex have “RETIRED FROM TOURING!” Touring is a lot of work and neither of them want to be away from their families or the “new” lives they become accustomed to! However, they have not ruled out writing, possibly recording and possibly playing a show here and there! All of this is “POSSIBLY!” Yet it is also possible that nothing will happen!!! According to Geddy, him and his wife will be going on a long post tour vacation and when he returns it is POSSIBLE that him and Alex may do some messing around. (Which means nothing may ever come of it!) Opinion: all of us Rush fans would love to hear more from them, however retirement is RETIREMENT! And they deserve to be retired with no pressure from labels, management, fans, anything. It just happens that they still live playing, so it could be as much as what is stated above or as little as the two just jamming, without going beyond that.
I’ve been a fan since the 80’s. Learned ever bass, keyboard and pedalboard part that Geddy ever played. Also EJ’s need many songs on the drums and guitar! I absolutely love Rush and miss them every day! But Rush ended when Neil retired! ……..
Danny Carey did the shows with them last year. He’s the one.
Get this kid. (He is 9) You guys and your drummer conversations. There are literally thousands of people that could do this. It’s much easier to copy than produce.
https://youtu.be/7XZbzweWKnc?si=uJ2Bzo8gaupKb4mZ
Waiting for some comments like “yeah, he’s good, but not exactly like The Professor.” Lol. There are many many drummers that learned through Rush. For people to say that no one “could handle it” is just head in the sand.
The only currently available drummer I could see coming close to the professor would be Mike Mangini
Only Todd Sucherman could pull it off technically
Gil Moore of Triumph would be their best fit should they do it. Great drummer, Canadian, and available. No one could ever replace Neil.
I find it incredible that no one mentions larnel lewis he’d fit right in and he’s from Toronto
Carmine Appice
Gavin Harrison or Danny Carey. These two only.
Headline doesn’t actually match article. They didn’t confirm anything other than they’ve talked about it. That is not confirming touring plans.
My guess – they will do some shows with other bands like they did for the Taylor Hawkins tribute – just sitting in for a few songs here and there with various people filling in on drums and I really like the ideas of great players coming in for 1-2 songs because it reinforces the message that one person CAN’T replace Neil.
Todd Sucherman. He is the most accurate drummer today and a worthy replacement for the incredible Neil Peart.
This guy would be able to handle Peart’s complex drumming. Jorge Garrido (a.k.a. El Estepario Siberiano)
https://youtu.be/a_vD1FWP6W4?si=DpAQO1cOYKeo5aIR
This guy would be able to handle Peart’s complex drumming. Jorge Garrido (a.k.a. El Estepario Siberiano)
Danny Carey All Day would Be my suggestion..Amazing Drummer
Terry Bozzio.
I would love to see another Canadian icon at the drum kit. I think Gil Moore from Triumph would be awsome . Another amazing Canadian icon Johnny Fay from the tragically hip
Dave Grohl could do it. But NOBODY can replace the great Neil. Master.
Get Mike Mangini! And Tour Europe please!
Keeping the original roots Canadian. I would consider the drummer from Terra Cotta 2.0
Hopefully the boys will get out a couple of more times to put closure to a chapter that touched the world 🌎.
Gavin Harrison is the man for the job.
Stewart Copeland could be a good fit in my opinion.
DAvid Garibaldi
no Mike Mangine should be the one to do the job he would be perfect!
I think replacing the professor is a tall task for anyone but,I don’t think any of the modern drummers would be the answer. I’m willing to bet that there are drummers out there that can do a reasonable job
There are no drummers who can replace Neil. If the guys want to keep going they need to find a drummer who is strong enough to stand on their own. Not even try to be Neil Peart.
I’m not saying they shouldn’t ever play Rush songs again but I Couldn’t imagine putting on a traditional Rush concert without Neil Peart or Alex or Getty Some drummers are capable of playing some rush songs correct but no one can play all the songs correctly like Peart done even if someone Manages to play all the right notes ,beats and Rhythms it still wouldn’t sound as good without Peart’s unique style and personality that came across in his playing. I don’t think Geddy and Alex would settle for second best. He was a perfectionist throughout his entire Career without showing off or a bunch of flair while making the impossible look easy . Not everyone is replaceable
Danny Carey would improve Rush immensely
Not being facetious, but Omar nailed it and would have made Neil really proud…
What about Carl Palmer (ELP) ?
Carl Palmer would be able for sure. No doubt.
I’ve got a roland TR and I’m available!
Did you see when Grohl played with Rush during their induction into the rock and roll hall of Fame? Pretty impressive.
I nominate
Greg Bissonette
Deen Castronovo could do it. He’s a beast, and could sing background vocals, too, not that Rush has many of those.
Please let be Stewart Coupland.
If he’s available and up for it, I’d love to see Virgil Donati fill the role.
I’m sorry… Tim Alexander has been playing Rush with Rush for years. He’s got the chops, stamina and groove that Alex and Geddy love.
It’s Gotta be Tim!
I think precision is what will count when trying to perform these masterpieces. Thomas Lang is about the only person who comes to mind for me.
Carter Beaufort could handle the job. He is seriously underrated but is a fine and creative percussionist. IMHO
Let’s not forget, Neil was not the first drummer for Rush. Why should he be the last?
What about Carl Palmer?
Tommy Aldridge!
Thats all you need to know!
wHO ELSE BILL BRUFORD
Typical speculation, enjoy it or not when this project comes to fruition. Don’t have any expectations because you will be disappointed.
I’d say Rory Dolan or Kris Myers. None of the rock drummers are good enough
Correction. Neal was not a founding member, John Rutsey was the original drummer,
they need Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips would be awesome.
Stewart Copeland
Just thinking outside the box here…..Any thoughts on Dennis Chambers?
Alex Van Halen isn’t doing anything…
steve smith from journey could handle the drumming..
Danny Carrey of Tool.
Portnoy would be an excellent choice if anybody could play those parts he would be da man, but happily he is back home in Dream Theater. I’m sure there’s a few drummers who could handle the parts and do them justice and make them their own, which I believe Neil would say use the meat but put your own seasoning on it. Whoever they would choose will not be Neil but will fit the band like a great pair of jeans. Just don’t get into the he’s not Neil, Neil was way better, unfair for the new guy if they so choose.
What ever Geddy and Alex decide to do it will be the correct thing for the band. Neil was a one of a kind performer. I don’t think a person is easly replaced. let’s remember he was a person, a freind, a family member, coworker, neighbor just a person in their lives.
I’m sure this is a difficult thing for them to try to even wrap their heads around it.
Mike Mangini might be looking for work….
Did any of you actually read the article?? The article doesn’t support the headline!!!
The closest it comes is when they say it’s not impossible. Nothing is confirmed!
There are so many great drummers out there but even Neil’s style developed over time. In the 70s you could hear many little tributes to other great drummers in his playing. The hard part is capturing his feel as many can replicate his parts. I believe Martin Axenrot could, Denis Clement plus he is Canadian. Many of the 70s Jazz fusion guys. But I believe Dave Ghrol would inject a fresh energy and I agree if still alive Taylor Hawkins could have injected a similar energy. It would be different from Neil. However I can see Dave G could revitalise the Band and fit it well.
I am convinced that Mike Mangini would be both technically and artistically right and the best fit as he is already a friend of Alex.
He proved with Dream Theatre that he can fit in without any problems, be super friendly towards fans and not afraid of social media.
Mike would also pay due respect the Neil’s legacy perfectly.
Just my humble opinion.
Des, Norfolk UK