During a recent conversation with ClassicRockHistory.com, guitarist Alex Lifeson opened up again about Rush’s future and what would be the chances of the group filling in a new drummer.
Here’s what Lifeson said:
“There’s so many people that ask about us getting back together if we’ll find a new drummer, or continue with Rush, and honestly, I’m proud of the fact that we haven’t and that it was over when it was over. We toured for 41 years, and Neil (Peart) was done.
”He couldn’t play like he did ten years earlier, and it was very difficult; he did not want to play even one percentage less than perfect. That was understandable. And it was sad when it was over, and all of that, but in retrospect, we went out on a high note, and that’s the legacy of Rush.
”So many people remember us, and there’s sadness amongst our fans that it ended, and they want more, but you can’t go back. We can’t just go and get another drummer, and go out and play concerts, and make new material. It just would not be the same. It would just be a money ploy.”
5 comments
Not even a “Ghost of a Chance”? I get it. 41 years on the road is a long time. That being said it would have been nice to have a “Final Curtain” tour in Neils honor to allow the fans to hear your music one more time. I think they’re all money ploys. Otherwise why would the band copywrite everything and sell a $5 for $35? Regardless….. I’d still buy one!
Do it for free then…. 🙂
Uterus !
I agree with Alex. Rush was done when they were all 3 on stage waving goodbye. There is no filling Neil’s shoes! It wouldn’t be right! Even for a farewell Neil tour, it wouldn’t be right. It’s actually kind of sickening that people would want another drummer playing their stuff and possibly write new material.
The appearances with other drummers like Danny Carey playing YYZ with them, felt awkward. It didn’t sound right or LOOK right. I don’t think I could sit through a Rush Concert without Neil there. Even if he were still alive and they had someone else playing in his spot… Not right at all. Rush went out on top. The way they wanted to go out and it’s final. We’re lucky to have the ability to listen to them whenever we want. That’s fine for me. I’m happy they went out on their own terms.
I’ve been a fan since 81, but a true fan. Even the keyboard age. So I say good for them. Go out on their own terms.. without the “Professor”, they cheapen what he brought to the table. You couldn’t replace the vocals, and never the strings. No matter how good the replacement, they would be just that. A replacement.