Sad to see Neil Peart announcing that he is retiring from the R&R game. An amazing drummer who also wrote some equally amazing lyrics. Even people that don't like Rush admit what a great talent he is.
Sad that it seems like the end for the Canadian Icons as this will also be the end of Rush.
I was wondering if that was coming. I heard a couple of podcasts this past summer from Ged and Alex, and also the Rolling Stone article too. The way it sounds to me is that Ged wants to continue playing music. Alex I was not quite so sure about .
I love tis pic.
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
I am very grateful that I have seen Rush on every tour when they came around for 13 years during the 80's and 90's. They are my fourth favorite band. They always put on a great show. With all of the great music they did for over 40 years Neil deserves a great retirement. I am sad that this is the end of one of my favorite bands but they had one hell of a run.
I highly regret having never had the chance to see such a great band. I came close in the early 1990's as I had planned on seeing them at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, NY but a week or so before the show they cancelled. I think it was 1993 or so and I can't recall why they cancelled.
I can totally understand why Neil may want to hang up the sticks given the physicality of drumming at the level he does night in night for years upon years. Not to mention the travel probably sucks after so many years. Sad to think Rush may be no more. But what a ride they've given us...
Hope we convince them to do one last Canadian Tour and end with a Festival in Toronto. Bands influenced and inspired by Rush and that is a big list of names. End with Rush's Farewell Show.
First Rush show for me was a million years ago it seems. Rush with Max Webster opening for $2.99. Have seen and worked at many other shows since over the years. Nicest guys but then most Canadians are. 😉
From www.classicrock.com:
Exclusive: Rush mainman says drummer was merely confirming his position on touring
Rush mainman Geddy Lee has moved to squash rumours that drummer Neil Peart had announced his retirement.
Peart gave an interview to Drumhead magazine in which he's quoted as saying he's happy to accept the description of himself as a "retired drummer," but Lee says his bandmate was merely confirming that he could no longer commit to lengthy tours.
Lee tells Prog: “There’s really nothing to say. I think Neil is just explaining his reasons for not wanting to tour, with the toll that it’s taking on his body. That’s all I would care to comment on it.
"We’ll get together eventually and chat about things. But in my view, there is certainly nothing surprising in what he said. Neil just feels that he has to explain with all the thousands of people asking, ‘Why no more tours?’ He needs to explain his side of it.”
Asked whether he feels Peart's quote was taken out of context, Lee adds: “I think that’s absolutely right. That’s their job. Talking about something when there’s nothing to talk about.”
Fans are clamouring for confirmation on whether Rush will continue to record and perform live. Peart previously said he wanted to spend more time with his family, while guitarist Alex Lifeson said he was largely over his health issues and wants to continue playing with the band.
Rush released live DVD, Blu-ray and CD package R40 last week.
From www.classicrock.teamrock.com:
Exclusive: Rush mainman says drummer was merely confirming his position on touring
Rush mainman Geddy Lee has moved to squash rumours that drummer Neil Peart had announced his retirement.
Peart gave an interview to Drumhead magazine in which he's quoted as saying he's happy to accept the description of himself as a "retired drummer," but Lee says his bandmate was merely confirming that he could no longer commit to lengthy tours.
Lee tells Prog: “There’s really nothing to say. I think Neil is just explaining his reasons for not wanting to tour, with the toll that it’s taking on his body. That’s all I would care to comment on it.
"We’ll get together eventually and chat about things. But in my view, there is certainly nothing surprising in what he said. Neil just feels that he has to explain with all the thousands of people asking, ‘Why no more tours?’ He needs to explain his side of it.”
Asked whether he feels Peart's quote was taken out of context, Lee adds: “I think that’s absolutely right. That’s their job. Talking about something when there’s nothing to talk about.”
Fans are clamouring for confirmation on whether Rush will continue to record and perform live. Peart previously said he wanted to spend more time with his family, while guitarist Alex Lifeson said he was largely over his health issues and wants to continue playing with the band.
Rush released live DVD, Blu-ray and CD package R40 last week.
Source: http://classicrock.teamrock.com/news/2015-12-08/geddy-lee-clarifies-neil-peart-retirement-rumours
First Rush show for me was a million years ago it seems. Rush with Max Webster opening for $2.99. Have seen and worked at many other shows since over the years. Nicest guys but then most Canadians are.
Max Webster the band who never made a bad record!
"bonjour aux amis de malheur...nous sommes fous"
[Edited on 12/9/2015 by Stephane]
Yes Max Webster, saw them open for Rush many times back in the day. Actually got into arguments over who was better. Loved Rush, but Max Webster had and still do have a special place.
I'd say %@#! you instead of thank you, the choice under your breath oh say no to hell, I'll go American Express
As a kid I remember Rush would play on New Years eve at Maple Leaf Gardens with Max Webster or Triumph.
Great tradition that I was to young to attend.
They should bring that tradition back.
Sad to see Neil Peart announcing that he is retiring from the R&R game. An amazing drummer who also wrote some equally amazing lyrics. Even people that don't like Rush admit what a great talent he is.
Sad that it seems like the end for the Canadian Icons as this will also be the end of Rush.
canadianmule, I think Neil has stated he was going to "retire" from the big tours that they've held over the years'.
I think what he's saying is that while you won't see him on an extended summer tour, you just might catch him on a smaller more intimate engagement on a semi regular basis.
Rush is flat out one of the top 5 rock groups ever, and based on what he's been through, I don't know how anyone can begrudge his position on extensive touring.
Sad to see Neil Peart announcing that he is retiring from the R&R game. An amazing drummer who also wrote some equally amazing lyrics. Even people that don't like Rush admit what a great talent he is.
Sad that it seems like the end for the Canadian Icons as this will also be the end of Rush.
canadianmule, I think Neil has stated he was going to "retire" from the big tours that they've held over the years'.
I think what he's saying is that while you won't see him on an extended summer tour, you just might catch him on a smaller more intimate engagement on a semi regular basis.
Rush is flat out one of the top 5 rock groups ever, and based on what he's been through, I don't know how anyone can begrudge his position on extensive touring.
I doubt anyone does. I understand him completely and they have been saying this for over a year now. I have heard he plans on just enjoying life from real good sources. That doesn't rule out some shows over time. Alex's hands situation was far more severe. He says he is feeling much better so perhaps some different meds have helped but I know many with severe arthritis and none have bounced back long term. Hope he does. What will they be like when and if Neil wanted to play? Neil took years off before for good reason and I guess he has a good reason now.
Still want that last Canadian Tour though. The guys here from Canada are working on the lineup it seems.
Rush
All Star Tribute
Start with Rush/Foo Fighters HOF (This is funny too)
Max Webster
Coming Off The Moon, Handover (This is old classic stuff- flashback warning for the Canadians)
Triumph
Wireless
Journey of a Possible Hero
Wireless - No Static Album produced by Geddy Lee.
All three were common openers for Rush's Canadian Tours. Once you add some of the acts from around the world to do Rush tunes in a Tribute followed by Rush's set, it would kick ass.
The guys here from Canada are working on the lineup it seems
alka seltzer, tang and a 50 / it's all over / hangover
[Edited on 12/10/2015 by Stephane]
[Edited on 12/10/2015 by Stephane]
[Edited on 12/10/2015 by Stephane]
And if you're a fan of Max you should get this labor of love from Martin Popoff.
