Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson, My Effin’ Life: In Conversation, Barbican, London, December 18, 2023

“Ringo says: It’s what we do!”
With David Baddiel, Alex ‘Lerxst’ Lifeson and Phil Wilding
An Evening with Geddy Lee At The Barbican: totalrock.com/an-evening-with...
In conversation, including:
- David Baddiel jokes!
- Geddy’s singing voice
- Geddy’s influences (Bjork?)
- Alex Lifeson praise (‘sucking up’)
- Pete Way/UFO ribbing (milk of paradise?)
- R40 tour & Neil
- Paul McCartney @ the Taylor Hawkins tribute (vegan catering?)
*Note: Geddy first mentioned two rock bass players from the ‘San Francisco Summer of Love’ as his main early influences: Jack Cassidy of the Jefferson Airplane and Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead
**THANK YOU VERY MUCH to M&M for the ticket!!
#geddylee
“Alex Lifeson”
#alexlifeson
#rush

[@jetson137]

Rush is one of the best stories in music. Bosses, every single one of them!

[@DJVUK]

Well stated!!

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

If really is. And a story that begins dating back to the Nazi death and labor camps of the late 1930s to 1945. I mean… what average person in their right minds would have thought Even if the music doesn’t quite jive with some people, I believe that once they heard the story and dug a little bit more ints their individual histories… I think it could change their perspectives, as you also notice them listening more and more each week Geddy and Lerxst… and Neil all knew their individual and collective stories are something of an anomaly. Something that will never be repeated even millions of years from now Between writing books, compiling a massive discography of records, live records, and live video footage, television shows, movies, and everything else…. things like books and book tours are exactly how you keep the music alive when you have those kinds of stories to tell as part of the chronological history. Geddy’s recent book served so many more purposes than just that, of course. And for the fans and his own closure

[@DJVUK]

@@MyVideos-fm7ug Nice comments. Agreed their shared history is compelling and profound. Brings into broader focus the ‘history of rock & roll’ and even, dare I say it, our unique roll as fans.

[@JokersWild70]

Perfect excuse for two best friends to spend time together. I sure wish Neil was around to join them at a few of these.

[@DJVUK]

Agreed!!

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

To have Neil as the surprise guest asking Geddy questions… it wouldn’t get any better than that. And I think that would be something that Neil would agree to do, too. It’s the kind of thing that seems very much in line with his realm. Plus, lying mostly dormant inside the most inner depths of Neil is a goofball screaming to be let out. We know this to be true from the Dinner at the Lodge video So combining the nature of these performances, along with the light humor that just naturally occurs throughout, I think Neil would have definitely been on board for some of these dates, and his presence a smash hit

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

Geddy says that Neil was working as a librarian at his daughter’s school. No shit!!! That’s really cool to hear. The kids probably didn’t fully comprehend who it was that was having them sign out books and issuing them fines for being late😆

[@nicholaswitting8551]

When Alex came out on stage I think i just about held back tears seeing them both.

[@DJVUK]

Right there with you

[@grey-friar]

Thanks for posting! Means a lot to me... Cheers...

[@DJVUK]

You are most welcome, ditto

[@AlexColberg]

Ged's mum would be so proud. RIP.

[@DJVUK]

Fhosho

[@ricksiegfried3725]

What a great video you made, and I really appreciate it because I am a drummer and never heard this side of about Neil. Thank you so much.

[@DJVUK]

You are most welcome

[@ericmalone3213]

What huge crowds for a book signing. The Rush fans just can't stay away. i recently read Geddy's book with great interest & it is superb.

[@DJVUK]

Looking forward to reading it

[@rsvp9146]

God bless Geddy Lee...

[@DJVUK]

GBGL!!

[@andyharman3022]

re discussion starting at 9:50 All things considered, Neil gave his all for as long as he could give it. He needed a couple of years to tend his Garden before his fight with cancer.

[@DJVUK]

Agreed. Sad truth = rock drumming is physically demanding on the body

[@sid7088]

Nice photo at the end.

[@DJVUK]

Ged provides an HD ‘crowd selfie’ from each stop on this book tour, on Rush.com

[@patrickkelly7258]

Look at the sea of gray, balding heads! I'm among friends and soulmates!! LOL

[@DJVUK]

Not to mention ‘relaxed’ waistlines…

[@anthonyleddin8055]

Note to self. Stop clicking on cell phone bait. I’m hoping Geddy is getting some shows professionally recorded . 🙏🌲

[@DJVUK]

Totally agreed!! Their goofy and hilarious banter was pure gold. Alex joking about Macca is a prime example.

[@JasonUmbrellabird]

Why was David Baddiel and his brother there?

[@DJVUK]

DB’s book ‘Jews Don’t Count’ apparently inspired Geddy to invite him. Brother is a ‘Rush super fan’ whilst David is ‘just’ a fan.

[@DJVUK]

@@jamieflowers1493 Yes indeed. Paul Rudd in NYC and his very Jack Black in L.A.

[@leelitif7187]

rush knew when to quit when neil peart passed plus from 1974 to 2012 rush have had so many amazing albums than paul mccartney and ringo had and they earned their fan base by their cosmic music and performances a lot of people go see paul because of his beatle past not his half ass solo material

[@DJVUK]

Interesting - Neil clearly wanted to go out on top. That said, the world needs more live Glee and Lerxst!

[@PatrickRomero-yw3bo]

That's at life staied

[@DJVUK]

Yes indeed

[@Tuscarora21]

Want to see a reunion just not with Dave Grohl

[@DJVUK]

Tricky that