Geddy Lee on His Friendship with Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson

[@rhornjr]

“I was blessed with meeting two people, who, at their core, were considerate people.”

[@kevinostberg1729]

Being considerate is an all too rare commodity in people.

[@MarkSmith-dx3cd]

You could not find a miserable or inconsiderate person in Canada in those days. Unbelievably nice people.

[@YMagoulo]

@@MarkSmith-dx3cd What about nowadays?

[@MarkSmith-dx3cd]

@@YMagoulo the internet has taken the sheen off of niceness, everywhere, unfortunately.

[@MarkSmith-dx3cd]

​@@auturgicflosculator2183my comment of course, is a generalization. I can find assholes anywhere.

[@martyb3783]

Geddy Lee is a good man. The earth is a better place because of him.

[@rblauson]

100% Agreed

[@maseraticc2834]

He absolutely is indeed a good man. Can you imagine what a fabulous world it would be if everybody had Geddy's character, decency and respect. If I could wish to meet one person, hands down and no question, it would be Geddy.

[@jriley5050]

No egos, no greed, no narcissism, no selfishness, no addictions - perfect gentlemen playing together brilliantly for their music and fans.

[@sammysouth8372]

Trump would consider these three losers and suckers

[@Sebastian-dx2xg]

@@sammysouth8372stop with the stupid politics 🙄

[@sammysouth8372]

@@Sebastian-dx2xg make me. Otherwise stfu you MAGAt.

[@jkg6211]

​@@sammysouth8372 You just couldn't help yourself, could you... Trump lives rent-free in your head. Sad...

[@sammysouth8372]

@@jkg6211 maybe so but at least I don’t talk in cliches. Rent free in your head😂😂😂😂😂. How very original 😂😂😂. Did you come up with that all by yourself cause I’d never heard it before😂😂😂.

[@DV8-q6n]

I miss Rush. 😇

[@dpall38]

We all miss Rush. If that makes you feel any better.

[@ghendar]

@@dpall38 Yup. We all miss them but we still have the music

[@janethompson2440]

Holy crap Amen. Miss them

[@cbotten106]

That's one of the reasons why we are here.

[@KenVoght]

Me too 😢

[@steveb796]

The world needs more Geddy’s.

[@glendadixon8319]

Indeed, Steve.

[@Berliozioz]

To quote Col. Kurtz, if I had ten divisions of these men, our troubles here would be over very quickly.

[@RaubSM]

Well said!

[@freakadore]

Geddy Lee, so eloquent and intellectual. Add that to his musical resume, amazing man.

[@fremontvids]

You hope

[@FatherGapon-gw6yo]

Jew

[@joewarriner6481]

i​@@FatherGapon-gw6yo

[@glendadixon8319]

And that sense of humor

[@fremontvids]

@@freakadore yeah and so evil too. It's not that they're regular music was evil, it's that they also made evil music on the side. Almost no one knows that, but I know why and I know how, I also know that it affected United States and it didn't affect Canada which is why they were able to get away with it. THEY DID IT TO MAKE PORNOGRAPHY OF COURSE!!

[@TS-ef2gv]

My wife was a huge Rush fan from high school in the '80s until she passed away from cancer in only her 40s. I didn't pay much attention to Rush or pop music in general, but little by little through her I began to appreciate them more. Never to her level, mind you, but far more than before I met her. She missed few of their concerts within reasonable driving distance over the years and had Rush concert t-shirts from the '80s through the '00s. Our two sons were born in the late '90s, the oldest of whom became a Rush fan somewhat more than the younger one who was more like me and not a big concert person. The oldest was interested in going to a Rush concert, which he did with his mom when he was 13 (the Snakes and Arrows tour). He wore one of his mom's Rush concert shirts from the '80s and was picked from the pre-concert arena entry line to go backstage and meet Geddy and Alex before the show (but not Neil, of course 😄). The photo of him posing with Geddy and Alex during the meet-and-greet is so perfect it almost doesn't look real, like it's a gag photo and the two of them are actually cardboard cutouts. When I later heard about it I was impressed that they not only cared enough to stay connected with their audience, but they obviously recognized the value of thanking and encouraging their next generation of fans. Very smart. As she spiraled down toward the inevitable result of her cancer and was weak to the point of being in a wheelchair, as an indication that she wasn't planning on going anywhere soon, she read or heard that the R40 tour was coming to town several months later and got online and purchased two tickets. I assumed she planned on going with a friend, but as the concert date drew closer, she told me she was concerned she wouldn't be strong enough to go. I got the impression that she was self conscious about needing so much help getting around at that point and it was her way of asking me to go with her. I sincerely assured her that I would get her there no matter what. That seemed to please her as much as the thought of me at a Rush concert amused her. She always semi-jokingly told me that between my anti-social tendencies and love of books and long distance motorcycle touring that Neil and I would get along very well. I think she meant it as a compliment, or at least that's the way I chose to take it. 😄 Unfortunately, when I told her I would get her to that concert, I was incorrect. Only a few weeks later her body decided it had been through enough and began to shut down. She passed away in the ICU three days later, just two months before the concert. So here I am, doing what I sometimes do in her memory - watching Rush-related videos, listening to their music, and missing her.

[@Meatball2022]

He’s such a kind man. I’m so incredibly grateful these three were part of my life - even though they don’t know it.

[@connie4883]

What a class act Geddy is. I’m 60 years old and been a Rush fan since I was 15. Saw them in concert 5 times and I have to say…watching Neil shred on the drums was a sight (and sound to behold). One of the most iconic, unique and talented bands in the world!

[@p-Claud73]

“I can’t pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend”. One of the best song lines ever written.

[@cbotten106]

It goes a long way to explaining Peart's Meet & Greet policy.

[@p-Claud73]

@@ProximitySymbol28 it’s a line from Limelight. One of their best somgs. He was shy and wasn’t comfortable with fandom. A great lyric.

[@smhdpt12]

I respect this line, but I think it's important to see connection with everyone. If you see a "stranger" as someone just like you, trying to get through life the best they can, then it can break down barriers and get you "closer to the heart".

[@scottbowling4575]

My favorite rush line of all time

[@PaulFormentos]

Neil was one of the best lyric writers ever...The Pass comes to mind

[@coreykishman8833]

Geddy did this interview with the knowledge that Neil was dying. It was not public at the time and I can't help but admire the guy a little more...Just class.

[@Dobie_ByTor]

The world needs more people like Geddy, Alex and the late Neil Peart. They have made my life better and to this day in fact.

[@hihunter7]

Mine too

[@mikedavis6884]

I’m with you both.

[@BradVake]

It doesn't hurt that all 3 were immensely talented. Its really unbelievable that those three individuals found each other and gelled so well for so long.

[@jackb348]

Greatest trio of all time.

[@Matt-ud4eq]

This made me cry. During lunch. While I watched at work. Such a genuine person, so soft spoken and articulate.

[@rgreen5358]

Great band- but better humans.

[@chrissett4245]

All 3 of them were true artists... They are missed by millions of people. Rock On.

[@mikeychrisanthus9948]

Dude, he seems like such a good guy in person. My respect for him and probably the rest of the members went up over the last ten minutes.

[@Island_Lady]

Rush's music is like no other. They're music will pass the test of time. What musicians! 💯 🔥

[@captainmw8885]

They are music?

[@Karen-JD1996]

I met Geddy, Neil and Alex in the very early eighties. Was a young fan grew up listening to Rush vinyls and their music had a big impact on my developmental years. I live in St. Catharines and I go to the beach at Lakeside Park twice a week. We have a pavilion there commemorating Neil named for him. It is a heart warming legacy 💓 to all of the band members. Shout out to my friend Jeff Rogers!

[@kinesiopro]

I love that Geddy talked about looking out and seeing families! I was the mom who took her 9 year old son to the VERY LAST concert ever in Los Angeles. My son LOVED IT!!!! We rocked out and he loved the visuals too. It was SO true - like total families there... amazing. When Neil passed, I could not listen to RUSH for 2 years. I was devastated - still am, but now I rock out once again. Just NO other band like RUSH! When I meet a RUSH fan, it's like we just click. It's great. Bless all of you!!!!

[@brucemitchell5637]

They've always had a great sense of humor. I remember Geddy saying in an interview that Alex and him still called Neil, the new guy, after 40 years together! Lol! 😂

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Getty is such an intelligent and authentic individual. There is a clarity about his energy and the way he expresses himself so accurately. It's his light that strikes me so thoroughly.

[@stevestruthers6180]

He is quite articulate, and in this interview, he displays little ego. Rush were a class act, all the way through, and hugely professional in their approach.

[@shawnpwatsons1]

@@stevestruthers6180 Yes, little ego means he is a true human Master--not of the bass but of being human. Buddhist monks have this normally. He is a very old soul I believe.

[@martymcflytriple0007]

I'm not sure how many folks realize just how humble this trio was in the sense of their musical accomplishments. Truly on the order of greatness in the rock genre

[@simonmcglary]

All three members of Rush understood each other, which saw them through the tough and good times. Through it all they, and their crew including management, everything went in house! More than a band, whole movement and sub culture! Three people who became friends and a band bigger than the three of them, music that is still being discovered by so many.

[@NVRAMboi]

The talent is understood. Beyond and well above that, these guys are three of the kindest people ever in R&R. RIP Neil. You won't be forgotten.

[@boatsfra1]

I've been to church once...it was the Power Windows tour. I got so high that night but will take that memory with me to my grave...God bless Pastor Lee...

[@marcuscastle]

They were an absolutely epic band. Listened to them all my life.

[@wingchun-simplekungfu7584]

Geddy, Alex & Neil were certainly a magnificent trio of some of the most thoughtful music. When I came hooked in the 80’s , I just couldn’t stop playing their songs over and over. Truly creative and mesmerising . 🙏❤️🎵🎵🎶

[@shorerocks]

Geddy is one of the greats guys ever to walk this earth. There, I said it.

[@jamesswanson4303]

Good. I didn’t have to 😀

[@davidkilts1670]

When Geddy talked about Rush helping people being something he hears often, it struck home with me. I will not elaborate but Rush helped me keep going at a point I thought I was done.

[@robertbraswell1018]

A fan since 1975, always better than the rest

[@ssalerno9200]

A life of passion, precision, and and humility. Pure joy with this most beautiful band. Thank you, Rush, for the gift of your example.

[@Tonybonzo]

There will never be another Rush not in a million years 😢thank all three of you for making my life worth living ✌️

[@billyrose2112]

I can’t imagine a greater group of guys to be able to hangout with . Each one of them brings a different perspective I can can only imagine what that experience would be like. Thank You RUSH

[@peterkawiecki9342]

Great interview. I love Geddy and Rush and really miss them . RIP Neil.

[@lindanokes3515]

Oh I miss RUSH too I've been to every English gig since they started 😢

[@jamesmacleod671]

I miss those day's of buying my ticket to see Rush and counting the months down to what would be great show and they never disappointed me, brilliant musicians. Even though i will never see them live again I've still got all their live performances on DVD to watch and enjoy. 🎸

[@patricia-p2d9h]

Rush has been the soundtrack to my life. Neil Peart was my drum hero. I miss him soooo much . I miss Rush sooooooo much!!!

[@the6ig6adwolf]

There's nothing to miss. The band had a career spanning for 4 decades, and their music can be played anytime at the push of a button. Be thankful you get to experience it rather than whine for perceived shortcomings.

[@patricia-p2d9h]

I didn't realize I was whining? 😂

[@carminelombardi9575]

What a great human being Geddy is, for me the 2 greatest bands and artist of all time are The Beatles, and RUSH!!!

[@bonzer2u]

I saw Rush for the first time as a rising star concert for a buck in Seattle circa 75. They played a couple tunes off caress of steel, lakeside park was outstanding live. About 6 months later they returned to the paramount theater for their 2112 tour which was the best 5 bucks I spent in my entire lifetime.

[@cbotten106]

Five bucks for a RUSH concert, now you're talking!

[@georgemanka]

I love the maturity and intelligence. And gratitude.

[@limer4330]

The world should watch this interview. Geddy is the most incredible role model.

[@jonasandezekiel1109]

I'm so glad there are people like Geddy and Alex in this world. Truly decent nice guys, and not in any way the typical arrogant rock star. They're an inspiration.

[@Jeff-h4j]

So cool, calm and collective who would ever think of this guy being in a RUSH. R.I.P. Mr. Peart. I'm still in shock that there will never again be a Rush record and tour.

[@botsterfilion7718]

Wow I never knew what a friendship could be likened to until the revelation of this interview.

[@Augfordpdoggie]

Please do a 2nd interview!!! GReatest Band ever!!

[@the6ig6adwolf]

It's an old interview. The entire thing is about 40ish minutes and should be somewhere on KZbin.

[@cbotten106]

Look for The Big Interview or something like that. I watched it a while back but the re-edit was enjoyed as well.

[@Simon-RucknRideAUD]

What sets them apart is that they are nice and respectful people as well as extremely intelligent individuals and musicians. They always stayed true friends and loved pushing each other to bring out their best.

[@AntonyHextell]

I will never forget seeing Rush several times live with my twin brother, happy times. Neil will always be missed 😢

[@runningonq]

I've known their music for many years but I am officially a fan of Geddy Lee. Class act. We need more of this in the world.

[@psychlos21]

Geddy Lee is a gentleman; A kind soul who is passionate about life and always moves forward to get better everyday. A great example for us all.

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

My life has been much richer, being a fan of Rush, and have been since 1977. It breaks my heart knowing I will never see them all together again on stage. But I treasure the memory of seeing them all together on stage and at home and in my car...and in my head. Thanks Ged, and Alex, and of course the Professor...rest in Peace Neil...and thank you all!!

[@clone800flamme]

I don't listen to Rush much compared to other bands from the 70-80s but I love watching interviews from any member because they are so well spoken, calm, honest basically they act like good hearted people. It's very inspiring to see 3 members who always respect each other.

[@ArchieBunker11]

Im not the biggest rush music fan, that being said I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for them. They’re all so articulate and well spoken, and undeniably talented. Im proud they are Canadian!

[@simonarmstrong732]

geddy always takes such sense, and his respect for his friends never fails to move me...what a great guy x

[@sheepdip6452]

Geddy Lee ... good dude.

[@mabbatic]

Love these guys. Such great attitudes and respect towards each other.

[@WilliamGodat-z6f]

What a blessing thanks rush. Seen you guys 20 times.

[@angusyoung9594]

I could listen to this man talk all day long.

[@jackjensen4036]

I saw them twice at Radio City Music Hall in 1982 & 1983. Best rock concerts I've ever seen! ❤️❤️❤️

[@TCU1]

I was blessed to see RUSH 22 times and Geddy's recent book tour. I laughed and cried, and it was so good! RUSH is a brotherhood and good for the soul.

[@balisaani]

What a class act - never saw them live, but gorged on most of their albums growing up. Never a more deserving trio of rock musicians.

[@hux2000]

So many bands are undone by egos, but these three guys were like brothers in all the best ways. Throughout all those years of playing together, each of them lifted up the other two and they all inspired one another to dream big, think big and play big. There was never any need to add a 4th, 5th or 6th person; they already had everything they needed. They were the perfect team.

[@DanaBurkett-c7f]

The world is a better place with Geddy Lee

[@menom7]

There will never again,be another band like RUSH! Their musical creativity they came up with,was just astounding and will never be duplicated by anyone else! The key to all of that was of course............their true friendships with each other in which they shared a part of themselves while recording,and every listener can "feel" that in their music!

[@peterburman5419]

Oh how I wish all interviewers were like Dan Rather. I bet he'd never heard of Rush, let alone listened to a n y of their music, and still manages to create a truly great and meaningful conversation with Geddy Lee 💪 Respectful regards from Sweden.

[@charlesburton4830]

Not true, Dan is a HUGE Rush fan. Find the whole interview. You won't regret it.

[@benkeel2966]

The Mozart of Rock n Roll in the past century. Love each of them.❤

[@dusty3913]

It shouldn’t be amazing (but it is) that Geddy ACTUALLY answers the questions he’s being asked, elaborates and stays on point beautifully. Few do.

[@fenderstratocastertelecast8479]

I can even know how to beging expresing my gratefulness to these guys. They Made my years better during difficult times "Taking your chances, you will have the right answers when the final judgment begins, the way the big wheel spins"

[@michaeltski8620]

I took my twins when they were 8 years old to the Snakes and Arrows tour and again some years later on the Time Machine tour. I have loved these guys for almost their entire career and now my kids , who are in their 20's are huge fans also.

[@dalejacksonmo]

Always Love Rush forever

[@ChateauLiberteFilmPage]

What a cool guy!

[@benkeel2966]

Im happy for their success and wish nothing but love and prayers to their families❤

[@alexanderpatrick4866]

00:47 "The curse of being Canadian is being nice"..... I wish I could say that about my own country.

[@Supernaut2000]

What a highly intelligent and articulate person Geddy is. He's absolutely right, him, Alex and Neil met as they were somehow destined to do so. And the rest is history. RIP Neil, missed but never forgotten.

[@frankdibasta2546]

Meet him twice when I worked at cineplex Yonge and st. Clair Toronto Canada. Asked and got his autograph. Great bloke

[@TheDude1978]

A gentleman through and through. I miss this band!

[@andrewclark8513]

I love Rush, wish i'd found them earlier. God Bless Canada from an Anglo Ozzy

[@Thomas-dz4eg]

Playing loudly is an understatement!!!! I always have ear plugs thanks to Rush!

[@jiggsjohnson7279]

Geddy Lee might be the single most intelligent person on the planet! Best interview ever!!

[@p-Claud73]

Maybe now but when Neil was still here, he’d be #2.

[@wildmike951]

I agree. Neil #1, Geddy #2

[@jiggsjohnson7279]

I did say on the planet as in yesterday.

[@asmith7876]

Was never a fan back in the day because I couldn't get past Geddy Lee's vocals...but that's what they played on the radio back then. If I'd heard their f-ing amazing instrumental stuff I'd have been all over them. What a great group of guys, RIP Neil Peart.

[@gregkoblentz7872]

all that and, "I hope the young kids have big ear protection because I care aboot their hearing" what a lovely guy.

[@maryannsmith7838]

Rush is one of my favorite bands of all time! Timeless!

[@trailrunner919]

Great interview of one of my favorite people in this world...Thanks Dan!!!

[@scott7521]

The three coolest guys ever to form a band.

[@normal_norm2627]

I bought a 7 piece Tama kit in the 1980s. Made in Japan and shipped over to Oregon. (a friend knew a Tama VP). Shipping was more than the kit. Total was $1,500. I had to sell my car but I didn't care cause I WANTED TO BE LIKE NEIL PEART !! Alas, I didn't get there. RIP Neil.

[@DrQuadmaster4000]

I couldn't be prouder to have 3 great men, not just musicians, make up my favorite band.

[@seanoregan998]

Rush music was the soundtrack of my life.

[@KevinBerntson-xy1iu]

What a great dude, and articulate. We love you Geddy!

[@MichaelEngeldinger]

spirit of the radio and freewill blew my mind once I sat down and interpreted what rush meant when they wrote each song , both are masterpieces , lol😊

[@mcdaniels6188]

I was at university, writing for the campus newspaper. I was assigned to review Rush when they came to town. I listened to All the Worlds a Stage for a few weeks before the show. It was the Permanent Waves tour. My seat was 10th row center. They opened with 2112. I was a fan before the show, but since then, I've been an ardent fan. They are one of a kind, so multi-faceted, so talented. They don't need me to say that. Millions know it.

[@michaelktm6061]

Humble and dignified! What a great man.

[@TheMinisterofDefence]

maybe its a canadian thing, but i love how Geddys entire demeanor in this interview reflects the fact that he is speaking to the much older Dan Rather. he seems to adjust his energy , volume, etc. to be more respectfully appropriate to his listener. some people never learn that. its just a "respect your elders" kinda vibe, which is very nice to see, and of course is all part of Rush' s reputation as gentlemen.

[@avet22]

Your music changed my life. Thankyou !

[@NatureBoy420]

hemispheres, perminate waves, moving pictures and signals are all 10/10 perfection /masterpiece albums

[@paul_domici]

Really miss Rush and seeing them live!!!

[@johnsmithw239]

No better three musicians,no ego trips, animosity, just great guys!😊

[@JayHarmon-c1g]

Obviously, Rush is GREAT! It's amazing they're 3 of the most humble and good people in the world. Rush music and these 3 people will live forever in greatness!

[@kimberlybegonia2869]

Awoke this morning with “Ghost of a Chance” reeling in my mind!! ❤

[@SimonGildos]

Caress of steel .....absolute magic, imo one of the best Albums amongst countless others.

[@theodery2712]

Love this guy....big fan since I was a teenager in the 70's. One of the greatest bands ever. Worlds smallest symphony orchestra!!!