Geddy Lee on Speakeasy

[@birdg2112]

The love I have for this man….No one like him, he’s like a neighbor you’ve known forever.

[@frankmurphyburr3598]

Im a 63 year old Rush fanatic, saw them in 1980. Still listen to them because their music endures and brings me joy.

[@madjock-ig5bv]

Only Geddy could turn an interview around and start asking the interviewer questions. He is so lovely and obviously is interested in other people more than himself. Loved this interview. So thanks to Concert Collective for putting this up.

[@andrewdawson6217]

Nobody can play bass and sing like Geddy!

[@mack7372]

A true person not fake like other musicians that don’t open up and let you know what and how they grew up.Geddy is the best!!

[@juantudares3702]

Extraordinary interview with a great musician and human being. God bless you forever Mr. Lee

[@tzt1182]

I miss Rush so much. Their music will live on forever.

[@darrenfinkel2078]

"There's something in our nature that would rather fight than quit." We're grateful for that!

[@HyperCast2012]

Love how Geddy turned an interview into a conversation ❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@DaniloMarrone]

Geddy Lee is the Gordie Howe of rock; he is such a kind, considerate, and inspiring man.

[@bronxbrothers121]

Geddy, Alex, and Neil are the most genuine people in music...the reason for their longevity.

[@chiefbrody75]

CANNOT wait for his autobiography!! Pre-order is in!!

[@leddygee1896]

The photo of the three of them sitting on the couch with big grins on their faces is a perfect example of why it worked for them for so many years... Rest in power, Professor.

[@jeffbair9069]

I have been a RUSH fan since "Fly by night" and have been a fan ever since. I loved them through all their journeys, and even when they weren't very popular. When some people were like, what is this? I was like, this is awesome!!! Geddy was the one that made me pick up a bass guitar, and I have been on a quest ever since. At 58 years old I have been in numerous bands, and even tried my hand at lead vocals. But I always came back to playing bass, as it gave me the most rewarding feeling gelling with the drummer and keeping a solid rhythm and bottom end!!! I have seen RUSH 3 times and every time was magical!!!! Watching Geddy play the bass line to 'Tom Sawyer" was absolutely mind bending!! I was lucky enough to meet Geddy and Alex at a meet and greet and both were so approachable and very appreciative of their fans and Geddy even signed my guitar strap. Total class act!!!

[@pasttenseSara]

To hear Geddy's praise of Bjork was deeply personal for me. I adore that woman, and her music. ... and Rush, don't get me started. Being a child of Pittsburgh rock radio (WDVE), I was indoctrinated into the Rush 'Rats' very young. Love the band and have enjoyed a recent resurgence in revisitng their entire catalogue. RIP: Neil ... what more can be said?!?!?

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

I love just south of Pittsburg near interstate 79 and have been to 8 RUSH gigs - all of them around Pittsburgh, except for one, which was in Raleigh, NC on July 4, 2002 while stationed at Fort Bragg. I hated to see Three Rivers Stadium and the Civic Arena get demolished. Three Rivers was only 30 years old and could have lasted another 100. I refuse to go to those other stadiums they built. Just isn’t the same watching a Pirates game elsewhere. What’s also sick about that is it was taxes that funded those 2 stadiums, and NOT the teams

[@jamiecarter9540]

i love Geddy Lee, so humble, so professional, and so damn talented.

[@ILSRWY4]

I love this interaction. Imagine Geddy asking YOU the questions! How cool is that! Such a genuine person, down to earth and profoundly honest.

[@chriswhittles1325]

That was beautiful. I've never really been an over the top fan, obsessed with the personal lives of the various people I find interesting. That man there and his 2 soul-mates ( and the crew that mobilizes everything) have made my life a MUCH better and rich experience! I can only imagine how many people say this to you but I'm 57 year old guy and Ive been PROUD to say I am a RUSH fan all the way back to when every body I knew was learning Tom Sawyer and trying to get that Tom roll just right or playing Working Man at a local party and hoping not to get shut down for playing to loud after 10 pm. THANK YOU so much for the profound impact you 3 wonderful people have had on my life and all my friends. I still remember the wonder of listening to" The Trees" or "The Manhatten Project" and thinking wow a rock song can tell a cleaver and wonderful story and doesn't have to be some stupid, superficial song about partying all night. You three individuals have and will always be the definition of class, hard work, and friendship in my book! Great interview.

[@godesteem]

Great thoughts, Chris

[@irena7777777]

Geddy is my favourite singer/musician. He’s such a wise, composed and funny person. Chabon seems to have a similar personality. What an outstanding author he is. Brilliant interview

[@Steve.Cutler]

Rush set the bar on how to be a successful rock band. Class from day one to today.

[@walterevans2118]

Geddy is a GOOD guy . As well as a great musician....He always was. I remember how congenial he was in the 1970s with British Rock Journalists ...We all miss Neil . That man was a GENIUS yet so modest & thoughtful. I remember seeing Rush live as a 15 year old at Hammersmith Odeon on the tour of the Hemispheres in spring 1979. Cygnux X1 LIVE complete...Right across the two albums.

[@kirktheweatherman1622]

This guy is a freak of nature. He can play bass, keyboard, and sing, with a high-pitched voice all at the same time.

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

I have a long theory behind that too

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Thank you so much for posting this ❤ This interview warms my heart having no band touring anymore. FOREVER A RUSH FAN FROM OHIO 🙏👍💖✌

[@icubud7056]

From Cinti

[@MissingMars]

Incredible -nuff said!

[@jimstubblefield9850]

My first show was 1975 Wichita, KS and after 81 shows & meeting the band multiple times over the years I could listen them talk all day! I think we all would love to see an hour long interview with Alex, that would be awesome!

[@555tg]

As others have said a genuine Human Being . massively talented along with his band mates .apart from the obvious part of the bands success is the fact these 3 guys have a genuine friendship , love and respect for each other .Long live the music of Rush ..

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

"Originality is nothing more than flawed imitation." Brilliant.

[@ericpeterson7512]

Wow, “The day after a show, i can’t really talk.” I know that feeling. They made it seem so easy, I don’t think most people understand how hard Rush worked at what they did. Their work ethic was incredible. They put everything they had into delivering the best performance possible of the most creative art they could produce. Their standards were sky high, and they always lived up to them, for over 40 years. What a band!

[@johnthompson5740]

Answering the question about how the group managed to stay together for so long "....I see three sort of well-adjusted middle class, you know, suburban kids" and "....there's something about the way we were brought up that made us all, uh, quite fair-minded". The lesson for me, as a parent, is the responsibility and reward of making the investment in my children. To the parents of Geddy, Alex and Neil, what a reward to see these humble 'rocks stars' be a great example of positivity. No doubt, absolutely great music. But it goes much deeper than that. And for that reason, these guys are set apart from their peers. Will someone follow their example? I sure hope so, we need more Rush in this world.

[@snaredude56]

"I can get it up, but not for as as long" with a picture of Geddy would make a great T shirt. It never ceases to amaze me how intelligent, thoughtful and humble all three of these are are/were. It's not really that surprising they stayed together for 40 plus years.

[@michellew4637]

I love this man!!!

[@Valandor_Celestial_Warlock]

Cream, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Yes, and Genesis, the people who taught the boys to love music, though all fantastic bands in their own right, together cannot compare to the talent, complexity, inventiveness, artistry, creativeness, diversity, and profundity of Rush and their music. Al, Ged, and Bubba are gods among mere foolish mortals and they will live forever.

[@Jack-russell103]

Nonsense

[@andyharman3022]

Geddy demonstrates the practical value of having great times with great friends.

[@jimbolton2363]

Rush was the garage band from T.O. We all grew up with,it’s been a wild ride man. Miss you Neil

[@sickerman88]

his respectful explanation of Neil's personal tragedy brought tears to my eyes, especially now that he's gone, they truly loved and respected each other beyond any other musical act that I've ever seen

[@lazydada1062]

Great interview, never seen this. Thanks for posting!

[@okguy1282]

Geddy is such a down to earth person. This was a more serious interview....about all issues. Really enjoyed it. The more I know about RUSH..the more we know why they were so great! Great interview.

[@DavidLazarus]

I'm 37 minutes in. Honestly, I had hoped that this was a more recent interview. However, I'm enjoying it anyway. Thanks for sharing. I'll continue it tomorrow.

[@glennroberts1852]

I love this interview.

[@hunterscott7592]

This was an extraordinarily great interview and discussion!! Having been a Rush fan since I was very young, I knew much of this information but had moved on a bit, this was a great refresher course and makes me want to revisit my Rush albums. Anyway, great job with this content! Much appreciated

[@Jdrumseattle]

Very enjoyable conversation. Thanks for bringing the chat into my living room.

[@havardask]

The Canadian way is being polite and kind 😊 My youngest sometimes ask me: “Dad, if you were to move to another country than Norway, where would you like to live?” I always tell him Canada. The guys in Rush seem to have an ingrained respect and care for others. I like that

[@GEDDY37]

Geddy is the epitome of a CDN, unfortunately Canada is being taken over by woke angry mobs, supported by the government. I’m a 58 year old in BC, the change to this country is beyond belief ☹️

[@freedompanda9438]

This was an absolutely fantastic hour. Thank you both. As a fan of Rush since their Moving Pictures album (my favorite band since hearing the first song), it’s great to hear these stories. Geddy seems like such a gracious, humble person, and it’s a neat feeling to know that that band I was led to & latched on to way back when I was 10/11 are great guys. Obviously, this interview took place before Pratt passed away, but has he REALLY passed away? He - and Ged & Al will always be a huge part of our lives. 🙏🏼

[@NealLarson-g1k]

im 54 and became a hardcore fan in 81 also, like neil said once they are the soundtrack of our lives

[@bakken6969]

That was just beautiful.. 🙌🙌

[@RickNBacker]

Can't wait for his book in November...

[@jimturner4937]

Like the rare earth, there will never be another Rush. In that, there is a lesson. There is not another you or me, The combination of unique persona's that culminate into the chemistry of this band is extraordinary as it is with so many great bands.

[@daviddryden8088]

Ben Mink (who Geddy mentions) for anyone interested, was one of the members of another great 3 piece prog band called FM. Also from Canada, their first 2 or 3 LP's are quite good. Rush and FM toured together in 1983 or so. A bandmate of mine at the time was first in line at one of their shows and somehow got to be a temporary roadie and had the proud distinction of helping carry the bands equipment into the coliseum. In the right place at the right time, lucky bastard.

[@losingitrush]

Damn, I did not know he was in FM!

[@jeddak]

And he played that phenomenal violin solo on _Losing It_, which always hits me square in the chest.

[@robadams1645]

@@jeddak I went to the Vancouver R40 show spoiler free, so when they played Losing It (with Ben Mink) I was absolutely floored.

[@tristandsaldana]

Imagine listening to the history of Geddy's recorded jams with him and Alex.

[@kevinmcgiffin10]

Open mikes in the studio with the three of them talking back and fourth...just like the dinner video but so much more to smile about. Hours and hours of deep Rush style you've never heard before.

[@danielh1830]

What a great conversation.

[@daleroe4511]

IVE BEEN writing music for years because of this man .

[@DavidLazarus]

Fantastic interview! One of the best I've heard! Geddy is such a great guy. I'd love to meet both him and Alex. I too am of Jewish heritage. However, I've been more of a Spiritualist for the overwhelming majority of my adult life. I'd just love to go out for coffee or something with these guys and talk. There's no doubt we have a lot of differences. Me being neurodivergent (autistic) one of those differences. However, I'll bet we have a lot in common too. For one, I'm also a huge Yes fan. Also, I too can be quite silly; especially with some of my autistic eccentricities. I'm not sure that my meeting them will ever happen, but it couldn't be anything by a positive life experience if it did. Thanks to both of your for the interview.

[@RickNBacker]

Maybe when Geddy's autobiography comes out in November he'll do a book tour and you'll get to meet him.

[@jameskrause991]

Fantastic discussion

[@xojewel1]

Luv these guys

[@scottarnest8980]

Excellent as expected.

[@georgepirtle2628]

A little ol 3 piece band from Texas were together 50 plus years!

[@Greg-io1ip]

Beautiful interview. You're a good man Gary. Oops Geddy.

[@davidreichert9392]

A bit heartbreaking that Ged's dad would never get to see what his son had become.

[@deetgeluid]

Geddy geds it.❤

[@cfjelde]

I'm a graphic designer. When I get stuck, "write it bad" is SO necessary. I love that concept.

[@Musician_Robert]

20 minutes into Geddy's Interview it turned into a RUSH Love Mustard lol ~Great Interview. Extremely, interesting.

[@katebell5188]

What a great in depth interview

[@philiphall9609]

The interviewers (I dont know who he is) description of peoples influences. Being light in a prism, and the light coming out is you. Might be the greatest thing i have ever heard.

[@jeremymullins1294]

Michael Chabon, the novelist. A great writer!

[@philiphall9609]

@@jeremymullins1294thank you. Ill look n2 him.

[@Vince-lq3ve]

So funny that humble Geddy turns this interview around to become the interviewer and passes numerous questions back to the host to make him the spotlight.

[@CrazyLife2112]

Let's all take a moment to appreciate that other kid's mom for saying no.

[@Greg-io1ip]

I know the answer. Geddy's mom was fantastic, Alex was funny and light hearted, Neil arrived with a mature work ethic... And Geddy's friendship and love reminded them no ego is necessary. Make the music, have fun, get paid. A little weed in moderation never hurts. I think Geddy's mom was key.

[@NominalTopic]

I had that experience too! (Watching a Rush sound check, minus the couch & bar mitzvah😁)

[@kennytesta9312]

Great interview

[@hadara69]

This is also the first time I’ve heard any RUSH member refer to it as “Heavy Metal”. Fuck yeah it is!!🤘

[@NeonNights80]

Great interview. The interviewer sounds like Kirk Hammett

[@ericpeterson7512]

Neil was still alive, but hadn’t yet retired apparently. Geddy must have known he was sick and unlikely to return, but he couldn’t say anything. How hard for him…

[@robadams1645]

I believe this was recorded 8 years ago (Michael saying he's 51 and he's 59 as I type this). So this was well before Neil was diagnosed.

[@MacSoundSolutions]

I was the audio engineer on the speakeasy series, Roger Waters, Nile Rogers, Getty Lee, and others. So cool to record some of my hero’s. 😅

[@trenken]

When was this interview done? Had to be a while ago. Geddy looks quite a bit older than this now.

[@robadams1645]

According to Wikipedia, Michael Chabon is currently 59. He talks a lot about being 51 so it would have been about 8 years ago.

[@danielh1830]

It's time for Geddy and Alex to play again - Neil would understand.

[@roadkingdream]

Who's interviewing who???

[@hadara69]

As a visual Artist/Musician, it’s sort of inspiring in an ODD way to hear that RUSH are still massive potheads (and java junkies to counter-balance??), yet prolifically produced amazing Art. Sometimes we forget that pot smoking is meant to help pry our minds open, rather than just vegetate like a catatonic drooling Metalhead on the couch… I’m gonna go record some “soundscapes” now….

[@tammysmith2553]

Interesting at the 24:00 mark how he talks about "not talking" on off days. I had the fortunate opportunity to meet him on one of those days during the R30 tour & he was extremely soft spoken. And, not to mention, extremely gracious to allow me to hang with their inner circle.

[@jimbolton2363]

Do you all remember… 10 bucks is 10 bucks eh!

[@dstock9855]

the guitar is in "g"

[@dancahill9585]

Who is the interviewer?

[@podell111]

So we go from paying high prices to oil companies, to paying high prices at the pump to hydrogen companies. And my car now explodes 😅

[@allwaizeright9705]

I believe this interview was done just prior to Neil Peart's passing - as they are referencing the R40 tour in 2015...

[@martyadams3172]

This would make it 2019, Neil passed in Jan 2020

[@mahesh7069]

2014 if the interviewer was right about being 98 years from 2112

[@jeddak]

I got the sense that Geddy was supressing some emotion when talking about Neal during this interview, not wanting to let on what was happening to his old, dear friend and colleague.

[@robadams1645]

I'm pretty sure it was 8 years ago so it would have been right around the R40 tour.

[@duaneraymond4252]

When was this done?

[@karn_evil3353]

From IMDB.... Speakeasy with Geddy Lee and Michael Chabon Episode aired Jan 29, 2015

[@stratcaptain66]

Four years ago? This is already old.

[@chrischoir3594]

This guy mentions his age like 10 time lol

[@Stevedrums741]

I think ZZ Top is the only one I can think of.

[@stevehaye]

golden earring. similar friendships

[@mozzfan714]

U2…?

[@86FxBdyCpe]

Was this a recent interview? I get the feeling this was before Neil's passing.

[@marsphotoz323]

Or, good is the enemy of great. 28:19

[@duckbrew]

what yr is this from?

[@concertcollective87]

2015

[@Greg-io1ip]

Who has that red couch now?

[@fcamiola]

Interviewer seemed nervous in the beginning, or is that his demeanor?

[@9Universe757]

He seemed nervous throughout the entire interview

[@MaureenMikalsen-mx8cn]

The interviewer talks about Rush like Geddy not in the band .

[@venuerocker]

I wonder how Rush would have sounded with Alex on vocals. :)

[@MartinMCade]

No need to wonder, there are some videos of La Villa Strangiato that show this. :D

[@GEDDY37]

Victor album

[@jeffsimon9594]

@@GEDDY37 That is quite an interesting darkish album and his spoken vocals are cool, my copy is the original Canadian cassette version which is apparently quite rare in that format

[@GEDDY37]

@@jeffsimon9594 between your legs I’m gonna lay, on your back you better stay, I’m gonna f you night and day. Great lyrics, wonder what Neil thought of them haha

[@liftme225]

the ball washing makes Geddy look uncomfortable.

[@seasmoke5151]

Great listening to Geddy but the worst interviewer….

[@johnlumbers6139]

Ask a ?

[@Slobberdog66]

Question, who would win in a fight between God and Neil Peart? Trick question Neil Peart IS God!

[@mikearchibald744]

No disrespect to Neil Peart who I think is at least easily in the top five lyricists of music, period. And maybe its because these guys were such great musicians that the lyrics sometimes get second shrift, I know, not with real fans, but outside of that there is little endevour to really look at a lot of lyrics seriously. Anyway, I just always thought it was too bad because the lyrics to their first album were SO good, especially for somebody that young, and who had really little experience writing, that in a way ALL the lyrics were dumped on Neil, because I think Geddy would have been a fantastical lyricist. I guess I should actually listen to his solo album to know. But I did like the more 'direct' and less esoteric lyrics of that first album not MORE than later stuff, but I guess in a way thats pretty unfair to talk to somebody like Geddy Lee and see "why didn't you ALSO write more lyrics.....I don't think you worked hard enough":)

[@katskillz]

there's already so much time and work in writing, rehearsing, arranging a song, and Geddy always wearing 2-3 hats (vocals, bass, synths), its just an economic decision that he let another take up the lyrics job. But still he found time to pen a few songs, like Cinderella Man and Different Strings. Not bad

[@mikearchibald744]

@@katskillz I think it was more "I hate doing it, he's good at it". Which is fine. But its kind of like seeing somebody who painted once and showed great promise and then gave it up. Or a variation of the Syd Barrett situation, somebody so good, that when it that is taken away we kind of regret it. I didn't know he wrote those two, and its certainly not that kind of tragic, but that first album kind of gets short shrift when its like the Sex Pistols album when you realize soembody that young wrote the lyrics, they are really good. And I think I just read that Neil says he was often a kind of 'editor' because he had to sing the lyrics, so again, its not that big a thing, just thought it worth mentioning to praise the lyrics of that first album.

[@SnowDogisVictorious]

We’re speaking of the eponymous album, yes? I have never heard a word of praise for those lyrics, not once. Most considered them hackneyed, cliched, and pedestrian. That being said, a later Song, called tears, was also written by Geddy and was good.

[@stuarthepburn6508]

Any reaction videos I have seen from people that haven't listened to Rush before, always pick out the brilliance of the lyrics. I think that's it, if you aren't into Rush, why would you and then when you do, you are

[@mikearchibald744]

@@stuarthepburn6508 I've seen lots of reaction videos, almost NEVER do they mention actual lyrics. I was thinking of starting a prog podcast JUST to talk about lyrics becaues I've always noticed virtually NO discussion of the lyrics. I think that will likely come with reaction videos simply because there's only so many times a 'reaction' is going to be interesting but most of the ones I see are by musicians, voice coaches, 'onstage presence coaches' and things like that. I haven't seen a poet reaction yet, but its a big internet. Tom Sawyer and maybe subdivisions would be the exception, as well as 2112, but those were all a long time ago.

[@batphink2655]

My old friend Joe( RIP) was the biggest Rush fan on Earth ,he had every album, CD,Poster,T-shirts, Tour Programs, everything even import items. He met Geddy at a Blue Jays baseball game in Toronto and politely asked for his autograph to which Geddy said Get lost pal'. Joe came home and set fire to everything Rush he was dejected and hurt. He was also a lovey guy ,damn Geddy you fugly.

[@Mcgovern124]

Phish is turning 40 this year.

[@p-Nitti]

He knew at this moment Neil had brain cancer and that would be their last album

[@GEDDY37]

Seems this interview was 2014. Rush last concert was Aug 2015, Neil was diagnosed with cancer around 2016. I remember exactly the moment I heard of Neil’s passing, tried to believe but I know it’s no good, this is something that just can’t be understood

[@LaVillaStrangiato]

this guy is hard to listen to.