Rush on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos

www.cbc.ca/thehour
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson 1968 in the Toronto suburb of Willowdale a young band called 'Rush' was formed.
Guitarist Alex Lifeson, singer/bassist Geddy Lee and then, a couple of years later a new drummer - Neil Peart joined in.
Together, they made Canadian music history.
Rush's debut album was the biggest selling debut by a Canadian band.
But that's not all.
When it comes to bands having released the most gold or platinum albums in a row, Rush is a solid fourth, following Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Overall, 'Rush' has released 18 albums, sold more than 40 million of 'em and played sold out shows around the world.
'Rush' are certified Canadian Rock Royalty.
They've been inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame, they've got a star on Canada's Walk of Fame and they've been made Officers of the Order of Canada.
These days, ther guys have just released a new DVD.
It's called "Snakes & Arrows Live"

[@RallyCat909]

I bought my first Rush album when I was 13, Im 40 now. I still listen to them just about everyday. Im am still here because the kept me sane in the rough times. Thanks.

[@helencarter3666]

Me to, thank goodness for Rush andTolkien!

[@joebagodonuts3040]

Been listening since 1976 - Caress of Steel was my first 8-track tape of them. 11 years old then 55 now and they are by far the most talented artists ever. You said a mouth full when you say “ listening put you in a better place”. After listening to every interview I could find on here they successfully achieved their objective. Making people happy 😃

[@djzeringue]

RUSH.....Best Band Ever. RIP "The Professor". You will be missed Sir.

[@moparedtn]

RIP Pratt....

[@lk47902]

RUSH is not only an awesome band, but also a group of free-thinking, criticial, sensitive, funny, inteligent and brave people that has shown to many of us that its worth staying true to your ideals. My favorite musicians and people on the face of earth!

[@papajohn240]

The tightest band ever.they can come out live and sound like the studio.plus they always stayed humble over the years.never acted like big rock stars. best show I ever saw. the farewell to kings tour...

[@arkansaswookie]

I was 11 when i was handed that album. my ears were glued to the giant RCA stereo that opened from the top, and inside were an 8 track,a turntable and a radio. That began my like of Rush. Finally saw them with my son in 2007.

[@craigmanning2439]

Love Jethro Tull, saw him several times live, but........Not even close to RUSH. Not close. Can I say it again, not even close. Not in longevity, not in technicality. Loved Crest of the Knave but well.......JT is a distant third behind RUSH and YES(of course just my opinion.)

[@bifftop_johnny]

"Well we give Mick Jagger a call." Lol. Alex is hilarious

[@petera2421]

I could listen to these guys talk for hours… just like I listen to all their amazing music for hours… even now, 40 years later…. RIP Neil. Forever my idol…

[@TheSateef]

has Alex ever tried standup? he's hilarious in every interview I see him on

[@jmpsthrufyre]

I think he'd be ok at it, but shines in interviews. Without that interaction it may not work as well. But I'd like to see it

[@EmmaBReyes]

The perfect person to interview these humble legends.

[@Rocinante01]

For anyone who doesn't understand why so many of us love these guys, they need to watch this video clip. A quick history of the band, a complete, yet brief history of the bands many MANY achievements, and a look into their true musicianship and great sense of humor all tied up with a sense of humility and respect. What a great band and a great bunch of guys.

[@rhinehartd]

I love the overwhelming welcome the audience gives these two guys...if you watch the other interviews on this show, the audience does not clap or cheer as loudly.

[@truthneverlies4922]

These guys are the best and really genuine people I’ve met both of them Alex in a Radio Shack and Getty on the beltway and they love talking to fans 👍

[@JulesRules06]

I love them SO MUCH. They are such genuine, caring, wise, and talented individuals. Hearing Alex Lifeson talk about meetin Jimmy Page was the cutest thing! :')

[@Cavalier9500]

Alex Lifeson is hilarious.

[@bifftop_johnny]

"Well we give Mick Jagger a call." I laughed so hard at that

[@Cavalier9500]

Lol. He is the comedian, and Peart is the serious philosopher.

[@jlarsena]

There's a reason Alex is on Trailer Park Boys.

[@kylebookout1789]

@@Cavalier9500 and geddy is somewhere in between.

[@dohnboe6323]

Kyle Bookout Geddy is the wizard

[@markstench4470]

Thank you Rush......Thank you for all the beautiful music and memories

[@perfectionbox]

American: my country has been to the Moon Canadian: my country has Rush American: ... Touché

[@SecretAgent068]

Man I could listen to them talk all day. Such great down to earth guys.

[@nov20five]

I love how George interviews these guys. Anyways relaxed and real. That is genuine interviewing talent!

[@logalexdavid]

Wow, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are so articulate; I often wish I could write like they talk.

[@LotusVette84]

Why? Is there anything wrong with Neil's writing? Or you just want more variety?

[@logalexdavid]

I am not trying to say there is anything wrong with his writing. I actually enjoy his writing. I am just saying the way he speaks is also pretty amazing in and of itself.

[@sharinglungs3226]

Neil is even more articulate sounds like he’s reading from a novel.

[@ellasmommy9278]

I found this interview years ago, it is still my all time favorite interview. These guys are so funny and sharp. I'm sad I will never see you live again. But so happy for all the times I did. R.I.P. Neil.

[@somethingdiscreet]

Man, what wonderfully humble and humorous guys. I can still remember when I was first introduced to their music. I fell in love instantly. And I'm SO glad I got to go to at least one of their concerts before they stopped touring. Even though they've been around since I was -40 years old, I will still always love Rush and appreciate the wisdom and musicality of their discography. I just hope they continue doing music, even if they're not touring. Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart. Long live you all!!

[@ryansheehan9462]

“People think I’m Bono sometimes” Graphic with Ged’s name comes up immediately I don’t know if that was on purpose but I laughed a lot

[@Dthorn912]

I bought my first album when I was 16 now I'm 18 and I have just about every song of theirs on my ipod and listen to them everyday. People think i'm weird

[@kylebookout1789]

You're not weird. You're awesome!

[@jmpsthrufyre]

My first Rush album ( double album ) was Exit Stage Left. 1983 or 84. I think. I was 13 or 14. After that I couldn't get enough. But I'd have to search and search and wait to find the older albums at vinyl shops. There were two shops and it was maddening at times, but when I'd finally find one, it was like magic!

[@ryanaceman]

I'm practically crying they're so incredible RUSH

[@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt]

They do nothing but virtue signal

[@alexanderstyrlander7991]

@@4gegtyreeyuyeddffvyt What do you mean?

[@michellerobin5461]

“Jeez we’re Canadian” Love these guys like family. ❤️🇨🇦❤️

[@daveytandtheplacetobe7561]

Soundtrack to my life since 1980, RUSH really enriched my life with the music and the traveling I did to go see them for the next 40 years

[@sssandhu78]

How awesome are these guys! Rock on Rush.

[@sammycircle]

You Know You Are A Great Band When You Have Created Your OWN Genre Of Music.........Gene Simmons Of Kiss Said That About RUSH!

[@RoarOfWolverine]

That’s right. That puts you in the company of groups like Pink Floyd. What genre does Floyd play? Pink Floyd. What genre is Rush? They’re Rush. Rush definitely belong in the company of groups like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and that’s pretty good company. Groups who write music so unique that they create their own genre. No one else plays Rush.

[@TheGreatAlan75]

I find it insulting they have only sold 40 million albums. a band of their caliber, list of great albums, etc... usually sell at least 100 million or more.

[@scarycrazymann]

It's because they didn't conform to the popular styles of society.

[@Thunda1986]

i've only just discovered their music

[@Knightswhosaynee]

Well Madonna and Miley Cyrus may have sold more Albums , than Rush and every Jazz artist combined. In a Hundred years you could still talk to the man the Street about 2112 or Kind of Blue , but, Madonna and Miley are not Built to Last their fame may be large but short lived compared to something that has a lot more depth to it.

[@dohnboe6323]

That’s what staying in Canada does for ya..

[@austinluszcz1426]

I love when they throw Neil under the bus just because he isn’t there😂😂

[@dvdfiend]

I saw Alex on an episode of Trailer Park Boys and it was hilarious! Rush is a great band.

[@toolkills]

these guys own almost every musician who has ever lived

[@SXI96]

Alex Lifeson's country home is incredible, what a fortunate guy to have the career and life he has, tremendous band, they've earned it!

[@detlevtimm3019]

RIP Neil.

[@zeropointgiant4724]

Our Inspiration for our music. They are truly amazing gods of music!

[@r3not5]

I've gone to see Rush twice and damn neither felt like 3 hours.

[@jrichter09]

Rush interviews are just a blast to listen to.

[@kavathza4660]

God how i love these guys. I learned so much from them over the years, and subdivisions made life easier to deal with.

[@54spiritedwill54]

these guys were my favourite band for so long

[@Gaderelli]

54spiritedwill54 were ??????????????????

[@Catnip11147]

These guys are awesome! A three-hour set! Lesser bands would never be able pull that off! I thank God for Rush! I love Alex...he's so funny! I'm not dugging the mustache though!

[@justimprovising]

the mustache and darker hair were for his role in the movie "Suck", so only temporary

[@johnmcguffin1505]

Al is hilarious!! 😂these guys can show all bands, laughter is how you stay together

[@biped19]

They grew into their songs because they are timeless and speak a universal truth: specific or broad ideas, sentiments or emotion. Every song by RUSH is hand crafted.

[@Learnerofthings]

"Well, we give Mick Jagger a call...." Alex is the king of comedic timing.

[@AudiophileTubes]

RUSH is TIMELESS!

[@gonnagroove]

It really pisses me off how George keeps interrupting them. Let them speak, they're the guests, not you. Love these guys, very down to earth.

[@charliejimmerson]

Its not so much Neil is avoiding interviews, its just he lives in LA now and this interview was filmed in Toronto. Niel has always been more private and has often let Geddy and Alex handle that aspect of it.

[@TheStuport]

Binge Watching Anything And Everything that Is RUSH since Pratt The Professor has left to go Drink The Milk Of Paradise. But I play RUSH everyday on my stereo or in my car or in my head when no electricity is around. Done this since I was RUSHED back in April of '75. So many memories of Live Shows and articles and books. My One Favorite thing I laugh about is when Geddy smiles and say's after 40 years Neil is STILL called The New Guy! These guys truly loved one another and being together and it showed with Gifts of Song to their Fans.who are The BEST FANS EVER. Stay Strong All

[@Peatman]

Great interview. These two are awesome guys. So honest, modest and funny. True Canadians! :)

[@jeffdawson2786]

Such nice guys to be such legendary musicians.

[@RollTheFemers]

LOL, "Well, we give Mick Jagger a call." :-D

[@VangeliRock]

9:28 "And think like he thinks when he plays"....Not only did Alex want to play like him, but he took it to a spiritual level "think like he thinks when he plays" Those are amazing words.

[@radioRELOAD]

These guys erase every rock n roll cliche, geez thats refreshing, exceptionally talent players who have remained grounded while achieving great success. somehow proof that life is fair if you do all the right things and work hard at your craft

[@brianholybee2360]

Jesus, I had heard from a friend that Neal had passed away, I did'nt know any details. other than what I had heard, That really sucks man. DAMN-IT, I really admired his work and his talent. Even though I will never ever be able to play the drums like he did, Hell for that matter I've always wanted to be able to play a bass like Getty Lee. I'm really big fan of the band andf I am so sorry to find out that the rumors were true. If anyone out there can do this, Please foward my condolences to Neal's family and his friends. Neal you will be missed by not only myself but thousands of loyal fans around the globe. Thank You, Brian Holybee

[@image3studio]

@ajl22586 He use to do them with Alex and Geddy all the time until he lost his wife to cancer and then a few months later his daughter in a car accident. It took him a few years to find his way back from that and the band decided at that time Alex and Geddy would do the interviews so he didn't have to constantly get asked questions about the losses in his life. He's recently been doing more interviews and when that question comes up quickly change the subject on the interviewer.

[@stgm]

Rush and George Stoumboulopoulos.. the two best things about Canada. Now if they were talking to eachother while passing around a puck, it would be even better.

[@MrDietz7]

i saw my first rush concert at 13... coolest experience ever

[@allghilliedup21]

Hmmm that sounds sensible. I appreciate his shyness and I'm glad his bandmates don't mind doing all the media stuff. I do feel sorry for Neil about his losses, though.

[@TonMaison]

Thank you for this post. Makes me believe agin.

[@garylagstrom3864]

RUSH is THE PERFECT EXAMPLE of the fluidity of MASTERING TIME SIGNATURES! I play drums and there are a few things that you need to know about Neil Peart’s ( pronounced PEER-T) character: First he writes the lyrics so he knows in advance what TYPE of song it’s meant to be ie ballad, driver, etc. Second he COMPOSES on the drums… like a carpenter who looks at a set of blueprints before building the object. Neil lays out a SKETCH in his mind of the VOICES of the drumset and builds the song from there. He is also a great LISTENER knowing when NOT to step over Geddy’s singing or Alex’s solos! Finally, he had perfect timing and fluidity of time changes. He said himself that it’s not about COUNTING the time signatures as much as fluid motion to change the tempo without counting: in other words it should FLOW! He hates repeating the same drum patterns in the same song meaning if he plays a fill one way the first time around he will play it differently the second time around. IE. Rolls down the toms the first time around and triplets or quads (all four limbs) the second time around. In short there will NEVER be another like him on planet earth 🌍 🌏 🌎! REST IN PEACE PROFESSOR! With heart felt admiration and sincerity! Gary

[@redhead5150]

RUSH 2112 is a classic musical piece!!!

[@proudlyrushian]

"...it was a miserable failure." xD Geddy's awesome.

[@negtype13]

In the early days of Rush.... ZEPPLIN mentioned the boys!!!! The Grasshopper BECOMES the MASTER!!! CLASSIC/AWESOME!!!!! \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/

[@serguei1985]

Always great to see our Toronto gods (but where was Neil?) Hope to see them on tour someday...

[@Rush1236]

Rush is awesome anotha thing that is cool is that its my name too.

[@Bobladavies]

George is able to get a slightly different response from a slightly different approach, making this a unique Rush interview, a gem.

[@mattzank9559]

Their films that you see at the shows are epic.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

They are so down to earth. Instantly disarming. Felt like I was right there just chatting with some old friends. Esp. Alex. He is like super old timey. Like Hentor old.

[@Tbug666]

Excellent interview! Geddy and Alex always have such class. Wisdom and good humor that few people seem to have today. Hard work ,morals, and ethics is what I truly learned to respect about RUSH. Sure, and then there’s the talent! 😜 Neil’s passing hit us all hard and to this day it’s difficult thinking he is no longer will us but then I put on some vinyl from RUSH I’ve owned since the late 70s and 80s and realize we will always have RUSH. Thanks for sharing this.

[@PatriciaLopez-nr5nf]

My favorite band. RIP Neil

[@danlaman1000]

Rush is awesome

[@DevoutlyAgnostic]

Still great, still relevant

[@masquesandmirrors]

@Dthorn912 You're not weird, you just have exquisite taste, right? ;) I've loved them since I heard "2112" back in the good ole' 70's when I was a wee lass....lol.

[@snowdog03]

Yes they did, I was and still am a Zep fan but the fact remains the same, They lifted alot. I started listening to them when I was in my early teens in a group home 29 years ago.

[@ricaard]

"Peert", not "Pert"! It's literally spelled "ear" right in the middle!

[@ArrowTrajectory]

Just like 'heart'... oh, maybe not. Still, a great interview with great, humble guys.

[@ricaard]

@@ArrowTrajectory 🤣

[@quitearow]

Thank you Rush!

[@bughead3]

These guys are always so spectacular. Still holding down the fort and fighting the good fight for all that is right in music. On a side note: It's a sad commentary when Ozzy Osbourne is better known in a lot of circles as some sort of reality TV tool and not the great front man of Black Sabbath.

[@SuperStrik9]

I was at that Page/Plant show! Now I know Geddy and Alex were there too lol.

[@UnkleJustin]

Yeah, he has a hard time with the "Dude, you effin' RAWK" crowd. But is IS because he is shy and an anti rock star. We met him one day when he was gassing up his BMW motorcycle and he was just so nice. Instead of us asking about Rush, he asked us about Letchworth State Park (here in Western New York State) and about our families.

[@nathan7007]

such a good band

[@rozeem6]

Alex is a funny fellow = )

[@Haloplayer20]

@LSA2013 If he does interviews, he only does them on his own, that way he can say more and feel comfortable

[@pounderish]

Love these guys

[@hondapassportfan3094]

I think Signals is Rush's best record. It's a brilliant record, and I believe that it has the definitive Rush sound.

[@kevincaldwell4707]

A) I miss a good cbc show like this B) I miss Neil already

[@MM1717mm]

you got the order of that wrong tho

[@elementalPaul]

It's very cool that, through the magic of the interweb, UK fans can get to see stuff like this as well :-) Good interview.

[@shelly.618]

love George, excellent interviewer

[@biped19]

Hey is Geddy Lee. If he wants to have a gut for a while he is entitled to it! XD

[@sofacritic5102]

Thanks man.

[@sbrave]

@2:22 I think I'm goin' bald

[@TheMightyOdin]

Alex must have loved that bald spot camera angle.

[@TheJosep70]

Hahah but he's not bald now...

[@raultennis5904]

That is a strange toupee Alex is wearing. Covering the front but exposing the back.

[@nortykid3017]

@@raultennis5904 not a toupee, it could just have been normal male pattern baldness, or he got a hair transplant that only covered the front. Now he either wears a toupee that covers the back or got another hair transplant to cover the back

[@MichaelHansenFUN]

when they toured the early days and the albums like 2112 they would even play live THE TWILIGHT ZONE and stuff like that but still AWESOME

[@StevePartonMusic]

And also, Neil was probably not in the interview because he lives in California...

[@JoannaGalacticTutor]

'Jeez we're Canadian ~ true dat - greatest band ever

[@MojoPin1983]

Does anyone have any idea where I can find the full length video of the archival clip shown at :29-:34? It is used to depict Willowdale, however, it isn't actually accurate. Coincidentally, the clip is of the street I grew up on: Cassandra Blvd (just a few doors down from my parents' house). I would love to see this clip in its entirety, as I assume my parents house would be included in it (which would have been completed a few years earlier, judging by the construction of the apartment building in the background, which was completed in 1969). Would this be a CBC archival clip or would the rights belong to some other party? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@Curtisandjakefile]

best.canadian.band.ever.

[@imperialarcher3281]

Closer to the Heart

[@JakeMcaulay]

i love that they put geddy's name up when they said people mistake him for bono XD

[@caneut]

better bands mean better bands, rush is numba 1

[@DanTheManCalter]

@2112murphy I'm pretty sure that was a big factor in his avoiding interviews. I remember reading that interviewers would frequently ask him about his late wife and daughter, and to avoid having to bring back hard memories, Alex and Geddy stood in. It's a shame, really. I'd love to see more of him in interviews...

[@biped19]

I saw that too. Alex seems just too kind sometimes. But that is another reason he is one of the top three guitarist on the planet.

[@tomlipp677]

Three hour show. Says it all.