Why Geddy Lee Didn’t Smile For A Year And A Half Before Rush Returned

Geddy Lee has revealed that he did not smile for over a year and a half leading up to Rush’s return to the stage. According to the singer and bassist, the lack of outward joy was entirely driven by intense tunnel vision and a relentless preparation schedule aimed at avoiding a compromised live performance.

The Pressure Of The Fifty Something Reunion Tour

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Lee explained that his serious demeanor stemmed from professionalism and a determination not to let down fans who had waited 11 years for the Fifty Something reunion tour. Describing the physical and mental toll, Lee noted that his schedule left little room for leisure.

“My day and my off days are not fun… I have to see my physio person. I have to do a good workout physically. I have a half an hour to catch my baseball scores, and then I have to work out with my vocal coach,” Lee said. “And that’s gonna happen for the whole tour. And that’s how you remain a professional and you don’t let people down. When they paid good money to come see you play, you have to give them the best you got.”

Carrying The Legacy Of Neil Peart

Lee admitted that both he and guitarist Alex Lifeson shared a deep-seated fear of returning as a compromised version of themselves. That pressure was directly tied to the standards set by late drummer Neil Peart.

“That’s why Neil retired,” Lee said. “He retired because he refused to show anything but his very best in public. And so that’s on your mind, and that’s driving you. And that’s why, according to my daughter, I didn’t smile for a year and a half before appearing onstage.”

The intense preparation also extended to new recruits Anika Nilles and Loren Gold, whom Lee suggested faced an eye-opening amount of work upon joining the fold. However, once the tour actually got underway, the heavy burden lifted. Lee recalled his daughter approaching him after the shows began to tell him she hadn’t seen him smile like that in a year and a half, reassuring him that his grueling focus had paid off following a successful first week.

Related reading: Why Rush’s Moving Pictures Remains a Masterpiece, Rush Reunite With Three Legendary Drummers for New Neil Peart Documentary