Alex Lifeson recently spoke about his life after Rush and why he believes the band ended at the right time.
In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, the guitarist shared his thoughts on Rush’s legacy and why he has no plans to reunite the band for new music or tours.
Lifeson and Lee had a brief reunion in 2022 for two tribute concerts honoring late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins. These shows featured well-known drummers like Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Omar Hakim, and Dave Grohl. The second concert took place at the Forum in Los Angeles, where Rush played their final show in 2015.
The experience brought back good memories, but Lifeson says he’s content with how the band ended. He feels Rush went out on a high note during their last tour, ‘R40.’
“After those two gigs and the months of prep Ged and I went through, I was excited by the response and to be in the dressing room again with so many fellow artists in Wembley and L.A.,” he admitted. “I respected and felt a kinship towards. But after a few weeks that wore off and it occurred to me that despite all the pain of loss, Rush went out on a high note playing as well as ever with one of our best stage shows on ‘R40’. I guess I’d rather be remembered for that legacy than returning as the top Rush tribute band.”
Lifeson made it clear that touring again doesn’t interest him.”The energy was fantastic around that show, I know, and some days I wake up wanting to go out and tour again and some days I don’t,” the guitarist said. “For forty years Rush included Neil Peart, and I don’t think putting some new version together would have the same magic.”
The guitarist also addressed the emotional and physical challenges of reuniting Rush without drummer Neil Peart. To him, trying to recreate the band’s magic without Peart would feel insincere and like a money grab.
After spending 40 years on the road, he’s happy to leave that part of his life behind. He shared that he doesn’t miss waiting around in hotel rooms or the grind of life on tour. He’s more focused on enjoying music for fun and simplifying his life. He’s sold many of his guitars, cars, and even a house in the countryside over the years to live with fewer distractions.
Lifeson believes fans understand this decision, even if they still hope for a reunion.
Lifeson admits that he and Lee occasionally talk about playing together again, but nothing is certain. He said that Lee has been busy with his own projects, and any collaboration would depend on how they both feel when the time comes. Their weekly jams are enough for now. Lifeson values the strong friendship they’ve built and feels no pressure to perform or tour again.
