The big news has been that Alex Lifeson was quoted in an interview with the Globe and Mail that Rush was done as a band. He said: “It’s been a little over two years since Rush last toured. We have no plans to tour or record any more. We’re basically done. After 41 years, we felt it was enough.” There’s been no comment from the other members of the band or the band’s management.
Since Lerxst is fairly straight forward about it, it would certainly seem like a done deal. The use of “we” in his statement is interesting since Geddy Lee has made no secret of his desire to continue. So it all comes down to drummer Neil Peart and that he clearly was tired both physically and mentally. The band always said they would never do anything unless all three agreed on it.
Clearly the two of them hoped that some time to rest would be enough to change Neil’s mind. Unfortunately after 2-3 years of rest, the band is over. I’ll admit that I am surprised that they wouldn’t at least do some writing and recording, since it was the touring that seemed to be the main problem for Neil. But you have to assume his heart (and body) just aren’t into it any longer.
Lerxst said he has a lot of projects going on, including guest work for other bands. One of them is Fu Manchu and I will be reviewing their new album with him on it. Geddy could always do another solo album since “My Favo(u)rite Headache came out almost 18 years ago! Dammit I am old too! It would be interesting to see either of them as part of some supergroup but there would be comparisons to Rush, which I am betting neither would want to deal with.
So that’s it for Rush? They did it their way always and put out some of the best music that I’ve ever heard. They were a true band that was always about just the three of them. It’s unique that since 1974, they have always been Rush. It’s hard to keep everyone on the same page in a band. So it makes sense that now that not all 3 of them are on the same page, they call it a day.
Rob's Music Planet 
This is pretty sad for me as Rush is my favorite band of all time and the one that got me to listen to prog and classic rock. But I guess Neil’s happier biking and reading Ayn Rand and whatever he does, so good for him.
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A sad day indeed. I’ve loved Rush for as long as they have been going. Looking forward to some new projects after Alex and Geddy looked to be having such a good time with Yes last year!
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They deserve the time to enjoy theirs lifes with family and all of tgeir fans got to be part of the music they gave us thanks to alex , geddy , neil for the journey and the music lives on!!
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Sad day indeed. But all good things must come to an end. Thanks for the memorys
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Yup, The long & winding road all must come to an end Thanks for everything fellas It was one heck of a ride Celebrate beyond those good & bad We must say you all deserved it Long live RUSH!!!!!!!! The music lives on forever
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Its a very sad day in music. Rush ha always been the band whose music was for all occasions and situations. Hearing their music on the radio in the car at a party or during an intimate moment was nothing less than eargsmic. Their groove always tight and clear. The story of the song building up its climax. Rush live was an experience like no other. You never left a Rush show disappointed. It was three musicians, artists, men who could only be described in one word… Professionals, masters, creators that never failed to leave us awe struck save searching for more. The composers of a soundtrack to lives the music will live infinitely until the end of time. I would like to say thank you to Mr. Lee, Mr. Peart and Mr. Lifeson for doing it integrit, never compromising your integrity or selling out. Enjoy your did ahead and keep the past close to hearts. I will pray they you come together one more time. Good bless you gentlemen. Chris
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When I saw them for the last time on the R40 tour.. (best concert ever) I had heard this was the end of touring but I didn’t know they wouldn’t do some studio work…sad indeed but I do understand all things end.. my love for your music though will never end… Thank you RUSH.
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The all time greastest band ever. Nothing before or after will come even close.
Thanks for 41 years of sheer BLISS for me.
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I think they should come out with more music and another tour there a great band
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It’s emotional, too. Neil lost his first family. He needs to spend as much time with his new family. Alex and Geddy will continue to be heard on other projects. I saw 50 shows and they were always great. The music does live on; now and forever. Thank you, Rush!
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I truly “felt a shadow cross my heart”when I read the headline. Rush is my music hero. Thanks for the vast library to reference for the rest of my life!
On another note. As musician myself, I could never leave music unless physically unable. These days you can still record music and be with your family. To stop touring, totally understand. To not create music? Thats confusing. All I can speculate is that Neil must really be hurting. Even his mentor Buddy Rich played until his death at a young 69. Maybe they’re pulling the ultimate prank on the fans and are working on something? I doubt it. If only “I could wave my magic wand”.
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A fan for life. I feel like I have lost a loved one. Thank’s guy’s.
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Bummer, I completely understand and respect their decision 100%, but sure is a bummer that we will never hear their gift of new music. Rest well Neil in retirement and thank you for all the years! Greatest rock drummer EVER!!!!! GOAT!
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I am HAPPY for them. Above all else to thine own self be True. Quality of life means NOT trashing ones health for the sake of anything. Music a band etc. Via Impermanence all should be allowed to change and grow towards a better life. Geddy and Alex could form another band…not Rush… of course but a 4 peice band. Or whatever… They should choose a path that’s clear… They should choose.. Freewill .. gratitude for all they have done to elevate Human Consciousness to a better state. Enjoy their lives and family. Tours are often grueling and harsh… God Bless ’em no need for the Fans to be greedy needy and sad! Gratitude…or as the Hawaiians say ..MAHALO..RUSH!!!..Indeed
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My number one band, loved them since my high school days, way back in the late seventies, thanks for all the great songs, I will miss them.
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They may well tour again. Folks these things tend to be dynamic. Mindsets change, situations change. Even at their ages, I would put it at 50/50. Keep the faith. We have ALL heard this type of rhetoric before. Just remember, the draw of music is so very powerful. Especially when you are THAT good at it!! And if not, well, I sure spent some terrific evenings with my wife while watching one of the best bands ever.
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It’s sad 4 the fans,but they have right to to do whatever they choose! Only regret I have is I never got to see them!!MY BAD!! THANKS 4 THE MUSIC RUSH!!!
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All good things. Thanks guys.
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Thank you Rush . A true legacy .
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I have seen Rush eighteen times since 1982, they were my very first concert, and I don’t want to imagine what my life would have been like without their music. I’m very sad that it’s over, but fortunate that I was on the earth at the same time as Rush. Thank you, Rush.
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Very sad…..hoped they would still hit the recording studio. Thank you for contributing to the joy of my life for 40 years.
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A great band thanks for 41 years.
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I dreaded this day… What I would give to hear just one more show,
Thank you for all the great jams, the inspirational lyrics and moving songs…
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Sad day for rock fans the world over.
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Great appreciation for all the years of magical music. My first concert in SA, an experience I’ll never forget. While serving in military for 27 yrs… long hard days, deployments , your music was pack along with my gear, always kept me focused and grounded, when I needed music to get me through a hectic day. Thank you, for your awesome talent.
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I recall at the end of R40 the band announced there would be no more tours, but possibly a gig here and there. It’s not hard to imagine that 41 years would be both taxing and exhausting. That they managed to endure and survive the loss of Neil’s family is extraordinary and a testament to their mutual love and respect and EXTREME level of professionalism. We can only hope another couple of years of retirement sparks the creativity and initiative boredom creates in the hyper productive. But, if he never writes another word, Neil goes down as the greatest lyricist of all time, in my book. Gentlemen, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for four decades of class, virtuosity and the vibrations in my soul that your music induces. It’s been a helluva ride, even from this side of the stage!
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May 3 1975
Channel High School
Bedford Ohio
7$ and a can of food for food drive
Made me a fan for life
Thanks for All your Music over the Year’s
One of the Best Ever
From the ” Work in Man “
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One of my favorite bands of all time. 41 years is enough. God bless them!
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Seen them 74-88-06. Just awesome
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Tough to expect Rush to come back in their mid-60’s and create optimal RUSH music according to their standards. Lots of effort involved just to lay the music out, much less play it to he level they expect for themselves. Especially Neil. The song “losing it” has been mentioned as appropriate.
Brothers went out at age 62 at the top of their musicianship, no drop off. Amazing.
It’s been my honor!
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It breaks my heart,especially sense rush mapped my musical experience. Even the stones still tour on occasion, Boston in some form,foreigner please, but the Canadian trio! I’m heart broken. At least do a a short tour every three years. You have enough songs. Just tour on your repitua.
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We all were blessed to have a band like rush all these years they came out when I was in 2nd grade and were nothing but a top notch intelligent band which melded them into the progrock category.. I still listen to all albums and recently heard” here again” from thier debut and it still puts chills down my spine!!Rush is the greatest band for the rock genre ever ,,no one will ever be like them again
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We all were blessed to have a band like rush all these years they came out when I was in 2nd grade and were nothing but a top notch intelligent band which melded them into the progrock category.. I still listen to all albums and recently heard” here again” from thier debut and it still puts chills down my spine!!Rush is the greatest band for the rock genre ever ,,no one will ever be like them again
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Thank you Geddy, Alex and Neil for being a great part in my life. I’ve been a fan since 1980 when I first heard “Spirit of the Radio” playing on the radio in the kitchen at the restaurant where I worked and I asked “Who is that?…Cheap Trick?..and the cook said ” No man!!! That’s Rush!!!!!!” I went and bought the cassette tape the next day and wore it out playing it over and over again in my car. I also took my first date in high school to see Rush in concert during the “Moving Pictures ” tour. (My favorite album!!) I have seen every tour since and have great memories of their perfomances and always looked forward to the next evolution of the Rush sound. They could still pack a stadium even up to their last tour. Truly one of the greatest bands of all time and deserve the reputation of being known as “The Musician Musician’s”!!! Thanks Again. You will be missed!!
Kevin H.
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Great job! Since age 13 years old I have been able to understand the meaning behind every single song.
Rush you are my favorite rock band and thank you for your artistic expression. Your not quitting actually you are all just going it easy now.
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Thank You Rush!
A fan since I was 14, in ‘79.
They were a huge part of my life, and am so grateful to have seen them about a dozen times, including the last show in LA, with my daughter and brother.
I wish them the best of everything. ❤
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CONGRATULATIONS. You are truly MUSICIANARIES!
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