Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Discuss Rush's Past and Future in new Sound Opinions Interview

Both Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson were guests on Friday night's episode of Sound Opinions, a program that is part of Chicago's Public Radio station. The nationally-syndicated radio talk show, which focuses on rock music, is hosted by Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot.

From the announcement:

Rush & Opinions on Kanye WestFamous for its instrumental virtuosity and heady, sci-fi influenced lyrics, the Canadian prog-rock trio Rush has amassed an obsessive cult following. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush join hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to discuss the band's remarkable 40-year career. Then they review the latest album from polarizing rapper Kanye West

Yes. Kanye West.

Putting that piece of the interview aside, components of the interview focused on the future of Rush. Ed Stenger from RushIsABand transcribed those portions of the interview which included Geddy and Alex's responses about the future:

Alex: I think right now we don't have any plans for anything. Keep in mind that we had a year and a half off after the Clockwork Angels Tour. We didn't talk about anything to do with the band in a year and a half. I think we're just in a stage now where we're just kind of taking some time, reconnecting with our families and friends and pursuing some other interests, and having some fun really. I know Geddy and I love writing together. We've been doing it since we were young teenagers. I'd like to think that we'll do it until we're very old men instead of just "mostly" old men.

Geddy: For Neil it's become too hard. And that's a phrase he likes to use. To play for 3 hours, to play the way we feel is being "Rush" - the way Rush plays a 3-hour show that's very complicated. That has taken its physical toll on his body. During the course of any of the last few tours he's gone through periods that he's having problems. Whether it's tendonitis or whether it's some other thing. So I think for him it's enough. He can't go through all that again. That's gonna dictate obviously what performing live is going to mean for Rush. And whether that happens or not - I can't really say at this point.

Alex: Neil's in a great headspace now. He's really enjoying his life and feels great. He's spending a lot of time with his daughter and his family. And doing the things that he loves to do, with his health intact. That's a very positive thing.

You can listen to the entire interview via the embedded player below or at the Sound Opinion Website. The Rush portion of the audio begins around the 6:15 mark and continues through to the 48-minute mark.

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Thanks to everyone who alerted me to this interview.

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