Geddy Lee Featured In 'CFNY: The Spirit Of Radio' Documentary, Premiering In January
While the history of Toronto’s alternative radio scene is a sprawling tale of rebellion and new waves, a highly anticipated new documentary is putting the spotlight firmly on one of rock’s most iconic figures: Rush frontman Geddy Lee.
As first reported by BraveWords, the legendary bassist and vocalist is a featured pillar of the upcoming film CFNY: The Spirit of Radio. The documentary, which has been in development for three years, serves as a cinematic exploration of the station’s "golden age" (1976–1991), but for many fans, the true draw is Lee’s deep-dive into the DNA of one of Rush’s most beloved tracks.
For the first time on screen, Lee provides an intimate look at how the maverick station, originally broadcasting from a small house in Brampton, directly inspired the 1980 hit "The Spirit of Radio." The documentary highlights Lee’s perspective on how the station’s "free-form" philosophy captured the imagination of late drummer and lyricist Neil Peart.
According to executive producer and famed musicologist Alan Cross, the participation of the Rush camp went beyond a simple interview. The band, being long-time fans of the station's legacy, officially granted the production the rights to use the song—a rare and significant endorsement that anchors the film’s narrative.
While the film features a "who’s who" of alternative royalty—including Peter Hook (Joy Division), Jim Kerr (Simple Minds), and Deryck Whibley (Sum 41)—the narrative arc leans heavily on the Canadian rock royalty that helped put the station on the global map. Directed by Matt Schichter, the film captures Lee discussing the cultural shift of FM radio and the unique "spirit" that CFNY maintained while other stations succumbed to commercialism.
How to Watch
The documentary is set to be the definitive account of how a "little yellow house" changed the course of music history, told through the eyes of those who lived it.
Private Screening: A special pre-premiere event will take place at Corus Quay in Toronto on January 5, 2026.
Broadcast Premiere: The film officially debuts on TVO Docs on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET. It will also be available for streaming on the TVO digital platforms starting at 9:00 AM ET the same day.
For Rush fans, the film offers a rare opportunity to see Geddy Lee pay homage to the "invisible airwaves" that helped define the sound of a generation.
Comments
Post a Comment