Rush's Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson say they haven't played music since Neil Peart died
The drumming legend died a year ago today
Last updated 7th Jan 2021
Rush bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson say they have lost interest in playing their instruments since the untimely death of Neil Peart exactly one year ago today from brain cancer (7th January).
In a new digital cover story interview with Rolling Stone, Geddy and Alex explained that such is the profound and devastating impact of Neil’s death they no longer have “any heart to play” anymore. However, despite this, they’re both sure the desire to perform will return one day.
“I love playing, and I never, ever wanted to stop,” explains Alex. “And I thought, you know, ‘One day, when I’m just sitting around s----ing my pants, I’ll still want to play guitar.’ And that’s kind of gone now. After (Neil) died, it just didn’t seem important. But I think it’ll come back.”
Revealing that he’s in the same position, Geddy added: “For the longest time I didn’t have any heart to play. … I still feel there’s music in me and there’s music in Big Al, but there’s no hurry to do any of that.”
Commenting on the legacy of Rush, Geddy said: “That’s finished, right? That’s over.
“I still am very proud of what we did. I don’t know what I will do again in music. And I’m sure Al doesn’t, whether it’s together, apart, or whatever. But the music of Rush is always part of us. And I would never hesitate to play one of those songs in the right context. But at the same time, you have to give respect to what the three of us with Neil did together.”
Geddy also opened up about how Neil dealt with his terminal cancer battle: “He was a tough man. He was nothing if not stoic, that man. … He was pissed off, obviously. But he had to accept so much horrible s---. He got very good at accepting s--- news. And he was OK with it.
“He was going to do his best to stick around as long as he could, for the sake of his family. And he did unbelievably well. … He accepted his fate, certainly more gracefully than I would.”
Elsewhere in the cover feature, Neil Peart’s wife Carrie Nuttall said that for all his strength, the drumming legend mourned the future he would miss out on with his wife and 11-year-old daughter Olivia.
She explained that Neil went through a grieving process “for the future he was not going to have and for everything he would miss out on with Olivia, and with me, and with life itself.
“If anyone lived life to the fullest, it was Neil. And there was still much he wanted to do. When everyone says, ‘Oh, he was so stoic and accepted his fate,’ and all that? Yes, he did. But it also broke his heart.”
Rock musicians we lost in 2020:
Eddie Van Halen
Van Halen legend Eddie Van Halen died on Tuesday 6th October aged 65 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Eddie Van Halen's son and band mate, Wolfgang, broke the devastating news on Twitter, writing: "I can't believe I'm having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I've shared with him on and off stage was a gift." Eddie Van Halen released 12 studio albums with Van Halen between 1978 and 2012 and sold more than 80 million records worldwide, including 56 million in the US. In the live arena Eddie Van Halen's prowess, showmanship and virtuoso guitar playing marked him out as an almost untouchable guitar god.
Peter Green
Fleetwood Mac co-founder and trailblazing guitarist Peter Green died on 25th July 2020 aged 73. The mastermind of Fleetwood Mac's first three albums 'Fleetwood Mac', 'Mr, Wonderful' and 'Then Play On', Peter Green wrote and performed some of their defining songs including 'Albatross', 'Black Magic Woman', 'Oh Well', 'The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)' and 'Man of the World' before exiting the band in 1970 as he struggled with his mental health. He was eventually diagnosed with schizophrenia in the mid-1970s. Lauded by everyone from Kirk Hammett to Gary Moore, and Joe Perry to Mark Knopfler, Peter Green was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and his emotive and beautiful songs will truly live forever.
Neil Peart
Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died aged 67 on 7th January 2020 following a heroic three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. Neil Peart was widely - and rightfully - hailed as one of the greatest drummers of all time and was renowned for his technical prowess, expertise and inimitable style. In the live arena, he was celebrated for his unparalleled stamina behind the drum kit. A huge influence, he was regarded as the "drummer's drummer" and fused a variety of styles including jazz, Big Band and hard rock. A true rock legend.
Leslie West
Leslie West, guitarist, co-singer and co-founding member of US hard rock band Mountain, died from a cardiac arrest in Florida on 22nd December 2020. He was 75 years old. West co-wrote Mountain's seminal 1970 anthem 'Mississippi Queen', which is rightfully regarded as a rock classic and has been covered by W.A.S.P., Dave Grohl, Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Ozzy Osbourne to name but a few. A highly influential guitar player, Leslie West was a constant member of Mountain throughout their various spells as a band and appeared on all eight of their studio albums from 1970's 'Climbing!' through to 2007's 'Masters of War'.
Pete Way
UFO bass player and co-founder Pete Way died on 17th August 2020 aged 69 after suffering "life threatening injuries" in an accident earlier in the summer. A pivotal member of UFO and famed for his distinctive bass playing style and prowess in the live arena, Pete Way contributed to every studio album up to 1982's 'Mechanix' and, of course, their seminal 1979 live album 'Strangers In the Night'. After a brief second tenure with UFO from 1988 to 1989, Pete Way joined the band again in 1991 and contributed to every album from High Stakes & Dangerous Men (1992) to The Monkey Puzzle (2006). Alongside UFO, Pete Way's work included playing bass with Ozzy Osbourne, forming Fastway with Motörhead axeman Fast 'Eddie' Clark, releasing nine studio albums with Waysted, uniting with Michael Schenker for the short-lived band The Plot, and in 2018 forming his eponymous Pete Way Band.
Lee Kerslake
Ozzy Osbourne and Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake died on 19th September 2020 following a battle with cancer. He was 73. Lee Kerslake joined Uriah Heep in the early seventies and first appeared on their seminal 1972 album 'Demons and Wizards'. He recorded eight more albums with the band prior to his departure in 1978, before later returning for their 'Abominog' album in 1982. After a chance meeting with Ozzy Osbourne in the Kings Cross Hotel in Australia in 1980, he joined Ozzy's band and contributed to the seminal albums 'Blizzard of Ozz' and 'Diary of a Madman.' Alongside bassist Bob Daisley, Kerslake successfully sued Ozzy for royalties in 1986, however a 1998 lawsuit over unpaid performance royalties was dismissed and left Kerslake bankrupt. Kerslake and Daisley parts were controversially removed from the 2002 reissues of 'Blizzard of Ozz' and 'Diary of a Madman' and following a furore, they were rightfully reinserted again in 2011. Despite the bad blood, Kerslake made up with Ozzy in 2018 upon his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Little Richard
Rock and roll pioneer Little Richard – aka Richard Wayne Penniman – died aged 87 at his home in Tullahoma, Tennessee on 9th May 2020 following a battle with bone cancer. A true musical maverick, Little Richard's timeless tunes and dynamic showmanship influenced countless musicians from a number of musical genres. Upon his death, a plethora of music greats paid homage to the 'Tutti Frutti' singer, including Keith Richards, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, John Fogerty, Elton John and Lenny Kravitz.
Steve Priest
Steve Priest, founding member and bassist of glam rock legends The Sweet, died on 4th June 2020 aged 72. He had been ill for a number of months and passed away in Los Angeles. A flamboyant and charismatic performer who often wore gloriously outrageous attire – including, of course, on Top of the Pops - Steve Priest was integral to The Sweet's signature sound throughout their 1970s prime; his high-pitched backing vocals perfectly complimenting Brian Connolly's vocals. When Connolly left the band in 1979, Steve Priest became lead vocalist and the trimmed down trio recorded three albums together – 'Cut Above The Rest', 'Water's Edge' and 'Identity Crisis' – before they disbanded in 1981. In 2008, Steve Priest formed a new version of The Sweet in Los Angeles, while Andy Scott continued with his own incarnation of the band in the UK.
Keith Olsen
Esteemed American rock producer Keith Olsen died on 9th March 2020 aged 74 following a cardiac arrest. Olsen worked with a veritable smorgasbord of rock greats including Ozzy Osbourne, Fleetwood Mac, Eddie Money, Whitesnake, Rick Springfield, Grateful Dead, Bad Company, Foreigner, Journey, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Heart, Lou Gramm, Jethro Tull, Russ Ballard and Sammy Hagar. He was arguably best known for being the link that helped Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks join Fleetwood Mac in 1974.
Paul ‘Tonka’ Chapman
Welsh rock guitarist Paul 'Tonka' Chapman (pictured right), best known for his work with UFO and Lone Star, died on 9th June 2020 which was his 66th birthday. Nicknamed 'Tonka' after the resilient children's toy truck in honour of his alleged indestructability, Paul Chapman was born in Cardiff on 9th June 1954. He joined the Irish Skid Row in December 1971 replacing a certain Gary Moore as guitarist, but only remained with the band for eight months before playing with Kimla Taz until 1974. Chapman joined hard rock legends UFO as a second guitarist in late 1974 following the release of their seminal album 'Phenomenon'. He toured with the band but did not contribute to any recordings before he left in 1975.
Frankie Banali
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali died on 20th August 2020 following a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 68 years old. Briefly the drummer for W.A.S.P amongst his various other projects, Frankie Banali first joined Quiet Riot in 1982 and his first album appearance was on their breakthrough record 'Metal Health' a year later. Although not a founder of Quiet Riot, his 38-year tenure behind the drum kit made him the longest serving member of the band.
Martin Birch
Celebrated producer and sound engineer Martin Birch, who helmed some of the greatest albums in the history of rock music, died on 9th August 2020 aged 71. Birch produced records by an array of rock artists including Rainbow, Fleetwood Mac, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Wishbone Ash, Bernie Marsden and The Groundhogs, however he's best known for his work with Deep Purple and Iron Maiden. He engineered eleven Deep Purple albums including 'Burn', 'Machine Head' and 'Fireball', and co-produced four of those records. With Iron Maiden, he produced, engineered and mixed eight studio albums for the heavy metal giants from 1981's 'Killers' right through to 1992's 'Fear of the Dark', which was Birch's swansong album before he retired from music, leaving an incredible body of work behind him.
Spencer Davis
Welsh musician Spencer Davis, the eponymous guitarist of 1960s band The Spencer Davis Group, died aged 81 on 19th October 2020. He had been in hospital batting pneumonia. Spencer Davis founded The Rhythm & Blues Quartette in 1963 alongside vocalist Steve Winwood, bassist Muff Winwood and drummer Pete York. The band name soon evolved into The Spencer Davis Group at Muff Winwood's suggestion and they scored two huge number ones in the UK with 'Somebody Help Me' and 'Keep on Running', which were both penned by Jamaican reggae musician Jackie Edwards. 'I'm A Man' was also a Top 10 hit, while 'Gimme Some Lovin'' was a transatlantic smash peaking at number 2 in the UK and number 8 in America.
Ken Hensley
Former Uriah Heep keyboard player and guitarist Ken Hensley died on 4th November 2020 aged 75. Hensley joined Uriah Heep in 1969, when the band were still performing under the moniker 'Spice', and he was a pivotal member throughout the 1970s writing or co-writing some of their classic songs including 'Lady In Black', 'Easy Livin'', 'Stealin'', 'The Wizard' and 'Look at Yourself'. Mick Box said of his passing: "His communication through lyrics and melody have stood the test of time, and with the power and chemistry of the band bringing those songs to life, we achieved success we could only have dreamed of." Hensley's latest solo album 'My Book of Answers' will be released posthumously in 2021.
Bob Kulick
Much-admired rock guitarist and producer Bob Kulick died on 28th May 2020 aged 70. The older brother of former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, Bob auditioned for Kiss in 1972 but lost out to Ace Frehley. He did however perform uncredited on three KISS albums ('Alive II', 'Creatures of the Night' and 'Killers') and played lead guitar on Paul Stanley's self-titled 1978 solo album and the accompanying tour. His other credits included Lou Reed's 'Coney Island Baby', Meat Loaf's 'Bad Attitude', W.A.S.P.'s 'The Crimson Idol' and 'Still Not Black Enough', Michael Bolton's self-titled third album and Doro's 'Calling The Wild'.
Brian Howe
Portsmouth-born rock singer and songwriter Brian Howe died of cardiac arrest on 6th May 2020 while on his way to a hospital in Florida. He was 66. Brian Howe's breakthrough came when he sang lead vocals on Ted Nugent's 1984 album 'Penetrator', however his career took a skywards trajectory when Mick Ralphs and Simon Kirke recruited him to front Bad Company in 1986, replacing Paul Rodgers. He stayed with Bad Company for eight years and performed on the studio albums 'Fame and Fortune', 'Dangerous Age', 'Holy Water' and 'Here Comes Trouble' before launching a solo career and releasing two albums.
Florian Schneider
Kraftwerk co-founder and electronic music pioneer Florian Schneider died on 21st April 2020 aged 73 following a short battle with cancer. Alongside his Kraftwerk band mates, Schneider created innovative electronic music that transcended boundaries and influenced countless artists from many genres, including, notably, David Bowie and his Berlin Trilogy in the late 1970s. Bowie's predominately instrumental track 'V-2 Schneider' from 1977's 'Heroes' was named in Schneider's honour.
Ray Burton
Ray Burton, the father of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, died at the age of 94 on Wednesday 15th January 2020. Following the death of his youngest son Cliff aged just 24 in a tour bus crash on 27th September 27 1986 in Sweden, Ray Burton remained extremely close to Metallica and was a staunch supporter of the band. In 2009 he joined James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Jason Newsted, and Robert Trujillo for Metallica's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where Cliff was honoured posthumously. Ray Burton revealed in 2017 that he was using his son's Metallica royalty checks to fund high school music scholarships.
Dave Greenfield
Stranglers keyboardist Dave Greenfield died aged 71 on 3rd May 2020. He had contracted Covid-19 while in hospital for heart problems. Greenfield joined The Stranglers in 1975 and stayed with the band until his death. He famously composed the piece of waltz-time harpsichord music for the band's biggest hit 'Golden Brown', which charted at no.2 in 1982 and sold over half-a-million copies. The Stranglers' vocalist and guitarist Baz Warne said: "We lost a true innovator, musical legend, and one of my dearest friends today. The word genius is bandied around far too easily in this day and age, but Dave Greenfield certainly was one."
Derek Lawrence
Record producer Derek Lawrence, who worked with Deep Purple, Jethro Tull and Wishbone Ash, died on 13th May 2020 aged 78. Lawrence helmed Deep Purple's first three albums 'Shades of Deep Purple', 'The Book of Taliesyn' and 'Deep Purple' and produced Jethro Tull's debut single 'Sunshine Day' in 1968. A few years later he produced Wishbone Ash's first three studio albums 'Wishbone Ash', 'Pilgrimage' and their seminal masterpiece 'Argus', and later returned to work on their ninth album 'No Smoke Without Fire' in 1978.
Phil May
Phil May, the vocalist and songwriter for English rockers Pretty Things, died on 15th May 2020 from complications following hip surgery after a cycling accident. He formed Pretty Things at Sidcup Art College in 1963 with guitarist Dick Taylor who had left The Rolling Stones, and went on to enjoy success with releases including their acclaimed 1968 album 'SF Sorrow' and Top 10 single 'Don't Bring Me Down'. May also released a solo blues-rock album as Phil May & the Fallen Angels in 1976. Phil May was a member of Pretty Things until their 'Final Bow' concert in 2018 at indigo at The O2, which featured guest appearances from David Gilmour and Van Morrison.
Andy Gill
Gang of Four co-founder and lead guitarist Andy Gill died on 1st Febraury 2020 aged 64 as a result of organ failure and pneumonia. Known for his idiosyncratic guitar playing style, Andy Gill was Gang of Four's sole constant member and he wrote/co-wrote and produced/co-produced all nine of their studio albums. Outside of Gang of Four, his production credits included Red Hot Chili Peppers' self-titled 1984 debut album, Therapy's 2009 album 'Crooked Timber' and Killing Joke's eponymous 2003 album.
Bill Rieflin
Prolific drummer and multi-instrumentalist Bill Rieflin died on 24th March 2020 aged 59. He played with a variety of bands from across the rock music spectrum over the years including Ministry, the Revolting Cocks, Lard, KMFDM, Pigface, Swans, Chris Connelly and Nine Inch Nails. When Bill Berry retired from REM in 1997, Bill Rieflin was drafted in to play drums with them as an auxiliary member at live shows and all the band's albums until their retirement in 2011. In 2013 he joined King Crimson playing keyboards, synthesizer, mellotron, drums and percussion with them until his death earlier this year.
Adam Schlesinger
Fountains of Wayne founder Adam Schlesinger died on 1st April 2020 from complications due to Covid-19. The 52-year-old was placed on a ventilator for over a week prior to his death. Schlesinger was also a prolific producer working with the likes of Robert Plant and The Monkees, and he composed music for Broadway musical Cry Baby, as well as many films and TV shows. He was the recipient of three Emmy Awards and one Grammy Award.
Gordon Haskell
Gordon Haskell, who sang and played bass with King Crimson in the 1970s, died from cancer on 15th October 2020 at the age of 74. He appeared on two King Crimson records – 1970's 'In the Wake of Poseidon' and 'Lizard' – and was a member of Robert Fripp's pre-King Cirmson band League Of Gentlemen together with psychedelic pop band Fleur de Lys. King Crimson said of his passing: "His time in KC wasn't a particularly happy part of his long career but his work on In The Wake Of Poseidon and in particular, Lizard is much admired in the Crimson community." Also a solo artist, in 2001 Haskell scored a surprise number 2 hit in the UK with 'How Wonderful You Are.'
Riley Gale
Riley Gale, the frontman for Dallas thrash metallers Power Trip, died on 24th August 2020 aged just 35. Gale co-founded Power Trip in Texas in 2008 and went on to release two studio albums with the band – 'Manifest Decimation (2013) and 'Nightmare Logic', plus the compilation album 'Opening Fire: 2008-2014." Power Trip were due to tour the UK in April supporting Lamb of God, however the tour was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Renowned for his commanding stage presence and explosive on-stage energy, Gale triumphed with Power Trip at Download Festival 2019 and Bloodstock 2018.
Derek Jones
Falling in Reverse guitarist Derek Jones has died on 21st April 2020 at the age of 35. After singer Ronnie Radke conceived Falling In Reverse in prison, Derek Jones joined the band upon Radke's release in 2010 having quit the post hardcore band A Smile From the Trenches. Alongside Radke, Derek Jones was the only other constant member of Falling in Reverse and appeared on all four of their studio albums – 2011's 'The Drug in Me Is You', 'Fashionably Late' (2013), 'Just Like You' (2015) and 'Coming Home' (2017). Prior to that, Jones released one album with A Smile from the Trenches - October 2009's 'Leave the Gambling for Vegas' - and they also unleashed a cover of Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance'.
Mark Stone
Original Van Halen bassist Mark Stone (pictured left) passed away after a battle with cancer on 28th September 2020, just 10 days before Eddie Van Halen died. Reacting to the news, Wolfgang Van Halen tweeted: "Heartbreaking news to hear of Mark's passing. Met him a few times and he was a wonderful man. My heart goes out to his family." Mark Stone joined Van Halen in 1972 when they were still called Genesis and then Mammoth. He was replaced by Michael Anthony in 1974 shortly before the band changed their name to Van Halen and his playing can be heard on early demos including Gentleman of Leisure and Glitter.
Paul Matters
Fleeting AC/DC bassist Paul Matters died on 14th October 2020. He joined AC/DC in 1975 shortly after the release of their Australian debut album 'High Voltage' but was fired by Bon Scott a few weeks later and replaced by Mark Evans.
Martin Griffin
Martin Griffin, the former drummer of Hawkwind and offshoot project Hawklords, died on 6th January 2020. Breaking the sad news, Hawklords wrote: "Martin became a member of Hawklords '78 after he and Harvey Bainbridge, the rhythm section from Ark, were signed up by Hawkwind – actually Bob Calvert – to record the 25 Years On album of that year. A complete and irresistible force of nature, he was a very welcome participant at several Hawklords shows over the last 10 years and always a splendid guest when attending the many shows that we have played in the Plymouth area of the UK. Martin was a fine officer and gentleman of the old school and a terrific drummer, with a style as thoughtful and equally laid back in it's approach as he was. He will be very much missed by those of us that knew him, by Harvey in particular and by the Hawk-Fraternity around the world."
Jack Sherman
Early Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman died of a heart attack at his home in Savannah, Georgia on 18th August 2020. He was 64. Sherman joined Red Hot Chili Peppers in December 1983 after original guitarist, the late Hillel Slovak, departed to focus on his other band What Is This?. He performed on Red Hot Chili Peppers' self-titled debut album 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers' in 1984 and co-wrote five of the 11 songs. Sherman also joined Red Hot Chili Peppers on their first US tour in 1984, and co-wrote many of the songs on their follow-up album 'Freaky Styley'. He didn't perform on the record, however, as Hillel Slovak returned to the band in 1985.