Alex Lifeson believes a reunion with his Rush bandmate would not be sincere, it would be for money instead.
It has been four years since the band’s drummer Neil Peart passed away, and Rush has yet to get back on the stage. In a new interview with Classic Rock History, the Rush guitarist opened up about the time Rush lost a member and their legacy:
“And it was sad when it was over, and all of that, but in retrospect, we went out on a high note, and that’s the legacy of Rush. So many people remember us, and there’s sadness amongst our fans that it ended, and they want more, but you can’t go back. We can’t just go and get another drummer, and go out and play concerts, and make new material; it just would not be the same; it would just be a money ploy.”
He added that they simply wouldn’t reunite just for the money:
“I think that the fans, as sad as they may feel, would respect that and that we wouldn’t do something like that just to take advantage of a money grab.”
Geddy Lee and Lifeson Get Offers ‘All The Time’
A few days ago, Lifeson spoke about the chances of performing on stage again. This time, he explained in detail that it was more than a money situation. Even though there have been talks between him and Lee about new gigs, the guitarist says he has issues both physical and emotional:
“We talk about it, but at the same time, he’s my best friend and he loves me and he cares for me. He knows that I do have issues both physical and emotional with this whole idea. And he respects that we have so much respect and love for each other. I would do something like that, that he wanted to do, because I love him and I want to make him happy. But he knows that I wouldn’t be happy. It’s the bond that we have.”
Still, the remaining band members get offers to reunite, but from what Lifeson says, it doesn’t seem possible:
“We get offers all the time, and they’re pretty substantial, but I don’t know. It’s not enough for me. How much do you need? I’m trying to get rid of stuff. I sold the bulk of my guitars. I had some cars. I sold those. I had a house in the country that I sold. I want to be slimmer and a little tighter in, in my life with fewer anchors around my neck.”