In the world of music, reunions and tours are always a cause for excitement, especially when it comes to legendary bands like RUSH. But the process of putting together a reunion tour is far from simple, as Geddy Lee, the band's frontman, recently revealed in an interview with Rick Beato.
The Challenge of a Reunion Tour
RUSH, with their iconic sound and extensive catalog, is embarking on a "Fifty Something" tour, and the task of selecting and rehearsing a setlist has been a complex one. Initially, the band had a list of 45 songs, but as Lee explains, it's about finding the right balance between what they love and what is feasible to perform.
"You start working through them and still do justice to which ones are too much of a pain to relearn and which ones you really love." - Geddy Lee
This process is a delicate dance, and it's fascinating to see how these musical maestros navigate it.
Teaching a New Drummer
One of the most intriguing aspects of this tour preparation is the integration of a new drummer, Anika Nilles, who has the daunting task of filling the shoes of the late Neil Peart. RUSH guitarist Alex Lifeson highlights the unique challenge:
"We're really teaching an incredibly talented, exciting drummer that comes from a very different school of music how to understand 40 songs from this weird, idiosyncratic band." - Alex Lifeson
This raises an interesting question: how do you teach someone to play in a style that is so uniquely RUSH? It's a testament to the band's commitment to their craft and their desire to honor Peart's legacy.
A Different Approach
What makes this tour preparation particularly fascinating is the contrast it presents. In the past, RUSH would spend a couple of months planning and rehearsing, but this time, with the addition of a new drummer, they've had a much longer prep period.
"This time around, Anika had to learn all these songs." - Alex Lifeson
This extended preparation time allows for a deeper exploration of the music and a chance to really hone their performance. It's a unique opportunity for the band to reconnect with their material and for Nilles to truly embody the RUSH sound.
The Legacy of Neil Peart
The presence of Peart's legacy looms large over this tour. His passing in 2020 left a void, and the decision to bring in Nilles as the sole drummer auditionee is a bold move. It speaks to the band's confidence in her abilities and their desire to keep Peart's spirit alive through their music.
A Journey Through Time
The setlist for this tour will span decades of RUSH's career, with 38 songs carefully selected to showcase their evolution. It's a journey through time, a celebration of their musical journey, and a testament to their enduring popularity.
Final Thoughts
RUSH's reunion tour is more than just a series of concerts; it's a labor of love and a testament to the band's enduring legacy. The process of preparing for this tour is a fascinating insight into the world of music, where the challenges are as unique as the artists themselves. It's a reminder that behind every great performance, there's a story of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of musical excellence.
