Geddy Lee
By All Music Guide
By All Music Guide
But when Neal Peart replaced Rutsey one year later, the bands sound and musical direction immediately changed. Gone were the long Zep-jams and in came technically demanding and challenging hard rock, complete with thought-provoking lyrics (courtesy of Peart) -- although Lees high-pitched, Robert Plant-esque wail remained. After honing their sound on a few albums, the trio hit pay dirt with relentless touring and their 1976 sci-fi concept album, 2112. Each successive release outsold its predecessor (such prog metal classics as A Farewell to Kings, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves), and by 1981s Moving Pictures, Rush had become one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. Throughout the 80s, Rush explored more modern (almost new wave-ish) sounds, yet their massive fan base remained in tact -- with Lees vocals becoming more restrained.
Rush cruised along throughout the 90s (returning to their earlier, organic hard rock sound with such releases as 1993s Counterparts), issuing successful albums and playing sold-out arena tours worldwide, until the band went on indefinite hiatus in 1997. To combat the downtime, Lee issued his first ever solo album in 2000, My Favorite Headache (who was joined by ex-Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron and ex-FM guitarist/violinist Ben Mink). Lees influence on rock bass can be heard in the playing of such wide-ranging disciples as Primus Les Claypool, Dream Theaters John Myung, and Metallicas Cliff Burton.
