Alex Lifeson Says Paul McCartney Talked Rush Into Touring Again

Alex Lifeson says Paul McCartney played a direct role in persuading him and Geddy Lee to put Rush back on tour, describing a conversation the pair had with McCartney following the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert at London’s O2 Arena in September 2022. Lifeson had been hesitant to return to the road after Rush drummer Neil Peart died in 2020, and he says it took a nudge from a former Beatle to change his mind.

Speaking with Radio Futuro, Lifeson recalled that he and Lee were mingling with members of Foo Fighters and other musicians after the tribute show when McCartney walked over and asked whether Rush was still touring. Lee told McCartney the band had lost its drummer and that Lifeson wasn’t keen on going back out on tour, a response Lifeson says drew a forceful reaction from McCartney.

According to Lifeson, McCartney insisted that touring is simply part of who musicians are, invoking a line he attributed to Ringo Starr about it being “in our DNA,” and pointing out that he himself was still touring in his 80s. Lifeson says he tried to deflect with a joke, telling McCartney he’d consider coming back if McCartney managed Rush, only for McCartney to agree on the spot. When Lifeson pushed the bit further and asked McCartney to also serve as the band’s caterer, McCartney went along with that too, despite being vegan.

“You can’t argue with a Beatle if they tell you you should go back on the road,” Lifeson said, summing up the impact of the exchange.

How Geddy Lee Has Described the Same Encounter

Geddy Lee has previously offered his own version of that night to Rolling Stone. Lee said Dave Grohl made the initial introduction backstage at rehearsals for the tribute show, telling McCartney he’d never met anyone from Rush, and that McCartney later watched their performance before joining them for drinks afterward.

Lee recalled that McCartney again brought up Ringo Starr’s outlook that touring is simply “what we do,” and that when McCartney pressed the point, Lee redirected him toward Lifeson, calling him “the stubborn one” of the pair. Lee said Lifeson told McCartney he’d return to the road if McCartney became Rush’s manager, prompting McCartney to reply, “I’ll manage you, mate!”

Rush’s Return to the Road

Rush had effectively stopped performing after Peart’s death in 2020, with Lifeson and Lee reportedly unwilling at the time to continue without him. The band has since brought in drummer Anika Nilles in an effort to recapture the group’s chemistry, and Rush is now touring again under the name “Fifty Something.”

More Info

• Alex Lifeson says Paul McCartney convinced Rush to get back on the road: “You can’t argue with a Beatle” | Guitar Player
• ‘You Can’t Argue WIth A Beatle’: Alex Lifeson Explains Paul McCartney’s Key Role In Getting Rush Back Together | Ultimate Guitar News
• Paul McCartney Insisted Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Tour Again | ultimateclassicrock.com
• Rush Reunion Inspired by Advice from Paul McCartney: ‘You’re Quite Good, You Know’ | ca.billboard.com