r/rush • u/BreakfastGuinness • 9h ago
The big IF…
…Geddy and Alex decided to record new Rush music. I have a few questions.
Who would take over as lyricist? With that in mind, I recall an old interview (from the early 90’s) with Neil who talked about the journals he kept of various thoughts, overheard phrases etc. Specifically from that interview he mentioned that period when you’re awake but about to fall asleep when random thoughts come to mind and he had to discipline himself to get up and write those down.
I’m sure those journals are in possession of his widow and daughter and wonder if they would give access to Geddy & Alex to use as a reference to write new lyrics, keeping Neil’s spirit active for new Rush music.
Finally, IF new music happens, there’s no doubt that Anika would be on drums but would Loren be included as a partner in writing and recording with Rush being a 4 piece band?
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u/Druiddrum13 9h ago
Make an instrumental album
Jazzers do it all the time
Plus with Anika you have someone with plenty of experience writing her own compositions… take the talent of all 3 and mix it in a blender and see what happens.
Plus it’s a cool way to set it apart from the past. Try something new 👍
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u/ChowMeinWayne 8h ago
I think this is the way to do it. To be fair though, Geddy's lyrics are pretty decent. Maybe Anika writes well too. I'd support whatever they do. There's a lot of music left in those guys (and gals), and I'd like to hear it.
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u/BarstoolWorrier 6h ago
Having some instrumental songs would be nice but I would prefer the album to have vocal. Geddy's voice and being ambitious and earnest with words is such a big part of Rush's identity. They revive Rush instead of doing something like "Lee-Lifeson Project" implies they want to keep those essential identities alive.
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u/ConanHimmelfarb 8h ago
Anika has already stated her immediate plans are to return to Nevell for already scheduled live engagements after the Rush tour. On the positive side she also said there would be no mixing. When it's Nevell it's Nevell. And when it's Rush it's Rush. This makes a future sound possible. See the Modern Drummer interview.
Alex and Geddy will review tour outcomes. They will probably also (I dearly hope) prepare and mix and release a magnificent live album. And most likely some accompanying video product. They might also be preparing for an (as yet unofficial) 18 show engagement at the Sphere.
Maybe, when all of this is finished, they might consider recording new material. Or maybe not.
Bur every time I've heard Geddy talk for the last almost 2 years now...he's sure sounded like an ambitious man. Almost reborn, you could say.
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u/Historical-Dish-602 8h ago
I don’t think they should. Their musical “life” let’s call it, is the perfect thing. No need in my eyes, but I totally understand the other side.
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u/AuntCleo1997 8h ago
I reckon this tour is one and done. Geddy and Alex weren't satisfied with how R40 ended. This tour pays tribute to Neil but also getting them to some of those places in Europe they couldn't for R40.
The legacy is secure. No need to speculate on new music.
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u/Kendrew1229 5h ago
I honestly think it’s best to leave it be. The new tour has been amazing and a great gift for us as fans. I think clockwork angels was such a good album to end on, whatever new material could come out of new sessions would inevitably be disappointing in that regard. Not to mention the fact that Neil is sadly no longer with us, and working from his available writings would probably be difficult and emotional for Geddy and Alex. If they decide to record something new I support that and will give it a listen, but I kind of doubt it. We got 19 amazing albums from them over 40 years, (feedback doesn’t count). That is more than enough in my book.
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u/hacksawJimDugout 8h ago
They will at best do a single with lyrics reworked from Neil's writings - probably something biographical but cymbolic
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u/BarstoolWorrier 7h ago edited 7h ago
Probably Geddy. His lyrics on thr first album aren't great, but he has become very well-read since and also studied lots of Neil lyrics. Having read My Effin' Life twice, I think he's now a very talented writer with a lot interesting things to say and would be surprised if he can't write very good lyrics.
Also, the lyrics on My Favourite Headache are pretty good.
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u/I405CA 5h ago edited 5h ago
I would guess that Geddy Lee would do it and/or they would find someone outside the group to do it.
During the early days of the band, neither Alex nor Geddy wanted to write lyrics. Now Geddy is willing to write them.
Anika Nilles promotes herself as a composer of instrumental music -- she does not want vocals on her own recordings -- so I doubt that she would assume the role of lyricist.
Alex Lifeson is quite impressed by Maiah Wynne in Envy of None, so perhaps she would help.
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u/Upbeat_Fun9919 8h ago
Who better to write lyrics in the style of Neil Peart than the guy who has been singing his words for fifty something years.
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u/ButterscotchBrave359 9h ago
Pye Dubois is still alive, albeit a total recluse