The guitarist overcame health and physical concerns during rehearsals for the band’s Fifty Something tour.
Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson revealed in a CBC Radio One interview with Tom Power that he has gone from having reservations about touring to wanting to play more concerts. Following more than a decade away from touring with Rush and the 2020 death of drummer Neil Peart, Lifeson initially worried whether he was physically capable of performing at his expected standard. However, once rehearsals began for the band’s current “Fifty Something” tour, Lifeson regained his confidence and fell back in love with performing live.
Lifeson praised Rush’s new drummer, Anika Nilles, noting that they have bonded closely over two years of working together. Vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee also acknowledged the emotional weight of touring without Peart, who passed away in January 2020 at age 67 from glioblastoma, adding that the band continues to honor Peart’s memory and presence during their live performances.
