Classic Rock recently caught up with Rush frontman Geddy Lee, who revealed that guitarist Alex Lifeson has been coping with arthritis for the past 10 years. Following is an excerpt of his conversation with Paul Elliott:

“For Alex the arthritis is not a small thing. If anything it's going to mean we can’t tour any more like we used to, it’s more than likely going to be the arthritis – because that’s something that will directly affect his ability to play.

If I was going out on stage and I couldn’t play the way I want to, or the way I’ve played in the past, there’s no way I’d want to do it. I wouldn’t want to go out there and be a shadow of my former self.

It kind of hurts me to see him when he’s having a bad day, physically. He’s one of my oldest and dearest friends. And when he’s been at rehearsal and he’s not playing his best, it’s not nice to see your friend suffer like that.

This thing is in the back of his mind, and he’s afraid of it.”

Click here for Lifeson's comments on the situation.

Speaking with The Canadian Press’ Nick Patch, Lifeson discusses the band’s upcoming 40th anniversary tour. The virtuoso trio has said this will likely be their last tour of such significant magnitude — and for fans in many cities, that means it could represent a final chance to marvel at Rush without passing through airport security.

Ahead of rehearsals, a candid Alex Lifeson comments on how he’s feeling about the upcoming trek:

“I have such mixed feelings about it. In one way, I feel relief. I think that 40 years is a long time to be touring the way we tour. I really like being home with my grandkids. At 61, I don’t feel there’s anything we need to prove. I still love playing. But in (drummer) Neil (Peart)’s case, for example, his job is really tough. Playing the way he does is very, very difficult on his body. He has chronic tendonitis in his arms and he’s had problems with his shoulders.

It’s just getting to the point, no matter how much we love doing it, that it’s much more demanding and much more difficult. I’ve always hated the idea of being one of those guys who’s just up there, old and barely able to move — just doing it for fear of not doing it, or not making an extra buck or whatever.

If this is the last major tour that we do, (I want to) go out with flying colours, where everybody remembers the show they went to as the best Rush they’ve (seen). That’s a nice legacy to leave behind — rather than the worn-out shadow of something you once were.”

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The R40 Live 40th Anniversary Tour will visit 34 cities throughout North America this summer beginning May 8th in Tulsa, OK. and finishing August 1st in Los Angeles, CA. These not to be missed concerts will highlight four decades of the band's music. Complete tour details can be found here.