RUSH Guitarist ALEX LIFESON - “If This Is The Last Major Tour That We Do, I Want To Go Out With Flying Colours”
April 28, 2015, 8 years ago
Speaking with The Canadian Press’ Nick Patch, Rush guitarist Alex 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 can be found here.
