Alex Lifeson has revealed that during the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute concert at Wembley Stadium, Paul McCartney encouraged him and Geddy Lee to consider getting back on tour. Lifeson recalled the moment in a radio interview with Q104.3, saying McCartney approached them backstage after the performance. Lifeson quoted the former Beatle saying, “Oh, you should definitely be touring.”
At the time, Lee and Lifeson were not planning any full-scale return — partly due to grief over late drummer Neil Peart’s passing in 2020 and Alex’s own mixed feelings about performing again. Lifeson admits in the interview that their drummer’s death and years away had made the prospect feel daunting.
Lifeson told how McCartney asked about the band’s touring status, and when he replied they weren’t active, McCartney pressed, “You are quite good, you know. Are you touring?” — adding, “You should definitely be touring.” McCartney also jested when Lifeson joked that McCartney could manage them, to which McCartney humorously responded, “I’ll manage you, mate!”
When understanding how the reunion began, Lee has said that those conversations, the small jams, and the warmth of moments like that backstage helped dissolve some of the hesitation. Slowly, what once felt like an impossible decision turned into a celebration of legacy.
Fans responded quickly after these stories came out. Many saw McCartney’s urging as a touching recognition of Rush’s influence long after their peak years. Social media lit up with nostalgia, with fans sharing memories of Rush’s greatest moments joined by hopeful messages like “This is what we needed” or “Finally a reason to believe again.” There were also comments acknowledging Alex’s reluctance over the years due to health concerns, but expressing respect that the reunion feels grounded, not forced.
Official statements from Lee and Lifeson around the announcement of the “Fifty Something Tour” confirm that yes, a lot of soul-searching went into the decision — and that backstage moments, including McCartney’s encouragement, helped make it happen.
