Paul McCartney joined the band for drinks after seeing Rush perform live and urged Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to go back on the road.
Rush announced their breakup in 2020 following Neil Peart’s death. Since then, the group performed at a Taylor Hawkins tribute show in London, where they were introduced to The Beatles songwriter by Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lee talked about the event and said, “Dave Grohl was so sweet.” “Paul McCartney is up next to rehearse, and he’s outside, and he said to me, Dave, I’ve never met anyone from Rush before,” the man approaches us during rehearsal. I replied, “I haven’t met him!” Please bring him inside. And he entered. He is simply a very beautiful man. a really upbeat individual.
Despite Lee’s suggestion that McCartney was unfamiliar with their music, he attended the performance. He clarified, “someone probably informed him about us, which is why he showed such interest”.
The Rush singer remembers him as “so warm and embracing and positive” after the show. After McCartney joined them for drinks, the two got “plastered,” with the former Beatle pushing for them to go back on the road.
Lee recalled, “And he was very emphatic, talking about how Ringo always says, ‘It’s what we do.'” “Talk to Al, because he’s the stubborn one,” I then said. He proceeded to lecture Al about how wonderful touring is. “Dude, you have to do it.” Man, you have to go back out there. Alex responded, “I’ll do it, if you’ll be our manager,” or something to that effect.
Although it was hilarious and a lot of fun, he made a valid point. That is his outlook on life. Believing that this is his destiny is the reason he remains ageless. You act in this manner and you just carry it out. You don’t challenge it. And I believe we all forget that from time to time,” Lee said.
