Rush’s definition is a difficult endeavor. They are a band that takes such an original approach to music-making that their songs seem to constantly defy expectations. They write intricate, joyful songs that are lengthy, intricate, and highly accessible. To put it simply, they were able to create music that you could listen to and enjoy. Yet, you could also spend hours dissecting individual parts if you so desired.
It is impossible to overstate how hard this is to accomplish. Just picture James Joyce’s Ulysses streamlined into a novel as readable as a thriller by John Grisham. It is a victory to develop something that is enjoyable on the surface but has a great deal of support and stability built in.
How was Rush able to pull it off? Everyone would have done it if we had known, but Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, and Alex Lifeson’s innovative musical partnership undoubtedly helped. Combine it with the band’s acute awareness of the type of music they wanted to create. With the help of their influences, they were able to combine prog with hard rock in a way that was unheard of at the time.
While many artists prefer to keep their influences hidden to project an air of enigmatic individualism, Geddy Lee was always eager to discuss the various musicians. They influenced the kind of music he would eventually create. During an interview, he discussed five of his all-time favorite songs, which included Led Zeppelin’s “Communication Breakdown,” Fleet Foxes’ “Your Protector,” and The Who’s “My Generation.” But Lee specifically mentioned one song that he called “pure prog magic.”
Jethro Tull is another band that is difficult to categorize. From its beginnings as a jazz-rock fusion, the band evolved into something distinct. They added hard rock, folk music, and classical influences to their sound. Even if their popularity divided some listeners, there is no doubting their success. Upon their arrival in America, they quickly became household names, selling over 65 million records throughout their career.
The 1972 album “Thick as a Brick” contained a song that particularly impressed Lee.”I realize this exposes me as the hypocrite that I am. But for a very long time, that was my favorite song, Lee remarked. It was nothing more than prog wizardry. It seemed like the ideal goal to pursue.
In a different interview, Lee, who has always supported the group, expressed his disappointment. Rush had been inducted into the Hall of Fame while they had not. He said, “I mean, I love Jethro Tull so much, so it’s just wrong that they’re not in the Hall of Fame.” It is awful that we get there before them. I thus hope that one day they will fix that.
Jethro Tull’s diverse sounds and mystical themes made it understandable why Lee loved them. Rush’s music reflects their ongoing inspiration. Lee’s willingness to acknowledge his influences and request that they be given flowers is also remarkable. It must be an odd experience to be inducted into the Hall of Fame before the individuals who first inspired you to pursue music.
