There were inevitably those performances that merged when you’ve been performing music for as long as Rush had. There will occasionally be those Spinal Tap moments when you’re playing in Fresno and unintentionally call it Chicago, even if you experience the same rush every time you take the stage. Most people remember their initial big arena performances. However, on one of their first stadium tour trips, Geddy Lee recalled experiencing paralysis.
But then again, at the time, was there a band that didn’t seem more probable than Rush to pack stadiums? That isn’t even meant to be critical. The Canadian power trio managed to develop one of the biggest cult followings ever and got people to chant along to songs in strange meters, despite the arena’s intended purpose being a gathering place for people to raise their tier firsts in the air.
At that point, Neil Peart became a member of the band, although Rush’s early years seemed like another performance. Despite “Working Man” not matching “La Villa Strangiato,” they displayed traits of their future selves. Indeed, listening to song titles like “Need Some Love” and “In the Mood,” you could easily mistake them for a solid Bad Company single or Led Zeppelin B-side.
Despite viewing this era of Rush as a less sophisticated phase for the band, “Working Man” achieved success. This hit enabled them to embark on their first tour with Uriah Heep. Lee needed some liquid courage because, even though Peart was still inexperienced after drummer John Rutsey left, the idea of performing in front of thousands of people made him nervous.
Geddy Lee drank a drink in an attempt to lessen the tension. However, he didn’t remember the remainder of the performance, he said to Beyond the Light Stage. “Well, you can have alcohol sent to your dressing room,” they suggested. While Alex [Lifeson] chose Blue Nun wine or something similar, I ordered a little bottle of Southern Comfort. We hit the stage after I recall tasting this thing and it immediately went to my head, leaving me lightheaded. We had already left when I realized what a good game we were playing.
This might have been the last time Lee could have gotten away with something like that, as many bands take drinks before going on stage. You’d have to be sober to try to tackle something like “Xanadu”. Especially with the odd chord progressions and time signature changes because Peart started pushing them toward lengthier pieces.
That’s before discussing Lee’s role as the frontman. He not only had to sing such high notes every night. But he also had to be the bass player who simultaneously played keyboards and bass pedals with his feet. An extravagant lifestyle naturally fits with rock and roll. However, Lee required an Olympian level of stamina to play with Rush on a good day.
