Rush is now remembered as one of the smartest and most technically skilled rock bands of all time. Their music is often described as complex, thoughtful, and ambitious. But Rush did not start out that way. Like many great bands, they went through an awkward early phase before finding their true identity.
Even though Neil Peart eventually became the band’s most famous member and one of the greatest drummers in rock history, he was often jokingly referred to as “the new guy” — despite being in Rush for over 40 years. That joke highlights something important: the heart of Rush was always the musical bond between Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Their chemistry shaped the band from the very beginning, even when the music itself was still searching for direction.
Before Neil Peart: A Very Different Rush
Rush formed in the late 1960s in Toronto with Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and drummer John Rutsey. In these early years, the band was far from the progressive rock powerhouse fans know today. Instead, they were heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, Cream, and other blues-based hard rock bands of the time.
Their first recordings included covers of old rock-and-roll songs like “Not Fade Away.” While energetic, these tracks didn’t show much originality. Geddy Lee’s high-pitched voice made the songs sound more aggressive, but not necessarily better. Even the band later admitted that this material didn’t reflect who they really wanted to be.
Their first original single, “You Can’t Fight It,” was especially disappointing for Lee. The song itself was simple and straightforward, but the production made it sound thin and weak. Years later, Lee said listening to it still made him uncomfortable because it lacked the power and size that Rush wanted their music to have. It didn’t sound like Rush.
The Debut Album and the Zeppelin Comparison
Rush’s debut album, Rush (1974), was a step forward but still rooted in hard rock. Songs like “Working Man” became popular on rock radio, especially in the United States. The heavy riffs and long jams helped the band stand out, but many listeners noticed how closely the sound resembled Led Zeppelin.
There’s nothing wrong with being inspired by great bands, but in Rush’s case, it was almost too obvious. Geddy Lee’s vocals sounded like a mix between Robert Plant and a classically trained singer, and the music followed familiar blues-rock patterns. While exciting, it was clear the band hadn’t fully found their own voice yet.
Everything Changes with Neil Peart
The real turning point came when Neil Peart replaced John Rutsey in 1974. Peart didn’t just bring incredible drumming skills — he also became Rush’s main lyric writer. His interests in philosophy, science fiction, and individualism pushed the band in a new direction.
With albums like Fly by Night and Caress of Steel, Rush began moving away from basic hard rock and toward progressive rock, writing longer, more complex songs like “Anthem” and “By-Tor and the Snow Dog.” These songs weren’t always easy to understand, but they showed ambition and confidence.
Finding Their True Identity
Looking back, Rush’s early music can sound rough, even awkward at times. But those missteps were necessary. The band didn’t want to stay stuck playing simple rock-and-roll. They wanted to grow, experiment, and challenge both themselves and their listeners.
That drive is what turned Rush into legends. From humble and sometimes embarrassing beginnings, they built a career defined by creativity, risk-taking, and a powerful bond between three musicians who never stopped pushing forward.