Sometimes, great bands don’t reach every listener in time — and Rush is one of those groups people often discover later in life. But once you hear them, it’s impossible not to appreciate just how talented they were. While they may not be as universally known as Led Zeppelin or The Who, the impact of Rush is massive, especially among musicians and passionate rock fans.
Rush was made up of three extraordinary musicians: Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart. Each of them was a master of their instrument, and together, they created a sound so unique that it inspired generations of artists.
Geddy Lee: The Heartbeat of Rush
Geddy Lee isn’t just a bassist — he’s one of the greatest rhythm players in rock history. His style is almost like playing lead guitar on a bass. He mixed hard rock with touches of jazz and progressive music, giving Rush their powerful, energetic feel. His playing pushed the boundaries of what a bass could do in rock.
Neil Peart: A Drummer Like No Other
Neil Peart is often called one of the greatest drummers of all time. His playing was incredibly technical, precise, and creative. Influenced by legends like Gene Krupa, he developed a style that was complex yet powerful, helping to bring Rush’s fantasy-filled, philosophical music to life.
On top of that, Peart also wrote most of the band’s lyrics. He wasn’t just a drummer — he was also the band’s thinker, writing deep, meaningful words that gave Rush their unique identity.
Alex Lifeson: The Overlooked Guitar Hero
Alex Lifeson is one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. While he may not always be the first name people mention, other musicians know just how influential he is. His playing helped shape early alternative metal and inspired big names like James Hetfield, John Petrucci, Jim Martin, and Steven Wilson.
Even though he grew up loving guitar heroes like Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, and Pete Townshend, Lifeson has his own favorite guitarist — and it’s a surprising one.
Alex Lifeson’s Favorite Guitarist: Steve Morse
In a 2014 interview, Lifeson revealed that his all-time favourite guitarist is Steve Morse, the founder of the Dixie Dregs and a former member of Deep Purple. Lifeson said that Morse is one of the most talented players he has ever seen — but also one of the most underrated.
Back when Rush toured with The Steve Morse Band, Lifeson would watch Morse warming up hours before the show. Morse would play different songs during soundcheck every night, showing off incredible skill and creativity. Lifeson always felt that Morse deserved far more recognition than he received.
Why Rush Will Always Matter
Rush proved that music doesn’t need to follow trends to be powerful. Their success came from chemistry, hard work, and pure talent. Each member brought something special, and together, they created music that still inspires players today.
They didn’t care about fitting in — they cared about being great. That’s the Rush way.