Rush were never a band that liked playing it safe. From the beginning of their career, the Canadian power trio — Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart — wanted to push rock music beyond its usual limits. While many bands followed trends, Rush constantly reinvented themselves, exploring new sounds, ideas, and musical challenges. One song in particular, “YYZ,” perfectly shows why Rush became one of the most respected and unique bands in rock history.
In the 1970s, Rush became known for their progressive rock style. Albums like 2112 and Hemispheres featured long songs, complex structures, and deep themes inspired by science fiction, philosophy, and personal reflection. These songs were not easy to play or listen to, but fans loved how ambitious they were. A great example is the instrumental “La Villa Strangiato,” a song so difficult that the band initially struggled to figure out how to perform it live. This era showed Rush’s willingness to challenge themselves, even if it made things harder.
As the 1980s approached, however, Rush decided they didn’t want to be trapped by the expectations of progressive rock. Instead of writing only long, complicated epics, they began to experiment with shorter songs and new styles. This change became clear on the album Permanent Waves, which included influences from punk, new wave, and even reggae. Songs like “The Spirit of Radio” felt more direct and energetic, while still keeping the band’s technical skill and intelligence.
During their tours for Permanent Waves, Rush often jammed together during soundchecks. These relaxed moments allowed the band to experiment freely without pressure. One of those jams eventually became “YYZ,” an instrumental track that would appear on their 1981 album Moving Pictures.
The name “YYZ” comes from the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport, close to the band’s hometown. What makes the song truly special is how it started. Drummer Neil Peart noticed that airports broadcast their codes in Morse code, using rhythmic beeps. When Rush were flying into Toronto, Peart heard the Morse code rhythm for “YYZ” and realized it had a natural musical feel. That rhythm became the foundation of the song.
Once the idea was brought into the studio, the rest of the band built on it. Alex Lifeson added sharp guitar riffs and unusual scales, while Geddy Lee blended bass lines and keyboards that shifted between aggressive and melodic. The result was a fast-moving, constantly changing instrumental that showed off each member’s skills without ever feeling messy or random.
Even though “YYZ” has no lyrics, it feels like it tells a story. The music reflects the experience of traveling — movement, excitement, tension, and release. This emotional quality helped make the song more than just a technical showcase. It became something fans could connect with, even without words.