Rush's Geddy Lee Recalls Awkward Early Rehearsal Moment

The legendary bassist opens up about a youthful indiscretion that nearly derailed a pivotal Rush practice session.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered disco ball, the jagged shards of mirrored glass reflecting a kaleidoscope of vibrant stage lights, conceptually representing the energy and experimentation of Rush's formative years.The shattered remnants of Rush's early experimental phase reflect the band's youthful spirit and the chemistry that would define their rise to progressive rock stardom.Cleveland Today

In a new interview, Rush frontman Geddy Lee revisited an awkward early band moment that nearly derailed a crucial Rush rehearsal. Lee offered insight into the beginnings of his lifelong musical bond with guitarist Alex Lifeson and the chemistry that defined Rush's rise to progressive rock stardom.

Why it matters

This candid anecdote sheds light on the experimental nature of Rush's formative years, when the band members were still finding their footing both musically and personally. The story reveals not only the youthful indiscretions of the era but also the quick thinking and camaraderie that would become hallmarks of the legendary trio.

The details

During an early Rush rehearsal, Lee recalled feeling disoriented after experimenting with substances. 'I said, 'I gotta go home. How do I come down from this stuff?' And [Lifeson] went, 'You gotta drink Coca Cola. It brings you down,'' Lee recounted to Louder Sound. This moment highlighted the close friendship and problem-solving skills that Lee and Lifeson developed during their junior high years, when they first began jamming together nearly every day after school.

  • Rush was officially formed in August 1968 in the Willowdale neighborhood of Toronto.
  • By the early 1970s, Rush performed covers and original material in small clubs before eventually becoming an opening act for major bands like Aerosmith, Kiss, and Blue Öyster Cult.

The players

Geddy Lee

The frontman and bassist of the legendary progressive rock band Rush, known for his distinctive vocal style and multi-instrumental abilities.

Alex Lifeson

The guitarist of Rush, who developed a close musical chemistry with Geddy Lee starting in their junior high years when they began jamming together nearly every day after school.

Rush

The Canadian progressive rock band formed in 1968 in Toronto, known for their innovative sound and enduring partnership between Lee and Lifeson.

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What they’re saying

“I said, 'I gotta go home. How do I come down from this stuff?' And [Lifeson] went, 'You gotta drink Coca Cola. It brings you down,'”

— Geddy Lee, Frontman and Bassist, Rush

The takeaway

This story highlights the close friendship and problem-solving skills that defined the early days of Rush, as the band's founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson navigated the experimental nature of their musical journey and laid the groundwork for one of rock's most enduring partnerships.