Alex Lifeson has posted a long overdue My Big Fat Mouth newsletter update at AlexLifeson.com where he writes about his Envy of None project, new gear offerings from LerxstAmps, and the Rush reunion in his own words. As described in prior interviews, the 2022 Taylor Hawkins tribute show in London served as the catalyst that lit the spark for Ged and Al to consider touring again. Here he describes the role that both Dave Grohl and Paul McCartney had in convincing the pair to hit the road again:
... So many great artists and bands and not a single ego to be found. Dave Grohl was a master at connecting everyone together and keeping spirits united. Dave's energy was truly awesome to behold. I don't think he had slept for a month but I never saw him weary until the final night in London when we all repaired to the hotel bar. He still managed to salute the sunrise. I love that guy. Just after the show ended, we were hanging out in the schmooze zone outside the dressing room having a few drinks. Josh Homme was there, Dave, Geddy and me. After a bit, Paul McCartney came by and joined our boisterous gang. Sir Paul was such a delightful surprise. Absolutely no pretense or ego; immediately blending in as one of the guys. He'd watched our set and gave a lovely complement. He knew of Rush but didn't know the material or much about us. He asked Geddy if we were currently on tour and Ged said no and explained that Neil had recently passed and that I really wasn't up for touring. He said, "Oh no, you must get back on the road! Look at me, I'm 80 and still going. You know, it's what Ringo always says: this is who we are." Well, I'm not about to argue with a Beatle! I, of course, made a few silly comments and was elated to have made said Beatle laugh but it was a poignant moment for me and I started thinking that just maybe touring could become a thing again. ...
Al also opens up about his health issues and how that played a part in he and Ged's decision to get the band back together:
... My digestive system has always been quite sensitive and a second surgery a couple of years ago left me nauseous for a year so being at my wit's end, I checked into a clinic in Austria that specializes in these issues and spent two weeks there last January. Shortly before that, Ged and I decided to get together and do some casual jamming. We just played, with no intentions. For fun, we played a few Rush songs and really enjoyed it despite being a bit rusty. When I say a bit rusty ... I still wasn't ready for any commitment - my health was the major issue but after returning from the clinic, I was reborn. VivaMayr changed my life. After two weeks, I learned how to truly take care of myself and felt re-energized. It was then that I allowed myself to seriously consider touring. ...
You can read the entire update via AlexLifeson.com.
