Rush

Rush is a Canadian hard rock band, originally from Toronto, Ontario. Its iconic members are bassist, keyboardist and vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Formed in 1968, its line-up underwent various changes before stabilising in July 1974, with the arrival of Neil Peart, replacing original drummer John Rutsey, two weeks before the band's first tour in the United States.

Since the release of their self-titled debut album Rush in March 1974, the trio has been recognised for the instrumental prowess of its members, for its complex compositions, as well as for lyrics with diverse themes, such as science fiction, fantasy, free thought, or humanitarian, social or environmental themes.

Musically, the band's style evolved over time. Initially, it was hard rock in the vein of Led Zeppelin tinged with blues, but soon progressive elements multiplied, as did a significant use of synthesizers. The band would influence various other artists, especially in the heavy metal domain, notably Metallica, The Smashing Pumpers, Dream Theater, Primus and Symphony X. Rush is recognised as one of the best Canadian music bands.

The band won several Juno Awards and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994. Throughout their career, the three members of Rush have been recognised for their proficiency on their respective instruments, each having won various polls organised by magazines. As a band, Rush is certified gold 24 times and platinum 14 times in the United States. Furthermore, according to the RIAA, Rush ranks fourth among rock bands for the number of consecutive gold or platinum albums, after The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. It is also 79th in the American album sales chart with 25 million units. Worldwide sales are estimated at 40 million units in 2004, although no precise study has been carried out.

The album Clockwork Angels was released in June 2012 and the associated tour began in September 2012. On December 8, 2015, Neil Peart announced his retirement, which was quickly denied by Geddy Lee. But the drummer's health, suffering from arthritis, and the fact that the R40 tour was presented as the last, cast doubt on the band's future. In January 2018, the band announced its separation. Neil Peart died on January 7, 2020, following a brain tumour.

In October 2025, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced they would reform Rush to tour America and Europe the following year with German drummer Anika Nilles behind the kit.