**Rush’s Geddy Lee Explains Decision to Retain Band Name Following Neil Peart’s Death**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Geddy-Lee-of-Rush-performs-onstage-during-the-2026-JUNO-040626-5da85538da824bff8158dadaa8f69a7b.jpg)
Renowned Rush frontman Geddy Lee has shed light on the band’s decision to continue using their iconic name, even after the passing of drummer Neil Peart in January 2020. In an exclusive interview for the March 2026 cover of Classic Rock magazine, Lee articulated why he and fellow band member Alex Lifeson believe retaining the band’s name is essential as they prepare for their upcoming Fifty Something tour.
Reflecting on this significant choice, Lee remarked, “What do you f—ing call it?” He emphasised the difficulty of finding a name that would do justice to the band’s legacy without Peart. Lee candidly discussed the implications of the band’s identity, stating that it felt disingenuous to refer to the group under a different moniker. “When the band ended, we said it’s only Rush with Neil in it. Which of course is true,” he continued.
The band’s original formation took shape in 1968, with their self-titled debut album released in 1974. Over the years, Rush has amassed an impressive catalogue of hits, including “Limelight”, “YYZ”, and “Time Stand Still”. Their final album, *Clockwork Angels*, was unveiled in 2012, marking an end to their studio recordings. With this history in mind, the decision to go on tour under the name Rush seemed both respectful and necessary to Lee.
Lee explained that for a time, the band struggled with the idea of using a name that had been associated with Peart and his contributions for decades. “We were twisting ourselves into a pretzel to try to avoid using the name that we have had for 50 years, and even before Neil came,” he admitted. Eventually, the family of Peart gave their blessing for the group to tour under the Rush banner, leading to a sense of resolution and acceptance for Lee and Lifeson.
The upcoming Fifty Something tour will feature Lee and Lifeson alongside new drummer Anika Nilles, initially raising concerns about the authenticity of the ensemble without Peart. Acknowledging the emotional complexities, Lee admitted, “Without Neil… I’ll be frank. There are some songs you play where it kind of hits you, it’s bad, and it feels weird.” His honesty reflects the deep bond that existed between the band members, especially with Peart, whose drumming and lyricism were critical to Rush’s sound.
Despite these challenges, Lee reassured fans that the band would pay tribute to Peart throughout the tour, highlighting their intent to honour his legacy. He stated, “If we just picked up and went on without feeling any tug of anything, that would be absurd.” Preparations are underway to ensure that the tribute is both fitting and heartfelt during their performances, revealing the band’s commitment to preserving Peart’s memory on stage.
The Fifty Something tour is set to commence in June, with the U.S. leg running through December. Following this, the band has plans for an international tour in 2027. During this time, followers of Rush can expect to hear a wide array of their beloved tracks, with Lee confirming that approximately 40 Rush songs will be performed over the span of the tour.
As Rush embarks on this new chapter, the desire to stay true to their identity while honouring Peart is at the forefront of their plans. For Lee and Lifeson, the path ahead is not only about performing music, but also about celebrating friendship, conveying heartfelt tributes, and keeping the spirit of Rush alive.