Rush's Alex Lifeson Still Doesn't Have The Itch To Tour, Perform Live Again

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Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson has remained busy with music since the band's final tour, collaborating with other musicians and doing session work, but the desire to perform live has not returned.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer tells Ultimate Classic Rock that since the 'R40' tour wrapped in 2015, he hasn't missed performing.

"I haven't really considered [playing live]," he said. "It's been almost six years [since the last Rush tour]. After touring at that level [for decades], not to mention the six years before that of spending weeks in small bars and small towns, I'm not in a big hurry to go back on the road."

Lifeson recently confirmed a new project called Envy of None with Coney Hatch bassist Andy Curran, which should have an album coming out this year. He acknowledged that he would consider doing "a handful of specific shows" with the project, but the idea of another lengthy tour still doesn't appeal to him.

His feelings on touring have changed dramatically since 'R40.' While Lifeson initially felt Rush pulled the plug on its career early, after some time at home, he began to enjoy a more domestic life and career.

Following the tragic death of drummer Neil Peart last year, followed by the coronavirus pandemic and the death of Geddy Lee's mother Mary Weinrib last week (July 2), Lifeson underscored the point that, while music is still important to him, his priorities have changed.

"We've just gone through a pandemic, which has really changed our consciousness a lot," he said. "I feel pretty blessed and happy with where I am."


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