Guest Appearances

"Everybody got to deviate from the norm"

Guest Appearances As performer

"Battle Scar", Rush with Max Webster on Universal Juveniles, Dec. 1980, and Best of Max Webster (compilation), 1989

"We set up both bands live and we had this producer Jack Richardson standing in the middle with a baton, sort of conducting us. We were all in a circle and he was in the middle, and we just recorded the tune." - Geddy Lee, Visions

"Toronto, July 28, 1980. An intense thunderstorm raged outside all day long, while indoors a storm of a different kind was brewing. In the studios of Phase One, two complete sets of equipment crammed the room, and two complete bands filled the air with a Wagnerian tumult, as Max Webster and ourselves united to record a song for their album, called Battlescar." - Neil Peart, Moving Pictures Tourbook

"Take Off", Geddy Lee (vocal) on Bob and Doug McKenzie's The Great White North, 1981

Released on Anthem Records, this song was originally to have been included on Rush's Chronicles compilation album. The record made the US Top 10, higher than any Rush record. In 1983 the McKenzie Brothers drove a van with a Rush bumper sticker in the motion picture Strange Brew.

"Doug explained how Geddy was recruited. 'We were friends in school, and we were doing the record, so I called him up. We paid him a few bucks. He came in, put on his toque and sang it.' Geddy commented on the record. 'Canada has finally found an identity. I just came in, they paid me my 10 bucks to come in and sing a few words. It was different from any session I've ever done. These two guys were coaching me... telling me what to do.'" - Visions

"I went to school with Rick Moranis, and basically grew up with him. When they were doing the album, they called me up and asked me if I'd sing on one of the tracks. So I went down and it took me all of half an hour to do. It was fun; strictly a fun thing to do with some pals. Nobody had any idea it would get as big as it did." - Geddy Lee, Success Under Pressure

On May 20th, 2007, the CBC aired "Bob And Doug McKenzie's 24 Anniversary" prime time special celebrating the 24th anniversary of the film Strange Brew, which included a guest appearance by Geddy Lee.

"All the Horses Running" and "Over Queen Charlotte Sound", Geddy Lee (bass) on Marie-Lynn Hammond's Vignettes, 1983, and Marie-Lynn Hammond & Vignettes, 1999

In addition to Geddy Lee, this album also includes Ben Mink on many tracks.

"Crying Over You" and "Holy Water", Alex Lifeson on Platinum Blonde's Alien Shores, 1984, and Seven Year Itch: 1982-1989 (compilation)

Due to personel changes, Platinum Blonde was renamed The Blondes, and thanked Alex in the linernotes to Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, 1990. Alex later co-mixed a self-titled unreleased album for yet another incarnation of the band titled No. 9 (see separate entry below).

"...Platinum Blonde managed to infuse well-crafted intelligent modern rock with pop hooks that literally grafted themselves onto the airwaves. One of the first to acknowledge this fact was Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson who validated their efforts with solos on 'Crying Over You', 'Holy Water'; and' a working relationship that continues to the present with Mark's new group, No 9." - Seven Year Itch linernotes

"Tears are Not Enough", Geddy Lee (vocal) with Northern Lights, the Canadian contingent of We Are The World, Feb. 10, 1985

Geddy sings one line: "You know that we'll be there."

"I get so impatient with the pop side of causes, the whole sensibility of, 'Let's get together and change things' because these people just do not know what they're talking about and don't take the trouble to find out how they can really change something. It's a Sixties mentality - it had no action then, and has no action now. It's just sound and fury. And, let's be honest, how many of these people are only lending their names as a career move?! Geddy was involved with the 'Northern Lights' charity record here in Canada, although Rush weren't invited to participate in the 'Live Aid' event - mainly because if you look at the guest list, it was very much and 'in-crowd' situation. We didn't refuse to take part because of any principles...Some of those involved in 'Northern Lights' were actually quoted as saying that their managers told them to get down to the recording sessions because it would be a good career move! What a farce!...I believe you have to get involved far more then just giving money to salve your conscience, even that type of charity is so negative because it's self-serving and shallow." - Neil Peart, Metal Hammer, Apr. 25, 1988
"It was interesting. It was fairly comical to watch all these people being one by one brought to the mic and ordered around by David Foster. Uh, at the same time, it was a lot of fun to meet people like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell who are artists that I have had a lot of respect for, for many years, but I would say it was a very odd pairing of human beings...I remember [David Foster] asking Joni Mitchell to sing her line over and over again, and, to everyone standing around, every performance was wonderful, and yet he insisted on making her sing it over and over again--to most people's amazement. And then when Neil Young came in, he sang it once, and David Foster asked him to sing it again because it was a little out of tune, and Neil Young replied to him that that's his style and he's not going to do it again, to which a great swelling of pride welled up in all the onlookers!" Regarding singing his line, 'And you know that we'll be there', "It was one take." - Geddy Lee interview with Vancouver Radio's "The Nardwuar The Human Serviette Show", Dec. 4, 1998

"Champion" (drums) and "Mirabi" (co-drummer with Steve Smith), Neil Peart on Jeff Berlin & Vox Humana's Champion, 1985. Mirabi is also on Jeff Berlin's Crossroads (compilation), June 9, 1998

"On one track, I got to play together with Steve Smith. Steve actually did most of the playing, I just came in on the choruses for that 'thunderous double-drum effect.' That was a lot of fun and a real exciting challenge. It was a major milestone for me to walk into a situation like that with no rehearsal. All I'd ever heard of the music before was a living-room demo with a beat box." - Neil Peart, Modern Drummer, Jan. 1986

"I had a visit from Jeff Berlin, who's a friend, on the tour and I had the opportunity to watch him goofing around backstage with a bass, and was just amazed at his knowledge of bass chords. That's something I had never really exploited in my playing, so he inspired me to play around more with it. He probably doesn't know it, and would be embarrassed to hear it. I ended up using bass chords on "Force Ten" and "Turn The Page". Not so much in the sense of strumming them as using my thumb more, almost like a finger picking style of playing, which is something that I'm still working on. Just plucking with my thumb and going back and forth between the thumb and the first two fingers and pulling. Almost like a snapping technique. It's opened up a bit more range for me. There's more melodic possibilities and rhythmic possibilities too, which is an important role for the bass player. If you can establish not only a melody but a rhythmic feel, that's an extra tool." - Geddy Lee, Bass Player, Nov/Dec 1988

"Beyond Borders", Alex Lifeson with the Canadian Guitar Summit, a 45 rpm flexidisk included in Guitar Player Magazine, July 1987

Written by Rik Emmett (of Canadian rock group Triumph) as a fusion of rock, jazz, and classical guitar, performers include himself, Alex, Ed Bickert and Liona Boyd (who gave "special thanks to Alex Lifeson" on her 1991 album Dancing On the Edge).

"I approached my role from an atmospheric standpoint, and I tried to tie things together and do little things that I wouldn't normally do on a Rush record... When I got involved with this project, everything was just about finished, which enabled me to sit back and put my feet up and play whatever I wanted." - Alex Lifeson, Guitar Player, July 1987.

"One of the things I learned about Alex was the way he conceptually approaches a recording; he's able to look at a piece of music from the outside in, rather than from the inside out, which is my way of doing things. He thinks a lot in terms of flavors, colors, textures, and atmospheres. He refers to all of the little details that can be added to a performance to make a chill go up your spine as the 'GB factor,' which stands for goose bumps. In fact a couple of times during the mix he showed me how he was actually getting goose bumps on his arms from listening to the playback." - Rik Emmett, Guitar Player, July 1987

"Hands of Man" (vocal and instrumental version), Alex Lifeson with The Big Picture on Dream on the Horizon: A Tribute to the Olympic Spirit!, 1988

Alex performs on two versions of "Hands of Man" along with Rik Emmett and Liona Boyd (these three, along with jazz guitarist Ed Bickert, made up the Canadian Guitar Summit the previous year), with vocals by Joel Wade (who would later sing background vocals on Triumphs' Surveillance, 1989, and Rik Emmett's Absolutely, 1990). "Hands of Man" was also written by Boyd, who gave "special thanks to Alex Lifeson" on her album Dancing On the Edge, 1991. During the instrumental, Rik solos first, followed by Alex.

"Who's Missin Who", Geddy Lee (vocal) on Climb's Take A Chance, 1988

Geddy sings one line early in this Japanese release by Warren Cromartie's band, Climb (Cromartie is the drummer). Prior to a successful career in Japan, Warren Cromartie played for the Montreal Expos from 1974-1983. It was during that period that he became friends of Rush. Rush fans may remember the secondary school on the Signals back cover was named after him, and both he and the Expos are thanked in the Signals linernotes.

"In The Danger Zone", Alex Lifeson (guitar solo) on this track only from Greenway's Serious Business, 1988.

Brian Greenway (from April Wine) is on vocals, guitar and keyboards; Aldo Nova helps out on keyboards and programming.

"Get Ready", Geddy Lee from the cd accompanyment to the book Standing in the Shadows of Motown : The Life and Music of Legendary Bassist James Jamerson, May 1, 1989

The Album The Single "Smoke on the Water", Alex Lifeson with Rock-Aid Armenia, 1990

Rock-Aid Armenia was a benefit for the victims of the earthquake in Armenia on Dec. 7, 1988. At least five versions of the song were released in various forms of remixes: Album version, Mayem Mix, Mega Rock Remix, Radio Mix, Extended Mix (same as Album version). The cover lists Rush, although Alex was the only contributor. Smoke on the Water includes the following artists: Lead guitarists: Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Alex Lifeson (Rush), Brian May (Queen) and Geoff Beauchamp. Vocalists: Ian Gillan (Deep Purple), Bryan Adams, Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company). Bass guitar: Chris Squire (Yes). Keyboards: Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Keith Emerson (ELP), Geoff Downes (Asia, ex-Yes). Drums: Roger Taylor (Queen).

Alex Lifeson on all tracks on Gowan's Lost Brotherhood, 1990

Released by Anthem Records, the album includes Red Rider guitarist Kenny Greer. The song "Lost Brotherhood" is also on Best of Gowan, 1997. Originally a member of 70's Toronto progressive rock band Rhinegold, after their breakup Larry Gowan went solo performing with various artists, including Jon Anderson (of Yes), and has worked with Rush's producer and cover artist (Terry Brown and Hugh Syme). In 1999 Gowan replaced Dennis DeYoung on Styx's 1999 comeback tour.

"One O'Clock Jump", "Cotton Tail" and "Mexicali Nose", Neil Peart from the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship Concerts, VHS 1991, DVD 2006

Neil performs three songs with the Buddy Rich Band at the Ritz Theater in New York City on April 8, 1991. Studio versions of "One O'Clock Jump" and "Cotton Tail" were later recorded for the Burning for Buddy albums, see entries below).

"This 2 DVD set (previously available on 4 VHS video tapes) contains 4 1/2 hours of incredible performances by 11 of the world's greatest drummers, together with the Buddy Rich Big Band. Disc 1 contains the sessions from Los Angeles on October 14, 1989 and includes Louie Bellson, Gregg Bissonette, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta & Steve Gadd (2 tracks each). Disc 2 contains the sessions from New York City on April 8, 1991 and includes Neil Peart, Marvin 'Smitty' Smith, Steve Smith (3 tracks each), Omar Hakim (2 tracks), and Wil Calhoun (1 track). Special features include 3 rare Buddy Rich performances and a photo gallery. Running time 270 minutes."

"Guns" (co-drummer), "Rain Rain Rain" (percussion) and "Palomar" (percussion), Neil Peart on The Rheostatics' Whale Music, 1992

Neil is seen wearing a Rheostatics' t-shirt in the Counterparts tourbook.

"...the Rheostatics recorded with Rush's Neil Peart in 1992. He came down to Reaction Studios while we were making Whale Music and set up a little yellow jazz kit in the corner. The Barenaked Ladies were there, too; they'd laid in their background vocal to "California Dreamline" earlier in the day and together we watched Neil warm up, a chimeric figure in his beaded African hat under the low studio lights. Head lowered, torso centred, feet kicking, his hands glancing over the drums, Neil played all afternoon. His touch was soft when it had to be, but propulsive, too, like a distance runner tugging the flow of blood to his heart. It's one thing to see your hero perform from a distant seat in Maple Leaf Gardens, but it's something else to feel close to his work, as I did that day. At one time in my life, I'd dreamed of what it would be like to simply attend a Rush concert, and there I was at the studio, not 20 feet from where he was crafting a part for a song that would appear on our album.....As Neil commanded his kit, he painted my adolescence before me, evoking everything about it." - The Rheostatics' Dave Bidini, Toronto Star, Jan. 6, 2002

"I Nominate Dr. David" and "Some Dumb Machine", G.L. Weinrib (aka Geddy Lee) (bass) on Mendelson Joe's Women Are The Only Hope, 1992

Geddy Lee, credited as "G. L. Weinrib", performs on only two tracks as confirmed by a postcard from the artist; violins, mandolin, electric guitar and mixing are credited to Ben Mink (who also received "special very special thanks" on this album, and is also known for collaborationg on My Favorite Headache and for performing on Signals' "Losing It"). A close friend of Geddy, Joe Mendelson opened for Rush during the Caress of Steel tour, and is a well known folk musician, painter, writer and left wing political activist. Anthem Records released two other Mendelson Joe albums commercially, Born to Cuddle, 1988, and Addicted, 1991. Women Are The Only Hope was never commercially released, but can be ordered here.

"All Along the Watchtower", Alex Lifeson on Kumbaya 1995 (recorded Sep. 4, 1994)

Recorded live at Toronto's Molson Amphitheatre on September 4th, 1994, this was the second Kumbaya Festival, an AIDS benefit also held in '93 and '95. All Along The Watchtower includes Alex Lifeson, Tom Cochrane, Lawrence Gowan, Molly Johnson, John Webster, Bill Bell, Gordie Johnson, Stich Wynston, Gary Lowe, Don Freed, Michael Rosen, Richard Underhill, Annette Ducharm and Kim Stockwood. The first vocal is Cochrane and the second vocal part is Gowan. Bill Bell collaborated with Alex on his solo project, Victor (1996).

"Cotton Tail" (drums) and "Pick Up the Pieces" (percussion), Neil Peart (also producer) on Burning for Buddy Vol. I, Oct. 4, 1994

"Just Scream", "Crawl" and "Will of the Gun", Alex Lifeson on Tom Cochrane's Ragged Ass Road, Nov. 7, 1995

Alex is credited with guitar on "Crawl" and "Will Of The Gun", and the guitar solo on "Just Scream". Tom Cochrane was formerly lead singer with Canadian rock group Red Rider. Cochrane's guitarist, Bill Bell, collaborated with Alex on his solo project, Victor (1996).

"Born Under A Bad Sign", "All Along The Watch Tower" and "For What It's Worth/White Rabbit", Alex Lifeson (aka Big Al Dexter) on Second Anniversary At The Orbit Room, 1997 (recorded November 15, 1996, cover image wanted) Recorded live at The Orbit Room (a bar in Toronto co-owned by Alex Lifeson), this recording was sold through the now defunct Rush fanzine "A Show Of Fans" in 1997. The Dexters was the house band which eventually went into retirement in 2004. Alex often made guest appearnces, as captured on the other official release "Hip To The Tip:Live At The Orbit Room" (see below), which also includes a recording of "Born Under A Bad Sign".

"1967 Again" and "Born Under a Bad Sign", Alex Lifeson (aka Big Al Dexter) on The Dexter's Hip to the Tip, Live at the Orbit Room, 2000 (recorded in 1995)

"Like A Girl", Alex Lifeson on I Mother Earth's Scenery and Fish, July 9, 1996

Produced by Vapor Trails producer, Paul Northfield. "I played on one of the songs on [Scenery and Fish], and the material is really strong. It's going to be a really good album for them, I think." - Alex Lifeson, Rockline, Jan. 15, 1996

The Making Of Burning For Buddy
Warner Bros Publishing, 300 minutes
VHS, 1996/1997
DVD, 2006

"In May of 1994, Neil Peart undertook a recording project which will forever stand as the ultimate tribute to Bernard 'Buddy' Rich. He and Buddy's daughter, Cathy, invited eighteen of the most respected drummers in the world to New York's Power Station studio, and for two weeks, each day, two or three world-class drummers would perform with the Buddy Rich Big Band. To quote Neil Peart: 'I'll never forget those two weeks at the Power Station. I'd walk in excited every morning, wondering what's going to happen today?' The result of this monumental project (released on CD by Atlantic Records) was some of the most exciting music ever put on tape. This DVD contains preparation for the recording, final takes, interviews with the drummers about Buddy, candid footage of the control room during play back, and more, all tied together by Neil Peart's beautiful commentary. This 2 DVD set (previously available on 4 VHS video tapes), features: Kenny Aronoff, Gregg Bissonette, Bill Bruford, Billy Cobham, Steve Ferrone, Steve Gadd, David Garibaldi, Omar Hakim, Joe Morello, Rod Morgenstein, Neil Peart, Max Roach, Simon Phillips, Ed Shaughnessy, Marvin 'Smitty' Smith, Steve Smith, Matt Sorum and Dave Weckl. A photo slide show is included as a bonus feature."

"One O'Clock Jump", Neil Peart (drums and producer) on Burning for Buddy Vol. II, June 24, 1997

During the Vapor Trails and R30 tours, Neil performed along with the last 45 seconds of "One O'Clock Jump" to close his drum solo.

"The Road", Geddy Lee (bass, keyboards, co-producer and co-writer) on Euphoria's debut album, July 13, 1999

Geddy also received special thanks in the album's liner notes. Euphoria is the brain child of Toronto musician Ken Ramm. In the January 1986 issue of Modern Drummer magazine, while discussing his appearance on the Jeff Berlin's Champion, Neil Peart said he "... did a similar thing with a musician named Ken Ramm in Toronto. That record was released in Canada." However, an email from the artist confirms "the track with Neil Peart that he mentioned in Modern Drummer (Jan.'86) is entitled 'Economy In Motion'. It was never released."

"Good for Sule", Geddy Lee (bass) on I Mother Earth's Blue Green Orange, July 13, 1999

Alex Lifeson on Tara MacLean's Passenger, 1999 (Canada)/Feb. 29, 2000 (US)

Tara is the wife of guitarist Bill Bell, who collaborated with Alex on Victor (1996). Although not credited on any of Tara's North American releases, Alex played on 'some' of the tracks on this album, including the hit "If I Fall". The Taiwanese Promo CD Single for "If I Fall" lists Alex as playing guitars and "Alex Lifeson appears courtesy Anthem Records". "If I Fall" is also included on The Girls Room compilation and Teaching Mrs. Tingle (1999) soundtrack albums. On a related note, Alex's son, Adrian, is credited on the track "Calls to Nothing" on Tara's If You Could See EP.

"Yes, Alex did play on some Tara MacLean tracks but it was the local label's decision whether or not to credit him. Alex got involved in the project because he likes to play. Whether he got credit or not would be irrelevant to him." - via email from Anthem Records, Nov. 10, 2003

"Red Beans and Rice", Alex Lifeson (aka Big Al Dexter) with The Dexters on Soul in the City 2000

Recorded live at the Capital Theatre, Toronto, Canada, Nov. 10, 2000 (the same day Geddy Lee's My Favorite Headache was released). This limited edition CD comes in a simple black cardboard envelope, without artwork.

"Space Suit", Geddy Lee (background vocals and producer) on the Rockscience five song demo EP, 1999, and Foolscap, 2001

Co-produced and recorded by Geddy Lee in his home studio, Rocketscience features his nephew Rob Higgins on bass and vocals. Guest appearances on the album include Ben Mink, the gals from Sticky Rice and of course, Geddy Lee (backing vocal on "Space Suit", previously available on Rocket Sciences' 5 song EP).

"It is rock, rock with a kind of technical edge to it. I have a home studio and we have been working here and gone into the smaller studios around town to do some sessions now and again. It has been fun for me and I think fun for them as well." - Geddy Lee, JAM! Showbiz, Jan. 18, 2000

"...he knew things that we wanted and just tried to help us get them...he likes things a little weird and out there." - Rob Higgins, on recording with 'Uncle Geddy', Chartattack.com, June 28, 2001

"Hey Bop A-Rebop", Alex Lifeson with The Stickmen on Side Two, Dec. 12, 2003

Formed in January of 2002, The Stickmen features founder Bernie LeBarge of The Dexters, and is the regular band at the Orbit Room on Friday nights. Alex Lifeson, co-owner of The Orbit Room, performs only one track.

Everybody's Broken and Testify All Over Me, Alex Lifeson on John Kastner's Have You Seen Lucky, May 11th, 2006

Alex performs on these two tracks only from Kastner's first solo album. Previously, Lifeson remixed the "Facination Unknown" single for Kastner's other band, All Systems Go! (see separate entry below), and later performed live with Kastner and Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy at the June 2005 White Ribbon benefit concert.

"A cross between everything I've done over the past 20 years. Alex from Rush plays guitar on it and Lee Ving from Fear sings on it – so it’s really all over the place. That’s my crazy 70's upbringing in a nutshell". - John Kastner, Skiddle.com, May 18, 2006

"I Fought The Law", performed by Alex and Geddy with the Big Dirty Band, and "Liquor & Whores" by Bubbles & The Shit Rockers (including Alex Lifeson), on Trailer Park Boys: The Big Dirty Soundtrack, Oct. 3, 2006

For details regarding this project, click here.

Alex Lifeson on multiple tracks on Edwin's Better Days, Oct. 3rd, 2006

"Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is on several tracks, including 'Never Over' which should be a single...Edwin and Lifeson go back 10 years. The Rush guitarist invited Edwin to sing on his 1996 solo project, Victor, and that same year played on "Like A Girl" from I Mother Earth's second album, Scenery And Fish. 'He's only done me favors. I don't think I've done him any,' Edwin laughs. 'He was kind enough to let us work at his studio for a week and let us use everything we wanted - his guitars, his amps, whatever we wanted. He was great about it and he also did us the favor of coming in and doing some cameo guitar playing on a few songs. We ran the songs and he played what he felt, so we used his guitar stylings throughout the record.'" - Jam! Showbiz, May 10, 2006

"Star 24 (No Apologies)", Alex Lifeson on Jakalope's Born 4, Oct. 3rd, 2006

"With Dave Rave Ogilvie (Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, David Bowie) once again at the helm of the project, Jakalope returned to the scene of the crime, recording Born4 at Vancouver's famed Warehouse Studio. NIN god Trent Reznor signed on as co-producer without question. Ogilvie and Phil Caivano (Blitzspeer, Monster Magnet) locked themselves away to create the music, coming together with Katie B for the lyrics and melodies...'Star 24 (No Apologies)' features Alex Lifeson of Rush." - Jakalope, June 2006

"It was so neat hearing what we had started and then hearing what he [Alex Lifeson] added...When you’re starting a song you’re so involved and when you give it to somebody else who’s coming in from the outside they’re hearing their own thing and they can quickly add something that you never would have thought of." - Katie B, Jakalope vocalist, VueWeekly.com, Nov. 19, 2006

Anesthetize, Alex Lifeson on Porcupine Tree's Fear Of A Blank Planet, Apr. 24, 2007

"I really didn't know [Alex Lifeson] knew anything about Porcupine Tree until I read an interview with him in a British magazine. He mentioned really liking Porcupine Tree, and I fell of my chair when I read that because I grew up listening to Rush and I've always thought Alex was one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. So, I got in touch with him through the journalist, who had also done an interview with me around the same time, coincidentally. And we were right in the middle of writing at that time, so it was kind of an obvious thing to invite him to play on the record. It's like it's come full circle for me now, as the people I grew up listening to are now playing on Porcupine Tree records. So you can imagine the buzz, its incredible!" - Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree, Prog Archives, Apr. 22, 2007

Sacred & Mundane, Alex Lifeson on Tiles's Fly Paper, Jan. 29, 2008

Alex Lifeson reunited with producer by Terry Brown (aka Broon) for the first time in 25 years to record this song.

"Terry had approached Alex about making a guest appearance – and played him some of our new songs. Alex liked what he heard and said he would have a chance to do 'something' before Rush began rehearsals for their 'Snakes and Arrows' tour. The window of opportunity arrived this past March – and Terry went to Alex’ studio where the two proceeded to work their magic on "Sacred and Mundane." Listening to Alex' parts for the first time was amazing – and the amount of work he put into the song was beyond what we could have hoped for. He came up with a counter-riff that literally 'became' the song; he added acoustic guitars to the refrains; played an acoustic Celtic counter-melody in the bridge; came up with a cool backwards solo in the breakdown section; and added an assortment of guitar textures and effects from start to finish. Terry and Alex spent almost 12-hours recording." - Chris Herin, guitarist, Tiles-music.com

Snacktime, Geddy Lee on the Barenaked Ladies' Snacktime, May 6th, 2008

The title track of this children's album includes spoken guest appearances from various celebrities. Geddy Lee is heard saying, "Hi I'm Geddy, and my favorite snack is barbecue potato chips."

Neil Peart on a Forthcoming Vertical Horizon album, release date unknown
The April 2007 issue of Drumhead Magazine includes an interview with Vertical Horizon singer, Matt Scannell, where he discusses three tracks recorded with Peart (one penned by Peart), and goes into detail of how Vertical Horizon was influenced by Rush, and Scannell and Peart's friendship.

"Late in 2005, Matt and I started working on a song together, with lyrics I wrote especially for Matt’s voice — literal and metaphorical. Matt suggested I might like to play drums on that song, and when I agreed to that, he started sending me demos of other songs he thought I might like to play on. (Trickster!). So while I was in Toronto working on Rush songs, I was also 'moonlighting' on three of Matt’s songs, playing to his demos and working out drum parts for them...Through the miracle of modern technology, I was able to e-mail those recorded sketches to Matt, and collect his comments as I went along. Thus it came to pass...on June 14, 2006, at Capitol Records Studio B in Hollywood (Hollywood and Vine, in fact), I recorded three songs for Matt’s upcoming Vertical Horizon album...The following day I told Matt that session had been one of the greatest challenges, experiences, and — now — rewards of my life. That’s the way I have always felt about making Rush albums, and I have every faith the same will be true when Alex, Geddy, and I reconvene in September." - Neil Peart, NeilPeart.net, June 17, 2006

Guest Appearances As Performer (Non-Musical/Video)

Alex Lifeson guest star on Trailer Park Boys, the television series, May 18th, 2003

"Closer To The Heart" (season 3, episode 5): "Bubbles is so devastated about not getting tickets to the RUSH concert that Ricky decides to bring Alex Lifeson (played by Alex Lifeson) to the park to perform a private concert." One scene of the episode was filmed during the October 22nd, 2002, Vapor Trails concert at Toronto's Air Canada Centre, as actor Mike Smith, who portrays Bubbles on the Nova Scotia, Canada, based comedy series, was filmed playing the part of a Rush roadie. As he walked on stage to hand Alex a new guitar, Geddy told the crowd "he is a new guy." The final scene of the episode features Alex and Bubbles playing "Closer To The Heart" on dual acoustic guitars.

"I was a bit nervous up there. I mean, it's dark, and I can't see, and I'm stepping over cables and stuff...Alex is a big fan of the show...Alex came to us and asked to do a cameo. The director was like, 'No, but why don't we write a whole episode based around you?' And he was totally into that. So we flew him out to Halifax and we shot with him for three days and had really great times. He's a really amazing person." - Mike Smith ("Bubbles"), TorontoStar.com. Oct. 28, 2002

Rush on Rolling Stones' Four Flicks DVD, Nov. 11th, 2003

Released after the Rolling Stones' "Licks Tour", under the "Extras" section of the first documentary disk is a section on the SARS benefit concert titled "Toronto Rocks", with excerpts of interviews with Geddy and Alex, and clips of Alex meeting Burton Cummings of The Guess Who and Neil being greeted by Stones drummer Charlie Watts as Geddy and Alex look on.

Alex Lifeson (aka "Big Al") guest interviewer on Primus' Animals Should Not Try to Act Like People DVD, released Oct. 7, 2003

The "Brown Album" portion of the DVD has an area called "Horrible Swill" which contains an interview of the band performed by one "Big Al", wearing black rimmed glasses and fake crooked teeth. In addition, the "Attic" area contains a "pictures" section which includes a photo of Les Claypool and Geddy Lee fishing. Yet another scene backstage has Les showing the camera his bass autographed on the headstock by Geddy Lee, as Les says "Geddy Fucking Lee" and points to the autograph.

Known to be Rush fans, Primus included the intro to "YYZ" in two of their tracks, "John The Fisherman" and "To Defy The Laws Of Tradition", released on separate albums in 1990 and included on They Can't All Be Zingers: Best of Primus. Primus toured with Rush on the Roll the Bones and Counterparts tours, and bass player Les Claypool also performed on one track of Alex Lifeson's solo project, Victor. For their 2000 Antipop tour they sold a concert t-shirt with artwork similar to the 2112 cover. Their third DVD, Blame It On The Fish, includes a 30-min. mockumentary set in 2065, where a 102 year-old Les Claypool reminisces about the band, and mentions Rush and/or Geddy lee on three separate occasions.

The Rick Mercer Report

"Celebrity Winter Advice With Geddy Lee" - Jan. 26, 2004
"Drumming lessons from Rush's Neil Peart" - Nov. 7, 2006

Geddy Lee interviewed in Ringers: Lord Of The Fans, Jan. 21, 2005

A documentary celebrating fans of Lord Of The Rings, the documentary includes an interview with Geddy Lee and a brief glimpse of Geddy live on stage is seen during the trailer.

"Geddy Lee, bassist and lead singer for the seminal rock group Rush, has granted an exclusive interview to the producers of the feature documentary, Ringers: Lord Of The Fans. His heartfelt comments on the power of J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories make it easy to understand how the world of Rock & Roll was forever changed by The Lord of the Rings. The fine connections between these two art forms is sharply drawn by Mr. Lee, as he explains the wonderful influence of Middle-earth on his early songwriting..." - TheOneRing.net - Sep. 29, 2004
"As the scope of the film broadened to include the worlds of music and fantasy literature, efforts to secure interviews with the best and brightest of those worlds were met with 'Yes, I'd love to!' from all quarters...Rock legends Geddy Lee (RUSH) and Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) quickly came on board, explaining first-hand how the Rock scene shifted under the weight of Tolkien's high-fantasy influence....The heartbeat of RINGERS is in its Rock soundtrack, and the director wanted nothing less than wall-to-wall music. [Editor Arnaud Gerardy] carefully edited to the rhythm of Led Zeppelin's 'Ramble On' and RUSH's 'Rivendell'..." - TheOneRing.net, Jan. 10, 2005

Geddy Lee interviewed in Metal: A Headbangers Journey, Sep. 14, 2005

"Journeying through America and Europe, following tours and attending open-air metal fests, the filmmakers document people’s opinions about the scene. Fans weigh in, as well as metal gods including Rush’s Geddy Lee..."

Geddy Lee guest star in Fire Eye'd Boy video from the eponymous third album by Broken Social Scene , Oct. 4, 2005

Broken Social Scene is a Canadian indie supergroup from Toronto. In the "Fire Eye'd Boy" video, Geddy Lee makes a humorous appearance spoofing an American Idol judge.

Alex Lifeson on The Golf Channel's Personal Lessons, July 3rd, 2006

The debut episode of The Golf Channel's "Personal Lessons" featured Golf Pro Rocco Mediate and his friend, Alex Lifeson. During the episode, they play a round of golf, along with an amateur partner, at Tuscany Reserve in Naples, Florida (where Lifson has a second home, also home of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples...).

Alex Lifeson cameo in The Trailer Park Boys: The Big Dirty, Oct. 6th, 2006 (DVD release Feb. 20, 2007)

Trailer Park Boys fan Alex Lifeson is seen in a cameo role as a police officer in the film, which also includes many Rush references. Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee also perform on the soundtrack, and as part of the film's promotion, Lifeson hosted a Canadian TV special titled "Trailer Park Boys 101", which is also available online. For more information regarding the soundtrack, click here.

"When it came to making the movie the producers thought it would be appropriate, in view of everything that's been going on in Florida, that I play the role of a cop in the movie. Gord Downey from The Tragically Hip and I play partners. Geddy and I are also a part of the Big Dirty Band on the soundtrack. What song did we do? 'I Fought The Law', that was kind of appropriate too." - Alex Lifeson, Classic Rock, July 2007

ESPN Geddy Lee cameo in the ESPN Commercial For Fantasy Baseball, March 2007

The ESPN Baseball Tonight crew, including John Kruk, Peter Gammons and a slew of special guests including Geddy Lee, appear as a rock band in a music-video-esque commercial for fantasy baseball on ESPN. The band's name is "Iron Diamond"; the full band complement is: John Kruk: lead vocals, ESPN Baseball Tonight Cohost; Peter Gammons: vocals, (home-plate shaped) guitar, ESPN Baseball Tonight Cohost, writer; Bronson Arroyo: vocals, guitar, 2006 MLB All-Star Pitcher; Geddy Lee: vocals, bass, Rush frontman, fantasy baseball genius; Gary Sheffield: drums, MLB slugger with 455 career HR's and counting; Joe Borowski: keytar, closer, 2006 Comeback Player of the Year Finalist; Jennie Finch: vocals, ESPN Fantasy Analyst, Olympic Gold Medalist; Matthew Berry: vocals, Senior Director of Fantasy for ESPN.com; Eric Karabell: vocals, ESPN Fantasy Analyst, ESPN Radio Host; Buster Olney: vocals, ESPN the Magazine Senior Writer, NY Times. Geddy Lee later appeared on ESPN's "Cold Pizza" and discussed the commercial, the comentators and musicians, and of course, baseball.

Neil Peart in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie, Apr. 13, 2007

Peart voices a miniature of himself (a watermelon seed) who plays the drums. The film's website includes an animated music video of the Hunger Force performing in concert with Neil Peart on drums.

"I'm a cheap device for exposition," Neil Peart says over the phone from California, establishing two things straightaway. One: he knows his function in his role in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie. Two: He's a comedy buff, who goes on to explain that he's quoting an old SCTV parody of Fantasy Island. Absurd decisions typify the Aqua Teen creators...So when looking for big names to lend a voice to their show, they asked not for an animation veteran but instead for the drummer for Rush. "We get lots of offers over the transom, of course – lots of things that someone would like us to be involved in, or to buy from them," says Peart, clearly in a lighthearted mood. But when it came to this movie, "Somebody in the office had an open mind."...he's a watermelon seed who plays the drums, and he gets to perform a supernatural ritual called the Drum Solo of Life...My solo (in Rush shows) is nine minutes long, so I just gave them a bunch of 30-second clips to choose from that sounded spiritual." - Toronto Star, Apr. 15, 2007

Guest Appearances As Producer or Mixer

Wireless, No Static, 1980

Produced by Geddy Lee, his first production effort. Released by Anthem records, Wireless was also managed by SRO. This album was engineered by current Rush producer Paul Northfield and mixed by Terry Brown, with additional voice credit to "Dirk", and "special thanks to Rush and crew" given in the liner notes. The album was recorded in December 1979 at Le Studio, where Rush had recently wrapped up recording Permanent Waves (Rush gave thanks to "Wireless & crew" in the Permanent Waves liner notes). Earlier that year Wireless was one of the opening bands on Rush's "Tour of the Hemispheres", in support of their 1978 album Positively Human, Relatively Sane (which also included a thank you to Geddy Lee).

Boys Brigade cover 1 Boys Brigade cover 2 Boys Brigade, Into the Flow, 1983

Produced by Geddy Lee. The album was released with two versions of the album cover. "Formed in 1981 in Toronto where they began as a pick-up act doing speak easies and underground clubs before debuting on Queen Street. Rush's light designer, Howard Ungerleider, took the band on as manager thereby putting them in direct contact with Rush's label, Anthem. Rush bassist, Geddy Lee, took an interest in the band and subsequently produced their debut album in 1983. The album spawned two hit singles "Melody" and "The Passion of Love". Critics predicted a long and prosperous career for the group but alas, their sheer size (three percussionists) and conflicting personalities led to a melt down." - Jam Showbiz Canadian Music Encyclopedia

Clean Slate, eponymous five song EP, 1988

Alex Lifeson's first production effort; he is also credited as "re-mix engineer". Released by Anthem Records with photography by Rush photographer Andrew MacNaughtan, this Toronto band was also managed by Ray Danniels (SRO Productions).

No. 9 (Platinum Blonde), eponymous album, 1999

Co-mixed by "Lerxst", with a "Thank you to Alex", although the album was never officially released, a few copies were made and released independently. Three of the tracks from No. 9: "Superheros", "Alright" renamed "Right Alright", and "My Time" renamed "Stealing My Time", were remastered and may eventually appear on Are You Sitting Comfortably originally scheduled for release in late 2002. Previously, Lerxst performed on "Crying Over You" and "Holy Water" on the original Platinum Blonde's Alien Shores, 1984 (see separate entry above).

"Wasted Me" by 3 Doors Down on the Australian "Kryptonite" single, Nov. 21, 2000, also included as a bonus track on the Australian release of Better Life, May 28, 2001

Produced (and mixed) by Alex Lifeson. Guitarists Matt Roberts and Chris Henderson both hold Rush as childhood influences and favorite musicians (Henderson specifically sites Lifeson). In Spring 2000, shortly after the release of Better Life, along with "Wasted Me" Lifeson produced and mixed two additional unreleased songs with them, "Dangerous Game" and "Dead Love".

"...that was a pretty good experience. He's the coolest guy, he's awesome.... [The sessions] turned out really good. We were really happy with them. He did an excellent job producing it." - 3 Doors Down vocalist Brad Arnold regarding working with Alex Lifeson, MTV, Mar. 30, 2000.

Lifer, eponymous second album, Aug. 14, 2001

Produced by Alex Lifeson. Lifer, formerly 'Driver', formerly 'Strangers With Candy' (who under this latter name released their debut album No Need in 2000), landed a six-album record deal with Universal/Republic Records after winning first-place in February 2000's MTV Ultimate Cover Band Contest.

"We wanted a player, rather than just a standard producer," and said that the band expects to "sell a couple hundred thousand more copies" of their album because of Lifeson's reputation as a musician and performer. "We can only do so much with our songs, but he helped to clean up all of them." - Lifer guitarist Aaron Fincke regarding their choice of producer, The Crusader Online (Susquehanna University Newspaper), Nov. 17, 2000.

"Fascination Unknown (Alex Lifeson Remix)" by Canadian punk band All Systems Go on the "Facination Unknown" single, March 25, 2003

According to Anthem Records, this "was just something fun he did that was for his own enjoyment and not be confused with 'work'".

Alex later teamed up with All Systems Go guitarist/vocalist John Kastner and Blue Rodeo's Jim Cuddy to perform two covers, The Beatles' "Rain" and Neil Young's "Don't Cry No Tears", at the White Ribbon benefit concert against violence against women held at The Phoenix in Toronto on June 7, 2005. Alex then performed on Kastner's Have You Seen Lucky released May 11th, 2006 (see separate entry above).

"Alex is simply a good friend of mine. We're both from Canada and have been friends for a long time. Because he also has a studio, I thought it would be a good idea to send him our single. He then re-mixed the track in his studio and sent me the result...his version is much different than the original. His mix has this Rush Feeling, meanders and has more effects. That's also precisely what I wanted, so yes, I am very satisfied." - All Systems Go guitarist/vocalist John Kastner, purerock.de, March 6, 2003