The End of an Era: Reflecting on Rush's R40 Tour and the Future of the Band
Rush's R40 tour marked the end of an era for the band, with the final show taking place in August 2015. Despite feeling like they had more to give, Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee had to accept the reality that it was time to say goodbye. Neil Peart, however, had already made up his mind about retiring before the tour even began.
The decision to embark on the R40 tour was not an easy one, especially for Lifeson, who had been dealing with health issues. Peart, on the other hand, was adamant about not wanting to tour anymore. When the idea of the tour was discussed, it was Lifeson's desire to continue performing that ultimately convinced Peart to go along with it, much to his initial frustration.
After the final show of the R40 tour, Lee held onto a glimmer of hope that Rush might not be completely finished. Lifeson, on the other hand, felt a sense of loneliness and melancholy as he reflected on the end of an era. The flight home was somber, with the band members processing the finality of it all.
As time passed, Lee's hope for a potential future for Rush dwindled, especially as it became clear that Peart was set on his decision to retire. The news of Peart's illness in 2016 further solidified the end of an era for the band. His passing in 2020, coupled with the onset of the Covid pandemic, added to the emotional weight felt by Lee and Lifeson.
Despite the challenges and losses they faced, Lee found solace in writing his memoir, while Lifeson delved into his Envy Of None project. With Peart no longer with them and each member pursuing their own endeavors, Lee's hope for a Rush reunion seemed to fade away. However, as time went on, that flicker of hope was reignited, hinting at the possibility of a new chapter for the band.