Did you Know? (Feb 2024)

Gary “Geddy” Lee, the lead singer for the rock group Rush, is an avid lifelong stamp collector.

About Geddy Lee:

  • Geddy Lee, born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953, is a Canadian musician renowned for his multifaceted role in the rock group Rush. Let’s delve into the fascinating details of his musical journey:
  • Lead Vocalist: Geddy Lee’s distinctive voice graced many of Rush’s iconic songs. His vocal range and emotive delivery became synonymous with the band’s sound.
  • Bassist: Lee’s bass guitar skills are legendary. His intricate bass lines and melodic sensibilities elevated Rush’s music to new heights. He inspired fellow bassists like Cliff Burton of Metallica, Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, and Les Claypool of Primus.
  • Keyboardist: Beyond vocals and bass, Lee also handled keyboards and synthesizers. His mastery of these instruments added depth and complexity to Rush’s compositions.
  • Band Formation: In September 1968, at the behest of his childhood friend Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee joined Rush, replacing the original bassist and frontman, Jeff Jones.
  • Solo Endeavor: In 2000, Lee released his solo album titled “My Favourite Headache”, showcasing his individual creativity.

Honors and Recognition:

  • Alongside his Rush bandmates—guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart—Lee was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, making Rush the first rock band to receive this honor as a group.
  • In 2013, Rush was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame after 14 years of eligibility.
  • Lee himself was ranked 13th among the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time by Hit Parader in 2006.

Early Life and Heritage:

  • Born to Jewish Holocaust survivors from Poland, Lee’s parents endured unimaginable hardships during World War II. Their resilience and survival shaped his upbringing.
  • Lee’s father, Morris Weinrib, and mother, Mary “Manya” Rubinstein, emigrated to Canada after the war.
  • Interestingly, Lee grew up thinking his middle name was “Lorne”, only to discover later that it was actually “Lee”.
  • Geddy Lee’s legacy extends far beyond Rush’s music, leaving an indelible mark on the world of rock and inspiring countless musicians. 🎸🎤🌟
Canada #2657
Canada #2657 FDC (front)
Canada #2657 FDC (rear)

About Rush:

Albums | Rush.com

Rush, the iconic Canadian rock band, has left an indelible mark on music history. Formed in Toronto in 1968, the band primarily consisted of three extraordinary musicians:

  • Geddy Lee: Geddy Lee, the bass guitarist, also handled keyboards and vocals. His distinctive high-pitched voice became synonymous with Rush’s sound.
  • Alex Lifeson: Alex Lifeson, the guitarist, contributed to the band’s intricate compositions and brought his unique guitar work to life.
  • Neil Peart: Neil Peart, the drummer, percussionist, and primary lyricist, was a literary genius. His thought-provoking lyrics drew inspiration from science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy.

  • Early Days: Rush initially formed with Alex Lifeson, drummer John Rutsey, and bass guitarist/vocalist Jeff Jones. However, Geddy Lee swiftly replaced Jeff Jones, solidifying the classic power trio lineup.
  • Albums and Success: Rush achieved moderate success with their second album, Fly by Night (1975). Their fourth album, 2112 (1976), reignited their popularity. Subsequent albums like A Farewell to Kings (1977), Hemispheres (1978), Permanent Waves (1980), and Moving Pictures (1981) solidified their place in rock history.
  • Musicianship and Complexity: Rush was known for their musicianship, complex compositions, and eclectic lyrical motifs. Their music delved into profound themes, making them a favorite among fans who appreciated depth and creativity.
  • Retirement and Legacy: After a remarkable career spanning decades, Rush performed their last concerts in 2015. Neil Peart’s passing in 2020 marked the end of an era.

For more information, you can explore the Wikipedia page on Geddy Lee1.

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