Rush

Rush is a Canadian hard rock band from Toronto, Ontario. Its best-known members are bassist, keyboardist and vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Formed in 1968, the group went through several line-up changes before settling in July 1974, when Neil Peart joined, replacing the original drummer John Rutsey, two weeks before the group's first tour of the United States.

Since the release of their self-titled debut album Rush in March 1974, the trio has been recognised for the instrumental skill of its members, for its complex compositions, and for lyrics covering a range of themes, such as science fiction, fantasy, free thought, and humanitarian, social or environmental issues.

Musically, the group's style evolved over time. Initially it was hard rock in the vein of Led Zeppelin, tinged with blues, but progressive elements soon multiplied, along with a significant use of synthesisers. The group influenced various other artists, especially in heavy metal, notably Metallica, The Smashing Pumpkins, Dream Theater, Primus and Symphony X. Rush is regarded as one of the best Canadian music groups.

The group won several Juno Awards and was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994. Over their career, the three members of Rush were recognised for their skill on their respective instruments, each having won various magazine polls. As a group, Rush has been certified gold 24 times and platinum 14 times in the United States. In addition, according to the RIAA, Rush ranks fourth among rock groups for the number of consecutive gold or platinum albums, behind the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith. It is also 79th in the American album sales ranking with 25 million units. Worldwide sales are estimated at 40 million units as of 2004, although no precise study has been carried out.

The album Clockwork Angels was released in June 2012, and the accompanying tour began in September 2012. On 8 December 2015, Neil Peart announced his retirement, which was quickly denied by Geddy Lee. However, the drummer's health, as he suffered from arthritis, and the fact that the R40 tour was presented as the last, cast doubt on the group's future. In January 2018, the group announced its split. Neil Peart died on 7 January 2020 from brain cancer.

In October 2025, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson announced they would re-form Rush, setting off the following year on a tour of America and Europe with German drummer Anika Nilles behind the kit.