WATCH: Preston Elliot Discusses RUSH 50th Anniversary on Bleeding Edge Podcast
Bleeding Edge is a hub for progressive rock and metal in all their various forms! Host David Ayers brings interviews with the hottest artists making all the amazing progressive rock, metal, pop, and everything else! He’s even known to throw in some reactions to other music just for fun!
This YouTube channel dedicated to progressive rock/metal and wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Rush.
2024 is a big year for Rush with it being the 50th anniversary of the release of their debut and of Neil joining the band. As part of a year-long observation and celebration, David’s goal is to have a monthly conversation with someone of note who is a huge Rush fan. Enter Preston Elliot.
David is also a longtime fan of The Preston & Steve Show. He has contributed various audio edits over the years including a remix of Jingle Bells using Preston’s classic “WHAT THE F—” freak out. He is also a regular attendee and donor to Camp Out For Hunger.
The two Rush fans join forces to geek out on the Bleeding Edge podcast.
A note from Preston Elliot:
I had the distinct pleasure of appearing on Prog Rock aficionado, David Ayers’, YouTube channel for a chat about the Canadian gods of rock, Rush!
A band that is very near and dear to my heart is approaching the 50th anniversary of their formation…well, at least since “The New Guy” (Neil Peart) joined the band.
We had a great chat about all things Holy Triumvirate. Everything from their synth phase to the ever present question ‘Do girls get Rush’? To who’s better, Bonzo or Neil? If you’re a fan of the greatest of the Great White North then take a few minutes and check it out!
Flashback to Getty Lee’s book tour hosted by Pierre Robert:
Geddy Lee Answers Your Questions: Here's What We Learned
Geddy's earliest attraction to bass sound was in Motown music.
Damien from South Jersey is a young bass player who wanted to know what sparked Geddy’s passion for the instrument. Geddy said that he fell in love with the sound while listening to Motown when he was very young: “The great thing about old Motown songs is the bass is really loud… You hear these beautiful, fluid, melodic (sounds), and if you imagine to take those parts away, the song would just not move in the same way.”
The last time Geddy spoke with Neil, it was about their albums.
A fan named Matthew asked what Rush albums he was most proud of. Geddy responded by telling the story of the last time he talked with Neil, and said that Neil had listened to Rush’s entire discography in the final months of his life. He made it a point to let Geddy know how proud he was of their music and all that they had accomplished together. A couple years later, when Geddy began writing My Effin’ Life, he listened to all the Rush records just as Neil had done, and appreciated them as full body of work without choosing a favorite.
When the band met Charlie Watts, they almost blew him off.
Neil Peart looked up to Charlie Watts, drummer of the Rolling Stones. Geddy told the crowd about how Charlie wanted to say hi to the band backstage at a festival, but since they were about to take the stage, they already had their in-ear monitors secured and were oblivious to their surroundings. Luckily, Geddy got Neil’s attention to let him know that the Charlie Watts was standing right next to him, before he missed his opportunity to say hello to a fellow drum legend!
He owns a bass with his favorite bird painted on it.
Tina in Atco asked “What is your favorite type of bird?” The answer is a Kea, a large parrot found in New Zealand, and Geddy is so fond of them that he had one painted onto a Fender Precision Bass.
Five strings on a bass is too many.
Tom from New Jersey is another bass player who asked Geddy’s opinion on bass strings, to which he replied: “Five strings is a lot. One too many!”
He's selling off some of his music and baseball memorabilia.
Mark in Warrington asked about Geddy’s collections, and we learned that he will be auctioning off some of his beloved items to let other collectors enjoy them. More info can be found on his Instagram.
Those hats on the stage? They belong to WMMR's Pancake
Geddy is a Toronto Blue Jays fan through and through, and we thought we’d bring some baseball-related Philadelphia flair to the Met (per his crew’s request). The vintage Phillies hats that you saw on stage that night belong to none other than our very own Mr. Pancake, Pierre Robert’s producer and the ultimate baseball cap collector.
Brian Koppelman hosts part of Geddy Lee’s appearance at the Met Philadelphia
