I’m not a musician today because of Rush. I mean, how could I be? I spent my teen years listening to nothing but Rush.
If I had listened to Jimmy Hendrix, I could have said “wow, I want to play guitar just like Jimmy!” and taken guitar lessons; been inspired to emulate him.
I could have said “wow, I want to play drums like Buddy Rich” and taken drum lessons and become a good drummer.
I could have said “hey, listen to John Entwistle. I could play bass like that” and taken bass lessons and been a bassist.
But I listened to Rush.
I simply couldn’t decide who to be like. I would listen to a song and hear Geddy slapping away so masterfully on his bass and say “yeah, I want to be a bassist like Geddy!” Then, bam!, into the next song and I’d be completely in awe of Neil’s drums. “Yeah, I wanna do that!” Then, wah-wah-wah, Alex’s guitar would lead to new musical heights. Sigh. Yup, I wanted that too.
There was simply no hope; no possible way to decide. My musical dreams shattered by three maestros.
For the record, I still listen to them and I’ve yet to grow tired of any of their songs. And I’m very much looking forward to Clockwork Angels.
(If you’re wondering, yes there is a bit of hyperbole here; I am tone deaf and have no rhythm. I never had a chance.)
