Friday, July 29: Rock Birthdays
Happy Birthday today (July 29) to Geddy Lee. The singer, bassist, and keyboardist for Rush is 63. Other rockers celebrating include guitarist John Sykes (Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Thin Lizzy, Tygers of Pan Tang) who turns 57 and REO Speedwagon keyboardist Neal Doughty (70).
Rush formed out of Toronto, Canada in 1968. The band features Geddy Lee along with guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart. Geddy Lee has been an influence on many bass players including the late Cliff Burton of Metallica, Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris, Dream Theater’s John Myung , and Les Claypool of Primus among others. Rush were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and toured on the R40 Tour in celebration of the band’s 40th anniversary in 2015. The band released the R40 Live in 2015. For more on Geddy Lee and Rush, check out the official band website here.