[Mag]

I like Rush especially their early albums. I remember the first time I seen them at the Saskatoon Arena approx. 5000 people in attendance. Geddy's voice stood out like a sore thumb, similar to the vocalist for Streetheart at that time, but his voice never really fit the music.

So I'm sitting here listening to Clockwork Angels and I think Geddy Lee's voice is just horrible. But I tolerate it cause I still like their brand of rock. This album, some of the newer stuff, I get the impression that they have sort of gone back to playing their basic instruments guitar, bass and drums with less synth crap, though they made it work with some of their songs.

I also remember listening to a talk radio show while I was driving cab late at night. Where many Rush fans wanted Rush to get back to their roots of the '70's. I couldn't have agreed with them more.

But why oh why did they not hire a professional singer in the beginning?

[JerryM]

Much like Aerosmith without Steven Tyler, Rush wouldn't be Rush without Geddy Lee. He is a real singer.

[Mag]

Much like Aerosmith without Steven Tyler, Rush wouldn't be Rush without Geddy Lee. He is a real singer.

Aersomith was good in the '70 as well and then they went to a commercial sound much like Rush. That's when I stopped listening to Aerosmith. Steven Tyler though on the two albums I have Gotta Move and Bootleg is very good.

[JimJ]

Listen to Sarah McLachlan doing Ol' 55, and you'll have your answer...

[SteveFord]

He owned a van and the PA system.

[FullRangeMan]

Mag: Who do you have in mind?

As a prog rock fan I think Geddy Lee is perfect suited to the band.
And what a band!

[MttBsh]

Sorry to say, I agree with Mag. I think some of Rush's progressive rock music has been interesting but I've never been able to get past the vocals. This goes for other bands such as Yes also (excellent music but a bit too "precious" when Jon Anderson sings) and Queen? No can do. I know, my loss because these are (or were) good bands.

[mr_bill]

Rush is Rush. Geddy is Rush.

'Why didn't Rush hire a real singer?'
"Why didn't you write a different topic"

[milford3]

I have traded in Aersomith and Rush (many years ago) for progressive bands like Finsterforst and Nemesea.  Aerosomith and Rush are long gone on my play list.  They had their day but I've moved on.  Take a listen to the new progressive music and I know it will not appeal to everyone but I just love it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLvjCzMrDps



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pECCmMpBG9g

[Mag]

Mag: Who do you have in mind?

As a prog rock fan I think Geddy Lee is perfect suited to the band.
And what a band!

Neil Diamond or Billy Joel as far as I know are still touring. Either one would have been a great singer for Rush. A good singer is like having another instrument to work with, like Robert Plant for Led Zepplin.

In all fairness I think Geddy Lee sounded bad in Clockwork Angels cause he probably couldn't hear himself very well. I was watching the Snakes & Arrows documentary on HiFi or AXS channel. They said that each member has their own tailored mix going into their ear, so they can hear themselves play or sing in Geddy Lee's case.

[bunky]

Rush is not Rush without Geddy Lee.

[Mag]

Rush is Rush. Geddy is Rush.

'Why didn't Rush hire a real singer?'
"Why didn't you write a different topic"

Why bash thread starters, response to topics is pretty poor as it is?

Have you ever organized a hockey team, then you would know how difficult it is to find participants? Somebody has to step up or there is no action.

[jarcher]

Why bash thread starters, response to topics is pretty poor as it is?

Have you ever organized a hockey team, then you would know how difficult it is to find participants? Somebody has to step up or there is no action.

Sorry - but when you pick a thread title like you did, you got to expect some crap. 

For a while I had a problem w/ Geddy's nasal vocals, but eventually I got over it. 

[diofan56]

Some bands need to have a person to play an instrument and another person to sing.  Some times these are the individual artists that have backup bands.  Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, and Paul Gilbert come to mind.  They are incredible guitarists but they are not the best singers.  Satriani got with Chickenfoot with Sammy Hagar singing and they sound great in that lineup!

Sometimes Geddy's vocals are a bit much for me but I can't imagine Rush with someone other than Geddy singing.  His voice fits their music just like Robert Plant's vocals fit the Led Zeppelin sound and style perfectly.  Paul Gilbert playing guitar and Eric Martin singing in Mr. Big is a great combination.

[vinyl_guy]

I just finished listening to Moving Pictures, and for me, Geddy's voice is a perfect fit for the music. As several above have said, Rush would not be Rush without Geddy's voice.

[Quiet Earth]

I wish I could play the bass like him and sing half as well. 

[Wind Chaser]

Neil Diamond or Billy Joel... Either one would have been a great singer for Rush.

I can't quite wrap my head around either of those two scenarios.

[FullRangeMan]

We could include Boy George, George Michael or Cyndi Lauper without sucess.
None lyric or rock singer could replace Freddie Mercury.
Geddy also is a hard voice to substitute, fortunately prog rock bands have a strong land mark in its vocalist.

[brooklyn]

Sorry - but when you pick a thread title like you did, you got to expect some crap. 

For a while I had a problem w/ Geddy's nasal vocals, but eventually I got over it.

Unfortunately, I’m one of those people who can’t get over it so I rarely listen to them.