David Ellefson Names Most Overlooked Rush Member, Explains Why the Band Was So Unique

 

“Because that’s really all it is — it’s musical conversation.”

From 1974 to 2015, Rush was undoubtedly one of the most musically-talented rock bands. However, it seemed like some members received more praise than others, usually in this order: 1. Drummer Neil Peart, 2. Bassist Geddy Lee, 3. Guitarist Alex Lifeson.

During a recent chat with The Pick, former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson discussed Rush’s music and why he feels that Lifeson did not get as many props as Peart or Lee despite possessing exceptional instrumental skill.

“In rock, it’s the guitarist and the singer get all the love,” Ellefson said (transcribed by Ultimate Guitar). “And the drums and bass are sort of in the back. And it’s interesting that in Rush, the bass and the drums became really the lead. And it’s almost like the guitars became sort of a background.”

 

“I sometimes go, ‘Geez, what is Alex going to do in this?’ Because there’s so much musical conversation happening between the bass and drums. Where is there room for Alex to get a word in edgewise? Because that’s really all it is — it’s musical conversation, right? And Geddy and Alex conversed very well.”

Ellefson made it a point to explain what made Lifeson so special, particularly trying new styles and approaches on each successive Rush studio album.

“When you do the needle drop on.  and you hear that nylon string stuff, it was like, ‘Where did that come from? What did this guy just do the last year, since ‘All the World’s a Stage’ came out? Apparently, he took nylon string lessons!’ Because, like, this whole other dude that we hadn’t even heard in this first three studio records and a live album was like, ‘Where did this guy show up from?'”

“So to me, a lot of, a lot of Alex’s… he was kind of more of a texture guy,” Ellefson added. “Because ‘Working Man’ and stuff was kind of his, ‘inner Jimmy Page’ coming out. But to me, Alex’s role in that happened with stuff that wasn’t so loud and bombastic, especially that nylon string was incredible. I mean, to hear that is fantastic.