In the vibrant era of the 1960s, amidst the electrifying evolution of Rock and Roll, a young and gifted musician named Geddy Lee emerged onto the musical scene.
Born in 1953, he found himself enamored with the mesmerizing allure of the bass guitar during his teenage years.
As the decade unfolded, so did his passion for this soulful instrument, and he became intensely captivated by the bassists who adorned the bands of that golden age.
Fast forward through more than five illustrious decades of a truly remarkable career, and Geddy Lee now stands tall as one of the most revered and cherished bass players of all time.
His virtuosity has inspired countless artists across generations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Even today, he continues to ignite the creative fire in the hearts of aspiring musicians and budding bands.
The bassist that Rush’s Geddy Lee said is underrated
Amidst his trailblazing journey, Geddy Lee has never been shy to share his admiration for his peers in the industry.
In an exclusive interview with Music Radar in 2022, he revealed a hidden gem from the past—an underrated bassist who left a profound impact on him. It was none other than Jack Casady, the masterful bassist from Jefferson Airplane, who commanded Geddy’s utmost respect.
With fervor in his voice, Geddy described how Jack’s bass artistry was a revelation. His unorthodox choice of basses, like the modified Guild and his penchant for the mod scene set him apart.
Listening to the live album “Bless Its Pointed Little Head,” Geddy was captivated by Jack’s twangy and aggressive playing, a delightful contrast to the psychedelic vibes of Jefferson Airplane.
For Geddy Lee, Jack Casady’s heavy tone was the driving force that made the early versions of the band stand out.
Among Jack Casady’s masterpieces, Geddy Lee held a particular fondness for the song “The Other Side Of This Life.”
It was a piece that resonated deeply within him, and he couldn’t help but incorporate elements of Jack’s style into Rush’s music during their formative years.
The influence of Jefferson Airplane, and Jack Casady in particular, can still be heard in the fabric of Rush’s iconic sound.
As he reminisced about the bands he adored during his formative years, Geddy Lee expressed a heartfelt desire to have been part of Jefferson Airplane’s musical journey.
He mentioned other musical legends like Jack Bruce and John Paul Jones, whose shoes he dreamed of filling in Cream and Led Zeppelin, respectively.
To Geddy, these luminaries were heroes, and the prospect of playing alongside them was an enticing fantasy.
One of the tracks that left an indelible imprint on Geddy Lee’s musical soul was “3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds” from Jefferson Airplane’s classic album “Surrealistic Pillow.”
The album was a brilliant display of the band’s willingness to take risks and experiment, forging a path that inspired Geddy Lee and Rush in shaping their unique sound.
Geddy Lee’s unyielding admiration for Jack Casady and Jefferson Airplane’s pioneering spirit remains unwavering, and their timeless contributions continue to resonate through the corridors of music history.
