Rush’s Geddy Lee announces book tour

(Image credit: Astrid Stawiarz - Getty)

Geddy Lee has announced a Canadian tour in support of his Big Beautiful Book Of Bass.

It was published back in December through Harper Collins and sees the Rush vocalist and bassist explore the history of the instrument, with the book also featuring contributions from vintage expert Terry Foster and his Rush bandmate Alex Lifeson.

Along with interviews and signing sessions on the tour titled Geddy Lee’s Official (Yet Kind Of Random) Big Beautiful Book Of Bass Tour, Lee will be on hand to open a bass exhibition at Studio Bell at The National Music Centre in Calgary.

The exhibition will run from May 26 until January 2, 2020, where 26 bass guitars will be on display to the public.

Lee says: “The instruments featured at Studio Bell are a combination of rare vintage basses from the golden age of guitar production as well as significant ones that I’ve used throughout my career. Basses that I’ve scoured the world to get my hands on.

“This exhibition gives people a look into the origins and the earliest years of the instrument that help shape popular music… as well as the ones that I’ve lovingly held in my hands for over 40 years as I developed a sound that I could call my own.

“It’s the largest display of basses from my personal collection ever and I’m excited to share this with my fans in Canada.”

Highlights include Lee’s Rickenbacker 4001, which appeared on numerous Rush recordings from the 70s and 80s, his signature 1972 Fender Jazz bass which he played on Moving Pictures classic Tom Sawyer and a 1961 Höfner “Cavern” bass, identical to Paul McCartney’s signature instrument.

Tickets for the tour are now on sale.

Rush will release a graphic novel based on the creation of their 1977 album A Farewell To Kings in September, while the band’s live history will be celebrated in the book Wandering The Face Of The Earth which will be published on October 15.

Geddy Lee’s Official (Yet Kind Of Random) Big Beautiful Book Of Bass Tour
May 22: Victoria Bolen Books, BC
May 23: Vancouver Indigo Metrotown, BC
May 25: Calgary NMC, AB (Q&A Signing/bass exhibit)
May 26: Calgary NMC, AB (Exhibition opens)
May 26: Edmonton Costco, AB
May 27: Winnipeg Costco, MB
May 28: Toronto Indigo Bay And Bloor, ON
May 29: Ottawa Dominon-Chalmers Writersfest, ON (Interview with signing session)
Jun 01: Richmond Hill Cosmofest, ON
Jun 03: Oakville Centre For The Performing Arts, ON (Interview with signing session)
Jun 04: Montreal Rialto Theatre, QC (Interview with signing session)

Artists

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.