Even after Canadian power trio Rush wrapped up their R40 tour last summer, the group acknowledged that it would “most likely be their last major tour of this magnitude,” citing drummer Neil Peart’s reluctance to commit to another full-fledged tour. In a recent Rolling Stone interview with Rush axe man Alex Lifeson, the guitar player all but confirms those sentiments, also telling RS how great of a time they had on their last tour playing Rush’s material in reserve chronology.

Lifeson explains, “I think that no matter how long it would have been, it would have been too short. Neil was prepared to commit to 30 dates and he told us that right from the very beginning. He didn’t even want to do the tour, to be honest with you. It’s been increasingly difficult for him, but he committed to the tour and we got through it. As far as he was concerned, that was the end of touring.”

Peart’s health also played into his decision. “His shoulders were hurting, his arms were hurting, his elbows, his feet, everything,” Lifeson says. “He didn’t want to play anything less than 100 percent. He was finding it increasingly difficult to hit that mark on this last tour. So, all those things combined, I get it. I’m disappointed and I think Geddy [Lee] is very disappointed and we’d love to continue this tour a little bit longer, but we’re off now.”

Though Lifeson hasn’t ruled out any one-offs or runs of shows, it’s something he’s yet to discuss with his band mates. He still remains optimistic though, explaining, “Maybe next fall or something like that, we’ll plan something. We took a year off before the last tour and we didn’t discuss anything about the band or work, and everybody had a great time, and we came back from that.” 

Here’s to hoping we haven’t seen the last of Rush!

[H/T Rolling Stone]