Lee Lifeson Art Park

Picture By: Paul Beaulieu

Lee Lifeson Art Park

Picture By: Paul Beaulieu

Several hundred loyal RUSH fans braved the rather wet conditions and gathered around the stage for the opening of the Lee-Lifeson Art Park. The park located appropriately enough in Willowdale, where Alex and Geddy grew up and is part of the City of Toronto. The park was conceived a few years ago and spearheaded by Ward 23 Councillor, John Fillion. The ceremony was a bit delayed as Alex and Geddy in typical fashion stopped to sign items and take selfies with their fans.

The ceremony started with Jacob Moon playing his now famous rendition of Subdivisions. This was well received by those in attendance especially Geddy’s mother who was clapping and singing along with song.

George Stroumboulopoulos was next providing a quick interview. The band talked about their album 2112 which at the time could have been their last, but there management and label proceeded and the rest is history! Any talk of the band touring again was kind of avoided, with Alex even joking about doing house calls! However Alex did say, “and I’m sure that we’ll do something in the future. You can’t just stop playing and writing music.” and Geddy answered, “I play almost every day that I’m around the house. I’ve been traveling a lot with my wife. We’re very big into seeing the world and taking advantage of this break in my career, whatever it may be, but I love playing and I play a lot and sooner or later the right thing will happen.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory joked that it took him all of two seconds to decide to honour RUSH with the Key to the City as it took a lot longer to confirm and develop the actual Art Park!