Surprises can sometimes make an evening unforgettable, and that’s exactly what happened at the Gordon Lightfoot tribute concert in Toronto. RUSH legends Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson made an unexpected appearance on May 23, joining BLUE RODEO to perform Lightfoot’s classic “The Way I Feel” at Massey Hall.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, longtime bandmates and best friends, explained their motivation for participating in the star-studded “Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot” event. “Gordon Lightfoot was to musicians of my generation a true Canadian musical hero — and to boot he was a really sweet person,” Lee said. “Both Alex and I really wanted to pay tribute.”
The tribute concert featured a lineup of notable artists including Meredith Moon, Tom Cochrane, Dallas Green of CITY AND COLOUR, Sylvia Tyson of IAN & SYLVIA, among others.
Gordon Lightfoot, who passed away in May 2023 at the age of 84, was fondly remembered by many, including Lee. After Lightfoot’s passing, Lee took to Instagram to share his memories: “The first time we met was outside a local award show at a club in Toronto – a legendary poet, a songwriting inspiration – a gem of a man – I loved him. He used to bring his daughter who was a fan, to our shows, and he’d sit with her in the audience getting blasted with volume for three hours.” Lee also recalled a touching moment when Lightfoot called him out of the blue just to say he enjoyed a RUSH concert film.
Lightfoot’s death was confirmed by his spokesperson, Victoria Lord, who mentioned that he passed away due to natural causes on May 1, 2023, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. His death came shortly after he had canceled his 2023 US and Canada concert schedule due to health-related issues.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Lightfoot on Twitter, calling him “one of our greatest singer-songwriters.” Trudeau added, “Gordon Lightfoot captured our country’s spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada’s soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever.”
Lightfoot’s illustrious career included over 20 albums, five Grammy nominations, and numerous hits spanning more than 50 years. His songs, such as “If You Could Read My Mind” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” have been covered by a diverse range of artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Barbra Streisand.
Lightfoot’s remarkable musical journey places him among the all-time greats, with a catalog that remains timeless and influential. His legacy was honored in an unforgettable way with this tribute, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who cherished his music.
The surprise appearance by RUSH’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson at Massey Hall was a heartfelt tribute to a Canadian musical legend. Gordon Lightfoot’s influence on music and his enduring legacy were celebrated with passion and respect, ensuring his songs will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Source: Blabbermouth ˙ Youtube
