My Effin' Life

It's funny, on some level I was always aware that my favorite rock 'n' rollers did drugs.  Hard drugs, more than just marijuana. When I was younger, I didn't want to believe it.  Maybe because, at least stars like Rush bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Geddy Lee, were a kind of role model.  He and bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart were portrayed as serious musicians, not interested in image or backstage orgies.  Neil was recounted as preferring to read books than party.  So as I devour these rock bios, I'm amused by stories of casual use of cocaine, or scnah, as Geddy calls it.  A line or two became no big thing, though often ill advised before running onstage.

Lee's 2023 autobiography My Effin' Life is a highly personal and candid life summary from one of Canada's most famous rockers, an extremely talented guy who was born Gary Lee Weinrib in 1953 to parents of Holocaust survivors.  Gary, who became "Geddy" based on his mother's thick Polish brogue when she called his name, devotes a chapter to his parents, who met in interment camps and managed to will their way toward the dawn, to escape the gas chambers.  It is difficult reading, its narrative based on his mother's recollections.  The author even warns us of its gut wrenching content, and says he doesn't blame us if we want to skip to the next chapter.  Those who make it through will be told that a stiff drink might be necessary by its conclusion. 

There are satisfyingly comprehensive remembrances of childhood in the suburbs, the death of his father, the early interest in music that developed into proficiency and a few gigs, including bat mitzvahs.  His eventual role as lead singer and bassist of Rush, a band that started as a trio of imitators (of early '70s rock ranging from Uriah Heap to Led Zeppelin) that developed into an ultra sophisticated unit influenced by prog.  Still a trio.  Original drummer John Rutsey would quit after the first album due to health concerns and those pesky creative differences with the rest of the band.  You know that a gawky kid later showed up for the audition and got the gig.

Lee patiently traces the meteoric rise of Rush, one massively popular but always still a cult band.  Very loyal following.  Lee is gracious in his recollections of fans and even expresses remorse when he was abrupt with them (rock musicians are only human, eh?).  He also regrets not being able to get into the nuts and bolts of every album, but there are plenty of fascinating examinations of the discography.  The style changes over time.  His micromanagement of engineers.  The tension with Alex when keyboards became more prominent.  The hard decision to part ways with their original producer Terry Brown.  Page turning catnip for fans.

Lee is also unforgivingly blunt.  Not all the celebrities he encountered are remembered fondly.  He will even offer a terse memory of a hotel room party with KISS, about whom he otherwise has complimentary things to say.  They did believe in his band and had them open for 'em and all.  Much later, when Geddy recalls the paparazzi response to the deaths of Neil's wife and child (in an extremely heartfelt chapter), he quite venomously notes that he has a long memory for those acted with a certain malice, or at least inappropriately.

The writing style suits Lee's warm, sometimes playful, often matter of fact demeanor.  His tone softens when discussing his wife Cheryl.  And his mother, whose accent he does have fun mimicking in italics.  My Effin' Life is highly recommended, not just for Rush fans.

Hey Alex, when's your book coming out?