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My Effin' Life

ebook
2 of 2 copies available
2 of 2 copies available

The long-awaited memoir, generously illustrated with never-before-seen photos, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rush bassist, and New York Times bestselling author of Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass.

Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.

Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather was murdered in the Holocaust.

As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.

He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.

He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.

He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart—deeply mourning Peart's recent passing—and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.

This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.

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    • Kirkus

      January 1, 2024
      The thunderous bassist and vocalist for the prog rock band Rush tells all. "It's a common mistake to assume that when a kid (or an adult for that matter) is quiet, he must be some sort of deep thinker. In my case I'm afraid it was simply that I didn't have much to say." So writes Lee, born Gershon Eliezer Weinrib in 1953 to Holocaust-survivor immigrants to Canada. It turns out that he has plenty to say. Part of this mostly good-natured memoir is an account of growing up as a "nerdy Jewish kid" in the Toronto suburbs. Like other budding musicians, Lee found a turning point when Ed Sullivan aired the Beatles, though he was less impressed by the Fab Four than his sister was. Forming a band with schoolmates, he picked up the bass after drawing a literal short straw, which "was fine by me--it had fewer strings." Eventually falling in with drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson, he formed Rush, opening for the likes of Kiss before becoming a headliner act. Lee is full of good humor as he recounts his experiences on the road: "Rock Star Lesson #1: Do NOT drop psychedelics before an interview." "Rock Star Lesson #2: Famous people can be dicks." The author is testier when he writes about his personal politics, and he has high praise for Canada's social safety net. "Sure, we pay more taxes than many others do," he writes, "but I prefer to live in a world that gives a shit, even for people I don't know." Lee also has choice words for those who criticize his histrionic, high-pitched vocal delivery: "Don't like the way I sing? Well then, I invite you to fuck the fuck off and move along to something more suitable to your sensitive tastes." A grand entertainment for fans of Rush and classic rock.

      COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    • Library Journal

      January 12, 2024

      Love it or hate it, the singing voice of Rush's lead vocalist, Lee, is certainly distinct. It's irreplaceable in the overall sound of his legendary band and a big part of their success. One of three affable Canadian men who all just happen to be maestros at their instruments, Lee, age 70, is a hero among bass guitar players and has had a thrilling career in music. His memoir, which grew out of a series of emails with cowriter Daniel Richler, provides a glimpse into his distinguished life and openly shares details about his formative years. As a child of Holocaust survivors, he dedicates a whole chapter to telling his parents' stories and how their endurance influenced his own childhood. He also discusses the prejudice he faced as a Jewish kid in the 1950s and '60s. Finding a release in music, his rise from suburban rock and roll dreamer to one of the top-selling bands in history is palpably exciting. The close longtime friendships with his two bandmates, guitarist Alex Lifeson and the late drummer Neil Peart, are the most enjoyable parts of the book. VERDICT Lee makes a true personal connection with readers in this compulsively readable memoir.--Brett Rohlwing

      Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

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