That Metal Show – Season 14, Episode 1: Geddy Lee, John Petrucci

Season 14 of That Metal Show has finally arrived! After a long hiatus, Eddie Trunk, Don Jamieson and Jim Florentine returned for another season of the ONLY show on television that gives just due to hard rock and metal. Though this trio would never stray from their roots, seeing them sporting flannel shirts instead of their customary rock t-shirts did cause a brief moment of pause, and left you wondering if another grunge movement was about to begin. Thankfully, the announcement of the guests quickly put those thoughts to rest.

GUESTS

MUSICAL GUEST: John Petrucci (Dream Theater)

Petrucci said that Dream Theater is working on new album right now and that there would be no touring this year in U.S., although they will be doing a handful of European festival dates. Not surprisingly, Petrucci is a huge Rush fan, and brought proof (in the form of a child-sized denim jacket painted with 2112 artwork) to show to the first guest of the season – Geddy Lee.

GUEST: Geddy Lee (Rush)

This was Geddy’s first appearance on TMS since Season 1. He discussed the upcoming 40^th anniversary tour (which is actually taking place in Rush’s 41^st year because it took a year to make the decision to do the tour).

When asked about the process of choosing a set, Geddy said that they have a lot of material that they are deciding between now, and no final decisions will be made until the band is all together in April for rehearsals. Fans can expect to hear iconic songs like “Tom Sawyer,” and also some deep cuts. Geddy talked about how fans have different deep cut favorites, but some don’t work today because it’s hard to get back into the mindset of when the song was written.

Eddie said that this tour has a farewell feeling, and asked Geddy if that was the case. While Geddy said that the band doesn’t like the idea of calling anything a farewell tour, he did say that this will likely be the last one of its kind because of where each member is in their life at this point. Neal Peart finds it very difficult to leave his young daughter for prolonged tours, so this will definitely be the last tour for a while. Geddy said that the band still talks about writing new material, and will do gigs in the future, but at their age, it’s difficult to tour extensively.

Geddy revealed that 2112 is being re-released on vinyl with a hologram etched into the album on March 17^th.

PUT IT ON THE TABLE: Geddy Lee

If you could be in any other band, what band would it be, and what would you play?

Bass in The Who. John Entwhistle is my hero.

What is the one song that you wish that you wrote?

“Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who

What is your one vice?

Drinking too much wine every night

What is the best concert that you’ve ever attended?

Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick tour

What is the first rock song that you ever learned how to play?

“For Your Love” by The Yardbirds

What is the weirdest rumor or news story that you’ve ever heard about yourself?

In the late 70s and early 80s, there were rumors that I was desperately ill will throat cancer, but wasn’t true.

RANK: Rush albums (by Geddy Lee)

Moving Pictures
Permanent Waves
2112
Hemispheres
Farewell To Kings
Rush (self-titled)
Signals
Caress Of Steel
Fly By Night

When asked about his rankings, Geddy said – “I chose based on songwriting, the spirit of each album and how I feel when have to listen to the albums before a tour. There are things that I’m proud of, and things that I’m less proud of. ‘Fly By Night’ was ranked last because I think of it as a transitional record because it was the first one with Neal. Overall, my ranks are based mostly on the quality of the songwriting.”

TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT: AC/DC Rock Or Bust tour without Malcolm Young and Phil Rudd

JIM – Take it, because Malcolm left the band due to health issues and Phil due to legal issues.

DON – Take it, because the replacements are Chris Slade (formerly in band) and Steve Young (Malcolm’s nephew)

EDDIE – take it, AC/DC was the only worthwhile moment of the Grammy’s, and you can see that they’re still great.

TMS TOP 5: 70s British Rock Bands (Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott came on as a guest during this segment)