The Ultimate Guitarist: Geddy Lee's Unbeaten Inspiration
Geddy Lee, the legendary bass player of Rush, has always been vocal about his love for the guitar. In an interview, he revealed the one guitarist he believes was unbeatable: Jeff Beck. Lee's admiration for Beck goes beyond mere technical skill; it's a deep appreciation for the artist's unique sound and style.
Lee's journey into bass playing was not a straightforward one. He reminisces about a time when being a bass player was not a chosen path but a result of a vote. The desire to be a guitarist was universal, with Lee himself aspiring to be like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. Despite his prowess as a bass player, Lee's passion for the guitar remains unwavering.
When asked about his favorite band during his formative years, Lee chose Cream, an English psychedelic trio. Their influence on early Rush and his bass playing is undeniable. Lee's admiration for Cream's Jack Bruce is evident, as he and his bandmates tried to emulate their sound in the early days of Rush.
However, Lee's favorite guitarist is not Jack Bruce. Instead, it's his friend and successor in The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck. In an interview with Guitar World, Lee praised Beck's cover of Willie Dixon's 'I Ain't Superstitious,' calling it the first great Jeff Beck 'moment.' He highlighted Beck's incredible style and the unique notes he extracts from his guitar, making it hard to imagine anyone else playing it.
The song 'Over Under Sideways Down' by The Yardbirds is another testament to Beck's influence. Lee praised Beck's guitar line, describing it as one of the most unique ever played. He appreciated Beck's ability to blend Eastern quarter-tone styles without being imitative of Indian music, creating a hook for a pop song.
In conclusion, Geddy Lee's admiration for Jeff Beck goes beyond mere technical skill. It's a deep appreciation for the artist's unique sound and style, making Beck the ultimate guitarist in Lee's eyes.
