In the world of music, legends are born, and their influence echoes through generations. But who could be considered the ultimate guitarist, the one who left an indelible mark on the hearts of even the most renowned musicians? Enter Geddy Lee, the iconic bassist of Rush, who has a surprising answer to this question.
Geddy Lee, known for his prowess on the bass guitar, has always been vocal about his love for music, especially the electric guitar. In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone, he reminisced about his early days as a musician, dispelling any romantic notions of choosing the bass. Instead, he was voted into the role, a common fate for many aspiring guitarists in the era of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page. But Geddy's musical taste was as diverse as his talent, ranging from classic rock icons like Cream and Led Zeppelin to modern innovators such as Björk and Radiohead.
And here's where it gets intriguing: despite his admiration for Cream, Geddy Lee's favorite guitarist of all time is not Eric Clapton. Instead, he reserves this honor for Jeff Beck, a fellow Yardbirds member and a friend. In a 2009 interview with Guitar World, Geddy Lee shared his thoughts on the tracks that influenced Rush's sound, including Beck's cover of 'I Ain't Superstitious'. He boldly proclaimed, 'If I had to pick a favorite guitarist of all time, it would probably be Jeff Beck. Was there a better guitar sound ever?'
But why Jeff Beck? Geddy Lee explains that Beck's unique style and innovative techniques set him apart. His ability to extract mind-bending sounds from his guitar, using a whammy bar, volume control, and his fingers, was simply unparalleled. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about technical skill; it's about the emotional connection and the ability to pioneer new sounds.
Geddy Lee further highlights Beck's genius in The Yardbirds' song 'Over Under Sideways Down', a track that blended Eastern influences with Western pop. Beck's guitar line, according to Lee, was 'one of the most unique ever,' capturing the essence of Eastern music while remaining distinct. This fusion of styles, Lee argues, was a groundbreaking moment in music, where British guitarists like Beck, Page, and Clapton revolutionized the pop scene, making it a platform for experimentation and a powerful voice for guitarists.
So, was Jeff Beck truly unbeatable? The debate is open, and opinions may vary. But Geddy Lee's admiration for Beck's artistry and innovation is undeniable. What do you think? Is there a guitarist you believe surpasses all others? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation about the legends of the six-string!
