Most individuals have thought about what music they want performed at their funeral. Rush’s Geddy Lee, on the other hand, is cut from a different fabric, and had never considered the matter before being questioned about it.
Given that Lee won’t be present at the event, his position on the matter seems reasonable. It is understandable that he has never bothered to think about the subject because he might be spending most of his time better somewhere, like in the studio or listening to albums.
When asked about “The Soundtrack of My Life,” Lee was compelled to respond with his funeral tune, which provided an intriguing window into his brain. Along with naming the track he wished to serve as the music to his final performance, he also listed his favorite guitarists, songwriters, and albums.
It’s interesting what Lee mentioned in the interview: “I have many bass heroes, but Jack Bruce was my biggest influence. He was the first bass player I saw on stage that just wailed and was able to fill in the blanks in his three-piece band. I saw Cream in 1969 at Massey Hall in Toronto. That show was magical.”
Lee talked less fluently while describing the song he wished to be performed at his burial. He stated: “Why would I give a shit about that? They can play whatever the hell they want! Or maybe I’d have them play some Derek And Clive. So the shock and horror of it would be fantastic.”
If you’re not acquainted, Derek and Clive were a 1970s comic sketch team. During their time together, they produced the 1979 film Derek and Clive Get the Horn in addition to three recordings.
Dudley Moore and Peter Cook, who formed the group, originally began recording them when they were performing on Broadway. The two had started it as a throwaway remark, and they intended to stay that way. The group chose to formally distribute their material as Derek and Clive when bootlegs, for some reason, found their way onto the market.
The comedic duo didn’t follow a strict screenplay; rather, they improvised, giving them an insane touch that would render them the least relevant music for a funeral. Although none of their efforts will move the people present at the event to tears, Lee’s choice to pursue that route is one we should applaud.