“We were heavily in debt. Either we go home, and I go work for my dad as a plumbing assistant, or we just say screw everybody”: Alex Lifeson on the Rush “protest record” that saved the band – and won them their independence

Alex Lifeson (left) and Geddy Lee performing with Rush at the Civic Center in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1976. Neil Peart is on drums (right).

2112 is widely regarded as Rush’s commercial breakthrough. Disappointing album sales of 1975’s Caress of Steel, coupled with declining attendance at shows – not to mention a less-than-ideal critical reaction and the potential catastrophe of being dropped by their label – spurred Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and Neil Peart to, frankly, give it their all.

Now, as the newly reformed Rush – with drummer Anika Nilles – are set to embark on the Fifty Something Tour, kicking off on June 7, Lifeson recalls that uncertain period and how much of a make-or-break moment it really was for the band.