My Effin' Life

Geddy Lee

Nov 2023 · HarperAudio · Narrated by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Cliff Burnstein

About this audiobook

The long-awaited memoir from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rush bassist, and bestselling author of Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass.

Includes two new songs by Geddy Lee, available exclusively in the My Effin’ Life audiobook.

Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll's most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.

Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather murdered in the Holocaust.

As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.

He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.

He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.

He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart—deeply mourning Peart’s recent passing—and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.

This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.

Ratings and reviews

In a world that needs Rush more than ever before, but cannot get them as the primary trio ever again, Geddy Lee has told his story on paper, and our omnipresent "black mirrors" and their ebook apps and the increasingly popular audiobook format. Two "new" songs, only available here, in a reminder of the many years when Rush fans could look forward every two to five years to some newly evolved incarnation of the most complex and unique rock band ever to exist. The first of the two songs, "Gone," is beautiful, but Geddy is back, not gone. And he's let Alex out of the cage! Neil would be so happy to see that Rush--in some form, featuring the voices of his friends--is still evolving in its story. The audiobook is an exciting art form for Ged and Al to explore. Memory lane leads to new possibilities in this moving soundtrack. Maybe "eff" is the key to a future Lee/Lifeson project. From Rush to Eff? Effsh? Eff Effsh --? Effeffsh?? In any event, as of 2023, Geddy now owns the word "eff"!

Massive Rush fan. Geddy is one of the most down to earth people you'll ever meet. I'm excited to hear some great stories and some I've heard previously. Also, who doesn't wanna listen to Alex Lifeson narrate a book? lol.

One in the world.. we all have a story to tell , this one is exceptional. I look forward to what he will write in his next Chapters of Life... Or shall I say lifeson ? Hope is what remains to be seen. Too see or not to see..

About the author

Geddy Lee is the vocalist, bassist, and keyboard player for the Hall of Fame rock group Rush, with drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson. The most successful Canadian music group in history, Rush is only third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums sold by a rock band, and has performed before millions of fans around the world. Ranked by Rolling Stone as among the top bassists of all-time, Rush's energetic frontman has long been acclaimed for his wizard-like musical talent and mesmerizing performances. Geddy lives in Toronto, Canada.