10 Unlucky Musicians Who Narrowly Missed Out On Making It Big

The progressive trio who would go on to create anthems for the outcast youths of the world, originally started out as a high school garage band with a slightly different line-up to the one we know and love today.

Rush originally formed in the late '60s with classmates Geddy Lee on bass and vocals, Alex Lifeson on guitar, and John Rutsey on drums. Over the next five years, after heavy touring, the band released their first album, the self-titled Rush in 1974. Though containing the minor hit Working Man, the album was not a huge success upon release, and Rutsey was struggling to keep up with his colleagues.

Due to complications from his diabetes and his distaste for touring, Rutsey left the Tom Sawyer trio in July 1974 to be replaced by drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. With the classic line-up now complete, Rush would spent the next four decades on the road and releasing music, selling over 40 million albums worldwide.

After his departure from the group, Rutsey put music behind him, and became a keen bodybuilder, often working out with Alex Lifeson at their local gym up until the 1990s.