My Favourite Headache

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s the Zoo Crew spinning some righteous tunes for you at THE ZOO radio station, and right now we’ve got the killer track "My Favourite Headache" from Geddy Lee’s solo album of the same name. This song’s got a story that’s as wild as a psychedelic road trip. The title itself came from a tale told by Geddy’s collaborator, Ben Mink, about his parents, capturing that vibe of loving something that also drives you a bit nuts—kinda like chasing the perfect vinyl score. Geddy laid down some serious bass grooves, multi-tracking them to create a sound that’s both familiar to Rush fans and totally its own beast. He called his bass technique “flamenco bass,” a quirky nod from Mink that gives you a sense of the playful experimentation in the studio. Recorded during a tough time when Rush was on hiatus after personal tragedies for drummer Neil Peart, this song and album were Geddy’s way of keeping the music flowing, and it hit #52 on the Billboard 200 with its hard-rock edge.

Dig this: the album, released on November 14, 2000, featured heavy hitters like Matt Cameron from Pearl Jam and Soundgarden on drums for most tracks, including the title song, laying down a rhythm that’s tight but leaves room for Geddy’s vocals to soar. Fans on X have been hyping it up for years, with posts like @rushisaband celebrating its anniversaries, calling it a gem that sounds like a “lost” Rush album. Some Zoo Freaks might’ve snagged the limited blue/green galaxy vinyl reissue from Henderson Brewing, which dropped recently and includes two instrumental mixes. Geddy once shared in a Rolling Stone interview that he “backed into” this project, not craving the spotlight but curious about jamming with new cats. That curiosity gave us a track that’s both a nod to Rush’s 90s sound and a fresh spin for our turntables.

Now, let’s rewind and talk about how Geddy Lee, born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953, in Toronto, Canada, became the legend we’re grooving to. Growing up in a Jewish family with parents who survived the Holocaust, Geddy’s early life was grounded in resilience. He picked up his stage name from his mom’s thick accent pronouncing “Gary” as “Geddy,” and it stuck like a catchy riff. As a teen, he was tight with future Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, jamming in basements and dreaming big. By 1968, they formed Rush with drummer John Rutsey, and Geddy’s powerful vocals and bass wizardry became the band’s heart. After Rutsey left, Neil Peart joined in 1974, and Rush skyrocketed with albums like 2112 and Moving Pictures, blending prog rock with heavy metal. Geddy’s work earned him a spot in the Bass Hall of Fame by Guitar Player magazine, and Rush became the first rock band honored by the Order of Canada.

Want to keep up with Geddy’s vibes? Check out his official band site at rush.com, where you’ll find news on reissues and more. He’s active on Facebook, sharing updates on projects like his memoir My Effin’ Life. Over on Instagram, his handle @geddyimages is a nod to his love for snapping pics, and he posts everything from throwbacks to new gigs. On X, Geddy’s account keeps it real with fans, dropping occasional nuggets about his music and life. For the ultimate Zoo Freak experience, dive into fan communities like Rush is a Band for news and blogs, or join the Rush Fans Facebook Group to connect with other devotees. You can also nerd out on Cygnus-X1.Net, a tribute site packed with lyrics, liner notes, and Rush lore.