At first, the name “Geddy Lee” might not seem typically Jewish, but a closer look reveals its origins. Geddy, the lead singer and bassist for the iconic Canadian rock band Rush, recently released his memoir, My Effin’ Life, capturing the extraordinary journey of his life. As he prepares for a UK book tour, the story behind his name unfolds—he was born Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, which later evolved to Gary Lee Weinrib before finally becoming Geddy Lee, a name born from a friend’s interpretation of his mother’s Polish-accented pronunciation of “Gary.”

During a Zoom interview, Geddy shared insights into his upbringing as the child of Holocaust survivors. His parents, Manya and Moishe, met in a labor camp in Poland, survived Auschwitz, and reunited after the war. They eventually emigrated to Canada, where they built a new life, deeply rooted in Jewish traditions. Geddy’s mother, more outspoken about their past, shaped his understanding of their experiences, while his father, Morris, remained more reserved, though supportive.

Geddy’s father’s sudden death in 1965 had a profound impact on him. His year of mourning sparked a determination that fueled his passion for music, despite his family’s traditional expectations. His mother eventually became a strong supporter of his career, which has spanned five decades. Geddy reflects on how his Jewish upbringing, including the discipline of mourning rituals, influenced his perseverance in the music industry.

Two of Geddy’s songs, “Red Sector A” and “Grace To Grace,” are inspired by his mother’s Holocaust experiences, highlighting his admiration for grace under pressure. Though his music with Rush may not overtly display Jewish influences, Geddy believes these elements subtly infuse his work, forming part of the rich tapestry of his creative output.

Geddy Lee’s memoir, My Effin’ Life, published by Harper, chronicles these experiences and more, as he embarks on his UK book tour in December.