Rush-leave That Thing Alone Apr 2026

"Leave That Thing Alone" is the ninth track from 1993 album, Counterparts . As a Grammy-nominated instrumental, it stands as a testament to the band’s technical evolution in the early 90s, blending their progressive rock roots with funk-inspired grooves and world music rhythms. Origins and Composition

: Geddy Lee describes the piece as being built around "rhythm and blues bass-drum interplay". It is often cited as a standout moment for his bass playing, featuring a funky, driving undertone that anchors the more atmospheric elements.

: Alex Lifeson contributed a "clean verse thing" he had been developing on tour, along with a solo that originated from an early digital recording on an Alesis ADAT. Lifeson noted the solo has a distinct "Celtic flavor". Rush-Leave That Thing Alone

"Leave That Thing Alone" became a staple of Rush's live sets, often serving as the lead-in to Neil Peart’s drum solo. Notable live versions include:

The track earned a for "Best Instrumental Rock Performance," highlighting its critical success during a period when the band was moving away from the heavy synth-pop of the late 80s. Legacy in Live Performance "Leave That Thing Alone" is the ninth track

Recorded primarily at in Quebec, the sessions for Counterparts saw the band returning to a more guitar-driven sound, though "Leave That Thing Alone" still features prominent synthesizer work by Geddy Lee and guest keyboardist John Webster .

Leave That Thing Alone: The Anatomy of a Modern Rush Instrumental It is often cited as a standout moment

The track began as a sequel to the instrumental "Where’s My Thing?" from the previous album, Roll the Bones . Much of the song grew out of spontaneous jam sessions where the band captured "happy moments" that were later dissected and refined into a formal structure.