How a Simple Email Led to One of Aimee Mann’s Most Emotional Moments
Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee have returned to the stage as Rush for the first time since the passing of Neil Peart in 2020, with acclaimed drummer Anika Nilles joining them behind the kit. During the opening night of their four-show residency at the Kia Forum near Los Angeles, Aimee Mann made a special appearance to perform “Time Stand Still,” the song she originally sang on with the band in 1987. She would go on to join Rush at all four Forum performances.
What fans didn’t know was how close Mann came to turning down the invitation.
In a recent comic shared on Instagram, Mann revealed that when Geddy Lee first contacted her in March about appearing with Rush, she was going through an extremely difficult period in her life. She admitted she felt unable to commit and struggled even to reply to the email, later joking that she worried Lee would think she was ignoring him.
Despite her hesitation and concerns about performing in front of such a large audience while feeling emotionally drained, Mann ultimately decided to take the chance. Looking back, she described the experience as overwhelmingly positive, praising Lee, Lifeson, and the entire Rush team for making her feel welcomed and supported throughout the shows.
The story ends on a much brighter note than some of Mann’s previous comics, highlighting how a difficult decision led to one of the most memorable moments of her recent career.
The busy month continues for Mann beyond her Rush appearances. She recently contributed music to the off-Broadway adaptation of Girl, Interrupted and appears as herself in the new sci-fi comedy-drama O Horizon. She is also preparing to hit the road for a Midwest tour celebrating her 2000 album Bachelor No. 2 Or, The Last Remains Of The Dodo, including a stop at the newly revived Eaux Claires Festival.
