The music website Rock Progressivo published a joke announcing a Rush tour in 2020 with Mike Portnoy replacing legendary drummer Neil Peart .
The reason given was the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Canadian trio's classic album, Permanent Waves, from 1980.
The note warns right at the beginning that it's a prank: "To those who liked it, and also to those who didn't... Happy April Fool's Day!!!"
Dream Theater drummer says he is very happy and blessed to be a part of Rush:
The article ends with the same warning as at the beginning, explaining that it's a prank.
Still, many people believed it and sent the news to Portnoy, who, due to the scale the joke reached, issued a statement.
In the note, Portnoy tagged Rush bassist and founder Geddy Lee, saying that "that would be a cool idea":
“Hahahaha… So everyone’s been sending me this. Apparently a metal website posted a fake article saying I’d be joining Rush in 2020 for the 40th anniversary tour of Permanent Waves !
They even created a fake post of me! 😳
Although that’s an awesome (totally hypothetical) dream, and one I’d accept in a heartbeat, unfortunately it’s not true!!
(But it’s a cool idea, Geddy Lee 😉)
Anyway, I wanted to set the record straight for those who were hoping it might be true! 😂😂
OK, back to our regular programming…”
In 2017, Rush announced they would no longer be touring , and the following year, Portnoy stated that "it would be wonderful to collaborate with someone from Rush."
Check out Mike Portnoy's official post here:
READ ALSO: "It's possible there could be another Rush lineup," says Geddy Lee.
