Conan O’Brien, the renowned host of the talk show “Conan,” never fails to surprise his audience with unexpected twists and turns. In a recent episode, Conan surprised his longtime colleague Jordan Schlansky with a special guest appearance by Geddy Lee, the lead singer of the iconic band Rush.
The conversation started with Conan and Jordan bantering and reminiscing about their unique dynamic as friends and enemies. Conan, known for his love for music, brought up the iconic Rush song “Tom Sawyer,” which has become somewhat of a theme song for their show. But what caught everyone’s attention was Conan’s insistence on playing a special version of the song.
Conan explained that he is a self-proclaimed audiophile, always seeking the best possible version of his favorite music. He goes the extra mile to find obscure pressings and spend money on collecting different editions of albums. Conan’s dedication to high-quality audio led him to acquire a unique mastering of “Tom Sawyer” that he proudly played on the show.
Amidst Jordan’s eye-rolling and sarcastic remarks, Conan introduced the surprise guest, Geddy Lee himself. Geddy graciously joined the conversation, acknowledging the enthusiastic Rush fans like Jordan. Although Geddy admitted that his aging ears might not easily discern the differences in sound quality, he appreciated Jordan’s dedication to seeking out the best versions of Rush‘s music.
Geddy and Conan delved into the technical aspects of recording and producing Rush‘s music, discussing their experiments with digital mixing and the challenges of transitioning from analog to digital. Geddy even revealed that during the recording of one of their songs, drummer Neil Peart wore a microphone taped to his chest to capture the unique impact he felt while playing.
The conversation then veered into Jordan’s requests for rare concert footage and remastered versions of Rush albums. Jordan, ever the ultimate fan, expressed his hunger for a complete video of a 1990 concert and improved dynamic releases of later albums. Geddy acknowledged the fans’ desires and mentioned possible plans for future releases but couldn’t recall the specific footage requested.
Despite their contrasting personalities, it was evident that Conan, Jordan, and Geddy enjoyed their time discussing music and sharing anecdotes. Geddy expressed his gratitude for the fans’ support and extended warm regards to everyone in Toronto, his beloved hometown.
The surprise visit from Geddy Lee left an indelible mark on the talk show, showcasing Conan’s ability to surprise and delight his audience. It provided a rare glimpse into the minds of musicians, their meticulous recording processes, and the passion they inspire in their fans.
Conan O’Brien continues to prove that his talk show is not just about interviews; it’s about infusing entertainment, humor, and surprising moments that keep audiences captivated. With his unique style and ability to bring unexpected guests into the mix, Conan always ensures that his show remains lively and engaging.
