Western Sunset

Album: Envy Of None (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This gentle instrumental was written by Alex Lifeson in tribute to Neil Peart, his bandmate in Rush who died in 2020 after a battle with brain cancer.

    Lifesong started working on the song in 2016. "When we knew about Neil's illness, I was visiting him," he told Songfacts. "It struck me, sitting on his balcony, watching the sunset. That song is a beautiful echo of that moment, the sunlight filtering through the trees as the sun was going down, and that whole idea of the sunset being the end of the day. It was very poignant, and it just resonated with me and became that thing to me for him."
  • This is the closing track on the 2022 self-titled debut album by Envy Of None, the band Alex Lifeson started with Alfio Annibalini, Andy Curran, and lead singer Maiah Wynne. The album covers a lot of musical ground, but bears little resemblance to Rush. When Lifeson came up with "Western Sunset," he thought it would be a great way to close out the album.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.