Geddy Lee Believes This Beatles Song Created Heavy Metal

Geddy Lee, the iconic frontman and bassist of Rush, is one of the most influential musicians in rock history. With his distinctive falsetto, inventive bass lines, and magnetic stage presence, Lee helped shape progressive rock alongside drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson. Together, the Canadian trio built a legacy that continues to inspire bands from Nine Inch Nails to The Smashing Pumpkins.

While Lee has always credited fellow bassists like John Entwistle (The Who) and Chris Squire (Yes) as major influences, he has also consistently recognized the groundbreaking work of Paul McCartney and The Beatles.

The Beatles and the Birth of Heavy Metal

In a 2019 interview with Amazon Music, Geddy Lee shared a list of 22 tracks that inspired his bass playing. Among them, he highlighted The Beatles’ 1966 track “Taxman” from the album Revolver, making a bold claim about its role in rock history.

While many point to “Helter Skelter” (1968) as the Beatles’ heavy metal precursor, Lee argued that “Taxman” actually came first:

“There are a couple of Beatles songs on here. People remember The Beatles for their melodies and great vocals, but Paul McCartney was quite an influential bass player. If you listen to ‘Come Together,’ that’s a bold bass part. And if you listen to ‘Taxman,’ that’s heavy metal before there was heavy metal.”

Paul McCartney’s Role in Shaping Rock

For Lee, McCartney’s bass work on “Taxman” wasn’t just supportive—it was aggressive, dynamic, and ahead of its time. The song’s rhythmic power and sharp groove carried a heaviness that foreshadowed the sound later embraced by bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple.

By redefining what a bass line could do, McCartney laid the foundation for harder, heavier rock. Geddy Lee, known for his own bold approach to bass, clearly recognized this lineage.

Beyond The Beatles: Lee’s Other Influences

In the same discussion, Lee praised Entwistle and Squire for shaping his style. “They were playing the kind of music I wanted to play, so they were a direct influence on the kind of player I wanted to become,” he explained.

But he also admitted that subconscious influences—like The Beatles—were just as important. Even when listeners remember The Beatles for their harmonies and melodies, their instrumental innovation quietly transformed rock.

Conclusion: “Taxman” as a Metal Blueprint

For many, heavy metal began with the distorted chaos of “Helter Skelter.” But for Geddy Lee, the roots go deeper. To him, “Taxman” was not only a political statement from George Harrison but also a groundbreaking musical moment where Paul McCartney’s bass predicted the sound of an entire genre.

Whether or not one agrees, Lee’s observation highlights how The Beatles’ influence remains immeasurable—even shaping the foundation of heavy metal.