Rush makes the cover of Rolling Stone (finally!)

Nearly fourdecades after forming in Toronto,Rush has made the cover ofRolling Stone.

The progressive rock trio, comprisingfrontmanGeddy Lee, drummerNeil Peart and guitaristAlex Lifeson, can be seen mugging for photographerPeggySirota's lens ontheJuly 2 cover of the music magazine.

The feature, written byBrian Hiatt andtitled "Twilight of the Geek Gods,"hits newsstands on Friday.

Recognition delayed

Rush broke onto the scene in1974 with itsself-titled debut album andwon legions of loyal fans with a unique andevolving sound, which sometimes includedsci-fisynthesizer anthems and dramaticguitar solos.

Some of the group'smost-lovedhits include1975'sFly by Night, Closer to the Heart (1977) andRedBarchetta(1981).

With sales of more than40million albums worldwide,Rushhas14 platinum records under its belt and24 gold records.

But the band has hadtrouble finding play on mainstream radio and industry recognition, despite record sales and adoring fans(Rushplayed toover 60,000 fans in SaoPaolo in 2002).

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The band was finallyinducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, nine years after it was recognized by theCanadian Music Hall of Fame.

Rush's last album, 2012'sClockwork Angels,debuted and peaked at No. 2in the U.S. on the Billboard 200 chart.

Last tour?

Lee,Peartand Lifesonare currently onRush's40thanniversary tour, which could be the last time fans can see them perform together live.

"It's most likely our last tour," Lee told Rolling Stone. "I couldn't put it any more accurately. I can't say for sure. But it doesn't mean we don't want to work together still, it doesn't mean we won't do another creative project, and I've got ideas for shows we could do that don't involve a tour."

The current tour, which kicked off in May, will seeRush play hometownToronto on June 17 and 19before heading to:

• Montreal on June 21.
• Calgary on July 15.
• Vancouver on July 17.

Fans can read the Rolling Stoneinterview on Tuesdaymorning when the magazineposts it online.