Red Hot Chili Peppers vs Rush CLOSED

I had a major mullet when I was 13

We used to call it "Hockey hair"

 

He is, just like me. Now they go to Blue Jays spring training.

 

I'd say the only instrument where it's a legit competition is bass. Flea is one of the greats. That's the only place that RHCP has definite edge on them, IMO.
Peart beats Smith by a mile.
Lifeson is a much more impressive technical guitarist... But Frusciante brought the cool vibes. The new guy, and the old dead guy aren't much to write home about.

On vocals: Geddy lees voice aged badly. Kiedis sounds the same.

 

RHCP did probably the worst super bowl halftime performance.

 

don't get me wrong. I would prefer to listen to Frusciante over Lifeson any day. But I can't deny his proficiency at the instrument. There's a big difference between being the most proficient guitarist, and being the most pleasing to the ear. That's why RHCP got my vote. Technical skill means less than portraying an emotion or vibe in music.

Rush music is rarely angry, happy, or sad.. they're just kinda there.. being virtuosos.. it's their thing. Not a lot of emotional range in the music. which is why mostly male musicians like their music. Because it's more about the practice of being complicated for complication's sake. It has its place.

Smith and Frus would be extremely bad in rush, and likewise with Lifeson and Peart in RHCP.

A lot of the greatest guitarists don't really do a ton for me. Simplicity is ok, and Frusciante did the simplicity thing pretty well. Not like Rush, who always lays it on thick.

By more proficient guitarist, I mean faster, and probably knows the theory of the music better. Not that he necessarily sounds much better. Academically, I think Lifeson is the far superior guitarist. Not that I would pay to see Rush again. Been there and seen the act. I'm good.

Plus, RHCP brings back good childhood memories, Rush has no such benefit to me. Rush was just about done being a relevant rock band by the time I was in Kindergarten.