I always wondered about this and seeing the pictures the other day of Rush (with Neil) playing an outdoor festival in St. Louis back in '75, really made me think about it. Let's say, that John Rutsey stayed in the band for whatever reason (better health, musical styles didn't clash with Alex and Geddy), what would have become of Rush? 1 - Would they have "made it" to the level they eventually did? I say no way... adding Neil was the key element that made Rush go the progressive route (which is what made them popular) with his lyrics and influences. Also, his drumming (much better than Rutsey) is one of the main things that early Rush fans loved about the band... I know people who, back in the 70s, would go to Rush concerts just to see Neil play. 2 - Or, would they have fizzled out on the mid-west touring circuit, eventually being pushed out by bands like Styx, Nugent and similar rock bands of the day? Let's face it, the first Rush album is NOTHING like the next four or five... or 18. I couldn't imagine Rush without Neil. For starters, 2112 would never have happened... and that was THE album that really got them out of the shit storm they were in at the time.