Is the band Rush Going to retire?

Answer 1

When I first wrote my answer in mid-2015, there was no evidence that the band had reached a final decision to never tour again. In fact, Alex and Geddy really wanted to keep performing because they know the fans love to see them in concert; however, Neil was a bit more ambivalent at that time. Since then, interviews with band members have indicated that while Alex and Geddy might be willing to tour again at some point, Neil does not want to participate in another tour, due in large part to the health issues he endured the last time the band was out touring.

In fact, both Alex and Neil went through periods of being ill; and although both recovered, Neil now seems content to spend his time with his wife and young daughter, and has not expressed a desire to perform again; that could certainly be defined as retirement. Of course, this does not mean the band won't reunite at some time and record some new songs, but even that is not going to happen at any time soon. Thus, as I write this in late 2016, it seems the decision has been reached that Rush will no longer tour; and after 41 years of producing and performing great music, the possibility they will ever perform together, even in the studio, seems increasingly remote.