Nearly four decades after forming in Toronto, Rush has made the cover of Rolling Stone.

The progressive rock trio, comprising frontman Geddy Lee, drummer Neil Peart and guitarist Alex Lifeson, can be seen mugging for photographer Peggy Sirota's lens on the July 2 cover of the music magazine.

The Rush members smile on the July 2 issue cover of Rolling Stone. (Peggy Sirota/Rolling Stone)

The feature, written by Brian Hiatt and titled "Twilight of the Geek Gods," hits newsstands on Friday.

Recognition delayed

Rush broke onto the scene in 1974 with its self-titled debut album and won legions of loyal fans with a unique and evolving sound, which sometimes included sci-fi synthesizer anthems and dramatic guitar solos.

Some of the group's most-loved hits include 1975's Fly by Night​, Closer to the Heart (1977) and Red Barchetta (1981).

With sales of more than 40 million albums worldwide, Rush has 14 platinum records under its belt and 24 gold records.

But the band has had trouble finding play on mainstream radio and industry recognition, despite record sales and adoring fans (Rush played to over 60,000 fans in Sao Paolo in 2002).

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

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

Last tour?

Lee, Peart and Lifeson are currently on Rush's 40th anniversary 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 see Rush play hometown Toronto on June 17 and 19 before heading to:

Montreal on June 21.

Calgary on July 15.

Vancouver on July 17.

Fans can read the Rolling Stone interview on Tuesday morning when the magazine posts it online.