The album was compiled and released by lead singer and bassist Geddy Lee and producer Paul Northfield in the wake of the deaths of drummer Neil Peart's daughter and first wife in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Production of the album occurred during Peart's recovery from his loss as chronicled in his book "", and he was consequently not involved in the production of the album. At the time, Peart had declared to his bandmates that they should "consider retired", leaving guitarist Alex Lifeson and Lee facing the possibility of the album being Rush's last. The album is dedicated to the memory of Peart's daughter Selena, who died in a car accident in 1997, and his wife Jacqueline, who died of cancer 10 months later. The text "Suddenly ... You were gone ... from all the lives you left your mark upon. In loving memory of Jackie and Selena", is included in the album's packaging. The lyrics featured are from the song "Afterimage", from Rush's 1984 album "Grace Under Pressure".