Last week, the announcement of the Death of Neil Peart, long time drummer of the Canadian Prog-Rock group Rush, devastated all who loved him and all whom idolized him. I for one, am completely heart broken and have still not recovered from the news. I don't think I ever will fully recover from this. A piece of me and a portion of my passion for drumming has died as well.
I know that he would hate to hear what I have just said but, nothing could be closer to the truth. At a young age, I so wanted to be a drummer - and it was all due to hearing "The Professor" pound out his drum solo during the recording of the live power instrumental, YYZ, from the album Exit Stage Left, for the first time. I had just turned 11. I was in awe. How was it possible to play like that? It was beyond perfection. From that moment...I was an instant fan. I begged my folks to get me the album as a delayed birthday present. And, while reluctant fearing it was crazy, loud rock music...they did. They had never seen me so passionate about anything like this.
I played that vinyl record until it just wouldn't play any further. And I "air drummed" until my arms literally felt like falling off. There was nothing I wanted more (other than my own drum kit) then to get all the albums they had released since 1974. This music was incredible. The lyrics were incredible. And as I matured along with Rush, I fully started to understand the meaning within the lyrics. There was no other band that had such deep and meaningful and insightful lyrics.
Not only was Neil an absolute master of his craft, as were the entire trio, he was a brilliant lyricist and wrote almost all of the bands song lyrics. Many of them were autobiographic and a look at his inner self and feelings but, many were of pure fantasy, conflicts of power, fates of history and individual liberty. They were profound and educated, touched, molded and influenced you. And the music enhanced this to perfection.
Many through years seemed to have the impression that Rush was a small-time band and had a small following. In Rush's early years, many music critics and those who worked in the industry thought they would self destruct as they made their own music and did not follow a mainstream. They were the "geeks" of rock - but in the most awesome way. I think the release of their documentary in 2010, Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage, really educated the world on just how huge this Toronto trio was. Ranked third for the most Gold and Platinum studio albums ever, just behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, they were one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Here is a promo video of the documentary:
Both as a band and individually, Rush have been nominated and won numerous awards through their careers. Most notably, have been 9 Junos, Inducted in both the Canadian and American Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, all 3 members received the Officers of the Order of Canada (the highest civilian award and first ever to Rock musicians), Inducted on Canada's Walk of Fame and Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Inducted in Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Governor General's Lifetime Achievement Award for Performing Arts, and numerous others along with a plethora of music industry, people's choice and rock and roll magazine awards.
"...being invited to create a new version of 'Canada's second national anthem' for TSN's NHL broadcasts was a huge honor to me, and an exciting musical challenge. The day of recording and filming it - in the presence of the Stanley Cup - was truly one of the great experiences of my life." - Neil Peart
Nobody else could have even come close to doing it better. And he had a special NHL kit designed for the debut. Afterwards, he donated the drum kit to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Here is the finished product as it aired:
To me, the news of his passing has left me broken. Everything I did with my drumming through the years had his signature all over it. I idolized this master and can proudly say he was and always will be my hero. I would spend endless hours trying to copy his incredible precision, perfect his insane time changes and complicated rhythms. Some of which I did master, but more importantly, studying his style and technique brought out my own unique style (with a solid splash of "Pratt" in the mix) for which, I am forever in his debt. He introduced a deep passion in me, strengthened that passion more than I ever thought possible, consistently challenged me, and help mold me into the drummer I became. I will never stop learning from this master.
The music of Rush has touched my life so, just as the expert drumming has. I have not lost one ounce of love for this band since I first heard their talent over 3 decades ago. And the love still grows. I can't say I loved everything they did musically in later years, but I always held the upmost respect for them in the direction they decided to go musically on an album. I have been so distraught since they announced that the R40 tour in 2015 was to be their last. But I always held onto hope (as most fans did) that Rush would be back for another album or small tour. Their shows were the best shows I ever attended - superior of all of the bands I have seen live! I know Neil always hated the limelight and hated touring as it takes such a heavy toll on family life. And in hearing that he was suffering from terrible tendinitis in those last few touring years, it was evident that he was hanging his Rush sticks for good. But, little did any of the fans know that he had also found out about his brain cancer diagnosis at the end of their last tour.
In now hearing the news that he passed, it was an absolute confirmation that Rush will never play together again. It's one of the most severe blows any Rush fan would have to take, next to his passing. And that's one thing that is so amazing about Rush fans - the passion they had for the music and the band. More than any other fans I know of. Their following was so enormous and so attached at the hip. It's like loosing a family member, on both counts, to hear that Rush and Neil are gone for good. Nobody can replace him and the band will never perform as Rush again. And rightly so. Neil, Alex and Geddy were Rush.
I swear, if Neil were to pass by a drum kit, it would bow to him as he passed by. He became the sticks, the skins, the forged nickel, brass, bronze and silver of the cymbals. And his foot work...absolute perfection! To give you a mere glimpse of Neil's talent, here is a video of his appearance on David Letterman during "Drum Solo Week" back in 2011. Sheer Brilliance!
Neil, while "we are only immortal for a limited time", you are forever immortal and are forever the King of the drum gods ( I know it's a bit cliche but...it's the truth). As you enter your rightful place in the kingdom, please know that all of us are forever grateful for the gift you have given us and how dramatically you lit our fires, our passions, our lives and our love of music - in drummers, and in all those that knew you. Forever rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers also go out to your loved ones, your band mates, and to all those who were a part of Rush.
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