Follow Them to the Edge of the Desert

“Canadian rock icon Neil Peart, drummer and primary lyricist for Rush, dead at 67”

‘Every drummer has “their guy” - the first drummer that inspired them to pick up the sticks, or the drummer that they’ve taken the most inspiration from (i.e. ripped off) over their career. I can’t begin to imagine how many drummers say that Neil Peart was “their guy.” It must be millions worldwide….from Taylor Hawkins all the way down to the weekend warriors in their basements wearing headphones, haplessly playing along to Rush records. But the thing about Neil, to me, was always that I never had a clue as to who “his guy” was. Neil Peart didn’t play like anyone else. Ever. His drumming stood on its own from the jump. I’ve said many times over the years, “I’m a drummer, so I don’t exactly know what that makes Neil Peart, because we sure as hell don’t play the same instrument.” He was such a singular drummer - both for the mind-boggling parts he wrote but also for his incredibly precise execution. I only saw Rush live once. I never felt like I needed to again. I saw all I ever needed in that one show, and especially in that one drum solo. I walked out of the Omni in Atlanta that night feeling like I’d just seen God himself sitting at a drum kit. I’ve never been a card-carrying Rush fan. I respected and admired them, of course, but I was more of a rock n roll guy and Rush was, well, they were just Rush. Over the years, I’ve had a million Bonzo vs. Neil vs. Ginger vs. Ringo vs. Stewart, etc arguments with other drummers. There’s no right answer. Whichever drummer moves you the most is the best. So...Rush was never “my band” and Neil was never “my guy.” But hearing this news - I am left with a sharp sadness and a feeling of great loss. A massive, unquantifiable force has left us all. It’s an incredible shock. My first few texts were all to drummers and everyone came back with the same answer: “I can’t believe it.” Neil Peart might be dead, but he ain’t gone, of course. Not at all. He’ll always be with us, running circles around that kit like no one else before or since. We’ll play Rush on the show tonight. And we’ll play Rush on the show every night. Rush is so woven into the tapestry of Classic Rock - there’s never a night without them. And I’ll sit in the studio listening to Neil Peart do things on the kit that always have and always will make me laugh - his audacity truly knew no bounds. Well done, Neil. Very well done, indeed. -SG’

“But to all who did receive him,
who believed in his name, (John 1:12-13)
he gave the right to become children of God, who were born,
not of blood nor of the will of the flesh
nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Metalocalypse - Underwater Friends by Okha

“Neil Peart changed drumming when he came along. He raised the bar significantly. There were great jazz drummers and great rock drummers before. But nothing like him. Like me, Keith Moon was a big influence on him, but he came up with a unique adventurous style that was more precise and perfect than almost anyone, earning him the nickname ‘The Professor.’ Non-musicians usually don’t even understand what Rush is doing. Those of us trained in music & with years of drumming experience could enthusiastically replicate some of his playings, but not all of it. Several things Neil did were always beyond my grasp. I’m honored to have had the chance to see them 4 times; on their first 2112 tour (I had to save up for roto-toms immediately after that!) and the final time was on their next to the last tour. One of every serious rock drummer’s highest inspirations. He didn’t even tell everyone he had gotten brain cancer. So sadly & in shock, I say God bless his soul and thank you for your decades of excellence, & for all your amazing lyrics as well, Professor.”