Neil Peart Dead at 67
- Thread starter jeff1225
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One of my favorite lyricists as well. The story he tells in Red Barchetta is absolutely fantastic.
He truly deserves to rest in peace. If ever a musician's ethos on stage and in the studio reflected the man himself, that was Neil.
In late 90's, he lost his daughter and first wife both suddenly without warning within a year of each other, put his sticks down and got on his bike quite literally to disappear. There was no likelihood he would be seen again anytime soon since he'd lost EVERYTHING.
The fact he returned, and returned to play the drums, and play them to the level he had for another decade plus is midbendingly impressive. And now it seems that he was battling a crippling and finally fatal illness, w no publicity or fanfare. For three years. How can you not be affected?
Neil Peart, a true colossus.
In late 90's, he lost his daughter and first wife both suddenly without warning within a year of each other, put his sticks down and got on his bike quite literally to disappear. There was no likelihood he would be seen again anytime soon since he'd lost EVERYTHING.
The fact he returned, and returned to play the drums, and play them to the level he had for another decade plus is midbendingly impressive. And now it seems that he was battling a crippling and finally fatal illness, w no publicity or fanfare. For three years. How can you not be affected?
Neil Peart, a true colossus.
Brad, Neil would be gently amused at the reaction to his death. And probably a bit irritated Lol.
He ABSOLUTELY classed himself as student rather then master, and as for any of the public feeling they were close to him, as he would say himself: "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend".
He ABSOLUTELY classed himself as student rather then master, and as for any of the public feeling they were close to him, as he would say himself: "I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend".
Just got the lyrics from “Losing it” running through my head as well as “Dreamline “
I think they are considered kind of cool now as their reputation only grows with time...they will still be played 50 years from now unlike most other bands...
Heard my first Rush song when I was 7 at my neighbors (2112 overture/temples of syrinx) and became a die hard fan at age 11 (Signals). My first cd ever was Moving Pictures and cassette tape Hold Your Fire. Saw them four times in concert as well...
Brad, go onto YoTube and check out Rick Beato "What Makes This Song Great" Episode 19 Closer To The Heart and Episode 63 Limelight.
Gosh, you're just a youngster. I saw them on the Tour Of The Spheres 1977 onwards. If you can find any of these live Hemispheres tour bootlegs, you'll find a band on fire. Alex Lifeson's guitar tones in particular, and Pete Towshend-inspired lead/rhythm guitar hybrid style was really unique, and allowed Rush a fleshed out sound that belied there being only three guys in the group. Neil doing the heavy lifting/hyper agile steering along w Geddy Lee again doubling the usual role of bass to transform traditional 4 strings function into something more kinetic, all made Rush sound more like a five piece than power trio. Throw in totally thought provoking lyrics, and a restless drive to first improve their instrumental prowess, then their sonic pallette and then their songwriting and compositions, and you have the very epitome of progressive rock.
The Limelight one is fantastic. Rush at the peak of their powers, a song that melds the personal w the universal, and an early sign of their move into more accessible music w no dilution of the Rush ethos.
Rick is rocking on this one, Rick really nails why Rush will be timeless, and this song, plus the band generally, will remain essential forever.
Tony Williams, legendary Miles Davis compatriot, was a guest on a radio show in the 80s listening to and commenting on various tracks, not having much positive to say. "Limelight" was the last track played, his ears pricked up, and he was hugely complimentary to the band, and Neil in particular, singling out his unerring ability to make odd time signatures flow, and serve the music. Tony loved the track.
Rick is rocking on this one, Rick really nails why Rush will be timeless, and this song, plus the band generally, will remain essential forever.
Tony Williams, legendary Miles Davis compatriot, was a guest on a radio show in the 80s listening to and commenting on various tracks, not having much positive to say. "Limelight" was the last track played, his ears pricked up, and he was hugely complimentary to the band, and Neil in particular, singling out his unerring ability to make odd time signatures flow, and serve the music. Tony loved the track.
My favorites on that album are Tom Sawyer, Red Barchetta and Vital Signs. Favorite album is Signals, Permanent Waves and Hemispheres.
Wow, that's a great story, thanks. If drummer genius Tony Williams (am a huge fan) had so much positive to say, that means something.
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