Gratitude for the Legacy of Neil Peart

I learned of the passing of Neil Peart today. Few people truly deserve the title of “the man that needs no intro”, and Neil Peart exemplifies this phrase among my generation, those of us who grew up in the eighties.

Neil Peart first appeared to me on my Path To Rhythm when I was turned on to the music of Rush. I was in sixth grade when my cousin Michael sat me down and had me listen to the song YYZ, and I lost my shit! I had been playing drums for a few years, I maybe had even heard the song Tom Sawyer before, but YYZ was what hooked me. That was what imprinted on me that Neil Peart was the best drummer ever.

I am grateful to Neil Peart for showing me a level of musicianship and mastery that I had not embraced before. He was the first drummer that I “worshipped”. Posters of him on my bedroom wall, writing the word RUSH on my notebooks in school and showing it like a badge of honor, and playing along to Tom Sawyer on my drum set with my big ass headphones on. I was so heavy influenced by Neil Peart that I even bought the same brand drums that he used, TAMA! Although I didn’t get the “cherry apple red” finish, to this day I think of his drum set when I hear that color mentioned.

When I was 14 years old I paid my $75 to get the best seats possible for the Rush concert. My friend Andy had an older sister who stepped up and took three of us to the Spectrum in Philadelphia. We were in the third row on the floor. This was the first mind blowing experience that I had seeing live music, and it solidified my love for drumming and music. Thank you Neil Peart for your mastery, showmanship, humility and work ethic.

Now looking back after being a drummer for most of my life, I can see some of the things that RUSH exposed me to. Odd time signatures, the art of the drum solo, extended instrumental solo sections, excellent musicianship, and putting the music first, above ego and vanity.

Neil Peart inspired me with his technique. After hearing him I wanted to work hard on my rudiments and snare drum technique.
Neil Peart inspired me with his sound. My God his drums and cymbals and percussion and electronics all sounded so fucking good!
Neil Peart inspired me to learn double bass drum. I loved how he used it musically and rarely in his grooves.
Neil Peart inspired me to be creative with my drum set up and the drums that I would use. Anything goes! I tried so many combinations of drums and cymbals.
Neil Peart inspired me to work at a job when I was 15, so that I could save money and buy an electronic drum set to add to my arsenal.

And now, as a grown man, having had a professional career in music and now focusing on being a father and running Path To Rhythm full time, I have an even deeper appreciation for him now that he has passed. Recently the focus in my life is to create a legacy.
Neil Peart has achieved his legacy. The world is a better place having had him. I am blessed that I was able to witness his living legend. I will talk about him for decades and his legacy will undoubtedly live on in his music, lyrics and permanent waves of vibration.

Thank you Neil Peart.