Peart also wrote the lyrics to the band’s breakthrough hit “2112,” which proved to be a much needed shot in the arm after the dismal reaction of fans to “Caress of Steel.” Peart performed his first gig with the band at Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 14th, opening for Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann.Īfter joining the group, Peart became the primary lyricist for the band, bringing his enthusiasm for science fiction, mythology, and Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy alive in musical form, starting with their 1975 album “Fly By Night,” which marked the band’s transition from blues-rock to a progressive rock sound. Upon returning, he met the members of a local Southern Ontario rock band Rush and successfully auditioned to join the group, replacing John Rutsey on the drums. Peart was one of the most recognized drummers in modern musical history, drawing inspiration not only from established rock drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham but from the world of jazz as well, with influences such as Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa.Ī native of Hamilton, Ontario, Peart’s first foray into music was with the piano but he quickly found his true metier when his parents bought him a drumset when he was 13.Īfter graduating high school, Peart traveled to London where he hoped to find work as a musician but returned to Canada after two years and little success.
The best of the best,” noted veteran Canadian journalist and CelebrityAccess senior editor Larry LeBlanc. He was one of the finest drummers in rock music. Seeing Rush perform live I tended to watch Neil play behind the drum set. Neil and I occasionally see each other socially over the years and he always was gracious and frankly very polite. He was impressed that I’d interviewed Buddy Rich whom he had recorded a tribute album. While Neil didn’t give many interviews while in Rush he did talk to me several times on his solo projects.
Quite a change in the band that led to their breakthrough and International following. Neil Peart wasn’t as yet in the band then but was recruited soon afterward.
“I’ve covered Rush for most of my career as a music industry journalist starting with seeing them perform at The Coffin youth club in north Toronto before they started recording. He was 67.Ī spokesperson for Peart’s family told Rolling Stone that Peart had been quietly battling brain cancer for the past three years. SANTA MONICA, CA (CelebrityAccess) - Neil Peart, the Canadian drummer, and lyricist for the progressive rock legends Rush, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
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