Did you guys know?

[Groovemeister]

Thanks for clearing that up guys...

I'm afraid I'm in the same camp as Louie and Dazz, I've seen his DVD and thought he had as much poise and grace on the instrument as a two year old boy.

The thing is, over here in the UK, RUSH were never big. Most people of mine and Louie's generation (that aren't musos) haven't even heard of them. Musically, he might be a fine drummer, I just don't know. Physically, I think we can all agree, he looks less than comfortable...

Unlike most, I appreciated Neil's contribution to the Burning For Buddy thing for the simple reason that he masterminded it all. Without him, I wouldn't have that wonderful collection of CD's and videos of my favourite players wailing on Buddy tunes. For that alone, I can withstand one poor track...

MP

[Randy walker]

You owe it to yourself to at least 'listen' to, Hemispheres, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures and A Farewell To Kings.

[Groovemeister]

Thanks Randy,

Like I said, as a complete 'Rush' novice, I'll take any recomendations on board!!! Thanks man!!!

Now, off to ITunes with me!!!

MP

[moosetication]

Originally posted by Groovemeister:
The thing is, over here in the UK, RUSH were never big. Most people of mine and Louie's generation...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Um, objection Your Honour ("sustained"). Yours and Louie's generation does not, I'm afraid, define "ever". For MY generation (I'm 47) - the one that lived through the rise and near-death of prog, they were huge.

[benrand]

Yeah, Yes weren't ever big either. [img]wink.gif[/img]

[Randy walker]

Who? [img]wink.gif[/img]

[JoesMechanic]

According to Freddy Gruber, he's writing a new book too.

[spaceotter]

I'm younger than Moose but got into Rush after their glory years--came aboard around Power Windows, and then quickly acquired the rest of the catalogue. Ditto what others said...I feasted on Moving Pictures, Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, A Farewell to Kings, Signals. He was the perfect drummer for the context of those songs.

What's most unique about Neil for me is that he wrote lyrics for most of those tracks too--and those words combined with the music/drumming in such a powerful way. He knew how to phrase the two so they complement each other. He created a convincing rhythmic atmosphere for his verbal ideas, and the three (he, Geddy and Alex) really worked well together in creating a potent package of music and concepts. It was a great collaboration for a great many years.

I listened to Permanent Waves a few months ago after years of being on the shelf and was taken by how much that album (particularly "Natural Science" and "Freewill") influenced not only the way I thought about drums but about the world, when I was a wee lad of 16...even if some of the songs seem a little idealistic and simplistic now (still more substantial than 99% of lyrics out there, aside from Joni, Dylan and the like). Neil really "spoke" with both drums and words together--much of the brains, fire and heart behind Rush.

Definitely part of my drum worship spiral... TBoz-->Peart-->Omar-->Weckl-->any number of other drummers. Then realizing that idol worship wasn't really helping me develop my own voice, and that I had to strike out in my own direction.

[sjj123]

Randy and Moose are right on. Plus the sheer volume of music...work ethic...Neil broke new ground each album I think. Neil rarely played the same thing twice within a song...fills were really original. You can't listen to Circumstances or La Villa and say he doesn't have ability. So many great songs...Have a listen to "Losing It" off Signals which I think is really great playing...Hold Your Fire...Presto...so many good tunes w/ fine drumming

[Lorenzini]

I was a bigger fan of Neil as a young drummer, but have the utmost respect for the man and what he has contributed not only to Prog/rock but Rock and Roll as well. Obviously we all have different tastes and opinions about players, but Neil Peart is at least in the top 10 most influential drummers of all time. There are not many prog/rock bands that have attained the success nor the longevity of Rush, and they probably would of not been so succesful without Neil behind the kit.