Tribute To Neil Peart - And Rush

The news of Neil Peart's passing wasn't the first post to open 2020 but sometimes life throws a nasty curve ball. I will discuss Iran in a next post.

The Peart was a great  percussionist and drummer with an immeasurable impact and influence on music fans is an under statement. A professional musician who relentlessly practiced to master his craft and instrument. Rush as a band were tireless in their work ethic.

Worth ethic. That's all it is kids. No one is to blame if you don't get the lot you feel you deserve which is all the rage these days. I'm not digging the zeitgeist.

He was also a well-read, thoughtful pontificator of life, history, and philosophy which took an even more esoteric turn after the death of his daughter killed in a car crash aged 19 and soon after his wife to cancer.

Peart was part of the Triumvirate along with Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson that formed the iconic Canadian progressive metal band Rush.

Basically, Peart and Rush were the sort of guys that left you with a distinct 'wtf? did I just hear?' feeling. I'm happy I got to see them live once and witnessed first hand Peart's legendary drum solos. My buddies are 'Rushheads' (and therefore much more invested in the band than I was) and a few of them saw them five or six times in concert.

And what a concert they gave! What struck me was the sheer power and proficient command of their instruments three guys could produce. It was impressive.

As if his drumming wasn't freakishly stunning on its own, he was also the lyricist (accompanied with strong libertarian/Objectivist overtones. He was apparently a reader of Ayn Rand. Unfortunately, he wavered from this point and took a more left-wing view while in California) to Rush's music and compositions. They also sent a cease and desist letter to Rand Paul for using their music. Their lawyer has said this was for copyright issues. So it's safe to say he swayed a little. No one is perfect.

Peart without a doubt leaves a gigantic gaping hole in the music world with his passing. Many artists have offered their condolences. When Brian Wilson takes the time time to do so you know you were respected.  Peart considered, like many music aficionados, Pet Sounds one of the great rock albums in history.

Not too long ago, Bowie and Petty - among a few others - left at fairly young ages. Peart too left at the age of 67 thanks to brain cancer. For Canadian rock fans, this is a second icon to pass since Gordie Downie of The Tragically Hip.

But....he will live forever like all great artists in the past, through his work and art.

Thanks Rush. You made a lot of people happy and the fact you're revered and often mention in pop culture from South Park to Trailer Park Boys only solidifies this fact.

And now let's take a look at some memorable moments. For more, just go to YouTube (there's footage of him performing a solo live on Letterman) and see the outpouring of emotion for Peart. Name the genre or band and their fans all salute and respect this obscure phenomena we call Rush.

My favourite Rush song:




To get a sense of his talent:



Another. In addition to Ginger Baker, John Bonham and Keith Moon, Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich in jazz were great influencers:



One of the all-time great intros to a timeless rock anthem. Always remember kids, 'his mind was not for rent for god of government'. Think that up the asses of statists.



Humor:



Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters inducts Rush into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. A joke of a place for waiting so long to induct them if you ask me. But not as big of a joke as Rolling Stone and their bull shit left-wing narratives and cocksucking for Democrat politicians. See Tom Sawyer lyrics.




Even in conservative circles his passing was not missed. Including this article from The American Conservative.