This is one of the biggest, most unexpected losses in the rock/metal community. And really all of popular music for that matter. Neil Peart, one of the greatest drummers of all time, and the creator of ‘melodic’ drumming, died in Santa Monica on Jan 7, 2020; succumbing to brain cancer.
To say that Peart’s drumming is innovative and influential is massive understatement. It’s not often when somebody comes along and completely changes how people think about an instrument. And that’s what Neil did. Right from the get go with him joining Rush in 1974 for their sophomore effort ‘Fly By Night.’ ‘By-Tor and the Snow Dog’ became an instant hit among drummers everywhere. And Rush simply grew from there. Peart’s drumming became even more focused and technical. Even when the band started to introduce keyboards and more melodic, less prog oriented tracks.
What really made Peart a special drummer was his memory. Over time his speed and thom runs would be eclipsed by drummers like Mike Portnoy and Marco Minniman. But what Neil Peart could do that no other drummers seem to is remember one, small, specific moment in a song where there’s two extra counts in the measure. The whole six minute song could be in 4/4 with one measure somewhere in the middle being 5/4 or 6/8 or whatever. And he always remembered exactly where that moment was. Just unreal!
Also, his ability to always get better. He never let his ego get in the way of progress. And that was no better evidenced than in the 90’s when he decided to take drum lessons with famed mentor and drumming legend Freddie Gruber. And you can hear the difference in his playing between ‘Counterparts’ and ‘Test for Echo.’ It’s still Neal, but it’s a different clock that’s at work.
As we all know, Peart’s latter life had it’s fair share of tragedy. Loosing his daughter to a car crash and his wife to cancer all within a year. So he rode, and rode and rode. Until Rush finally came back together, stronger than ever with their masterpiece ‘Vapor Trails.’ Rush would release two more phenomenal records. The band retired from touring in 2015.
This is one of the most painful rock losses for me. I, like many others, had no idea that Peart was sick. His infamously private life kept the news away from the media. And those that did know, obviously respected the man enough to keep their mouths shut. But this one really hurts. I’m a drummer and I wouldn’t be able to do half the playing I can without Peart’s direction and influence. He will be missed and forever remembered. Goodnight Professor.
