I was totally shocked yesterday to hear of the passing of Neil Peart. My favorite drummer and lyricist from my all time favorite band: Rush. He died after a long, three and a half year, battle with brain cancer. I didn’t even know he was sick. But Neil was a very private person.
I first became aware of Rush when I was in high school. 2112 was the first album of theirs I bought. Blew me away. I’ve loved all their stuff even as their style changed and morphed. I can’t even say which of their albums is my favorite. Depends upon what kind of mood I’m in. There live recordings are incredible…they are soooo tight.
Neil wrote all the lyrics. Geddy and Alex the music. What a team. One of things I really admired them for, especially Neil, was there quest to become better and better musicians. I feel all three of them are among the best drummers, lead guitar, and bass players. I was so excited for them when they were FINALLY inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Neil did not have an easy life. His daughter was killed in car accident and his wife died of cancer less than a year later. That’s when he took a hiatus from the band. When he did return, they came out with Vapor Trails. The opening song is Ghost Rider which talks about the transcontinental motorcycle journey Neil took after his tragic loss. He also wrote a book of the same title.
I only got to seem live once. What a show.
My music mix will be all Rush for some time.
Here’s one of my favs
The Trees
There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas
The trouble with the maples
And they’re quite convinced they’re right
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they’re made
And they wonder why the maples
Can’t be happy in their shade?
There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream ‘oppression!’
And the oaks, just shake their heads
So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
‘The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light’
Now there’s no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet,
Axe,
And saw
And this is for you Neil. Thank you so much:
