You have to admire the resiliency of drummers like Neil Peart. He undoubtedly wanted to play in a rock band, and he dealt with the typical roadblocks before landing a pretty sweet gig.
Peart grew up emulating the style of such classic rock drummers as John Bonham and Keith Moon, an influence that is apparent in Rush’s hard-hitting rhythms and pulsating energy. However, as the years went on, he incorporated jazz and big band elements into his playing. This balancing act gradually led to his unique proficiency on the drum kit, and everyone quickly began to take note.
Peart’s career started out like many drummers, simply looking for others who shared his taste in music. After cutting his teeth in numerous bands as a youth, he ventured to London. Unfortunately, it was just more of the same: time with various bands that never went anywhere. Disenfranchised, he returned home with the mindset of putting his musical career on hold. But, oh, how things changed. A chance audition with a fledgling band called Rush set everything in motion. From the get go, Rush bassist Geddy Lee was thoroughly impressed with Peart’s erratic style of drumming, and convinced guitarist Alex Lifeson to let Peart join.
Needless to say, Peart tightened things up rather quickly, to the point where Lifeson should have had no complaints. His dice and chop hits and impeccable timing over complicated rhythms began to symbolize Peart’s style. He also took over the role as primary lyricist, and did so with a passion the others lacked. While Peart’s lyrics invoke the themes of Ayn Rand and various science fiction, it seemed to fit with the challenging music Rush strove to create. Without Peart’s ideas, epics like “2112” and “Xanadu” might have never been realized.
Ask any drum virtuoso about the premier drummers in music and odds are they’ll mention Peart’s name — even if they don’t care for Rush. His drum solos alone are proof of the sonic capabilities of a drum set.
The Quotable Peart
On Buddy Rich
“Genius is the fire that lights itself.”
“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”