Obsessed - An Interview with Neil Peart
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- Neil Peart is Obsessed with sharing his experiences through words - like bicycling over the Alps (twice), the Pyrenees and the Rockies, and throughout West Africa. And since '96, he has traveled to every RUSH show, from Berlin to Buenos Aires, by motorcycle. Neil is also Obsessed with his 22" Paragon Ride. With its powerful, cutting bell and amazing expressive ability even at low dynamic levels, this is a cymbal that inspires.
I met Neil in the late 90's when he was in Fairbanks, Alaska when he was wandering the country after his series of unfortunate events. The whole story is too long to post here but I can tell you a few things about Neil. I have met many a celebrity in my travels and Neil was absolutely 100% the nicest, most down to earth, intelligent rock star I have ever met. All I all we spent about 2 hours together in a bar called the Greyhound lounge which was right across the street from the Westmark hotel where he was staying. We talked about all sorts of things and shared a couple of drinks...and here's the kicker: he wouldn't admit he was Neil Peart. The first thing I said to him was " Geezz, you look like Neil Peart" which he brushed off and said he wasn't- yet another clue actually, as who in the heck knows who Neil Peart is if your not a musician really? It was only till his book came out that I recognized his motorcycle and him with a goatee and beanie that I realized it was actually him. For all of you who have ever wondered about what Neil is like, he is exactly as he comes across in videos like this, intelligent, clear and present and engaging...even after a shot of whiskey and bumming a few smokes from me. A memory that I will cherish forever.
Great story! Knowing that Neil is admittedly a shy person who doesn't want to be "that guy" (the rock star) makes it seem perfectly plausible that he would be a cool person to hang with, especially if you can talk about anything from motorcycles to bird watching. I'm not at all surprised that he avoided talking about who he was at that time, because let's face it, he wanted to forget about all of that in order to survive. I've read Ghost Rider three times...so far.
+Tony Cortezza Tony...Angela recently told me this story and it blew me away. Now I see your comment here. Wish I had known the story when you were up here. Angela just told it to me matter of factly.....like it was no big deal. Guess she is not a Rush fan. Did he jam with you guys.....or at least watch the band and talk about music?
i would like to hang out with NP and talk about outdoors things. very interested about snow shoeing and bird watching
The GreyJedi2112 I would start gushing, telling him how big a fan I was, etc, and make him recoil in horror, excuse himself to the restroom, where he squeezes out a 12" x 18" window, lacerating his torso in the process. 😝
All 3 of them are great people. I can still remember how I felt when I saw "RUSH SUCKS" written on the high school bathroom stall in the 80's. I hope whatever kid wrote that is enjoying listening to Demi Lovato and Sam Smith.
R.I.P. my friend. You will be sorely missed.
If he was an atheist or agnostic as he had stated in past interviews..he is NOT resting in peace! Very sad. It is the free will of each person to accept or not accept the free gift of salvation while we are alive. When we pass we will either be with Jesus Christ or in hell based on whether we accepted Jesus’ free gift of salvation or not. A great talent will be missed but sadder yet is if he was not saved.
@@carleneelmore6556 -- Deity's only exist in your imagination, they are not reality....
carlene elmore He was never an atheist, in fact he was adamant about not being atheist. He was a self-described agnostic. His parents are still alive and are Christian.
@onelove 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣SMART ENOUGH?SO YOU'RE CALLING ALBERT EINSTEIN UNSMART?HE WAS A CHRIST FOLLOWING JEW.DEFINE IRONY🤣🤣🤣
Rest In Peace, Neil! (To HELL with the rest of you.)
This is difficult to watch right now. RIP Neil Peart, you’re the reason why most drummers play drums.
He is the reason why I started playing drums and I will continue until I can’t play anymore
We Love You, you’re the greatest Rock Legend and Will remain the greatest Drummer Rock Ever Has Known.
41 years drumming/studying Mr. Peart.
May GOD rest his Soul.
Mine was Bonham because Peart is hard to follow, even now, lol.
@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 I read an interview and Bonham was one of Neil Pearts influences, so there ya go. :) Both just amazing drummers!
James Stone I started with hearing Tom Sawyer at a drive in theatre in 1980's. Peace bro.
Been a Rush fan for 40 years. I feel as if I've lost a family member. Rest in peace Professor.
That's exactly how it feels. So hard to explain the feeling of loss when you had not even met the person. Being a fan for over 40 yrs has its drawbacks I guess. !? We feel like we know them don't we? Still can't believe Neil's gone. RIP Genius. 💔x
i feel smarter just because i listened to him speak
He spoke like he played- interesting, articulate, thoughtful and stacked with enthusiasm. What a driving force. This one hurts.
exactly, never ending BULLSHIT.
You're so right about it hurting. I've lived through losing a lot if the great musicians/artists from the 60's-90's , but because of how deep his lyrics and his playing, as well as Rush in general, affected, influenced, and touched my soul and heart it really did hurt when Neil passed on through to the other side. RIP.
Such a cerebral giant. The modern world is in severe short supply of people like Neil. Its extra hard to bear when we lose a man like him. Rest peacefully Professor. You've more than earned this planet's respect sir.
Great comment. You have a nice way with words.
Peart could narrate buttering bread and it would sound interesting to me.
Lmao! You're so right.
Fun fact: Neil actually invented bread. And flour. And wheat.
So true. I love the way he thinks.
I agree and that's probably the best example I have heard , good statement.
hahaha love it. He'd be the best bread butterer I feel./ :)
Rest In Peace Mr. Peart. So many people are grieving your death. You meant a lot to so many music lovers and drummers.
An obsessive personality with positive intent, from his lyrics to his drumming to his writing Neil is a great example of being Human.
that's ultimately why Rush is my favorite band. yes, the musicianship is above reproach but it's that I have been able to identify and take from the lyrics something worth while. in my formative years especially. I probably owe the guy a fucking drink or ten.
Yansa, that comment was poetic.
He definitely doesn’t waste his time.
@@DallasGunther I have decided that I am going to read his books. ♥
being human with Integrity
This guy just oozes with intelligence
I've never in my 44 years here on Earth heard another person in the Rock genre speak as intelligently as he does
Ronnie James Dio perhaps but not even close to NP..RiP
David Bowie was pretty smart, but he was also perverse. Billy Corgan can be quite engaging.
@Ryan Smith Oh, come on... Look into it. The guy had sex with anything that moved, including children.
I'd say that Geddy and Alex were definitely on his intelligence level.
@@robertlarson7538 Not on, but they are intelligent as well.
Funny how he strived so much as a teen to be extraordinary and then craving an ordinary man's life. He's really a character out of a novel... A great one.
"Suddenly, you were gone
From all the lives you left your mark upon..."
Thanks Neil Peart for your amazing contribution to the soundtrack of my life.
Rest in Peace, "The Professor"
RIP my friend. You were a musicians musician and a humble thinking man's man.
This man is not only one of the world's best drummers, he also is a role model and one of the most intelligent musicians that I have ever encountered.
Thank you Neil for the many thousand of hours That I have listened to you and Rush. You are definitely a polished gem.
Neil lived ten lives in one. He was adventurous, constantly seeking knowledge, well traveled and a skilled musician with a lot of tragedies in his life .
He was known to be shy, here he shares so much. He may be gone, yet he is still here.
We love you Neil
Someone who's made a gigantic positive influence on me growing up and in present day. Thanks Neil and missed by millions
Not only is this man the BEST DRUMMER in Rock, he's the most eloquent and fluid lyricist to boot! Rush is that rare combination where the musical and lyrical blend into a symbiotic relationship reached by few in the pantheon of Rock.
Oh how true!! Best utube comment all week! For example of ur spot on point-- see the song "Hemispheres"......
+the snowdawg and before that, Cygnus X-1. The guy might as well know the whole legend/story, although you're right about Hemispheres being a lyrically profound song in and of itself.
+rostifardian Aahhh, refreshing. A true Rush fan. Hello brother!!
Well said, and all true
RIP
Dude blows my mind. Always has, always will.
Perfectly said.
Well said🥁
Yep totally agree
RIP Neil Peart. September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 (Age 67). He is and always will be the best drummer in the world. Nobody can't even come close to matching his style. The king of the drumming world. I grew up spending countless hours listening to Rush songs on MTV and Stereo Panama radio station from 1984- 1991. He wrote most of Rush song lyrics by adding a unique mix of ancient philosophy, comic books action sequences and strong messages that shaped my teenage years. Great nostalgia. Neil Peart you will remain forever closer to the heart of all Rush fans worldwide ! "We are only immortal for a limited time." - Neil Peart, Dreamline, Presto album (1989).
Travels to China without a camera, so he can capture the trip it in his words.... Nothing less than brilliant. Absolutely brilliant...
Neil Peart has always been a role model ever since I discovered Rush. Aside from the innovative drumming and thought-provoking lyrics, the thing I've always looked up to in Neil is how he's intellectually curious about the world around him. Most people may not know this, but Neil dropped out of High School and never went to college -- and yet, if you watch his interviews, he always talks about how he loves to visit foreign cultures, national parks and art museums (also, read the lyrics to the song "Mission"). In another life, Neil would have made a great college professor, and he'll always be a proxy mentor to me.
He IS a Professor!!
ZildjianN7Geth I couldn't have said it better. You nailed it.
drummerchef851 that guy would be wasting his time in colllege
HE IS A COLLEGE
Very well put! He is "the professor", after all.
Your comment is almost exactly what I was going to write, I have always been involved with music in one form or another, even the years I couldn't play I was buried between headphones and in later years on you tube, Rush inspired me heavily when Fly by night came out and then Moving pictures when I was young, to me that music makes sense, I don't try to duplicate Neil's drumming, (impossible anyway) but the whole sound of that band is so incredibly unique , They all seem to be very intelligent and very close friends, they are all tops on their instruments, none better, I'm so curious of who they are, Ive watched all the little documentary's but I hate to be "That crazy fan" I know how Neil feels about strangers but dang I would love to meet them.
Neil makes drumming sound like rocket science. A true professor and percussion wizard. May you continue to rock on in a paradiddle dimension.
All I know is he's added a lot of joy to my life.
How can you miss a man you never even met. How can one cry watching a drummers video. Thank you for everything you gave us Master Neil Peart. RIP
What a wonderful soul...man this ride we call life is so fleeting. Live your best life, it certainly sounded like Neil did.
Every rocker in the world has to love this man! See you on stage in heaven some day Neil!❤️🕊
Whenever I see/hear him it doesn't actually seem like he's gone, it seems like he's just siting in front of me, speaking his words of wisdom.
I love how Neil describes not becoming isolated because he was always meeting people at stops and shops and motels, chatting with them.
This is not the silent, standoffish, stuck-up or unfriendly person some idiots have tried to portray...what this is is the normal behaviour of a classic and friendly introvert!
I know in an interview he talked about introvert shyness, but this interview shows the more accurate truth: introverts are NOT shy necessarily. That is a stupid stereotype. Shyness is something completely separate from introversion.
The man, Neil Peart, was my kind of person: intelligent, approachable, articulate and a biker!
It just happens that he was one of the three [vital] legs of the trio, making the best rock band ever!
Damn...RIP Professor. We all miss you.
He was a fascinating, worldly human. Oh, and also a mind blowing evolutionary percussionist btw. I miss your space on this world made better by you.
Neil and the boys make me proud to be canadian... The music will go on forever.
"For you - the blind who once could see - The bell tolls for thee....." Shocked and extremely sad. Not only was he an amazing drummer and lyricist but also a truly honest and modest person. RIP
Neil Peart and John Bonham were my inspirations to play drums, which I did most of my life.
I miss playing drums now that I am in a wheelchair, but I have always played guitar so my song lives on and I play now and people love it.
Thank you Neil for the inspiration that made a definitive impact on my life.
And as far as the red nose, it's 12:32 pm Friday and I just started working on having a red nose with Guinness in hand :)
I just happened to see your post. As an almost lifelong drummer I ended up in a (power) wheelchair as well. I got H1N1 in the hospital in 2010, then through bad jet ventilation and vaso-dilators ended up with gangrene on my feet and fingers, which ended up taking all my toes off, a couple finger tips as well. How did u end up in your chair? What's going on with his nose? (I'm PEARTFECTION on RUclips) I also play keyboards. Well, not anymore.
no the nose thing is a medical condition...forget what it's called
what a cool guy he is
sorry to hear you can't drum anymore
all the best
@@toddlavigne6441 Rhinophyma
Use triggers and digital drums.
Professor Peart, we’re gonna miss you. Smartest guy in rock history.
Subdivisions is probably my favorite Rush song, actually, just favorite song ever
Me too. One of their best.
Same 🤘
Same!
that track speaks to me as well
Actually Signal is my favorite album.
RIP Neil, you will be missed by drummers all over the planet.
Paice is better.
Honestly, who gives this a thumbs down ?!
Everyone has already said what I am thinking. Your intelligent, fascinating, talented beyond compare, but above everything else - humble! Rest in Peace.
A thoughtful, mature human being leading a great life, with some tragedy mixed in to keep him humble. Play on Neil! You're an inspiration!
+charliecharlieve What tragedy has occurred? Was there a death?
***** Now I know why he is an atheist.
***** My IQ is 140 and I believe in God.
***** So you're saying I am stupid for believing in God?
+charliecharlieve You're just pointing out people who believe in God generally have lower IQ scores? That to me is passive agressive.
2020 brings an end to an incredible musician - the legacy of RUSH lives on.......
Thats what gives a person the ability to live forever on this earth. Our fond memories and the music or art they leave behind. I often wonder how many truly talented people will never uncover their gift and share it with the world. It might just be you.
Wow, a wonderful jam packed life this man lived. He attacked every day with a purpose. I’ll miss him.
He set the bar so high to enable others to pass under. Everyone's favourite drummer's favourite drummer. RIP Neil. 2020 resolution is to read all of his books.
What a man! His life may have been cut short, but he crammed it full of adventure and achievement. RIP Neil Peart, Sir (GOAT).
it's always a pleasure to listen to Neil talk about anything.
after all the Rush listened to and honestly thinking about Neil... let's listen to the man himself. We're not worthy. Neil suffered so much and found a way to cope with his losses. It was through connecting with other people. Such a great lesson for us all. let's not wait for the end before we realize your neighbor is a human, a soul and one that we all need as sentient beings on this plane of existence. I have to admit, such a legend to most of us, anonymously traversing the globe in random connections makes me both jealous, envious and awestruck. Why didn't I meet him then? Why would he have cared? Neil's humanity may have been bolstered by his personal tragedies, but in the end he's so much more grounded, figuratively and literally than any of the other rich and famous who SAY they care about the common man. Neil is the common man, just so uncommon.
A man who lived life to it's fullest. Figuratively and literally. We should all be so lucky to live by Neil's example, and be inclined to read his literary words...his books, and hear his literary words...his lyrics, in song.
The best drummer in the world. May he rest in peace. ♥
Neil is a class act. Been a fan for over 30 yrs
RIP and long live Neil Peart (September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020), aged 67
You will always be remembered as a legend.
The best drummer of all time, always incredible to listen.
Don't be sad because Im gone, be glad I was here! RIP Pratt
His percussion skills were an extension of his intellect.
Brilliant!!!!!
RIP Professor! Gone but never forgotten!
I could listen to Neil Peart talk almost as long as I could listen to him drum. Rest in peace.
Neil was a true renaissance man. His death was a tragedy, but he packed more living into his 67 years than most of us would in two lifetimes. Rest in peace! And thanks for the wonderful music and exciting books.
More tears. I'm not ready to live in a world without Neil Peart.
In spite of the loss of his daughter, then later his wife, Neil had a full life. May your touring of the afterlife be as fulfilling as your mortal one. RIP, Professor.
such an articulate speaker. and naturally, that's 'always' come out in his playing. just an inspiration, on so many level's. what a life he's had...
I am so sad he just passed away! Huge rush fan and he was such an important role and just what a brain my goodness! Such a huge loss in the music industry of talent and just a huge loss of an amazing human being.
He's a pretty good prose writer, in addition to being a great drummer. Wish I'd met him along with Geddy and Alex in 2004 (meet 'n' greet). I wanted to tell him that despite having bought Moving Pictures at age 11 -- first music purchase -- and having a real love for his drumming, his book Ghost Rider was so absorbing that I forgot who he was while I was reading it. Alex or Geddy would come up, and I'd sort of start inside and think, "Oh, yeah -- this is the drummer of Rush writing her." Good to see him enjoying life again.
He hates meet and greets and from what I understand won't do them. He hates this adulation but how can we not feel it.
He just gives off such a thoughtful, intelligent vibe during his interviews. It always feels like he's talking about something interesting or important. Rip to a power house of a man
He, is what happens to a human being, when dedication, passion and purpose become constant. I love to listen to him speak because he has a gift of explaining something/anything in a totally comprehensive way.
This man was a once in a lifetime artist. Musician, painter, author, naturalist, etc. The world is a bit darker without him. R.I.P. Profressor.
One can only marvel at the eloquence of how he articulates his craft at 7:01; his passing has granted me new heights of appreciation from what was already a lofty perch.
Have all of his books. My life revolves around Rush and the beautiful words of Neil Peart. A truly remarkable person. A great loss for humanity. RIP Bubba
seriously one of the coolest humans ever....such life adversity but basic coolness and style w/o ramming it down others throats
Been watching him all day now. Immense sadness. I love you Neil, thank you for helping shape who I’ve become. Be at piece
Dynamic rock playing.....what an understatement. Neil and John Bonham were both dynamic percussionists. Their sets got worked out......hard! Neil Peart explored this world on so many different levels, not just as a percussionist. The Professor is truly apropos.
I really miss Neil, I can’t believe he’s gone. So many memories with RUSH. Descansa en paz maestro 🥁
Had never heard the man speak before. What an amazing man he was. Wow.
Gone but not forgotten. His genius will live forever.
Best Drummer On The Planet, and He and His Mates Still Make Our Nation Proud. Thanks Neil.
The professor will be sorely missed. Gone too soon like so many of my favorites..Rest in Paradise!. You made Canada proud!!!
Neil's genius as a musician is often celebrated, and rightly so, but what I find most precious about him was how true he was to himself, that he expressed it, and in so doing let others feel less alone. I'm just so grateful for his work and to everyone involved who helped make it happen. I'm kicking myself for not yet having listened to all the Rush albums nor read all of his books, but to do so would be the most fitting tribute each of us can make, I think. Best wishes to everyone on here
RIP Neil. You’ll be missed.
I’m not an overly emotional guy but the second I heard of Neil’s passing my heart sank ....this feeling is usually reserved for family, and even though his persona was otherwise we all pretended he was our long awaited friend R.I.P. ......
R.I.P. Professor...and thank you...for everything.
Neil Peart was just a genuine good human being...........Godspeed to you.
You were certainly a renaissance man for the ages. Neil, your lyrics were magical for many of us. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. We are all the better for it.
This dude has kept me sane for the last 40 years. Thanks Neil. Owe you a beer mate.
Absolutely a deep, deep human being and one of my favorite people on the planet.
My hero . What an interesting man , inspires me to do more and enjoy each day
His speech is very eloquent, and he's a very richly experienced and life educated man. I can see how he was thr main lyricist of their music.
Rest in Peace, sir.
R.I.P. Neil..Hands down "The best ever".He will be so missed.He is now with his love of his life and his daughter...
Neil Peart is my spirit animal.
"certain reverses in life..." a man describes losing his wife and daughter...what a underlying strength of character to be able to hold it together and plow forward. unbelievable, his strength and drive. So glad he was in my timeline on Earth.
I want all of his books now
Me too.
"Courageous convictions will drag the dream into existence" ~ Neil Peart 💔
Hopefully the estate wil reissue sum out of print titles. perhaps in ebk., which, grudgingly, Neil embarced as a legit format late in life :-)
I downloaded Ghost Rider today on the kindle for under $6. It is better than I thought it would be from the audio excert. Starting chapter 3 already. What a terrific interesting guy.
Daniel 32
I’ve got all of his books in nice paperbacks and one hardback
They are wonderful to immerse yourself in
He was and will always be a legend
RIP great man
RED WING ghost rider will be my next
Many men never had father's, at best a mother whom devoured them. For these young men Neil Peart was available!! For myself and countless others I thank you Mr. Peart.. if I may be bold, thank you Father!! Your the reason I still have that 45c bullet, and am not dead. I heard Tom Sawyer while preparing for suicide. Was 14 and had severe emotional issues, very hyper... I became interested in drums due to that song, today still enjoy drumming and really must thank Neil. Hope anyone out there wanting to kill themselves find an interest. It's a must to get your head out of life and start living by actions; not utterance.
RIP Neil. You were the best drummer to ever tap a beat.
Among all else, what a great spoken voice. RIP.
Everyone should find passions like this. I just love hearing him speak and I am definitely going to read his books. What a brilliant man. I love that my fave Rush song is playing in the background-- Subdivisions
I just now saw this video. I've been a Rush fan since Fly By Night. Your comment is spot on! If asked today to describe how drums add to rock music you'd probably get, "They make big sound! Boom, boom! Make music good!" This man gives a technical breakdown of how each part of the drum kit compliments the full spectrum of the song, the music, and the other instruments. It's almost a verbal schematic diagram he's giving. What an intelligent, well read, talented, successful, yet humble, appreciative, generous, and down to earth person! I like to think of him as rock and roll's diplomat of good will to the world. What a great guy and what a catastrophic loss to mankind.
My first concert was Rush Permanent Waves tour in Phoenix in 1980, about a month before I turned 14. Saw Moving Pictures tour the next year. Rush has always been my favorite band. He is with Selena and Jackie now. 🙏
I can't get enough of this man's splenderific drumming!
This honestly tears me up. 😭 not only was Neil Peart a great drummer, but down to earth kind of guy who loved not only playing drums but was always fascinated into what interest him. You will be greatly missed Mr. Neal. Rest easy
The GREATEST Drummer the World has ever known...God Speed Brother
I'll miss you Neil. Saw you three times in concert, the first time in 1977, and each time was better than the first.
R.I.P. buddy...
Such a great musician... and person I want to read his books ...very sad to see his excellent life come to an end ... I’m glad I seen them multiple times at the garden in Nyc I remember hearing 2112 for the first time bought the album and was hooked ! Rip Neil Peart !!!
I'm still in shock really. Like all Rush fans, we lost a brother and a hero. I had the pleasure of seeing Rush climb the top of the mountain and get inducted to the Rock and Roll HOF back in 2013. It was a memorable and surreal evening. It started late (Don Henley got stuck in LA traffic) and ended late with Alex's famous Blah, Blah, Blah speech. I always had hope that I'd see them once more, not knowing of course, that he was sick. Thanks for the memories Neil. RIP
Such a class act. Hard to imagine the world without people like him. A Non-Rockstar if there ever was one. RIP my brother.
My heart is heavy today ,and for the rest of my life,RIP brother