Neil Peart

This is the closest you will ever get to seeing him smile.

“God, there is no fucking drummer better than Neil Peart!”
~ Chester Cheetah on Neil Peart

Neil E. Peart (your head will explode if you ever learn his middle name; February 30, 1952 – January 7, 2020) was the drummer and primary songwriter for the godly prog rock band Rush. Born in the mysterious world known as Canada, full of moose, pink Monopoly money, and gasoline purchased in litres, he fought in the Battle of Syrinx. After emerging as one of only two warriors to survive looking at Geddy Lee's face (along with Alex Lifeson), they had nothing better to do, so they formed a rock band, kicking ass and taking names for over four decades.

Early life[edit]

Peart (that's pronounced Peert, not Purt) was born on February 30, 1952 to parents Celine Dion and Buddy Rich, the latter of which happened to be touring with his band in Hamilton, Canada at the time when he had a night of serious indiscretion. This might explain why Peart had some serious rhythm despite being white. Almost from his very first breath, it was apparent that he was a very gifted child; a gifted child with an otherworldly talent and some real issues. Born with a pair of drumsticks in his hand, he immediately began drumming the beat of "YYZ" with one hand and stabbed the pleasantly chubby doctor through the side of his neck with the other. He then proceeded to watch the doc bleed out, then he severed his own umbilical cord and waddled off his mom's hospital bed to start life anew.

Peart was a precocious toddler and began to hone his skills at a young age, such as drumming, learning Québécois French, reading Ayn Rand, playing the piano, drumming, kicking ass at the Bubble Game and Ball Toss, performing differential calculus, horseback riding, drumming, actually comprehending Elvis lyrics, taking LSD, drumming, and of course drumming. It was not long before he began hunting mooses as well, and by age seven his body count was already in the double-digits (though he has never specified exactly how many).

Battle of Syrinx[edit]

For those without comedic tastes, the so-called experts at Wikipedia have an article about Neil Peart.

“Rush is named after the rest of the band's efforts to catch up with Neil Peart.”
~ Robert Christgau on Rush

Peart was 18 when he heard of a battle raging onward in the nearby Temples of Syrinx. He knew not who was fighting or why, but had a good idea that there would be plenty of music-outlawing soldiers to take out. So one day, he flew by night into the Canadian woods, taking with him nothing but a bottle of maple syrup, a toothpick, and a gold-plated, pearl-gripped Desert Eagle that would make any pimp jealous. When he finished the syrup on the second day, he walked onward for a week with no food or drink, fuelled only by his inhuman rage.

While he did manage to wrestle and strangle giant owl By-Tor and his snow dogs with only one hand, Peart did not make it to the battle in time do any slaying. Instead, he found an open field, filled with 2,112 corpses and only three men left standing. One was Alex Lifeson. The other, John Rutsey, ran off the field due to health problems from eating a cupcake laced with LSD and trace amounts of cupcake. The third turned to look at Peart, and as soon as he saw Geddy Lee's gravely mug, Ozzy Osbourne sunglasses, and Toucan Sam Jew-nose, he immediately knew what had happened. Yet Neil survived Geddy's Medusa look by concealing his abject horror beneath his carefully-practiced Tom Hanks expression. With 98% of Canada's population dead on that field, the three had nothing else to do and nowhere to go, so they formed Rush and proceeded to kick some serious ass. Using the powers bestowed upon him by God himself, Peart gave Geddy amazing bass talent and a 5-octave range, and Alex knowledge of more than three power chords.

Rush[edit]

If a guy has a pirate 'stache that cool, you don't mess with him, K?

“I should have more toms.”
~ Neil Peart on his 2112-piece drumkit

Peart's time in Rush was a happy one. Lee, Lifeson, and Peart spent much time smoking each other's pot, stealing science fiction lyrics from Ayn Rand, wearing godawful '70s clothing, having godawful '70s hairstyles, and yes, performing some music on the side as well. They started out as nearly-starving unknowns in Toronto, who at one point were so desperate that Peart was reduced to drumming on a street corner to beg for cash. But their insane chops, impeccable timing, and unique progressive sound eventually won this winning combo the hard-earned money of millions of fans.

Their breakthrough was the album 2112, describing Geddy's experiences in the Battle of Syrinx. With his newfound fame and fortune, Peart was able to build the Uber Drumkit Outta Hell that he had fantasized about ever since he was a young boy, and he did not care that his bandmates had to live on a diet of ramen noodles and Dasani water to make ends meet. A vicious cycle ensued, with Peart obsessively building his kit bigger and bigger, which led to better drum-wanking in concert drum solos, which led to more fans and thus more money, which he used to add on to his drumkit. However, it was all good in the end, as throughout the '70s and early '80s, Rush just kept getting better and better, giving birth to several more great albums.

Also during this time, Peart managed to get married and even have a daughter, and was so content with life that his libertarian tendencies subsided and were repressed deep inside his mind. He managed to only berate the most obnoxious Statist fans, and even felt somewhat guilty about doing that. Still, he did throw one of his drumsticks through a Statist fan's head during a solo at a 1981 Iowa concert. He kept the solo going with only one stick, and in fact finished it and the rest of the show out single-stickedly. In 1994, Peart also recorded some tracks with the Buddy Rich Big Band along with other drummers, which turned into a mass drumoff. Guests included Marvin "Smitty" Smith, David Garibaldi, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette, and Dave Weckl. Peart later disguised it as a tribute album to his long-dead father after he got pwned by Meg White, the drummer that everyone loves to hate.

Compositions and accolades[edit]

Neil Peart guest starring on an episode of Archer.

“Life for yourself, and not Ayn Rand...
Life for anyone, just not Ayn Rand...
Ayn Rand rocks...
Ayn Rand will only cry out for more...”
~ Lines from Rush's song "Anthem"

“It's always a happy day when 'YYZ' appears on our luggage tags.”
~ Neil Peart on "YYZ"

Peart was known for writing lyrics about how much he loves Ayn Rand and praises collectivism. Some of his more or less remarkable songs written for Rush include:

"Bastille Day": Rush was one of the prime supporters of the Revolution de Français (led by Napoleon) — in fact, there is documented evidence of Geddy Lee and Neil Peart eating lemony cake, having just prior been granted the privilege to do so by Marie Antoinette.
"2112": Set in the far-off year of 2112, 2112 (named for Alex Lifeson's apartment room number) is the most epic rock opera to have ever rocked. It stars a young man who, after finding a guitar in a cave by a waterfall, ends up playing music to himself, and uses it to liberate the world from the Priests of the Temples of Syrinx. Under the heavy influence of marijuana (see Jimi Hendrix), Peart was able to to compose the band's epic which gave them mainstream stardom.
"Something for Nothing": You can't have something for nothing (except for money)! You can't have freedom for free (but you can have checks for free)! This is one of the B-side tracks on 2112. Originally called "2113", it was quickly renamed because "Something for Nothing" sounded more original, and "something" rhymed with "nothing".
"YYZed": Also known as Toronto International Airport, few people like this song (much like the airport), which contains profound guitar riffs and basslines. The sequel to Guitar Hero, The Importance of Being Earnest, featured this as a song, but like the airport, no one could beat it so it was quickly removed.
"The Spirit of Radio": Glittering prizes, like endless compromises, have shattered the illusion of integrity. In the far-off year of 1980, Rush, noticing a decline of quality music, composed the song to end all songs. This marked the first occasion that General Lee did not make his voice go all high-pitched and warbly, except when saying the words "a choice" and "OF SALESMEN".
"Tom Sawyer": One of their more well-known songs, as you might've already guessed. It chronicled the meaner, more prideful modern-day iteration of the 19th century rambunctious trickster.
"Closer to the Heart": Subscribers to the Marxist school of thinking, the Rushians (later to be called the Union of Soviet Socialist Republicans, then Rush) created a rock anthem to celebrate how the proletariat can achieve greatness. This was quickly challenged by The Rolling Stones, who were not only without homes but complete unknowns, and stated that you can't get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need. "Like a Rolling Stone", written by Jesus, was not only the first song to have the name of another band in its title, but also the first to document a feud between rival groups. Bob Dylan later sued for copyright infringement, but the case was dismissed as he appeared to be a 16-year-old boy for approximately 50 years of his life.
"The Trees": Rush, under the influence of heroin and Neil Peart, began writing songs about how trees feel like libertarians and shit.
"Limelight": Having been thrust into the limelight in 2113 due to the success of the rock ballad "2112", Rush composed "Limelight", the second most rocking rock epic ever released, also called the Old Testament. This hit single chronicled the band's ascension to fame and power.
"Cygnus X-1, Book I: Bon Voyage": The tale of the idiot who flew into a black hole. This song makes no sense, and is often thought to be Peart's creative rambling about the battle between human mind and heart. Hopefully, when Geddy and Alex are finished with their side-projects, they will explain the beauty that is the gloriousness of "EVERY NEVER IS TORN APAAAAART."
"Cygnus X-1, Book II: Ancient Greek Warfare and Spaceships": The second tale of the idiot who flew into a black hole. Book II was actually written before Book I, mainly because Rush pulls tricks like that (see below).
"The Enemy Within Your Basement": The first song in the Fear Trilogy that actually came last.
"The Weapon": The second song in the Fear Trilogy that indeed came second. Live versions featured an introduction from Count Floyd, as this was the only Fear song that was released in correct numerical order.
"Witch Hunt": The third song in the Fear Trilogy that actually came first.
"Breeze": The fourth song in the Fear Trilogy that came 20 years later...wait, what? This isn't a trilogy anymore.
"The Canadian National Anthem": A song recorded for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, surprisingly unrelated to the Ayn Rand novella Anthem or prior Rush song "Anthem".

Peart was named Rock General of the Order of Canada in 2001. He also received the following titles between the years of 2002 and 2113:

Rock God of the Order of Canada – 2002
Rock Corporal of the Order of Britain – 2003 (promoted to Field Marshal of the Order of Britain in 2004 for bravery in combat)
Warrior – 2004 (due to Y2K and the fall of civilization, he was turned into the first combat unit ever)
Blacksmith and Artisan – 2004 (he was later promoted to Philosopher and Ploughman due to Rush's single, "Closer to the Heart")
Honorary Doctorates in the following disciplines: Medicine, Genealogy, Linear-Thinking Agnosticism – 2007
Prince of the Universe – 2012
Rock Anthemist – 2112
2112 Award – 2113

Roadtrip of Spiritual Vengeance[edit]

The only known photo of Neil Peart while on his spiritual roadtrip.

In 1997, disaster struck in Peart's life. His daughter was killed in an auto accident, and only months later, his wife died of cancer. Wishing he could've prevented or foreseen these circumstances, Peart fell into a rut, and his attitude went from controlled to depressed. He told his bandmates that he was leaving the group and retiring, and was last seen by them jumping onto his motorcycle's saddle in the church parking lot. What exactly happened for the next two years is uncertain, but there has been speculation that he travelled extensively throughout every square inch of North and Central America.

Return to Rush[edit]

Rush in concert. Age is a bitch, ain't it?

“For such an extroverted drummer, he sure doesn't talk much.”
~ Geddy Lee on Peart's introvertedness

Though Neil had chewed up too much of the scenery to count, after four years his sadness was still burning inside. The only way he could think of to diminish it and return his life to normalcy was to get back in the high life again. Thus, Peart remarried, this time to photographer Carrie Nuttall, and announced that he was ready to return to Rush. Soon after, Neil's sadness vanished, and a lasting feeling of calm and peace replaced it.

Peart continued recording and touring with band for the next 19 years, and enjoyed a peaceful and joyous life ever since. Along with bandmates Lee and Lifeson, Neil still enjoyed landing gigs, smoking joints, practicing ~~atheism~~ agnosticism, and playing drum solos so mind-blowing that they caused audience members' heads to literally explode. Peart resided in a small suburb of Santa Monica, California when he was not on tour, in the studio recording, or at one of Alex Lifeson's many 7-day moustache marathons (which Neil always won, as was to be expected from the horrible pirate moustache he had during Rush's early days). Neil's favourite pastime was waxing his drum set, which was rumoured to be so shiny it could theoretically redirect all the light of the Sun to power a giant solar-powered robot version of himself (nicknamed "Neilbot Perfunctory"). Theoretically, of course.

Peart and his Rush bandmates retired from touring in 2015, following the conclusion of their R40 anniversary tour, before retiring from music altogether in 2018. Although not revealed immediately, Lifeson later said that Rush had indeed disbanded due to Peart's chronic tendonitis and other health issues.

Musical style[edit]

Because Neil's kit was so complex, anyone who actually made it through the kit's built in defence system (similar to the one that protected the golden idol in Indiana Jones) and tried playing the kit would be caged in by several dozen tom-toms, cymbals, and useless things like cowbells and woodblocks. It is also said that any drummer who attended a Rush concert and saw one of Peart's mind-blowing solos would commence in chewing their own drumsticks and hopping around on one foot whilst trying to whistle the entire eight minutes and 33 seconds of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again", then give up drums altogether because they knew that no-one would ever be blessed with such power as Neil Peart. Peart also used his big toe to hit the snare and his tongue to hit the splash cymbal, which freed up his other appendages for even more awesome drumplay.

Writing career[edit]

“Mistrust thy neighbor. People should not be afraid of governments; governments should be afraid of people.”
~ Neil Peart on his philosophy

In addition to serving as Rush's primary lyricist, Peart published seven nonfiction memoirs about his cross-country travels, soul-searching, and personal stories, some of which were later adapted into Marvel Comics's Ghost Rider movies. These books were distributed by indie publisher ECW (Extreme Cycling Works) Press. Peart also coauthored, with notorious sci-fi edgelord Kevin J. Anderson, three steampunk fantasy novels based on Rush's final album, Clockwork Angels. The two also wrote a dark fantasy novella, Drumbeats, inspired by Peart's travels in Africa and the locals introducing him to their djembe style of drums.

Death[edit]

Peart embracing his inner Dan Aykroyd.

“You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice.
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice!
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill.
I will choose a path that's clear, I will choose freewill!”
~ Peart's "Spirit of the Radio" sermon, 1980

Peart died on January 7, 2020, after a long battle with brain cancer and a complex time signature he just couldn't nail, rumoured to be 67/68. He was survived by his wife and daughter. Shortly after, Geddy and Alex announced that Rush was no more, and that continuing on without Neil would be tantamount to blasphemy. This stood in contrast to Rush's contemporaries like The Rolling Stones and Yes, who have been extending their lives for decades with the elixir of wholesale lineup changes. Neil is now up there in Heaven, having drumoffs and shooting the shit with John Rutsey.

Following Peart's death in 2020, producer Nick Raskulinecz attempted to find a way, take his chances, be laughed at by time, and possibly get tricked by circumstances to make more Neil Pearts. During Raskulinecz's tests, he discovered that there cannot be two Neil Pearts, as the process to make more Neil Pearts required the presence of the original Peart. The original Neil Peart must personally perch his legendary hat onto a baby's head to christen the child into a new Neil Peart; the original Peart, as if to counter this, was dead, and anyone else putting the beanie on the baby's head wouldn't have the same effect. It's speculated Neil didn't want Rush sullying their good name with inferior clones of past members, similar to what Yes were doing.