As I sit here dealing with the sad passing of Neil Peart, for good reason, commonly known as the legendary drummer and lyricist for the Canadian rock trio Rush, I am less grieved than I was initially and have become more thoughtful. Along with millions of other fans around the world, I cried a lot in the first hours after hearing the news of his death. It hurts a lot, but the tears have subsided.
Rush has played such an important role in my life that it’s impossible to imagine my world without those three guys. My first exposure to her music was sneaking my sister’s Archives album out of her record collection. He would look at his photos and read the notes while listening to the incredible music from that compilation of his first three albums: Rush, Fly By Night and Caress of Steel. I was eleven years old. The following year, 1979, after the release of his fourth album, Hemispheres, my uncle took my sister and me to see them at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, New Jersey. Something cooler couldn’t have happened to a twelve year old.
Although complex at times, the ideas presented in his songs fascinated my young mind and made me think differently about things. Rush were very positive mentors for a child struggling with feelings of alienation, being “different” and the bullies of the schoolyard. They brought me hope. Somehow, just knowing those three guys were out there made me feel better. His songs elevate me to this day.
His music has a load and the lyrics are more than suggestive; they are expanding. Rush told us that it was okay to worry, love, be afraid, wonder, and be different. They made us think and feel. In the song Vital Signs we were told that it is imperative: “Everybody has to deviate from the norm.”
With eleven Rush concerts under my belt, I am well below average for many die-hard fans, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have an impact. Rush has had more impact on my life than any other band, musically and philosophically.
When I think about it, the reason I’m so saddened by Neil Peart’s passing is the reason I’m so inspired to continue and be better than the man I was yesterday. Many of us have been greatly influenced by the words of Neil Peart and his life. He told us, and in fact showed us, how important it is to fill our “wagons” with experiences and wonders. As my train moves along the tracks of life, I will carry them more than ever.
There will be no more shows. No more albums. Rush is forever in our memories and in our ears. The last show my wife and I attended was on August 10, 2015, on row two of the R40 show in Philadelphia, 36 years after my first concert, and the year they announced it would be their last tour. Fans were hoping that there could be at least one other album, but that was the end. Four and a half years later, Neil Peart is gone.
I often thought about what I would say if I ever ran into Neil somewhere during his travels. He was a reserved person, discouraged and embarrassed by flattery. I thought if I ever found him, I would just thank him. The same is true for Alex and Geddy, just a thank you and a handshake. Maybe a selfie.
So there’s only one thing to say now: Rest in peace Neil Peart, and thank you.