On January 7th, 2020, the music world lost a true legend.
Neil Peart, the drummer and lead lyricist of Canadian rock band Rush passed away at age 67. Born and raised in He was fighting a three and a half year battle with brain cancer that eventually took his life. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, and raised in St. Catherines, Peart’s connection to the province and the country runs deep.
Peart will always be remembered as one of the greatest drummers, and musicians of all time. Alongside Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, the trio truly put Canada on the map.
So how will Peart be remembered here in London?
Nicholas Walker has been a drum teacher in the city for the last 20 years.
“I’m going to remember Neil in a very positive way, he was a super talented, super nice guy that was always learning” says Walker.
Though Peart wasn’t one of the reasons Walker decided to drum, he says the majority of his students want to play because of Neil.
“For me personally I was amazed by Steve Gadd” says Walker.
“Most of my students however have either heard of him, or have wanted to play because of Neil and how great he really was.”
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Peart will go down as one of the greatest Canadian musicians ever. Because of the band’s play, Walker says they essentially put Canada ‘on the map’ with their sound.
“Neil meant everything to the Canadian music scene, he essentially put Canada on the map musically. They basically pioneered the progressive rock sound in Canada and in the United States.”
Greg Johnson, another local drummer here in London has been playing for around fifty years now. He says there will never be another Neil Peart.
“He was an incredible drummer, as well as a lyricist and writer” says Johnson.
“The ability for him to compose these highly orchestrated drum parts, his constant pursuit of perfection in his craft in both writing and playing drums especially was just amazing.”
Peart’s music touched the lives of so many people, and it’s safe to say that he will be deeply missed by all.
