Drum Teacher Reaction: NEIL PEART - Rush | 'Marathon' (Drum Cam) Live 2010 | (2021 Reaction)

[@jorgerubio3902]

This is the best drummer of history

[@JCNegri]

It remains impressive to see a master drummer perform like there was no tomorrow. That is what Neil Peart did.

[@sqr2024]

As an old Rush fan I tear up every time when I view a Niel closeup. He was so good and missed.

[@TheoSmith249]

Your not alone. 🥁

[@wendykalman9975]

So do I. If anyone deserved another twenty years, it was him. He entertained, inspired and astonished hundreds of millions of people with his super human performances and stunning composition. RIP Big guy. He and Buddy Rich are now playing a battling snares gig. That would be something to see.

[@davidag90]

It has no sense at all, but I get emotional too everytime watch him play, just like it was my uncle or something. I guess the endless hours listening to RUSH and dreaming about one day play a drumkit to give it my own attempts do their job hahaha. Cheers mate!

[@ashleywoodson752]

You can argue who is the best band, guitarist, singer, there is no contest when it comes to drummers, Neil was the greatest

[@Josemm-gn5jf]

Hands of God..

[@dongpedroyi]

This is one of their masterpieces. Melody, lyrics, musicianship. The whole package.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome Pedro

[@stevemccarty1581]

Sabian Paragon cymbals. custom designed with Neil in on the process.

[@bobespirit2112]

I think it’s fair to say from the early 80’s more attention was put into making Neil’s drums and cymbals than any player on the planet - as the most “important” drummer - I’m sure his manufacturers spent inordinate amounts of time and effort on his custom drums. There’s a video I’ll try to link about the development of his later DW drums. And he writes about his work with DW and Sabian Cymbals in his books - he was highly involved in the process. Fair to say, at this moment, these are the greatest drums and cymbals n the 🌏

[@lauriivey7801]

@@bobespirit2112 I really enjoyed the video of the drums he made from an ancient tree that'd been underwater ... don't remember all the details, but I DO remember that it was very engrossing

[@CHRISTISLORD77]

Yes! There is an interview where he describes how and how many cymbals were made to find the exact sound he wanted. Amazing musician and artist and professional… period. 🙏❤️🥰

[@stevejohnson1577]

I always felt Power Windows was their most underrated album

[@timothysmith160]

Agreed! everything about it was so ridiculously technical and over engineered!

[@RyanTheWebGuy]

My dad's favorite of theirs, too. I like Mystic Rhythms okay, but not a lot of that late 80's era grabs me personally. I love the older stuff, love Presto on. I was never a big fan of the stuff where Alex seemed left out to the keyboards.

[@chinatype2bassrocker809]

I wore out two copies of Power Windows on my walkman in 1986... No one wrote music like this.

[@philproffitt8363]

@@RyanTheWebGuy Alex's solos are sublime on that album IMHO.

[@mayday8602]

Yes, especially Territories.

[@zerglilngvet5428]

rush- lock and key amazing drum fills near the end! :) who agrees with me?

[@greatmusicgoodfeel826]

Neil Peart , Canadian 🇨🇦 Rock hero, rip

[@jasonallen5318]

RIP Neil, you were the best of us.

[@rickhaddad7261]

Neil's the man, but when I hear this song. I'm more blown away by Geddy's bass playing. So much talent in one band. Take care ✌

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yup whole thing is awesome Rick!

[@RoarOfWolverine]

Yep, Geddy takes center stage on this one, like in The Big Money, The Enemy Within and Vital Signs. There are more, but those are the ones that come to mind where Geddy carries the main groove and Alex just comes in with chord accents. These are the songs that boggle the mind that Geddy can shred the main groove while also singing lead vocals? I have a theory that he has two extra brains hidden in his nose. That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it since there’s no other explanation how he sings and plays the bass when their beat structures are completely different.

[@jeremycleary2002]

Geddy Lee is ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous

[@micheandmikey]

I have watched this before, I have watched the actual footage....I don't even care to guess how many times, each and EVERY time the hairs on my arms stand on end. Neil Peart, there may be some really great drummers in the world, but there is / was ONLY one Neil. The Professor will never be matched.

[@loud7070]

He does more in that middle section than most drummers do on an entire album.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

HAHA!

[@johnandrews3568]

what blows me away is how Neil added in so much more in these older songs than what was on the original track. So much more textured and so much more difficult to play.

[@steeleye2112]

Nothing will ever diminish the sheer joy of watching this man doing what he was meant to do. Being robbed of the further writing he would surely have produced will be something I will never get over but I will be forever grateful to have been witness to the words and skill and gentle intelligence of one of the greatest artists we've ever produced. His work and words will be heard as long as there are people around to hear.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes the legacy lives on! Forever

[@Retromolarman]

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@wildbill1726]

After nearly 45 years of concerts, Marathon stands out for me. Presto Tour. An unbelievable concert experience. This is why we are talking about RUSH 10 years and beyond after their retirement.

[@frontprochproduction]

I'm so glad you pointed out what Neil was doing with his left foot on the hi hats during the quiet break down section of the song. One of the things I developed as a performing drummer was the use of my left foot to "play" the hats without having to use the drum sticks on them. I loved adding down beat half and quarter notes with the hat via my left foot while my right hand was playing up beat quarters on the ride cymbal. I have Neil to thank for that. Great thing to point out Sir, what Neil was doing was so subtle, most people would have missed it, but Rush fans didn't..! 😎

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Left foot ostinatos are very important IMO!

[@frontprochproduction]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums I don't know all the technical terms. I was a self taught, meat and potatoes style drummer. But, I learned to play by playing along with Steely Dan and other groups like that and I learned when music feels good it sounds good. Neil's left foot work on that part feels as comfy as an old pair of jeans... 😎

[@ponderingnugget]

This is a great cam to give you an idea of Niel's power. His kit looks like it's going to shake apart. He was a pretty big dude at 6'4" though. Rest In the Pocket professor.

[@none4085]

I believe Neil Peart was quoted as saying something along the lines of "I've worked on my craft my whole life to separate my upper body from my lower body when playing". Legend and missed, I grew up listening to Rush from the early 80's and love them to this day! Rush fans aren't your average individual, most Rush fans I know are highly articulate and intelligent!

[@JR-vc3lq]

The cymbals are Sabian Paragons...Neil’s own line developed in conjunction with the good folks at Sabian. They look amazing and sound fantastic

[@Compendyum]

They are the steampunk Time Machine limited version. Like you said, great design and superb sound. Here's a picture of a pack: www.rushisaband.com/images/201006/1564.f.jpg

[@DirkGently04]

Except I think he always kept one Wuhan China

[@steveo1983]

I wanted to like them so much when I played, but as big a Neil fan I am, I couldn't get into them for my own use. Too heavy for me. In this they sound amazing though.

[@wendykalman9975]

@@steveo1983 Neil Peart was a big powerful guy. You really have to crush those symbals sometimes to get the right sound.

[@jowens1126]

When you're Neil, everyone wants to make wonderful works of percussion art for you to play.

[@rbrlbisland]

Wow! What an incredibly creative drummer Neil was. I could watch him play all day long.

[@jackteppo9633]

Still Rush kicking ass. Great reaction! Damn!! Neil was sure a positive in my life. R.I.P Neil Peart! Alex has a new band.

[@kevinkilduff2064]

One of the most majestic songs in the rock/prog canon, an absolute classic. Watching Neil and his technically perfect approach to playing this tune only justifies the nearly universal belief that he was a musician, lyricist and percussionist nonpareil.

[@cfjelde]

I never took anything for granted. I loved every styling-shift-in-timing-second.

[@gregcampwriter]

In that concert, he played this propulsive beat after playing "Free Will." And he was fifty-eight years old.

[@roblowe373]

An entire series of Neil Peart Drum cams. All worth watching.

[@gregcormier2379]

The cymbals Neil is playing are his signature Sabian’s. I love how Neil is able to introduce so many different dynamics into the music while still keeping such great time.

[@brettking1014]

I’m a guitar player and been a Rush fan for 40 years. I’ve heard this song thousands of times, but I never picked up on some of the aspects of this song that you do. And it’s only your first listen! Lol! Thanks Rooney, it’s great to see a reaction that can teach this old salt something. 😎

[@ryanlenihan427]

Guitar player also. Loved Alex Neil and Geddy for years. I already regarded Neil as one of if not the greatest drummer of all time, but this video elevates my respect and love for Neil even more.

[@martymcpeak4748]

The Professor gone but not forgotten.. it just leaves me in awe of him when I think about him still playing the way he did and with all the technical prowess and fire he played with knowing he had brain cancer. Fu$k Cancer.

[@jimtatro6550]

This is one of my favorite Rush songs from the 80’s, this song always gets my blood pumping, of course the only time I run is when I’m being chased.😂🔥🎧👍

[@paulgarcia1566]

Great work out song while rowing or jogging too!

[@syd_luna]

@@paulgarcia1566 I was gonna say, totally a great workout song! Need a bit of uplifting, and motivating music? Marathon is the answer to that!

[@Mboogie69]

Just so much fun watching anyone that good at what they do and even better when it’s one of your personal favorites. Rush was something special with 3 elite musicians

[@edwardvanleppard2774]

I’m with you brother! I must have seen Rush at least 20 times and fortunately I got to see their last tour in Atlanta.

[@stevehope6283]

Indeed!! The first album I HAD to buy was 2112! RIP Neil and thus RUSH..

[@CristianoGimenesGoulartFilho]

I know that this isn’t a “perfect” playing, but the beauty behind this video is that, he’s playing a song that he hasn’t played for about 25 years, he’s old and this is completely live, zero editions on his playing... If you consider all these factors, it’s pretty awesome to see how amazing drummer he still was on his latest years of Rush!

[@mycheldavis9098]

remember also, his style changed in the 90's, he has a looser feel to his playing, it sounds fantastic. A lot of Rush fans don't seem to like his relaxed playing style unfortunately.

[@dansouth2088]

There will only be one NEP. The ghost notes on the ride at the end are just amazingly wonderful.

[@robgas7507]

Hola fellow Rush fans and good day Andrew. Considering this was released in 1985 I’m still amazed at Neil’s imagination back then and how over the concert scene it’s been tastefully added to. Thanks again Andrew for a great break down and pointing out even more things about his great playing.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks for watching Rob!

[@heronpachecocrego7735]

That's Rush! You know, all the songs are wonderful... I mean ALL of them!!

[@wendykalman9975]

" Ho did he do that?" Is what even other professional say a lot when they watch Neil Peart. He is the GOAT of drumming. Nobody else even comes close. So sad that he's gone 😞.

[@sotitofanschop]

FFS marathon always gives me the chills. All that energy at the end. What a great f song.

[@joebeach7759]

Those are his signature line of cymbals. BIG money, but worth every penny. I think DW has his signature drum line also. They did a tour of the factory explaining how they put the drums together and it's amazing not only what they are made out of. But how. You'll have to look that up. It's amazing!

[@dianaa9826]

One of my favourite Rush songs. RIP Neil Peart "The Professor" "The Master", simply the best ever!!! You Sir will go down in history as the greatest drummer of all time.... Great reaction Andrew.

[@oh8wingman]

I watched an interview with Neil Peart some time ago and part the purpose of the interview was to ask simply "where did his direction come from when he played"? His response was something that made a hell of a lot of sense when you thought about it. He said that he never wanted to play the same riff more than once in any of Rushes songs. He didn't want his playing to be predictable because predictability could soon become boring and you lost your audience. He related that you still had to keep the beat in time to the composition but you could vary any and all of those extra "splashes, cadences, and time signatures" as he played. The amazing thing was he could keep all of this in his head for each and every song in the Rush library and play them flawlessly night after night for their audiences and fans. I don't think there is another drummer out their who could manage to do what he did should there ever be another Rush composition written.

[@S_M_360]

Forgot how much I loved this one. On Hold Your Fire 🤔

[@charlieYTonly]

Love how the hi-hats in the first two verses are locked into what the bass is doing. So tight.

[@paulgarcia1566]

And just think this was only 1 song out of the 27-30 songs plus a 10-minute drum solo he played that evening and all played with the same level of intensity.

[@CygnusX73]

One of my all time favorite songs.

[@chrisandersen5635]

The keyboard era was interesting and different. They explored a lot territory and annoyed more than a few fans, but I gotta say, these songs sounded huge in the arenas. Geddy had a lot of fun with those sounds, textures, and it pushed both Neil and Alex in their creativity. Hard to believe, but it made them all better musicians and composers and performers. I think.

[@ewhartiii]

I've listened to the entire studio discography of several bands I particularly like, and between Scorpions, Rush, Chicago, Queen, and Kansas, Rush was the only band that always were always original and innovative throughout their entire career, never becoming stale, bland, or trite. They also always sounded as if even their most complicated works were easily done. Watching these reaction videos has made me appreciate even more how tight and proficient they are as musicians.

[@seamusburke639]

What I love about Neil's playing on this song; he doesn't go for his usual tom fills during the solo. It's mostly the snare and the crash cymbals. It's not busy, but it's no less energetic.

[@trailchasing5081]

Rush keep exceeding the high point in this song. When you think it can't get any better, they prove you wrong!

[@lindapryor3747]

Still one of my favorites. Wish I could thumbs up again!

[@TheEasyeman]

The cymbals are Sabian made specifically for Neil- Paragon but are now readily available

[@terrys8690]

The clips of him playing this on the Hold Your Fire version are even better.

[@gregoryvlchek269]

Neil's cymbals are his signature Sabian "Paragon" line, which were developed with his input with Sabian cymbalsmiths. For this Time Machine tour, the cymbals' edges were made bearing clock wheel cogs. Nice, eh?

[@tunawookie]

Never knew I could miss somebody so much, who I never knew

[@stephen83546]

I know I shouldn't say my favourite Rush I know their catalogue is immense with Masterpiece after Masterpiece but this is one of my all-time favourites lyrically drums Alex Getty of course oh my gosh when they played this at the Gibson Amphitheatre in California on one of their last tours it was so epic oh my gosh I can't even describe to you how elated I was to hear the song and to be able to see it one last time before they finished touring rest in peace Neil Peart

[@philproffitt8363]

Studio version is a hella uplifting composition...you feel the pace of running a marathon (I imagine) with slow start...then takes you on the journey...struggle and then glorious finish. Like sun on your face, sweat in your eyes...euphoric strings (real) as you cross the line. Whole album Power Windows...a drummer/composer's delight I'm sure.

[@rushfanjames2112]

First seeing Rush back in 76, i became a lifelong fan since. Seeing 2 maybe 3 shows each consecutive tour was a long never ending dream. The memories i have are priceless. Seen many other bands and such, but Rush was always the pinnacle of performance. Very few other bands have attained that. My only other priceless memories were from seeing Stevie Ray Vaughan ( i’m a guitar player 🎸 ) many many times. So fortunate to have been born when i was.

[@jackteppo9633]

Neil is da best!! So much fun watching him perform. R.I.P. The Professor.

[@deejaegirard966]

Neil is the best drummer in my eyes..... RIP

[@enriquemora9272]

Thank you Andrew. For me Neil's talents are beyond technical skills, his compositional approach to each song is the real thing. Very creative. You should check out the Subdivisions isolated drum cam version.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I will Enrique! I'll get to it!

[@grumish]

Thats a great vid

[@StGeoRUSH619]

Paragon cymbals, is a line of cymbals made by Sabian, that was designed specifically for drummer Neil Peart (R*I*P*)

[@jonathancant2031]

He is ambidextrous. The cymbals are his signature Sabian Paragon series - but these were special addition versions made for the Time Machine Tour

[@progordie]

My hero ❤❤❤ RIP Professor

[@DavidS-rd7kr]

the bass drum overpowers everything else in the drum mix

[@furmanodell]

Great 80's Rush song.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Yes!

[@samtaylor7762]

One of my favorite songs from a favorite album! I always had to play this when I biked to college in the morning!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome Samuel!

[@Spudman-mp2by]

You asked if he was ambidextrous. Neil stated one of his “drumming” goals was to be able to play 2 different tempos at once. I think that would prove yes, he was. One tempo with his feet and the other with his hands. He was able to do it in his later years during his drum solo.

[@joeday4293]

What a song. One of Rush's mid-period best, with typically poetic and aspirational lyrics courtesy of Neil, to say nothing of his impeccably orchestrated drum part. Neil didn't simply play the drums in Rush, he wrote drum parts, parts that he executed the same way every time, that are some of the finest composed drum parts in rock history. This song, along with Genesis' "Cinema Show" and Billy Cobham's "Spectrum," is how I learned how to play in 7. Speaking of amazing lyrics and an impeccably orchestrated drum part, I'm renewing my request for "Subdivisions."

[@killdozer3464]

Those are Neal's signature cymbals, I bought my complete set for $2700, totally worth it. They go great with my $899 drumset. if you ever see one of the crashes or the hi-hats at a store, one strike, and you will be in love.

[@emsig70]

I really consider myself a huge Rush fan, but watching your videos makes me appreciate Neil Peart's drumming even more. Thank you for doing this (and all the other awesome videos) - cheers!

[@Meatball2022]

This is my favorite rush song! So glad you found this

[@davewhitscott]

Your mentioning how the kit really moves reminds me of an article where other musicians comment on how hard he truly kits the heads. Truly amazing.

[@Rich-wi7dn]

Great video. One of my favorite Rush songs. I was fortunate to see them in concert three times and they were amazing.

[@wendykalman9975]

"The whole kit is shaking" 🤓. Neil was a big, strong guy. Famous not only for being the undisputed GOAT of percussion, also for wrecking drum heads like they were paper.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Oh wow. I didn't know he was a savage on the heads like that. Thanks Wendy!

[@wendykalman9975]

@@AndrewRooneyDrums Not always, yet he could really hammer them when he wanted. There's a documentary that shows him nonchalantly punching through a kick drum. Perhaps the kit was trembling in fear 😳

[@jamesplanche5352]

80’s Rush! The Best!!!

[@douglasdorman9322]

absolute hidden gem! That breakdown in the guitar solo section, that kit is just shaking like crazy! Power and craftsmanship! Brilliant!

[@pasqualecandelora2878]

The king of composition!🤴

[@yongewok]

The cymbals are his Paragon line, and these ones with the cogwheel design were custom for the clockwork tour

[@airsickgrove]

On exit stage left dvd & vhs there is version of By-Tor & The Snow Dog that has Neil Doing fills & breaks that would make your jaw drop!

[@MooreDrumGab]

He's always been comfortable switching hands but even more fluid after studying with Freddy Gruber. He said in interviews he always wanted more facility in playing open handed and riding with his left, but for us mortal drummers he was already light years ahead. I was always blown away after seeing him play at several RUSH shows from the 80s on. He was the real deal!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Awesome Danny. I would have loved to have seen him live :)

[@toddcrookham515]

You ( New Zealand ) got robbed of one of the all time greatest trio's to stand in the Lime Light!

[@DirkGently04]

ALWAYS get goosebumps at the half time at the end... even in this reaction video :-)

[@butchgifford1809]

Have most of (as I,A Neil Peart Fan) ever noticed how Neil always moves his head,to the right,"every time he hits on the main beat?!?" Neil Peart,(aka)The Professor,truly earned this name,for lots of reasons!! But the main reason to me,is because his mind and brain alone,alone, in itself a Metrodome as well!!!!! R.I.P NEIL,YOU ARE VERY MISSED!

[@timrobinson9192]

At 9:21 to 9:22 I'm almost sure his stick tip goes flying off ... watched a few times, something goes flying off ! That's what I WAS going to add in the comments! Now I'll say it's a fly zipping past in "Rooney's" room :) , it certainly caught me out with its timing! Awesome reaction Andrew, loved this one as much as any Rush video. Stay well friend and keep up the awesome work :) 👍👍👍☮☮☮ Can't believe I didn't realise it was outside the Rush video window , happened so quickly.

[@mightyV444]

My 15-year-old Son is a keyboarder, and 'Marathon' is his favourite song by Rush 🙂 Me, I find it impossible to have only *one* Rush favourite! 😄 I'm also a bassist and actually love the bass parts even better than the drumming in that song 😀

[@warren_r]

The bass part in this song is SO MUCH FUN to play. But of course the real goal is to play both the bass and keyboard parts.

[@mightyV444]

@@warren_r - ...while also singing the lead vocals! 😉

[@mightyV444]

@@warren_r - Another great example of that goal is 'Subdivisions'! 🙂

[@joeday4293]

Raisin' that boy right, I tell ya whut.

[@mightyV444]

@@joeday4293 - Thank you very much, Joe! 😊

[@michaelw.carter8729]

He was so amazing! I’ve spent most of my life trying to play like him. I’m getting there. 🥁❤️🤘🏻

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Keep going Michael!

[@timothysmith160]

please Show us some Video! i would gladly watch it with some chilled beers!

[@michaelw.carter8729]

@@timothysmith160 I’m not set up for it. I’m still gearing up at the moment.. But weed is expensive. 😁 I just bought a new 16” china I’m waiting on. Can’t wait to hear what it sounds like. 🤘🏻

[@TheWhippinpost]

Rush, masters of crescendo; in no small part thanks to Neil. Unrelated, I hadn't noticed before but I can hear Geddy's overdubbed harmony towards the end; in no small part thanks to Alex's less than shining live backing vox :D

[@caryd67]

4:05 Neil did occasionally play open-handed although he was right handed. Way back in I think 1982 on the Signals album, he stated that he had to learn to play openhanded for the song “The Weapon”. Those cymbals are Sabian Neil Peart Paragon signature series. I have the 22” ride, but I don’t play it. I bought it years ago as a collectable, although it’s a quite common cymbal. It’s very dry, with a lot of ping, not too much ring.

[@lisaharrison1031]

There are quite a few of these “drum cam” videos of Neil during concerts. You should do more of them. They’re awesome!!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

I will Lisa!

[@nandopolesel]

The cymbals are Sabian Paragon model. Designed specifically for Neil with custom design

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Thanks for the info!

[@garyhenry7193]

Best drummer ever, even better than Mr Bonham RIP Neil. You are still No1.

[@trailchasing5081]

The transition at 5:21 melts my brain!

[@srYYZ]

I love the fact these live drum cam videos keep the tsamples he triggers nice and loud. You can see him hit the tyre screeching sound at about 2:07 with his left hand. The trigger is just above and to the left of his snare.

[@TonyIvey-z6g]

The snare sounds like gun shots! Cuts like a sword!

[@GregCobb]

I just ran across this. He reminds me of Shawn Lane who played 16 notes a second on guitar. When I listen or watch, it's too fast for me to comprehend but I love it. BTW, I'm not a musician in that sense but a crew guy. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@nandopolesel]

I love your reaction to this band. It’s so honest, and concise. They are my favourite band such masters

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

🙏

[@DNR5586]

Oh how I wish there was a drum cam version of Marathon from the Show of Hands DVD. That is my all time favorite live performance from Rush, and he played it much closer to the studio version. I know, I know, that was 22 years prior!

[@frankumana2585]

Another great one- enjoy your reactions immensely! Look for Neil Peart live in Hershey Pa drum solo- it’s a bootleg but he was spot on that night ,,

[@zippei]

right at 3:38 to 3:39 on your clip, you can see Neil hits a trigger. It sits at 11:00 O' clock from his snare drum.

[@chrisaustin8442]

I believe those are Sabian cymbals, Andrew. From the man himself (RIP): kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vUqZyNoq1qbKc Just came across that link yesterday by chance, it's NP's take on his gear setup...

[@HaydnMowbray]

Thanks for posting that Chris, interesting overview

[@nikkari69]

That power in his playing :O