Neil Peart: In Memory: 1952-2020

View the full tribute: HudsonMusic.com/neil-peart
The drumming world, and musical world as a whole, lost a giant when Neil Peart passed away on Tuesday, January 7th, 2020.
Hudson Music shared a long history with Neil, collaborating on two educational DVD/Video projects, Anatomy of a Drum Solo, and Taking Center Stage, as well as the career retrospective book, also titled Taking Center Stage. Prior to these project, Rob Wallis and Paul Siegel collaborated with Neil on the Warner Bros release, A Work in Progress.
Below is a collection of tributes, memories, photos and video from our time with Neil, as well as some memories from fellow drummers.
We hope you enjoy this tribute to our friend, Neil Peart.

[@skylerreddy5436]

A musician that did everything out of discipline instead of drugs and alcohol. A real musician indeed.

[@Chinookman]

Freshman year of college, it's Friday evening, Sept. 2, 1988. It's my Birthday but I don't know anyone. School has just started and I'm a kid from Alaska in Boston. I wander into a room that's blasting Rush at full volume, there are posters on the walls. I introduce myself to the two guys. They're both Sophomores. 33 years years ago and almost not a day goes by that I don't chat or text with my buddy Phil from that chance meeting over a cranked stereo. I listen to Rush a lot, but especially on my Birthday. Thank you Rush. Thank you Neil.

[@drumfanatik316]

Anyone else in tears while they’re watching this? Then the chills at the end when he starts to speak as he rides off into the sunset? R.I.P. Neil!

[@bigchainring1977]

Yup!

[@XxBloggs]

Yes

[@darrellpearson2236]

He has always been an inspiration! Need I say more?? RIP and miss you and your talent!! Thanks for all you are and have been!!!

[@markkuvuori4300]

Such a great person and musician...he didn't survive illness I have on my head now... not just tears, more like a fountain from my eyes.

[@djdavebats2372]

Yea that last two minutes. Im not crying ... i just have something in my eye, both of em.

[@groovewithpassiondrumlesso2348]

Neil Peart was an Icon in the world of music and drumming. I know this is often said but he truly is my favorite drummer of all time. My uncle introduced me to Rush when I was 10 in 1977. I have spent many hours attempting to air drum to many of their songs. I was telling my Worship Leader in church this morning how as Neil would do when Rush was preparing for a tour I "rehearse to rehearse." Neil would always start practicing on his own before joining Geddy and Alex. When I put an elastic strap on my right pant leg to keep it from catching on the bass drum beater, yeah I learned that from "The Professor." R.I.P. Neil. We miss you everyday but your Amazing legacy lives on in your music and your incredible influence.

[@Kristi314159]

"no" I fucking love this man. He thinks in dimensions we can not imagine. I really hope he had enough fun. He deserved it. Everybody loves this man.

[@maziu27]

Is it weird that I miss someone that I've never met? Because I really miss Neil. Huge inspiration not for drumming just for everything

[@stephenwebb921]

It’s not weird at all. So many like you and I feel the same way..

[@erikb5150]

I had this discussion with my ex; who challenged me one time, mourning over the loss of a musician. Her question was exactly that, "how can you be so upset and distressed by a loss of a person you've never met?" And I answered this way "I did know him, just on a different level. He was in my every day whether it be on my stereo, car radio or even just in my thoughts or memories for decades since I first heard him. I grew up with him, developed, laughed at his interviews, went on in-depth mind journeys listening to him describe his writing. He carried me through hard times and celebrated times too with his music, and was even at landmark occasions (with his energy) So how did I not know him? I waned on his every word!" That's how important-to-us musicians/celebrities work. We allow them a place in our mind and our hearts and become part of our life, so when they're gone...it hurts like hell!" RIP Neil there will be a hole and hurt for many, whose ears, minds and hearts you occupied 🥁

[@tracy3139]

No, it’s not weird at all ... I think that what’s happening is that the artist ... Neil in this case, touched you more than you ever could imagine. He touched your soul. Keep on being inspired! The world needs more people like you ... God Bless y’all ... 😇

[@michaelleonetti8564]

Please read his books brilliant

[@cvn6555]

No. It is not weird at all. Even though we were not in his life his words and music were in ours.

[@scratty70]

... Who the hell left a thumbs down? This "🖕" is for u! Neil was / is an absolute legend & inspiration to pretty much everyone who puts a drum stick in their hand. A massive loss to the world of drumming 😢💔🙏 RIP Neil 🙏 !j! 🥁 🏍️

[@chrisrichardson7523]

Well done, Jim.

[@hihi2667]

you caring so much about someone downvoting this video would make Neil frown, he's talked many times about letting criticisms not bother you, even malicious ones. Saying fuck you to the these people makes you no better, and Neil would agree.

[@albafaireness7114]

The 'thumbs down' are from those who burst into tears watching this and weren't _man_ enough to admit it!

Well...they deserve it..i mean the third finger up...

[@marygirardin5300]

I know, right???

[@johndelvisco4528]

AS of December 27,2020 what I want to know is WHO are the 8 idiots that gave this video a THUMBS DOWN???? Just goes to show even in the Man's death, these idiots can't be pleased. Rest In Piece Neil. I have followed your music since 1980 and your loss is a tremendous hole in my life and the Rock industry.

[@zietgiestnewspeak6143]

"Suddenly you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon." -NP

[@markheckman3987]

Outstanding amazing person

[@gregoryyoung8819]

It's just fascinating that one of the world's greatest drummers; one of the world's greatest bass players; and one of the world's greatest guitarists, all played in the same band.

[@troygier991]

2020 is a terrible year. I'm still crying and can't stop. I went out and bought 2112 and Moving Pictures albums and I don't have a record player. Partying with Canadians at Joe Louis arena at my first RUSH concert as a kid. I WILL NEVER FORGET.

[@bjk777]

You know it, bro! #Canada #eh

[@geoffmcwiggan2814]

God bless you Neil 👍🥃🇦🇺

[@roman14032]

i really think neil was the only rock star who ever did being a rock star totally right

[@erro7653]

So did his bandmates.

[@marklittle8805]

He would be horrified to be called a star, but that was Neil...he just wanted to be a great drummer....he didn't think he should be famous

[@MikeOxlong-]

@@marklittle8805so true!!!

[@Rezqewr]

Neil, as well as Alex and Geddy, were the anti-rock stars. An intensely private man, Neil was seen as stand-offish by his fans, as he rarely granted interviews or signed autographs. The song "Limelight" brings into focus, the immense pressure that musicians face, whilst trying to please their audiences. His lyric "I can't pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend" from Limelight kinda' says it all. Music was a job, to which he always strove to improve and perfect.

[@skinykeny]

To me, they were all arguably perfect.

[@logiman]

RIP NEP. The dear friend I never met.

[@longbeard3685]

Perfect way of saying it. Much Respect.

[@cvn6555]

It is ironic that so many feel so close to Neil because of his presence in their lives yet it mystified him that it was that way. I wonder if he ever understood just how much he meant to us all.

[@logiman]

@@cvn6555 Great comment. That's exactly how I felt. Rush was part of so many memories over the years... whether it be concerts or listening to their music with friends. Unfortunately, I don't believe he did. I don't think he looked at it that way. Geddy and Alex seemed to come to understand it or at least make peace with it. Neil certainly understood he wouldn't have been where he was without fans. But, he shunned any kind of adulation other than appreciating the respect of his peers. Not your typical rock star. Oddly, that's one of the things that was so intriguing about him.

[@longbeard3685]

@@cvn6555 I feel Neil did on a certain level but didn't understand the obsession of it all...He loved Keith Moon but didn't want to seek out his Hotel room.I know I would have knocked on his door as a teenager ha ha I also feel or think ha ha that Neil was just so damn Humble of a Person and could not understand his own importance on an Emotional level for us all...does that make any sense? I'm trying to work through it lol

[@cvn6555]

@@longbeard3685 I don't know. By all accounts he was very humble, intelligent and thoughtful. A very private person. Those who knew him could probably tell us more but hopefully they respect his privacy. All we need to know is that we were blessed to have his presence for as long as we did.

[@howardderosier2190]

Neil we miss you so! Thank you for the years of rock!

[@bushater69]

What a hero!

[@JF-kv1gm]

Oh, just saw this now, a week after what would've been his 68th birthday. Great to see these clips of him laughing. I finished reading "Ghost Rider" a few days ago, making it last as long as I possibly could. Man, still brings a lump to the throat knowing that he is no longer physically with us. What a huge loss. 😔💗🙏

[@donaldcausey6787]

He was so great people said he was not human!,a robot or even an alien ! GOD bless you Neil, i miss and love you brother!!

[@timsears951]

Before there were a few drum idols ...probably my biggest drum idol before Neil was Lee Kerslake of Uriah Heep ... then Neil came along in 76' and blew my young mind immediately ...I was hooked ...for life ...............this was great ...seeing a side of Neil we dont normally see from him ..the stoic serious drummer guy...but Neil was very funny as well as his cohorts Misters Lee & Lifeson...I always have to mention those other 2 because they were just as important as Neil....thank you Neil you were the sail beneath my wings...rest easy...

[@skwaihee]

The only rock concert you see audience bringing drumsticks and playing air drums.

[@Buzz2112c]

He inspired me to not only be a better drummer, but also bassist, guitar player, musician, perfectionist, but mostly be a better human being than alot of, "role models", that are out there today. Sometimes I could just weep for the world when comparing it to somebody like Neil. RIP my never met friend.

[@drumhead75]

Nine months later and this one still hurts incredibly bad. I haven’t quite fully grasped never sitting on the floor at a Rush show waiting for the tarp to come off the gear when the house lights go down. Those moments of intense joy will forever be etched in my brain. May you forever Rest In Peace Professor.

[@rockettbobebuzzbuzzimit7620]

Bobebuzz Steele World Class ROCK Drummer BECAUSE Of Neil Peart My Mentor, My Teacher, My Family Member Through Marriage, been to that Country Farm That NO one knows about many times THANK YOU Neil R.I.P.

[@justmyself1000]

Most of us fell in love with the music of Rush. The Innocence the practicality and the purity and especially the integrity. Mr. Neil Peart exemplifies all of these qualities as do all the members of Rush! I read the comments on this KZbin video and notice everyone who has written the comment is a good writer. Also many of you mentioned that you are musicians. As myself. It is amazing how good things bring good people together. Enjoying reading the comments! Many of your comments have given me a different perspective and looking at Mr. Peart And Rush. To me the song, "Subdivisions" encompasses many things here and is a theme for our likeness of Mr. Peart and Rush. Sometimes I feel like an outcast for being a huge fan and "getting" things that are Rush. Then I read comments and talk to others and don't feel so alone... we are our own "Subdivision!"

[@MrUnderdog-vn3zf]

Yeah! Conform or be cast out!! 😠 🤣

[@cvn6555]

Brothers in Rush!

[@luftwaffe6521]

The music when I first heard Rush, made me a fan. After reading the lyrics, Rush became my favorite band. Their music composition is magnificent and the lyrics mostly by Neil are simply outstanding. Thanks Alex, Geddy, and Neil for the music of my youth and my life. So fortunate to have seen Rush live. There will be fans of Rush yet to be born. All they will have are videos. God Bless Alex and Geddy. Mr. Peart I pray your soul is at peace and you are well with your departed wife and daughter. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@markfoust8491]

Cried likes baby. I miss Neil

[@Meatball2022]

One of the most wonderful and impactful human beings that has ever graced the earth…

[@scottzappa9314]

This is another one on Neil that brought tears to my eyes. What a profound man. RIP Neil, we all love you.

[@tu9110]

How do you not love and respect this man ? RIP Neil. Your fans will never forget you.

[@Humanssmell]

Life threw blows at him and he got on a motorcycle to see the world instead of dope. I am a drummer and saw Rush a few times, It really was magical to see them perform. When I heard he had passed I've literally had to sit down and just think about life and my younger years and seeing them perform and all the other bands I saw from Black Sabbath to journey to Genesis to Jefferson starship. Those types of bands are no more and it's sad. RIP Neil now that you're with your family.

[@Deadbolthead]

Reading the comments and thinking my own personal reflections of Neil and of Rush and the impact they had on me growing up. Then I think about just how uncomfortable Neil would be with all of the praise, thoughts and hero status everybody is giving him. Well, he’s just going to have to deal with it, because he earned every personal celebration on here. Truly he was an elite musician and human. Forever missed but how lucky are we to have captured him in our memories along with uncountable recordings. We will all have inner thoughts provoked every time we hear them on the radio for the rest of our lives. What a true gift from Neil to us all.

[@adambrown1728]

That scene of him riding off into the sunset moved me like very few others things have--what a loss for music and decent human beings everywhere. Love you forever, Neil. RIP

[@glendeitz2308]

There will never be another drummer like Neil Peart.

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

RIP Neil. A Legend in my lifetime. He will live on forever in our hearts and souls.

[@inglepropnoosegarm7801]

Drummer-philosopher-poet. An inspirational man.

[@johngarin8290]

Wonderful Human full of Wisdom, In his own views on Living & playing is all the Ethos of Living Bless him, Bugga the greats, I could never keep up to him, but as 1 of the Greats He will Always be Remembered with Love & Respect, Love & V Hugs to his Family &of Friends . Thanks for Top Shelf doco , Perfect , Merci X

[@jorgesanchezbalmaseda1436]

That's JUST so gorgeous!!

[@TheMaidensTrooper]

The thing that always got me about Neil, he never stopped learning as a drummer. So humble and so kind. We didn't lose one of the greatest drummers of the Prog Rock genre or any genre. The world lost a great human being. I seen them on the Moving Pictures tour in 82 in Davenport Iowa. Palmer Auditorium and Max Webster opened. Place only held maybe 2500 people, that night I learned it was about practicing your craft and learned during a 2 and a half hour set what a REAL Musician is. RIP Professor.

[@kisanetjoseph4419]

Great man the best will miss you professor thank you for all your work my favorite drummer all time one great person.

[@mikefranciosa5613]

every drummers favorite drummer ! teach em PROFESSOR ! ! ! a class act ! RIP ! ! !

[@JohnnyTorontoEh]

Watching this on the 1 year anniversary of his passing. RIP Neil.

[@sammyinbrooklyn]

Im 52. I decided to make Rush "my band" in 9th grade. At 52 half of what Neil says goes over my head. And thats okay. He was a teacher and ive blamed many people for ripping off Rush, when Neil was simply repeating what he had learned. This is a tough one. Its not Farrah Fawcet or Andy Gibb. Its knowing ill never see them tour again. He'll never write or play again. A man who lost so much and rebuilt again. Never let us know how sick he was, so private, with good reason. This passing hit like a ton of bricks. "Suddenly you were gone.." Rest in peace Neil Peart.

[@fatzjohnny]

A small part of Neil's legacy, something I would hope would make him smile, is that all of my grand children will watch, listen, and learn about music from his teachings. Nothing could make me happier.

[@jayrojas1902]

2nd place is irrelevant. There are no other drummers. Blessed to have been able to see them even if it was only once. Thank You and RIP

[@reneetje17]

Those last sentences are truly amazing.......little drops of water came out of my eyes...

[@tompricedrummer]

We all miss you Neil! :(

[@shaundonohue4879]

Thankyou for all the inspiration and brilliant music ,God bless you Neil. R I,P.

[@troyottosen8722]

He was still kicking ass in his 60’s! Best drummer ever! Simple!

[@dwessels100]

RUSH !!!! Is the Best Band TO EVER COME OUT OF "ROCK & ROLL'" And NEIL PEART is THE BEST PERCUSSIONISTS IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL. HANDS DOWN!

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

I miss Neil so much.😔

[@bobbyboombatz1489]

That was the nicest doc. Miss you Professor 😢

[@Blantston]

Just finished watching the RUSH documentary on Netflix. Wow what a beautiful story told in regards to the entire band. You can really feel the respect and admiration the others had for him. Quite the literary student which shines through in his song writing. RIP!

[@JackKeyian]

Thee most loveable person in the history of Rock and Roll -

[@newbowler_7669]

God Bless Neil Peart

[@taylormurphy7717]

The best drummer and lyricst ever😎🤟

[@chrissett4245]

He is greatly missed... He wrote the tapestry of right words throughout my teen & adult life. Rest in peace Neil and thank you

[@TheCjc34]

To many say "the best" when talking about musicians and I think there is no "best" but this man inspired children and adults alike from all of the world to become a drummer. For that he was simply great. RIP Neil, You will certainly be missed by millions.

[@MrBostonrobb]

Stunning musician. PERIOD.

[@mrlurp]

Such an inspiration. Can’t even describe how much.

[@alancooper7497]

Nothing but love for Neil.Never met him but his life and all he did for us and the world will be with us forever more. I owe him and always will owe him and be eternally grateful for everything he has taught and continues to teach me. January is going to be tough.I still remember the feeling when I heard that he had died. Thank you for this. You will always be missed and we will never forget you.

[@TelextheWhiskyTech]

I cried as soon as this started playing this.... Damn.... BEST LYRICIST - DEFINITELY UNDERRATED - BEST DRUMMMER next to all the greats like Rich.... I just can't watch =( There will NEVER EVER be another..... 6 folks need their thumbs removed, obviously, they know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about percussion.....

[@anthonydavella8350]

dont worry about those sadass people

[@DistantEarlyWarning611]

This man was such an inspiration and it didn't matter if you were a drummer, guitar player, piano player or even a musician. The man sought perfection in everything he did.

[@garycordle5295]

Thank you for sharing this story,we all miss you, but you will never be forgotten.🙏

[@joemillo]

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Neil isn't finished inspiring and touching lives.

[@whtlyt]

Love Rush and Neils drumming skills ! A truly talented man, and remarkable personality . RIP Neil Peart and may your legacy live on for many generations .

[@JS-cu5ec]

He affected my life in a profound way starting at age 17 when I finally started to break free from the shackles of society in high school. The lyrics and musicianship live yet in me.

[@TK-cl1jm]

Best drummer I ever saw perform live. RIP Neil.

[@garytoro2]

A Great Drummer, musician and truly humble guy. Very sad but his memory and music will go on forever. RIP Neil.

[@leddygee1896]

Neil, you wouldn’t have Believed what happened To the world after you passed. It was a far better place Before you left us. Rest in Power, Professor…

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Thanks Neil! His books are excellent BTW....filled with charm, wit and wisdom 🙏

[@RockandeRangern]

A very fine and sensitive tribute. What an amazing human beeing he was. Still can’t belive he’s gone, from all the lives he left a mark upon.

[@shrewd1245]

You got that right. It just feels so surreal, and it hurts. A brilliant man and a brilliant musician. Individuals like Neil only come around once in a lifetime. I'm so grateful I was able to see him perform live, and to be alive and experience the music of Rush as the years passed by. Nothing today even comes close. Nothing.

[@josephgiarraffa6379]

He was one in the world a very special person Nobody creates drum parts music and lyrics like Neil I cried like a baby when he passed and I mean that literally RIP Neil Peart

[@stroker-ve4ru]

THIS IS A MAN I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO KNOW PERSONALLY.THE WAY HE SPOKE AT THE END IS PURE NEIL. GONE WAY TOO SOON BUT NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN,RIP.

[@merlin4809]

Out of all the kicks in the nuts that comprised 2020, this one hurt the most. I have been a fan since 1978, his passing left a hole that cannot be filled.

[@jimbolen6364]

Yeah, right there with you. Still hurts, and I can't believe that it's real.

[@jaymcconnell3840]

Ooof. Such a loss. So much integrity, brilliance, and love of life.

[@rickromski4618]

I came late to the Rush Adoration Society. I'm a 70 year old child of the 60's and my thing has always been classic rock. I was never into heavy metal or progressive rock. I always like a couple of their songs like Spirit of Radio and Limelight but a couple of years ago I happened to catch a video and Neal caught my attention and drew me in. Rush was an acquired taste but once acquired I fell in love with the band, especially Neal. His interviews are professorial, philosophical, cerebral and professional. I've been to many concerts, Hendrix, The Doors, Let Zeppelin, The Who, Bowie,,,,,, etc. I have never seen The Stones, Beatles, Springsteen, Dead. I don't miss not having seen them in concert but I really miss never seeing

[@Jeff-rh8mq]

I just hope we realize what we have lost!

[@jefftuttle7890]

I felt like someone had knocked the breath out of me when I learned of his passing away. My heart was crushed . THERE WILL NEVER BE another person like Neil Peart. I will never forget him or his drumming. RIP Neil .

[@cvn6555]

A Man for All Seasons. We never deserved him.

[@funkytowndrumandguitarvide6574]

He was a artist ..- also with paintbrushes..his paint brushes was his sticks and his canvas his drums. Always in my memories .. miss playing ..one day I'll be live when I get a set..

[@clarencecoster1019]

Man I did not know Neil peart passed away we just lost the one of the greatest drummers in rock music he will be truly missed rest in peace and keep slamming that wood in heaven

[@brandonthomas303]

Man damn! I know I'm late, but I just this minute learned about Neil. I'm so sad now :( RIP

[@newbiexo]

I don't have many, but he's one of them. Heroes

[@chriswinansee8203]

My favorite percussionist playing tribute to my favorite percussionist

[@StephenQuadros]

What a brilliant tribute on a great man, musician and drummer! Thank YOU! #RIPNeilPeart

[@msstroh]

Neil made us all better Rob! Thanks for this.

[@davidcurtis4478]

LEGEND!! RIP Neil 👍🥁👍DC

[@iandickson1940]

What else needs to be said!! So So So Missed to the music World. RIP Neal From Australia.

[@DrumsTillDeath74]

Once upon a time I was in a record store thumbing thru albums and I stumblef upon "All the Worlds a Stage" First time I bought a record (music unheard) because of an awesome cover. That monster Slingerland kit lured me right in. One listen to 2112 live and I've been hooked since I never tried to copy Neil's drumming except for some backyard parties where I slaughtered the originals. But his playing nonetheless inspired me for decades on. His control of dynamics, His killer fills that always progressed from one to the next seamlessly. His ride/ Hi Hat interplay. His style is forever embedded in my percussion DNA. Along with John Bonham, Neil will be remembered for inspiring so many drummers to up their game. What a legacy.

[@nikolauseder]

We all Miss you, R.I.P. Neil Peart 🥁🥁🥁🎼🥁🥁🥁 your Music lives Forever !!!! Thanks🌕

[@panosxaitagian5817]

NO MORE TEARS TO EXPLAIN MY FEELING!!!!!!

[@timothywilliams1627]

Neil was far more than an amazing drummer percussionist he was a man of integrity intelligence and compassion this man is touched me more than any other influence and drumming in my life although I never met him I feel a deep connection with this man God bless you thanks for everything buddy

[@97VobraOwner]

In 1987 my father, a musician joined a cd club.. I was asked what cd I wanted as we were allowed to choose 10 for 1cent (remember those?) I chose Rush exit stage left. I worked my 9 year old fingers to the bone on my 4 piece used slingerland kit. 6 years later on February 24 I watched Candlebox open for Rush at the Atlanta Omni for the counter parts tour. I still remember it vividly to this day. I still play almost every day and still laugh at my attempts to emulate Neil when playing along with the Rush catalog. What a great example of professionalism and musicianship. Cheers to all of you fellow drummers out there.

[@darthvicious9447]

I've never been one to be interested in celebrity gossip and such, but I still get teary eyed & weepy knowing that such beautiful music and insightful poetry will never be written ever again, however I am grateful to have been along for the ride.... Rest in peace professor....

[@pamnichols7877]

Tears. No words to describe the loss of Neil as it relates to the universe.

[@loumelillo1790]

I loved Neil .Master drummer ,lyricist, biker and intellectual

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

This is just the best. Thank you to Hudson Music for your years of documenting such a wonderful being. Bravo.

[@tiger3249]

The best drummer to have ever lived

[@williamkoonrad7930]

Thank you god for this man he was 1 in a trillion and such a positive humble person and was master and king of drums

[@denniswestbrook3127]

Rip neil, you influenced my life....so many hundreds of hrs listening growing up and i still dont tire of it.. Everytime i hear 2112 its takes me back to hs in toronto. Until now i didnt realize how fortunate i was to see them so many times.. Never a bad show..technically the best band ever since the beatles. Ty neil.