Neil Peart interview part 1: motorcycles and writing

[@theunknown4570]

For some strange reason. I can not stop watching interviews with this guy. Insightful, calming and knowledgeable.

[@groofoot]

totally agree ...... you should also check out interviews with Ray Manzarek of The Doors ..... same vibe, outstanding.

[@chrisbrant3120]

I recommend reading his book ghost rider

[@The02wooley]

@@chrisbrant3120 excellant book

[@mbr7156]

and that voice.....

[@SuperQdaddy]

Same here..I just ordered his book...my kinda person *..gone to soon..peace *

[@ThrottleScotty]

RIP Mr. Peart. You are missed.

[@jamespennington9719]

I been a Rush and Peart fan since I was 14. I am now 61! Yes RIP Neil!

[@dedlede777]

@@jamespennington9719 I've been a fan of Rush since I was 10, I am now 24.

[@jamespennington9719]

@@dedlede777 Super! When I was 14 a guy we used to hang out with guy that had a Reel to Reel in the back of his 65 Cuda! He had all kinds of music we had never heard of in my part of town and Rush was on that tape! No one even knew who they were but we knew we liked Rush! That was bout 46 yrs ago and they were not known really anywhere at that time! Chuck the guy with the Cuda was from up north in Canada so he brought it down to us Yanks! Saw them in concert twice, both times they were the back-up band but I didn't care! I was there to see Rush and listen to them rock out! And Rock out they did for all these years! Glad to hear you younger crowd can appreciate and like them as well."RocK!"

[@trusoundlowvolumedrumheads1002]

Rest in peace Mr Peart 🙏♥️

[@jamesm0671]

The greatest drummer and song writer ever. Rest in peace Neil Peart.

[@Nautilus1972]

???? Paul McCartney.

[@atlantakat68]

2nd.

[@atlantakat68]

@@Nautilus1972 Paul didn't play drums... at least to my knowledge.

[@dosdrummer]

I agree with the drummer part no doubt. He has some great songs dont get me wrong but greatest?

[@snakepitguy]

@@dosdrummer no doubt

[@DJ-wr5jn]

Now that he's passed I'm obsessed with his interviews, and music. He was such a part of my teen years to adulthood, like so many of you out there. (Air drumming like crazy) Whatching this interview, what a nice, down to earth, humble, kind hearted super intelligent man who didn't want the limelight and pat's on the back but wanted to be unnoticed biking around small towns, seeing people with Rush T shirts, to feel a normal, low key life. Thank you Mr. Peart, we love you.

[@cecillegravelle2590]

same.. everything Rush

[@jessecorona3076]

Di .🙏 my thoughts as well

[@avlisk]

Same for me with the obsession, except it's 2023 and I'm just getting into Rush music this year. (And I'm 72 years old. I missed them entirely for the last 50 years!)

[@Mp-re1wj]

Rest in peace Neil. Thank you.

[@egomez2550]

This guy is a poet, writer, philosopher, motorcycle rider......oh yeah and he happens to play the drums every now and then.

[@johnnyenglish9622]

This guy is also a survivor. How can one not have empathy for this ghost rider. In memory of Selena & Jackie Peart.

[@toddvandell85]

@@johnnyenglish9622 Well, Neil sadly didn't survive his 3.5 year battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma). We lost him just last month, at 67. January 7th, 2020. R.I.P. Professor.

[@toddvandell85]

@Enrique Gomez Yes. Indeed he was. We lost him January 7th, 2020. After a 3.5 year fight with brain cancer. R.I.P Professor.

[@roman14032]

hes really an amazing person the worlds most normal and least normal famous person the guy is just one of a kind

[@theunknown4570]

+roman14032 right. perfect explanation. I cant stop watching his interviews.

[@hermanhelmich]

roman14032 like Brian May

[@craigroberts1670]

I like what he says about boredom, that he has never really felt bored and there is always something to do like reading a book at an appointment with some time to kill. I think Neil sets the standard for living outside of the Limelight, to have other interests like motorcycles etc. Seems to me that many of our musical heros died young in part because they never figured out a way to "switch off" and give it a rest. That's what Rush are all about these days and probably will be until all the planets are aligned again.

[@williamholmes9195]

I would love to meet him. He seems like all my friends, lets sit and talk about what books you are reading or have recently read.

[@blaker007705]

This guys a rock star right?...cause he appears to be a humble, polite, intelligent human...not self centred or arrogant. You were a master Neil...you made Canada proud, and I’ve bin hooked on rush for forty years. R.I.P Neil

[@TakeDeadAim]

RIP to "The Professor" of the drums. Thank you. Just....Thank you!

[@neillezotte6818]

Always wished i would have run into him while riding my motorcycle in some small town. R.I.P. Neil

[@megwell]

that would've been the pinnacle for me, just let me ride with you to the next town...you can lead I would gladly follow

[@jakesmolinski7149]

I always had this weird thought that I might have a random encounter with him one day and just give him a thumbs up knowing how he is with fans...

[@Rupert14]

Maybe you did. He could have been the guy in the booth at the diner wearing a ballcap, reading the local paper....!

[@Rupert14]

I love that story in one of his books where he had to go see a doctor, and the doc examined him and wrote him a prescription...then on his way out the door, the doctor walked up and said "Mr. Peart, thank you so much.", and walked away. Neil was apparently very touched by being treated as a human being, and a simple "thank you" afterward meant a lot to him.

[@Rupert14]

@@jakesmolinski7149 That happened to me once with Kerry Livgren when l went to see the "Contemporary Christian" band Second Chapter Of Acts. I was on the end seat of the aisle and he walked toward me up the aisle. I saw him and just gave him a huge smile. He kept walking and squeezed me on the shoulder. A great moment. A body hug from Anne Herring later on was not so bad either!

[@ryanmcbride5764]

Like Hendrix he was magic, he came, Blessed the world with his gifts Then vanished Rip Professor 💔😞🥁🌹

[@Ed9870]

Affable, intelligent, and eminently interesting. Not surprising that this man has the body of work that he has as a writer and musician all these years. There will never be another like him.

[@stevencooper3334]

There is trouble in the forest There is sadness in the trees For the maples lost their professor And the Oaks brought to their knees.

[@kenhoward3512]

Neil Peart: "What's the most excellent thing I can do today?" What an exceptional man.

[@Rupert14]

He is a huge inspiration to me in my present condition which is "What can l avoid doing today?". It's a long road with shadows ahead and shadows behind. Neil is helping me even though he is not here.

[@bikerhighmiler8998]

@Geoffrey Logsdon how are you doing now?? In a better place I hope.

[@vivlund]

Such an amazing, interesting person. He loved his bike, he loved the outdoors, and birds, and his books. And of course, drums. And his family. He had such a full life in his short time here. Rip Neil.

[@rlobrown55]

Neil not only became the best version of himself but THEE human we could all use as a quality template to aspire to on every conceivable level.

[@thewobblywelder8362]

I hope that future generations take this man’s philosophies and look on life to heart. I’ve seen a lot of comments on how he just ‘dismisses’ being a drummer for Rush. It’s just one facet of his life folks. A person can be multi-talented and live the life they want. Some will call it ADHD, I call it passion. RIP Neil. You’re one of my heroes.

[@hubbell627]

Listening to Rush over the years, I have had so many conversations in my head with Mr. Peart about the subjects of his lyrics, to realize that he is no longer there is surreal. What a loss.

[@brodhax6148]

He has a soothing voice

[@generay6807]

RIP Neil. You have been my mentor and drum god since the 70’s. Your talent will be missed

[@ChicagoBeaver]

This is really great, since Neil has always been known for not doing interviews. His words and entire life is inspiring, he's such aa amazing writer, musician, ahhh, human being. .

[@garylagstrom3864]

I just thought of something in examining the Professor’s last name: the first that caught my eye 👁 was ART- artist, artistic expression in both music and lyrical content. Second: PE as in physical education as in the Stamina it takes to play drums and in particular at a EXCEEDINGLY HIGH LEVEL!!! So we can deduce through his last name that we have an ARTIST in every sense of the word and Physical Education in terms of stamina and physicality to play at level that boggles the mind and soothes the Heart! Rest In Peace Professor there will never be another like you! Sincerely, Gary

[@thenightfly1602]

"I don't want people looking at me like I'm some alien being." Trappings of being the best at what you do. How cool it would have been to encounter Neil during one of his motorcycle journeys. Of course I would have instantly recognized him. Now he's ridden off into the great beyond. R"ide" In Peace Neil Peart.

[@jamespennington9719]

I have been a Rush fan for just bout forever but until I seen this interview had no idea of the depth of Neil! He gave me things to contemplate and try n change about my life in just the few minutes of listening to him! What a genuine and good human being!

[@rockhard2654]

this guy should be president just to serve as an example to kids of what a human being can be. hes also one of the worlds greatest musicians

[@Snowdog070]

I think you mean to write that this guy should be the Prime Minister. I suspect that he would run as a Conservative with his libertarian viewpoint but I understand that he once endorsed Jean Chretien who, of course, is a Liberal.

[@jpcyphers]

Peart isn't a racist, don't think Americans would want him to be president.

[@kenhoward3512]

@@jpcyphers Most Americans didn't want Trump to be President.

[@briansigsworth234]

@@jpcyphers besides the professor passing, we as Americans would gladly take him as a president..of course after president Trump's second term is up..being he wasn't born here he couldn't run..as far as racist I would look into Canada..they did after all reelect a known blackface wearing racist ..thanks..

[@jpcyphers]

@@kenhoward3512 , I agree, but Putin fixed that.

[@steveacevedo820]

Adventure motorcycling was a true passion for Neil. It allowed him the privacy and freedom to be himself and not get swallowed up in all the fame and trappings of being a rock star. May you R.I.P. and ride on Neil, always in the wind.

[@NormDPlume-mc5dh]

At least 5 of the times I saw Rush were in Charlotte and Greensboro, including the first time in April 1975 in Charlotte and the last time in May 2015 in Greensboro. RIP Neil Peart. Suddenly you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon.

[@troydavis705]

God bless you Neil, RIP. It's great to have a rock superstar, the greatest drummer ever to be so down to earth and centered. So many lessons to be learned on so many different levels.

[@estebanfumero3728]

So glad to see he had a perfect music career, overcame a lot of personal difficulties and now gets to go out and retire on his own terms and enjoy the rest of his life. Best rock drummer of all time.

[@nicholaswilkinson6126]

With him not drumming period anymore, I bet the only time he would touch drum sticks now is if say he gave his daughterーor anyoneーa quick drum lesson or brief demo.

[@Rooneytunes01]

How deserving he was of a joyful retirement; how cruel it now is that he was so painfully robbed of it

[@mchristr]

"i only go to cities to play". He really understood the art of motorcycling. Avoid cities at all costs.

[@jasaggio]

Neil Peart: The real "God of Thunder". My respect for his drumming knows no bound...he is the exalted grand master of the rock/prog drumming world.

[@nickygeeksterx01]

Such a nice chap and very knowledgeable too, oh, and lets not forget, an absolute professor on the drums.

[@billcarothers9182]

The mode of transport is relaxing . RIP Neil

[@CoreenKendrick]

RIP Neil Peart I really think you were an awesome person, amazing drummer and lyricist! You're going to be sorely missed!

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

I would love to meet Neil someday and chat for a bit as if I didn't recognize him. Then after a bit ask him if he's ever heard of the band _Rush,_ and tell him I bet he'd enjoy the lyrics.

[@danacoleman4007]

😊

[@danp4175]

I always imagined if I ran into him on the road, I’d do the same. Just some small talk about life in general, talk about motorcycles, etc. Then, as we part ways, I would say “Safe travels, Mr. Peart” with a wink and a nod (yes, I knew who you were all along).

[@jackmomma7481]

Actually, the best way to do that would be by using bits and quotes of lyrics within your conversation. That would a subtle way of making it known that you know who he is... but without actually saying it. Plus by throwing those lines into the conversation and using words like "conformity" and...... there are other words that Neil uses often, but i can't think of them... But that would be the best way sort of ease in to possibly having a RUSH orientated conversation

[@TheRakuman]

Legendary writer of some of the best songs in rock history! Can’t watch without shedding tears. What an impact on my life. Neil, you are sorely missed.

[@chriswilly2208]

I am just sitting here unable to "get all smoothed-out inside." Will miss you Neil. Your words and music will live forever.

[@davemonte125]

Suddenly you were gone..... Rest in peace Neil💔

[@TheFlightsimNerd]

....From all the lives you left your mark upon.

[@davetheman2896]

RIP Neil Peart. What a tremendous, inspiring, beautiful human being we just lost. There will never be another.

[@Arculus192]

I truly wish I knew him personally. He seems like he would be a genuine friend.

[@freetob1]

I met Neil and Geddy in Daytona Florida back in 2015. I never bothered them in acknowledging that I knew who they were. It was fun for the few days that I could just be around them at the hotel. I had a temp job cleaning there with a bunch of catty witches LOL but I even had time to talk about bikes, as I ride too. Neil talked about bikes a tiny bit and Geddy sat down near the flower garden and chatted a bit. I was delighted and it was fun to just be normal with him. This put them at ease. Rest Easy Neil Top drummer ever and Hey Geddy, if you see this, I am the tall brunette Joyce. It was a pleasure to meet you both. I left and reside in Nashville for the time. God Bless and heal your hearts to RUSH, my very first real concert, "Moving Pictures" Alpine Valley late 8's maybe 1981. I would have to find me ticket stub and I am sure that I still have it.

[@abelincoln5698]

I once saw talked to Geddy at Reds game in Cincinnati of all places. I never brought up that I knew who he was once, although I suspect he knew that I knew lol.All he wanted to talk about was Joey Votto and which beers were good at the import stand and that was fine with me. He's a nice guy and knows more about baseball than most ,and being a fanatical baseball fan myself it was great to have a conversation with him. . Somehow I never brought up the fact that I've seen his band 4 times and would again the following night. I think he appreciated our conversation as much as I did .

[@siddokis2945]

@@abelincoln5698 cool, I met Geddy at a Blue jays game. It was more like, "Geddy, buddy is that you"? "Yeah". "You're fucken awesome man", while shaking his hand. Kept it short and sweet. RUSH forever.

[@kennyplay5982]

I miss you NEIL

[@salc1300]

Interesting and amazing person. Driven. Proof that reading improves intelligence in your life...

[@markeye646464]

I've learned so much about humility and openness from this guy. Such a tragic life in many ways yet he was always able to see the best in life and people. Taught me about "wind therapy" and the bliss it brings. He preached the message that you don't need to follow others and that it's most important to "be your own hero". A life well lived. RIP NP.

[@kiva1809]

WOW what a well grounded human being

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

a singularly unique and fascinating person. I admire Neal a great deal beyond his amazing ability as a drummer and lyricist.

[@danacoleman4007]

What an incredibly worthwhile human being was the professor!

[@jamesfagan7823]

Rush are the nicest guys RIP Neil thanks for your outstanding and brilliant contribution to the world and to music 🎶

[@joeq.public281]

He was a very interesting man

[@1999Valkyrie]

Listening to him gives me renewed hope for our world.

[@artura16]

I love how Geddy and Alex understood his need for privacy and soul searching Neil was extraordinarily brilliant his understandingly the power of words and his consistent reading made him a powerful lyricist his words were music as strong as life.❤️

[@pinkfreud62]

Geddy

[@seanpasttrip795]

I was 6 yrs old when I first heard RUSH and they have always been in my life, I'm 51 now. The passing of the master drummer Neil Peart has left a hole in my life that only a RUSH fan would understand. Thank you, Neil, for 45 years of pure happiness and continued inspiration. We all love and miss you so much man. Give God the full-on 'Rhythm Method'. Sleep tight mate...

[@atlantakat68]

My 1st Rush concert was in Atlanta during the Grace Under Pressure Tour. No other musician has affected me as much at the learning of Mr. Neil Pearts passing. I thank God for Rush, they were the reason why I was inspired to play music and aspired to be the best version of me as a musician and lyricist. Thanks again for all the great memories Neil... you are loved so much by those who support and followed you all the years, through thick and thin.. we are all brothers and sisters in music. God bless you ... always.

[@davidbrucemusicvideo]

I love this! Listening to Neil is like reading a novel!

[@elainetaylor3261]

No one can match Niel Pearts lyrics & his magic with a pair ov drumsticks..absolute legend who s private grief nevva took his magnificence away no one or no thing could even come close..wot a master...the ultimate drumming legend .

[@cbcmusic]

Thanks for sharing!

[@seekah1]

Always a treat listening to Neil. Many thanks for this.

[@danielnation9123]

What a cool and interesting guy!

[@chrisgreen1904]

I'm so sorry you're no longer with us. Your unique perspective, personality and amazing talent is beyond missed. We, the fans of Rush, the greatest band ever, will make sure everyone knows how awesome you were/are.

[@dalymc]

I could listen to Neil for hours. x Bless you. xxx

[@markjohnson4217]

Neil was an excellent example of a great human being. He actually renews one's faith in humanity, the fact that a calling as obtuse as being a hard rock drummer could yield such a great mind and a great soul...

[@orange70383]

Neil Peart is pretty well versed in everything it seems.

[@kenolsen1845]

I've traveled alot around the world, very fortunate. I've found people will help, just SMILE.

[@duaneraymond4252]

Neil had such an eloquent way of talking while using perfect grammar and vocabulary. He was such a storyteller, it's a pity he never narrated documentaries for History Channel because he made you want to listen to what he had to say.

[@renegosselin2552]

Riding motorcycle myself, I thought of how great it would be to meet up with him, maybe clock some miles with him .. was truly saddening to hear of his passing .. I'm trying to find the book he mentioned but has different author ..

[@tim-burrr]

Such a deep,introverted,humble kind of guy.

[@andybucmo]

I'm reading his book "Ghost Rider" now; this video helps to fill in the voice, the soul behind the words. I'm so grateful to have had him in my life. Rest in peace, Neil.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

I saw Rush at the Nassau Coliseum in 1986 on the Power Windows tour. Primus opened for them before ANYBODY knew they were. They were badly booed by the NY crowd even though they covered YYZ perfectly. Then Rush came out with Primus T-shirts on and killed it. My first rock concert.

[@cbcmusic]

Thanks for sharing your story! Sounds like a fun first rock concert experience.

[@CaliforniaBushman]

@@cbcmusic History Man!

[@siddokis2945]

One of the many times I saw them in Toronto, a Canadian band called Red Rider opened for Rush. Before and at the start of Red Rider's set the crowd booed incessantly, impatient to experience Rush. Red Rider put on such a good show the crowd was screaming for an encore by the time they were done. Totally worked up the crowd for Rush.

[@candice_telli]

Great and talented writer, by the way... his books are amazing

[@bwhoothunter]

RIP to the worlds best drummer

[@seanyesaki5985]

Losing an absolute legend is horrible. But, losing a legend who is such a genuine soul is just too much.

[@gorutra]

When reading his books I imagine him reading it and hearing his voice. Awesome ability to make descriptions of interesting and vivid.

[@applesucks2633]

All the big name artists from this area that have passed lately… God is putting together one heck of a rock ‘n’ roll band up there! Rest in peace Mr. Peart

[@TweedSuit]

Even if you've never heard of Rush or even like rock/prog music - you would still find this guy interesting.

[@lisamitchell7933]

Best part is,he's dressed like he's selling you plumbing parts at the local home depot on a Saturday morning. Geez I still can't believe hes gone, his humble approach to everything is so refreshing , no fancy clothes, no flamboyance or arrogance in his demeanor. Oh ya, and he plays in a little ensemble as a side gig when hes not riding around the world. If you didnt know him, being one of the most influential drummers in rock music would NEVER come into the conversation. Exactly the way he wanted it,

[@cbcmusic]

A class act and unpretentious, for sure.

[@AnnieTexan]

I am really only beginning to learn about this genius of a man apart from his music...what a stellar and inspiring human. Gone too soon.

[@jamespennington9719]

Now if all Rock Stars, Movie Stars and people in general could be like that! What a great human being! We were blessed to have you here Neil!

[@pilsnrimgaard2507]

The most intellectual, smart, warm, classy man to ever master the drum kit. RIP Neil.

[@murnelbabineaux105]

Neil is a bonafide genius and world renowned poet.

[@michaelcutcher8592]

Of all the people I have never met, I would love to meet Neil Peart one day, such an intelligent man

[@leonardvaivada9046]

That is so true, when you travel people will help. It's just the way it is people like to help people and animals.

[@mikenagy4]

Thanks Neil.

[@G2648875]

Just reading 'Ghost Rider'. What a thoroughly genuine guy he seems to be. I wonder what he feels he is? A musician who writes or a writer who plays music?

[@tomjoad4168]

What a shock on this Friday afternoon! Thank you for everything Neil

[@paulelliott3220]

New book from Neil - cool Gentleman, interesting and articulate - awesome drummer too Cool post Keep it 2⃣1⃣1⃣2⃣

[@Wildxmo]

This is an amazing interview. Incredibly inspiring words from Neil Peart.

[@danielginther4879]

No wonder he was such a great guy, so insightful and in touch with the better aspects of life.

[@troy9er]

Wow, that was a great interview. I have been a Rush fan since the early 70’s. This is the 1st time I’ve seen Neal interviewed. What a nice down to earth guy he was. RIP Neal you will be missed but never forgotten ❤️🙏🏻.

[@harleybrujo]

Amazing humble human Being!

[@davidjohnbonnett]

very articulate guy. right on Neil!

[@Rush-ld2qr]

A truly amazing human being- so intelligent & talented.

[@Ken-qx6yq]

Gifted writer I will miss his books on travel as much as his music. If you have not read his books they provide great insight into the meaning behind his lyrics.

[@johnunderwood3132]

Aww professor. You will be missed but not your gift of music. Thank you . What a human being.

[@ronleon62]

Neil was such a regular guy. He didn't even brush his hair. I love it, lol. Rest in peace, brother.

[@Big_Sierra]

This man is a real role model of mine. Rest in peace N.E.P.

[@beerinoculum]

Rest in Power, Professor .. this one stings a lot. we all miss you very, very much. I have faith that you are looking down on all of us, happy and proud for all of us that you inspired so greatly. You are at peace now, the world thanks you infinitely. Rest In Peace, sir. God bless you.

[@jfotschuk9927]

When we ask ourselves, "How can I live my best life?"... we can turn to the wisdom of Mr. Peart for the answers.

[@markcrawford8876]

What a guy! Lovely just Lovely. Will be missed

[@jtv2748]

Rest in peace Neil ......

[@Prince77777100]

Good interview very down to earth!

[@megatron8461]

I can’t believe I was a lot like him. Godspeed, Neil Peart! You are loved by all!

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Got this Ghost Rider book by chance as I blindly plucked it from the middle of a pile at random from a stack in a box....Anyhoo.... The writing in his book is vividly descriptive. This is good stuff if you like going all travel introspective. The whole book will infect you with this need for wanderlust. Whaaaaat a writer!!!!