Why do people say Neil Peart is the greatest drummer ever? (First time reaction!)

[@1rochesterjharmon]

The professor was not just a "drummer." He was a percussionist, a composer, a poet, a student. The GOAT

[@mssucks3462tommy]

The legend of the Peart will live on!

[@anishinaabe8928]

Neil was a genius. He is the reason why I read books, write stories and play drums.

[@wizardsuth]

There's a reason they called him the Professor. And also Pratt.

[@batman1169]

❤as they say, your favorite bands, drummer, favorite drummer 😮😅

[@sanfordgfogg]

And lyricist

[@improveourselves3929]

He's not listening to a metronome, he is the metronome 🙂

[@kvstw]

The metronome listens to him

[@AlejandroDiaz-zw8lf]

@@kvstw Phuk yeah!

[@samuelharvey3496]

fact

[@lorenhoss4587]

The Metronome bows to Peart

[@erik9108]

I thought the same thing when that came up!

[@JohnnyPowers-oo4hg]

I have never added a comment to anything on the web before in my life(60 years old). But if anyone can name a band member (not just drummer) who has a more significant baseline part of every song written since he joined the band, written many of the lyrics, designed a number of the album cover art and influenced almost every musician in his genre (for at least a generation ), and will continue to do so for several generations to come, I'll consider the debate of whether he is the GOAT or not. Had the privilege of shaking his hand after a concert in Phoenix in 1982 or '83 (too many years to be certain, Subdivisions Tour). My highest compliment possible is that he was a "regular dude". Asked me if I enjoyed the show & meant it. There was zero "I'm a superstar and you're a nobody". He genuinely wanted to know if I enjoyed myself. Life long respect to that man. RIP Neil.

[@bsquinney]

Your assessment is spot on about Neil. Down to Earth and loved people. Getty, all of RUSH are such wonderful people. The props to Daney Carey and making the connection I will applaud.

[@DrMooseknuckle0]

Mastodon's drummer writes a lot and sings. If you love Rush check out Crack the Skye. Concept album, progressive metal, every member of the band sings, solo and harmony. He wrote most of this album and it is about his sister that committed suicide when they were teenagers. But the concept is someone lucid dreaming and getting separated from his tether and needing Rasputin's help getting his soul back into his body. Amazing musicianship and riffs for days. They also have an entire concept album based on Moby Dick. Primus.

[@ryo-kai8587]

Thanks for this comment! It may be your first, but I enjoyed reading it, and I agree that Neil was a legend whose legacy will live on.

[@TheHigherVoltage]

The only person I think would have a shot at competing would be John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin.

[@OJN1]

Van Halen

[@garysteinert8040]

As Geddy said… it’s Peart. Ear, with a P in the front and a T in the back They use Neil to set up the timing at the metronome factory.

[@silverfunnel6819]

Yes, this is obvious❤

[@colinboden641]

Amazing how many celebrity fans of Neil don't even know how to pronounce the man's name properly. Definitely the GOAT,no doubt.

[@colindempsey470]

It is, but Pert is also right.

[@JaDem148]

Geeze! You beat me about my response to to Geddy's guote eh? You Hoser!

[@ArchStanton19966]

​@@colindempsey470No it's not.

[@mrpeartssandwich]

Neil Peart (pronounced Peert): Known to his bandmates as "Pratt" and to fans as "The Professor". Always looking to improve, he would take rhythms and sounds from different cultures, most notably Africa and China where he toured the continents on bicycle. The marimba (xylophone) piece you hear is from a instrumental he created called "Pieces of Eight" in the eighties. The big band stuff at the end is a tribute to those drummers at that time particularly Buddy Rich. The music is played by triggers on the electric part of his set. He wrote 99% of Rush's lyrics. You would do yourself a great service and listen to the Rush library. Although never commercially as recognized as bands like Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, Rush was a key ingredient in the progressive rock movement selling out concert halls for 40 years and killing it every time! He died in January of 2020 from brain cancer and the music world lost the greatest drummer of all time.

[@prsjackal]

My fav is when they referred to Neil as “the new guy”…..there is no other band like Rush, there will never be another band like Rush.

[@mzmadmike]

The first marimba piece is from Momo's Dance Party. His later part is Pieces of Eight.

[@mrpeartssandwich]

@@mzmadmike with respect, “Pieces of Eight” was released in 1987 and I played as a solo piece in marching band (NERRRRD!). Those two sections are directly from that. MDP was in ‘97 I believe.

[@riproar11]

@michaeloldham7193 LOL! Are you sure it's not "Pair-t" with a French rolled "r"? - Rush, Funny or Die

[@mrpeartssandwich]

@@riproar11 Exactly! And for some reason my KZbin name was changed.

[@davparksoh]

Pro drummer here - Neil inspired more ppl to become drummers in the 70's thru 90's era than anyone else in rock - 40 yr career - same group - incredible live performances - he just did more than other rock drummers - more styles, time signatures, sounds, technical phrasings, creative global beats - his endurance was unmatched - after seeing them live, you really knew you experienced something, a master of his craft (besides being one of musics' most gifted lyricists) - he gave something for everyone - rudiments, polyrhythms, latin, jazz, classical, metal, funk/r&b, hip hop, afro cuban all into rock - made it a new hybrid - so many hits on the radio - an absolute rock legend -

[@markgarvey8888]

If people in Heaven are ranked how much they are loved & respected, Neil is next to Yessua (Jesus for the non believers).

[@RushfanUK]

Neil was always looking to learn about his art and develop his skills and talent, it was part of his nature and having an inquiring mind, it made him the most incredible drummer, I first saw him live in 1977 when they came to the UK for the first time, it was astonishing then what a band they were and down the years they continued to deliver, Neil died far too soon and is sadly missed by many.

[@metadeth578]

Saw them 9 times and was never disappointed

[@jean-pascalheynemand3271]

The key to Neil’s impressive technique, style and stamina, is his Classical percussionist approach. Hd was the “learned” drummer.

[@lauriivey7801]

And this in the middle of a 3 hour concert ... the man was a machine ... RIP

[@1kewlglamma]

A machine with a big heart...

[@cl0wnbird]

yep, with no intermission. full throttle.

[@sicotshit7068]

Bonham did his 20 minute solo, during their 3 to 4 hour concerts, not taking breaks either.

[@lauriivey7801]

@@sicotshit7068 Two excellent musicians, but very different in style ... Bonham also died at the age of 32, so it's hard to say if he'd continued with the same stamina as he aged

[@sicotshit7068]

@@lauriivey7801 true, but Peart didn’t seem to be doing anything special, just I’ll hit everything here. It wasn’t like it was even cohesive at all, at least Bonham’s solo seemed more like a plan.

[@dougbartleson14]

Nothing make me happier than watching people experience the Professor for the first time.

[@NVArt001]

Yes! Exactly. When people watch and listen to him for the first time, the look of amazement is so cool.

[@Aquahutch702]

I seriously doubt this was his first time though. I don't buy in to many of these "first reaction" videos.

[@TheRuska]

@@Aquahutch702yeah. I love the genuine reactions but I have a hard time believing this guy was genuine.

[@gregcampwriter]

During the performance of the song, "Clockwork Angels," his set rotates from the acoustic to the electronic side facing the audience, and he plays through the transition, standing to reseat himself, without missing a beat.

[@wilking2025]

Actually one of my favorite Rush album's (basically because of the drum parts). The books are good too if you like fantasy with steam punk.

[@russellvt]

He did that routinely... and, it wa "because he liked to face the audience."

[@russellvt]

Not only did he "refer what sounds he has" ... but he was known to relocate drums in his kot, "just to make them sound different... to HIM."

[@juanblanco3983]

I saw an interview with Stewart Copeland. He said Peart may not be everyone’s favorite drummer. But he is most definitely your favorite drummers favorite drummer.

[@joshpike]

Agree! I hadn't seen that quote before, but I totally subscribe to that statement lol. Got my first kit 35 years ago, and he's been in my head ever since.

[@bassplayer2011ify]

Yep him and Bonzo were a force in the 70s.

[@mahcem]

Stewart Copeland apparently talked some big trash about Neil Peart in their heyday in the late 70s and early 80s when The Police and Rush were fighting for the throne for the best power trio in the world. Then, in his own words, he got to meet Neil and his bandmates later on and found them to be true intellectual gentlemen compared to whom he called himself and his band members "a bunch of uneducated punks". Although I still hold the opinion that Stewart Copeland is the most creative drummer this world has ever seen and probably will ever see, he puts his "late friend" Neil Peart on such a high pedestal that I have to agree. Neil was the best drummer there ever was. Anyway, let me leave this here: kzbin.infouUp4eWYtdnU

[@MarkSharbono30]

SHOUT OUT TO JOHN HENRY BONHAM!!!

[@metadeth578]

@@MarkSharbono30 John and Neil or Neil and John both are on Mt. Rushmore of Drummers. Don't Compare them They are both the Greatest Drummers who lived

[@jamricsloe]

He wasn't just a drummer. He was a composer.

[@Garythefireman66]

And lyricist, author, and human metronome

[@kennethsonia5350]

🎯​@@Garythefireman66

[@america1st721]

professor

[@intentionaloffside8934]

The primary lyricist of Rush.

[@1kewlglamma]

My hero and the lyricist of my heart...

[@anthonybranch4712]

He was NOT listening to a metronome. He WAS the metronome. Plus, Peart had 4-limb independence. That is, EACH hand and EACH foot could maintain a completely different rhythm SIMULTANEOUSLY. Peart was a monster on the kit, but also put an enormous amount of thought and variety into his routines and his accompaniments. AND he wrote all of Rush's deeply thought-provoking lyrics. It's no wonder he was called "The Professor."

[@brianeivanitski2907]

Listen to danny serapjine .Chicago's original drummer. Listen on you tube 1968 '1978 .1971 concert in Tanglewood ca . Buddy rich liked danny.

[@williamtauriello1581]

Neil Peart was quoted as saying that drumming while in Rush was akin to running a marathon while doing trigonometry. And he made it look easy. Thank you, Neil. RIP

[@shawnbruce6934]

I Love This comment. Thank You!

[@ArchStanton19966]

The actual quote was: "Playing a three-hour Rush show is like running a marathon while solving equations.” How true. No time to drop a stick!

[@royeckmeier5912]

....a perfect analogy!!!

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Peart

[@heidimueller1039]

Not trigonometry-advanced calculus!

[@jeremycochrane5107]

One day I was talking music with my ex-wife's dad. He was a huge Rush fan! He had seen them in concert over 40 times. I was telling her dad about how much I love the drums and who my favorite drummers were. Without saying a word he got up and put in a dvd (Rush in Rio if I am remembering correctly) and came and sat back down. He turns it on and says, "You like drums, huh? Neil Peart has a brain controlling each of his limbs, we call him the professor" At this time in my life I had really only heard the songs Tom Sawyer and working man. We sat and watched the entire concert together and I had a new favorite band and drummer by the end of it. I only wish I could've seen them live. I look back very fondly on that memory. R.I.P. Neil Peart

[@groundef]

The band Tool, carries on that same talent and drums. Danny Carey is almost, and just as good, in ways, and also better in some ways.

[@DrMackSplackem]

I've been 'that guy' a few times and I'm happy to report a 100% success rate. At some point you come to know who needs Rush in their lives, if they haven't heard them yet.

[@favforsue]

My late husband worshipped Rush and Neil Peart. I went to many Rush concerts and listened to Rush at home and the car all the time, but Rush was never my cup of tea. However, I loved Neil Peart and his drum solos. My husband has been gone for 21 years, but I still search for Neil’s drum solos from time to time. That’s why the algorithm brought me here. I’m pretty sure my husband was waiting for Neil in heaven with a big WELCOME sign. 😂

[@SuppersReady8880]

That was a really touching comment, good on you.

[@Abraided]

If you want a real tour of what Rush was capable of, react to Xanadu live. Watch it and remember that this was 3 people in the 80's before computer tracking or assistance. Every sound, created by the three people, on stage, in real time. This includes Neil doing all the percussion in addition to playing drums. The bass player plays bass, guitar and keyboards, some of them at the same time. The guitar player is playing a double necked guitar (while the bass player is playing a bass with a 12 string guitar on it as well). That video will blow your mind with it's musicianship.

[@donaldoconnor8864]

AMEN 🙏🏼 🎤🎹🥁🎸🤷🏼‍♂️🇨🇦

[@andrewlindenfeld6222]

Absolutely. Xanadu from Exit Stage Left seems to be the Rush gold standard these days, although there are so many more that could be recommended. That's the thing about these guys… They didn't have one peak performance and then lackluster the rest of their career… They literally killed it for decades, which is one of the main things that makes them the greatest three-piece band the world has ever seen.

[@jtorch1]

Do not omit the fact that BOTH Alex and Geddy played keyboards with their feet, WHILE all the rest was going on..!

[@lockupalltyrants8825]

Xanadu is my favorite song 🙌🙌🙌

[@robertdubin5850]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@chrisnichols4228]

My brother had me listening to rush when I was a toddler in the 70’s. He was killed when I was nine but I never stopped listening. Saw them live in 2011 and just stood in awe and cried watching Neil on stage and how magnificent he was. ❤

[@treetopjones737]

"killed" means murder. He wasn't "killed." He died.

[@portupic7007]

@@treetopjones737 He's talking about his brother being killed and not Neil.

[@willdouglas1300]

You ain't never seen a setup like Neil's and you will never hear anyone like him again. No one can match his accuracy and his melodic changes. No metronome, just the professor. Glad you showed him respect. RIP Niel.

[@playform]

Neil is the calmest drummer I ever seen. He always looks like he is thinking about what to cook for dinner or did he lock the door when he left home.

[@kimbadull6448]

😂👍

[@bobsmith-y3j]

A true Master of his craft.

[@jaybee9269]

Check him out in the 1980s or 1990s videos. StickHits channel has some. He had expressions whilst playing back then!

[@darrinkinney2268]

the guy at his prime - was so fit - he road HIS BIKE between gigs (to the next city!)

[@elianad2083]

😂😂 best comment yet..

[@bobcarn]

Neil is great not because of any particular performance or album, but because of how much he contributed to the art of percussion over the decades. He was amazing. The "band" you heard were digital samples of a full band. He hired a band to record various samples he then assigned to digital drums and activates. His drum solos over the decades were each a highlight of the concert. His drumming on their albums was always innovative and melodic and standout. At one point in their late career, I was watching them in concert and realized we were actually watching a living legend.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

This.

[@ZepG]

I'm so glad that I got to see him play live a few times before he passed. I put a few miles on my cousin's Fly by Night album in the late 70s lol.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

@@ZepG My first show was the "Farewell To Kings" tour (Max Webster opened). Epic. Caught every tour up to "Roll The Bones"

[@schafn]

Many of the "newer" songs they played in concert had samples that were triggered by the various members of the band. Neil had his own triggers situated around the kit. Some were dedicated triggers like the black pad you see above his snare drum and others were paired with another part of the kit, like one of his electronic drums or (it seems in the video) even to his cymbals. Each song had it's own program for the suite of samples that would be activated when the triggers were struck. Neil's drum tech had to load the unique program for each song or the solo before it was played in the concert. For the big band sounds to play Neil had to hit a specific part of his kit to activate the sample. I'm not sure if each sound was specific to a particular piece of his kit or if it was just triggered in sequence as he played a drum or cymbal. It is possible that the sequence of big band sounds was started with one hit and then he just played along to the pre-recorded sample. If that is the case then he'd have to be perfectly in synch tempo-wise with the sample to make the drums (played live) and the sample (pre-recorded) blend perfectly.

[@ZepG]

@@O_Towne_Bear Epic!

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

GOAT? In a word? Yes. Peart wasn't a drummer. He was a percussionist who was very well versed in both music and literature, and he was a poet. Red Barchetts, being one of his most well known compositions. Truly a once in a generation talent. The world is a bit duller place without Mr. Neil Peart.

[@ianhoyle6132]

Peddled his racer following the tour bus, he was a lovely humble bloke lost his daughter and wife, even if your not a Rush fan you gotta be impressed with his skill as a percussionist.

[@maskmedusa]

He used drum triggers/pads and electronic drums, midi sequencers, and samples for the extra sounds. He had also requested that DW make shells for them that looked just like his acoustic toms. The band always had a rule that everything you hear is triggered by them live on stage, so each sound you hear in his solos is initiated by Neil hitting or kicking or pressing something.

[@randyriddle4824]

absolutely correct. nothing was done at the sound board.

[@dalemullins4562]

Alex Van Halen was big on that early too

[@bobsmith-y3j]

Neil had the uncanny skill to use his four limbs to play separately. He was always striving to be better.

[@ryzonbatista]

Years ago, crew members backstage would trigger the sequencers and a few times they would kick it off wrong. Geddy said "Imagine being that guy when we walked off stage". Anyway, the band learned how to it on stage themselves.

[@marklittle8805]

"What? Is he listening to a metronome?" No, he is the effing metronome

[@cntrldfision5746]

Every member of RUSH should be considered musical geniuses.

[@HeavyTopspin]

Watching the instrumental "YYZ" live in Rio will provide proof of this.

[@felixar90]

Even Bubbles

[@linjicakonikon7666]

They're not though. Good doesn't mean great. Great doesn't mean genius. They are good but not great and certainly not geniuses. Beethoven is a genius. Rock has great musicians but few if any geniuses. And Rush is simply good. Not great Not Genius. Grow up, experience the wider world of music.

[@tubbyduck5317]

​@@linjicakonikon7666you have not heard enough RUSH if you don't think they're geniuses. I consider very few musicians truly genius at what they do, but all three members of RUSH are prime examples of being beyong just mastering a craft

[@GEDDY37]

I’ve been a Rush fan for 40years and I’m still learning about them

[@SuperNance12]

He wrote that entire composition. It’s not just off-the-cuff drumming. Imagine remembering this entire set. In his mind’s eye he sees every note and translates it to his hands and feet. That’s why he looks extremely focused. In his mind’s eye he’s reading the sheet music. Yes, drum musicians read sheet music specifically for drums only. I’m a drummer, 65 yrs old, a mom, and a Nana of 10 grandkids, and he IS the GOAT. Watch how he switches how he holds the sticks. First in a rock n roll grip (loose freeform), then drum line proper grip, back to rock n roll grip. Back and forth. It’s incredible. That drum set you see is now in a museum enclosed in an acrylic panel surround. They’re set exactly as how he played them. Every drum and cymbal was made specifically from his specs. He wanted each to have a very specific sound. He also wrote the lyrics to all their songs. And no metronome. What you hear is his perfect 4:4 time from the floor bass, and smattered in from a high hat, and one with a tom that has bells attached to the rim. He double hits that bass drum with precision. Consistent 4:4 count no matter what. There’s a glimpse of him mouthing, “1-2-3-4.” The count for 4:4 time is 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and, keep repeating. 3:4 time is 1 and 2 and 3 and 1 and 2 and 3 and, keep repeating. 2:4 count is 1 and 2 and 1 and 2 and, keep repeating. He always wore wrestling shoes so he could have freer movement with his legs, ankles, and feet, and he could feel the pedals not hindered from the sole of a shoe. He’s a musician, not a drummer. Drums are a percussion instrument, like a trumpet is a brass instrument. Just incredible drumming. Side note: I wrote out the time stamp not for you because you play guitar and you know the counts. It’s for people who don’t play an instrument that read my comment.

[@donjackson5522]

Keep in mind, this solo was towards the end of a three hour plus show. Rush songs have some of the most complex drumming with multiple time signatures… and Neil hasn’t even broken a sweat.

[@MrTech226]

I agree with you. My friends and I were at Rush's concert during their Time Machine tour back in Oct of 2010. They jammed 3.5 hours. Prior to each start of the concert, Neil warms up with a drumkit backstage.

[@MrTech226]

Neil stated that "drumming for Tom Sawyer is the most complex of all Rush's songs"

[@MrTech226]

I believe that Neil wasn't feeling good when he was doing this solo in Frankfurt.

[@MrAitraining]

I'm not a drum solo guy anyway. Skill and beauty of drumming is playing with the music. That def goes for Neil in my opinion

[@flesheater5712]

He was just astonishing.

[@rmweidner7596]

Did you notice that, from 6:55 through 'til 9:11 in the video, Neil's feet are playing in 3/4 time, while his hands are playing in 4/4 time. He actually learned how to disassociate his upper and lower body to play in completely different time signatures.

[@lkaye9934]

I love watching you younguns find real music. 💕

[@catfdljws]

""He just made cowbells sound like the most gangsta thing of all time."" - best Peart reaction quote of all time. (well, so far) :)

[@robertfredeen1603]

Did you notice that while playing a waltz with his feet, he's playing 4x4 with his hands? Just amazing.

[@kiddster2112]

To add to the mind blowing, there’s a section where he actually plays 7/8 with his hands against 3/4 with his feet.

[@wizardsuth]

There's a portion of _Jacob's Ladder_ that Alex and Geddy would play as alternating 6/8 7/8, but Neil considered 13/8. The same song has 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and a repeating series of 5/4 5/4 5/4 6/4. And they stayed smooth and synchronized throughout, lead, bass, synth, voice, and percussion.

[@MarkCoppock42]

@@wizardsuth I don't have the musical knowledge to fully appreciate this, but I know that when I listen to them play, I get it.

[@jc3drums916]

It's very cool, but hardly amazing. Dave Weckl does a similar thing as a warmup exercise. Vinnie Colaiuta effortlessly plays a hemiola in 7/8 (so 3 against 2 against 7). Guys like Terry Bozzio, Marco Minneman, and Thomas Lang play much more difficult ostinati than the one in this video, with each foot moving across multiple pedals. Then there was Pete Zeldman, who was known for 6-way independence - each hand playing in a different meter, and each foot playing a different polyrhythm, so 6 different meters at the same time. Rush was an amazing band, and Neil was a great drummer, but anyone talking up Neil like he was a peerless technical wizard either hasn't heard enough drummers, or loves Rush to the point of having no objectivity, or both. He was very good, but not at the level his fans think he was at. The mere fact that every fill he played consisted only of single strokes should make that abundantly clear. And anyone talking up his jazz playing clearly doesn't listen to much jazz (or, again, lacks objectivity). His swing feel was nonexistent (he himself admitted this fact). I certainly appreciate the effort and the desire to expand his knowledge and range, but as a jazz drummer, he wasn't very good.

[@richardthompson6366]

​@@jc3drums916Buzz Killington, is that you?

[@b1_ferg]

Dude, your video here is refreshing. You didn't jump cut the hell out of your video, you just let the pauses in your stream of consciousness rest and I love that. Much appreciated, and thank you for having a look into Niel. Absolutely a legend and became an inspiration for many drummers ahead of him, including Danny, as you know. Recently saw Tool here in Vancouver and some of Niel is evident in Danny's style.

[@1kewlglamma]

Thxvm for this vid. What you're looking at is the finest percussionist of all time, a man with a big compassionate heart, an author, motorcycle enthusiast (his bikes were huge, he stood tall at 6'4"), and much more. My hero and the songmaker of my heart. He'll be loved and missed forever. RIP, professor... ✌️💚🤟

[@danielpyle9396]

You couldn't have said it any better Neil is the god of drums.

[@chriso6719]

The drummer in the video playing behind Neil, is Buddy Rich. One of the all time greats, and one that Neil himself looked up to.

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

Also Carl Palmer. Neil looked up to Carl Palmer too!!!

[@MrTech226]

Neil also had another drumming legend, Gene Krupa in the video too. Neil looked up to both of them.

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

@@MrTech226 also he looked up to Carl Palmer

[@StoneShards]

Interestingly, perhaps, both died of brain tumors. Drums produce "infrasound", frequencies below the hearing threshold, that are known to damage the body over time.

[@GCKelloch]

@@StoneShards The wouldn't all drummers die of brain tumors? The cause of their tumors could have been any number of things. Maybe, leave the medical diagnosis up to professionals.

[@hds181]

You don't need an editor. I actually appreciated your thoughtful pauses. You seem very genuine. Thanks for this video. I'm a big Rush fan. You have a new subscriber, so carry on your good work.

[@justingagnier1394]

He needs an editor. I know people try to say “it’s genuine and unedited” but it’s better when it’s edited. It’s like shitting on people using photoshop. It’s MEANT to improve it.

[@mattg5855]

To add to Neil's greatness in my opinion is when he went to re-learn how to play drums all over again at their height of popularity off Hold Your Fire & Presto in the late 80's/early 90's. That level of self-awareness, humility, & humbleness led him & the band to greater heights after. He knew what he knew well enough to know what he had yet to learn. A master class in checking your ego to serve your life/craft & grow in ways you never thought you could.

[@semperadmeliora3467]

There's a great video of him playing at a Buddy Rich remembrance concert if you haven't seen it yet.

[@randywissler9923]

Yes, Freddie Gruber!! He also re-taught Steve Smith of Journey and Dave Weckl, one of the greatest jazz fusion drummers of all time!! Steve Smith is a drummer that is so slept on by so many people. The drumming community on the other hand, know that he is elite!!

[@tbdrummer67]

I think that was around the time he reconfigured the acoustic pieces of his kit, going to a single kick with double pedals, and adding the floor tom to his left side, as well as shifting some of the other toms, all in the name of continually improving.

[@bobsmith-y3j]

He never was satisfied with what he could accomplish.

[@jc3drums916]

@@tbdrummer67 He studied with Freddie Gruber after talking with Steve Smith and Dave Weckl during the Burning for Buddy sessions in the early/mid-90s, a few years after Presto and Roll the Bones. It was because of his lessons with Gruber that he moved his toms around, which was made public when he switched to DW, I think it was toward the late 90s, but he had already downsized to one bass drum during Roll the Bones.

[@Tarkus_]

Dude! You so need to see the Exit Stage Left version of "Xanadu." This is an amazing drum solo, but I'm more impressed with what he does on Xanadu, within the context of a Rush song. (The other two guys give amazing performances too.)

[@Abraided]

This comment needs more likes and other comments like it. IF you want to respect Rush as musicians, this is the video to watch. I think its better than the studio version.

[@RenegadeFour20]

He doesn't need a metronome - He is a metronome!!!!

[@digibirder]

Great reaction Sebs! His last name is pronounced "Peert". You can listen to any RUSH song and be impressed by Neil's drumming. But his lyrics were just as great. You could literally have a college level course on his lyrics for RUSH alone. Truly, Neil Peart was one of the greatest artists of all time.

[@jewel_laughs]

Neil was amazing and so is Geddy Lee (arguably the GOAT bassist) and Alex Lifeson (#3 Guitar World rating). There will never be another power trio like Rush. At times they are each doing solos simultaneously. Tom Sawyer is most commercially successful song and is awesome. Some great performances are Working Man Live in Cleveland and YYZ live in Rio. I really appreciate your reactions and would love to see you go down the Rush rabbit hole.

[@vincentvancraig]

Love geddy, but, jaco pastorious.....& im not even crazy about that style of jazz, but, i nominate jaco, so sorry, i have a big mouth and can never shut up, & just let things go, ha:/ ....geddy absolutley makes that j-bass his bitch tho, & ive loved geddy my whole life, for 36 of my 47 years.

[@AirDOGGe]

Funny how few know that it's Neil who writes the songs. Most think Geddy does that since he sings them

[@SwedeSpeeder]

Animals as leaders enters chat:

[@RoadWarrior77]

I respectfully disagree with you on Geddy Lee being the GOAT bassist of all time. My opinion, but I think that honor should go to Les Claypool of Primus. Geddy Lee is good, but Les Claypool could make the bass do things nobody thought was possible.

[@vincentvancraig]

@@RoadWarrior77 , i was 1000% gonna mention les, but i already ramble on & on like a person on the autism spectrum (which i am slightly) talking about antique refridgerators, or naming all the u.s. presidents in order, & their birthdays all day long, or something, so i said "F it", lol....but yes, les, all the way....primus sucks!!!!!!!!!!! #PrimusSucks

[@frankr8341]

To see them live as I was lucky enough to see them 12 times,was an incredible honor, they changed my life as I'm sure they did to many others,It's always awesome to see someone experience them and get as blown away as I was.

[@northofnashira2575]

I don't see this anywhere else in the comments. So to add to the legend of this man. He also wrote all of the lyrics for Rush on top of his percussionist duties.

[@chrisnichols4228]

This ^

[@edljnehan2811]

I've seen nothing else but this in the comments and quite frankly it's getting me sick to my freaking stomach😅😅😅

[@Jddemmert]

Neil has always been my favorite drummer of all time, RIP Neil 😢 but with this circle of life comes a new inspiring drummer named El Estipario Siberiano. If you haven’t heard of him before you should definitely watch his KZbin videos doing shorts with one hand while drinking a soda or lighting a cigarette or even drinking a coffee thru his hoodie put on backwards covering his face. Watch “it took me 20 years to play this” then enter any song you can imagine and he’s probably played it.

[@edljnehan2811]

@@Jddemmert I've seen him and you're right he is spectacular kind of like a machine however he reminds me more of the great Carl Palmer then Neil Peart

[@edljnehan2811]

@@Jddemmert furthermore I can tell you know very little about drums Are drum playing I mean picking Neil Peart is a safe choice that most people do when they haven't been around and seen some really great drummers. I like Neil but like John Bonham he is overrated and gets too much fanfare mostly from kids that were born after the progressive rock age. They were really just too young to know who the truly g r e a t s were and latched on to Neil Peart who really was inspired buy the same drummers. You need to venture back to the early 1970s progressive rock and Jazz Rock Fusion because this Neil Peart and John Bonham crap is getting boring

[@WhatHaveIMade]

I'm a little surprised that I'm not seeing more requests for you to watch RUSH's live performance of Xanadu from their Exit Stage Left tour. It's not just a showcase for Neil's talents. The musical expertise of the rest of the band is on display too. You will not believe that three people are capable of creating that much sound.

[@PeeryMakeMusic]

I love how you pause and take time to collect your thoughts-your delivery is very well thought and and paced. A lot of people just overwhelm their listeners with constant jibber jabber. So I commend you. Very easy to follow

[@barbarafrazier3242]

He’s a goat for sure!!! Let’s add another factor to his greatness….. he’s the primary lyricist for all Rush songs! It’s well worth diving into the meaning behind lyrics to Rush songs…. Very meaningful and often kinda mind blowing. Yeah I highly recommend looking into Rush further, you won’t be disappointed!!!

[@kevinkilduff2064]

Needless to say that Neil was not only a great percussionist, he was a drummer’s drummer: daring, technically near-perfect, creative, fluid and entertaining to both the professional and lay observer. This solo stands out as one of the most iconic in rock history, and that is saying a lot. His homage to the great Buddy Rich and swing music at the end demonstrates Neil’s appreciation for not only a grand style of music but for a man in Buddy whose drumming prowess Neil thought to be uniquely nonpareil.

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>≥>>>>>>>>>>> Peart

[@82mangini]

Jason Rullo >>>>>≥>>>>>>>>>>> Peart

[@TanTanDC]

@@82mangini man you really must hate him if you're gonna comment on all the comments just to say this, lmao did neil hurt you?

[@82mangini]

@@TanTanDC i don not like lies!! Neil Peart is not The best drummer!!! Fact!!!

[@TanTanDC]

@@82mangini "one of the most iconic" and "great" are not saying "the best" though, you're just being toxic lol

[@alanbrown3963]

Neil was astounding. He could sound amazing on a 8 pc kit or a 160 pc kit. They called him the "Professor" because he was so precise and brilliant. As noted below, he also wrote many of the songs for Rush. RIP NP

[@johnnymegabyte]

How did Neil Peart get the nickname the professor? He was known to fans by the nickname 'The Professor', derived from the Gilligan's Island character of the same name. His drumming was renowned for its technical proficiency and his live performances for their exacting nature and stamina.

[@tbdrummer67]

I thought "The Professor" was something started by Geddy and Alex because of his prolific reading habits. He read constantly and passed a lot of that along in his lyrics.

[@jamescox4231]

I love that after 40 Geddy and Alex called him the "new guy".

[@dontworrybehappy8080]

Being a drum enthusiast, the man literally changed my life in music and as a person. Leading up to KZbin, there wasn't a lot of material on NP. KZbin videos have been a life changer.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

I discovered the wonderful world of MUSIC REACTION VIDEOS on KZbin, at the beginning of the Pandemic. They saved my soul. What fun I had watching hours and hours of the Greats. This video I stumbled on last year and I was mesmerized. Just a fantastic performance. 🎵🎵🎵

[@drummermomcjs]

Neal was known for playing electronic/acoustic kits with tons of bells and whistles. The orchestra hits you hear all all on electronic triggers that he hits and has planned his hits such that they sound like an orchestra playing behind him. It was all drums, both acoustic and electronic. That is why Neil is The Professor! That was his drum solo that he would play at each concert before bringing on the last set of songs. He has a video where he explains how he crafted that solo and the amount of time that went into developing it and how it changes slightly each tour. What a master indeed.

[@MikeRondeau]

His economy of motion is what makes him so exceptional and professional. Much less physical stress to accomplish so much more. The man was genius literally.

[@Darin.Pearson]

Perfect comment

[@pugowner1347]

I absolutely love watching people watch Neil play for the first time. Neil was the best. Saw them live for the tours Fly By Night, Caress of Steel, 2112 and All the World's a Stage. Rest in Peace, Neil Peart.

[@Pxmediainclosangeles]

Dude. I thought I was old. 😂 all the old stuff was the best of the best. 2112🤘

[@MrSaltyfries1]

EVERY NIGHT sounded just like that. He was The GOAT. RIP. 😢

[@behindenemylines9033]

Neil was an amazing, amazing musician. And he wrote all the lyrics in Rush' 40 year catalog!!!! Dive in bro!

[@Abraided]

Not to be pedantic but that's not exactly true. Rush existed and had an album out before Neil joined the band.

[@johngauntlett4915]

@Abraided that's true, and when they replaced him with Neil, the band took off! To many people who say they don't care for Rush have never listened to the lyrics. Neil always wrote a story that the lyrics told. He was also a prominent poet.

[@GCKelloch]

Wasn't he a libertarian? What other instruments was he proficient on? Prominent poet according to whom? Rush fans? Not saying he wasn't a great drummer, but let's not get carried away about his abilities or relevance, like Prince or EVH fans do.

[@maestrojon]

Subdivisions is a great example of Neil's unique style and also an example of his excellent lyrics. He doesn't just play the same beat through each section. 2nd verse is changed up from the 1st, 2nd chorus is changed up from the 1st. I just love it, and I mean, his lyrics are every bit as good as his drumming.

[@peterbrezniak7224]

That's Dr. Neal Peart to the rest of us mortals. He toured and continued to improve the quality of our lives while dealing with the BRAIN CANCER that eventually killed him...just SUBSCRIBED on this first visit to your channel. All the best to you and yours...PAB

[@christianmaverick6468]

Long time rush fan here. Listening to his isolated tracks helps you understand his subtle complexities that enhanced the music they recorded. They were a three piece band so they needed to achieve a large sound so all the members of rush would fill up as much sonic space as possible when recording and writing there songs. I would recommend listening to La villa strangiato isolated drum track where you can hear all the ghost notes that are harder to hear on the full recording. It adds a bigger sound when all members are playing but you just don’t notice it. Pure genius

[@N0LSD]

Terry Bozzio had a pretty impressive drum set, as well, during his days playing with Frank Zappa. Zappa took the opportunity, and wrote 'Black Page' to showcase Bozzio's drumming. Neil Peart was dubbed "The Professor" for a reason. He's also been called your favorite drummer's favorite drummer. I only saw Rush once, but what a show!

[@SPEEDYNEWSNETWORK2]

I've been listening to Rush for 40+ years and have seen them at least 5 times. I'm from Toronto (Go Leafs Go 🙄). It's so much fun to watch someone watch Neil for the first time. Your reactions a great!👍 Thanks for this.

[@Boodieman72]

He was so good because he never stopped learning from other people, the professor and the student all in one.

[@donhadfield2835]

He also wrote some of the most inciteful and intelligent rock lyrics ever. If you are a serious drum nerd, check out "Neil Peart 1992 Drum Clinic" where he hangs out with a bunch of drummers who are sitting there in awe as he talks about his kit and drum theory.

[@tomstansberry6897]

I always love seeing the reaction when someone experiences Neil Peart for the first time. He was the greatest!

[@madcat624128]

It's always fun to watch people realize the genius that was Neil Peart. Welcome to the club, brother. Enjoy the ride.

[@edljnehan2811]

Please spare me

[@richardbeaune9158]

I think you really touched on something that made RUSH so special. Neil played melody through the rhythm section. RUSH was a trio where sometimes the rhythm would be carried by the lead guitar while the drums and/or bass lines carried the melody. They could switch it around because they were all such skilled and varied musicians. I'd recommend you watch Xanadu live to see an earlier Neil really stretching the possibilities of rock drumming.

[@toquinlan]

The best comment about how good he is the statement, "He may not be your favorite drummer, but he is your favorite drummer's favorite drummer."

[@mikeeslominski7617]

45 Rush shows. 1st one 1978 Hemisphere's Tour. Arguably their very best. amazing band, 3 GOATS, and you can never say they copied anything from anybody. Viva La Rush! Best band in the Galaxy!!

[@johnpalmer5367]

Seeing the joy and wonder on your face lets me relive my own concert experience. Thanks!

[@Miesterdrums]

It’s really nice to see people new to Neil….watching Neil. He created the same combination of amazement and smiles in me. What an inspiration. Nice video 👍🥁

[@willhpc4-life249]

Neil had a hybrid kit here..acoustic and electric combined with other percussion elements..his drum riser rotates so he can play each kit facing forward..Danny Carey and Neil played drums together for a song, here it is!kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z564m393jK6dbacsi=CCDjAgZyiaXOzmXt

[@robertdibussolo3355]

Great reaction Sebs. Neil was a very special person with an incredible gift. He not only was a master drummer (called The Professor) but also wrote the lyrics for Rush's songs. If you really want to see the magic of three incredible performers, I would suggest Xanadu live 1981 from Exist Stage Left remastered and La villa Strangiato Live from 1978 (a pure instrumental)

[@Len-ne7]

I attended a Rush, 2112 Tour show in Oshawa, ON, CA on Friday, 18. June 1976, not really knowing what I was getting into. I was just 12 years old, worked my way the the front and was mesmerized by Neil Peart, went on to learn to play drums starting at 15 years old and recorded a CD a few years later. That concert changed my life.

[@alekhidell]

I saw that solo live in the U.K. and the Netherlands. I never counted but Rush were easily my most viewed band live. I even flew to Toronto in 2015 for their penultimate home gig of their career. GOAT. Neil was the Lionel Messi of drumming. RIP professor.

[@loadedorygun]

That part where he’s kicking the tambourine twice with his left foot, playing a kick drum beat, then doing this wild timbale tribal rhythm, just kills me every time. How on EARTH does he keep those separate rhythms straight for so long? He IS the metronome, baby!😊

[@slartibartfast4511]

It's called "independence". And it's a killer of many a drummer...

[@bobsmith-y3j]

I've tried it and cant come even close! It's a gift and lots of hard work that allowed him to have that skill.

[@heliwrecker8649]

Theres an old 2 DVD documentary with Neil showing how he's hand picked each trigger, piece, cymbal, drum, part of that set, it's from back in the late 2000's I believe. Really cool to watch how he put that kit together over the years. The man is a technician!

[@Seamus.MacLeod]

First off, thanks for reviewing this! It's pronounced "Peert" (as in Peer, not Per). As to that drum kit, it's a compilation of the kits used on multiple albums, each of which contributed to that album's specific sound. He switches between them throughout the stage set as needed. Neil is also able to switch time signatures on the fly (Give a listen to La Villa Strangiato, and Tom Sawyer, two of the most complex rhythms written). One other thing: Neil Peart wrote all the Rush lyrics. Neil IS the GOAT. Thanks again!

[@sherrimcdow2215]

I was blessed to have seen Rush in concert twice. Nothing like seeing them live. The energy of his drum solos live was just amazing. He was the true GOAT.

[@billsimon9601]

The greatest comment that I ever heard about Rush (saw them in concert 3 times) was that "Your favourite drummers, favourite drummer is Neil Peart". To this day they are the only concerts where you saw people walking out still air drumming. RIP Neil.

[@maureenwagg5305]

Just reading Geddy's book "My Effen Life" and it really tells the tale of how Rush became Rush and when Neil joined the band. It's really a fun read for Rush fans and just anyone really. Geddy is a great story teller. I highly recommend this book. Geddy thought they won the lottery when they met Neil and heard him play for the first time. He is truly amazing.

[@Safe-Cracker]

A great tribute to percussion from Neil... from the tribal style at the beginning, thru marching military in the middle part to big band and jazz at the end... so much to say about this performance. Great display of complete 4 limbs independence. Accoustic and electronic gears. No back band was there he was triggering all the stuff by himself. He was The professor!

[@ChillyFishFL]

As a lifetime drummer, he was my idol growing up; above and beyond so many others. I am still so saddened by his death. He's the only person who has passed away that I have literally not known in a personal capacity that still makes me so sad that they've died. He has influenced so much of my style of playing. The GOAT....period.

[@debbiedebster5806]

Neil's drum solos were the most anticipated part of any concert!! I always appreciated how short the lines were for the ladies' room were as well! 😂 but in all seriousness, Rush shows will be some of my fondest memories! RIP Neil, the GOAT!🔥🥁

[@davidpancerz5820]

Sebs, Neil IS the metronome, a human click. Must say I got quite a chuckle with you referring to The Great Neil Peart as "homey". Classic. Nice of you to recognize The Master.

[@pthomas1967]

Another one to look at for kit configuration is Bill Brudford’s during the ABWH and Yes “Union” tours.

[@StarGeezerTim]

Neil WAS the metronome, my dude! He was a living click track! Man had amazing timing and rhythm.

[@scottcampbell2707]

Metronomes keep the time by listening to Neil Peart.

[@StarGeezerTim]

@@scottcampbell2707

[@FrenchieQc]

Watch the video on YT called "Subdivisions: Neil Peart nails it. Of course." Whoever uploaded that used the studio recording of Subdivisions, and played it over a live show. It's 33 years apart, and Neil is flawlessly on rhythm.

[@rickward460]

"The Professor" nothing more need be said! 🙏 Thank you Neil 🙏RIP

[@caroltemelsiz5492]

Neil Peart gave everything he had in every performance.

[@edflynn1885]

The Professor wasn’t just a drummer. Most would say one of the most masterful percussionists and lyricists ever!! I would agree. Enjoy Brother!!

[@kriskollmar9728]

Watch the 1981 live version of of “Xanadu” by rush exit stage left. You’ll see even more of his percussion abilities.

[@buckswana]

He uses an electric marimba for the melody stuff, used to use an actual xylophone years ago. He's got triggers on some of the acoustic drums for the ending parts. He starts of the solo facing the back of his kit (which is electric setup), then spins to the acoustic kit for the rest.

[@karenclark8208]

He is definitely the Master Percussionist

[@ricklodestein1101]

Stewart Copeland..

[@nemosays6337]

He's a human Metronome!

[@JaxSaxDrummerHire]

At the 6:50 mark, The most impressive and most difficult aspect is the Ostinato’s (drum cam captures briefly) created by Neil playing a separate, repetitive rhythmic pattern with his left foot, utilizing a MIDI trigger pedal that’s assigned to a tambourine type sample. He play’s the phrase as “2&3&” while his right foot and hands are soloing over in several other, different patterns and time signatures.

[@mrclean2ubro522]

Neil had brain cancer at the time of this performance. The guys all knew. He had tragedy following him. Lost wife and he took his time performing again. All hail Neil RIP

[@grantmackinnon6449]

Incorrect....this was the R30 tour. They retired 10 yrs after this with the completion of the R40 tour. He wasn't diagnosed until a few years after that. He wasn't on tour when he had cancer.

[@marknewton6012]

They didn’t know of the cancer until after they retired , but the thought is respect . You can tell you loved rush.

[@thomasp.3796]

The sounds near the end of the solo that sounded like a band were caused by "triggers", electronic devices attached to the drums or cymbals that trigger preset sounds or chords that were set up beforehand. It is part of what makes Neil as amazing as he was, he used traditional percussion, modern drums, electronics and triggers to get the sounds he made. And during the course of a normal concert, he uses every part of the kit. Plus, he wrote 99 percent of RUSH's lyrics, which are always intelligent and thought provoking, and helped make the band what it is.

[@cutchopweld5717]

This isn't a man in his 20's or 30's, This man is in his 50's He dedicated his entire life to percussion and improving his craft. I know alot of fanboys will say Bonham but if you look at it objectively i can say that Neil could have comfortably played anything Bonham played on but i dont think you can say the reverse. If Neil had been in a group as big as Zeppelin there wouldn't been any question. Their music was just more popular. Neil is the GOAT!

[@croaker4747]

Neil was insane. He could carry two separate time signatures simultaneously. One with his feet and another with his hands. He was like a machine.

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction Sebs! Seen Rush 9 times - and Neil's solo was always a treat - especially this 30th anniversary tour (I was at the Toronto show)! There are parts of his solos that he would keep as a constant, or rearrange when they appear in it. The use of MIDI triggered sounds was essential to the FULL percussion nature of his kit & playing. Look at older - early 80's videos - eg. Xanadu, and you'll see a very different kit - more organic instruments - tubular bells, temple blocks, etc. - but as need arose of expanding his sounds, he ran out of real estate for the instruments - so he utilized the tech at the time of MIDI devices to trigger multitude of sounds. He reinvented his approach in the early 90's. Taking lessons from drum expert extraordinaire Freddie Gruber. It was around this time he also took part in a tribute concert/album for Buddy Rich - so dove into swing (hence the part at the end, with the big band triggered sounds, which show Buddy & his bands) Although he was called The Professor (rightfully so), he was always a student. Adapting new, different styles, always evolving. RIP Neil (and FYI - his last name is pronounced Peer-t). Please, PLEASE do a deep dive into their music! You won't regret it. 3 masterclass musicians in one group. Cheers.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Heh. Mr.Peart doesn't listen to metronome. He was a metronome.

[@joshpike]

First video of yours I've come across. Solid work brother. Subbed :)

[@F_L_U_X]

Bro, buy an editor.

[@debbiestaneland231]

I was privileged enough to see RUSH live in concert 3 times. Once in 1978. Was in awe of all of them but esp. Neil Peart. Just such a big hearted man who loved his music, treated it with such respect and reverence and made the world a better place. As Dave Grohl said it best at their induction into the Hall of Fame "it's about fucking time, long over -due". And yes, it was. The portion of the speech by Alex Lifeson is so funny with his non-word vocalizations. Tremendously talented yet humble to this day. Never taking on airs that they were better than anyone else. RIP Neil - you are missed.

[@dalemartell8639]

Love your line “how great is great”. This is pure greatness defined. RIP professor .

[@testfire3000]

My favorite drummer/percussionist for my all time favorite band! Thanks for checking it out. RIP Professor.