Neil Peart - 'Drum Solo' Reaction! The Professor shows His Drumming Creativity and Technical Skills!

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Neil Peart's drum solo during Rush's concert in Frankfurt, Germany, on June 19, 1994, is one of his standout performances. This solo was part of the "Counterparts" tour and showcased his incredible technical skill and creativity.
The solo featured a mix of intricate patterns, dynamic shifts, and innovative rhythms, reflecting Peart's unique style and musicality. He often incorporated various percussion instruments and effects, creating a rich auditory experience.
Fans appreciated this performance not only for its technical brilliance but also for the way Peart connected with the audience, turning it into a memorable highlight of the show. It exemplified his ability to blend artistry with showmanship, making it a quintessential moment in Rush's live performances.
If you're interested in specific elements of the solo or its reception, feel free to ask!

[@Stephen-nd1sx]

They say metronomes listen to Neil Peart to keep a beat!

[@catmanpc9166]

Neil Peart. Admired for his talent, respected for his intellect, loved for his humanity. RIP Professor.

[@DanLaTour12]

After 35 drum solos I got to witness live, he only got better with every tour. Nice reaction guys

[@mkg59]

The "Professor" as he was known in Rush circles, may have had a percussionist or two who may have been his equal, but there was no better on planet Earth. And when you consider he wrote 99.5% of all the lyrics of Rush's songs, it just elevates the man to even greater heights.

[@Curtis-y9r]

How does writing song lyrics have anything to do with anything. A couple points You don't need lyrics for music , they are completely unnecessary and not part of music . They are done away from the kit and the rest of the band in solitude The music isn't better or worse if it's being played by a group from a foreign country because there just words. This video is to showcase his ability and what don't you hear, lyrics. Don't remember a front man having a solo unless he has an instrument in his hands. Been listening to RUSH since 77 or 78 ABC not once did i try and tell people anything about the lyrics to a RUSH song and not once have I heard someone walking out of any concert raving about the lyrics. It's ridiculous.

[@mkg59]

@@Curtis-y9r When talking about the overall greatness of Peart his lyric writing should be included with his incredible drumming. I don't know who pi$$ed in your Cheerios this morning, but get over yourself and appreciate ALL of Peart's talents.

[@scottlaughlin9897]

@@Curtis-y9rbecause it’s another talent in his repertoire. Quit being a troll and go around critiquing other people’s content. What a jerk!

[@GodLovesComics]

@@mkg59 Yeah that was such a bizarre misunderstanding of your comment. I mean how many drummers are also the main lyricists of their bands? Ringo sure as hell wasn't! And then to also be possibly the greatest rock drummer of all time. Anyway, I was never a Rush fan or aficionado, so while I'm sure I heard that he wrote lyrics, I completely forgot and your comment certainly amplified his greatness in my eyes.

[@donhimmelman1736]

@@Curtis-y9r lol having a shitty day or is that how you feel about life. lol you remind me of a guy we had at work that if you woke up feeling good but talked to him then you felt like jumping off a bridge.

[@ChronicExcessiveManliness]

Best percussionist, ever. Also, best lyricist ever. For the best band...ever.

[@GodLovesComics]

It is always mindboggling when you see anyone be so good at something. But especially when you master a musical instrument. This sort of performance can be played in the farthest corners of the globe and still translate, still amaze. It transcends words and communicates through rhythm.

[@sergio_sosa]

Neil Peart is the favorite drummer of your favorite drummer...

[@RockinMamaT]

I grew up in a town outside Toronto and they lived in the next town and we were playing in the park and heard music coming from the factories and we climbed on the dumpsters to watch in the window and saw them rocking out making the most impressive music we had ever heard. They saw us and came out and talked to us about hockey (cause that's what we Canadians do 😂) and we talked about the music they were making and their cars they had beautiful cars. Geddy and Alex gave us guitar picks and Neil gave us drumsticks they were so down to earth and humble to talk to a couple of kids for a half hour. I was lucky enough to see them live twice the second time in front of 500,000 crazy Canadians at the SARS relief concert in Toronto in 03 .The first time I saw them Neil's drum solo was Epic to say the least. Great reaction and Peace out guys 🙏✌️☮️

[@teamdata]

He took you to every continent and played their style.

[@sbalsamo410]

RIP Neil. The complexity of what he was capable of doing is mind boggling.

[@naelar13]

The undisputed GOAT! Amazing that he did that at that speed in his early 60s. The bit at the end was him paying homage to the big band/jazz music he listened to a lot when he was a kid.

[@mrnobody9104]

the professor was undoubtedly the master of his domain RIP

[@keefmack]

that cross handed section gets me every time

[@billschwener2283]

That's why he's called The Professor!

[@quincee3376]

Awesome..RIP Neil Peart.

[@ruthking7884]

So proud to call Neil a fellow Canadian.

[@hvyone]

So great to see new people fall in love with Neal Peart and Rush RIP The Professor

[@aaroncasey9696]

He was doing periddells with his feet ❤

[@jimtatro6550]

Drummers use metronomes to keep perfect time, metronomes used Neil.

[@paulrt3]

Part of this drum solo comes from Buddy Rich's "Impossible Drum Solo." Buddy was one of Neil's favorite drummers that he took after.

[@debbieplato5107]

Neil Peart was one of a kind. He constantly worked on expanding his drumming knowledge. A story from one of his books (Yes, not only did he write most of the lyrics but he also wrote a number of books) was when he was on a bicycle tour through Africa. He was in a village where a one of the fellows was trying to teach a young missionary how to drum. The missionary was having a hard time. He then noticed Neil watching him and the missionary and beckoned him into the room. Neil sat down and soon enough they were drumming together. Some of the women came in and started to dance The missionary was very confused and asked Neil how he could do that. All Neil said was I am in the business. He was certainly one of the greats.

[@Agg1E91]

To me, the additional respect goes to the the fact that this was not in any way "ad hoc". Every single moment was meticulously designed and rehearsed until it was perfect. And then he went out and executed it.

[@blthtm]

Even more impressive was the fact that Neil was incredibly sick with the flu when he did this.

[@bobcarn]

I saw all of their tours since 1977. It was always one of the highpoints of the concert to hear his solo. At some point later on, I was watching one of his solos and realized he was an actual living legend and said as much to my partner. I feel so lucky to have seen him so many times.

[@MrTech226]

Guys Neil had two of his greatest influences in video montage during Big Band & Jazz part of his solo. They are great Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich.

[@VinceEmbry]

This is far more impressive when you realize that he was not "freestyling", and this is an actual written arrangement called "Der Trommler" ("the drummer"). I have the written music sheet to this, and I can tell you that after 55 years of drumming/percussion (I'm 62) I don't have near enough drums, or skill to even get anywhere close to this level. Thanks for the reaction. I enjoyed it.

[@JamesBenner-p7u]

He was honoring the juke joints, and that era in time.

[@paulfromt.o.7384]

Neil covered just about every drumming rudiment there is as well. Some musicians and most drummers know this. Single and double stroke rolls, triplets, flams, paraddidles, flamadiddles and longer stroke rolls (5,7,9 etc). And he does many things other drummers simply don't do much of. Ghost notes, cymbal chokes, accents and extended syncopations as examples. Also... his endurance. Very few people mention this. Gold medal Olympic level endurance to get through a 3 hour show with one short intermission. Fun reaction fellas.

[@AngieSacco]

That set was 24kt gold

[@rickhaddad7261]

He covered Africana, South American, Drum line, Rock, Waltz, and Jazz. The Professor is a beast. GOAT of the kit? Idk? GOAT when it comes to composition, lyrics, or just overall musicianship. Peart is definitely the GOAT! Drummers HOF for me. Buddy Rich Danny Carey Mike Portnoy John Bonham. Of course, Peart is at the top "for me!"

[@2cawwa2]

I’m not a betting man, but I knew that Olliewood would find something not to his liking or to be offended by. Move on!

[@zenn5150gaming]

He looks like he's trying to find the right time to say something about how a White man stole the drums...

[@AngieSacco]

Hands down....Neil Peart!!!!!

[@AngieSacco]

He was given the name the professor for a reason.

[@PeterMcCracken-n3g]

Thank you guys for helping keep Neils memory alive. His favorite drummer was Buddy Rich and obviously that means Jazz was his drumming passion. Cheers.

[@TheDivayenta]

This and Danny Carey of Tool doing “ Pneuma” are incredible.

[@ZZ430T56]

Neil is a true percussionist.

[@AngieSacco]

By listening to Neil, now can dive into more of their complex music to hear all of them together with their amazing time signature changes and yes they have quite of few instrumentals and thematic songs as well.

[@jeffreyhartley8115]

His favorite drummer is a guy named Buddy Rich who is from the 50s Need to check him out

[@AngieSacco]

Any solo the professor did was always amazing to experience. I think my favorite was R30 tour

[@Montey15]

The grand professor of drummery

[@GH-xc4du]

Keith Moon from The Who- there are a bunch of live clips of this dude- I think he was the guy that "Animal" from the Muppets was based on

[@robwhitmer5294]

HBCU indeed!. The king of rolls and the hottest snare in the business.

[@sarahstrickland5329]

Legend on them drums❤

[@beckycourtemanche1088]

The only word I can thing of for this genius is….Perfection!

[@sarahp9086]

"That was fuckin' incredible." As a Canadian, and a Rush fan, that's the highest compliments one could possibly give. Cheers, brothers!

[@proulxr2002]

@sarahp9086 Totally agree with you. Canadian 🇨🇦here as well and our boys kick ass!

[@melanieheathbeasley133]

Best drummer ever!

[@Jeff-h4j]

Yes you felt right. He studied hand " something or other" African percussion rhythms. One of his, or his favorite drummer was Buddy Rich. Thank you guys for watching him.

[@michaelakkerman407]

We know Ollie got that short attention span...shoot. the cross overs are fantastic. As a drummer your the most talented guy in the band!!!

[@snakeinthegrass7443]

If he sees it's a 10 minute video, he should just tap and let the OGs tell us how they feel. They're opinions are way more comprehensible anyway, at least to this aging man. 😉

[@deathandthehermit4283]

I appreciate the honesty. I, too, find myself checking out during solos. Guitar, drum, saxophone... after a few minutes, I'm checking my watch.🤭

[@brandonboucher7090]

Ringo is one of my favorite drummers…his grooves fit the music perfectly, the fact that he doesn’t stand out to you but love the Beatles is a testament to his tasteful approach. Try another listen sometime.

[@0okamino]

Ringo is definitely underestimated in his subtlety.

[@edgarpacifico3421]

Amazing!!!

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

and Corey had the KC game on in the back. Lots to watch.

[@mark-be9mq]

Peart, Steve Smith, Phil Collins, Hal Blaine, Ringo Star, Buddy Rich, Bun. E. Carlos,

[@dab_family9405]

Keith Moon from The Who was another outstanding drummer. Stewart Copeland from The Police was also amazing and very creative.

[@geoffsullivan7902]

Genius, legend.RIP Professor ❤❤❤❤😊

[@arnoldcox9128]

I've seen this maybe 5 or 6 times and it amazes me every time

[@CatherineFlading]

When I was a teenager, "The Police" were big and Stuart Copeland was the first drummer that caught my attention. My ears perk up every time I hear him play.

[@BlackCatLover]

Neil Peart is my favorite! I do love John Bonham of LZ, Keith Moon of The Who, Carl Palmer of ELP & Ginger Baker in Cream! Each one has their own unique style and blows away the competition!

[@workingman6681]

Had the privilege to see him live a dozen times. Started out with the Moving Pictures Tour in the early 80’s and finished with the R40 Tour back in 2015. Top 3 Drummers 1. John Bohnam ( Led Zeppelin 2. Neal Peart (Rush) 3. Stewart Copeland ( The Police) RIP PROFESSOR🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@carlgibbons5777]

I have seen RUSH live 30 times over the years. Every single time, the drum solo got the loudest applause of the night. What other drummer can claim that? I guess my man on the bottom is in the minority of not liking long drum solos. lol Peart is the exception. he makes it all creative and interesting. Even for non drummers.

[@BayouMaccabee]

The Arsenio Hall Show drummer was Marvin "Smitty" Smith, and I agree that he is spectacular. "Hey Smitty, play me summa that smelly locker room funk." - Arsenio Hall Hell yeah...I miss that show.

[@thisisitreactions]

Great pull!!!!

[@davidfyffe5970]

You guys just covered Danny Carey from Tool, also. Don't forget the great Buddy Rich!

[@VEGAFLICKS]

Came here to say this. 😎

[@AW11-e4h]

Rip Professor 🙏

[@MICHAELA-bv7me]

Neil Peart is the Goat

[@lindaward5376]

It used to be that the drum solo was a time for concert goers to get up to go and grab a beer or use the toilet, but never while The Professor was in the house! Have a great evening everyone, and Rush on! 🥁 🥁 🐐 🐐

[@chrisw3421]

He's not the best drummer ever, he is just one of the best :) He and Alex and Geddy were the absolute perfect fit!

[@joeyrogers7017]

Cozy Powell, Bill Ward, John Bonham, Rick Allen, Tommy Lee some of the ones I grew up listening to.

[@nauseantrock532]

the man Canadian icon 🇨🇦

[@kierstenridgway4634]

I find myself once again agreeing with Ollie. ❤✌️

[@joegeegan754]

I've watched 100 reactions to this drum solo and have never seen anyone as bored as Olli, unbelievable. Keep in mind every sound you just heard was played by Neil, including the horns, with the exception of his snare, all the solid white drum heads are digital and can be programed to pay any sound from a telephone to a train to a horn. He was literally playing the drums and the horns at the same fuckin time! I can also guarantee you that if Neil is not your favorite drummer, he is your favorite drummers drummer. He did visit Africa extensively for the sole purpose to learn the tribal rhythms you liked at the beginning of the solo. He never stopped learning and in fact took lessons from his heros up to his 60s NOT a drummer, he was a MUSICIAN!

[@bastark6926]

You would have to slow this down to appreciate Neil's true genius. When you think you heard him hit the snare twice, he actually hit it three times. And when it seemed like a triple beat, man hit did 2 double taps. That's why when other people cover Neil Peart, it's good, but it just DOESN'T SOUND THE SAME.

[@troygarrett3497]

Neil Peart is def my favorite drummer. But you guys should try watching the Godsmack drum battle. The lead singer plays one set and the drummer plays another set. It’s pretty cool to watch

[@derekharley7343]

Best drummer by far. Buddy Rich, check out the impossible drum solo. 21 million views on KZbin for a reason. Probably all drummers.

[@jethro1963]

IIRC Peart went to Rich for some instruction

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

Duds SearchCarl Palmer he is 74 now and still Tours!!!✌🏼❤️

[@williamgrice4790]

Neil takes you on a history of drumming. From tribal, rock, marching band, military band, jazz, big band swing. He learned the tribal portion from a visit to Africa. The last big with swing and paying homage Buddy Rich and to those who came before him. Great reaction.

[@michaelkeller6223]

There’s a whole section demonstrating limb independence (ability to play different rhythms with feet and hands simultaneously) that most people don’t recognize may be the most impressive part of the performance…

[@tommyc6066]

The professor of the drum kit 🥁

[@peardrop61]

Best of my time are, John Bonzo Bonham, Neil Peart, Keith Moon (from The Who).

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

Wow!! I was wondering when someone was going to mention some of the bits of the video playing over that last part of the solo. It caught my eye one of the first times I saw the solo (and I've seen it over a hundred times now because I love Neil Peart - best drummer ever) and it made me a bit uncomfortable; however, hopefully people will look past it and just know that he valued everyone.

[@michaelakkerman407]

Best "ROCK" drummer ever...

[@lynnieiapichino1121]

☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥🔥🥁🥁the best!!

[@Sleepeaze]

Yall should check out some of the competitions that are held. Soloist musicians face off against each other live and it’s a lot of fun.

[@EarthWalker2023]

Pure 🔥

[@ramkraken8242]

Goat

[@calvingreen5202]

Great reaction and commentary!! Neil Peart is my all-time favorite drummer...hands down. If you want to check out another one of his solos...check the live version of Malignant Narcissism. See what you think...

[@brucereed7823]

You guys need to look up Tony Royster Junior 12 year-old drum solo and he will blow your mind. After that look up his newest stuff he has an incredible sense of time and his cymbal flares are beyond compare ! The Double Bass work is nearly invisible because he goes so fast.

[@Berliozioz]

In an interview, Neil said this particular solo was intended to take the listener through the history of human percussion,

[@PMJonte]

I think it's almost 40 pieces. His original set was bigger than the average set in the 70s. Overtime, as he started composing more and more, the set grew. Noe of that matters because I've seen him play a traditional 5 piece jazz kit. That's why he's the professor...your favorite drummer's favorite drummer.

[@kevindohn6776]

Back when he was a teenager he said he didn't let anybody touch his drums or his stereo system, but lucky for him, a guy named Lorne Wheaton touches his drums every show, as in sets them all up, and takes them all down and puts them away while Neil is long gone. And by the way, Neil wasn't in charge of the video behind him, someone else did that, it was showing the history of jazz & big band drumming, don't know what there was to get offended at.

[@carolinefriedman6625]

Y'all heard of Buddy Rich?

[@kimbarry4674]

You should really check out MALIGNANT NARCISSISM from the Snakes and Arrows Tour Neil's drum solo DE SLAGWERKER is the far superior drum solo not to mention Malignant Narcissism is GRAMMY nominated ❤🇨🇦

[@billwoods9302]

The section at 5:13 sounds off musically because Neil is playing a true polyrhythm, two different grooves at the same time. Musically, it sounds odd, but that's the section that makes jaws drops from drum teachers and professionals. It's incredibly difficult to keep two different time signatures at the same time while playing them at different tempos. Amazing stuff. The big band jazz section at the end of the solo was recorded when Neil Peart was invited to play a concert that honored the career of Buddy Rich. Neil was able to work out a deal where the backup band would record some big band music that Neil could take with him to sample and incorporate into his drum solos.

[@Gypsynik]

So neil was in his 50s when he played this half way through a 3 hour concert with a touch of a cold. I've watched a whole lot of reactions to this. I know you guys said in another reaction that you are not drummers and neither am I, however there is one little thing I know Drumming requires a whole lot of muscle memory. No reactioner yet, including folks who say they are drummers bring that up. When the the set spins many of the drums switch up on him. The xylonphone started on the right and then goes on his left. Neil Peart is the best drummer. He is known as your favorite drummer's favorite drummer.

[@AngieSacco]

He even has a cow bell added to his humongous set

[@gregjones861]

Virgil Donati, Barriemore Barlowe, Rod Morgenstein, Bill Bruford, Phil Collins, Bobby Caldwell and so many more

[@jethro1963]

Karen Carpenter

[@stewpot6998]

Everyone has a list. 😅 here you go: Bonham, Bruford, Brain (Brian Mantia), Bernard (Purdie), Baker. Watch: Bernie Worrell, Buckethead, Brain, Bill Laswell and Lilly Hayden perform 'Maggot Brain' written by Eddie Hazel. Wow. Great performance by all but I think Lilly scared Buckethead 😅. Great stuff guys. One of the best reaction channels out there.✌️

[@michaelakkerman407]

Technics that 95% of drummers wish they could do including me. He show cases everything he has if you don't know about drumming then your missing so much. He still so bad azz. I like Bonham but I love Peart!!!!

[@MDElam]

Best drummers in the Neil Peart class: Phil Collins (Genesis), Bill Bruford (Yes and King Crimson), Danny Carey (Tool), Jeff Porcaro (Toto), and more. Although Neil Peart was undoubtedly great, he was not by himself. Also check out Phil Collins' drum trio and "Take Me Home" from his First Farewell Tour!

[@stevenschembri1288]

Just ANOTHER REASON why Neil Peart is the greatest rock drummer of all time. Next topic of conversation....

[@billboyd9028]

This link goes to a YT video of an interview with Rush's drum tech and he demonstrates how they put the kit together for each show. It's about 12 minute video and he shows how they set up all the triggers and mics as well as how they placed each drum: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHmzl6xtmLd0lbc

[@BayouMaccabee]

Speaking as a middle-aged drummer myself (who is now, unfortunately, too crippled to play anymore), here are some of the best drummers who influenced my own playing development (aside from the obvious Neil Peart): Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) Barriemore Barlow (Jethro Tull) Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra) Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) Tim "Herb" Alexander (Primus) Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience) Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad) Bernard Purdie (Steely Dan, studio great) Vinnie Culaiuta (Frank Zappa, Sting) Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa) Danny Carey (Tool) Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson) Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, McStine & Minnemann) Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) Elvin Jones (John Coltrane) Harvey Mason (Herbie Hancock) Art Blakey Will Calhoun (Living Colour) There are many many more...far too many to keep listing here.