Rush's Neil Peart believes "Writing lyrics is a tremendously demanding form of discipline; it requires precision. I'm not happy with spontaneity musically either".
Neil Peart (the pretty darn amazing drummer of the band Rush) speaks about his process for writing lyrics. Some of Neil's thoughts:…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - felix
Rush lyrics aren`t the highest top.They are the kind you can like or dislike depending on your mood.They can sometimes sound upbringing like Free Will , but that song as many others is basicly pretensious.Neil maybe enjoys reading philosophy but he isn`t Nietche to talk about it.That`s commercial philosophy being sold to kids or people who out respect for their musicanship look the other way.Their lyrics started to fall down when Rush thought (I am not shore who wrote each song) they can give advice wise like in Free Will . If you look at Tom Saywer, that song has a typical subject mater for Neil songs but there he`s not trying to teach he`s simply speaking his mind and that is the base of any art.Somewhere along the way he lost sight that perception
27 - Rodney Welch
Rush's "Free Will" is nothing BUT arrogant and self-righteous. I don't see how you can listen to the chorus and come to any other conclusion. What the singer is saying is that there is only one right choice, which is his, and the song is basically about how right he is. Actually, though, all the singer is proving is how he doesn't have a real solid grasp on the whole concept of what free will is, because you can't "choose" free will -- you already have free will, and you choose belief or disbelief. Compounded with the singer's grindingly obnoxious vocals, it's just amazing to me how anyone can listen to these androids or their music.
28 - Charles
Man, "Free Will" is nothing BUT arrogant and self-righteous??? WOW, you don't know what you've listened to. I've been a RUSH fan since the beginning and don't see how any of you can have a bad word to say about the band and what they’ve done in the past or what they’re currently doing… “Free Will is about the writers OWN choice, not anyone elses. Yes, there is only one right choice FOR HIM/HER, which is their own.
As far as Neil Peart's drumming... The guy only tries to expand on what he's already done, which not one drummer I can think of has EVER done. It's called "learning something new and expanding your horizons..." I take my hat off to Neil, Geddy and Alex for everything they've done. They have inspired me throughout my life, which is more than any other "band" has ever done. Please, read Neil's lyrics carefully, each song speaks volumes.
29 - Mark Saleski
gotta agree with charles that i don't think "Free Will" is arrogant. it's always sounded to me like a declaration of free will vs. belief in a supreme being.
but...you've never heard of other drummers who learn new stuff and attempt to expand their horizons? you've gotta be kidding me.
30 - Charles
I've never heard of any who actually tried it within their own musical "sector". I listen to a wide range of music, but mostly (classic) rock. I can go from Eric Clapton to the Rolling Stones to Journey to Van Halen (and everything else in between). I also listen to "jazz". If you can name a few drummers, or even musicians, who have changed their "style" during the course of their career, I'd love to listen to them. Over the years RUSH has changed their musical style drasically and they somehow managed to stay on top, thus their longevity (30 years). Maybe it's because I appreciate their effort. The "jazzy" ending to Neil's drum solo is tastefully done and I love it. I even love Alex's play on "jazz" in the middle of La Villa Strangiato on the Rio DVD. I think it's a shot at Neil, but funny and interesting none the less. Expanding one's musical interests has always been to my taste. Again, I can't think of a musician who has. Please inform me. Thanks...
31 - Mark Saleski
rock:
Clem Burke (Blondie)
Stewart Copeland
Bill Bruford
Ginger Baker
jazz:
Jack DeJohnette
Ed Blackwell
Joey Baron
Barry Altshul
Terry Bozzio (who's actually in both camps)
32 - JR
Clem Burke, eh? Interesting. I hadn't taken much notice of him, what with him being "new wave" and all. Are we talking only about his work during his tenure in Blondie, or is he up to something else lately?
33 - Charles
Great list. I totally forgot about Stewart Copeland or even Sting for that matter. You seem to know a lot about music. I guess I'm not thinking along those lines. Still, I applaud Neil for the effort. He can do no wrong by me. And an earlier comment you (Mark) made about Ghost Rider (1/27), I agree, it's an awesome read... I'm still reading it now. His choice of words (like his lyrics) puts the reader right there with him. I just find Mr. Peart to be a very interesting person and enjoy all he's given to his fans. Neil, keep up the great work...
34 - Mark Saleski
for Clem Burke i was thinking of how much he changed during Blondie's big years. early on he was putting his own spin on a Keith Moon kind of thing...he morphed into something else by the time "Autoamerican" came out.
35 - Charles
I'm not that familiar with Clem Burke, or even Blondie for that matter, but now that I think about it, there are several others who have changed their style over the years. I guess that I should have thought about that some more before I said anything. Anyway, I'm happy to say that I am in possession of my RUSH tickets for this years tour (got them yesterday) and will be enjoying yet another year of awesome music and entertainment. 30 years... KEEP ROCKIN'...
36 - kenny williams
2112 and hemispheres are timeless and take you on a journey of musical and lyrical genius no one other than neil could do that. bands today lack soul and passion and are in the business purely for the fame regardless of what crap they churn out cant wait for the 30th tour in manchester for an ammalgamation of the best rock music of yesterday and today. well done neil your the best now of to read ghost rider byeeee
37 - Antfreeze
Rush is like most rock bands to me. I can appreciate their skills, especially Pert, but I wouldn't buy a record by them at gun point. Those squishy fantasyland lyrics do annoy me no end. Rush is just Yes with less members. There are so many great musicians, so few great writers.
38 - Paul
Regarding my comments on Neil's decline as a modern drum hero, one point that I was trying to get across is that Mr. Peart's attempt to become a "jazz" drummer has not been successful. I'm not sure that he's tried to "expand his musical horizons" as much as he has tried to copy other drummers like Steve Smith and the lot of amazing players that he worked with on the "Burning For Buddy" CDs. The myth of Neil Peart as being the "Greatest Rock Drummer of All Time" is largely responsible for his audience's consistent inability to criticize his current work honestly. For example, if you listen to "Limbo" off of "Test For Echo," you will notice a rhythmic flaw in his ride cymbal pattern around 0:48-0:49 seconds into the tune. The first time I heard the mistake in 1996, I jumped out of my seat and was shocked that the producer and Mr. Peart(known for his attention to detail) did not catch such an obvious error during playback. And even if they did, how could they let it go through on such a high-budget, international recording?
My theory is that everyone associated with "The Professor"(including Geddy, Alex and all of the people in "the Biz") assume that every note Neil plays on his over-sized drumset is golden. Another example of Neil's flawed drumming can be heard while listening to "Limelight" from the "Different Stages" CD. First off, when I listen to this version of such classic hit, I immediately notice that the whole band sounds tired and bored. And again, I am in awe that the powers that be chose such an uninspired version of this great tune to be released on an international recording.(Also, as a side note...who in the hell approved all of the fake audience applause on this recording? It's embarrassing and it gets in the way of the music) Anyway, as you listen to the tune, you will notice Neil's fluctutation in tempo throughout the whole song and more noticeably around 1:32-1:35 just after the first chorus. Even if I was drumming on a low-level local CD and heard myself perform such a flaw, I would never let it be accepted as a final take. I'm sure there were many more versions of "Limelight" to choose from out of all the shows they did on that tour...
Someone close to Neil needs to suggest that he rediscover his own voice on his instrument rather than continue copying whatever styles and techniques that are currently hip in the modern drumming community. In my opinion, he's embarrassing himself as a musician...
C'mon, Neil... be who you truly are...I would love to hear your traditional left-brained, linear, clinical, bombastic drumming be taken to its fruition. Right now, you are lost and wandering. Never be ashamed of what you are...a great rock drummer. Let go of the jazz...
39 - Matt
All of this back-and-forth that I have been reading is foolishness. Sure Neil's lyrics have been trite in a song or two. But his work over his career has been brilliant. It's kind of like seeing a lush garden but saying it is bad because there is A weed or dandilion. Let's face it: Neil, and Rush, are great. End of discussion.
40 - Jessie
GOSH!!!whats your problem paul every drummer makes mistakes...Neil Peart is a normal human being and he plays the drums very well....why cant we just leave it at that?
41 - JohnnyLunchBox
Antfreeze - you must be stuck in the 70's or 80's. "Squishy fantasyland lyrics????" "Yes with less members???" Are you drunk? I have never seen such a baseless and poorly thought out opinion in my life. Hearing "Tom Sawyer" on the radio once does not a Rush expert make.
42 - ricardo
Paul,
Don't be so damn critical. If you don't like Neil then don't listen to his work. Face it- he is the best drummer next to the obvious jazz greats- millions of fans can't be wrong- and critics of Rush don't buy Rush albums- Rush fans buy Rush albums. You are not a Rush fan- so don't buy any more albums to bitch about. By the way- I hope you are not a drummer because it sounds like you don't know your dick from a drumstick.
43 - nathaniel
first:
hey felix,if you want to talk about Nietzsche you have to learn how you have to write this name,you fool.
and if you want to criticize neil's
lyrics,write better ones!
good bye you fool
44 - Paul
Dearest Ricardo,
Surprisingly enough, I am a RUSH fan. I'm just trying to de-mythologize Neil's reputation so he can move on and get back to being an honest drummer. And by the way, I AM a drummer and I'm well-aware of other players who have it going on currently more than Mr. Peart. Try listening to me or if you can't fly to Ohio, pick up any King's X CD. Jerry Gaskill is by far, the most underated drummer of contemporary rock-n-roll. Now go back to your pathetic, mass-minded thinking and allow the currently shitty band known as RUSH to re-hypnotize you into thinking that they actually have something new and valuable to say to us with their pretentious music.
45 - The Hillbilly Cat
Paul,
In all fairness to you (devil's advocate), I have seen Rush on every tour since Signals (1982-1983), at least 3 or 4 times per tour (Georgia/Mississippi/Florida, and more recently DFW/Houston/San Antonio), so I think that may hint to how big of a fan I am of Rush. With that said, I can understand why so many fans are instantly defensive for Neil. BUT... you are not too far from the mark in your assertion about a fan's "blind faith." I can see what you are saying about "a wider world outside of Neil," as I, too, am a drummer, and understand completely the differences in styles and tastes you are trying to convey. For the most part, Rush was RED HOT during the early eighties...and most of us were in out teens (impressionable years) or very early twenties (not as impressionable, but still impressionable). I have sat next to Terry Bozzio, Dave Weckl and Ginger Baker (!) in drum clinics, and have listened (intently) to many of the "monster" drummers we may share in common. There is a difference. I believe Neil was attempting to venture into an area (jazz) to offset boredom and stagnation (MD review '89). Steve Smith was a catalyst (BfB sessions), but you called it correct about the Memorial Concert sessions.
As you may know, the drum "duel" between Will Calhoun and Neil was purposefully omitted from the tapes (notice all other duels are intact). While I do not necessarily advocate drum "duels" for any purpose (as music is a form of personal expression)...I can see the ticket-buying draw for a fundraiser like the BRMS. Will was reported to have cut Neil off several times(unsportsmanlike) and also went out of his way to try and "outshine" Neil, in the most unprofessional way. It reminds me of "The Karate Kid II." Witness the comaraderie between the two Smiths (Marvin and Steve). Can we agree that Rush is a contemporary chameleon, instead of "Rock Gods," or "The best of the best?" How do we compare Progresso to Campbell's? Kodak to Fuji? JVC to Panasonic? GM to Ford? In the marketing world, all brands serve a purpose, and all brands appeal to a select clientele. It is all in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder. Your opinion certainly counts, just as the fervent fans' opinions do, too.
Kind Regards, HC : )
46 - felix
hey nathaniel,
you girly name moron,i have the f**cking right to my own opinion, and i can criticize who ever i want.And my speeling is none of your damn business.
47 - jack e .jett
clem burke and gina shock (go go's) are great drummers. i use to love rush.
are they one of those bands that are still very successful in touring?
jack
48 - Tom Johnson
Rush is hugely successful, especially for a band that hardly gets any airplay anymore. Here in Phoenix, there was only one ad promoting the current tour, and yet tickets sold like hotcakes. Rush is very lucky that they have a reputation of putting on amazing shows, because Clear Channel (promoters for the tour) are doing almost nothing for them.
As for the "burning issue" here, Neil vs. all drummers, basically, no, Neil is likely not THE BEST. But he's ONE of the best. He's in that eschelon of musicians where they're all basically even - this drummer can do this better, that one can do that better, etc. However, and this is a BIG however, Neil possesses a musical ear that most drummers lack. Listen to Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy - the guy plays amazingly well, but it's pretty mechanical and his solos are pretty bland. Neil's solos, however, are consistently entertaining and they remain one of the only drum solos I actually care to listen to.
49 - SCOTTO
Sir Neil is a gifted musician/lyricist as well as an enormous intellect. Sad more like him do not exist in the world of rock and roll. Keep on keepin' on, Neil.
50 - john west
you guys dissing one of the worlds greatest drums are fucked up. you couldn't play half the stuff neil plays past or present he's a drumming icon that should not be cracked out. if the man wants to try and get in to jazz so be it ,he may do as he wants. i do agree he's fallen off a little bit but im not going to blast one of the greatest drumers to hammer the plactics online. p.s. if you are gunna buy rush cds to listen for every mistake neil peart makes is childish and you should just sit back and relize your listen to drumming history
51 - rare
As far as the Buddy Rich Memorial concert Neil played on, Neil's approach was authentic to the way Buddy would have played that tune- For the music and for the band.
Out of all the other drummers on every one of those Buddy Rich Memorial tapes, Neil Peart was the most accurate in representing Buddy's approach to playing big band. Quite frankly, none of the other drummers came even close. They all did their own thing. Go ahead and listen to old Buddy Rich records. Buddy didn't play nearly all the crap Smitty Smith or Steve Smith did. Buddy had taste. So does Neil.
This is an important point people are missing (especially the top name drummers on those dates)-
It was the Buddy Rich Memorial not the "Steve Smith plays with the Buddy Rich big band memorial" or the "Will Calhoun and the Buddy Rich Big Band" or the "Buddy Rich Big Band plays Phil Collins tunes with Phil Concert".
Buddy probably would have puked if he saw the way those guys trampled his band.
52 - Jaclyn
I have to agree with Paul. I don't think that he's saying that Neil is or is not the best. I believe that he's speaking on a much deeper level. From what I read, Paul is saying that Neil should pursue his own voice on the drums rather than copy other people. It's hard for me to explain what I mean, but I do understand what Paul is saying.
53 - dude
dude, u all talk WAY 2 much, i cant even under stand half the stuff u say, but i CAN understand how all of u love Neil Pearts brilliant lyrics and enthusiastic drumming style, being a drummer i can understand how he feels as he plays and hope 2 get 1/2 as good as him...also being such a young listener proves he is a role model 2 young and old alike. I hate n e 1 hu puts him or his work down....i think they should burn in hell
54 - felix
I have to agree with rare.neil did show a buddy rich spirit.and also i would like to set things streight ,what i think
about neils work.i am a BIG fan of the band,all day in school singing rush songs (have in mind that english isn't our first language) while people stop to ask me what the hell i'm mumbling about.if i have critizased neil's work it's only cause i got tired about convicing people around me how good actualy is neil and rush.the band did slow down in the later days but it's only natural that they would change during such a long carier, not only musicaly but also emotionaly.the band members have their basic right to do what ever they like.Sartr says we are objects to others, so neil to some is the drummer who plays on tom sawyer or limelight , and they don't wanna loose that.maybe there's someone who prefers neil's drumming from test for echo or vapor tailsand i hope they'll show up one day .so i say that neil is one of the best things that ever happend for the instrument and i would like if he should proceed doing what he does.
55 - felix
can someone please tell me how to find the hidden song on RIR
Thanks
56 - john west
felix, put in the 2nd dvd (1) press2 enter then menu(2) then 1 enter then menu(3) then1enter then menu (4) then 2 enter then press menu and u will see it pop up
57 - Tom Johnson
You can also see the animated video for Bytor. Via Cheat Happens (which also features the info John West mentioned above):
58 - felix
Thanks guys
59 - Christina
I drove through weather hell to see Rush in Nashville, and I took my 14 year old son with me. Sure I noticed a few glitches here and there, but my son was quick to point out that Rush, as great as they are, are only human. Not being a musician, I can only say that Neil is inspiring to me, not only for his drumming and lyrics, but because he is a man who lives and breathes integrity. I can listen to Rush from any decade and enjoy the music, both lyrically and musically. I was so impressed with their performance, really. I'm damned proud to be a Rush fan, and I'm proud that my son is a Rush fan, and I'll be the first to stand up and claim that I'm a blind, stupid, fanatic fan of Rush.
ps - to the comment about the Smiths, didn't they have a song with the chorus "Girlfriend in a coma"?
60 - Greg
A friend of mine studied classical guitar at the same time I bought a Fender Strat, and was experimenting with learning how to play & creating my own music. After 3 years, I was amazed by my friends accomplishments, very well played, executed and metronome type timing. But this guy could not improvise to save his life, and I blew circles around this guy when it came to playing the classics, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, I play these songs like they were my own, when i ventured towards Van Halen, my ability and creativity expanded as well. I finger-tapped him into oblivion, even though he's technically better than I, I couldn't possibly match him there. Alex Lifeson is a great guitar player, but there are guys like Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Satriani that are much better technical players, Alex is a better writer than these guys though. There are guitar players, and there are guitarists, and then the musicians. Laugh if you want, but Karen Carpenter (of The Carpenters) was a trained jazz drummer, which I'm sure if she were alive today would drum Paul right out of his pants. A TV special I remember seeing had her jump from drum kit to drum kit wailing away, I could not believe the accuracy she exhibited. Ex-Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron sounds like he did his homework when he studied, I like the way he plays, Third Eye Blinds Drummer Adrian Burley, same thing, they are no slouches when it comes to drumming, Tommy Aldridge was one of my favorites before I hooked onto Rush... but it just seems like Neil stands out among the crowd, because he is a technician of the drums, as well as his being able to improvise gives him that much credibility... why? Maybe because he's the third member of Rush, maybe because he's the most quiet of the three, but is outspoken in his music and lyrics, or maybe he's just that freakin' good, mistake or not, improv or not, he's got my vote, so stick that in your pipe and choke on it Mr. Paul. Have a nice day!
61 - Paul
That's exactly my point, Greg. Maturity as a musician has little to do with technicality. It is has EVERYTHING to do, however, with the ability to get out of the way of yourself and let the flow of the music not be disrupted by a self-conscious performance. "Playing in the flow" is an art that cannot be taught or learned like the crisp execution of 16th note paradiddles. My point on this forum was that Neil once played in the flow and performed from his heart. It's hard to suggest that the music Neil recorded before 1983 was anything other than wonderful and honest. That era of his drumming definitely stands today, in my opinion, as his best work. However, I believe from the mid-80s on, he has progressively become self-conscious and I can't feel his heart anymore. For me, his current performances aren't "alive" or "passionate" and it seems like he's trying to live up to something that he's not. "Summertime Blues" is horrific,embarrassing and self-indulgent and I don't think that Neil deserves the uncontested title of "Best Drummer In The World" anymore...whatever that might mean. I do agree with you though...in order to be a musician, it doesn't mean that you have to be technically great. Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl move me more now than anything Rush has done since "Power Windows." Still though, I will have a good time seeing them this Thursday in Cleveland. Maybe I'll have a change of heart the next time I write on this forum. Cheers...
62 - Paulo
In the biography 'Visions' I vividly remember Neil saying that he isn't influenced by a particular drummer, he's influenced by MANY drummers. To paraphrase, he says he picks ideas from several drummers throws them all into a pot to create his own output. His decision to be influenced by jazz drummers is his own choice and must be respected. Just like in the 70's and 80's his own true drumming voice was heard (and not even questioned) even though his influences were Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland, Ginger Baker, Gene Krupa, etc. Who's to say his newer influences make him fake? Who are you to judge? Whatever Neil does, Neil is! Maybe he feels he has exhausted his 70's and 80's style and needs a new challenge or direction. Should he ask for your permission first to check if this is okay? I think not. Every single one of us who have placed a comment on this board has been influenced by someone, even if you consider the language you use or the construction of your sentences. If you really want to split hairs, are the words you learnt at school to make these comments YOUR true voice???? Think about it....
63 - Philip
I think one of the aspects to Rush and Peart’s playing that is often over looked in discussions such as these is songwriting. When I really think about it – I’m not a Rush fan because of their instrumental prowess or because of there ability to win awards. These things are side effects of something greater. I’ve thought a lot lately about Rush’s talent in being able to write good songs, songs you can hum, songs that stick in your head, or cause you to rewind a melody over and over.
Specifically regarding Peart, as a drummer myself – what I admire most is his choice of beat, fill, expression and how he weaves it into a song that’s never been heard before. I always remind myself that all three of those guys start with nothing and end up with very large, yet simply satisfying songs. I’ve only recently begun trying to write my own drum parts for a brand new band I’ve joined and have learned to really appreciate the skill with which Peart develops his parts to fit songs.
So often I think, â€"Who thinks to do stuff like that??†– in most musical realms for me, this question would usually be followed by â€"Hmm, interesting, but it kinda takes away from the song…†With Rush and Peart… I almost always think â€"Wow, what a weird beat...and yet I can’t imagine that song without it!â€
To me, talking about who is better technically or even from a performance aspect is fleeting and elusive. Drummers all over the world are no doubt constantly better and worse than one another. What I appreciate so much in Peart is his continued ability to satisfy my ears… I don’t really care how he does it.
64 - Micky Williamson
I went to see the Rush 30 concert last night with my wife. She had never seen Rush in concert and was truly amazed and entertained. I have read the thread here and felt the need (baited I guess) to throw my opinion in as well. While I am not a drummer, I have been listening to Rush for about 25 years. I have seen them on most of the tours since Permanent Waves. There have been very few if any disappointing moments, although memories of the concerts from a while back are a bit foggy. (go figure).
I respect the drummers opinions in this list. I find them fascinating. The thoughts on fill and missed timing on a certain beat. But from my perspective, if you aren't changing, your dying. Everything changes as it gets older. I have never been a fan of a band that holds on too long. And it always amazes me that a person wants to go see the same thing, over and over again.
Neil's relationship with Buddy Rich's music and his widow and lessons with Gruber are part of a journey that he has sought out. I love that musicians that I like change with time. Is Neil not being true to who he is? That is a question for him, but it would suprise me if he was the same person now that he was in 1983.
The one thing I can say that may differ from Pual's opinion is that I do like Neils new sound and style. I do like the big band reaches.
As an aside to Neil for a moment, I have noticed the same type of tidal change in Alex's playing. Victor was very refreshing.
The concert last night was very entertaining, and my friend and I both agreed that the music that seemed to fit the trio the best from a sound and energy angle was the stuff from Couterparts, Test for Echo and Vapor Trails.
I hope you all get a chance to see this tour. It is well worth it.
65 - prashaanth
pearts lyrics are far diefferent from lyrics ive heard in any other band, other band are so caught up in their music that they settle for less in the lyrics department. Pearts lyrics dont have to appeal to everyone, neither does rush's music, but to those it appeals to it unbeleivably right, like someone said about "free will" how the singer is proving hes right.
"choosong" freewill , i think thats about the previous two lines about others choosing "unclear paths"
66 - Tom L
Paul: While I can certainly understand what you are trying to convey vis a vis Neil's attempts at growth, I have to disagree with you. If I feel where Neil's playing was less than inspired was on Power Windows and Hold Your Fire, where, honestly the band as a whole felt that way.
And, frankly I'd really like to know what your point it about the 'mistake' in Limbo? This seems to be picking nits to prove a previously-held view rather than allowing for a variation that obviously everyone invloved felt was unnecesary to fix.
I haven't felt that Neil was bored or uninspired from Presto forward. The Rupert Hine produced albums were sparce arrangements that demanded a more streamlined approach. Counterparts has some outstanding songwriting and very appropriate drumming, and a perfect example of how no amount of technical prowess can save a bad song. Speed of Love is just terrible, and I think Neil sensed that and tried to dress up a dog with some overly elaborate stuff in the 2nd half of it. He's very stiff on Leave that Thing Alone, and the difference watching him play that Live now, compared to the recorded version is striking.
Your argument falls completely flat in regards to Test for Echo, all I hear on that album is his enthusiasm for the instrument and the band's material. Driven is a track I consider up there with the legendary ones of his and others. I'll put Neil's playing on that tune and Totem up against any other 'great' track (50 ways, Give Blood etc.) as examples of how to properly serve the song written.
Not every performance is going to be a classic. Guaranteed. My personal fave Bruford has plenty of stinkers in his past, that in no way diminishes his contributions to the art form. Neil's attention to detail, his musicality, and his energy are his legacy. His maturity as a musician has come in the form of not constantly having to show off what he's capable of. A criticism I would level at some of the work on those pinnacle albums (2112, AFtK, Hemis, PW, MP). There are dozens of examples of 'over-playing' on those albums.
Ta,
67 - nathaniel
hey felix,
you're so wise...why don't you start to write lyrics? I'm sure,if Neil would read them, he would surely congratulate you to your work!
what I want to say: maybe Neil's lyrics seems to you so bad because you can't understand them!
68 - Jeramie
I think Micky Williamson (4 messages up) said everything that needed to be said so well, theres no need for anyone to say anything else on here. I have read the entire list of comments and some of you guys sound like 3rd graders just trying to make stuff up to criticize Rush. I'd be embarrassed if I were you guys. It's funny how of all the years that Rush has been together, and of all the albums (live and studio) they have released, the only thing some of you can come up is how there was a "rythmic flaw" on Neil's part or "fantasyland lyrics" (what the f**k??) First of all, every drummer that has ever existed could not write such complex drum parts as Neil and perform them so perfectly. And as for the "fantasyland lyrics", well thats just called being a creative lyricist. And in some cases, analogy plays a big part in the song. I hope some of you guys arent musicians because you are a disgrace to real musicians everywhere. You havent the slightest idea about creativity or change and expansion in what you love to do. And anyone who tries to come up with something smart-ass or tries to prove me wrong or whatever is that exact kind of person.
69 - Rodney Welch
Ah, I see -- you're the only one with a right to an opinion? Screw that. I stand by my comment. Rush sucks. I can't stand their lyrics, Geddy's vocals, or their music, and I will gladly bask in the disapproval of anyone who disagrees. Indeed, I'll withstand any abuse if it will spare me from listening to another of their obnoxious songs.
70 - Alan Hunt
Rush sucks? Would it not be more appropriate to simply say that you don't care for their work? As with all public forums, the result here is altercation among the factions with the thread topic becoming only ancillary to the discussion. I'm 41 years old and have been a musician longer than I assume most of you have been alive. I was turned on to Rush in high school in the 70's and have been a fan since then, sometimes more or less so but probably more now than ever. Why? I recently saw them in concert for the third time in Charlotte, NC. It's a comforting thing to see them out there, still doing their jobs and pulling off an outstanding and entertaining show after all these years. They are probably partly responsible for my rekindled interest in music, as I become increasingly disillusioned with the hypocrisy of success and more focused on the sincerity of expression. Even if I "didn't care for their work," I would have the highest regard for their accomplishments. I look forward to their 40th anniversary tour.
71 - Lou
What is all of this crap that this one guy above is stating about a ride cymbal mishap in this section of a song, or a mistake in that particular time period of a different song? What have you done to proclaim yourself so mighty? Sure there are mistakes throughout recordings that, unfortunately, may make their way into the final cut. But overall, Rush has created such a following for their music that no band that I can think of that was around in 1973-74 can say they have achieved. Maybe the Rolling Stones but apart from them, who else? They have written great music from many different musical perspectives, outlasted anything that was created in the 80's and the 90's, and continue to add new and different elements to their recordings and their live shows. It is true that there have been some better moments in time, both on tape, and on the road for Rush but clearly, overall, they have created an awesome catalog of some truly inspiring music. Where are all of the bands that have blazed and then burned out? Neil will continue to fascinate not only me, but many fans worldwide with his approach to drumming, and lyrics. Where is your following mr. critic? You are most likely a follower of todays bland, unexciting, lyrically dismall wasteland of dead music.
72 - RockinJoe
Kids, some of u have to learn to LIGHTEN UP a little bit. Jesus Christ, you'd think the critics were questionning the holy trinity here. Neil P is not a goddamn prophet who came down a mountain do dispense wisdom to the masses. He's just another guy with talent who puts in a lot of crazy hours at until he gets it right . Every once in a while he puts out drum tracks or lyrics that are uninspiring and that's just the way shit happens. There's no need to freak out at the readers who understand drumming better than most of us.(I suspect Neil would be more open to criticism than some of you) . I'm a HUGE Rush fan (by far my favorite rock group) but I still admit that approximately half of their songs are mistakes and failed experiments. That's not being mean or irreligious(!), it's just the way I see it. I suspect there are many readers of this column who spend way too much time listening to rock exclusively. To call him the greatest of all time is simply ignorant and stupid. Listen to Elvin Jones on Coltrane's "A Love Supreme" and tell me what you think.
73 - jeramie
No Rodney, I didnt say I am the only one who has a right to an opinion. I said anyone who tries to say anything smart-ass or something to what I said has no idea about musical creativity and expansion in music. You have a right to an opinion, you just happen to be that type of person... thanks for proving me right.
74 - Rodney Welch
I think I'm the one who should be grateful for proving me right, twice, as all you did was re-emphasize your point that the only opinion that matters is that of an unswerving fan such as yourself. Wanna go for three?
75 - Lou
Making judgment of something so specific as a ride cymbal supposed-mishap in some exacting moment in time is rediculous. What band hasn't made timing mistakes, misplayed notes or harmonies, or being slightly off key? Jimi Hendrix was often out of tune on his guitar when he played but the genius of his playing was never in doubt, not even for a moment. IMHO that goes for Rush as well. Just my 2 cents worth, take it or leave it.