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
126 - Michael
I have read everypost here and I feel I need to bring some things to light. "They've always told you, selfeshness was wrong. Yes it was for me, not you, that I came to write this song." This is a quality that makes me a Rush fan. They never made "radio friendly" songs. You might say that Tom Sawyer and Limelight might be radio friendly but I doubt thats what they were shooting for there.
I had a friend who was a great jazz drummer but couldn't play a simple rock beat. So if Neil wants to try and learn Jazz that's fine with me. He doesn't need to be great at it he just needs to be happy doing what he's doing. For those of you who judge the band because you didn't like Tom Sawyer or you heard New World Man on the radio and said that sucks are wrong. The song might not fit you but you cannot make a judgement or be a critic without judging the whole body of work.
127 - Jeramie
Obliquai, you cried about a song about the development of the nuclear bomb and how the U.S. bombed Japan?
128 - Dearwester
I am a Rush fan and percussionist of over 30 years. I have been playing music for over 25 years. I have studied with and taught the greats so I DO know what I'm talking about. The simple truth is that not everyone can understand the music of Rush. That's fine and should not be taken badly. I don't understand opera, but yet I appreciate it for what it is. I don't like rap, yet understand it's purpose. As far as Neil's playing: Neil and I have talked to great lengths about music in general not just percussion. I know he won't mind me sharing some of his thoughts and ideas here. Neil once told me, "I know this may seem odd to you, but when I sit down and listen to a song, I can actually SEE my parts coming together." I knew exactly what he meant. When you've been playing as long as we have, you start to develope a "sixth sense" about music. You can "see" the next movement coming before it gets there and therefor you can anticipate it and be ready for it. Some call this "improvising". I call it playing from the heart. Even though our paths may have been different, the journey was the same. I learned how to read and write music, learned all of the rudiments like a "good little drummer" and taught myself how to translate those into what I was hearing in my head. It just makes it easier for me because I know what it is I'm hearing and thus I can access that part and put it together. Neil pretty much does the same thing. Only, Neil can do it without being taught "what it is".
I had an opportunity to play along side Neil in what we called a "drum circle". Most of you would have called it a "duel". It was more like: I'd play something, change it a little and then he would play it, change it a little and this went back and forth for nearly an hour. It was great fun and a great exercise for both the body and mind. Not only did I have to play what he played but also add to it and try to keep it interesting. Afterwards, we looked at each other and just laughed. So folks, please believe me when I tell you, Neil is a great drummer/percussionist. His inspiration comes from within which is influenced by that which surrounds him. If you asked Neil if HE thought he was the greatest drummer ever, he'd tell you, "NO!". If you asked me, I'll tell ya, "YES, next to me" (HAHAHAHA, sorry Neil). Neil is by far the most "gifted" drummer I know. Enough said.
Thank you,
129 - alstott
I remember listening to 2112 for the first time.(was it '76 or '77?- some years are blank!!)It completely changed the way I approached my playing. I had to buy extra drums and cymbals and learn all the intricacies of this amazing drummers ability to play like I'd never heard before. Of course being 17 at the time, I wanted to play Neil all over the place. Finally got over it and learned when to lay back. Plus it didn't require as much hardware. Anyway, back to Neil-You've got to admit that he's a fantastic drummer.Everybody has their own perspective on who is THE BEST so I won't even go there. Living in Alaska, I've never seen him live. You'd think a band from up north in Canada would do their equally cold fans in Ak.a favor and stop by for a concert.
Neil Peart is not the kind of drummer that the average person understands. To them he's "just the drummer". "oooh, what pretty drums." You all know what I mean!! He has always been a technical player, only to be admired by those of us who play,whatever your style and wherever he is on your personal list. HOWEVER!!! I just finished viewing the Neil Peart Drum Solo (search Neilssolo). After waiting forever for the download, I was really unimpressed. Neil, where is the spontenaity?? The spark?? Take some vitamins for Christs sake! This solo seemed so uninspired and contrived, it just made me feel sad. Sorta like I feel when I see Aerosmith now.
Later, good drumming and good night.
Alan in Alaska
130 - Michael
Wow, I agree with dearwester, I've been playing music for 28 years and you can hear the next part before it gets there. I will hear a song for the first time with a friend and know where the drum beats are going before they get there and play along and my friend will ask if I've ever heard this song before. If you pay enough attention to the music it's not hard to see where it's going. The only problem I've had was the first part of Xanadu. If you listen to that you have no idea where it's going and it comes out great. Again, my opinion is Neil is the best drummer but that's not everyones and I understand that. I don't like Eric Clapton's playing but I definitly think he's one of the greats. You see it's ony opinion. The only problem I have is when people say that RUSH sucks and have no argument about there opinion.
Rock on
Michael
131 - TommyBoy
Do you actually believe this crap? Neil Peart's drum solo is being nominated for a Grammy. I agree with Alstott...Neil's latest performances are uninspired and tired. It's not a question of "getting it" or "not getting it." One quality about any great piece of artwork is that there is a multi-dimensionality and a level of the sublime in it. Neil's latest playing is so "in your face" and over-the-top that there is little in it that hits me at a deeper level like a Van Gogh self portrait does. It's like I think, "Wow, that guy can really hit those drums hard and sometimes quickly...but where is the tastefulness?" In a perfect world, Grammys would go to people like Allan Holdsworth or real artists...not always the popular person. And Dearwester, please get over yourself. Your comments above only serve to prove that you lack maturity as a musician.
132 - Stewart Copeland
Neil can play the drums well - case fucking closed as Jimmy Pineapple would say
133 - Vern Halen
How come Rush fans are so passionate ini their defense of their band? Most people say, "Yeah, you don't like our drummer. Whatever." What's the issue here? I know they're all good technically, etc., but why go out of your way to make their case for them?
134 - alstott
Vern, the defense of Rush is not so much a passion as a continual trek. Since it's inception, Rush has avoided being pigeoholed as one type of band or another.They are Rush, take it or leave it. People either like them or dislike them for their own reasons. The most I've heard about is Geddy's voice, especially in the beginning. 99 percent of my friends growing up couldn't stand Rush. This was during the Working Man/2112 years. Yet they would listen to Abba without shame. Fans just get tired of hearing it.If you don't like Rush, that's great! No biggie, but we always here the follow-up "I don't like Rush, they suck." I personally like Rush very much. I don't own all their CD's, Do have some on vinyl even. Haven't even seen or heard Rush in Rio. Like any band, some of their stuff is great, but some is crap. That doesn't mean they suck. If a band can be dissected the way some of you have been doing, (I mean-come on!!!! Neil missed a beat???? Get a clue--he's not yo daddy's beat maker. HE'S THE DRUMMER!!)then I think they've made some contribution. But to some of you, go somewhere else to spew your microscopic breakdown of a possible, maybe, could-be mistake by a really good drummer. It just shows your inability to appreciate the finer points of drumming, which usually have nothing to do with a metronome and everything to do with technique and feeling. But don't take it personally, we all know that you didn't know any better. Gotta go now but keep up the comments, all are very interesting in their own way.
135 - jeramie
Yeah, what Alstott said!
136 - jeramie
Ok, time to wake up now Confucius... I mean Dearwester. I agree with you that Neil is the greatest drummer, he's my hero when it comes to drumming, but unless you did that drum circle thing with him before he joined Rush or while he was doing "Burning for Buddy", well........
137 - Robbo
You know what I have learned from this discussion?
All this talk about whether he is or isn't this or that makes no difference.
He's made some impact on the lives of everyone in here. This makes him important to the music and drumming world.
30 some odd years and someone found 1 or 2 mistakes. You really should get over that.
Neil, if you read this at all, I'm a huge fan, and you are not only an influence on my drumming, but an inspiration as well. Peace to you, my friend.
138 - rod V
Wow. Neil has been most important to me for years. After reading all this, iim blown away. Its nice to see the non-fans pick it apart, which just reinforces the loyality i have to them. Im 38 years old, and been buying thier music since i heard closer to the heart on CFOX in vancouver a loooong time ago. Then , as a kid i was blown away. I beleive grade 6 or 7! Completely unique and inspiring. The part that really freaks me out is that 25 odd years later, i am not sick of a single song. And i listen to a LOT of rush! (ask my friends) Neil is the heart of the band to me, and always has been, but he alone is not them. The amazing thing about rush as a whole, which took a long time to figure out is the math. Yes, the math...When i listen to rush, i hear 1+1+1+3-2+6+6/2 etc....and each band member is doing different math, that together forms a perfect equation....i realize it sounds odd, but i have honestly wondered why it is so appealing to me...it can change my attitiude, make me smile, make me forget, or make me remember.... That siad, the 3 make thier individual elements fit together in a way few others can. Pink Floyd for me is another example, of different genre. I saw someone commenting on lyrics, and read and read, but no one mentioned it...."Bright images flashing by like windshields towards a fly" pretty deep...i've tried to do the songwriting he has done, just lyrics. You try. To not come across as your Gramma on Acid is pretty tough! Listen to any radio station for 5 songs. love,...love....girl...etc. Without fail. Then rush comes on playing Subdivisions...A song i'll never forget, as it spoke to me while in high school, with intense peer group pressure we all had, usually to be an idiot. A couple of times it even stopped me!
The math thing....Every note of every song is added and counted, i feel. IT is listened to critically to ensure 3 are 1. Lyrics are meant to make you THINK, not hum!
Why do all of us freaks sit here and carry on abouit the band, and in particular Neil? Its easy..its primal, where every movement and strike he makes blends into the next in a way that reaches deep into our heads and presses buttons that say "ohhhh". Why eople say he is the best? that seasy to. Been playing air drums for 25 years..he creates sounds not possible....we all wonder how he do that? he must have a third hand! (not to mention incredile seperation of his limbs to act completely independently of each other)I was a video that showed him tapping the ride, while using the opposite end of the stick between strokes to hit the tom directly below the ride! ahhhh....Hey! YOU try it! In a nutshell, it is the precision and flow....Mistakes? hope so, otherwise hes God!
I have no star struck with neil. he is just another dude on this earth. He is gifted with drums and musical genius and math. I, build the worlds BEST vintage wrist watches. WE both wake up in the morning scratch, curse the cold and put our pants on. He has had some horribly shitty events in his life. Me too. YOU too, i bet. I know if he was reading this hed say "get me off the pedasatel. i like to play drums. i practice a lot. I like fantasy and thought provocation in my lyrics. Sometimes just an escape.... but im a person just like you."
All us rush freaks (which you will be amazed at if you take in a conceet...no "middle of the road" fans there. Every single one absolutely BUZZING EXCITED. ) are hear for one reason...we listen to the music, it is uique and stands alone, and has the uncanny ability to provoke emotions unlike any other band. I was in awe at Las Vegas 3 years ago. Couldn't speak. Wierd, eh? LAst year in SanFrancisco paid $550 for front center, and took my 9 year old little girl too. Honestly, front center wsa a mistake. 8th row, in las vegas was religeous...front row was overdose. 6 feet from ALex, sang note for note withhim every song, and neil did notice me with my drumsticks playing every song as his shadow...I actually started to feel a bit embarresed that i could match his every beat...started to realize that i had listened to tom sawyer, and played along literally thousands of times. The only point of awe struck was "mystic Rythyms". The drumming on that song in particular, while nowhere near his best examples, is a combination of sounds that really sound like poetry and has a heavy subliminal effect. Listen...youll see!
Anyway, i realize ive covered the whole spectrum here. Bottom line, if you don't like them, listen closely to any one of the three on any song. They are amazing muscians. Or , go to a concert and watch how 3 guys fill a cavernous arena with sounds it takes other bands 5 people to produce. Skill beyond words, a very odd ability to climb into our skulls and push pleasure receptors (hey! did you guys sell your soul for rock n roll?!)And then we do all the rest by linking life events to the music...good, and bad.
WE also respect and love the precision of thier work. On the new album, for example, vapur trails did zip, i mena zero for me. BOOM BOOM BOOM...on the other hand ghost rider has fit in right beside limelight, mystic, tom sawyer hemispheres etc. THATS the music i love.
IF your trying to figure us out, theres your answer.. IF you still can't, don't be surprised....Rush fans are generally far intellectually superior to any others.....HAHA! jokeing!
38, a vintage wrist watch restorer and dealer, husband, father of 2 GREAT kids, big vintage home in the right neighborhood... blasting RED BARCHETTA as loud as i can , hoping the wife is gone a little while longer, freaking out the Judge across the street! Of course, playing note for note on my drums!
they are a big part of my life. 25 years together...longer than the 20 years for me and my wife anniversary shoot! TODAY!!!!! Gotta get flowers!
Don't overanalyze...just be amazed....
i have said my piece. Thanx for bearing with my babble. Forgive the spelling too...its almost 3:00AM!
thanx
rod
139 - John Galt
Wow, you people have a lot of time on your hands, all of you putting your ideas in the box hoping someones mind will be persuaded.
FIRST things first, there is no such thing as "The Greatest Drummer in the World" because you cant compare say two great drummers like
Levon Helm and Neil Peart, they are too far apart...
What makes Neil great is that he has his own style, you can definatly tell his influences, but he isnt "copying" anyone.
FOr example Mike Portnoy, he may be a drummer but everything I have heard sounds just like Neil even a solo I have heard, he doesnt have his own style...
Same with Stewart Copeland, Ringo Star, or Bill Bruford.
Now I think that now Peart is suffering from "Clapton's" disease, where he feels that everytime he touches a drumstick he has to create something magical, If I felt that way Id be tired too.
There will never be "The next "Rush"" because any band that wants that spot is going to have to beat out Rush,
for every Generation of music there has been Rush, Early 70's, Mid 70's, late 70's 80's, 90's and today, few bands can do that, and still be good.
Even though Vapour Trails and the newer Rush albums are my least favourite, they are still great.
As long as rush puts out new stuff I am happy... Keep on Keepin On
-John
140 - wombat
"Cut to the Chase" on Counterparts.
That's all I think Mr. Peart is doing.
In the end, he doesn't give a frog's fat ass about what we think. Get on with your lives.
I'm a huge fan, always will be. By the way, great ideas come from mistakes.
141 - Anthony
What a very modest guy Neil is, we'll fight about who is the best drummer and the best lyricist is, but you will never hear Neil say he is the best .
And everybody knows he is !!!
Without even a close second
The Best !
Very surgical
Extremely well thought out lyrics .
It's one thing to be able to play like Peart.
It's quite another to invent it .
I will be so sad when there are no more New Rush tunes .
I live for this band . . .
142 - mario
Best is a mater of opinion, here is a clip from Drummer world
"Neil Peart is the most popular drummer today. When it comes to voting in Modern Drummer or Drummer world - Neil Peart is always the No. 1."
As for his lyrics, they are progressive and brilliant, IMO. It may be to cleaver for some.
143 - Lenny Bloch
Email me.
RUSH SONGS YOU LIKE!!!
Thank you!
144 - Lenny Bloch
www.ilikejack.com
145 - Clark
Ok, here's my review of freewill.
Freewill stands out in many respects. While not my favorite Rush song, it outdoes the best of most artists easily. It is a well-composed and very catchy song. Not only is the melody line great, the basswork and precussion are amazing. It is both a musically and lyrically sound peice.
The lyrics deal with just what the name suggests, Freewill. Doesn't seem like typical rock lyrics, does it? Well, that's why I like it. It actually means something to me. It has a message, and a very good one at that. Looking at the lyrics without the music, you probably couldn't even tell it was a song. You might think it was poetry. Surprisingly enough, the words go very well to the music. I think this has a lot do with the writing style. Unlike most bands, Rush writes their lyrics first and then puts them to music. I think this does away with a lot of the limitations. For example, you wont find yourself saying, "I need a phrase that goes good after this. But it goes from 4/4 time to 7/3 time right there, and I can't fit in any good words." Well, if you write you lyrics first, you won't have that problem. Music is much more flexible than the english language.
But what exactly is being said in the lyrics? Well, a variety of things. It it basically saying that our futures are all products of what we choose to do. No one else has control over it. God doesn't force you to do anything, everything is your personal choice. It talks about how some people believe forces such as karma control their everday lives. "The stars aren't aligned, or the gods are malign." Well, I'm probably embellishing my own opinion, so i'll let you read them for yourself. The lyrics lay out the foundation, but much of it seems pretty ambiguous. However, it's not hard to get the general idea.
Even better than the lyrics, is of course the music. It is just jaw-dropping. This is some of the best work by all three band members. At times, it sounds like I'm listening to an entire orchestra. It starts out with a strong guitar riff by Alex Lifeson, a true virtuoso. His creativity and natural ability are amazing. You hear Geddy Lee's bass come in next, followed by some background synths. When Neil Peart's manical percussion beings, Geddy starts singing. By the time this song was released, his vocals had started to settle down, appealing to more and more people. The melody of the song is surprisingly catchy, something you can't help at least hum to. The song goes along smooth, with a very consistant, driving beat. Lifeson's guitar decrescendos into a riff which would be a seemingly normal spot to end the spot. But it doesn't end. This is what I love about Rush. Time, rhythm, and melody change as Geddy Lee plays one of the most awe-inspiring bass lines I have ever heard. The way his bass works with Neils precussion sends shivers down my spine. Alex's starts his distorted solo which leads into a shredding jam session. It goes down in my books as one of the best instrumental parts of a song, ever. It is simply amazing. The only part of the song I have any quam about is Geddy's vocals on the following verse. They seem to go up an octave unecessarily. Other than that, the song comes to a rockin' end, leaving you on a musical high. (haha)
146 - jdshepp806
Man,..what an ear"full" here.... I thank Neil for having given me a soundtrack to my life...There exists no other band that has moved me to the degree this band has....No one compares to these guys (for me...) I'm far too exhausted at the previous post reads,....so I'll keep it simple.
To the RUSH bashers: thank you for NOT understanding,..we understand why you don't understand (sadly) but are gracious for your contribution of absence from the shows making more productive room for us disciples to experience the epiphany. A smirk and subsequent silence is what's deserved (and reserved) of/for your shallow responses. I shan't waste precious time in debating (or moreso "arguing") the points. We RUSH fans know and understand what's being presented...and THAT is ALL that matters to us. This will forever remain the fact of the matter, regardless of negative statements. If you don't like RUSH, don't listen. Shut the fuck up and get out of our frame...it's distracting, depressing and TRULY laughable...
RUSH's stuff is above the naysayers' capabilities
to even understand.......
Long live this legendary band!!
147 - Joshua Barrett
Neil Peart has that creative imagination that emanates from youthful curiosity. It is like watching a newborn child gurgle -- eyes searching in an almost confused sort of way -- as he wants to say something profound but does not quite know what the proper exit sounds should be. He summed up life when he offered "You're only immortal for a limited time." It was like he was mocking Philosophy 101 books, or something.
148 - Freddie
Rush is perfect.
149 - Shanaynay
Neil's cute. I love drums!!!!
150 - tacyscott
an origanal like mr. peart is a rare treat. 25 years of playing drums . i understand the nead to change. i dont like all of his work. but i dont like all of anyones work! the mans a great human, and a fantastic drummer.
151 - ed banger
Growing up in Canada in the 70s, teenagers there had no choice but to listen to Rush because of a 25 percent Canadian content law that was enforced on the airwaves. The Toronto trio was as much a part of the aural landscape of the country as Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot and Men Without Hats.
My friend's older brother, Luis "The Beef" Frazao, always blasted Rush (usually "2112" "2012"?) all the time - and then tortured us more with a helping of Kate Bush and Judas Goat immediately after. Then we would put on Van Halen. It was a bizarre time. Punk rock came along and I never listened to that crap again - but favourite Rush track is the one where Geddy Lee's balls were put in a vice and he shouts "to the sound of SALESMEN!" and "Concert Hall."
To check out Rush 21st century - see Alex Lifeson in the comedy show "Trailer Park Boys" - a true depiction of Rush fans 21st century. Sounds like some of you people need to consign your Bob Seger, John Mellonhead, Foreigner, Aerosmith, Van Hager albums to the dustbin and move into the new millennium. Good music is out there always if you search for it. Don't be knocking Mozzer.
RIP Rush - Ed Banger
152 - Andy T
I've just finished reading 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand. This was definitely Neil's inspiration to write the lyrics to "Free Will".
153 - to Paul the troll
" Mr. Peart's attempt to become a "jazz" drummer has not been successful"
Are you really serious? Neil never left rush in search of a jazz band career, and to suggest such is moronic. Neil, of course, never pretended to be a "jazz drummer". He is recognizing his roots. Part of maturing, musically. Of course, that is way above someone of Paul's intellect to be able to understand.
Sorry, Paul. Attacking Peart will require more intellectual ammo than you possess.
154 -
157 - Joe R
Neil is the man! thats all their is to it. as far as Privitere goes, he is currently in Brainard Project. Saw them last week, they are almost done with their first album. i wouldnt compare him to peart though, styles are different, so is the music!
158 - Emma
RUSH IS PERFECT IN EVERY WAY SHAPE AND FORM.
159 - Troy
These are wonderful arguments and commentaries. It really made me smile! Thanks guys! Please join your fellow RUSH fans from over 35 nations in the largest RUSH fan group on the planet!
160 - Lou
Wow, a very long discussion indeed. The tours mentioned have come and passed. I have been a fan of Rush since the late 70's when I was between child and teenager just discovering that there was other things besides tree forts and dirt clod fights in the fields, that of the guitar and music. Now, almost 30 years later, I am still a fan of Rush. I just saw them last month in Reno, NV and while the sound was terrible (IMO these guys sound much better outside than in), the playing was consistent with what I expect. I have rarely been disappointed by their performance but I have to say that the day is approaching when they will have to give it up. I just can't see them continuing on years longer. They've covered much ground and while the "Snakes and Arrows" album is probably the best they've produced since "Counterparts", I do notice the toll being taken on them of being so long in the business. That is life. Everything degrades, including Rush. I would hope that they will call it quits before they become like the Rolling Stones who are a joke IMO. You can spend lavishly to boost the ratings but you cannot fight age. You can not also hide it. Rush still plays well enough for me to enjoy but I can see they are not the band they were in my, or their, youth. Please understand that I speak as a loyal fan with serious respect. They have earned every inch of ground they cover unlike a lot of bands who are brilliant for a short time and then ride that brilliance into anonymity. About the Stones, who goes to their concerts these days expecting great music? I recently heard a version of "Satisfaction" that sounded like shit. It was off their last tour, not too long past, and IMO I think people go to these shows because they grew up with their music or they want to see what it looks like for a bunch of 70 or near 70 year olds trying to pull off a rock concert? I don't want Rush to do that. Do any of you?
161 - Stephen Christopher
Just saw the July 4th show in Atlantic City. Just a couple comments:
I won't comment much on Neil's drumming, other than I find it mechanically sound, but surprisingly lacking in soul. He is a fine technician, but I don't find it expressive. And frankly, for aging artists (everyone gets old), the technical prowess leaves long before the expressiveness does (B.B. King, for example).
As for lyrics, I think he's heading into George Carlin territory. What do I mean by that? George was at his best in the 70's, top of his game. As he grew older, he became bitter, openly hostile, and intolerant. He made it no secret what he thought, that he had no hope in humankind or the future in general. He hated politicians, religion, and just about any authority figure. The problem was... he was no longer funny. Anyone who saw a recent concert would remember an old man on stage ranting to an audience who just wanted him to give his "stuff" schtick.
Neil's lyrics are growing continually depressing, cynical, and critical. Not in a mature way, mind you, but reflective of a person who has given up hope. From "The Larger Bowl (S&A)":
Somethings Can Never Be Changed
Some Reasons Will Never Come Clear
It's Somehow So Badly Arranged
If We're So Much The Same Like I Always Hear
Some Are Blessed And Some Are Cursed
The Golden One Or Scarred From Birth
While Others Only See The Worst
Such A Lot Of Pain On The Earth
Problem is, he's wrong. "Somethings Can Never be Changed?" Are you kidding? I don't know about Mr. Peart, but there are plenty of people around the world working very hard to put things right -- regardless of their political/religious/philosophical leanings. I'm not calling him to task on that, but for such a smart guy, he's always been short on answers. And recently, short on hope. What happened to the optimism of "Natural Science":
The most endangered species ---
The honest man
Will still survive annihilation
Forming a world ---
State of integrity
Sensitive, open, and strong
I've been a big Rush fan for a long time. I used to enjoy Neil's lyrics because they were thought -provoking and literate. Now, as an adult, I feel like he doesn't have much to offer.
Frankly, I'm not surprised that a humanist (or, specifically, an objectivist) would be disillusioned by their philosophy as they grew older. I just think it makes for bad lyrics.
And I'll chime in on the Free Will discussion. Since when does a faith in God preclude free will? Jews and Christians (and Muslims, I believe) all believe in the Free Will of the individual.
If you're going to criticize someone for their beliefs (as Neil has in his blogs and interviews), at least take the time to learn what those beliefs are.