Neil Peart (Rush) - September 12, 1952–January 7, 2020

In the world of progressive metal, Rush is a vital piece of the puzzle. Countless books have been written about them, and there is no doubt that drummer Neil Peart remains deeply respected by both musicians and fans for his thoughtful, intelligent, and complex approach to the kit. In my opinion, Rush must be taken into account when discussing the essence of progressive and technical metal. While it may be true that younger metal bands don't always have a direct connection to Rush’s most influential works, for earlier generations of rock and metal musicians, Rush was fundamental to their musical identity.

In the 1970s, progressive rock was plentiful, but many of those bands weren't interested in playing heavy. Conversely, with the heavy rock bands, it often feels as though the drummer was following the riff or playing in the "pocket" to support the guitar.

In Rush, however, the drumming feels like part of the composition itself, rather than just a time-keeping tool. Listeners across the decades have observed that Peart’s drumming is multifaceted; its complexity and thoughtfulness bridge the gap between progressive artistry and heaviness. While I am not a musician and cannot explain the technical music theory behind the percussion, I know that more knowledgeable people have written extensively on his style, and there are many YouTube people, including other musicians, who have commented on Peart's drumming. I won't pretend I can match their technical analysis.

I enjoy the entire Rush discography, including the 1980s albums that some fans find experimental or less heavy. For me, every era offers something interesting to enjoy. For those who haven't given Rush a chance and are up for an adventure, I’ll recommend one song. (Longtime fans and musicians, please feel free to chime in with your own favorites.)

The band famously had a difficult time recording this track because it was so complex; it allegedly frustrated them to the point that they couldn't record it live in a single take. Instead, they had to piece it together from three different sections. It is a long, crazy instrumental, but it’s an incredible listen. While playing it must be a massive mental and physical exercise, listening to it is pure fun to me. Check out "La Villa Strangiato"!

La Villa Strangiato by Rush REMASTERED

Rush - La Villa Strangiato live 1978