Neil Peart -- The Latest News

Neil Peart wins Drummie for third year

2009-07-07T13:38:00.001-07:00

Update: 7/14 - Here's the official Press Release from DRUM! magazine.

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Neil Peart has won DRUM! magazine's Drummer of the Year for the third year in a row. He also won Best Progressive Rock Drummer.

The results will be published in the August 2009 edition of DRUM!

Thanks to Michael at NeilPeartDrumsticks.com via Rushisaband.com and Power Windows.

Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill opens

2009-07-04T17:02:00.001-07:00

Neil has launched a new food and cooking section on his website called Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill.

Being a man who's cooking-challenged (or just plain lazy), I have to say I appreciate this section of Neil's website. In perusing the introduction and the recipes, I've already gleaned a few ideas that may eventually help me impress my family. I'll report back!

New NEP News Update: Neil's going to be a papa!

2009-06-28T02:00:00.001-07:00

Neil has posted an update to his website called "Under the Marine Layer - June 2009." About two-thirds into the update, Neil drops a big surprise:

At the same time, under that same marine layer, my wife Carrie was seven months pregnant. [Pause for sharp intake of breath and shiver of apprehension.] Our baby was growing and kicking, protected and insulated in its own oceanic fluid, its own marine layer. The anxious (not to say terrified) father kind of wished the baby could stay there, safe from harm, and not have to embark upon a life of menace and potential tragedy. He had lost before, and probably couldn't stand to lose again. People kept saying it was going to be all right, and he tried to keep telling himself that. Even in the June Gloom.

When I first read that passage, I had to go back and read it again. Did Neil really just write that he was going to be a father?

Congratulations to Carrie and Neil!

Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill - Opening Soon on NeilPeart.net

2009-06-23T22:34:00.001-07:00

Update: 7/1/09: A new "press release" of sorts is now available about this section on Neil's site.

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A new banner ad has appeared on NeilPeart.net: Bubba's Bar 'n' Grill: Good Simple Food.

In the Official Announcement Concerning the Illustrated Roadshow Companion, Neil wrote about a possible new department called "Chef Ellwood's Kitchen":

Cooking, for example, might become a new department on the Web site called "Chef Ellwood's Kitchen." Or sports cars -- I have written a fair amount about motorcycles and motorcycling, but relatively little about cars, though four-wheelers have fascinated me since boyhood, and absorbed much time and interest in my life. Over the past year I have been forging a sometimes rocky relationship with a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, and it has engendered plenty of stories -- at least for people interested in that sort of thing. Perhaps I'll open a new department called "Bubba's Garage."

New Neil Peart drum jam, master class, and chat

2009-06-18T00:31:00.001-07:00

It's a great week for Neil Peart fans! On DrumChannel.com, you can watch the following:

1. Neil Peart Drum Jam - Part 1 - With Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, and Joey Heredia (Free)

During a warm-up session with Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, and Joey Heredia, the Drum Channel crew was so impressed, we started rolling the cameras and managed to capture this amazing musical performance.
We call this "Part 1" of the Neil Peart Drum Jam. The full length jam can be found as a "Bonus Lesson" in Neil's Master Class titled Frontiers of Composition and Articulation - available on DC later this week.

2. Live video webcast with Neil Peart, Terry Bozzio, and Doane Perry

On 6/18, at 6pm PST we have a live video webcast with...
- NEIL PEART (Rush)
- DOANE PERRY (Jethro Tull)
- TERRY BOZZIO (Frank Zappa, Missing Persons)
They'll be talking about progressive rock drumming and answering your questions in chat. This is gonna be huge, you won't want to miss this.
WATCH IT LIVE:
http://www.drumchannel.com/entertainment/42132.aspx

3. Neil Peart Master Class on DrumChannel.com - Now Available - $14.95

I just bought this but haven't watched it yet. I'll write up a review when I get a chance.

Here are the details:

YOU GET ALL 10 LESSONS AS A PACKAGE FOR 14.95.
Neil Peart's Master Class is a series of lessons that will give you creative concepts and applications to expand your musical vocabulary as he shares what he has learned in the areas of composition and articulation.
LAST UPDATED: 6/17/2009
TEACHER/S: Neil Peart
PRICE: $14.95

LESSON LIST [TOTAL LESSONS: 10]
Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Bonus Lesson
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Workbook : Neil Peart Master Class Workbook

Current and upcoming Neil Peart releases

2009-06-07T23:17:00.001-07:00

Even though Rush is on hiatus, there are quite a few current and future releases for Neil. I've created a page to track all these: Upcoming Neil Peart Releases.

In case you haven't seen all of these yet, here's the list:

May 18, 2009 - June 2009 DRUM! Magazine Cover

DRUM! Magazine readers interview Neil Peart. On newsstands now.
Read more about this.

May 28, 2009 - Buddy Rich Memorial Concert - 2008

Order from Drum Channel
Featuring Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Tommy Igoe, John Blackwell, Terry Bozzio with Efrain Toro, Nick Rich, Peter Erskine, Will Lee, and Jeff Berlin. These artists pay tribute to Buddy Rich, one of the greatest drummers of all time. With an all-star big band, they play not only Buddy classics but also their own hits. Over two hours of concert footage, plus almost two hours of rehearsal and backstage footage memorialize this historic drumming event.
Special Features:
* Interview with Cathy Rich
* Rehearsal Footage
* Pre-show & Backstage
* Contest winner Donnie Marple
DVD produced by Neil Peart and Don Lombardi
Published By: Drum Channel
Total Content: 286 min

June 18, 2009 - Drum Channel LIVE with Neil Peart, Doane Perry, and Terry Bozzio

Mark your calendars for June 18th at 6pm PST
Neil Peart (Rush) will be joined by special guests Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) and Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa) to answer your questions and talk about progressive rock drumming. There may even be some trivia questions with prizes, so be sure to catch the live feed!
You can ask your questions live in our chat room during the event, or email them in advance to info
Find out more here.

August 11, 2009 - I Love You, Man [Blu-ray]

Summer 2009 (expected): Vertical Horizon - "Burning the Days"

Neil Peart is a guest drummer and lyricist on this album.
"All Is Said and Done"

"The Lucky One"
"The Middle Ground"
"I Believe in You"
"Save Me From Myself"
"Carrying On"
"Back to You"
"Can You Help Me"
"Afterglow"
"Here"
"Welcome to the Bottom"
"Even Now"

Read more here.

Unknown: Ultimate Drum Play-Along Drum Transcription (Coming Soon)

The June 2009 edition of DRUM! magazine has an advertisement for this product. More details when I get them. The product ID is listed as 00-31869.

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There are also a few items that I missed from 2008

Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone: A Backstage Tribute to Television's Groundbreaking Series- Released in 2007

Neil Peart wrote an essay for this book called Magic Realism Comes to the Suburbs. You can read a sample here.

2112 Drum Transcriptions

Moving Pictures Drum Transcriptions

Neil Peart recommended reading update - Issue 13

2009-05-23T17:06:00.001-07:00

Neil has posted a new recommended reading update to his website for 5 books.

New replica kits posted

2009-05-03T16:50:00.001-07:00

I just posted three new drum kits to Replicas and drum kits inspired by Neil Peart page.

Graham Clarke's Yamaha kit for the tribute band 2112

Christopher Stewart's Mapex kit

Russ Hoffmaster's Slingerland and DW kits

Thanks to Graham, Christopher, and Russ for sending in the photos of their drums.

Vote in DRUM! magazine's 2009 Drummies poll

2009-04-25T17:31:00.001-07:00

You can now vote online in the DRUM! magazine's 2009 annual readers poll awards, also known as the "Drummies." The poll is open until May 15, 2009.

Neil Peart has won "Drummer of the Year" for the past two years -- so it will be interesting if he wins this again.

Also this year, for your consideration for Question 15: What is the top drumming web site of the year? I recommend writing in NeilPeartDrumsticks.com.

I've known Michael for a few years via e-mail, and finally met him in person last year at Neil Peart's Buddy Rich Band performance in NYC. Besides being a great guy, Michael is active in the drum community and is always ready to help out -- whether it be a Neil Peart charity auction, or sharing Neil Peart-related information or pictures. His website, NeilPeartDrumsticks.com, is an excellent history of Neil's Pro-Mark 747 drumsticks, as well as Neil Peart and Rush information.

Let's see if we can help a fan site win a 2009 Drummie.

Click here to go vote.

Thanks!

May 2009 cover of DRUM! magazine featuring Neil Peart

2009-04-25T16:33:00.001-07:00

Rush.com posted the cover of the May 2009 DRUM! magazine, which will hit newstands on May 18. In this issue, Neil answers questions sent in to DRUM! magazine from readers. Click the DRUM magazine label for more information.

New Vertical Horizon album due this summer

2009-04-18T14:12:00.001-07:00

The new Vertical Horizon album, entitled Burning the Days, is due out summer 2009, according to Rushisaband.

Neil wrote about his work on this album in this News, Weather, and Sports update from 2006. He collaborated on the lyrics for one song and played drums on three songs.

You can listen to All Is Said and Done on the Vertical Horizon MySpace page.

Also, Save Me From Myself is available at AlternativeAddiction.com on the First Listen page. While we don't know the names of all the songs Neil played on, Save Me From Myself seems to include some aspects of Neil's style. Let me know what you think.

Thanks to Rushisaband for the information!

Win a signed copy of "The Masked Rider"

2009-04-18T13:53:00.001-07:00

Enter the Rush Backstage Club contest to win a signed hardcover copy of The Masked Rider, Neil's first book. The deadline to enter is Sunday, April 26. Good luck!

Rush Backstage Contest - Signed copy of "The Masked Rider"

NEP News Update - "The Quest for the Phantom Tower"

2009-04-03T20:01:00.001-07:00

Neil Peart has posted a new Latest News to his website. This time, he writes about a quest in the Laurentian Mountains to find "The Eye of Satan."

The Quest for the Phantom Tower - March 2009

Roadshow Illustrated Companion update

2009-03-14T00:55:00.001-07:00

Neil Peart has posted an "official" update for the long-awaited "Roadshow Illustrated Companion" book. Unfortunately, it looks like this book isn't going to be published.

Read the update here.

Signed Neil Peart DW drum head on eBay (for charity auction) - Update

2009-03-02T00:02:00.000-08:00

Updated - 3/6/09

The drum head went for $1525.00 total.

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This auction will end on March 2, at 4:41 PM PST.

Click to go to the eBay auction

Note the following change:

If this auction closes over $1500 Michael at www.neilpeartdrumsticks.com will send these three pairs of Neil Peart Drumsticks to the winner. (See added photo of sticks)
1 pair of 1995 Pro-Mark Neil Peart Signature 747 Drumsticks
1 pair of 2006 Pro-Mark R30 Limited Edition Green Ink Drumsticks (900 pairs made - valued at $500)
1 pair of 2007 Pro-Mark Snakes & Arrows Tour Drumsticks (retail version)
(These three pairs are collector drumsticks and were not personally used by Mr. Peart)

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Michael, over at NeilPeartDrumsticks.com, let me know about a signed Neil Peart drum head being auctioned on eBay. The proceeds from the auction will go to help LA County Deputy Sheriff Bobby Corrales and the TJ Martell Foundation.

Click to go to the eBay auction

Bobby has been battling leukemia for the last nine months. According to the listing, "Bobby is of Chinese-Mexican ancestry and finding a bone marrow match has been a serious challenge. As of today, they still have not located a donor." If you are interested in a donating blood or platelets, please call UCLA Hospital at (310) 415-1400.

Neil Peart Updates - News and Bubba's Book Club

2009-02-26T13:21:00.001-08:00

Neil has updated both the Latest News and Bubba's Book Club. To read these updates, click the links:

A Winter's Tale of Summers Past - Feb 2009

Issue 12: February 2009

A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry

Late Nights On Air - Elizabeth Hay

Man Talking - Mike Heppner

Fly By Night Lyrics Sheets

2009-02-15T12:57:00.001-08:00

The original LP version of Fly By Night included the lyrics sheets on the LP sleeve. Thanks to Don Douglas of Ottawa, Canada, for sending me these to me. Click here to see these pages.

To see other Neil Peart original lyrics sheets, go to the following pages:

The Words and the Pictures - Volume 1

The Words and the Pictures - Volume 2

Send interview questions to Neil Peart by 3/15

2009-02-09T20:13:00.001-08:00

Update - 3/6/09

I received a press release from Enter Music Publishing, who publish DRUM!, about the results of this contest so far:

DRUM! Magazine's "Email Neil Peart Editorial Campaign" A Hit: 1000 Emails Received

FOR IMMEDIATE, RHYTHMIC RELEASE

SAN JOSE, Calif., -- Enter Music Publishing, publishers of hip, drum magazines worldwide, is experiencing a tremendous response rate to its "Email Neil Editorial Campaign." Officially launched on February 11, the Neil Peart population has sent questions via neilpeart@drumlink. Additionally, questions have been sent online at http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/just-ask-neil-yourself/; or by accessing the Questions Page on DRUM!'s Youtube site, www.youtube.com.
The result: 1,000 emails from across the globe.
The emailed questions have varied from the most basic to the highly complex in regard to Peart's drumming approach. During an initial audit, many questions posed to Peart focused on how his influences have been as well as more technical, such as how he developed such a diverse left hand approach.
"We were very intrigued by the initial results," said Phil Hood, publisher and one of the founders of DRUM! Magazine. "Neil is just one of those drummers appreciated by drummers of all ages and walks of life so we anticipate a really diverse and cool story. As previously announced, Andy Doerschuk, editor and another founder of DRUM!, will take the questions and create and integrated editorial cover story.
He's already beginning to get nervous regarding deadline. And, on that note, all emails have to be received by DRUM! Magazine by March 15th. Stay tuned, we'll keep you informed on the "Email Neil Editorial Campaign" as it rolls out.

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DRUM! magazine is inviting fans of Neil Peart to help interview him for the June 2009 issue. If you've ever wanted to ask Neil a question, this is your chance. The deadline is March 15, 2009.

Neil@Drumlink.com

http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/just-ask-neil-yourself/

Press Release

For Immediate, Rhythmic Release
DRUM! Magazine Invites Neil Peart Fans To Sit In For June Issue
Neil Peart Issue Based On Fan Interviews Emailed To Neil@Drumlink.com

February 9, 2009, San Jose, Calif., -- Enter Music Publishing, publishers of hip percussion mags worldwide, will feature Neil Peart on the cover of DRUM! Magazine in June. However, instead of having one of its staff writers interview Neil, the company is inviting Neil Peart fans to conduct the interviews via email. In fact, the company has set up a special email address, neilpeart@drumlink.com so the Neil Peart population can have their say. (The readers can also go online at http://www.drummagazine.com/features/post/just-ask-neil-yourself/ or access a question page on DRUM!'s Youtube site, www.youtube.com.)

Those fans who want to participate simply email their questions and, if chosen by editor, Andy Doerschuk, will have their names and pictures included in the story. "We've done this once before and it was a great success," said Phil Hood, publisher of Enter Music Publishing. "With Neil's fans it will be even better. We're very curious to see what the results will be of our email story campaign."

After receiving all of the interview questions, which are due by March 15, Doerschuk will then weave them into an integrated interview. "Neil Peart seemed like a great pick for this kind of story," Doerschuk said. "After all, he has won DRUM! Magazine's "drummie" of the year for two straight years. Our fan base, regardless of age, obviously respects him and that did play into our decision to try this with him.

DRUM! Magazine expects a great response from Peart fans to this opportunity. The company just hopes that its Drumlink.com server will not explode due to the amount of incoming email.

Buddy Rich Memorial 2008 now available on-demand

2009-01-26T00:37:00.001-08:00

You can now buy the Buddy Rich Memorial 2008 show on the Drum Channel web site in three separate sets, each costing $9.95. Note that you must be a Drum Channel site member to buy and view this concert. It appears that once you purchase a set, you can continue to view it multiple times once you're logged in (it doesn't expire).

If you're only looking to buy one of these, Set 3 contains most of the Neil Peart footage, including the drum solo and YYZ. One interesting feature is the ability to switch between multiple camera angles (for example, you can just watch Neil's feet).

This concert is also scheduled to release on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

Set 1

"Preach and Teach" featuring Tommy Igoe
"No Jive" featuring John Blackwell
"Machine" featuring Terry Bozzio
"The Chicken" featuring Tommy Igoe
"Beulah Witch" featuring Nick Rich
"Birdland" featuring Chad Smith
"Time Will Tell" featuring Neil Peart

Set 2

"Little Train" featuring Tommy Igoe
"Nutville" featuring John Blackwell
"The Venture Brothers" and "Tank" featuring Terry Bozzio
"Willowcrest" featuring Tommy Igoe
"Mercy Mercy Mercy" featuring Nick Rich
"Dani California" featuring Chad Smith
"Love For Sale" featuring Neil Peart

Set 3

"La Fiesta" featuring Tommy Igoe
"Some Skunk Funk" featuring Terry Bozzio
"Mind of J" featuring John Blackwell
Donnie Marple - Guitar Center Drum off Champion - Solo
"Ready Mix" featuring Peter Erskine
"Hocus Pocus" featuring Chad Smith
"Cottontail" "One O'Clock Jump" and "YYZ" featuring Neil Peart

NEP items in Little Kids Rock Auction

2008-12-21T16:03:00.001-08:00

Neil Peart has donated several items for the Little Kids Rock Auction, which also includes items from Ringo Starr and Phil Collins. The bid prices below are from 12/21 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific time. The auction will end on 12/24/08.

From the Little Kids Rock webpage:

believes that all children in our public schools deserve music education. Music education is a transforming force in children's lives. This is why we are dedicated to bringing free musical instruments and music instruction to public school children. At Little Kids Rock, we believe that

Neil Peart Autographed Pro-Mark Drumsticks

Leading Bid $250.00

Time Left 3d 3h 5m

Neil Peart Autographed Pro-Mark Drumsticks

Leading Bid $250.00

Time Left 3d 3h 5m

Neil Peart Autographed DW Collector's Series Snare Drum

Leading Bid $1,055.00

Time Left 3d 3h 5m

Neil Peart Autographed DW Collector's Series Snare Drum

Leading Bid $1,000.00

Time Left 3d 3h 5m

Neil Peart Autographed 20 inch Sabian Paragon Crash Cymbal

Leading Bid $526.00

Time Left 3d 3h 5m

Neil Peart Autographed

Time Left 3d 2h 55m

Online Close Dec. 24, 2008 10:00 PM EST

Leading Bid $400.00

New NEP News update: December in Death Valley

2008-12-17T23:43:00.001-08:00

Neil has posted a new "News, Sports, and Weather" update for December 2008:

December in Death Valley

Site and News Updates - 11/27/08

2008-11-27T19:17:00.001-08:00

There are a few things to report for this week:

The Snakes & Arrows Live DVD and Blu-ray disc was released on Monday, 11/24. I bought the Blu-ray (High Definition) version, and I have to say it's breathtaking. If you've been thinking of getting a Blu-ray player, this would be a great excuse. Here are some streams from Rounder:

The Drum Channel now has a free preview available of the Buddy Rich Memorial 2008 concert. The full concert is scheduled to be available on-demand on December 23, and then on DVD and Blu-ray in 2009. The Neil Peart segment is near the end, and it includes a bunch of camera angles including a footcam!

Neil Peart Studio ProFile Update

Back in April this year, we learned about a Neil Peart Studio ProFile project from Sonic Reality. While there's no confirmed release date, Sonic Reality told me in e-mail this week that they were looking at a possible April 2009 release. I'll keep you posted about this project.

To read more, go to this blog category.

Buddy Rich Memorial 2008 page

2008-11-13T23:33:00.001-08:00

Last month, I travelled to NYC with my friend Monica Z to see Neil Peart and other drummers perform with the Buddy Rich Big Band. I've put together a page on this site to capture the details of this event.

Buddy Rich Memorial 2008

If you attended the show or watched it on The Drum Channel, feel free to write a review on the Reviews page. (I'm still working on my review; it will be on this page soon.)

Thanks to Roman Dino, Michael D.F. Lowe, Rushfan4life, Cathy Rich, Rebecca Truszkowski, and R. Andrew Lepley for the photos. Thanks to Monica Z for being my travel buddy!

Two new Neil Peart Updates - News and Bubba's Book Club

2008-11-06T00:25:00.001-08:00

Neil has posted two new updates to his website:

News: The Drums of October - November 2008

Bubba's Book Club: Issue 11 - November 2008

Reviews include:

The Deptford Trilogy: Fifth Business, World of Wonders, The Manticore by Robertson Davies
Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler
Deer Hunting with Jesus by Joe Bageant
Greasy Rider by Greg Melville

Neil Peart's Buddy Rich Memorial Kit

2008-10-09T09:28:00.001-07:00

Michael at NeilPeartDrumsticks.com has posted a picture of Neil Peart's Buddy Rich Memorial kit, which Neil will be using on October 18. You can see a high-resolution picture here.

Thanks for sharing, Michael!