Limelight

After my morning post featuring drummer Jonathan Moffett, I learned of the death of Neil Peart of Rush, one of the greatest drummers (many think the greatest) in rock history.  While never a big fan of Rush, some of their music is remarkable and, as musicians, one can only admire the skill and creativity of Geddy Lee on bass, Alex Lifeson on guitar and Peart on the drums.  Apart from that they seem from all accounts to be genuinely nice guys.  Lee and Lifeson have been friends from childhood and have both been married for more than 40 years.

Which brings me to Neil Peart who joined Rush in 1975.  While Lee and Lifeson are gregarious and happy to meet with fans, Neil Peart, while very gracious, was also extremely introverted and sought to avoid interaction with strangers.  Along with drumming he wrote the lyrics for the band's songs (Lee and Lifeson did the music) and they often reflect Neil's personality, best represented in the song Limelight which is embedded below, along with the lyrics (for Rick Beato's breakdown of the complexities of the song watch this).

In the late 90s, Peart suffered a double tragedy, losing his daughter in 1997 in a car accident and ten months later his wife of 23 years to cancer.  Peart left the band, embarking on what became a 55,000 mile motorcycle trip through North America.  Three years later he rejoined Rush, which began recording again.

In 2015 Peart announced his retirement due to tendinitis in his hands and shoulder problems which impaired his drumming ability.  He died from a brain tumor at the age of 67.

Living on a lighted stage
Approaches the unreal
For those who think and feel
In touch with some reality
Beyond the gilded cage

Cast in this unlikely role
Well equipped to act
With insufficient tact
One must put up barriers
To keep oneself intact

Living in the limelight
The universal dream
For those who wish to seem
Those who wish to be
Must put aside the alienation
Get on with the fascination
The real relation
The underlying theme

Living in a fisheye lens
Caught in the camera eye
I have no heart to lie
I can’t pretend a stranger
Is a long awaited friend

All the world’s indeed a stage
And we are merely players
Performers and portrayers
Each another’s audience
Outside the gilded cage

EXTRA ADDED BONUS:  I usually don't care for drums solos but this is so good.