The Enigma Of Neil Peart

“He will be remembered as being one of the most innovative drummers in the prog world. He made it a better place for all of us.”
Carl Palmer

The fact that Neil Peart’s death came as such a shock to so many people, even though he’d been severely ill for some time, is perhaps the best tribute shown to him. He commanded such respect that, despite such a tragic situation, no one wanted to breach the privacy that had always been so important to him.

Even Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson said very little in their only official statement, noting that: “our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma).”

Peart’s creative output deserved respect, of course, and will continue to do so, but the reason why the “Professor” commanded so much personal appreciation was hinted at among the hundreds of tributes paid to him in the days after his passing.

In a blog post entitled , DJ Donna, which had special meaning for both of us.”