While recently speaking with Drumhead Magazine, legendary Rush drummer and critically acclaimed sticksman Neil Peart had some choice words. What he said heavily indicated that he would soon be retiring from music. This is, of course, well deserved with his 40+ year run in the band Rush and various health problems stemming up in that time. He specifically had the following to say:
“Lately Olivia [Louise, Neil’s daughter] has been introducing me to new friends at school as ‘My dad – he’s a retired drummer.’ True to say, funny to hear.
“And it does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to… take yourself out of the game. I would rather set it aside then face the predicament described in our song ‘Losing It’ [‘Sadder still to watch it die, than never to have known it’].”
While speaking with Classic Rock, fellow Rush member Geddy Lee felt the need to clarify Neil’s statement. He said the following.
“There’s really nothing to say. I think Neil is just explaining his reasons for not wanting to tour, with the toll that it’s taking on his body. That’s all I would care to comment on it.
“We’ll get together eventually and chat about things. But in my view, there is certainly nothing surprising in what he said. Neil just feels that he has to explain with all the thousands of people asking, ‘Why no more tours?’ He needs to explain his side of it.”
What will happen ultimately – we’ll have to wait and see. But one thing is certain. The end of Rush will be coming sooner than later. Good thing they left such a lush and lovely discography in their wake because they’ll certainly be missed.
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