When it comes to legendary drummers, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Neil Peart of Rush stand out as titans of their craft. While both have achieved immense success and respect in the music world, their styles, techniques, and overall approaches to drumming differ significantly. This article delves into a comparison of these two drumming icons, highlighting their unique contributions to rock music.
Neil Peart: The Quintessential Rock Drummer
Drummer and lyricist for Rush, Neil Peart is hailed in many circles as the quintessential rock drummer. He's known for his ingenious drum parts and intense solos with lead passages that rock hard and prove the drums, indeed, can be a lead instrument. No Rush concert is complete without Peart's sparking, obligatory drum solo, and his syncopated drumming style certainly has its own distinct sound and aura.
Rush used to play at our high school. From all accounts, Neil Peart was the absolute man, and a total sweetheart. He lived a truly tough life but made the most of it, getting to travel the world a few times over with one of the biggest rock bands of all time and even spending months at a time out on his own motorcycling journeys. Plus, he's unquestionably one of the best to ever do it, and wrote drum parts (and lyrics) that will live on for generations to come....What a legend - may he rest in peace.
Peart is often ranked among the greatest drummers of all time. For example, Rush's Neil Peart made the list at #2 second only to legendary Led Zeppelin sticks-man John Bonham.
Influence and Kit Size
I recall reading that Mike Portnoy developed his "Siamese" monster kit only because Neil Peart didn't go any further with the size of his kit. Some might think that arrogant.
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A Tribute to Neil Peart by Chad Smith
Chad Smith: A Tribute
This video of Chad Smith paying tribute to Neil Peart and talking about his encounters with the late RUSH drummer somehow slipped thru the cracks for me a few months ago, but I just stumbled across it this morning and felt the need to share it. Better late than never, I suppose! Hearing the full story of Peart going from Chad's biggest idol to one of his peers (who had the utmost respect for his drumming) was just awesome. So so so cool.
Comparing Greatness
Neither is better, both are great. The two are equally good at different things. However, everyone has something they like or someone they would gravitate to. For me its Neil Peart!
Mike Portnoy has said Peart was one of his idols and wanted to meet him.
Dream Theater's Platinum Package
DT offers a special ticket package called the "platinum package" it varies in price a little but is it between $250.00-$300.00. It includes, a seat in the first 3 rows ( I have been in the front or second every time. You get a shirt, a pre signed autographed band pic and a meet and greet with they band and they will autograph one item. I have met the band four times over the years. I actually had a great conversation with Mike's wife Marleen one year, as well as his kids.
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