There are some people you don\u2019t expect to die. Not because you think they\u2019re somehow above the laws of nature, but because they have always been a part of your life, they always contribute in their way. They have effectively become part of your eternal surroundings, like an old oak tree in your garden.<\/p>\n
Neil Peart, drummer and main lyricist of Canadian rock band Rush, was such a man. He was there before I was, his band helped me through puberty and youth, his lyrics were brilliant and thoughtful, his music transcended eras and tastes. He was one of the very few musicians I felt a personal connection to, no matter how irrational or idiosyncratic that may be. When I was going through a bad patch I read his \u201cGhost Rider\u201d, which I guess was the main cement of that connection. I adored his lyrics, admired his drumming, I mean, Neil was one of those legendary artists who was the whole package<\/em>. A person to look up to, a person that could help you sail the stormy seas of existence.<\/p>\n I guess I, and many others with me, will have to weather life\u2019s storms without him around.<\/p>\n I am not one to send out prayers, but my thoughts<\/em> in this time of loss go out to Neil\u2019s loved ones as well as his band mates in Rush. And also to the world of progressive rock for which he was a huge source of inspiration.<\/p>\n I feel gutted. Going to put on \u201cPresto\u201d, hoping I will keep it dry during \u201cThe Pass\u201d, then go through my angry phase with \u201c2112\u201d at max volume.<\/p>\n Catch the spirit, Neil, catch a fish.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" There are some people you don\u2019t expect to die. Not because you think they\u2019re somehow above the laws of nature, but because they have always been a part of your life, they always contribute in their way. They have effectively … Continue reading