Neil Peart was a Canadian drummer and lyricist, known for his exceptional drumming skills and profound lyrics. He gained fame as a member of the rock band Rush, where he played since 1974 alongside Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Notably, Rush became one of the most successful Canadian bands in history.
Personal and Family Life
Neil Peart was born on September 12, 1952, in Hamilton, Ontario. He was first married to Jacqueline Taylor from 1975 until her death in 1998, and they had one child together. In 2000, he married Carrie Nuttall, and they welcomed a daughter, Olivia, in 2009. Peart faced immense personal loss when his daughter tragically died in a car accident, followed by the death of his first wife from cancer, leading to a challenging period in his life.
Career Highlights
Peart rejoined Rush for their 2002 album “Vapor Trails,” marking a successful comeback for the band after a hiatus. The subsequent tour was met with enthusiasm, culminating in performances in Brazil to large crowds. Known for his extended drum solos, Peart’s artistry was recognized as unparalleled, making him a significant figure in rock music. His final tour with Rush, the R40 tour in 2015, celebrated his four decades with the band before his retirement due to health issues.
Death and Legacy
Neil Peart passed away on January 7, 2020, from brain cancer after privately battling the illness for over three years. His passing marked the end of an era for rock music, and he is remembered as one of the greatest drummers of all time. Peart’s contributions to both drumming and songwriting continue to influence artists and fans worldwide.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Rush in Rio
2003-10-21
Self – Drums, percussion
Rush: Beyond The Lighted Stage
2010-06-29
Self
Neil Peart – A Work in Progress
2002-05-16
Himself
I Love You, Man
2009-03-20
Neil Peart – Rush
Rush – Exit… Stage Left
1982-01-01
Himself – Drums, Percussion
Rush: Chronicles
1990-01-01
Himself – Drums, Percussion
Rush – A Show of Hands
1989-01-01
Himself – Drums, Percussion
Rush: R30
2005-11-28
Himself – Drums, Percussion
Rush – Grace Under Pressure
1984-01-01
Himself – Drums, Percussion
Rush: Snakes & Arrows Live
2008-11-28
Himself – Drums
The Making of Burning for Buddy
2006-12-14
Himself
Classic Albums: Rush – 2112 & Moving Pictures
2010-09-28
Himself
Neil Peart – Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime of Live Performance
2011-10-12
Himself
RUSH: Time Machine
2011-11-08
Self
Neil Peart: Anatomy of a Drum Solo
2005-12-05
Himself
Rush – Clockwork Angels Tour
2013-11-19
Himself
Rush: R40 Live
2015-11-20
Himself on Drums, Percussion
Rush: Time Stand Still
2016-11-03
Himself
Rush : Working Men
2009-11-17
Himself
Rush: 2112
2012-12-21
Himself
Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981
2014-05-06
Himself / Musician
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters
2007-04-13
Neil Peart of Rush (voice)
Rush – Live at The Molson Amphitheater 1997
2014-11-11
Himself
Beware of Mr. Baker
2012-11-28
Self
RUSH: Cinema Strangiato 2019
2019-08-21
Himself
Jason Segel & Paul Rudd Meet Rush
2011-01-31
Himself
Neil Peart: Fire On Ice, The Making Of “The Hockey Theme”
