A few days ago came the news that devastated world wide music fans, drummer extraordinaire Neal Peart was set to retire from Rush and music. Neil, when speaking to Drumhead magazine had this 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’].”

With Peart often being regarded as one of the most influential percussionists in the music industry it would definitely be a big loss to music if he has chosen to retire; albeit not altogether shocking as Rush have been touring since 1974!

However fear not Rush fans, Geddy Lee has been speaking to the BBC and says that he is still optimistic that Rush will continue to do what they do best:

“I’m one of three members and everybody has a kind of different idea about what they’d like to do with the rest of their lives.

“So I’m not really sure at this point whether there will be more tours or not. But I remain optimistic.”

continuing to say that:

“As you get older and as the prospect of the end of your touring life becomes an option, you try not to take your shows and your gigs for granted,” he said.

“On this tour in particular it was a little more emotional than others because you’re never quite sure if you are going to get around to do this again.”

Rush have been on the music scene for a phenomenal amount of time, as mentioned previous, they have been touring since 1974 and have in that time released 20 albums! They have also been nominated for seven Grammy Awards and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Enjoy my personal favourite Rush album below: