Neil Peart is?

chopper wrote: My only real criticism of Peart is he tends to duplicate the studio recordings live - he often plays exactly the same fills as on the original recordings.   Anyone who doubts his technical ability should trying playing along to "La Villa Strangiato" - as I believe a few top drummers mentioned on the recent Rush DVD.

As I said,I do not doubt his skills at all. But  I totally agree with your criticism. That's exactly what makes him boring to me.
Another reason I dislike him is perhaps nthe hyperbole which is made around him on this site. I hadnever heard of him before I came here, so when I read some of the enthusiastic comments about him I became really  curious. It was a real letdown to get to know that the hyperbolewas just that - hyperbole. Yes, a technically very able drummer, but that's all. I had already heard a lot of drummers with the same technical abilities who were mujch more original and exciting than him. Of course that is my personal opinion only; if someone thinks Peart's drumming is extremely exciting - feel free to think so. I have yet to hear something of him which really excites me.
But I am open to suggestions. AAny Peart lover please feel free to post a track with some really exciting drumming of him. I promise I will listen with open ears.  I may answer with what I consider to be extremelyy exciting drumming though and expect you to listen to it in return.

Personally, Peart is my #1 drummer, but I don't think I can objectively call him the "greatest of all time."  Option 2 for me.

Incredibly awesome, easily in my top 5

I don't understand the hate, displeasure, dislike of an artist who has for 40yrs worked hard to be the best at what they do. I firmly believe had Rush quit after say 15-20yrs all these people would think differently and more would call him the greatest. But the fact that he is still drumming at the level that he is for his age and to put on 2.5 hour shows...is simply amazing.

^ exactly. But still, he's an awesome drummer, in my top 15 easily

Edited by Starhammer - November 04 2010 at 12:00

BaldFriede wrote: Downright boring. His technical abilities are fine, but they are no better or worse than those of dozens of other drummers. He lacks imagination and spontaneity though. Anyone who plays the same solo for years can't be called anything but downright boring. The most important characteristics of a good drummer are spontaneity and imagination, and Mr. peart is lacking there. A drummer must be able to do the unexpected; every good drummer does that. Just look at what jazz drummers do all thd time! As I said, I respect ghis technical abilities, but thats all. What he is incredibly good at is PA though. he has successfully created an image of himself  as the überdrummer, and that is where his reputation stems from. Again, I do not doubt his technical abilities at  all, but many other drummers have the same abilitiues; just listen to them play.

A good drummer, definitely.  My main criticism is that he frequently overplays, the drummers equivalent to Chris Squire or Yngwie Malmsteen, both of which I like but wish they would settle down sometimes (especially Yngwie).  There are moments when he captures a good beat, driving the rest of the band, but any rhythmic pattern is quickly shattered by rapid runs and crashing cymbals.  Of course there are places for drama, but there is a difference between a thespian and a drama queen.  Peart could be a thespian, but he seems to prefers the other option all too often.

JD wrote: By no means the best in the world, but I have to say he's in my top 5. That's MY top 5 not THE top 5 just for clarification. He makes my list because; 1 - He's Canadian 2 - He 33.333% responsible for the sound of RUSH 3 - He writes lyrics 4 - He has survived extreme personal tragedy

I think he's great.  Certainly above average.  I enjoy his playing.

BaldFriede wrote: Catcher10 wrote: I don't understand the hate, displeasure, dislike of an artist who has for 40yrs worked hard to be the best at what they do. I firmly believe had Rush quit after say 15-20yrs all these people would think differently and more would call him the greatest. But the fact that he is still drumming at the level that he is for his age and to put on 2.5 hour shows...is simply amazing.   If the music of Rush does not excite you then don't listen to it. You can find thousands of youtube vids on Rush in performance, its out there if you want to see it, go look for yourself. Why would I post it?   And for those that think he has not evolved? Then you really have not seen what he has done with his drumming technique between 90's to now. He has picked up a lot of what Buddy Rich was doing and some others.   I don't like the term "greatest" for anybody. He is between option 1 and 2 for me...so I will pick #2 with an up arrow.   And like the big Dog, I too am full of horsekrapp because I think he is a brilliant, amazing, accomplished drummer.......for easily the last 30yrs.   There are much older drummers around than Peart. Peart is fifty-eight. Jon  Hiseman is sixty-six, and Mani Neumeier will be seventy-one by the end of the year. Both are very much alive and kicking... err, drumming. And once again: Peart IS an accomplished drummer; I never doubted that. But there are countless other drummers who are equally accomplished, with carreers even much longer. Peart has nothing on them except for a big name. Mani Neumeier does things on stage wich Peart would never dare. With Peart every single strole in a solo is planned ahead and well-rehearsed.  Now look at this solo, especially the second half after Mani stands up. You can't plan or rehearse that; you have to improvise.

I appreciate you posting that performance by Mani......it was very entertaining. But his pot and pan playing skills well basically suck.....I have seen much better performances at my local state fair......