Since 1974, Rush has been trio of vocalist/bassist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson, and drummer Neil Peart. The latter hired two weeks before the group’s first U.S. Tour in support of the band’s self-titled debut album after parting ways with drummer John Rutsey. In 2015, they toured in celebration of their 40th anniversary. There were whispers it was their final tour but nothing was confirmed. And even after it was over, there were conflicting messages from band members, including in their tour documentary Rush: Time Stand Still (2016). Then on January 7, 2020, news broke that Peart at died from brain cancer and fans knew they would never see the trio again.
Buy Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing RoadDue to the global pandemic, Lee and Lifeson were unable to organize a tribute concert in Peart’s honor, a rock ‘n’ roll tradition. But Rush didn’t typically follow traditions so much as they blazed their own trails. In that spirit, directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, who previously shot the band documentary, Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage (2010), joined the fellas to create a tribute film, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple.
Peart’s story is told through his archival interviews and modern-day interviews of friends, from a childhood pal to Matthew Scannell, Vertical Horizon’s vocalist/guitarist. Lee and Lifeson are interviewed individually and sitting together in a restaurant, sharing a drink including a pour of two fat fingers of Macallan for their missing comrade.
The film covers Peart’s musical exploits before trying out for the band, the great successes their union achieved with Peart at the helm, not just of the drums but the lyrics as well, and how he changed his playing style in a continuing pursuit to improve even though many already thought him the greatest drummer ever. It also covers the family tragedies he suffered that led to his taking a five-year band sabbatical and his final days.
In addition, there’s studio sessions that showcase Peart’s music with Lee and Lifeson performing alongside four talented drummers who were Peart’s friends: The Police’s Stewart Copeland, Tool’s Danny Carey, Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Gavin Harrison of Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. The drummers are interviewed individually and also captured interacting with the band, singing their friend’s praises and some sharing slight frustrations trying to replicate Peart’s intricate work. Copeland is adorably frustrated but vows to play it like Peart did. The song choice of “New World Man” is perfect as Peart is seen singing the praises of New Wave bands like the Police and you can hear the admitted influence in the song.
Buy The Spirit Of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974-1987Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple is a fitting farewell to a friend and beloved musician. Fans will surely enjoy it and it might make good introduction for those curious what all the fuss is about. It will air on CBC’s The Passionate Eye, on Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem. The directors spoke of hoping to get it into U.S. Theaters.
