Last week marked the second anniversary of legendary Rush drummer and primary lyricist Neil Peart's death, and a fellow percussionist has paid fitting tribute to the late Canadian talent with a 175-song Rush drum medley.
The impressive tribute to Peart sees percussionist Brandon Toews drum his way through Rush's studio discography in just under 25 minutes, playing a 360-degree drumkit with pieces from sizable Peart kits past including electronic pads, tubular bells and a gong.
He first gives a nod to early Rush drummer John Rutsey through working in the band's 1973 debut single "You Can't Fight It" and songs from their 1974 self-titled studio debut, before moving into the Peart era with songs from 1975's Fly By Night.
"[January 7] marks two years since Neil Peart's passing. Neil was one of my biggest influences growing up – I remember spending hours upon hours trying to learn [Rush] songs like 'Tom Sawyer' and 'La Villa Strangiato,' and watching all of the Rush concert DVDs over and over to study Neil's playing," Toews shared on Instagram.
"To honour Neil's legacy, I wanted to put something together that showcased HIS revolutionary drum parts. This performance was prepared over 10 weeks and I wanted to try to get as close to Neil's original parts as possible. Many sticks were thrown across the room, but if there's one thing Neil taught all of us, it's to keep persevering even when the task at hand isn't an easy one. Despite the challenge, this medley was a TON of fun to work on."
Peart passed away in January 2020 following a battle with brain cancer. He was 67. Recently, friend and bandmate Geddy Lee announced he was writing his memoirs, while Alex Lifeson is sharing both solo material and recordings with new project Envy of None.
Rush recently inspired a line of ridiculously detailed pinball machines. Primus will also pay tribute to the Canadian trio on tour in 2022.
The impressive tribute to Peart sees percussionist Brandon Toews drum his way through Rush's studio discography in just under 25 minutes, playing a 360-degree drumkit with pieces from sizable Peart kits past including electronic pads, tubular bells and a gong.
He first gives a nod to early Rush drummer John Rutsey through working in the band's 1973 debut single "You Can't Fight It" and songs from their 1974 self-titled studio debut, before moving into the Peart era with songs from 1975's Fly By Night.
"[January 7] marks two years since Neil Peart's passing. Neil was one of my biggest influences growing up – I remember spending hours upon hours trying to learn [Rush] songs like 'Tom Sawyer' and 'La Villa Strangiato,' and watching all of the Rush concert DVDs over and over to study Neil's playing," Toews shared on Instagram.
"To honour Neil's legacy, I wanted to put something together that showcased HIS revolutionary drum parts. This performance was prepared over 10 weeks and I wanted to try to get as close to Neil's original parts as possible. Many sticks were thrown across the room, but if there's one thing Neil taught all of us, it's to keep persevering even when the task at hand isn't an easy one. Despite the challenge, this medley was a TON of fun to work on."
Peart passed away in January 2020 following a battle with brain cancer. He was 67. Recently, friend and bandmate Geddy Lee announced he was writing his memoirs, while Alex Lifeson is sharing both solo material and recordings with new project Envy of None.
Rush recently inspired a line of ridiculously detailed pinball machines. Primus will also pay tribute to the Canadian trio on tour in 2022.
