Remembering Neil Peart: How the Rush drummer helped music thrive in Canada

Rush is one of the greatest Canadian bands of all time and Neil Peart was the heartbeat of that band. For more than 40 years, Peart was Rush's drummer and also the main lyricist. The world considered him to be one of the best drummers in rock 'n' roll history.

The Canadian rock icon died last week after a years-long battle with brain cancer. He was 67 years old.

Peart's death is a loss felt deeply in the Canadian music community, but perhaps it's felt deepest in the close-knit drumming community where his work with Rush was game-changing.

In a tribute to Peart's life and legacy, q's Tom Power spoke with drummers Max Weinberg and Peter Erskine, as well as Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage filmmaker Sam Dunn to talk about the massive impact the late Rush drummer had on music in this country and beyond.

Download our podcast or click the 'Listen' link near the top of this page to hear the tribute to Neil Peart.