Monday, September 12: Rock Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Sept. 12) to Neil Peart. The drummer for Rush is 64. Other rockers celebrating include Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Gus G (36) and ex Chevelle bassist Joe Loeffler (36).

Neil Ellwood Peart joined Rush after a discouraging stint in England to concentrate on his music in 1974 after original drummer John Rutsey had to leave the band for health reasons.  Peart’s influences growing up were Keith Moon of The Who, and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.  He also became influenced by drumming legends Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Freddie Gruber who became a personal friend and mentor to Neil.

In addition to being the main lyricist for RUSH and an avid motorcyclist, Neil has written five non-fiction books. Peart has worked with science fiction author Kevin J. Anderson develop a novelization of Rush’s 2012 album Clockwork Angels. The book was published by ECW Press.  Some of the band’s lyrics can be found throughout the story.