Childhood and Education Journey of Neil Peart in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 18, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Neil Peart. From birth to education, explore key events.

Neil Peart, a Canadian-American musician, was the drummer, percussionist, and primary lyricist for the rock band Rush. Nicknamed "the Professor," he was celebrated for his exceptional drumming skills, technical precision, and stamina in live performances. His contributions to music were widely recognized, including his induction into the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame in 1983, making him the youngest recipient of the honor.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 12, 1952: Neil Peart's Birth

On September 12, 1952, Neil Ellwood Peart was born in Canada. He would later become the drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush.

Others born on this day/year

1956: Peart Family Moves to Port Dalhousie

In 1956, Neil Peart's family moved to the Port Dalhousie area of St. Catharines, Ontario. His father became parts manager for Dalziel Equipment.

November 1988: Cycling Tour Through Cameroon

In November 1988, Peart embarked on a month-long bicycling tour through Cameroon, which would later inspire his first book.

October 1993: Interview with Jean Chrétien

In October 1993, shortly before the Canadian federal election, Peart appeared in an interview with Liberal Party leader Jean Chrétien, stating he was an undecided voter.

1994: Peart Becomes Pupil of Freddie Gruber

In 1994, Neil Peart became a friend and pupil of jazz instructor Freddie Gruber. It was during this time that Peart revamped his playing style by incorporating jazz and swing components.

1994: Rush Backstage Club Newsletter

In 1994, Peart distanced himself from strict Objectivism in his Rush Backstage Club Newsletter, while still emphasizing the importance of individual justice and liberty.

August 10, 1997: Death of Selena Taylor

On August 10, 1997, Neil Peart's 19-year-old daughter Selena Taylor was killed in a car crash.

June 20, 1998: Death of Jacqueline Taylor

On June 20, 1998, Neil Peart's common-law wife, Jacqueline Taylor, died of cancer, which Peart attributed to a "broken heart" following their daughter's death.

September 9, 2000: Peart Marries Carrie Nuttall

On September 9, 2000, Neil Peart married photographer Carrie Nuttall in Los Angeles.

2005: Described as a "left-leaning libertarian"

In 2005, Peart described himself as a "left-leaning libertarian", clarifying his political views.

April 2006: Acquisition of "West Coast kit"

In April 2006, Neil Peart took delivery of his "West Coast kit", configured similarly to the R30 set, in a Tobacco Sunburst finish over curly maple exterior ply, with chrome hardware.

2007: Peart Takes Formal Drum Lessons

In early 2007, Neil Peart took formal drum lessons under Peter Erskine, augmenting his swing style.

June 2009: Announcement of Peart and Nuttall Expecting a Child

In June 2009, Neil Peart announced that he and Carrie Nuttall were expecting their first child.

June 2012: Rolling Stone Interview

In a June 2012 Rolling Stone interview, Peart stated that Ayn Rand's objectivist philosophy was no longer influential to him, marking a shift from his earlier identification with it.