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.
On September 12, 1952, Neil Ellwood Peart was born in Canada. He would later become the drummer and lyricist for the rock band Rush.
In 1956, Neil Peart's family moved to the Port Dalhousie area of St. Catharines, Ontario. His father became parts manager for Dalziel Equipment.
In November 1988, Peart embarked on a month-long bicycling tour through Cameroon, which would later inspire his first book.
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.
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.
In 1994, Peart distanced himself from strict Objectivism in his Rush Backstage Club Newsletter, while still emphasizing the importance of individual justice and liberty.
On August 10, 1997, Neil Peart's 19-year-old daughter Selena Taylor was killed in a car crash.
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.
On September 9, 2000, Neil Peart married photographer Carrie Nuttall in Los Angeles.
In 2005, Peart described himself as a "left-leaning libertarian", clarifying his political views.
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.
In early 2007, Neil Peart took formal drum lessons under Peter Erskine, augmenting his swing style.
In June 2009, Neil Peart announced that he and Carrie Nuttall were expecting their first child.
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.
In 2014, Neil Peart acquired U.S. citizenship.
In 2015, Peart stated in an interview with Rolling Stone that he viewed the US Democratic Party as the "lesser evil,".
On June 12, 2021, Neil Peart's father, Glen, died of cancer.