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R.I.P. Neil Peart

R.I.P. Neil Peart. I got to see Rush one time in Albuquerque in the mid 1980s, they opened one of their tours here and it was quite exciting.
I've seen them twice, both absolutely amazing shows. I took my kids on the Snakes and Arrows tour and that was their first concert, ages 7, 8 and 12. They still say it's the best concert they've ever seen at 18, 19 and 23.
I was just happy they got the opportunity to see them live.
 
Having become really into Rush the last couple years, this one hits me harder than most musician deaths. The way Neil and Geddy could lock in on such intricate parts is not something easily accomplished without a ton of talent and hard work. I’m sad I never saw them on a tour, but the music lives on even when the body does not.
 
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My laptop had run out of power about 3 minutes before this news broke. I'd shut it down to plug it in and charge it, when my phone rang shortly afterward. It was my sister, frantically asking me why I hadn't told her about this. "About what?" I said. So she told me. This is terrible. :(

That said, The Professor was a very private person, and I'm not surprised he kept this to himself. In the end, I can only be grateful for his sharing of his immense intelligence and positive influence for so many of my formative years, and well into my adulthood. The lessons keep on teaching us.

Without going into great detail, I can also say that in person, he was every bit as kind, dignified, and gracious as you would expect him to be. He was the real deal. They say never to meet your heroes, but Neil was the exception to that rule. I'm glad I had the opportunity to shake his hand and say "Thank you for all your great work." That still applies, and always will.

Rest in Peace, Professor. Peace and strength to all his friends and family.
 

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