Neil once said that playing for Rush in concert was like solving equations while running a marathon. Incredibly apt analogy imo. Is it just me, or do all Rush fans love seeing the look on someone's face when they're discovering Rush?

What's more, he was 51 years old when he did this solo! Neil's drumming aged like a fine wine. RIP to "The Professor"!

As was said, every sound you hear is triggered live on stage by him. He has a foot pedal trigger (the tambourine sound through the parts of the solo), a dauz trigger pad right by his snare, the mallet Kat midi marimba, and the complete kit of Roland Vdrums that all run thru his audio array to trigger anything that isn't an actual drum. The orchestra hits are all thru the triggers (you'll notice he's always hitting an extra pad to call that sound), and at the end, he reaches back and hits a Vdrum pad to start the background jazz music. For the majority of his playing career, his solos were carefully orchestrated and performed the same every night, as their own songs. As he matured as a drummer and reinvented himself in the mid-90s, he took to allowing himself more freedom within the structure of the solo improvise more. That said, it is very much an orchestrated and structured piece that followed a set pattern. So it is both freestyle and written. He did, unfortunately, pass away this past January from brain cancer. Neil wrote the majority of Rush's lyrics and was a formidable musical and artistic presence; the number of drummers, lyricists, and musicians he influences is incredible, and he is one my biggest personal heroes, though he hated the thought of hero worship. He was very shy, but immeasurably talented and genuine.

"2112" in its entirety? Yes, please. You'll be absolutely blown away

Neil was just voted the greatest prog Musician of all time

After twenty or so years of being one of the greatest drummers ever, he decided to take drum lessons so he could continue to get even better. That was a huge part of his makeup. Never it’s good enough, and woke up every morning thinking “what is the most excellent thing i can do today?” The outpouring of emotion after he passed earlier this year was absolutely unreal. This man touched so many people! I cried my eyes out when i heard. A drummer magazine already did a massive tribute in one issue, and they’re already putting out another tribute even huger in October.

Neil's drum solos are constructed like songs. Verses and choruses. The Master! He's not called "The Professor" for nothing.

He said his limbs were able to work independently from one another, keeping different times. I can't even rub my stomach & pat my head at the same time.

Yeah, you could say NEIL was scary in the best fun sort of way. “The Professor”as he was known, was responsible for all the words you hear GEDDY sing. Not only was he the excellent lyricist he was one of the best percussionist who ever lived in one of the most epic ROCK bands that has ever existed. He was an intellectual and author, World traveler, family man. It goes on and on. I got to see him do this live several times over the years. Truly one of the all time greats. You are going down one of the best rabbit holes you can find. Have Fun!! Peace, Phil

That was not a freestyle solo. He composed that entire solo. He was a musical genius and the reason I picked up a pair of drumsticks 17 years ago

Your favorite drummers favorite drummer, is Neil Peart! :)

Brings tears to my eyes knowing I'll never see Neil Peart live in concert again.

This solo is even more amazing when you realize he was 57 years old when he did it!

the best thing i can say about this was said by a drum instructor, in this solo you see every style of drumming possible, simply the best

RIP Professor! No matter how many times I watch it this always blows me away.

“ how many pieces are in his drum set?” Answer: yes

Neil was indeed a musical genius. He also wrote all of the lyrics, published several books. He was an incredible man. Tragic loss to the music world.

The greatest. I am afraid we shall never see his like again. Share your love of Rush with your generation.

I was lucky enough to see Rush 6 times in concert... Seeing you react to this solo takes me right back to the pure joy I had every time I saw this🥰 There will never be a percussionist as talented as Peart was ~RIP~

This is why he was called "The Professor" just an amazing drummer who inspired so many others. R.I.P Neil Peart....you are missed and it was a privilege to see you perform the few times I did.

Neil Peart is the coldest drummer to ever pick up a pair of sticks... mic drop ! ! !

This Man, named Neil Peart, was and still is, even in death, *The Professor*. We fans, and the many musicians that knew him, are simply humbled by Neil Peart's ability. Not only as a drummer, but as the premier philosophical Poet in his lyrical talents. This drum solo is but a fanciful way of taking us on a tour of self realization, What we take from it is ours alone, and none else. We are alive because of this.

R.I.P. Neil Peart....just pure joy to listen to and watch.

Neil Peart worked tirelessly (so to speak) for all his life to make the genius of his musicianship come forth. He composed that drum solo. He came up with a structure within which to demonstrate all those styles of playing, from Military march, to African rhythms, to Xylophone pieces, to straight up Rock Thunder to Big Band Jazz and more! He put on a CLINIC! Woo! Hey, yes, please react to 2112! You should watch the version that has the Comic book style graphics that help tell the story! Awesome song! It will change your life!

How? A life time of dedication to your craft. It don’t come easy. It is work, dedication. All to give the best performance every nite! RIP professor!

You shuld see him live! He's a beast! After every show he goes straight to a limo and passes out!! I know this because we jumped the wall to meet them after the concert!!

He did ALL himself , he was a unique genius. A Very kind humble man.

Even if you never heard of him, he is most likely your favorite drummer's favorite drummer.

Your reaction was just like mine the first time I watched Neil Peart. Like watching a house cat eating its owners face, you can’t believe it’s real, you can’t look away and you’re never the same again after the experience LOL! Just amazing. Thanks for covering another classic great!

You've been introduced to the art of drumming compliments of Neil Peart, RIP.... Great vid reaction!

RIP Neil. 😥🇨🇦 Any song by Rush is fine with me.

Oh yes the professor at work.....🤘🤘 R.I.P NEIL WE MISS YOU ❤

I love when others discover the absolute greatest in their craft.

The part where hes doing constant hand crossovers at 11:38 is so goddamn hard it's unreal. He wasnt human when you sat him behind a drum kit

This is what a life time of mastering your craft looks like. I cant remember who said it but it sums it up perfectly "Neil Peart is your favorite drummers favorite drummer". And on top of that one of the best lyricists ever born.

It's bitter-sweet watching this young man getting his brain cells reconfigured by listening to the best music ever written and performed, with most of us here knowing that so many of these visionary musicians he is getting newly acquainted with have already left the planet. It's never too late to have your mind blown, so I'm glad he's getting these opportunities. It changed my life growing up listening to these bands. I'm forever grateful.

He was not just a simple drummer, he was an accomplished percussionist!!!!!!!@!!!!!!!!!!!

The drumming he did with the other music was a tribute to his drum hero, Buddy Rich, a big band and jazz drummer. That part of the solo was note-for-note one of his.

I'm obviously bias as Rush fan, but I'm pretty sure that no one will ever walk on earth that compares even closely to him...I'm so glad I lived in this time to see him operate, hear the words he wrote and listen to him play at this level day after day. Thanks so much Neil, RIP

You just witnessed a Master Class in percussion. There's a reason that after Buddy Rich died, jazz musicians wanted to play a memorial concert and asked Neil Peart to play the drums. RIP Neil (the Professor) Peart.

This was fabulous and just what is needed for this time we all share. Thank you!

RIP Mr.Peart,just a year since you passed,but your drums will echo through time.We miss you.

Neil was not a drummer, he was a percussionist. THE BEST in my lifetime. RIP Neil.

what you witnessed was the GREATEST DRUMMER of music the world has ever seen RIP NEIL PEART

It’s a hybrid of carefully written composition and improvisation. Neil was a genius and, above all, an extremely hard worker! Love your reactions!!

I’m a drummer and we lost out shit trying to play his stuff in high school. And yes he’s just ridiculous!! Enjoy all of their stuff! Love your reactions!

The first concert I worked at the Xcel Energy center was Rush and they absolutely blew my mind! And yes, that solo sounded sounded exactly like that! Peart was a percussion God

I first heard RUSH in 1978 and was truly amazed. They have been my favorite band ever since. I've also seen RUSH live in concert at least 6 times and IMHO, that man right there, Neil Peart, is the BEST Drummer that has ever lived. R.I.P. to "The PROFESSOR" You will be sadly missed

He is s genius. He wrote the drum music and all the lyrics to all the songs. He studied with the all time great drummers. Nicest guy you could meet. RIP Neil Peart. 🙏

Just watched a life history . Neil was in tune with the universe honestly in his own personal view on life

You are listening to the best drummer ever. There was no one like Neil Peart.... no one. The BEST

He was the best ever. This live solo is considered one of his best Live. And playing Rock, he was a Jazz lover and was taking Jazz lessons later on in life. He will be so missed! Glad your getting into Rush!

Neil broke his solos down into sections. Some parts were crafted, like writing notes to play on an instrument. Other parts were freestyle, he's just hitting whatever happens to be close enough to hit. And of course he rehearsed all of it over and over to make them blend into each other. He used foot pedals to get the bass drum and high hat, but there was another foot pedal next to them to trigger the music. And that was all preprogrammed in. Each blast of those horns would be triggered by his foot hitting that pedal, so that he could time them with his hands on the drums. Then he used the foot trigger to start the big band song at the end. Everyone in Rush learned very quickly how to use those foot pedals and make them work seemlessly into whatever song they were playing. And half the time you don't even notice that they are playing one instrument with their hands, and another with their feet. I used to think that Geddy was playing bass on stage and that someone else was playing the keyboard parts off stage. And that might be true for a few songs, but most of the time, he was playing them with his feet using the foot pedals.

He's hitting triggers to ad certain sounds and to start the backing visual clips, he's doing everything you see and hear.

You just witnessed the greatest drummer, and song writers of all time! The Professor! He's a musical genius.

‘40’s swing ban drum solo. Best drummer that ever played. Straight up.

His set was over 40 pieces and made from wood that was 1500 years old. TRUE G.O.A.T. There will NEVER be anyone close to his perfection behind the kit.

That's why he was called the professor! R.I.P. Neil, you ARE missed!! Rock will never be the same!!

You should react to Xanadu Exit Stage Left by Rush . Its Epic, trust me !!!!

And Neil was ths the most shy of the three-man band (he passed in 2020 to cancr). Rush is incredible. Peart, final note, was the author of most of Rush's top-10 songs.

2112 is a masterpiece... a "must" reaction. The song is a story, and there is a lyric video with an accompanying cartoon that takes you through the story. Highly recommend doing it that way, since it's important to follow the story to get the full effect if you've never heard it.

Rush is known for not improving. They write their music the way they intend to play it. He wrote that. The dude is a madman. It was awesome to see you enjoy it as much as you did!

He also wrote the lyrics to their songs. Brilliant man.

That's why he's the Professor.

Yes, he had 2 complete kits! One electronic kit and one acoustic kit AND the drum riser rotates! In addition the two kits he had several electronic triggers to add to the depth of the sound. Truly the greatest rock drummer ever

He had a PhD in Music and wrote 90% of all their music.. He was genius!

Saw Neil live,incredible. RIP Neil. JoJo I appreciate your openness to all music genres. Much respect young man.

Many Rush fans go to their concerts to see Neil Pear's drum solos. He is "The Professor on the drum kit.

He was also the master lyricist, song writer , and drummer for the band RUSH.

I was lucky enough to have seen him do this solo live at one of their concerts I went to !! It was crazy when the whole drum set lifted and spun around while he was playing !! So sad to lose him so soon !!

Most definitely 2112 masterpiece is a must to understand the song that solidified Rush and showed producers they had a monster band in Rush.

Neil Peart is not human he's a beast the professor and yes he is a genius RIP Neil Peart thank you for making life a little more interesting

Neil is legendary. RIP. His talent and precision is unmatched.

Your r like my young son for the first time liesning so refreshing .my son is old he grew up on this since being in the womb . But you make an old lady happy. Thanks kid. Your mum dad kiddos lovey .yummy

His nickname wasn't "The Professor" for nothing :D

Yes welcome to us crazy Canadians! thank you for appreciating pure talent!

THE MASTER LEARN from him, Very humble man, did not care about fame, only his craft. I will always respect that about him , RIP Niel!

He was a drummer who treated every drum as a note, he didn't just play beats, he also composed songs with his drums.

RUSH IS EVERYTHING! And Neil Peart was the absolute best! He was aka the Professor! I just watched all of your RUSH reactions...and I believe you're ready! RUSH "XANADU" EXIT STAGE LEFT 1981 (LIVE) It'll blow your mind!🤯 Thank you my friend! Stay safe! RUSH=SUBSCRIBED! 💥💯🖤🎼🤘 RIP Neil Peart

Store Clerk "How many drums would you like in your kit?" Neil Peart "Yes..."

Neil was an incredible talent. Thanks for sharing it with your audience. YYZ is also with the listen

Another amazing gift from Canada to the world. Thank you .

Most people don't know, Neil wrote most of rushes music. But they all contributed to every song. And made it theirs.

Man!!! In a 47 year old metal head that grew up in the hood. I love watching your reaction to to this. Also the van Halen solo and domination from pantera. I think there are a few musicians regardless of what style of music they play that just make you stand up and recognize the skills. I've always been a rock and roll guy. But the most entertaining concert I've ever attended was a country show from Garth Brooks. It just goes to show. So many sounds so many people and ideas. Just give it all a chance and your sure to be amazed!

Young man you nailed it on the head, a musical genius he was, rest in peace Mr Peart

70+ pieces in fact and he uses his fingers at times whilst holding his sticks, not human

I told you that number was for your future. (2112) Yeah, I’m not gonna say when you should hear it, I just know it’s in your future. Honestly, ANYTHING RUSH is worth it period. I’m very fortunate that I was in the right place in the right time. I’m from one of the bands very favorite cities, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. Sometimes they would book a couple of extra days just to stay here longer when they toured. This was one of the very first places that was into the band from day one of their career. We loved them, they loved us. That never changed. They played here almost every tour. 99% of the time. It was a hellava thing, RUSH night. Nothing quite like it. If you go to a lot of shows like I did you will discover that there is a different vibe for different bands. You know, a METALLICA concert is going to bring out all the hardcores all lit up ready to get loud and rowdy. RUSH night was a beautiful thing unto itself. Everybody knew what was coming and there was a very special kind of electric excitement in the crowd. A very happy concert vibe. There were no dummies in a RUSH audience. You could see and feel it, A little more intellectual, a little more civilized (for a ROCK concert). It was on! A true thing to behold and to be a part of! 18 times live for me. Unforgettable.

When Neil was born the doctor said to his parents....Congratulations, it's a metronome!!!

Hey man. I play the drums too, and Rush is my favorite band. Only 3 guys in the band that sound like 6. Neil has been my hero and higher power since 1979. Three words man.... God on drums. I miss him dearly. He passed away last January.

Great drummer o by the way hello from st.catharines Ontario Canada home of the late Neil Peart

Neil was a genius at musical composition with his drums. Another one of his talents that set him apart.

It's like they say, if you ask your favorite drummer who their favorite drummer is, they'll say Neil Peart.

I saw Rush at least 6 times and always after a Neil Pearl solo you were left in awe and took a second to think wtf did I just see. Xanadu live.

Best Percussionist you ever hear in your life time Bro.

THE PROFESSOR!!!!!!!! The drummer of drummers of drummer instructors!!! RIP, brother. YOU ARE LEGENDARY! :)

Random person: Drum solos are non musical and boring. Neil Peart: Hold my beer.

The GOAT 🐐!!!!! R.I.P. Professor

I loved RUSH before they were cool. First heard them in 1981. Saw them live 12 times and was never disappointed.

First Yes on "2112", then 3 songs from 3 different albums. The 1st one is "Cygnus X-1 Book 1 The Voyage" from the "A Farewell To Kings" album. The 2nd one is "Cygnus X-1 Book 2 Hemispheres" from the "Hemispheres" album. The 3rd one is “The Fountain of Lamneth” from "Caress of Steel" album. Then you can try a couple of shorter songs like “Xanadu”, “La Villa Strangiato”, "Jacob's Ladder", "Natural Science", "The Camera Eye" & “By-Tor & the Snow Dog” just to name a few of them!

Great Canadian boy. Master of drums. RIP NEIIL💕🙏