Rush is a Band

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Neil Peart, Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson

Thu, Mar 28, 2024

Shadows Fall drummer and Dream Theater jam some Rush

Mon, Apr 3, 2006@10:14PM | comments removed/disabled

[SHADOWS FALL Drummer Jams With DREAM THEATER In Connecticut]

Shadows Fall drummer Jason Bittner is an up-and-coming star in the metal drummer world; he was named as the #1 metal drummer of 2005 by Modern Drummer magazine. It's no surprise that one of his heroes is Neil Peart. From this Modern Drummer interview:

... One thing that I've heard from other drummers who have heard me play over the years is that I'm consistent. Once I create a part, I don't change or deviate. One of my heroes, who I've learned that concept from, is Neil Peart. He's one of the most consistent drummers I've ever seen in my life. Every time I see him play, he's flawless, and he knows exactly what he's going to play. I'm not the fastest double bass drummer, and I'm not the most intricate double bass drummer. But I try to develop parts that fit the music and that will create excitement. ...

Bittner recently got to play onstage at the Dream Theater 20th anniversary show in Wallingford, CT last Wednesday. And yes, a little Rush was played. Here's what Bittner had to say about the experience (via Blabbermouth:

... Last Wednesday (March 29) Matt [Bachand, guitar], Jon [Donais, guitar] (and their ladies) and I headed out to Wallingford, CT to catch the DREAM THEATER 20th anniversary show!! As some of you might now, Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER drummer) invited Charlie Benante (ANTHRAX) up on stage two weeks ago to do a drum 'duet/solo', and it was amazing — I heard it!!! Well, on this night, I was the lucky one that Mike shared his kit with, and it was one of my favorite moments on stage as a drummer. Our 'solo' was basically worked out in the dressing room half hour prior to taking the stage.... We soloed back and forth a bit, played some 'famous' drum parts ('Walk This Way', 'Good Times Bad Times', etc.) then John Petrucci (DREAM THEATER guitarist) joined us from the side stage to help us rip through material by RUSH, MAIDEN, METALLICA, SLAYER, PANTERA, VAN HALEN, and DREAM THEATER, then we soloed a ltitle more, and ended with 'Moby Dick' and finally, the drum solo section from 'Tom Sawyer'... It was truly and inspriring moment, and I thank Mike and DREAM THEATER immensely for allowing me to step on the stage with them. The next night my wife and I went to see the show in Boston, and once again, they were incredible. ...

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