Rush Blog - Rush is a Band Blog: Neil Peart American Motorcyclist Magazine cover feature

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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Neil Peart American Motorcyclist Magazine cover feature

Posted at 10:37AM | comments (43)

UPDATE - 8/20@9:05AM: There's also a digital copy of the magazine available at the AMA website here (thanks Andy O).

UPDATE - 8/16@7:24PM: I added the full scans below (thanks glortiz).

American Motorcyclist September, 2009 Neil Peart is the subject of the cover feature in the September, 2009 issue of the American Motorcyclist - the magazine of the American Motorcyclist Association. The article celebrates the fact that he was recently awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Association. Richard J. Atkins Ed. D. and Don Argento (director of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum) presented the award to Neil and also interviewed him for the magazine. The article is titled Rocker & Roller: Rush Drummer Neil Peart Lives For Motorcycles. He's Also One Incredibly Thoughtful Guy. Neil shares his thoughts on motorcycles and motorcycling including how he learned to ride, what he likes in a motorcycle and his riding style. Neil says the following on receiving the Honorary Life Membership:

I once read an interview with my fellow drummer Nick Mason, from Pink Floyd, and he remarked that of all the gold records and awards he had received for his musical success, he was most proud of his election to the British Racing Drivers Club. That's how I feel about receiving this Honorary Life Membership to the AMA - both proud and humble at being so honored by the motorcycling community. My gratitude and pride are tremendous and sincere. Thank you.

The article also includes quotes from some of Neil's riding partners including Brian Catterson (editor-in-chief of Motorcyclist Magazone), Brutus, Greg Russell and Michael Mosbach. Many thanks to glortiz for the heads up and cover scan.

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 8/16/09 @11:05AM by Kelly D [contact]

Ironic seeing Neil with that title behind him. . . even though I guess he does live here now.

#2 - Posted 8/16/09 @11:28AM by RushFanForever [contact]

Thank you for the post. That is great.

Geddy and Alex are in an upcoming documentary about the Manic Street Preachers. This is from GeddysMullet on TheRushForum.

link

Check out the NoManifesto YouTube channel about this.
link

There is an article about this documentary:

link

#3 - Posted 8/16/09 @11:31AM by RushFanForever [contact]

I forgot to add this from the NoManifesto YouTube Channel.

'In this outtake from the upcoming documentary, No Manifesto, Nicky waxes nostalgic about his Rush obsession and later, meets two of the lads from Rush and shows them his prized possession'

#4 - Posted 8/16/09 @12:18PM by Lynn-2112 [contact]

Great picture!

#5 - Posted 8/16/09 @1:15PM by Sean [contact]

Stupid quote from Peart. He is more humbled and honored for being elected to the British Racing Drivers Club than his gold records and awards for being a musician and a world influencing drummer?

This guy needs to get his head on straight. He is becoming less and less of a drummer and musician and more of a cycle/travel junkie and writer. Sad if you ask me. What a pathetic statement.

#6 - Posted 8/16/09 @1:48PM by grego618 [contact]

I find it strange that Neil makes the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and yet The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame cannot seem to recognize these guys. I'm happy that Neil made the Hall of Fame for motorcycling, but I'd be happier if the R&R HOF would recognize his musical achievements. Congratulations on this honor and on having a healthy baby girl!!!

#7 - Posted 8/16/09 @2:15PM by DaveTinNY [contact]

That's great news! Congrats to Mr. Peart. :)

#8 - Posted 8/16/09 @3:38PM by main monkey business [contact]

It's a great article...glortiz and I went to the HOF yesterday, and got copies of the magazine, and also checked out the R30 drum kit and his BMW motorcycle. If you ever have a chance to see that Hall of Fame....it is top-notch. Right now they have a collection of choppers and custom bikes designed and built by the legendary Arlen Ness...incredible display!

#9 - Posted 8/17/09 @12:22AM by Driven [contact]

I must preface my remarks by saying that Rush has been my only favorite band for over thirty years, (damn I'm getting old). I've seen every tour since 1977, most tours at least two or three times and as many as six on others, (at least 60 shows). I own every record, every DVD, every book, etc.
I think Michael comes off as something of a douche bag. A concert to us is just stopping to pay the bills... He says, the concerts, for him [Niel], are stopping for gas money. I know he said that in his book but it was with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek. I know it's true to a certain extent but the way Michael says it sucks. I know the shows mean more than that to Neil. Reading his last book I find I like Neil a little less in some ways.

#10 - Posted 8/17/09 @2:57AM by main monkey business [contact]

Gee Michael...is there anything about him that you do like? Heck...there are other bands out there you can listen to and/or follow if Neil disgusts you this much. However..I will say that Michael (Neil's riding partner and security guru)sounded like a jerk....but then every time you hear from him he sounds that. He's lived off of Neil's deep pockets for a long time, and now he's got an attitude. There will come a day when his services are no longer needed...then it's back to reality for him.

#11 - Posted 8/17/09 @7:22AM by Jaybird [contact]

Congrats Neil, you know more about our country than we do!

#12 - Posted 8/17/09 @9:18AM by Fiat

Mosbach and the other guy from the Rush crew (the gray hair with the pony tail from the Rio video- I forget his name) were complete d bags when we were standing by the side door at Radio City in 04 in the hope of getting some autographs. They tried to tell us we couldn't stand on the sidewalk. Imagine that. Telling a New Yorker he can't stand on the sidewalk. Please. Needless to say, we simply stared at them, stood our ground, and walked away with autographs and pictures of Geddy and Alex.

#13 - Posted 8/17/09 @9:26AM by Fiat

Regarding #5 comment

Agreed. That one caught my attention as well. I was also disappointed with his comment in his cooking blog about there now being a US president in office who he would have dinner with. Don't get me wrong, Bush was an atrocity (they all are) but how a guy of Neil's intellectual caliber can't see this current clown is simply another fascist banker- controlled (particularly Goldman Sachs) puppet continuing down the same avenue as his predecessor (e.g expanding the Afghan operation and getting us into Pakistan - and where is anti war crowd now? crickets chirping) is beyond me. Message to Neil - Watch the Obama Deception and get your head straight.

#14 - Posted 8/17/09 @9:30AM by RushFanForever [contact]

Regards # 12 - the guy with the grey pony tail was probably production manager Craig.

If you go to Rush.com and go to Multimedia - one of the Rush backstage clips may ring a bell.

#15 - Posted 8/17/09 @1:35PM by Margo [contact]

I agree that Michael does seem like a jerk. He also does not seem like a person that Neil would like at all.
I very much like the article, and I am very happy for him. A nice story about how much he likes riding and a new baby to go along with it, so I would say things are great, A Sweet Miracle for him :)

#16 - Posted 8/17/09 @1:39PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

#5, #9

Being someone with two strong passions, I am sure Neil was ecstatic to be recognized for his love for riding. He has already had every award a drummer can get (except HOF).

Look at it like having two kids and the older one brings home all kinds of trophies and awards but the younger one doesn't. When the youngest finally gets the award it is really special.

All this negativity just goes to prove a point...

If you stand too close to your heroes you might decide they are not really heroes after all.

Having the level of access we do to Neil, through his books, blogs, magazines, etc is proving that the REAL person just might be a bit different than the hero/idol in our mind.

#17 - Posted 8/17/09 @1:59PM by scootertrashaz [contact]

#5, Actually, that was a quote from Nick Mason, of Pink Floyd, though Neil said he shared the sentiment.
Anyway, what do you care about how Neil feels about his various achievements and accolades? Can't the guy have his own opinion on his own doings? Get off of his back already.
There are other things in life besides drumming in a rock band.

#18 - Posted 8/17/09 @2:00PM by Rocinante [contact]

#16 well said.
In the 4months that I have had my motorcycle on the road this year I've done over 11,000 km. Needless to say I love my motorcycling on my Suzuki V-Strom, I'm really disappointed when my wife wants to go out in the Honda as opposed to riding 2up. So with Neil I share the passion there. I can see how this award means the world to him. I also appreciate his attitude about the safety of motorcycling, It's remarkable that he's never dumped like Brutus. I know I have and even though it wasn't my fault, both the insurance company and the police said so! You still can't stop thinking of how not to do that again!

#19 - Posted 8/17/09 @2:15PM by hermy [contact]

First off.....#5 made an incorrect statement. Nick Mason made the comment and Neil simply said he feels similar. Great, so he feels "proud and humbled" to be honored by the motorcycling community......don't read anything into it. Are we all going to bitch if Geddy get's an honarary wine hall of fame membership or Alex gets a lifetime exemption from the PGA. These people have a life outside of Rush. I know thats hard to realize for some of you delicate 24/7/365 Rush folk

We all know that Neil hasn't wanted to tour since the Presto tour.....so if the motorcycle keeps him interested in "making gas money" then all the better for us.

.....and Michael is good people.

a quote from Rushcon...

"Guest speaker Michael Mosbach provided an excellent discussion and shared a photo presentation with us. Some pretty kewl pictures. He had a great sense of humour, very down to earth person and welcomed a Q&A session from the crowd at the end."

...and if he doesn't give you the time of day at show....He is there looking after the mighty trio, not there to swap brownie recipes.

#20 - Posted 8/17/09 @3:32PM by Jokerdude

Performing is a job for Neil. He likes creating music, the process is what interests him. Playing live is a lot of work, an incredible amount at that. It is also very stressful. No matter how many years you have under your belt it is nerve wracking. Fun at times, but nonetheless when touring it requires your whole life. No going home to CHILL time for months on end, seeing your wife only occassionally, being hounded by people wanting your down time away from it all. Performing in a rock band as big as Rush must be a nightmare for Neil...

#21 - Posted 8/17/09 @3:33PM by Jokerdude

But I can't help wanting Rush to come back and play again and again, they are the best band in the world. Shake it off Neil!! hehe

#22 - Posted 8/17/09 @3:36PM by Sean [contact]

Actually from what I got from the people at Rushcon was Mosbach would only pay attention to the females and could care less about any of the male fans in attendance.

He proves this at the concerts most of the time as well where you see him giving stage passes to whatever hot women he finds or has in his rolodex in town. I am well aware that Neil was quoting Mason..the point was he said he felt exactly the same.

Fact is and Neil even admits to it himself...he spends more time on the computer writing and on his bike riding than he does making and creating music. I think he truly looks at the being "musician" role is about #6 or 7 in his life at this point and that I find sad.

#23 - Posted 8/17/09 @4:27PM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

Just be glad he still has "making music" on his list!!!!

#24 - Posted 8/17/09 @5:24PM by RaceUnderPressure [contact]

I think that one of the reasons why Rush is still around and hopefully still making music and touring today is that all three of them are well-rounded individuals with plenty of interests outside of the band.

Another is people like us!!

#25 - Posted 8/17/09 @7:06PM by musicofthespheres [contact]

#5/22 - sad? for you, presumably, cuz the dude seems awfully happy and productive.

being a musician will move up on the list when the time is right. do you not recall that he thought the S&A recording sessions were his most enjoyable ever?!

Request for Information (aka RFI for RFF...:) -

he mentioned his bandmates prefer to fly. has there ever been any mention in interviews of the type of aircraft they fly in? who their pilots are? how do other bands do it? are there charter companies that specialize in music tours? i know Al is a pilot, but I wouldn't think he would be flying on tour.

#26 - Posted 8/17/09 @7:44PM by Lerxster [contact]

Hey Ho way to go Neil Peart!!! Woot & Cheers + Congrats!

#27 - Posted 8/17/09 @9:02PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

post #20- I think Neil really enjoys playing live, it's the travel and being away from family that really bothers him I believe. There is no doubt that touring is hard work but that 3 hrs that he spends playing on stage is still a "rush",pun intended!! I don't think performing is as much a "job" to him, but touring and what goes along with it certainly is!

#28 - Posted 8/17/09 @10:00PM by Armeee [contact]

The "amusement park" Neil was refering to was Crystal Beach. I was there as a kid but has been closed for 20 years.

#29 - Posted 8/17/09 @10:01PM by 1-2-bucklemyshoe [contact]

Wow, what is going on here?

Is this beat on Neil day?

Must be the Summertime Blues coming on.

Everyone needs a new album to talk about, I guess.

#30 - Posted 8/17/09 @10:16PM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Damn Sean....

Does a musician or anyone have the right to love other things in life besides music?? I found Neil to be very relaxed and humbled in the article. He has been recognized multiple times for being the greatest rock drummer in history by millions of drumming fans and multiple drumming mags. Now he is being honored for another passion of his and he is proud. WTF??!!

Maybe an oak tree has been blockin your sunlight. Maybe you haven't been comfronted by the Oracle lately. Maybe you need a little WD40 for your squeeky wheel. Maybe you have been listening to too much of that new suck ass Dream Theater album.

Take two S&A's selections and call me in the morning pal........

#31 - Posted 8/17/09 @10:30PM by necromancer 2112 [contact]

what's up Lance? Long time no talk!! How did the finals in D.C. go? Saw that feature story that was on t.v., very cool sir!!

#32 - Posted 8/18/09 @12:12AM by Lamb Saag [contact]

Mark Wallace hits the nail on the head!
: )

#33 - Posted 8/18/09 @6:18AM by LanceTheShred [contact]

Necro! Long time indeed! I was in first place going into the compulsory round after doing this 2112/LaVil act-Check out the forth side of the tornado shelter I built:

link

I did not know the random song played for the five finalists (Queens of the Stone Age) and ended up placing forth in the nation. Kelly D and Mrdriven made the commute to come support my no instrument playing self. Hope all is cool with you bro!

#34 - Posted 8/18/09 @9:59AM by State of Grace [contact]

Excellent article and magazine spread thank you for sharing it Glortiz! There are some great natural pictures of Neil. I especially enjoyed the insertion of comments from his various riding partners.

Congratulations to Neil on being awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the Association. He deserves to feel joy, happiness and pride for any of his passions and achievements in life. Yes, it's true - you can have more than one passion or hobby in your life. It's actually a good thing! Having different experiences transitions into other aspects of life and can actually enhance performance and creativity. Neil's travels have inspired lyrics and songs for Rush.

It is a shame that this thread turned into Neil and Michael bashing, resulting in RIAB members having to come in and defend Neil and Michael. Michael's talk at RushCon would dispel a great deal of the negative things being said about Neil and Michael on here.

#22 - Sean, I have no idea who your RushCon people are but there are other observations and opinions that differ from what you are saying? I have read written feedback from men that attended RushCon 9 and spent a great deal more time with Michael than I did and they have extremely positive things to say about him. Just sayin'...

#9 Driven - You called Michael "a douche bag"!? Wow - you couldn't be more wrong!!! hermy quoted my feedback and I still stand by it (thanks hermy and great post!).

And now Mr. Conway Twitty...
link

One RushCon attendee (male) stood up and publicly thanked Michael for doing such a great job protecting our favourite band. I thought that was very classy.

We should be happy that Neil has an incentive to want to do tours or we wouldn't have had the pleasure for all these years. The song "Whatever gets you through the night" by John Lennon comes to mind right now.

Neil mentions in the article that the three things he hates are pain, fear and worry. Hey same as my list! Seriously though, as a past motorcyclist myself I can understand the power that riding a motorcycle can have on casting all three of those things away. Plus it's just a BLAST!!!

I don't have anything more to add here that hasn't already been said in some really excellent posts by other RIAB members. A nod to all of you - so many posts said it so well!!!

PEACE...

P.S.> #28 Armee - I used to go to Crystal Beach too when I was a kid. My mom went on the big roller coaster there when she was pregnant with me. It is a shame that they closed it.

#35 - Posted 8/18/09 @11:33AM by HumRush [contact]

As a dual purpose /Enduro Bike rider I can only say that jumping on your bike to "smooth" things out and "be alone" is a habit I regularly take to reset and continue my work/life passion which also pays my gas bills.

There is nothing like the juxtaposition of ocean breezes, redwood tree lined trails and machinery.

After reading some of the comments above I clearly understand why someone one would seek solitude.

#36 - Posted 8/18/09 @3:07PM by katskahnne [contact]

I think it was in the Counterparts tour book, Neil wrote something to the effect that "The only thing worse than touring is NOT touring." Right at this moment, the thought of another tour probably makes him cramp. Once the next album is done? Maybe not so much. :-) ::shrugs:: I'm a musician too, but if I didn't have other interests/passions/talents I think I'd lose it...we're a pretty intense lot...

#37 - Posted 8/18/09 @6:29PM by PetieLee [contact]

I'm just curious...if Neil spent all of his waking hours behind a drum kit, where then would he then be able to find the inspiration and experiences that he uses to write such beautiful, moving and meaningful lyrics? Yes, Neil Peart is a drummer but he is also a real-life person with real-life interests apart from his music. He's not just some performing monkey. I'm just sayin'...

Cheers to Neil for being awarded an Honorary Life Membership in the American Motorcyclist Association! [WE already know he's the greatest drummer that has ever lived!] Woo Hoo!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy!

#38 - Posted 8/18/09 @7:28PM by finster [contact]

"After reading some of the comments above I clearly understand why someone one would seek solitude."

Well said HumRush.

When I had a motorcycle, riding it down gravel roads through valleys was a fantastic way to de-stress. It was as if the wind was washing the junk out of my being.

Congratulations Neil. Glad you value the award highly.

#39 - Posted 8/18/09 @9:13PM by main monkey business [contact]

I'm with scootertrashaz...what difference does it make what Neil says? He does his job at a level that is far above most people's expectations, and although he doesn't want to tour anymore....so what??
I'm reading some of these comments, and it is as if Neil is supposed to eat, sleep, live, and die with his drums. Now I know and everyone out there knows that we don't live and die by our job...we all have other interests, hobbies, etc that we enjoy...why the heck should Neil be any different? Rush may be an incredible band, and all three are incredible musicians...but they are human, and deep down inside are no different than anyone else...Neil has his travels, books, and motorcycles, Geddy has his wine, art, and baseball, Alex has his art, airplane, and golf. This is their time away from the stage, and I have no problems at all with any of what he said. Do I wish he was more fan-friendly and more approachable? Yes...but I have my little "quirks" also...so I can't knock him....I'm not perfect, and I don't expect perfection from anyone else either.

#40 - Posted 8/18/09 @10:26PM by RushFanForever [contact]

For those who are interested, here are some older motorcycle related articles on Neil from his website.

link

link

link

link

#41 - Posted 8/19/09 @1:53AM by musicofthespheres [contact]

i liked his description of thinking for others too. I'm not a bike rider (yet), but I do that all the time in my car. Neil rocks!

#42 - Posted 8/19/09 @9:55AM by AFarCryfromFBN [contact]

Thanks Lamb. Good to hear from you, haven't seen much from you lately.

#43 - Posted 8/19/09 @12:41PM by G-Man [contact]

Regarding #13

Sorry Fiat...you lost me with the Obama bashing and all this hocus pocus evil Govt stuff... I think things are good when we simply discuss the band, their music and extra activities...discussing politics only pisses people off and ruffles feathers as people take that stuff personal...

Just my opinion.

RUSH IS A BAND

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Neil Peart American Motorcyclist Magazine cover feature

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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Neil Peart American Motorcyclist Magazine cover feature

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