Rush Blog - Rush is a Band Blog: New Neil Peart interview in latest At: Guitar Center magazine

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Tuesday, February 2, 2010

New Neil Peart interview in latest At: Guitar Center magazine

Posted at 11:16AM | comments (51)

UPDATE - 2/2@8:44PM: The article has been posted online at this link (thanks RushFanForever).

The February 2010 edition of the At: Guitar Center magazine contains a 5-page feature interview with Neil Peart. Neil talks about his approach to drumming and writing lyrics, his kit, touring and his views on the current state of the music industry:

... "I know that the mechanism that brought us up doesn't exist anymore," he says. "For instance, a perfect example of how reversed it is, in those days we made no money touring for a long time, even into the successful years. You counted on record sales and songwriting to make your living. And touring was a way to publicize that. Suddenly, in the last 10, 15 years all that turned around and our income is entirely from touring, and recording is an indulgence. In a band like Rush, no one's going to pay us to make a record. It's going to be an indulgence. Even Snakes & Arrows basically paid for itself and that's it, and if we want to make a living beyond that we have to go on the road and tour."...

You can check out scans of the interview by clicking on the thumbnails above. Thanks to PetieLee for the heads up and the scans.

COMMENTS

#1 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:26AM by RolandofGilead [contact]

FIRST! The cover pic is hilarious! :)

#2 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:29AM by ghostcolon [contact]

He's 57 now, but is still rocking the denim. Neil's awesome, I can't wait to pick up the mag.

#3 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:42AM by subdivincent [contact]

three

#4 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:55AM by Taurus Pedal Boy [contact]

Neil looks trimmer in these pics than I've seen him in years. Good for him!

#5 - Posted 2/2/10 @12:06PM by RUSHGIRL [contact]

I guess that answers the question some would have on why there "may" not be new music before they go out to tour. The money making is in the touring - no surprise there, I guess. With ticket prices, merchandise......tons of money to be made and I say "GO FOR IT" - I welcome a tour with or without new music!! WOOT WOOT

#6 - Posted 2/2/10 @12:28PM by Liverpool 78

Has Neil had botox, or has he had his under-eye bags airbrushed? :-)

Even the deep crease between his eyes looks smoothed. Maybe the photo is just a bit over-exposed.

Liver.

#7 - Posted 2/2/10 @12:45PM by TheHonestMan [contact]

Neil does look very thin. I do suspect a little airbrushing/photoshopping in those pictures though.

#8 - Posted 2/2/10 @12:58PM by mrdriven [contact]

someone once asked the famous bank robber Willie Sutton - why do you rob banks? he replied that's where the money is...

hopefully the same logic applies to Rush and a tour very soon!

methinks Neil looks great - he has that father glow to him-and as a parent, multi-tasking is necessary which makes one more active than not and more activity keeps people leaner...

or Bubba has been cooking leaner vittles for himself and the family!

#9 - Posted 2/2/10 @1:06PM by axe

Great pic on the cover, the Jesus thing is pretty funny.

#10 - Posted 2/2/10 @1:12PM by Lamb Saag [contact]

It's fun to see Neil represented like a 13th century Byzantine icon. (But for historical accuracy, they neither crossed their arms nor wore denim. Uh...)

re: #6
Oh, hello there, Liver. The world misses your customary salutation!
: )

#11 - Posted 2/2/10 @1:44PM by broughttoyoubytheletterj [contact]

Wow, has Neil had liposuction ? maybe botox ? I bet his pics' were air-brushed ! maybe he's sucking in his gut to look slimmer, thats why his nose is red or, I bet his nose is air-brushed....GET A F'n LIFE

#12 - Posted 2/2/10 @2:00PM by spiralarray [contact]

#11-haha.
I think he looks like he lost a bit of weight. Maybe 10-20 lbs. But, I think he needs some sun. hehe. The umm...jean jacket though..hmm. No comment on that one.
It's good he lost some weight though.

#13 - Posted 2/2/10 @2:30PM by katskahnne [contact]

It's just awesome to see Neil smiling!!! :-) As far as the other stuff...maybe the "studio tan" is actually a *good* thing, at least at this point!

#14 - Posted 2/2/10 @2:44PM by spiralarray [contact]

#13- you might have a point there. personally, I wish he'd lose the cap he's been wearing all the time and not wear Rush t-shirts when he's drumming. Looks a little cheesy I think. But ,still love the guy.

#15 - Posted 2/2/10 @3:10PM by GreeneWolfe [contact]

Looks like he smoked a big bong load...

#16 - Posted 2/2/10 @3:43PM by spiralarray [contact]

#15- Yeah,it does.
Whoever the photographer was that took those pictures. Wow, they suck. Talk about unflattering pictures of Neil. Arent you supposed to use good lighting, etc, to try and make someone look as GOOD as possible in pictures like that? I dont get it. Oh well. Better lighting would have made a huge difference.

#17 - Posted 2/2/10 @3:45PM by katskahnne [contact]

..."Coming up after the break on TMZ..." :-P ;-D

#18 - Posted 2/2/10 @3:47PM by katskahnne [contact]

I tease you guys. I love ya's. BTW - hubby may have to make earlier-than-scheduled trip to GC for this. That cover is begging for a frame and a spot on our wall, IMO...

#19 - Posted 2/2/10 @4:11PM by Spindrifter [contact]

Ahoy to my fellow RIABers!

Neil tours... Neil gains a few pounds. Neils wife has baby and they trim off the baby fat together! Lol!

But, Tom Hanks certainly can play Mr. Peart!

#8 mrdriven, didnt Willie do it for the thrill as well? If so, maybe that'd help Mr. Peart as well!

Fine point.... Its nice to see Neil popping up here and there as he has been latley and more often then he had before 1997!

#20 - Posted 2/2/10 @4:17PM by rushman110 [contact]

I'm so happy just to see Neil back on the media trail again. It has been 12 years since his life fell apart, and it seems that either enough people have forgotten about that, or that enough time has passed from those horrible events that he feels he can give interviews again. I hope to see him out there promoting the new album and tour with Ged and Alex as well! :)

#21 - Posted 2/2/10 @4:32PM by Rob [contact]

What Neil says about touring is exactly the same point I've tried to make for the last 4 years.

All the money is in touring.

#22 - Posted 2/2/10 @6:00PM by Tom [contact]

re pt made in no.5 - i see why touring can be thought as more important than records (at least in financial terms) however for tours to evolve and become even better they need new good material too as well as playing less familiar older tracks, to keep things fresh (which feeds back financially in the end - a kind of "chicken and egg" situation). Rush make at least 2 great songs per album on a par with anything else they've played (and several good songs) so it's worth them writing new material unless they really don't want to record anything. For me, selfishly, i am always curious what they are going to do next, how they will develop (even) further.

interesting article even to a non-drummer like me.

#23 - Posted 2/2/10 @6:17PM by Archimer [contact]

#10 (Lamb Saag): "It's fun to see Neil represented like a 13th century Byzantine icon." That just made me snort my soda a little bit.

It's very sad to see the recording industry changing like it is, and I regret not being around during its 'golden years.'

As for Mr. Peart's alleged trimness: The photograph in question is indeed a collage by nature. That drumset kaleidoscope behind him likely wasn't built, rather, it was probably superimposed later. The artist might have messed with Peart while they were at it. His torso looks very stretched to me, but at least it isn't a "Photoshop Disaster." ;)

#24 - Posted 2/2/10 @7:47PM by RushFanForever [contact]

I have to wonder how the guys managed to get by financially without touring from 1997 to 2002, during Neil's dark period.

Vapor Trails took a year to make which probably costed the band a lot of money.

This is probably the reason why Rush stayed busy for seven years after that with touring, recording, putting out albums and DVD's, and doing side projects and appearances last year to recuperate lost income perhaps?

Alex's court trials were very costly to the group as well.

I believe that these side projects the guys did last year along with touring income savings financed the Rush documentary.

I remember reading a piece in the 2002 'Ghost Rider' book where Neil mentioned how his nest-egg had taken a beating in the past few years, along with investment losses. Neil sought advice from his broker who explained that the drummer's future retirement would be in jeopardy if he stopped working at this point.

Although Neil's wife was the catalyst for resuming his career - I believe that financial urgency was another reason for Rush to get working again.

Even though the band at times regard touring as a double-edge sword, they are aware that it's a necessity to do to maintain the lifestyle they have now.

With Neil commenting that the band's entire income comes directly from touring and not album sales anymore - this would require a very thought out decision the band would have to make if they decided to throw in the touring towel whenever that will be. A lot would be at stake with this decision in the future.

Rush started out becoming successful with touring and performing live (without much radio airplay) and will continue to pursue that direction which has always worked for them no matter what.

#25 - Posted 2/2/10 @7:52PM by nposter63 [contact]

SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that it will launch The Who Channel, a five-day long, commercial-free music channel featuring music, performances and interviews celebrating the career of one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, The Who.

The limited-run channel will launch on Thursday, February 4 at 3:00 pm ET and will run until Monday, February 8 at 11:59 pm ET on SIRIUS channel 16 and XM channel 40.
---------------------------------------------
When will we get an all RUSH channel on XM ? It's about time!

#26 - Posted 2/2/10 @7:53PM by RushFanForever [contact]

I forgot to say thank you to PetieLee for sharing this article with everyone on here. :)

#27 - Posted 2/2/10 @8:32PM by RushFanForever [contact]

The Neil Peart article with At: Guitar Center is now online.

link

#28 - Posted 2/2/10 @8:52PM by Michael Senyo [contact]

Actually, he sort of looks like Bill Maher. Perhaps cutting back on the booze and smokes since the new arrival has helped his appearance, not to mention not riding a motorcycle 12 hours a day.
ms in la

#29 - Posted 2/2/10 @8:53PM by spiralarray [contact]

#22-
I have a feeling Rush will have some new material this year and not only a tour. That's just a feeling I have.
#24-
I agree with some of what you said. Keep in mind ,also..endorsements and other things like that. Not sure how much Neil gets from those, but you see his face and name associated with more than one drumming related product. I think I read that the Snakes and arrows tours made close to 50 million between the two tours. I would think the guys in Rush would see a good chunk of that. I find that interesting and wish I knew the figures. I realize there would be lots of overhead costs with a tour, but it would be interesting to know what the members of the band get out of that almost 50 million.
I would guess that Geddy is the most "frugal" of the 3 guys. Just a feeling (no, that isn't a Jewish joke).
Also, I wonder what Neil made for recording the new version of the hockey theme , or what Rush got from the I love you ,man movie.
Anyway, as Neil said in that article..things have changed in the music industry ..that is for sure.

#30 - Posted 2/2/10 @9:07PM by Michael Senyo [contact]

#11

Good One!

#31 - Posted 2/2/10 @9:52PM by GedHed [contact]

Really excellent find Petie! And thanks for posting this, Ed! :)

#32 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:00PM by GreeneWolfe [contact]

#24........from 1987 to 1997, they grossed over 200 million just touring. Also, they had a multi-million dollar contract with Atlantic during that period. They released different stages which became platinum as well. They did fine!

#33 - Posted 2/2/10 @11:11PM by PetieLee [contact]

#16: If I could photograph Neil, I sure as heck wouldn't be taking unflattering pics! *tee hee hee* I saw some of the photos Ross Halfin took of Geddy during rehearsals during the S&A tour and it made me cringe! I would have NEVER released some of those pics. IMHO, I really think it wasn't the best use of the Available Light!

#26 & #31: You're welcome!

Glad I happened across a Neil interview. Had it been a Geddy interview I came across, I don't think it would've been dry enough to scan! *tee hee hee* ;P------------

Kinda glad to hear Rush's "income is entirely from touring." That said...tour dates, please!!!!!

Love da Geddy! Miss da Geddy - but not for very long!!!

#34 - Posted 2/3/10 @1:03AM by broughttoyoubytheletterj [contact]

#24 "how the guys managed to get by financially, without touring from 97' though 02'" ??? Their shows were in the top 10 grossing tours year after year. I dont know how many million$ you go through every other year, but I have a feeling they were'nt shopping at wallyworld. I'm just glad that there are hundreds of thousands of fans, like myself that really listen & learn to appreciate their genius of musical progression & have supported them from the beginning. No,not you (the fairweather fan that just cant stand certain songs off of certain albums) or "just cant get into that period in their career"

#35 - Posted 2/3/10 @8:39AM by spiralarray [contact]

#34-
Hey, you know what...since I joined this site, I have considered never visiting this blog again because of people like you. I read your post and I also read post #24 that you referred to. I don't "know" either of you. In fact, I don't think I know anyone that posts in this blog ,personally, so I don't favour one person over another, but here's my take on this.
For you to call that person a "fair weather fan" ,etc. is pretty ridiculous. Because he/she has comments, theories, maybe even criticisms about Rush??? Who the heck are you, to decide who is or isn't a "true" Rush fan?? Even the guys in Rush...have criticised themselves and their own work, at times. And...have you ever listened to Freewill? People can have opinions!
I happen to think the discussion and topics in this blog are interesting and sometimes, yes, some of us say critical things about the band. So what. Rush aren't beyond criticism. Not every move they make or song they write is perfect or above criticism and I am sure that even the guys in Rush would agree with that.
You sound like either some brainwashed cult member who "defends" his "leader" no matter what (scary!) or some toddler in a sandbox with a G.I Joe doll saying to another kid "I love my G.I Joe more than you love yours, you stupid poopie head dumb face!! No one loves G.I Joe more than me!!! " ..then throws a tantrum and kicks and screams. Smarten up!

#36 - Posted 2/3/10 @10:28AM by patrush

WE WANT A NEW RUSH ALBUM NOW, AND A TOUR SOON. THANK YOU.

#37 - Posted 2/3/10 @10:29AM by dylanbrooks

He's definitely had a face lift, his chin tucked, and the bags under his eyes removed. My dad had similar surgery.

#38 - Posted 2/3/10 @12:02PM by Aston Martin [contact]

Looks like Neil really has "Gone Hollywood" and had the old face tidied up a bit. Nip, Tuck, Bondo and Botox, or maybe it is just a Photoshop job; if that's the case, fire the Photshopper, because the work is pretty awful.

#39 - Posted 2/3/10 @12:29PM by spiralarray [contact]

#37,#38-
Personally, I dont think he has had plastic surgery ,nip/tuck or whatever. Possibly botox, who knows.
I think he has been on some kind of diet/ workout routine and has lost some weight and it shows ,for sure. Look at the pictures of him in the Snakes and arrows booklet that comes with the DVD and compare his face. He looks noticeably thinner in the face in these new pictures. I think it's great that he lost some weight ,but like I said in another post, wow...these new pictures are NOT flattering pictures of him at all. I blame the photographer. Seriously, thats bad photography (lighting)!!! The last picture, you can really see the hanging skin under his chin. If he had gotten plastic surgery, Im pretty sure he would have wanted to get rid of that (not that I think he needed or should get plastic surgery). I think these pics make him look pale and sick (and maybe stoned). I seriously think the photographer did a lousy job and thats most of the reason Neil looks so bad in these pictures.

#40 - Posted 2/3/10 @3:33PM by dylanbrooks

it's plastic surgery. It takes awhile for the skin to settle in afterwards. His chin has definitely been drawn up. you can see the line.

#41 - Posted 2/3/10 @3:34PM by dylanbrooks

and bags under the eyes do not disappear with weight loss.

#42 - Posted 2/3/10 @7:58PM by skl183

looks like he went back to Moving Pictures era hairstyle. My memory might be deceiving me though. I remember that from some tour book or one of the album inserts around that time, 81-83.

#43 - Posted 2/3/10 @8:24PM by spiralarray [contact]

#42-
I think you might be thinking of around the time of Power Windows/Hold your fire. I remember a poster of Neil Peart standing with his drums ,arms crossed with the Power Windows logo on his drums and his hair was similar. I think he looks good, except the lighting sucks in these new pictures and it makes him look pale and sick.

#44 - Posted 2/3/10 @10:54PM by YaddaYadda2 [contact]

#43 (spiralarray),

That particular hairstyle you speak of would be from the 1st Ludwig Super Classics poster/advert(the hint of pink white sparkle/metallic finish) in 1987.

I've noticed that when he doesn't have a ton of press to do, and is on "down time," his hair does grow out a bit.

HAHAHA, Neil would laugh if he knew we were dissecting his hairstyle.

Here!!! here!!! for a 2010 tour and a few new tunes!

YY

#45 - Posted 2/3/10 @11:03PM by spiralarray [contact]

#44-
Yes, that would be what I meant. I wasnt sure of the exact year, but I do remember for sure the drums had a Power windows (old TVs) log on the front of them and yes, they were white with a hint of pink...you know the ones. And yes, it is kind of funny we were discussing Neils hairstyles .haha!!

#46 - Posted 2/3/10 @11:12PM by GreeneWolfe [contact]

Neil.....bring back the Fu Manchu

#47 - Posted 2/3/10 @11:48PM by spiralarray [contact]

Good idea #46. He should try the handlebar moustache again.

#48 - Posted 2/4/10 @11:14AM by Michael Senyo [contact]

Well, all of this kind of makes sense, although I never figured NEP to be the type. I suppose not wanting to look 95 when his kid turns 5 was a big motivator.

ms in la

#49 - Posted 2/4/10 @5:07PM by broughttoyoubytheletterj [contact]

#35 If you think reading post after post about how Neil has probably had botox, plastic surgery, air-brushed, bad phographers, is interesting Rush reading ?... maybe you need a GI Joe sized Pratt doll w/ different wigs, and playdough so you can make him slimmer then pudgier. I think we knows who plays in sand boxes.

#50 - Posted 2/4/10 @5:56PM by spiralarray [contact]

go play with some toddlers, #49. You have issues.

#51 - Posted 2/4/10 @6:08PM by broughttoyoubytheletterj [contact]

Ewwwwwwww yer' danger us !!!

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