Hudson Music has released an exciting archival video featuring the late Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of Rush. This video showcases Peart assembling his drum kit and warming up before a live concert. It includes an isolated drum part from a Rush song and gives fans a glimpse into the backstage preparation routines.
This video is part of the “Taking Center Stage” collection, which also includes a book and instructional materials. The book features note-for-note transcriptions of 17 Rush songs from the “Taking Center Stage” DVD, detailing how Peart approached each performance. Some of the songs included are “Tom Sawyer” and others that highlight Peart’s incredible drumming skills.
The book is organized by chapters that cover each Rush tour from when Peart joined in 1975 until his final performances. Each chapter discusses the band’s style during that time, how the drum parts were created, and details about the drum setups. You’ll also find diagrams of Peart’s drum kits, researched to show the exact instruments he used on every tour. The book is filled with photos from the past 30 years and ads from drum companies featuring Peart.
The “Taking Center Stage” video was filmed during Rush’s 2010-11 Time Machine Tour. It starts with pre-tour rehearsals and moves backstage to show how Peart set up his kit, did soundchecks, and warmed up. Peart shares insights on key grooves and fills in interviews with Joe Bergamini, complete with demonstrations in both full speed and slow motion.
Bonus features include two live performances from the 2008 Snakes and Arrows Tour, an educational segment on “Bravado,” a PDF eBook, a photo gallery, and an interview with Peart’s drum technician, Lorne Wheaton. This collection is a must-have for any Rush fan!
