I consider myself beyond fortunate to have been able to see them live 12 times. I consider myself, and all of us, lucky beyond measure that we were able to exist at the same time as Rush and enjoy their music.
Rush is and will always be my favorite band, and Neil was my first true personal hero. He wasn't the reason I picked up drum sticks, but he was the reason and the goal to play harder and get better. He also showed me what writing and intelligence could be. And he showed me how hard he worked, not only at his craft, but also personally, with his struggles with fame and the immeasurable loss he suffered and from which he managed to return.
And he gave all of this asking for nothing but respect and privacy in return. Over 40 years dedicated to thousands, if not millions, of people he'd never meet.
Neil, to me, felt like a brother. I know he would never echo that sentiment given his intensely private nature, but his words and playing, along with the other two boys in Rush, reached me in ways no other music ever has. He accompanied my youth, and has accompanied my adulthood, and I'll be damned if that is going to stop now. Rush is now the soundtrack to my kids' lives, as they ask to listen to them and sing along all the time.
I have immense respect for Neil, the way he carried himself and lived his life. His reluctant status as a legend will live forever, his musical creations immortal in the minds, ears, and hearts of everyone who heard them. Generations now and generations to come will be touched by him, and I can't really think of a better tribute than that.
I personally feel more loss than I have ever felt at a celebrity passing, and I'm still struggling to envision a world that doesn't have Neil Peart in it. But we were graced with a talent that willingly shared his gifts with the world, and we are immeasurably fortunate for that.
Thank you for everything, Mr. Peart. I cannot express the impact you had on me and my life, and you will never, ever be forgotten.