Today is a bittersweet day for Rush fans as we recognize our 3rd September 12th without Neil Peart. Neil was taken from us back on January 7, 2020 after a long battle with glioblastoma. Today would have been his 70th birthday. For the past 2 years, on Neil's birthday, RUSHfest Scotland has sponsored the release of an album of Rush songs dedicated to the iconic drummer titled TRIBUTES - SONGS FOR NEIL, played by Rush tribute bands and musicians from around the world. Proceeds from sales of the albums were split equally between two charities - Glioblastoma Foundation Neil Peart Research Award in the USA and Cancer Support Scotland (registered charity SC012867). They are continuing the tradition this year with SONGS FOR NEIL VOL. 3, releasing today in celebration of Neil's birthday, and featuring a unique cover design and gatefold from longtime Rush album artist Hugh Syme. The album includes 23 Rush songs covered by artists from around the world including - Clockwork Angels (Scotland), David Barrett (Canada), Leoni Jane Kennedy (England), Lotus Land (USA) and featuring special guest appearances by Terry Brown and Darren Redick (Planet Rock). As before, all profits from sales of this album will be going to Cancer Support Scotland in the UK and the Glioblastoma Foundation Neil Peart Research Award in the US. The album is available as a red vinyl double LP, CD, and digital formats. Prints of the album artwork are also available, along with copies of the Songs for Neil tributes from the past 2 years. Visit the RUSHfest Scotland website for all the details and to order your copy.
Just like last 2 years, musician Brandon Dyke has made a request on behalf of Neil Peart's brother Danny Peart (Brandon and Danny have been collaborating on various music and poetry projects) via this YouTube video asking fans to wear a Rush t-shirt in tribute to Neil today:
Hey @rush fans! Monday September 12 is Neil's Birthday. Just a reminder to wear a Rush shirt on that day as a request from my friend @dannygpeart ( Neil's brother) Feel free to share a picture in memory of him. Tag it with #bubbarulez Thank you! #neilpeart #drummer #inourheartsforever #ellwood #pratt #theprofessor #bubba #lyricist #september12 #dannypeart #dannypeartpoetry
Geddy Lee also posted a birthday message for his longtime friend and bandmate to his Instagram:
To celebrate Neil's birthday, I've chosen a shot taken on the day that Alex turned 57... about a thousand years ago... We were playing at the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand and Pratt is proudly wearing a "ketchup bottle" inspired T-Shirt that the crew had made to celebrate Big's Al'z special day. As you can see by how hard he was laughing that he loved every minute of it.. Rest easy my friend... your smiling face endures...
One of Neil Peart's favorite mantras was, "What is the most excellent thing I can do today?" I can think of no more fitting way to celebrate Neil Peart's legacy than for everyone to take this advice and go do something excellent today in honor of The Professor on his 70th birthday.
