Today is a bittersweet day for Rush fans as we recognize our 5th 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 72nd birthday. For the past 4 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. 5, which officially releases today in celebration of Neil's birthday. Highlights from this fifth volume include covers of Bravado by John Mitchell (Asia, It Bites, Frost) & Leoni Jane Kennedy, Different Strings (solo arrangement by Jonathan Dinklage),Witch Hunt by Solar Federation with Hugh Syme on keys and mixed by Terry Brown, Closer to the Heart by Dave Scott Morgan (touring member of ELO), Losing It from Nina DiGregorio, and original songs written for Neil by Cathy Rankin, Ken Mary and The Veil. Volume 5 is available in double-vinyl, double-CD, and/or digital download, and you can get all the details and secure your copy here. 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 4 years. Visit the RUSHfest Scotland website for all the details and to order your copy.
Geddy Lee posted his annual birthday tribute to his late friend earlier today:
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 72nd birthday.
