The Greatest Drummer of all Time

When I was in 5th grade, my parents bought me my first drum set for Christmas, I remember going to our local music store Hermes to pick it up

It was one of those things you just never forget...

My big brother Tony had a Christian rock band in the 80s when I was a little kid and suffice it to say I was their biggest fan

But even though Tony played the guitar, my obsession was with the drums

And somewhere around 9 or 10, I started getting into the Canadian rock band RUSH- probably because I heard Tony playing their tapes in his truck and at our home growing up, ALL THE TIME.

And that was when I met the world: (Goodfellas plug) Neil Peart- the GREATEST drummer of all time...

In 1994, Tony took me to my first ever RUSH concert for their Counterparts tour and I can honestly say my life was never the same.

About a week ago was the 4th anniversary of Neil's passing and yes, his death did have an impact on me -

What I loved most about him was his passion for drumming and music- and his attention to detail while playing his instrument with the absolute highest standards of quality and effort.

So as a business owner AND drummer AND big Rush fan- my goal has always been to be a "modern-day warrior" with a "mean mean stride"...

That being said, I wanted to share 5 lessons I learned from Neil Peart that can be applied to business efforts today:

#1- Continuous Learning and Adaptability:

In 1995, Neil Peart, already a drumming legend with over 15 years of professional experience, made a significant decision to enhance his skills. Recognizing the need for continuous growth, he sought drum lessons from another legend, Freddy Gruber, aiming for a transformative shift in his drumming style—a "total reset" in his own words. In 2007, Peart continued his pursuit of knowledge, turning to Peter Erskine to delve deeper into the new style he had adopted in the '90s. This journey exemplifies the humility of a master in his craft, proving that even when proficient, there's always room for learning and improvement. Neil's willingness to undergo a complete transformation of his drumming style for the "Test for Echo" album speaks volumes about the importance of embracing change. It is worthy of reflection on whether we, too, sometimes underestimate opportunities, thinking they might be "below us." Neil Peart's example suggests that if a learning opportunity was not beneath him, it's likely not beneath any of us either.

#2 Precision and Mastery:

Neil Peart was known for his precision and mastery of the drums. In business, achieving mastery in your field is equally crucial. Just as Peart spent countless hours honing his drumming skills, entrepreneurs and business leaders must invest time and effort into mastering their craft, understanding their industry, and staying abreast of market trends.

#3 Innovation and Creativity:

Neil Peart was not afraid to experiment with his drumming style, pushing the boundaries of what was considered conventional. In business, innovation and creativity are essential for staying ahead of the competition. Encourage a culture where employees feel empowered to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo.

#4 Persistence and Resilience:

Peart faced unthinkable personal tragedies and challenges throughout his life, yet his dedication to his craft never wavered. In business, persistence and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles and setbacks. Understand that challenges are a natural part of the journey and use them as opportunities for growth. It's also worth mentioning that he did take time off to properly grieve- in his case his outlet was his motorbike which he used to travel the country- he even wrote multiple books about his experiences and specifically how it helped him to deal with his tragedies. Turning off your work and passion at times to allow yourself time to recover from difficulties is also an important part of the journey.

#5: Attention to Detail:

The complexity of Neil Peart's drumming patterns showcased his meticulous attention to detail. In business, paying attention to the details can make the difference between success and failure. Ensure that your products or services reflect a commitment to quality, and focus on the finer aspects that contribute to overall excellence.

In closing- big bro Tony (whom I owe for influencing me on this and so many things) had a massive stroke in 2012? which originally left him in a vegetative state and confined to a wheelchair- but you know what has NOT confined him? His desire to remain happy and positive despite his difficulties with an emphasis on his gratitude for a second chance at life. As you can see, he has come a very long way from the beginning of his recovery. Tony is no longer just my big bro that I've always looked up to, but also my greatest hero.

A couple of years ago I took him to a RUSH movie concert that came out on the big screen- you can tell by his big smile that he had a total blast!

These are great lessons for life and business from both Neil AND Tony-?

"Today's Tom Sawyer, he gets high on you

And the space he invades, he gets by on you"

To your success!!