Neil Peart -- The Latest News

Rush's R40 Live video and CD will release on November 20. And if the "Roll the Bones" video preview is any indication, this promises to be an epic release. There are five R40 Live versions to choose from, which you can order from Amazon at the links below:

• 3 CD/Blu-ray combo
• 3 CD/DVD combo 
• Blu-ray
• DVD
• 3 CD (no video)

Filmed in their home town of Toronto at two sold-out shows on June 17 and 19, R40 Live will give the fans who saw the mind-blowing show a way to relive their memories -- and a chance for fans who didn't to experience it (sorry Europe, Brazil, and everywhere else).  After watching the "Roll the Bones" video preview, it appears that this production focuses on the band, much like R30. I was immediately impressed with mix and the direction. In particular, the stereo mix seems to be much more balanced than what we've heard in past releases, and it appears we have David Bottrill (Vapor Trails remixed) to thank for that. I can finally hear the drums and bass -- as well as the guitar. We'll see how the 5.1 mix turns out, but I'm optimistic that this will be one of the best-sounding Rush live releases ever.

Read the official press release on Rush.com.

Watch official trailer.

Labels: blu-ray, CD News, DVD news, R40 Live

In case you hadn't heard (I was on vacation, so I'm just getting around to posting), Rush is releasing the long-awaited Vapor Trails remix on October 1, 2013, (Sept 30 internationally). There's also a 7-disc box set of the Atlantic Studio albums that Rush recorded releasing at the same time. You can pre-order here:

• CD: Vapor Trails (Remixed)
• Vinyl: Vapor Trails (2-LP, 180 gram)
• CDs - as part of the The Studio Albums 1989-2007 (box set)

There will also be digital releases.

More info from Rush.com (with links added by me):

The Newly Remixed Version Of Vapor Trails And 7-Disc Boxed Set Of Atlantic Studio Albums

Both Are Available On October 1 from Atlantic/Rhino (September 30 internationally)

In 2009, two tracks from VAPOR TRAILS ("One Little Victory" and "Earthshine") were remixed for the Retrospective III collection, setting you all into a frenzy in anticipation of a possible remixed version of the entire album being released one day. That time has come.

The Vapor Trails Remixed album will be available on CD, Double LP, and digital download on October 1 from Atlantic/Rhino.

"Vapor Trails was an album made under difficult and emotional circumstances -- sort of like Rush learning how to be Rush again -- and as a result, mistakes were made that we have longed to correct. David Bottrill�s remixes have finally brought some justice and clarity to this deserving body of our work," says Geddy Lee.

"Every song has been given a new life, from the fire of 'One Little Victory,' 'Secret Touch,' and 'Ceiling Unlimited' to the melodic musicality of 'Sweet Miracle' and 'How It Is'... these songs have been redeemed. Thank you David!"

The remixed version of VAPOR TRAILS will also be included in the new 7-disc boxed set RUSH: THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1989-2007, which features every studio album Rush recorded for Atlantic Records. The collection includes the Gold & Platinum albums Presto (1989), Roll The Bones (1991), Counterparts (1993), and Test For Echo (1996), as well as their covers EP Feedback (2004) and the Billboard Top 5 album Snakes & Arrows (2007). THE STUDIO ALBUMS 1989-2007 features each album presented in a wallet sleeve that faithfully reproduces the original artwork (except for VAPOR TRAILS, which features a reinterpreted version of the original cover) and is also available on October 1 from Atlantic/Rhino.

Neil Peart also wrote about the remix in his July 2013 update, "On These Days."

The band had recently been overseeing a remixed version of our Vapor Trails album, from 2002, as we had never been happy with how it turned out. I found that trying to listen to those songs again was too upsetting, taking me back to a mindset and emotional state that hadn't been good to live through then, or to relive now. I had to "recuse" myself from those judgments, and the Guys at Work understood, of course.

Labels: CD News, vapor trails remix

Even though Rush is on hiatus, there are quite a few current and future releases for Neil. I've created a page to track all these: Upcoming Neil Peart Releases.

In case you haven't seen all of these yet, here's the list:

May 18, 2009 - June 2009 DRUM! Magazine Cover

DRUM! Magazine readers interview Neil Peart. On newsstands now.

Read more about this.

May 28, 2009 - Buddy Rich Memorial Concert - 2008

Order from Drum Channel

Featuring Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Tommy Igoe, John Blackwell, Terry Bozzio with Efrain Toro, Nick Rich, Peter Erskine, Will Lee, and Jeff Berlin. These artists pay tribute to Buddy Rich, one of the greatest drummers of all time. With an all-star big band, they play not only Buddy classics but also their own hits. Over two hours of concert footage, plus almost two hours of rehearsal and backstage footage memorialize this historic drumming event.
Special Features:
* Interview with Cathy Rich
* Rehearsal Footage
* Pre-show & Backstage
* Contest winner Donnie Marple
DVD produced by Neil Peart and Don Lombardi
Published By: Drum Channel
Total Content: 286 min

June 18, 2009 - Drum Channel LIVE with Neil Peart, Doane Perry, and Terry Bozzio

Mark your calendars for June 18th at 6pm PST

Neil Peart (Rush) will be joined by special guests Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) and Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa) to answer your questions and talk about progressive rock drumming. There may even be some trivia questions with prizes, so be sure to catch the live feed!
You can ask your questions live in our chat room during the event, or email them in advance to info

Find out more here.

August 11, 2009 - I Love You, Man [Blu-ray]

Summer 2009 (expected): Vertical Horizon - "Burning the Days"

Neil Peart is a guest drummer and lyricist on this album.

"All Is Said and Done"

1. "The Lucky One"
2. "The Middle Ground"
3. "I Believe in You"
4. "Save Me From Myself"
5. "Carrying On"
6. "Back to You"
7. "Can You Help Me"
8. "Afterglow"
9. "Here"
10. "Welcome to the Bottom"
11. "Even Now"

Read more here.

Unknown: Ultimate Drum Play-Along Drum Transcription (Coming Soon)

The June 2009 edition of DRUM! magazine has an advertisement for this product. More details when I get them. The product ID is listed as 00-31869.

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There are also a few items that I missed from 2008

Dimensions Behind the Twilight Zone: A Backstage Tribute to Television's Groundbreaking Series- Released in 2007

Neil Peart wrote an essay for this book called Magic Realism Comes to the Suburbs. You can read a sample here.

2112 Drum Transcriptions

Moving Pictures Drum Transcriptions

Labels: Buddy Rich Memorial Concert, CD News, Drum Channel, magazine article, Site updates, Vertical Horizon Burning the Days

It looks like Atlantic Records will be releasing Rush Retrospective 3, which will include music from the band's time with Atlantic (starting with Presto). The CD is scheduled to release on December 9, 2008.

While there are no track list details yet, you can pre-order the CD on Amazon. There are rumors of this CD containing previously unreleased tracks.

Labels: CD News

The new Rush double CD "Snakes & Arrows Live" now has a release date of April 8, 2008. More details to come.

Labels: CD News