Neil Peart -- The Latest News

For those of you in the Toronto area on Saturday, November 15, Neil Peart's drum tech Lorne "Gump" Wheaton will be at Just Drums with Neil Peart's Time Machine kit.

WHEN: Saturday, November 15 from 12:00-4:00PM.
WHERE: Just Drums, 137 Willowdale Ave, Toronto, ON

From the Facebook event page:

On November 15 in Toronto, Roland Canada and Just Drums are proud to host the WORLD' S MOST RECOGNIZED HYBRID DRUM KIT EVENT!

Don't miss this once in a lifetime chance for an Interactive Experience with the world's most recognized hybrid drum kit and drum tech for one of THE most accomplished drummers in the world! Neil Peart's Time Machine Hybrid kit is a work of art and has been on stage all over the world with RUSH on their Clockwork Angels and Time Machine tours. Drum technician Lorne (Gump) Wheaton was there the whole way . and now they will be at Just Drums for one day only. There won't be another chance ...like this to get up close to the kit, and get the inside scoop from the guy who makes it all work, Neil's right hand man Lorne Wheaton.

Get your picture taken with Neil's kit, chat with Lorne, and learn how this Hybrid Kit all works. Join Roland Canada V-Drums Specialist Darren Schoepp at 1pm and 3pm for an Interactive Presentation that includes the history of Neil Peart and V-Drums, a detailed look at the technology of the Time Machine Kit, and a Q&A session with Darren and Lorne. Come see an exclusive custom TD-30KV Steam Punk themed V-Drums kit honoring Neil, and check out many other custom V-Drums finishes.

Additional Experience: hands-on Hybrid kit demo stations, V-Drums test drive zone, one day V-Drums Contest, V-Drums Specialists demonstrations, and in-store specials are all happening from noon - 4pm.

Enter to win a signed copy of Neil Peart's new book FAR AND NEAR: On Days Like These, plus many door prizes!

This will most likely be the last time you can see this kit for a while, as it's being officially retired after the event:

Guess it's time Bubba & I started to think about a new kit. :0) The "Time Machine" is officially retired after next weekend.

- Lorne(Gump)Wheaton (@Lornewheaton) November 9, 2014

Having seen Lorne present the S.S. Professor kit many years ago in Los Angeles, I can say that seeing something like this is extremely rare and well worth any effort. (I flew from Seattle to Los Angeles just to see it.)

Also, please let me know if you have photos or videos to share after this event.

Labels: drums, Lorne Wheaton, Time Machine drums

Tonight is the second night Rush is playing Halifax, NS, before a weeklong break. Here's a review of the first show from MetroNews.

Lorne Wheaton tweeted this great photo of his "office" before the show:

If you haven't visited Lorne's website, it's definitely worth checking out: LorneWheaton.com.

Labels: Clockwork Angels tour 2013, Lorne Wheaton

Neil Peart's drum tech, Lorne "Gump" Wheaton, has re-launched his website, and it's chock-full of behind-the-scenes goodies.

Go to Gump's new website

Labels: drums, Lorne Wheaton

There's a nice interview with Lorne Wheaton in the Canadian Music scene, including many great pictures of the Time Machine kit during the set-up process.

The Canadian Music Scene - RUSH Road Crew Interviews

Labels: drums, Lorne Wheaton, Time Machine tour 2011

At the London O2 Rush show, Rhythm Magazine got a tour of the "Time Machine" kit from drum tech, Lorne Wheaton. You can watch the video here:

Here's the info from Rhythm Magazine:

On May 25, 2011, Rhythm ventured to London to interview The Professor, Rush's Neil Peart, for a forthcoming issue of the magazine.
In addition to the interview we also headed to the stage of the O2 Arena for an exclusive tour of Neil's phenomenal Time Machine kit with his long-time tech Lorne Wheaton. Join us on stage for a AAA look at one of the greatest drum set-ups on the planet!
Our thanks to Lorne for the tour and to Chris from Sabian for helping us set this up.

Thanks to Rushisband.com for the head's up!

Labels: drums, Lorne Wheaton, Rhythm Magazine, videos

Enter this exclusive competition and you, along with a friend, will be in with a chance to meet Neil’s right-hand man, drum tech Lorne Wheaton who will take you onstage for a guided tour of Neil’s phenomenal drum set-up. The kit tour will take place at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday 25th May, and the prize also includes two pairs of tickets to watch the band perform that evening.

To be in with a chance of winning we want to know how much of a Peart fan you really are. Using the box below, in no more than 25 words, explain why you are the world’s biggest Neil Peart superfan and deserve this all-access pass to check out Neil’s kit. The more creative you are the better! Closing date for entries is 9am on Friday 20th May.

Labels: Lorne Wheaton, Time Machine tour 2011

Lorne Wheaton, Neil Peart's long-time drum tech, posted new pictures of Neil and his drums on his website recently.

Go to LorneWheaton.com and click Pics. Then click the text on the left for different galleries (see screenshot below).

Here are some of my favorites:

Neil as O'Mally:

Broken sticks:

Lorne and Neil Backstage during the Snakes & Arrows tour:

Neil and Lorne at Radio City Music Hall during the R30 tour:

Labels: Lorne Wheaton, pictures