Neil Peart Drum Solo - Letterman, June 9, 2011

[Stoigen86]

The video starts at 3:11

[nitro102]

He wrote a book called Ghost Rider, insane story

[whhswhhs]

Fun and musical...I like it. Still, Buddy Rich has nothing to worry about.

[greendude66]

hate the electric stuff........



[MrUltraworld]

I saw them open for Blue Oyster Cult in the late 70's. I've lost count of how many times I have seen them. But every time the show comes to Neil's solo, I'm forever amazed.

[aryafsharm]

when are people gonna realize that the middle of an intense drum solo is not where you clap.

[irvnx]

@aryafsharm it is called encouragement..

I suggest you go to a few more concerts

[bassmanjoe]

I think i would rather have Neil's brain more than anything, and his brilliant lyric writing.

[ianjohnson171]

And that's just his warm up

[tenggaramanise]

I`m sorry...he`s good in what he does and many people like his style...but THE GREATEST DRUMMER...????people should watch black-gospel style drummers more often..that`s my opinion.

[Nigelxman]

@tenggaramanise Thank you! I agree.

[dookie311]

@tenggaramanise absolutely. my drum teacher was a gospel cat and their style is so insane.

[d36williams]

Neil has such great technique and control, I cringe when I see him in traditional grip with his index finger letting the stick hang so loose, just doesn't seem Peart like

[vcaaron1]

Dave pronounced it right unless Neil has decided to say it a different way then the rest of his family. just makes me cringe when they pronounce it like the shampoo.

[TheCurlyfriess]

sooo maany druuums

[ezazy]

A great GREAT drummer but this is just musical masturbation

[photosbychristensen]

I would to hate to mic up that drum set.

[subliminalvirus]

I like how his set shakes alot

[bigkicker31]

david letterman u are in idiot the drum icon NEAL PERT and u can not pronounce is name right u should be ashamed of yourself!!!

[iPlayRPGgames]

@bigkicker31 It's Neal PEERT... He's canadian...

[That70sShowRocker73]

@bigkicker31 It's like PIRT you idiot......

[rollo131]

It's pronounced "peert". Neil said so himself in an interview on VH1.

[badeldorado]

Safaris Wipe Out

[CribNotes]

I wonder how many Neil Peart fans recognized the song he plays with the big band sound at the end of this Letterman appearance? The song is called "Love For Sale" and it's obviously put in there as a tribute to jazz drummer Buddy Rich - who by the way had much faster hands than Neil Peart. youtube search Buddy Rich and try to play along. Good luck.

[dioses2]

@keithnet. I respect ypu point of view. But nobody that really knows the best of rock can say that Peart is good because of his kit. Neil Peart is good because of his talent and skills. I don´t know what amazing means for you, but for sure Peart is one of the three best drummers of all time, with Bonham and Carl Palmer. That's it.

[KeithNet]

I am not trying to shit on Neil Peart, but I do not think he is that amazing of a drummer. Most people say he is just because of the size of his kit. There's better drummers like Danny Carey or Matt Cameron, or John Bonham.

[trevLV]

@KeithNet You are welcome to your own opinion. And, I the same. To say "Peart is not that amazing of a drummer", is a clueless statement. The others you mentioned are also fine drummers,but, Peart is long considered THE best drummer in rock

[EJStoner18]

@trevLV It doesn't really matter what the rest of non-drummers think- survey after survey of Rock Drummers puts Neil Peart in the top 5 drummers of all time, consistently. Their opinion counts a hell of a lot more than ours. The fact that we agree with them is a bonus.

[LoudGuitr]

@trevLV By those with a very limited knowledge.

[spaztic73]

It is pronounced Pert..fuckin idiot Lettermen..if you're gonna have the best drummer in the world on your show..at least have the respect to get his name right !!

[brentsapp25]

I officialy like Letterman a whole lot less now that I know he can't even pronounce the best drummer in the world's last name correctly.

[emjem99]

he really is the best there has ever been!

[bloodsling]

man that's a helluva kit,and it's utilized,Peart is the drumming pantheon

[blaklodge]

I guess maybe he's just humble judging by his reclusivness at the end:)

[defconable]

Neil Peart is not one of the greatest drummers of rock, he is one of the greatest drummers of all time.

[TdrumsRHCP]

In all of these solos, it pisses me off when everyone starts cheering only at the chops.

[boothsgardenstudios]

he needs more drums

[Mitsywolfe]

As a rudimentary drum basher, I am not the least bit angry -- I am inspired

[Rushguitarist1]

Neil Peart is the reason that other drummers fans get angry, they're extremely jealous

[superunt43]

@Rushguitarist1 This remains true. But shouldn't they ask? Should we not stand in awe? I can't play anything but the radio, stand in awe I do, ever shall. Man INVENTED friggin drums?

[superunt43]

@Rushguitarist1 Rush invented the very idea of intelligent rock, the very idea of a bass guitar being played as lead?

[Rushguitarist1]

@superunt43 Exactly. There's nothing Rush hasn't done

[superunt43]

@Rushguitarist1 Yes there is, their potential even today has only begun, even at their age. Scares the crap out of me to even think of what may yet come from these 3 guys? They have already made a grown man (me) cry, no small task. Curious I remain what is yet in store?

[nviso209]

The intro has to be the BEST CBS Comedy I've ever heard!

[Argonautica8]

check out neil peart at the buddy rich memorial concert

[terrylrt1]

lot of interesting commentary - but i couldn't help but notice a few names missing from your list - bill ward for instance - all u have to do is listen to War Pigs and he speaks for himself. lars ulrich, roger taylor, tommy aldridge, etc. my point being, there is so much talent out there - each with his/her own style - hard not to love and appreciate them all.

[Argonautica8]

@terrylrt1 eek-a-mouse man. bill ward would trash ulrich.

[pwsstv]

just a master

[Clinterus]

I love Neil Peart...but this was not one of my favourite solos by him.

[lxlShotgunmasterlxl]

@PhilipPeak: Honestly how can u ever say that? Neil Peart is one of the best frummers in the world. I havnt even heard of thoese guys

[PhilipPeak]

Seriously? John Bonham, Keith Moon, Dave Grohl and many more are better than this guy...

[Fezz050]

@PhilipPeak Dave Grohl??? really? I'll give you that Bonham and Moon were both great drummers (amazing even). But look up "The Rhythm Method" hopefully from the "Different Stages" album. Educate yourself a little bit.

[churrundog]

even though he's fucking awesome, and impossible to imitate, i prefer john bonham because he has a warmer playing. neil peart is cold

[celluoiddify]

its nice to finally hear solo that isn't similar to the rest, and man was it amazing :')

[scribbled309]

There are bumper-stickers about guys who compensate for small dicks by driving big-ass SUVs and monster-trucks. The same might be said for drummers hiding behind enormous kits. Drummers like Max Roach and Roy Haynes and Buddy Rich can drum circles around this clown with just a snare and a hi-hat.

[canadianroot]

@scribbled309 Why do fellow musicians consistently rate him so highly then? Have they seen him in the shower?

[scribbled309]

@canadianroot Fair question. I think when it comes to rock in particular, there will always be those who are impressed by drummers with big kits and splashy solos, guitarists who play fast, etc. I'm just looking for something different... Interestingly, Peart played at and produced a Buddy Rich tribute concert/album. If you search "Buddy Rich vs Neal Peart" you'll get his solo intercut with Buddy Rich. Cheers

[canadianroot]

@scribbled309 Rich was the first drummer I ever saw, really. Johnny Carson, sometime in the late 60s. I was awestruck. I've been drumming my fingers and stamping my feet ever since. Krupa was also an early introduction to the kit and I was impressed with him as well. Having seen Rush 5 times in the 70s, I was blown away by his feel, and his technique, but I agree...a bit heavy-handed for jazz. Nice try though.

[tanyaswaycool]

@scribbled309 "This clown"?? Just because he's "hiding" behind a big drum kit doesn't make him a clown, does it? If Jimmy Page owns more than one guitar, does that make him a clown? I'm thinking not...as the old saying goes..it's not the size but what you do with it that matters...and I think he does it well...and so do thousands of others.....just sayin'....

[scribbled309]

@tanyaswaycool You're right... Just because I'm not a fan doesn't mean I should call him a clown. I think I overreact to all the rabid hyperbole about him (Neil Peart is god, etc) and I do despise those huge kits, but he seems like a nice guy and he's worked at his craft.

[tanyaswaycool]

@scribbled309 I hear ya...I'm a drummer myself, although I will say calling me and Neil both drummers is like calling a Lada and a Ferrari both cars (me being the Lada, of course!) and I love his work...but I wouldn't go so far as to say he's the best in the world or he's god...those are all terms that each person on this site could pick a "winner" for.....hell, i suppose Nana Mouskouri is god to someone!

[moleman1961]

@tanyaswaycool Nicely put!

[effjay2112]

@scribbled309 Not happining dude. Buddy Rich was the best but he never did all the stuff Niel does. Sorry.

[calism23]

Kinda disappointing, actually. I used to be a big fan back in the 80's and I thought there wasn't a better drummer. But, boy, he's really bad at Jazz. He just can't hack it. I know I'm gonna get flack for this, but hey, it's true. Probably have to be a musician who can play both jazz and rock to know what I mean. Anyway, I have seen him play better, but I just happened upon this video.

[oneSICKfaith]

@calism23 like the above comment stated, he was asleep during this, his best is when hes wide awake

[bjewell2]

Funniest moment: Hesitation at 5:24

[JukeB0xHero8996]

Saying your better than Neil Peart is like saying your more powerful than God...

[lakesidegreg1]

It's no coincidence that Neil finished off drummer week

[rmizzlee420]

Hahaha Neil Patrick! Hahaha name DROP BWAAAM BWAAAMP BWAAAAAAM

[megaboxxx]

this man inspires me to become a drummer someday!

[medialook15]

Many drummers simply keep a beat, Neil makes his own music with his drums.

[deboss142]

That big drum is just 2 drums sets combined XD nothing speciall.

[Gingersniperr]

@deboss142 no its not?

[PlugMartian]

Shut the fuck up and let Niel play!! And take your shampoo with you.

[remmoto]

nothing to say, THE BEST

[MrDrums76]

neil peart is just an amazing drummer,end of story.

[22skid00]

Saw them at M.S.G.4/10/11

[indyjones68]

the absolute best Rock on Neil

[sdmestayer]

Buddy Rich used to do some amazing drum solo's on the Carson show back in the 1970's.

[ShowgunSam]

Class is in session... The Professor has arrived.

[Desicmus]

it was his daughter in a car crash and his wife died less than a year later

[budman8687]

I love Neil.I thought my job was confusing lol.Imagine spending a minute in his head,He got pretty fucked up when he lost his little boy.Cant imagine

[MrHeitz17]

Is it just me, or does Neil look...rounder...in this video?

[DrummLouiis]

if he hits one thing, al the rest move along

[DamnedEyez]

I would get lost on one of his setups...

[LedZepSk8]

I performed this drum solo once... and then I woke up.

[ejl1000]

Neil Pee-ert? I thought it was pronounced Pert.

[Broons2112Bane]

@ejl1000 Its a great controversy in the world of Peart

[Rushguitarist1]

@ejl1000 it is Pee-ert

[berto3]

@ejl1000 it is. he's dumb. there's no joke in calling it peeert plus. the whole joke is the play on words "peart plus"

[firstmusic00]

@ejl1000 No...Pee-ert.

[adhit2020]

@ejl1000 it actually is pronounced pert letterman and his crew screwed that one up

[martster66]

IF GOD WANTED TO BUILD AN AWESOME - YOUR MOULD WOULD AUTOMATICALLY DO THAT

[LutherRayable]

NEIL PEART ONCE VISITED THE VIRGIN ISLANDS....NOW,THEY ARE JUST CALLED THE ISLANDS

[Dumbthetic]

Ohhh baby...

[kaylortheawesome]

hmm at least we all agree. alans a deuce bag

[baxdrum1]

Neil is a great Buddy Rich fan and chose one of Rich's signature pieces, Love For Sale, to top off this beautiful piece of drumming. Thanks Neil.

[aknfjoshmiller]

@baxdrum1 Did he play this song on Burning For Buddy?

[SillyYak13]

Best drummer in the world and should have been made poet laureate years ago, his lyrics are absurdly beautiful and profound.

[RandellEl1]

I think that's really Steven Segal !! Lol.

[sheilaharmon]

..and the damn Letterman sucking Band had to chime in ????? why??????

[whatsyourtubething1]

Ha Ha, David you weren't the first one, I wrote "Neil" above the word Pert on my husbands shampoo bottle. Have humor in common, I get it. Rush are so cool!! I got to see the Moving Pictures concert sometime in the early 80's. Great!! I love everything they do.

[cjvs1604]

FACT: Neil Peart was asleep when he performed this.

[MARKAR75ER]

He still has it in him...oh wait! He's a freaken DRUM GOD! How could he not!

[olladyrocks]

One of the greatest drummers of all time.



[pepo508]

truly amaizing drumer

[XpLiZiTcOnTeNt7]

i liked one o clock jump as his jazz tune better

[geirdigg]

I dont get it !

[illusionstateofmind]

FUCKING GREAT!!!

[fleetwoodbrawm]

LOVE THAT RIDE CYMBAL!

[fleetwoodbrawm]

LADYS & GENTLEMEN....THE PROFFESSOR ON THE DRUMKIT.....

[IronMaidenFTW696]

I think that letterman misspoke. it sounded like he said "one of the best drummers in rock & roll history" when he was supposed to say "the fucking best drummer that has ever lived and ever will exist, Neil fucking Peart!!!"

[fuzzybear718]

@IronMaidenFTW696 No sir that would be Buddy Rich...still Neil is a fucking monster on the kit

[420anorexorcist]

@IronMaidenFTW696 What about John Bonham?

[CusterFlux]

Neil is so hard on himself, I hope that face-in-hands at the end was more about being drained after a lovely performance than "I missed the accent on the flam of the final triplet of the second last hit - and therefore - I must die!". Great hearing the Letterman band take over from the horn triggers too - though that may have thrown him ( real horns notoriously play way behind the beat ).

[lookatthosecavemengo]

the drum kit is dancing

[bergerfry]

I think Neal might be slipping a bit.



[bassmanjoe]

@bergerfry Slipping? Please explain?

[bergerfry]

@bassmanjoe First let me say that I think he is still the master. I just heard a couple of misses in this solo. I've never heard him do that before. And I have listened to him a lot over the years.

[knumbskull42]

@bergerfry I can't agree with u more he is my mentor ( and JOHN BOHNAM kicks ass too ) but if u get down to the degree that they do your gonna have some misses and clicks listen to BILLY Cobham on Almustafa The Beloved a Goerge Duke project

[wellyes]

Neil Peart should be a spokesman for abstinence. His drumming is the ultimate cock block.

[makandra77]

The Professor on the Drumkit!

[JakeBarnes777]

Love for Sale :)

[brickceo]

Pay attention Guitarist, If you've been playing for 10+ years and you haven't improved in 5, find a day job I don't want name names (Keith Richards) the fact are I mean just because you may once been (Carlos Santana) not to name names and stuff...

[wellyes]

@brickceo

You should take your own advice. If you've been alive for 30 plus years and can't form a reasonably intelligible sentence perhaps you should keep your gibberish to yourself.

[brickceo]

@wellyes If I wanted shit from you I would be your dentist. Keep your dumb ass to yourself unless another asshole farts at you.

[1985yf]

good video, except for the crowd's cheering drowning the drum sound

[fairlane900]

ROTFLMAO at this guy...haha , love the hat...... btw..Buddy Rich"still" rules ..even the living

[BbyRider]

@fairlane900 ok mr moonpies, have a piece of ribbon candy and admit that Neil is a great drummer. I take nothing away from Buddy Rich but Gene Krupa was better. And you are an old fart! And Neil is the bestest!

[MrTommypops]

good old canadian boy born in hamilton ontario.....

[indyandsam]

OK he's a legend but it's a dull as dishwater solo. And the amount of drums is amusing but pointless

[chuckalexander132]

How is it pointless! he actually uses all of them. If anything this comment should go on a terry bozzio video......

[shed412]

the thing is unless your a drummer you think that he's messing up in some places while he's actually playing triplets. And when he goes to his electronic set he starts playing the poly rhythms, no one in that crowd (unless their a rush fan) know's how truly intricate it really is, and that's a damn shame.

[jgeorgel]

see? stiff play. no, how you say, flueditity on teh drums set. 

[thatsnotmayonnaise1]

11 ppl dont know shit from shinola

[DRUMMERJOE131]

NOT ONLY IS HE FUCKIN AMAZING...HES FUCKIN CANADIAN TO :D 

[MIKEPEARTNOY]

So much sexual energy in this drum solo. \m/

[sdat90]

The only other drummer closer to his skills is Mike Portnoy, but neil peart still the best

[Xripunoff]

Damn, he looks so tired and old... but he is still Neil Peart, he rocks!

[chrisw2546]

I watched most of these solos including Stewart and Gavin, and Neil kicked all their asses!!

[smoothstalker71]

This make's me proud to be Canadian!!!

[completechaos21]

my favorite part is when he switched it up and began playing with traditional style grip

[UkuleleNewbie]

3:11 get to the drumming !

[Boogachomper]

Peart done got fat :0

[21Rushisaband12]

i should be studying for finals.....

[jafojsharp01]

10 people are deaf, and not to slight a disability or anything, but yeah they are!!!

[DowntownScotty]

Wow....That was really good and the shampoo commercial is hilarious : ) Shampeaux ?

[cameron123655]

on my birthday

[purplewalnut89]

he's influenced by buddy rich i can just tell by his playing

[mishnitsa]

it must take him hours and hours to set that kit up. (or whoever sets up for him)

[TheXXXDB]

even after so many years there are few cats that can touch this guy.....world class technique and drummer....

[morgan123476]

10 peoples pictures never moved

[Kudan26]

Wow... I lost my self at some point what are those weird cymbals?

[Stormin024]

Un-freakin real, Neal has got to be the best drummer today..

[chan12898]

he pronounced his name wrong

[bblocker68]

@chan12898 No he didn't.

[chan12898]

@bblocker68 yeah its not an accent

[Archaic89]

@chan12898 His name is pronounced "peert" not "pert."

[chan12898]

@Archaic89 no its not watch i love you man deleted rush scene

[Archaic89]

@chan12898 Yes, it absolutely is. It is widely known amongst the Rush community that Neil's last name is mispronounced as "Pert". Listen to any interview and you'll hear the proper pronunciation.

[chan12898]

@Archaic89 nope its pert

[Archaic89]

@chan12898 Nice attempt at witty brevity, but no, you're completely and utterly incorrect. Go listen to Cathy Rich introduce Neil at the 2008 Buddy Rich memorial concert. Also the Wikipedia article on Neil Peart has the phonetics and pronunciation. You know, there's this thing called Google too..

[PAnsitoQuemado766]

sound is awefull >=(

[SmallvilleFann1983]

Isn't he saying his name wrong? Ive always heard it pernounced pert not peert....

[azimuth361]

What sets Neil apart is that his solos are compositions. They can be enjoyed by non-drummers. Most drummers just bang away and play budabubbawhackitywackbubububub­ububucrashcrashcrash. Drummers say, "Ooh, he's technical. Ooh, he's fast." Non drummers go, "yawn." Not with Neil.

[azimuth361]

OH MY GOD!!! NEIL PEART MADE A MISTAKE!!!!! 3:24

He IS human!

[15pianofreak]

LITTERALY THE PROFFESOR OF DRUMS NEIL PEART LIVE ONE FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!

[MrRabbitBlack]

when I heard jazz at 6:50 - smile suddenly appeared on my face!