Mike Portnoy, of Sons of Apollo and ex-Dream Theater drummer, participated in Loudwire’s Gear Factor. He played his favorite Rush’s Neil Peart songs in a children’s drum kit.
“Neil was one of my greatest heroes of all time and do you give me this to work with?” He complains, jokingly, about the little jazz kit. After relaxing, Portnoy talks about his friend. “Losing Neil has been devastating and heartbreaking. I don’t want it to look light.”
“To be serious for a moment, we will donate this kit. I will sign it and the proceeds will be donated to a brain cancer research institution. I just wanted to say, Neil, rest in peace. You will always be my hero and I love you. Thanks for everything”.
Watch Mike Portnoy playing Rush in a children drum kit
Neil Peart’s death
Legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart died at 67. The musician was battling a brain cancer for the past 3 years. The disease was never revealed to the fans and was now confirmed by his family. He last moments where in Santa Monica, California. He lived there with his family.
Born in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Peart initially entered the music universe while studying piano. But he never showed much appreciation for the instrument. When he was fourteen, his parents presented him with a drum kit. Peart participated in some groups in his teens. But his life changed – and rock’s trajectory – in 1975, when he joined bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush.