Travel to Canada

Roadshow : Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle

Format: Hardcover
Author: Neil Peart
ReleaseDate: 25 October, 2006
Publisher: Rounder Books
Rating:

Neil being Neil. Deal with it.
Those of you who criticize the man for being a jerk to fans and for "whining" need to put in perspective his life, which contrary to most belief is out there for all to see in his previous books, tourbook writings and liner notes, not to mention lyrics. Neil is a unique personality. A recurring theme in his previous book Traveling Music is his insecurities that lead him down the only path he knows that he can succeed with: Drumming. All his life he was picked on for being the shy kid and he was counted among those youth that he tries to empathise with in songs like "Subdivisions," "Dreamline" and "The Pass. " Obviously, there's going to be an internal conflict when he finds that he CAN be a success as a drummer but he has to try and cope with his innate fears and insecurities incredibly quickly and on a MASSIVE scale, i. e. in the limelight. HE HAS to distance himself, and if self preservation means that he needs to be off-putting, then so be it. The man's made my life incredibly happy through music; I wouldn't dream of asking more of him, and I appreciate the fact that although he often praises the fans that gave him his stardom, he respects those fans enough to be open and honest with them: "Leave me alone. " Let him complain. He's had a rough go of life and although he can buy anything he wants, money doesn't buy happiness. He's working on FINDING his peace and happiness, and I personally am really glad he's chosen to chronicle those journeys for all to see.
Great book.

Well written, ruined by author's WHINING!!
Mr Peart writes his books to express himself, document his trips, and to "let you in" to his private world on his terms, and there's nothing wrong with that, and they made his other books great. What a shame, and a disappointment to 7 months of anticipation of this book's release. And the behind-the-scenes on a Rush tour are a nice addition for the fans. Now the problems: If you are an atheist, that's your right, but you needn't be such a jerk about it. And to whom does he "pray" to for a good show? And as far as his desire for a good samaritan to return his lost belongings, that's a bible story too. As for his aversion to being famous and having fans bother him, that's understandable. Though he sure doesn't mind if it's Nicolas Cage, Lisa Marie Presley, or Jack Black. I'll always love Rush's music, but my respect for this guy as a person is shot. Easily the most miserable elitist liberal if there ever was one. Rest assured Neil, you'll have very few "fans" wanting to meet you once they read this. Take some of your wealth and get some therapy, and quit your complaining!! God Bless! .

The Ghost Rider is in a Band?
His previous books were works of a man obviously gifted with a way of describing his progression through the world and life, but I had at some time hoped to read of his life as a drummer and musician also. I assume some readers of Neil's past few books may have found him through bicycling or motorcycling or even through hearing of his efforts of working through the grief of losing his loved ones.
This is it. It was a great book and showed me more of the shy musician who loves his work but also loves his life. As a motorcyclist I found it enjoyable and as a Rush fan found it enlightening.
It was surprising to read how he often recognized fans who appeared at many shows and that he sometimes aknowledged them. I always assumed that with such bright lights that musicians could not even see the crowd.
It was also cool to hear how Geddy and Alex fit into his life and what good friends and business partners they really are.
His need for perfection in a show was a surprise also as I always assumed that they were just SO talented that it was easy. His dissapointment at making mistakes was a surprise and I assume that few fans ever noticed the mistakes that bothered Neil.
Neil just comes off as a nice regular guy who happens to be the best drummer/lyricist in the world who has a love of traveling on two wheels.
If I ever see him in a bike shop, state park ,or just on the road I think I'd have to give him a "Thanks" for a "job" well done. I'll think of his journeys often when I lift a glass of "The Maccallan" .

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