Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
The Passionate Eye

Iconic Rush drummer Neil Peart celebrated in new documentary coming to CBC

Neil Peart, the drummer from Rush, was famous for blurring the lines between progressive rock, jazz, pop and heavy metal. For fans, he was the ultimate live performer and a drummer’s drummer.

Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple hits CBC Sept. 23

CBC News ·
Text to Speech Icon
Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
A black and white image of the band RUSH performing on stage.
Rush in performance, 1977. Watch Neil Peart: No One's Disciple, beginning Sept. 23. (Fin Costello, Courtesy of Banger Films)

To sum up Neil Peart is a daunting task.

The Rush drummer was famous for blurring the lines between progressive rock, jazz, pop and heavy metal. For fans, he was the ultimate live performer who crafted electric lyrics for the Canadian band’s huge hits.

For other drummers, he was an icon, role model and mentor.

Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, which debuts on CBC Sept. 23, documents the late Canadian musician’s tough start as a young artist, followed by his meteoric rise.

Intimate heart-to-hearts between Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, alongside the reflections of other acclaimed drummers, open a window into one of rock’s most enigmatic percussionists.

WATCH | Neil Peart: No One's Disciple Trailer:

Neil Peart: No One's Disciple | Documentary Trailer

September 3|
Duration 2:09
Coming to CBC Gem on Sept. 23. Neil Peart: No One's Disciple explores Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart's artistry through intimate reflection and electrifying live performances, as acclaimed drummers join Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson to tackle his complex drum parts.

Featuring new live performances of Rush classics — with the likes of Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Stewart Copeland (The Police) and Danny Carey (Tool) filling Peart’s seat at the drum kit — Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple explores Peart’s impact on contemporary drummers and how he strived to perfect his craft.

“I think it matters for me to play better all the time, and to play my best all the time, to keep it fresh and changing. It’s kind of my responsibility, I see it, as a drummer,” the late Peart says in an archival interview featured in the film.

Watch Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple on CBC starting Sept. 23.