Who Could Possibly Replace Neil Peart?

A. MacNaughtan snapped it

Rush’s Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee are on record stating they aren’t built to sit idle. Further, they signaled the possibility of taking an ace drummer to (gulp) fill Neil’s shoes. Good Luck?

Okay, there are many, MANY drummers that cover Rush proficiently. Thing is, some are better than others at different eras of their catalog. Let’s see … ‘70s Classic Riff Rock, later-‘70s Orchestral Prog, the ‘80s Digital Sequenced Man, the later ‘80s synth pop and riff rock, the neoclassical Hard Rockin’ Naughties, finally arriving at the Steam-punky Time Machine era and Clockwork Angels.

Who can do it all?

Now, I’ve already seen countless social media posts asking that very question. The majority are quick to finger Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Mike Mangini and several other, let’s say, “contemporary prog legends”. As incredible as they are, I’d have to wonder if Ged and Al see them with a fanboy-detector lens. My guess is they’d want someone they’ve always admired that came up around the same time as themselves. The available drummers in that category are very few. Some are no longer with us, some are retired (Bruford), some—like the fanboys—can't do it all, let alone do it Neil-verbatim. Poach a lucky tribute drummer? Sort of like what Journey did? Hmm… nice gesture. Still, it might not be rewarding for Geddy and Alex. Subbing for Neil Peart seems all but an impossible request. Maybe they’ll have to accept a younger jedi to see the road once more. Maybe not.

Alright, so let’s go down the rabbit hole, entertain a few likely choices, and see what’s what.

Bill Bruford? Retired, mostly gone jazz towards the end, but he is well-versed on the ‘lectrics. As of today, he’s 74. My guess is he’s done and has no intention of joining a band, not even Rush.

Omar Hakim? Sure, he rehearsed with them and covered a couple songs. Steady performance, yet not remotely as good as several tribute drummers I’ve seen on YouTube. He was fun to watch nonetheless. I'd sort of enjoy seeing other masters fight to accurately cover Rush. Won't happen.

Might as well get some of the other heavies out of the way while I'm at it: Billy Cobham, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Steve Smith, Manu Katche ... nope!

And a couple Holdsworthians: Gary Husband and Chad Wackerman. Jazz regression therapy? Interesting ... but seriously doubtful.

Mike Portnoy? He’s gone home to Dream Theater. I know he’d jump at that opportunity—THE ultimate (and famous) fan of Neil Peart. Missed his timing, I’d say. Suffice to mention, “the kid” in their eyes. Mike is pretty much the fan favorite. He loves Neil so unashamedly, even when it wasn’t cool.

Danny Carey? I’m sure you saw Alex sit in with Tool recently when they came through Toronto. That was nice to see. Danny sat in on the Taylor Hawkins memorial too. For me, it wasn’t an automatic match. Maybe because he wasn’t on his own kit … or at least one set up for covering Rush? Jury’s out.

Mike Mangini? Younger (not much!), but DAMN. There is no question of ability. Frankly, Rush would be a cakewalk gig for Mike. Prog fans would dig it too, and he’s just recently looking for a job. Serendipity? Mike would be blowing chops all up and down if allowed. Solos would be once again a dazzling spectacle. That’s one of Mike’s advantages. He knows how to entertain on a big kit. Strong choice if not for the “youth” factor.

Simon Phillips? Maybe beneath him, and maybe mismatched for the ‘80s electronic era, not that he’s incapable. Simon’s a lotta jazz the past couple decades, but I did catch him on a hard rock session not too long ago. Would be an interesting choice. Audition!

Stewart Copeland? This is my favorite gut reaction choice, and he’d definitely change things up to make it interesting. That’s a catch-22 though. Stewart’s drumming persona might be overwhelming to fans looking for another Peart. I’d love to see the audition tapes of him trying though! (and Rush covering a Police tune!)

Gavin Harrison? I’ve read his name plenty too. Debate amongst yourselves if you like. For Rush, I’d think it’s a hard pass.

Virgil Donati? He’s only slightly younger and totally slams it when needed. Versatile too. I think he could do it. Right choice? Chemistry there, mate? Hmm…

Carl Palmer? Wait, he might see RUSH as the fanboys. Same for Cobham. Probably right. While interesting, and he’s up to the task, Carl’s not a great fit. Maybe only for the early catalog, if anything.

Photoshop source unknown

Alex Van Halen? You’ve probably seen the above trio meme running around Facebook, X, Insta, and other places. Snap reaction has most folks panning the very thought. Not funny! Not good enough. Only a rocker. Yadda yadda … Besides, he’s pretty much retired after the loss of his brother. One and done. And, I’d agree. What most of those people don’t know is that Alex is a huge fan of prog, jazz, reggae—same as Peart—and greatly admires Billy Cobham, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker, Tony Williams, Mitch Mitchell, and Buddy Rich, among others. Yes … same as Neil Peart. In fact, Alex liked Billy Cobham's grooves so much, he appropriated Billy's famous double bass shuffle on Spectrum’s Quadrant 4 for VH's Hot for Teacher. And guess what? He’s also the same age as Geddy and Alex, came up the same as them, and a one-band-man. Go back and listen to some of VH’s earlier material. A few are borderline progressive, although the grand guardians of the genre would surely raise the drawbridge. Now, it’s fair to say I don’t quite see Van Halen learning and performing Rush’s back catalog. I could hear him on some new material, however. His sound would fit Lifeson’s harder riffs quite well. Never say never!

Thomas Lang? He could pull it off, I’m sure. He’s got the same problem as Mike Portnoy, Tim Alexander, Todd Sucherman, and so many others. That lens, you see.

Tim Herb Alexander? Sure … and toured with them already. I mean as an opener with Primus. He knows their material front and back. Closely mentored by Neil himself. Would Ged and Al see him like Robert Plant sees Jason Bonham?

Terry Bozzio? He’s 73. Could he do it? I think so, but why would he? Is he a good fit? Overkill? Again, I’d love to see his audition/rehearsal tapes!

What about one of metal's legendary hitmen, Tommy Aldridge? Could you see him covering Mystic Rhythms? That'd make for an entertaining audition vid, for sure. Destroying Simmons pads with his bare hands ...

Matt Cameron? Here’s another name frequently tossed around. It’s unfortunate that Matt has little if any recordings that demonstrate a clear ability in progressive rock. He’s a huge fan of the genre, of Neil, and of Neil’s influences. I don’t doubt he could manage a large portion of the catalog. All of it? Better for new material? If it’s a multiple audition scenario, similar to Dream Theater’s a dozen years ago, I don’t see why Matt shouldn’t have a go. Unless, he simply not keen on it. Anyone bother asking these people?

Chad Smith? I’m seeing double. Chad’s great. Solid player. Can he pull Rush off – all of it? You know, I never play someone short. True professionals are often surprising when a real challenge arises. Chad’s proven. Would be an interesting audition tape.

Matt Sorum? Chalk him down ala Chad Smith. Small kit rocker. Solid. Kenny Aronoff too. Good match?

Gregg Bissonette? Got the chops. Got the feel? I'd employ the Mystic Rhythms analogy again, but also the pro henchman thought. You just never know who's up to the task. I never saw Omar Hakim sitting behind Geddy and Alex until it happened.  

Mike Hetzel? Who’s that, you say? Sticks for YYNOT—probably one of the best Rush tribute bands around. Obviously up to the task. Would Rush do the Journey thing, though? What about new material. There’s a wrinkle. Out of all the drummers already listed, who’d you want to hear with Alex and Geddy?

Look, if you really want to go outside the box, let's just blow it up then with any of YouTube's cover stars. Look for them ... there's no end! Pretty young gals totally ruling La Villa, or Tom Sawyer. Seven year old babies laying down Tom Sawyer. Too old? Let's make it five. Improbable and impossible lovelies covering Rush has sort of become its own meme.
It used to be a curse. GEEK! Nice turnaround, huh?

Of course, there's another guy from a successful Toronto trio. Also famous on the big kits back in the day. Longtime friends of the guys, too. What's Gil Moore of Triumph been up to?

My last mention is, to me, the most intriguing: Rod Morganstein.
Rod’s their age, a technical ace, isn’t a snob … oh shit; he is a snob! I forgot!

Okay, this was at an Atlanta Pro Percussion clinic ... so long ago now ... ’85 or ’86. Rod specifically made fun of those who twirled sticks and other theatrics. Sarcastically shoved a finger up his nose while spinning one. Doy! Everyone in the room knew he was jabbing Neil because a kid just asked about one of his licks. Maybe Rod was dejected by constantly being in Peart’s press shadow at the time? Many were, even though Neil was not as technically proficient. The Dregs’s records were the stuff other pros idolized. Neil included. I’d hope Rod’s over it by now. Nothing wrong with a little showmanship for the non-drummers. You’re paid to ENTERTAIN.

Regardless, Rod makes sense on many levels. He could use a high-profile gig to end on. Winger’s cool and all. It isn’t Rush. Rod would shine under the spotlight he always wanted, and he’d have a shot at making the entire catalog tastefully stronger. Don’t think it possible? You don’t know Rod.
Okay, I’m a little biased after catching the Dregs a few years ago. Rod was so very strong … probably out of everyone in the band.

Do any other these guys want the gig, though? In terms of legacy, it's not theirs. It never will be. Imposter syndrome? You read the comments across social platforms and at least half believe it's sacrilege to pursue it, so there's that. Ask Kenney Jones. Personal challenges aside, it's a well-paid cover gig. Big Money ...

I know I missed a few dozen choice candidates. Add them in the comments, including YOUR favorite.

Back to Lee and Lifeson ...

Who knows. There are several considerations they’d likely mull. Primary questions will be something akin “Okay, do we want a famous flavor to help ticket draws and perhaps put their own signature on the former material?” Or … “What about a complete unknown. No expectations. Must play all our stuff note-perfect and take no light from us—Geddy and Alex. We’re the band now, nobody else.” (Sting kinda did this his last tour).  “Or, is there someone waiting in the wings, Stage Left, can just crush it, who’s one of us, is someone we always admired, looking for a good jam—one last epic ride—who admires us ... a friend.”
Of course, they might ultimately decide it’s one huge headache and stay retired—selling books, beer, and gear.

I wish them well whatever they decide. The fans will be there no matter what. 

 /T

(1/12/2024)
UPDATE: Perhaps Rush's implied desire to continue touring with another drummer was a classic PR play, designed to capture general interest during Geddy's autobiography tour. If that's the case, it worked. Here we are a month later -- book tour complete -- reports of Alex complaining that his arthritis is worsening, he isn't sure he can properly play the material any longer, and isn't really interested in touring in the first place. If he can't play it, definitely not. Geddy hasn't gone so far other to say he's done touring. If anything we might see an occasional guest appearance ala Taylor Hawkins' Memorial.

Probably best.