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Rush drummer author1/15/2024 ![]() ![]() Winding gravel roads give way to deeply rutted muddy tracks and, in one case, no actual road at all when a sink-hole removes the actual pavement of the road and Neil and his biking wingman on that day have to edge their bikes gently around a very precarious drop. And it’s fair to say that when Neil does go off the paved highway he doesn’t do so by halves. Neil has a real taste for going off the beaten track, and during his long trip planning sessions he does extensive research to ensure he and his biking buddies get the most from each leg of their cross-country rides. Finally, at Chapter 10 they saddle up, and the whole book shifts to, for me, a more engaging and entertaining gear. That’s all fine and dandy, but I personally have a taste for some road stories. ![]() But all the same, he doesn’t actually get on the bike until Chapter 9! The first 8 chapters are used up with background information and meandering observations on the environment in general and the author’s in particular, with long sections talking of the little island he owns in a lake in Quebec, and how enjoys the peace and solitude there. I am aware that my illusion that this book would be all “rock ‘n roll and lock up your daughters” was mine and mine alone, and bearing in mind the members of his band Rush are all well established family men, there was always a chance that this may not be the walk on the wild side I was anticipating. What could possibly go wrong? Well, quite a lot, actually. So you can imagine my reaction when I saw the cover of this title A lonely desert road stretching to the horizon, a powerful motorbike and a drummer on his way to play a gig with one of the most successful and loudest rock bands around. I must repeat, it's not the book or the narrator alone, it's them in tandem.Ī slow burner, but worth sticking with.Īs a drummer myself, I am well aware of Neil Peart’s status as one of the most talented players around, respected by both fans and peers around the world. I don't think it has to do with the narrator, but more so the narrator and Peart's words, he uses alot of "big words" and has certain observations that, in tandem with the narrators voice, bring out those snobby and pretentious undertones, which in turn gave me a less than enjoyable listening experience. He still has an inviting tone, but it unintentionally feels pompous and snobby. Now with this audiobook there is a different narrator. Previously, Neil's book were read by Brian Sutherland who has a slightly higher pitched version of Neil's voice, but Brian's voice is still sombre and invites you in on the journey and he doesn't seem to force an attitude to the reader. Though that's where my issues with this audiobook lie. It really telling on why he doesn't want to tour anymore and not in a snobby way. Once again, great book by Neil Peart, even though these stories are on his personal website it still makes an interesting read/listen. Great Writing, Great Narrator, But Not In Tandem. Thoughtful and ever engaging, Far and Wide is an elegant scrapbook of people and places, music and laughter, from a fascinating road - and a remarkable life. From the scenic grandeur of the American West to a peaceful lake in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains to the mean streets of Midtown Los Angeles, each story is shared in an intimate narrative voice that has won the hearts of many listeners. This third volume in Peart's travel series shares all-new tales that transport the listener across North America and through memories of 50 years of playing drums. So if this was to be the last tour and the last great adventure, he decided it would have to be the best one, onstage and off. But for Neil Peart, each tour is more than just a string of concerts it's an opportunity to explore backroads near and far on his BMW motorcycle. For the band and their fans, R40 was a celebration and, perhaps, a farewell. In May 2015 the veteran Canadian rock trio Rush embarked on their 40th anniversary tour, R40. ![]()
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