Alexfan

Can't wait!

And on the other hand, Neil has written (in "Ghost Rider") that Alex and Geddy have been better friends to him than he's been to them. I really think this thread is a great example of people reading WAAAAYYYY too much into what little info we have. We don't know the circumstances behind the 2015 tour, or what agreements/compromises/deals were made before, during, or after. At this point, the only thing we can say for sure is that the band is resting after an 8-year period of near CONSTANT activity, and that however they feel about their future a few months from now is likely going to be different that it was at the end of the R40 tour. The rest is just speculation. Fun to argue, but no one on this forum has the inside track. Agreed. Only time will tell.

I know the feeling. Watching the dinner at the lodge extra it sometimes appeared that both Alex and Geddy were largely dismissing most of what he had to say. I think it's something that he's kind of earned though. He's eccentric. He's a very different dude. I know people who are very close to him, and that is the general vibe - he's a very unique and different guy. Lot of head scratching goes on regarding some of his choices. But - I think in the case of Alex and Geddy - they do just tease him - lightheartedly, and nothing mean, just teasing. That's what they all do. If anyone has paid enough attention to pick up on the teasing, then for sure you will also have picked up on the deep respect and true loving friendship. Listen to how how Geddy and Alex talk about his tragedies. That is testament to how they really feel about him. I have done a ton of reading on the band, and don't recall anything about rivalries. What comes to mind actually is Neil describing how well a three piece works. There can be no factions, no ganging up on someone. It has to be unanimous when it comes to big decisions. No - "these two guys against those two guys" situations. Nothing about rivalries at all. Neil is kind of the "odd man out" in the band maybe for sure - but he is kind of the "odd man out" his whole life, with his parents, his friends and family, his associates in all walks. That's Neil.

This would be at odds at what other 'insiders' are posting that Neil wouldn`t tour unless it was only xx amount of US dates and no EU tour. That's my understanding. Neil didn't want to do the tour at all. He wanted to be done after CA. His compromise was to do some NA dates. Yep. I feel grateful seeing R40 two times. I knew it was over with how they had that send off video. It say's it all IMO. I gotta believe Geddy and Alex were hoping this would give Neil the juice again. Get a taste and want more. It apparently had the reverse effect and solidified his decision to call it a career with touring. We can hope for a new album. So there is that. My thoughts too. It wasn't a farewell tour, but it had a very encompassing and almost nostalgic look at their career. It was so well done. These guys are wise enough to know that they honestly don't know 100% what the future holds, so they tried to leave the door open for Neil. But it looks like he is happy to close it behind him. I would love another album. Just can't get enough. We will just have to wait and see. Maybe Neil will post something to his blog in the near future and shed some light on things. I have to think he will be up at his place in the Laurentians soon to enjoy the winter. Maybe he will find some time to write his blog.

This would be at odds at what other 'insiders' are posting that Neil wouldn`t tour unless it was only xx amount of US dates and no EU tour. That's my understanding. Neil didn't want to do the tour at all. He wanted to be done after CA. His compromise was to do some NA dates.

You are correct that it is admirable for such a historically talented drummer to retire on top. But to end such a brilliant career, in such an abrupt manner, stunning his band mates a mere three months before their final tour, with no intl dates, no second leg, as is their normal tour schedule, is unfortunate way to end a brilliant career The outsider angle speaks to the nature of how his partners of nearly a half century were stunned by his abrupt insistence that 35 NorAmerica dates were it, the absolute end of a glorious career, with no negotiation no compromise. . My understanding is that the whole R40 tour was a compromise from Neil.

Why on earth does this have to turn into a discussion about which member of Rush is "better"? They are all incredibly talented musicians and together, they formed Rush - which was a creative powerhouse. That's enough said on the topic for my ears. Neil retiring has nothing to do with him being an "outsider" or because he doesn't "fit in" or anything ridiculous like that. He is of the working age of retirement - like us normal people - and he wants to retire and enjoy the rest of his life. That's it. He has said over and over again, he is happy to be "just a guy". That's what he is doing. There's no hard feelings, no feeling left out, no resentment - just ready to retire, and, at the top of his game, before he starts to decline due to his age.

Of late, Neil has referred to Alex and Geddy as his friends at work. To him, that's what it is, a job - work. Not unlike anyone else - he wants to retire from work. To him it is that simple. He's put in his time, he's earned it, he's tired, he has other things he wants to do. I have my doubts that he will get back in the studio with Alex and Geddy anytime soon. He has said many times that a "band needs to play live" to exist and be what they are supposed to be. Knowing that he is done from that side of it, why continue at all? Over time, maybe he will do something for fun, but as far as that goes, I doubt it too. Rush as a business is no more - they are all finding other work. Liam Birt, Lorne, they've all read the writing on the wall. Neil has telegraphed the whole thing. He's come out and said it. His drum tech has come out and said it. The CEO of DW drums leaked it a while ago - he's done. We all know people who have no life outside of work. They have no hobbies, therefore retirement doesn't appeal to them. Neil isn't one of those. He has lots of things he wants to do. He didn't enjoy touring anyway. Geddy and Alex did. Big difference. I guess we all would like something "official" on the retirement thing, but I think the way it is now, anything could be possible I guess - however unlikely. He puts a lot of weight in his words. A lot of the "writing on the wall" is there to read.

It's in Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Peart#Retirement He's retired.

Neil has been saying for a while now that he wants to retire. He just kept getting coaxed into "one more". After R40, Neil is taking the tour as his last obligation. He probably didn't mind the paycheque, but probably doesn't really need it either at this point. His motivations for doing what he does have always been a bit different from anyone else I think. He's got nothing at all to prove to anyone. He wants to retire. He is done with the grind, and his body is tired and he doesn't want his performances to decline. I think the reason Geddy and Alex are not in the know of whether or not Neil is done touring or done altogether, is because they all agreed to give everyone some space to think about it. Once time passes, they will get together and talk about it. Clearly that hasn't happened yet. They are still giving Neil his space. Guys - that's the sign of a very strong friendship, not a weak one. It's respecting him. They understand completely, but just because not all are in agreement right now, doesn't mean that plans won't develop. Or not - I don't think anyone really knows right now. I have spoken to people who know Neil, and they don't know what his plans are. Those who know Neil, know not to pry, not to push, not to force him to do things. He will come around, or he won't. No one knows yet. I hope he has another album in him.