First post here. I have been following Rush since about the ATWAS days and have seen pretty much every tour since about 1978 or so. I was also posting on the old usenet/dejanews site, so I have been around the block in regards to the band. After reading most of the comments regarding Neil I think it comes down to Neil having enough of the road. I guess from his perspective he is probably thinking "How many shows is enough"? You really can't blame the guys though I am sometimes frustrated by his attitude towards fame, fans, etc. I believe he likes the fame and excitement more than he lets on. And from Geddys and Alex's standpoint, look at how 'accepted' they have become in the last 10 years or so. Hall Of Fame, a movie, a documentary, packed arenas, happy fans, good reviews, etc. I mean seriously, can you imagine the Rush (no pun intended) they must get playing the Spirit Of Radio with 20,000 fans clapping along and seeing the happy faces in the flood lights? I mean talk about affirming. And now that has all come to an end without their say so. I have always suspected a rift in the band as Neil is always biking or riding to the shows by himself and lately he lives in California. I suspect what will happen is that there will be a 'meeting' and if Neil decides he is finished they will start to audition other drummers. Can you even imagine those auditions? They would have their pick of pretty much every top drummer in the world as that has to be one of the most coveted jobs out there. On a positive note the R40 tour was one of the best I have seen from them from my 35 years of seeing them. Up with the Moving Pictures and Presto tours.
