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Howard Ungerleider on Future Touring


Ron2112
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Howard weighs in here......

 

http://www.rushisaba...dcast-interview

 

Here's the problem I have with the current "Neil's Physical Condition" party line:

 

Every physical problem described by Neil in his book was resultant from and/or exacerbated by his choice to travel 300 miles by motorcycle between shows. That's easily fixable, and if Neil truly loved playing, creating, or performing, he'd find a way to make it happen.

 

I'd have a lot more respect for the guy -- and fans would have a lot more closure -- if Neil would just say, "I'm tired of the business and I have enough money, so sorry -- I'm done." Which I suspect is a lot closer to the case. It was pretty much hinted at in the horrible "Middle 8" section of the last book. But I suppose it's not cool to tell the fans, "look, the only reason I stuck around since SnA was because I needed to shore up Olivia's college fund."

 

Neil had a great career, and quitting is certainly his right and his choice. But leaving fans, and apparently his bandmates hanging by citing physical conditions that may get better, just seems disingenouous.

 

No doubt the voluntary motorcycle travel is hard - it would be hard even without master level drumming for 3 hours in front of thousands of people every other night. Hell, it's very hard if you're 30.

 

I'm sure it's multiple things. On some level (and Howard suggests this) he knows he can't physically play at the level HE demands of himself, so rather than phoning it in, he's decided to leave on top.

 

Neil is also highly intelligent and has multiple interests. He knows we only go around once. And more money by touring doesn't change this - it only buys more stuff.

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I'm a bit disappointed in some of the comments here. NP played and worked on his terms but was a team player too in his way. He left no one high and dry. Do people who think that even know what that phrase means? As far as all the details we the public have been given, NP gave his word and lived up to that commitment. High and dry would be leaving mid-tour, promising or at least playing along with the idea that a European tour for R40 was going to happen and then backing out. No, he had to be convinced to do R40 and once he was on board, he fulfilled his promise/contractual obligation.

 

Someone also posted the analogy of NP's motorcycle rides between gigs to a working guy going out drinking. Well NP made it to the gig on time every night and performed to everyone's satisfaction. If that riding takes years off his ability to perform, that's his choice like it's my choice to drink, eat and not go to the gym. So as the years go by, I'm not in peak physical condition to do my work. Well you know what I and NP were not put on this earth just to please you. Riding made touring life worth doing for NP and none of us have any right to judge that, just like I don't have the right to judge you if you want a pint or 3 after work.

 

These 3 guys have worked on this thing called Rush since 1974, the odds of them wanting to pack it in all at the same time were remote. All things considered when it comes to rock bands calling it a day, Rush is the platinum standard.

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not all about his physical health only,losing one kid and not being around his new ones had to be a part of it.i am in the process of divorcing after being tofether 38 years,33 married.my kids are grown and married,but even after 3 years of constant fighting,i still miss the hell out of her.cant imagine him losing them likr he did. also,alex arthritis is a major factor.i imagine the cartoon at the start of each concert with alex in the wheelchair in the cartoon probably is a real thing.plus,i do not care how much ear protection you use,listening and being the source of mind numbing cranked up as loud as hell music 40 years has to seriously damage your hearing.there is no way they could avoid that,all 3 of them. I am glad they rode off into the sunset the way they did with dignity,honor and respect like any great band should do.hate to see them beating a dead horse like the rolling stones are doing.

The Stones are fun and still entertaining live - but they have a ton of backing and their music isn't in the same universe of difficulty as Rush. Totally different animals.

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Neil had a great career, and quitting is certainly his right and his choice. But leaving fans, and apparently his bandmates hanging by citing physical conditions that may get better, just seems disingenouous.

 

I agree that Neil should not of done that, but it's his choice. He has been touring non stop for over 40 years, so of course he wanted to stop, but still, that was a bit rude of him to do. I still respect his choice, but imo, he could of stuck around longer.

 

He can do whatever he likes - if he "stuck around longer" people would STILL complain. No one has given more to drumming or for a longer time than Neil.

 

The only thing I think that was "missed" was the definitve farewell. The execution was subpar with many insiders and fans left hanging. Nothing is perfect, I know, but to play secondary markets instead of huge cash cows on a tour that was presumably the last - and Neil knew it - was sily.

Edited by upstateNYfan
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For f***s sake...the guy has recorded something like 18 albums and done at least 18 tours in support of those albums, over a period of 40+ years. What else does he owe you? Who really is the diva here? He has given more back than most musicians. The man has a right to retire. :wacko:

 

You are right - I think it is his methodology that is being called into question. I have no problem with his retiring but hearing all of this about his general attitude over the past 10+ years seems dishonest and insincere. And how hard is it to air drum for a silly picture?

 

This is exactly the point I was trying to make.

 

There's a definite lack of consistency between what Neil said in his book and what he said in the documentary. Add to that the "my daughter says I'm retired", followed by Geddy's "no, Rush isn't over yet," followed by Alex and "I'm sure we'll work together", combined with a number of different things said by the crew, speaks to a certain lack of communication regarding Neil's intentions.

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Ron,

 

Is the photo in question the one where Geddy is playing the fiesta red '60 Jazz? If so, I never knew the story (or noticed the sticks).

 

While I do not disagree that he has earned retirement and/or that he is free to do what he likes (and he owes me NOTHING), I do think that if I had a bandmate doing this stuff and did not wish to do it anymore (and was that much of a buzzkill as is rumored), I think I would make music without that person.

 

If Geddy and Alex did stuff with another drummer and didn't call it Rush, I would go see it. I wonder if they could do this and play 2000-5000 seat halls.

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Ron,

 

Is the photo in question the one where Geddy is playing the fiesta red '60 Jazz? If so, I never knew the story (or noticed the sticks).

 

While I do not disagree that he has earned retirement and/or that he is free to do what he likes (and he owes me NOTHING), I do think that if I had a bandmate doing this stuff and did not wish to do it anymore (and was that much of a buzzkill as is rumored), I think I would make music without that person.

 

If Geddy and Alex did stuff with another drummer and didn't call it Rush, I would go see it. I wonder if they could do this and play 2000-5000 seat halls.

If the average Rush fan, and more hard core fans who weren't musicians, were blindfolded, taken to a "Rush" concert with a different drummer or guitarist, not many of them would guess it wasn't Peart or Lifeson playing. There are literally thousands of drummers and guitarists playing professionally, and probably the vast majority of them can play as well as either of those 2, or at least well enough that most fans couldn't tell the difference. Only Geddy has that voice, so he'd be the one that isn't replaceable.

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I don't think the Stones are beating a dead horse. The last time I saw them a couple of years ago it was one of their best shows ever. And I have seen them multiple times since the 70's. More power to them. I don't recall the snarky comments about Charlie Watts, but that would disappoint me. Sounds like drum snobbery. And Neil doesn't like it when the Jazz drum snobs put his drumming down. Charlie is a legend and one of my favourite drummers of all time.
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I'm a bit disappointed in some of the comments here. NP played and worked on his terms but was a team player too in his way. He left no one high and dry. Do people who think that even know what that phrase means? As far as all the details we the public have been given, NP gave his word and lived up to that commitment. High and dry would be leaving mid-tour, promising or at least playing along with the idea that a European tour for R40 was going to happen and then backing out. No, he had to be convinced to do R40 and once he was on board, he fulfilled his promise/contractual obligation.

 

Someone also posted the analogy of NP's motorcycle rides between gigs to a working guy going out drinking. Well NP made it to the gig on time every night and performed to everyone's satisfaction. If that riding takes years off his ability to perform, that's his choice like it's my choice to drink, eat and not go to the gym. So as the years go by, I'm not in peak physical condition to do my work. Well you know what I and NP were not put on this earth just to please you. Riding made touring life worth doing for NP and none of us have any right to judge that, just like I don't have the right to judge you if you want a pint or 3 after work.

Geddy is that you, still apologizing for Neil?

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Neil had a great career, and quitting is certainly his right and his choice. But leaving fans, and apparently his bandmates hanging by citing physical conditions that may get better, just seems disingenouous.

 

I agree that Neil should not of done that, but it's his choice. He has been touring non stop for over 40 years, so of course he wanted to stop, but still, that was a bit rude of him to do. I still respect his choice, but imo, he could of stuck around longer.

 

He can do whatever he likes - if he "stuck around longer" people would STILL complain. No one has given more to drumming or for a longer time than Neil.

 

The only thing I think that was "missed" was the definitve farewell. The execution was subpar with many insiders and fans left hanging. Nothing is perfect, I know, but to play secondary markets instead of huge cash cows on a tour that was presumably the last - and Neil knew it - was sily.

 

People would not complain, I know I would not.

 

 

There already was a farewell

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Ron,

 

Is the photo in question the one where Geddy is playing the fiesta red '60 Jazz? If so, I never knew the story (or noticed the sticks).

 

While I do not disagree that he has earned retirement and/or that he is free to do what he likes (and he owes me NOTHING), I do think that if I had a bandmate doing this stuff and did not wish to do it anymore (and was that much of a buzzkill as is rumored), I think I would make music without that person.

 

If Geddy and Alex did stuff with another drummer and didn't call it Rush, I would go see it. I wonder if they could do this and play 2000-5000 seat halls.

 

I don't disagree with any of this. But I would hope for honesty from that person after so many years invested. And based on how it played out in the press, it sounds like Ged and Al may have heard from Olivia first that Neil was completely "retired". And that sucks. Now.....there's every possibility that Neil tried being direct and folks just weren't hearing it, but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

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I think CA was an adequate ending for them album-wise. I think they're tapped out creatively as a group. I don't want to hear them live anymore because I'm afraid they would start to sound like a shell of their former self (I think they were very much headed that way). I think they ended it at the right time. Enjoy retirement.

 

I think the obsessive fans are the dicks by telling them 'dance, monkey boy, dance until I tell you to stop'.

Edited by HemiBeers
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He wants to retire.

 

It's not selfish. He has EVERY right to want to live his life how he wants too. Neither his bandmates or his asshole fans who can't get a grip that music is not the be and end all have any say in his own personal decision.

 

Get over it.

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I'm a bit disappointed in some of the comments here. NP played and worked on his terms but was a team player too in his way. He left no one high and dry. Do people who think that even know what that phrase means? As far as all the details we the public have been given, NP gave his word and lived up to that commitment. High and dry would be leaving mid-tour, promising or at least playing along with the idea that a European tour for R40 was going to happen and then backing out. No, he had to be convinced to do R40 and once he was on board, he fulfilled his promise/contractual obligation.

 

Someone also posted the analogy of NP's motorcycle rides between gigs to a working guy going out drinking. Well NP made it to the gig on time every night and performed to everyone's satisfaction. If that riding takes years off his ability to perform, that's his choice like it's my choice to drink, eat and not go to the gym. So as the years go by, I'm not in peak physical condition to do my work. Well you know what I and NP were not put on this earth just to please you. Riding made touring life worth doing for NP and none of us have any right to judge that, just like I don't have the right to judge you if you want a pint or 3 after work.

 

These 3 guys have worked on this thing called Rush since 1974, the odds of them wanting to pack it in all at the same time were remote. All things considered when it comes to rock bands calling it a day, Rush is the platinum standard.

 

PERFECTLY stated! :goodone:

Edited by Earthshine
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One very serious concern I always had was Neil's motorcycle hobby; especially while touring. Yes, I know it's his life and he can choose freewill. :)

 

In at least one of his books, he mentioned at least one close call that he had while traveling on his motorcycle. I can't think that Alex, Geddy and the crew did not share this concern too.

 

I, for one, am glad that he is not touring anymore, partly because of this serious risk to not only Rush, but most of all to himself, his friends bandmates, crew, pets and family.

 

In addition, it is just good that Neil is not touring if that is not what he wants to do anymore. And I believe that Alex and Geddy are fine with it and agree with it for several reasons, other than Neil not wanting to anymore. :rush:

Edited by Earthshine
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...you could really tell how his abilities were fading a little bit - all those simplified fills in R40 are a clear example of that -

Again maybe a tour bus, plane and a masseuse instead of a BMW motorcycle.

 

Absolutely John!

Neil chose his path. He knew what he was getting into.

Come on man, Peart had those fuckked up frozen feet from biking in the rain everyday and night.

He's overweight.

He smokes red apples everyday.

Loves his booze.

Neil let himself go. It was his choice. His "Freewill."

When I accidentally met Neil at his Tour bus in 2007 he looked bad even back then. Dressing in black like a red bloated faced Johnny Cash. I was sad.

The man is a SUPER TROOPER for getting through R40. He is a frigging grinder. A man who honored his contract with his band and label.

 

If Neil had a trainer. If Neil quit smoking cigarettes. If Neil stopped drinking booze. If Neil stayed on his tour bus on R40 instead of riding his BMW bike.

 

IF.

 

The biggest word in the English Dictionary.

 

It sucks, but it was his choice.

 

Don't suffer forum friends and foolish fanatics.

 

Take a big deep breathe and move on..

 

IT'S OVER.

 

I will always love Neil even though he didn't take care of himself during his "Twilight" Zone Years. LOL Gosh I kill myself.

 

Anyway, it is what it is. Gee, I wonder why the boys played "Losing It" on the R40 Tour. DUH!

 

I always knew in my head over the decades that they would play this song on their final tour.

 

I think it was quite a given.

 

I am obviously a top 2112 Rush Fan in all of the galaxy.

 

I know my shit.

 

But I love learning too......

 

NEIL PEART FRIGGING RULES!!!!!!

So what if I pick on my mentor and man. I have the right. I met him. He was just as most of you believe him to be to a fan.

 

Yes, I know... I have to learn to grow up. But why?

 

 

I'm Peter Pan!

 

I DON'T HAVE TO GROW UP!

 

I can play every RUSH song on the drums so pick on someone else!!!!

 

RUSH IS MY DRUG!

 

You Neil Rushhead Haters can continue to be liberal lunatics.

Smoke your Harry "POT"ter bong water.

Eat your Cheetos and drink your Pepsi 2 liter bottles.

Millennials have no clue about life. Are you Neil Haters one of those zombie zit tit zealous zoners? Gonna take over the world with no culture or hard work?

Don't ask me for advice. Remember I'm like Steve Martin. I'm just The Rush Forum Jester. I'm just "THE JERK!"

I feel sorry for you so-called Rush fans who bitch about Rush retiring.

Perhaps because you didn't get to see them enough in their glory daze.

Well I did and I still missed them in the Seventies.

That's life. Move on and get out of your Main Vein Monkey Business Phase.

There is more to life.

Give up the internet porn Fly By Night Fanbois, find yourself a "Witch Hunt" Wife.

Stop eating fast food at 2 am and unplug your "Dreamline" Beats By Dre.

You guys and gals can continue to bitch about Neil retiring.

I will be cranking "Straight Outta Compton" by N.W.A.

 

That stands for....

 

 

NEIL WITH ATTITUDE.

 

 

"SO WHAT!"

 

Love,

 

A METALLICA COVER

 

 

(Very vulgar cover. Only adults over 18 should hear that song.)

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I don't think he's left his bandmates hanging. I think they know. If they don't on account of the fact that he never bothered to tell them the truth either, well, then, their relationship was more strained than any Rush fan thought or suspected.

 

I think it's more of this, with the twist that they (Geddy, Al, and the rest of the organization) probably figured that Neil needed to be there to for financial reasons. If there's really that much of a rift as Neil's own writing suggests there might be, it must have been a buzzkill to play with him for some time now. Maybe it's more complex than that -- I dunno.....but Neil's own writing doesn't exactly paint a happy picture of life on the road.

 

I try to follow along with things Neil has written that folks have shared here, but I cannot recall the quotes you are referring to about Neil and his feelings towards Ged and Al and vice versa. Can you give some examples? I think I missed something. Or forgotten something.

 

Have you read "Far and Away"? After about the 30th time he refers to Ged and Al as "the guys from work", and only tells stories about how his interactions with the Rush organization are designed to ruin his motorcycling fun, it starts to lose it's charm.

 

Go to the section of the book that he calls "The Middle 8" -- it's all you need to read.

 

I don't read his books cause his blog is boring enough. Just things folks share here. I knew he called them the Guys from Work but gave him a pass on that cause it could be meant ironically.

Fill me in on the Middle 8.

 

It's basically Neil heaping derision on the music business, and specifically on the photo shoot that accompanied the Rolling Stone article. He relates how Geddy and Al were compliant with the photographer, while all she did was piss him off. Apparently, when -- it sound like out of exasperation over his attitude -- she asked him to air drum, he threw the sticks on the floor, and that's the shot that ended up in the magazine.

 

Great stuff, huh?

 

That is being a diva.

 

I prefer "Holy Diva" by DIO

 

Or perhaps "Diva Down" by VAN HALEN.

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I don't think he's left his bandmates hanging. I think they know. If they don't on account of the fact that he never bothered to tell them the truth either, well, then, their relationship was more strained than any Rush fan thought or suspected.

 

I think it's more of this, with the twist that they (Geddy, Al, and the rest of the organization) probably figured that Neil needed to be there to for financial reasons. If there's really that much of a rift as Neil's own writing suggests there might be, it must have been a buzzkill to play with him for some time now. Maybe it's more complex than that -- I dunno.....but Neil's own writing doesn't exactly paint a happy picture of life on the road.

 

I try to follow along with things Neil has written that folks have shared here, but I cannot recall the quotes you are referring to about Neil and his feelings towards Ged and Al and vice versa. Can you give some examples? I think I missed something. Or forgotten something.

 

Have you read "Far and Away"? After about the 30th time he refers to Ged and Al as "the guys from work", and only tells stories about how his interactions with the Rush organization are designed to ruin his motorcycling fun, it starts to lose it's charm.

 

Go to the section of the book that he calls "The Middle 8" -- it's all you need to read.

 

I don't read his books cause his blog is boring enough. Just things folks share here. I knew he called them the Guys from Work but gave him a pass on that cause it could be meant ironically.

Fill me in on the Middle 8.

 

It's basically Neil heaping derision on the music business, and specifically on the photo shoot that accompanied the Rolling Stone article. He relates how Geddy and Al were compliant with the photographer, while all she did was piss him off. Apparently, when -- it sound like out of exasperation over his attitude -- she asked him to air drum, he threw the sticks on the floor, and that's the shot that ended up in the magazine.

 

Great stuff, huh?

 

That is being a diva.

 

I prefer "Holy Diva" by DIO

 

Or perhaps "Diva Down" by VAN HALEN.

 

Haha!!

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