I regret everything I ever said....

[ytserush]

It’s worth noting that the last Bubbagram on Neil’s web site is from May 2016 — right around the time we now are told that Neil would have received his diagnosis. The series he was working on, telling about his travels on the last few days of the R40 tour was left incomplete. But again, we now know why.....

 

 

So sad man.

 

Indeed....the perception (which I know I had) was that he had turned away from everything he had built up over the course of his life. And if that HAD been his conscious choice, then that’s certainly valid, but it always struck me as strange. Why spend the time to become the best in the world at something, only to never touch that something ever again? It just didn’t seem right. And again, we now know why.

 

For these reasons, I do hope his story will be updated at the right time, so that his story as a musician gets cemented with a proper ending.

 

That validity.....coming from him was why I was less inclined to question it more thoroughly.. Context really sucks sometimes.

[GeminiRising79]

Often I was critical of the group, especially towards Neil. I regret that I wrote with such vitriol, but I have always loved Rush since first hearing atwas.

[snowdogged]

I'm guilty too, of calling him a grump and making a ton of jokes about him hating his fans. Not cool.

This is just a forum on the internet and everyone gets carried away with what they are posting sometimes. Whether it be jokingly, or to hop on a bandwagon, or in anger or even sometimes a drunken post (See Earl.). I myself never really had any issues with Neil, but I would make jokes about the traits that other people accused Neil of having, or traits that Neil did actually have. Life is a constant lesson, and if there is any silver lining when we lose people who meant something to us, it is that I think we all grow a little as human beings.

[goose]

Often I was critical of the group, especially towards Neil. I regret that I wrote with such vitriol, but I have always loved Rush since first hearing atwas.

:pussy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RushFanForever]

It’s worth noting that the last Bubbagram on Neil’s web site is from May 2016 — right around the time we now are told that Neil would have received his diagnosis. The series he was working on, telling about his travels on the last few days of the R40 tour was left incomplete. But again, we now know why.....

 

Or perhaps his book 'Far and Wide: Bring That Horizon to Me!' (released Sept 2016) was the remaining story summed up.

[ctbadger]

Regarding my angry posts and general dissatisfaction with the way Rush ended...There was a time where as a Rush stan, I had feelings of resentment towards the fact that Rush had ended their touring career in 2015. I foolishly believed that Neil was to blame and that he "left Ged and Al hanging" and that he killed Rush......I really wish I knew then what I know now.....I wish I can go back in time and tell myself "DUDE, NEIL IS LITERALLY DYING OF CANCER YOU INCONSIDERATE FUCKING SELFISH DICKHEAD"

 

It doesn't sound like Neil found out about it until about a year after they stopped touring so I wouldn't beat myself up over it.

[Lorraine]

I always think of Gone With The Wind when one of Scarlet's husbands died (I forget his first name - last was Kennedy) and she was crying to Rhett about regretting how mean she had been to him. I forgot exactly what he said to her, but it was something along the lines of "and if he hadn't died, you'd have gone on being mean to him, so stop with the guilt trip."

 

That's just the way we human beings are. We never realize what we had until we no longer have it. Then suddenly the person who drover us nutsy with their quirks and strange habits doesn't seem so bad, and we remember the good qualities in them that we took for granted for so long.

 

We ought to learn a good lesson from that, but we keep making the same mistake with everyone else in our lives.

 

:sigh:

Edited January 13, 2020 by Lorraine

[jc4gd]

Thanks for sharing fraroc! That really cool of you. Reminds me of a Rush song......

[Red3angel]

The happiest people are the one who don’t put themselves first. I felt bad that we didn’t know but now I’m glad we didn’t

[HalfwayToGone]

I really wish I knew then what I know now.....

 

Don't we all!

 

Even the most die-hard fans (like us) must keep reminding themselves that they really don't know squat about the lives of their rock & roll heroes. The same goes for film stars, sports heroes, etc.

 

Just as they don't know us at all, we don't know them. We are strangers to each other.

 

Just like I said in the other thread, hearing of Neil's death was bad enough as a Rush fan, I simply cannot imagine what Geddy and Alex are going through right now. Ged's book tour was only this past summer, I can't imagine just how difficult it was for him to do that, knowing that there were going to be some fans that were going to ask about a Rush reunion or simply ask "Hey Geddy, big fan here! Heard from Neil lately?" And each and every time he has to put on a fake smile and say he's fine....God, if Ged or Al were in the same room as me right now, I'd definitely let them have a good long cry on my shoulder.

I just saw Geddy a month ago for the NYC signing. He gave zero indication of anything amiss, and seemed happy to be there, laughed at my dumb joke about how I thank and curse him and his bandmates every day for infecting me with this “musician” bug.

[HalfwayToGone]

1578805129[/url'>' post='4717463']

1578804921' post='4717460']

1578804547[/url'>' post='4717457']

1578803572' post='4717451']

1578803461[/url'>' post='4717447']

1578802321' post='4717432']

1578746080[/url'>' post='4716938']

1578718011' post='4716784']

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

1578752264[/url]' post='4716987']

1578746080[/url'>' post='4716938']

1578718011' post='4716784']

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

Spaghetti Lee! :) One of my favorite TRFers. Gone but not forgotten.

 

That's epic.

How are you doing, Earl?

 

I know we are on a public forum and I have no fear to show my emotions. In either darkness or light.

 

By just you asking me this I am tearing up again. I might run out of tears. It's very hard for me and I know I'm not the only one.

But many of you who know me regardless of the many of the outlandish things I have typed in the past do care about me.

I know I too have offended many on here but my intentions were just to be over the top. Adult R Rated late night writing.

I guess I wanted to be the Howard Stern of the Rush Forum, but I sure many of you can see I have kind of mellowed out lately.

But this blow to me Lorraine is killing me but please don't worry about my health. I am fine. Just sad and broken. I will heal through time.

I prefer "RUSH THROUGH TIME." See? I still have my punny and silly personality and corny wit.

This tragedy in my life is already turning into something positive thanks to all the love and support I have received around the world.

I am honored and just blown away by the people who are communicating me. I mean I have all of my texts since yesterday. Over 100 easily.

Most always say... "Earl I heard about the horrible news and I instantly though of you first." It's just crazy. I like sharing this in the public eye. "The Camera Eye?"

I know I'm lucky Lorraine and I love you very much.

 

I actually love so many of you on here.

 

Sorry for those I hurt over late night rants and arguments.

 

All is forgiven.

 

I need to get through this loss. I was not prepared Loraine even though I was tipped off three months ago about it. I too never would have leaked it. I was actually in denial when I found out about it. Only my father knew because he was in that business meeting.

Even the Universe was trying to tell me something in advance. It's crazy, After Neil retired and I knew he was overweight and in pain and bad health, I thought to myself that I might have to try and prepare myself for the moment like this. Neil is it for me in the entertainment biz.

I never thought it was going to be this quick.

I am not in the inner circle but I am on the outer rim. I will take that any day.

 

RUSH ON LORRAINE!!!

 

 

I will be fine. Luckily Time Doesn't Stand Still. We can all heal. We will all live. We will all die. The cycle of life. Eventually laughter will erode to a long cry.

 

 

"Far Cry................"

You are a fortunate man, Earl, being loved by so many.

 

No doubt about it - you will heal.

 

 

Thank you Lorraine. I know. So far so good. Anything can change at any second but yes. Blessed. Family, friends and even my pug Earl IV is happy at 11 years old!!! You know I have two daughters so when they were young Wendy and I wanted to get them a pug.

They always knew I wanted a son to carry on my name so hey, I got lucky again. My pug is my namesake.

 

Love you!

Earl—I’m sure the die-hards here all had their contact method of choice blown up by check-ins from concerned people who know they are a superfan. Mine was facebook—the second the news was released I got a ping from a close friend via messenger, and I lost count of the “I thought of you as soon as I heard”s when I threw a post up there. My entire feed was also flooded with other posts from every friend from every band I know from playing in bands for 38 years, all because some guy who’s socially awkward became all super fired up behind a drumkit. Guys I thought hated Rush were even gushing about their worship of Peart especially and Rush. I was blown away.

Edited January 14, 2020 by HalfwayToGone

[Blue J]

1578805129[/url]' post='4717463']

1578804921[/url]' post='4717460']

1578804547[/url]' post='4717457']

1578803572[/url]' post='4717451']

1578803461[/url]' post='4717447']

1578802321[/url]' post='4717432']

1578746080[/url]' post='4716938']

1578718011[/url]' post='4716784']

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

1578752264[/url]' post='4716987']

1578746080[/url]' post='4716938']

1578718011[/url]' post='4716784']

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

Spaghetti Lee! :) One of my favorite TRFers. Gone but not forgotten.

 

That's epic.

How are you doing, Earl?

 

I know we are on a public forum and I have no fear to show my emotions. In either darkness or light.

 

By just you asking me this I am tearing up again. I might run out of tears. It's very hard for me and I know I'm not the only one.

But many of you who know me regardless of the many of the outlandish things I have typed in the past do care about me.

I know I too have offended many on here but my intentions were just to be over the top. Adult R Rated late night writing.

I guess I wanted to be the Howard Stern of the Rush Forum, but I sure many of you can see I have kind of mellowed out lately.

But this blow to me Lorraine is killing me but please don't worry about my health. I am fine. Just sad and broken. I will heal through time.

I prefer "RUSH THROUGH TIME." See? I still have my punny and silly personality and corny wit.

This tragedy in my life is already turning into something positive thanks to all the love and support I have received around the world.

I am honored and just blown away by the people who are communicating me. I mean I have all of my texts since yesterday. Over 100 easily.

Most always say... "Earl I heard about the horrible news and I instantly though of you first." It's just crazy. I like sharing this in the public eye. "The Camera Eye?"

I know I'm lucky Lorraine and I love you very much.

 

I actually love so many of you on here.

 

Sorry for those I hurt over late night rants and arguments.

 

All is forgiven.

 

I need to get through this loss. I was not prepared Loraine even though I was tipped off three months ago about it. I too never would have leaked it. I was actually in denial when I found out about it. Only my father knew because he was in that business meeting.

Even the Universe was trying to tell me something in advance. It's crazy, After Neil retired and I knew he was overweight and in pain and bad health, I thought to myself that I might have to try and prepare myself for the moment like this. Neil is it for me in the entertainment biz.

I never thought it was going to be this quick.

I am not in the inner circle but I am on the outer rim. I will take that any day.

 

RUSH ON LORRAINE!!!

 

 

I will be fine. Luckily Time Doesn't Stand Still. We can all heal. We will all live. We will all die. The cycle of life. Eventually laughter will erode to a long cry.

 

 

"Far Cry................"

You are a fortunate man, Earl, being loved by so many.

 

No doubt about it - you will heal.

 

 

Thank you Lorraine. I know. So far so good. Anything can change at any second but yes. Blessed. Family, friends and even my pug Earl IV is happy at 11 years old!!! You know I have two daughters so when they were young Wendy and I wanted to get them a pug.

They always knew I wanted a son to carry on my name so hey, I got lucky again. My pug is my namesake.

 

Love you!

Earl—I’m sure the die-hards here all had their contact method of choice blown up by check-ins from concerned people who know they are a superfan. Mine was facebook—the second the news was released I got a ping from a close friend via messenger, and I lost count of the “I thought of you as soon as I heard”s when I threw a post up there. My entire feed was also flooded with other posts from every friend from every band I know from playing in bands for 38 years, all because some guy who’s socially awkward became all super fired up behind a drumkit. Guys I thought hated Rush were even gushing about their worship of Peart especially and Rush. I was blown away.

 

I didn’t hear from anyone, actually. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Not a soul. (I was very happy to receive a reply to a PM here, early this morning. You know who you are, my brother! Thank you).

 

Given that Rush has been the most important band in my life for a full 40 years now... I’m just grateful that I have this place, and all of you. Thank you.

[jc4gd]

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

My first thought when I heard? I blame fraroc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sorry...my dark humor gets the best of me sometimes. We're all gutted... To the late great Professor...and to TRF's one and only fraroc! :hail:

 

Surprised nobody blamed SpaghettiLee lol

Spaghetti Lee! :) One of my favorite TRFers. Gone but not forgotten.

 

That's epic.

How are you doing, Earl?

 

I know we are on a public forum and I have no fear to show my emotions. In either darkness or light.

 

By just you asking me this I am tearing up again. I might run out of tears. It's very hard for me and I know I'm not the only one.

But many of you who know me regardless of the many of the outlandish things I have typed in the past do care about me.

I know I too have offended many on here but my intentions were just to be over the top. Adult R Rated late night writing.

I guess I wanted to be the Howard Stern of the Rush Forum, but I sure many of you can see I have kind of mellowed out lately.

But this blow to me Lorraine is killing me but please don't worry about my health. I am fine. Just sad and broken. I will heal through time.

I prefer "RUSH THROUGH TIME." See? I still have my punny and silly personality and corny wit.

This tragedy in my life is already turning into something positive thanks to all the love and support I have received around the world.

I am honored and just blown away by the people who are communicating me. I mean I have all of my texts since yesterday. Over 100 easily.

Most always say... "Earl I heard about the horrible news and I instantly though of you first." It's just crazy. I like sharing this in the public eye. "The Camera Eye?"

I know I'm lucky Lorraine and I love you very much.

 

I actually love so many of you on here.

 

Sorry for those I hurt over late night rants and arguments.

 

All is forgiven.

 

I need to get through this loss. I was not prepared Loraine even though I was tipped off three months ago about it. I too never would have leaked it. I was actually in denial when I found out about it. Only my father knew because he was in that business meeting.

Even the Universe was trying to tell me something in advance. It's crazy, After Neil retired and I knew he was overweight and in pain and bad health, I thought to myself that I might have to try and prepare myself for the moment like this. Neil is it for me in the entertainment biz.

I never thought it was going to be this quick.

I am not in the inner circle but I am on the outer rim. I will take that any day.

 

RUSH ON LORRAINE!!!

 

 

I will be fine. Luckily Time Doesn't Stand Still. We can all heal. We will all live. We will all die. The cycle of life. Eventually laughter will erode to a long cry.

 

 

"Far Cry................"

You are a fortunate man, Earl, being loved by so many.

 

No doubt about it - you will heal.

 

 

Thank you Lorraine. I know. So far so good. Anything can change at any second but yes. Blessed. Family, friends and even my pug Earl IV is happy at 11 years old!!! You know I have two daughters so when they were young Wendy and I wanted to get them a pug.

They always knew I wanted a son to carry on my name so hey, I got lucky again. My pug is my namesake.

 

Love you!

Earl—I’m sure the die-hards here all had their contact method of choice blown up by check-ins from concerned people who know they are a superfan. Mine was facebook—the second the news was released I got a ping from a close friend via messenger, and I lost count of the “I thought of you as soon as I heard”s when I threw a post up there. My entire feed was also flooded with other posts from every friend from every band I know from playing in bands for 38 years, all because some guy who’s socially awkward became all super fired up behind a drumkit. Guys I thought hated Rush were even gushing about their worship of Peart especially and Rush. I was blown away.

 

I didn’t hear from anyone, actually. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Not a soul. (I was very happy to receive a reply to a PM here, early this morning. You know who you are, my brother! Thank you).

 

Given that Rush has been the most important band in my life for a full 40 years now... I’m just grateful that I have this place, and all of you. Thank you.

 

I don't hang out at forums at all, but this is so special. Thanks all for your words of healing. We'll get through this.

[RushFanForever]

I hope we can all implement the '90 second rule' for 2020 and beyond, which I've posted about here. Edited January 16, 2020 by RushFanForever

[fraroc]

I finally got the gumption to start listening to Rush again....I think the worst offense that I did, was how much I put Dirk and Lerxst up on a pedestal and completely took Pratt's genius for granted....I only looked at the fact that he disliked touring, how he hated how fans gushed over him and I judged him so harshly on those things alone....I had the inaccurate notion that Geddy and Alex were the "fun guys" in the band and that Neil was just the always serious, no-nonsense stick in the mud.....

 

But looking back at the interviews with Neil, looking back at how the trio interacted with each other, having dinner at that restaurant....Just goes to show you just how wrong I was about Neil. He was funny, smart, strong, and kind...He was a real salt-of-the-earth fellow that was gifted with an unbelievable talent for rhythm and he just wanted to be treated like a regular human being by the people who admired him. And it's such a crying shame that I'm only realizing this now that he no longer walks the Earth :(

 

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

[JARG]

I finally got the gumption to start listening to Rush again....I think the worst offense that I did, was how much I put Dirk and Lerxst up on a pedestal and completely took Pratt's genius for granted....I only looked at the fact that he disliked touring, how he hated how fans gushed over him and I judged him so harshly on those things alone....I had the inaccurate notion that Geddy and Alex were the "fun guys" in the band and that Neil was just the always serious, no-nonsense stick in the mud.....

 

But looking back at the interviews with Neil, looking back at how the trio interacted with each other, having dinner at that restaurant....Just goes to show you just how wrong I was about Neil. He was funny, smart, strong, and kind...He was a real salt-of-the-earth fellow that was gifted with an unbelievable talent for rhythm and he just wanted to be treated like a regular human being by the people who admired him. And it's such a crying shame that I'm only realizing this now that he no longer walks the Earth :(

 

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

 

It's a good lesson to learn. Another one that hopefully you'll learn is "don't put rock stars up on pedestals". I doubt Geddy and Alex want to be put on one.

[J2112YYZ]

I finally got the gumption to start listening to Rush again....I think the worst offense that I did, was how much I put Dirk and Lerxst up on a pedestal and completely took Pratt's genius for granted....I only looked at the fact that he disliked touring, how he hated how fans gushed over him and I judged him so harshly on those things alone....I had the inaccurate notion that Geddy and Alex were the "fun guys" in the band and that Neil was just the always serious, no-nonsense stick in the mud.....

 

But looking back at the interviews with Neil, looking back at how the trio interacted with each other, having dinner at that restaurant....Just goes to show you just how wrong I was about Neil. He was funny, smart, strong, and kind...He was a real salt-of-the-earth fellow that was gifted with an unbelievable talent for rhythm and he just wanted to be treated like a regular human being by the people who admired him. And it's such a crying shame that I'm only realizing this now that he no longer walks the Earth :(

 

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

 

Neil was an introvert. That kind of personality is hard to understand for a lot of people especially in today's world when everyone puts everything out there on the internet trying to get themselves known in whatever way possible. But introverts don't crave that kind of attention. They just want to go about their business without much fuss or attention. It's not something you can just snap out of one day. You can have a family, close friends and a successful career with it but it's not something that ever leaves you just like any other lifelong personality trait somebody has. This is one of the things that made Neil such a great drummer and lyricist. Introverted people spend more quiet time alone and think deep on many topics. It turns out the one thing that many fans disliked about him was the very thing that helped him to be so gifted at his craft.

 

I've always said that Rush would have been finished by 1980 like a lot of other bands from the 70s if Neil didn't join them. The first album is a good 70s rock album and nothing more. There isn't anything I hear on it that leads me to believe that they would have gotten to the heights that they did if Rutsey stays in the band. The addition of Neil with his unique playing style and lyrical content caused Geddy and Alex to up their games immensely. Neil was too humble to admit it but he is exactly what was needed for the band to ascend to the greatness it did.

 

I'm glad you now realize the true genius of Neil. It's just too bad it took you so long to figure it out.

[jc4gd]

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

 

It's a good lesson to learn. Another one that hopefully you'll learn is "don't put rock stars up on pedestals". I doubt Geddy and Alex want to be put on one.

I'm glad you now realize the true genius of Neil. It's just too bad it took you so long to figure it out.

 

It’s water under the bridge. We live and we learn, and move on.

 

Listening to Far and Wide and Traveling Music I’ve gotten to know Neil in a closer way I hadn't before. What made him tick, and what ticked him off. He seems to go back down memory lane in these books and you get a lot of childhood info too. More so in Traveling Music. I think it’s funny and admirable how he alluded fans and lived life on his terms. Few bands do 3 hour sets for months, and as a drummer it’s no walk in the park. He gave his all and all as long as he could, “in the fullness of time” he stopped.

 

Now from all the listening to his books, I gotta try some Macallan! I’m not a drinker, but Neil’s got me too curious.

 

Nowadays I keep staring whenever I see a bmw biker go by. sigh!

[RushFanForever]

From the March 2003 issue of The Atlantic magazine.

 

Caring for Your Introvert

[Tombstone Mountain]

I finally got the gumption to start listening to Rush again....I think the worst offense that I did, was how much I put Dirk and Lerxst up on a pedestal and completely took Pratt's genius for granted....I only looked at the fact that he disliked touring, how he hated how fans gushed over him and I judged him so harshly on those things alone....I had the inaccurate notion that Geddy and Alex were the "fun guys" in the band and that Neil was just the always serious, no-nonsense stick in the mud.....

 

But looking back at the interviews with Neil, looking back at how the trio interacted with each other, having dinner at that restaurant....Just goes to show you just how wrong I was about Neil. He was funny, smart, strong, and kind...He was a real salt-of-the-earth fellow that was gifted with an unbelievable talent for rhythm and he just wanted to be treated like a regular human being by the people who admired him. And it's such a crying shame that I'm only realizing this now that he no longer walks the Earth :(

 

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

 

Neil was an introvert. That kind of personality is hard to understand for a lot of people especially in today's world when everyone puts everything out there on the internet trying to get themselves known in whatever way possible. But introverts don't crave that kind of attention. They just want to go about their business without much fuss or attention. It's not something you can just snap out of one day. You can have a family, close friends and a successful career with it but it's not something that ever leaves you just like any other lifelong personality trait somebody has. This is one of the things that made Neil such a great drummer and lyricist. Introverted people spend more quiet time alone and think deep on many topics. It turns out the one thing that many fans disliked about him was the very thing that helped him to be so gifted at his craft.

 

I've always said that Rush would have been finished by 1980 like a lot of other bands from the 70s if Neil didn't join them. The first album is a good 70s rock album and nothing more. There isn't anything I hear on it that leads me to believe that they would have gotten to the heights that they did if Rutsey stays in the band. The addition of Neil with his unique playing style and lyrical content caused Geddy and Alex to up their games immensely. Neil was too humble to admit it but he is exactly what was needed for the band to ascend to the greatness it did.

 

I'm glad you now realize the true genius of Neil. It's just too bad it took you so long to figure it out.

I finally got the gumption to start listening to Rush again....I think the worst offense that I did, was how much I put Dirk and Lerxst up on a pedestal and completely took Pratt's genius for granted....I only looked at the fact that he disliked touring, how he hated how fans gushed over him and I judged him so harshly on those things alone....I had the inaccurate notion that Geddy and Alex were the "fun guys" in the band and that Neil was just the always serious, no-nonsense stick in the mud.....

 

But looking back at the interviews with Neil, looking back at how the trio interacted with each other, having dinner at that restaurant....Just goes to show you just how wrong I was about Neil. He was funny, smart, strong, and kind...He was a real salt-of-the-earth fellow that was gifted with an unbelievable talent for rhythm and he just wanted to be treated like a regular human being by the people who admired him. And it's such a crying shame that I'm only realizing this now that he no longer walks the Earth :(

 

A lesson I've learned, never judge a book by it's cover.

 

Neil was an introvert. That kind of personality is hard to understand for a lot of people especially in today's world when everyone puts everything out there on the internet trying to get themselves known in whatever way possible. But introverts don't crave that kind of attention. They just want to go about their business without much fuss or attention. It's not something you can just snap out of one day. You can have a family, close friends and a successful career with it but it's not something that ever leaves you just like any other lifelong personality trait somebody has. This is one of the things that made Neil such a great drummer and lyricist. Introverted people spend more quiet time alone and think deep on many topics. It turns out the one thing that many fans disliked about him was the very thing that helped him to be so gifted at his craft.

 

I've always said that Rush would have been finished by 1980 like a lot of other bands from the 70s if Neil didn't join them. The first album is a good 70s rock album and nothing more. There isn't anything I hear on it that leads me to believe that they would have gotten to the heights that they did if Rutsey stays in the band. The addition of Neil with his unique playing style and lyrical content caused Geddy and Alex to up their games immensely. Neil was too humble to admit it but he is exactly what was needed for the band to ascend to the greatness it did.

 

I'm glad you now realize the true genius of Neil. It's just too bad it took you so long to figure it out.

Well said young man