Neil Peart News Updated

[Presto-a RUSH fan!]

I'm not gonna read this whole thread as I have come late to the party but I just don't get what people who criticize Neil want.

 

The beauty of this world is you can believe what you want. People rip Neil for his anti-religious beliefs. They rip him for not wanting to hang out with fans. They rip him for his lyrics.

 

I just don't get it. The guy shares more personal information than any celebrity that I am a fan of but people either want more or don't like what they hear.

 

I am not saying I agree with Neil on his views of "God" or life or anything else, but I can't criticize a man who has given me so much over the years musically and lyrically, not to mention his books which are direct thoughts from his very soul.

 

But for those who feel the need to criticize him, do so. I don't think he cares. I know I don't. I just don't get it.

 

If you lived Neil's life, lost your family and still made it out the other side you are a better man than myself. Can't we just respect that he has his beliefs as each of us have our own and enjoy the amazing things he has given to us?

 

I'd love to see anyone in this thread who criticizes him so much share as much about their own life as Neil has of his. Of course, first off, no one would care what you had to say about your life. And secondly, I doubt you would or could be as honest.

 

That's it. I am off my soapbox.

[Babycat]

I just listen to the songs.

[quantex]

Ahh....remember the days when you were listening to the radio and a new song came on that sounded like Rush, and in fact it was. We did not know what they were doing, what there life was like, and no boards to destroy the mystery of the band. Remember the days of waiting for MTV to maybe play a Rush video? That was when the band, and new music for that matter was special.

[rushgoober]

QUOTE (HowItIs @ Jan 13 2012, 01:57 AM)

QUOTE (Captain Avatar @ Jan 12 2012, 08:33 AM) QUOTE (HowItIs @ Jan 12 2012, 03:05 AM) I really wish that the people who hate Neil and his beliefs - or lack thereof - would just ignore any thread mentioning his name. Really. It's so very tedious to read the same whining over and over again. The guy doesn't believe like you do: DEAL WITH IT and move on. /rant "I really wish that NEIL, who hates Christians and their beliefs, would just ignore any book or song or statement that mentions Jesus's name. Really. It's so very tedious to read the same whining over and over again. Christians don't believe like Neil does: DEAL WITH IT and move on NEIL."   Hence the hypocrisy. Pretty sure he does.     QUOTE "What bothers me is that anytime a Christian speaks his mind, he's told to shut up and suck it up, while no one instructs Neil and others like him to do likewise. "     Bull. Nobody made you read Neil's update or listen to his lyrics. You take it upon yourself to do so and then to complain about how it differs from your beliefs. Again and again and again..... I don't care if a Christian speaks his mind. What I do care about is this idea that if someone else isn't a Christian, any discussion or even mention of their beliefs is described as "picking on" or "bashing" Christianity. The only people obsessed with Neil's antithesis towards their religion are making it quite clear in this thread.   And BTW, what is so terrible about a "pro-pagan agenda" assuming that he has one? Why don't you try putting the shoe on the other foot for a minute.... how would you feel if instead of "God" everyone referred to "Goddess"? Or if instead of asking for prayers, people asked for spells (which are really only prayer with props)? What if it was assumed that everyone listening/watching believed that all of Nature is the embodiment of the Lady? And if you dared to speak up and say, "Well, that's not quite what I believe" only to be told that the majority does so suck it up? That's pretty much my world. Yet I have no antipathy for any faith that is honestly held and lovingly practiced.   What bugs me is the total lack of empathy being shown here. His blog WAS very positive. He wrote of loss and love and reflection. But since he didn't do it using a certain language, his thoughts and feelings - which you went out of your way to read - are dismissed and ridiculed. It's appalling behavior from people who claim to be so very compassionate. The assumption is that everyone who can't stand Neil's preaching or anti-preaching is some kind of dogmatic Christian. I don't know why people feel the need to make that assumption, but it's made pretty consistently. I do not consider myself to be that, and yet it's always assumed because I do believe, that I believe in this very traditional, specific way. I don't. I generally feel no need to elaborate on the specifics of my beliefs, and I still won't do that here, but I do get tired of being put in a box with all kinds of erroneous assumptions being made.   I do, however, have a great deal of respect for those who are believers in whatever way they are. I respect all different faiths, and the right to have none. While I still find preaching or belittling yay or nay (in this case nay) in a Rush song obnoxious, that doesn't change that fact.   I think really the only place where you and I differ is that I sincerely think Neil is doing belief-bashing in some lyrics and blogs. No, we don't have to read it, or listen to Rush, but we are fans or we wouldn't bother. And it's a Rush board, so we talk about things Rush. Just because it bugs me doesn't mean I can't enjoy other songs by them.

[Pound of Obscure]

QUOTE (quantex @ Jan 13 2012, 09:15 AM)

Ahh....remember the days when you were listening to the radio and a new song came on that sounded like Rush, and in fact it was. We did not know what they were doing, what there life was like, and no boards to destroy the mystery of the band. Remember the days of waiting for MTV to maybe play a Rush video? That was when the band, and new music for that matter was special.

I miss that as well.

[Pound of Obscure]

QUOTE (presto123 @ Jan 13 2012, 02:42 AM)

In the meantime I'll be enjoying the best Rush record in 20 years.

???? Power Windows? No, that was more than 20 years.

[Pound of Obscure]

QUOTE (eshine @ Jan 13 2012, 12:02 AM)

What is it that you guys would like from Neil? What version of him do would be less bothersome and more fun?

Don't know. At this point I'd take "Hey baby its 7:45 pm, could you hand me a Cialis out of the drawer, I think I'm in the mood".

Edited January 13, 2012 by Pound of Obscure

[circumstantial tree]

so much complaining in this here thread. I've already stated myself that I don't care about what Neil believes, whether it's Christian or atheist or whatever.

 

The only thing I'm irritated by is the CONSTANT REPETITION of the same thing. After awhile, it gets tiring.

 

Somebody mentioned Tim Tebow. I'm tired of that too, but it's the press that keeps bringing it up. All he does is kneel down after a touch down. He's a Christian and he's acting accordingly.

[Stormtron]

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/stormtron/neiltroll.png

[lerxt1990]

QUOTE (Storm Shadow @ Jan 13 2012, 10:28 AM)

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg214/stormtron/neiltroll.png

[lerxt1990]

QUOTE (quantex @ Jan 13 2012, 09:15 AM)

Ahh....remember the days when you were listening to the radio and a new song came on that sounded like Rush, and in fact it was. We did not know what they were doing, what there life was like, and no boards to destroy the mystery of the band. Remember the days of waiting for MTV to maybe play a Rush video? That was when the band, and new music for that matter was special.

yes. and no idea what was going to be played live

[Terrapin]

QUOTE (presto123 @ Jan 13 2012, 07:42 AM)

QUOTE (GeminiRising79 @ Jan 13 2012, 12:39 AM) QUOTE (Pound of Obscure @ Jan 12 2012, 11:23 PM) QUOTE (Captain Avatar @ Jan 12 2012, 09:43 PM) QUOTE (Rand @ Jan 12 2012, 08:53 PM) QUOTE (Captain Avatar @ Jan 12 2012, 05:27 PM) "What bothers me is that anytime a Christian speaks his mind, he's told to shut up and suck it up, while no one instructs Neil and others like him to do likewise. "   The above is total bullshit. People talk about god and their faith all the time and rarely does anybody call them on it. Every time I watch the tv news the anchors work in a reference to god.   If you look back at this thread it was someone complaining about Neil's anti religious views that started the argument.   If you want to really be offended watch this: How is it bullshit? You can see it happening here. Just look back through the thread.   Why does someone who speaks positively about his faith in God need to be "called on it"? Why does someone's expression of Christian faith bother you so much? Neil's position is not just pro paganism, but also virulently anti-Christian. As per your news anchor analogy, I don't think there would be any outcry if Neil simply spoke positively from a materialist, pagan viewpoint. He's gone beyond that now to where he is effectively calling all Christian Rush fans idiots. And this is where I start pulling away from Rush. There was no bigger fan of Peart than me. He has the right to say and believe anything he wants. Got no problem with it here. But the burr up his colon about this stuff is crossing a line that is just simply unbecoming. The guy can't open his mouth anymore without wading into it and throwing some condescending crack. His tone is increasingly inflammatory, except to those who share his angst.   That's fine, its his right. But he is getting close to becoming the Bill Maher of rock. Maher was funny 20 years ago. Now he's just an angry, hateful, ****head. Worse than that, he's not funny. You have nothing to teach anyone Neil. And your apparent agenda is taking alot of fun out of being a Rush fan. Even for many who don't necessarily disagree with you. Excellent post. Obviously spoken from the heart.   I wish that Neil was only trolling us here. His mind is genuinely poisoned- and he's on the verge of running the band into the ground with his agenda. You people crack me up. Agenda? Poisoned mind? Really? Neil is ruining the band with his religious views. LOL Leave it to a Rush fan to come to that conclusion. I guess you can always join the Petra message board. In the meantime I'll be enjoying the best Rush record in 20 years. Ha! I thought the trolling part was the funniest bit!

[drbirdsong]

QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jan 13 2012, 09:58 AM)

so much complaining in this here thread. I've already stated myself that I don't care about what Neil believes, whether it's Christian or atheist or whatever. The only thing I'm irritated by is the CONSTANT REPETITION of the same thing. After awhile, it gets tiring. Somebody mentioned Tim Tebow. I'm tired of that too, but it's the press that keeps bringing it up. All he does is kneel down after a touch down. He's a Christian and he's acting accordingly.

 

As a teenager I started reading Stephen King's books. I became a big fan and read them all and continue to do so. It's just about the only fiction I read these days. A few books ago he started having his characters hate Republicans. Once I can understand, but then it went on book after book for a while. I think he finally stopped and I am grateful because every time one of his characters would start Republican bashing it would knock me right out of the story. I wanted to drive to his house and shake him and say, "I get it! You hate Republicans! Stop hitting me over the head with!"

 

I can no more talk Stephen King out of hating republicans anymore than he could talk me out of being and Independent.

 

I can no more talk Neil Peart out of his views anymore than he could talk me out of mine.

 

I just wish he would drop it because I think it would make him a better writer.

[circumstantial tree]

QUOTE (drbirdsong @ Jan 13 2012, 11:55 AM)

QUOTE (circumstantial tree @ Jan 13 2012, 09:58 AM) so much complaining in this here thread. I've already stated myself that I don't care about what Neil believes, whether it's Christian or atheist or whatever. The only thing I'm irritated by is the CONSTANT REPETITION of the same thing. After awhile, it gets tiring. Somebody mentioned Tim Tebow. I'm tired of that too, but it's the press that keeps bringing it up. All he does is kneel down after a touch down. He's a Christian and he's acting accordingly.   As a teenager I started reading Stephen King's books. I became a big fan and read them all and continue to do so. It's just about the only fiction I read these days. A few books ago he started having his characters hate Republicans. Once I can understand, but then it went on book after book for a while. I think he finally stopped and I am grateful because every time one of his characters would start Republican bashing it would knock me right out of the story. I wanted to drive to his house and shake him and say, "I get it! You hate Republicans! Stop hitting me over the head with!"   I can no more talk Stephen King out of hating republicans anymore than he could talk me out of being and Independent.   I can no more talk Neil Peart out of his views anymore than he could talk me out of mine.   I just wish he would drop it because I think it would make him a better writer. actually, I didn't know that about Stephen King. Once he started writing science fiction type stuff, like the Dark Towers, I lost interest.   His earlier work like "Carrie", "The Shining", and "Salem's Lot", and some of the others, were very original and entertaining. He's lost a lot of that. Although, "Rose Red" wasn't half bad.

[anchorman]

QUOTE (eshine @ Jan 12 2012, 07:11 PM)

QUOTE (anchorman @ Jan 12 2012, 06:52 PM) Geddy thinks if there's a God, that God has some explaining to do and that he sucks for what's happening in the world today.  Nice. Sounds perfectly reasonable to me. Interesting.   So, if YOU see someone is about to get hit by a car and YOU don't WARN them, its God's fault.   OR   If YOU see someone hungry and don't give them something to eat, it's God's fault and HE has some explaining to do.   OR   If YOU see someone suffering and YOU don't comfort them, it's God's fault.   I happen to think that Geddy's line of thinking is irresponsible, lazy and full of shit.   It seems to me that God went out of his way to give us a guidebook on how to play nice in the sandbox and its up to us to do so. Freewill and all.   But hey, maybe that's too much to ask. Maybe we should expect God to intervene more often. Apparently, he's not on his game.

[New Digital Man]

QUOTE (The Mighty Dudad @ Jan 11 2012, 09:43 PM)

QUOTE (Keyz @ Jan 11 2012, 08:29 PM) Thanks for the post, thank you Neil! It's worth saying that Neil is sounding very reflective, yet still living in the moment. Completely agree. I found this to be one of his most poignant and informative updates yet. The section about Freddie Gruber, in particular the copy of the letter he wrote to Freddie from England after Salena's death, was incredibly moving.   The folks who didn't like his views on religion before are still not going to like them...whatever. There's a heck of a lot more substance in this update than those bits.   And not for nothing, but I am now completely jazzed about the new album.

[New Digital Man]

[Lerxster]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh215/dlanodwhite7/monty%20python/god.gif

"Hello, God here. Since I keep getting brought up, thought I'd pop in for a sec to say I just read Neil's new article and I rather enjoyed it. He's a good egg, so cut him some slack peopledammit! Okay, gotta go.. an expanding universe needs constant supervision. Mahalo!"

[anchorman]

[Lerxster]

[presto123]

QUOTE (Pound of Obscure @ Jan 13 2012, 09:42 AM)

QUOTE (presto123 @ Jan 13 2012, 02:42 AM) In the meantime I'll be enjoying the best Rush record in 20 years. ???? Power Windows? No, that was more than 20 years. My bad. Best record in 27 years.

[EmotionDetector]

QUOTE (rushgoober @ Jan 12 2012, 11:34 PM)

You or Neil have as much chance of changing a person of faith into atheism as we have of changing you into being a believer in some way. We're just saying we find it obonxious in the song lyrics and we're saying so. That's it. Try and have a little understanding and compassion for your fellow Rush fans who don't see things the way you do...

 

1000% agreed. This is exactly how I feel about it.

[EmotionDetector]

QUOTE (presto123 @ Jan 13 2012, 03:31 PM)

QUOTE (Pound of Obscure @ Jan 13 2012, 09:42 AM) QUOTE (presto123 @ Jan 13 2012, 02:42 AM) In the meantime I'll be enjoying the best Rush record in 20 years. ???? Power Windows? No, that was more than 20 years. My bad. Best record in 27 years. No, you had it right the first time!

[EmotionDetector]

But if you want to honestly know WHY we alot of us complain about the subject matter that Neil continues to ramble on about...THIS is probably why.

 

These 12-page b*tchfests of threads that come up...and many of which have to ultimately move to the SOCN. Don't believe me? It happened a crapload during the S&A days.

 

What's that famous saying? "Never discuss Politics and/or Religion". Hmmm...I wonder why?!

 

Neil...I love ya, and am clearly a huge Fanboi...but please, time to discover a new line of lyrical subject matter.

[eshine]

QUOTE (EmotionDetector @ Jan 13 2012, 02:46 PM)

Neil...I love ya, and am clearly a huge Fanboi...but please, time to discover a new line of lyrical subject matter.

How do we know what the lyrical content of Clockwork Angels is?

 

Lemme guess, God told you...?