5 Legendary Drummers That Were Heavily Influenced By Neil Peart

The late Neil Peart, drummer of the Canadian prog-rock band Rush, was nothing short of legendary. Everyone who knew him could easily identify that was a cut above the rest, and absolutely no one could replicate the supremacy that he provides behind the drum kit. He provided the classic standard of rock through drumming, and to be near him was a guarantee that you’re inside the presence of the real king of the drums.

Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, the young Peart had already developed a knack for drum beats. Whether it’s a pair of chopsticks or his hands, he thumps as if he was a real rockstar during his teenage years. At the age of 13, he had gotten his first set of drumsticks and a proper drumming lesson. Five years later, he’d travel to Europe to pursue his epic dream, which, in turn, didn’t went well as he had hoped for. So he went back to his native land, and that’s when his real journey had started.

Together with Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee, the holy trinity of progressive rock had spurned numerous classics. He was ever so brilliant when it comes to providing the backbone to their songs. In that sense, he had inspired countless of people with his sheer power and intensity behind the instrument. Below, we’ll take a look at these 5 rock drummers who were heavily inspired by none other than the professor himself.

Mike Portnoy – Dream Theatre

The list would be incomplete without Peart’s greatest follower, Mike Portnoy. Like Peart, he’s also a progressive-rock drummer, and was even compared quite a few times with his hero. He clearly takes heed on his hero’s work, and studies it well.

Dave Grohl – Nirvana

The multi-talented Dave Grohl could pick up any instrument that he’d like and fiddle with it like a pro. But, his hearts still belongs to the drums. Just like any drummer, his main inspiration came from Peart’s marvelous playing, and had an awakening when he first heard the band’s 2112 album. Grohl said: “It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same.”

Taylor Hawkins – Foo Fighters

Taylor Hawkins is a terrific man who gives life via the use of drums inside his band, Foo Fighters. When Hawkins and bandmate Dave Grohl were asked to induct the legendary Rush during the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the drummer didn’t miss the opportunity to commemorate the greatness of Neil’s talent. He said: ​“This guy spawned a generation of air-drummers… with his composition, craft and technique.”

Chad Smith – Red Hot Chili Peppers

While funk-rock was not the primary domain of Peart, he was, after all, a pretty versatile drummer who knows how to use his talent to many styles of rock. Such versatility inspired Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Smith once said to Philip Wilding: “I spent my sophomore year of high school in the parking lot smoking weed and listening to (the Rush album) 2112.” Like the rest of the people here, Smith was also devastated from the death of Peart back in 2020.

Lars Ulrich – Metallica

If there ever was a man who embodies the fanboy persona towards Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich of Metallica might be a great contender. He was never too shy on praising his idol, and even became friends with him during Metallica’s early rise to stardom. Peart’s magnificent style inspired the young Ulrich to strive for the best that he can be.