Mike Portnoy Names Neil Peart’s Top Rush Albums
In a recent podcast episode with Eddie Trunk, Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy shared his thoughts on the legendary drummer Neil Peart and his best work with Rush. Known for his deep admiration for Peart, Portnoy was asked by a fan to identify the Rush albums that showcased Peart’s drumming at its finest.
Portnoy’s Top Picks
Portnoy highlighted that his favorite Rush albums, which he believes exemplify Peart’s drumming prowess, are Hemispheres (1978) and Permanent Waves (1980). He stated, “That’s the sweet spot for me — Permanent Waves, Hemispheres, A Farewell to Kings (1977) — that group of albums from the late ’70s early ’80s, that was Neil in his prime.” This period, according to Portnoy, showcases Peart’s exceptional skill and creativity.
Learning from Peart
Portnoy emphasized the significant impact that studying Peart’s work had on his own drumming style. He explained how he learned to play in a progressive style with odd time signatures by mastering Permanent Waves from start to finish. “Studying those early Rush albums was huge for me,” he confessed, revealing that Permanent Waves holds a special place in his heart as his all-time favorite Rush album.
Listen to the Podcast
Fans can tune in to the full podcast episode to hear Portnoy’s insights and reflections on Peart’s influence on his music career.
Mike Portnoy’s Relationship with Neil Peart
Beyond admiration, Portnoy and Peart developed a friendship over the years. During an interview on CBC’s Q with Tom Power, Portnoy recounted the challenges he faced in establishing a connection with the elusive Peart. “Neil was a very private person, and it was hard to infiltrate that bubble,” Portnoy explained, indicating that it took years of effort to break through Peart’s close-knit circle.
Building a Connection
Once Portnoy gained Peart’s trust, their friendship blossomed. Portnoy fondly recalled the lengthy emails they exchanged, filled with personal updates. “Once you get to know him and once he befriends you, he was such a genuine, giving person to people he was friends with,” he said, expressing gratitude for having built that bond with Peart before his passing in 2020.
Upcoming Plans for Dream Theater
As Dream Theater continues to make waves in the music scene, they recently released a new video for their song “Bend the Clock.” The band is gearing up for the next leg of their U.S. tour in support of their album Parasomnia, which kicks off in Reading, Pennsylvania, on September 5 and will run through late October. Following a short break, they plan to tour Asia and Australia in early 2026.
Stay Updated
Fans can check out Dream Theater’s official website for a complete list of their upcoming tour dates and news.
Conclusion
Mike Portnoy’s admiration for Neil Peart is evident not only in his choice of Rush albums but also in the profound influence Peart had on his drumming style and career. As Dream Theater continues to thrive, the legacy of drummers like Peart serves as a lasting inspiration for musicians around the world.
FAQs
1. What are Mike Portnoy’s favorite Rush albums?
Mike Portnoy named Hemispheres and Permanent Waves as his top picks, alongside A Farewell to Kings.
2. How did Mike Portnoy learn from Neil Peart?
Portnoy studied Peart’s drumming on early Rush albums, particularly Permanent Waves, which helped him develop his progressive drumming style.
3. What is Dream Theater currently working on?
Dream Theater is currently on tour in support of their album Parasomnia and has plans to tour Asia and Australia in early 2026.
