Drummer and lyricist for Rush, Neil Peart was born on this day, September 12th, in 1952. Neil is without a doubt one of the most influential drummers in history, and I’d say that eight out of ten drummers I interview site either him or John Bonham as their primary influence.

Many people aren’t aware that Neil is not only amazing drummer but also an inspiring author who has suffered a ridiculous amount of personal tragedy in his life. In 1997, his teenage daughter died in a car crash and his wife passed away less than year after that.  Soon after losing his family, Peart took a hiatus from Rush and traveled extensively throughout North America, covering 55,000 miles on his BMW motorcycle, .

After his journey ended, Peart rejoined Rush and wrote the memoir Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road, which I’d recommend reading if you’re looking to gain some perspective on what’s important in life. Neil is now remarried, and he and his wife have a baby daughter. Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Neil! Favorite Rush Song: “Limelight.”