Animated Peart

I'm currently reading Neil Peart's book, Traveling Music: The soundtrack to my life and times. Halfway through it, I'm thoroughly enjoying it and can't put it down -- as I did with his second book, Ghost Rider. I plan to read his first book, The Masked Rider, as soon as possible.

Traveling Music is about how listening to music always ignites some sort of response, memory or feeling in our lives. As a music lover, and drummer, I have to agree with his philosophy. As Neil describes what runs through his head while listening to certain songs, he reflects on his past, and this is the part of the book I love. That, and learning who his musical influences are and who he currently listens to.

I enjoy his writing -- not to mention his drum playing/lyric writing -- so much that I plan on writing to him and telling him so. I went to his website, to find his contact information and while surfing, found a link called Xtras. On this page, I found the coolest digital animation I've ever seen. It's a video, created by a fan, of Neil playing to Rush's awesome instrumental, YYZ. To view this amazing piece of work, click here. It's the second item on the Xtras page titled, "A Digital Man."

I plan on posting my letter to Neil Peart in this blog once it's written. I'm finding it quite nerve-wracking thinking of what to say and more importantly, how to say it. How often to you get a chance to tell "a star" how much you appreciate their work and how they've influenced you? Check back here soon to read my note.