Neil Peart’s legacy is continues to grow, as his former bandmates and recent Rolling Stone Canada cover stars carry on with their reunion tour. This time, the late Rush drummer and lyricist is at the centre of a new documentary.
Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, directed by Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen of Banger Films, will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16 before airing September 23 on CBC and CBC Gem as part of The Passionate Eye.
The 106-minute film combines rare archival footage and performances with conversations between Peart’s longtime Rush bandmates, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, as well as four acclaimed drummers. Among them, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Tool’s Danny Carey, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and Gavin Harrison, all invited to tackle Rush material and look back at the formidable musicianship Peart brought to the band.
The documentary also looks beyond the drum kit, tracing Peart’s difficult beginnings, rise to international fame and the personal tragedies that shaped his life. Archival footage allows Peart himself to reflect on his relentless pursuit of improvement and the responsibility he felt toward his craft.
