Roadshow: Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle

This is the 4th book written by Neil Peart. His eye for detail is uncanny, and he has a way with words that makes you feel as if you're right beside him. As with his unparalleled drumming Neil gives all he has on the stage. The same thing can be said about his books... An amazing drummer, story teller, And man. There never has been, there isn't now, nor will there ever be another Neil Peart. RIP brother...

If I had gone by the reviews, I may not have ordered this book. It was more expensive than is newer edition, boy I had a $10.00 coupon so I ordered it. Later, I found the book on a Rush Official fan site for a more reasonable price, but it was too late. Plus, the book from Amazon was previously read and though almost pristine (IDK how someone could read the book with such little impact on its structural integrity. I only notice a few dog-eared creases where the reader must have stopped reading). So far, I’m halfway through it and have been thoroughly entertained... I can’t see getting “jaded” or bored yet. I’m not sure What other reviewers found onerous about this or upset about Peat’s reluctance to interact with fans... he states several times That he is shy - he should have been understood! He’s not really rude... the fans are. He even notes that he was happy to have sold many copies of his previous book and at that time, 30 copies of Ghost Rider. (Of course, many more were sold by 2020). That he was at first uncomfortable about people knowing his thoughts and parts of his life. But he felt it was “on my own terms”. For such a shy and humble man, we are able to take a look at him in a personal way, which makes up for his in-person shyness. It’s wonderfully descriptive and gives a sense of the map and landscape. A few times, I did have to re-read the sentences when he mentioned past experiences with present, but I chalk that up to late night reading. I love the style of writing... more of a detailed and descriptive letter than a stodgy book I had to endure during college and high school. Dare I say, I retained and learned so much more for his writing than any Shakespeare, Pearl S. Buck etc... book I’ve ever read. It does probably take A Rush fan to appreciate this book and others except Ghost Rider that would work for a person with a tragic death of a loved one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and unlike some reviewers, I appreciate the candor about the road life, adoring fans and the day to day life of a performer. It is refreshing that this band doesn’t appear to over indulge in drugs and alcohol. (At least it’s not mentioned in any of the books about them or by Neil). It’s such irony that he died of a brain tumor because he was so thoughtful, intelligent and well rounded despite being in a stressful job. Many people dream of becoming a Rock n’ Roll superstar and he really illustrates that though it great, it has down sides too.

As a big Rush fan I can't put this book down. It's my first Neil book, and I can't wait to read more of them.Obviously it is very bitter sweet - but at the same time it feels like he's with me. And that is a blessing (sorry Neil, I'm a Christian Rush fan). The façade of the shy Neil has been replaced by a warm, funny, caring drummer. I feel like I'm riding along during the tour. It also makes me want to get a motorcycle, but don't tell my wife.Do yourself a favor and get this book. See the world through his eyes. It's beautiful.

Expecting a magical journey through the places Neil traveled coupled with a jealous fascination of experiencing the rock star lifestyle associated with my favorite drummer, I finish this book disappointed a bit wondering if I actually like who Neil Peart is. His personal discomfort with the fans who so eagerly seek a piece of him leave me wondering why for most of my life and time as an avid Rush fan and drummer that I would ever want to meet him? His weariness from touring night after night despair me as I would gladly trade my daily work routine for his, as if the possibility of that chance being afforded me would ever exist. Nevertheless, traveling the U.S. and Europe along with Neil's personal insight is fascinating. The places and adventures are far beyond what I could expect to experience personally and I am glad he has shared them with his fans. By the end, as ready as Neil was to end the tour, so equally ready was I to reach the end of the book. As doing the same thing night after night becomes tedious, I give Neil the benefit of doubt and agree it would grate on me the same and though just an ok read for me, still Neil remains my favorite drummer and all I have to say is "thanks Neil for the music".

Towards the end I found the motorcycle route descriptions tedious and hoped that something odd occurred so to make it interesting. But it was also a great insight into the other side of touring and Neil is probably one of few that insists on maintaining some semblence of normality in his life while touring. It was interesting to learn his perspectives on things and I admire how such a liberal-minded person wouldn’t let politics come between himself and his much more conservative-minded friends. A lesson many of us should learn. I read this because I had always wanted to read some of Neil’s work and then the tragedy of his passing prompted me to finally read. He passed away from the same affliction that took my mom and I feel that Neil and her would’ve been good friends had they ever met. His star will continue to burn bright long after its origin has gone dark.

It's been six months since Neil's passing, and I'm just now beginning to breathe again. He's an adept and engaging author and storyteller. Always observant about the people, places and things around him. And true to form, Mr. Peart is humorous and sometimes quite snarky. A good book for RUSH fans!!!

The late Neil Peart was a different kind of 'Rock Star' in that he loved creating music and lyrics but was less enamoured with public performances and the fanatical adulation that accompanies 'Rock Legend' status. And he was. A legend of the drum. His prose though is thoughtful and insightful ... and his descriptions of the North American landscape make me want to go there right now with my motorcycle ... and ride ! His solution to the mundanity of a relentless rock tour was to travel between shows on his motorcycle and his approach was almost 'Aspergersesque' ... but the resultant travel writing is fascinating. Definitely a book I'll go back to again and again - even if I never get to ride the back-roads of Canada and the USA!!

I'll get straight to the point. When spending this kind of money on a book (and a paperback edition at that), I'd expect to see something more that just... words. Gimme PICTURES. Well, you're not gonna find a single one, in here.It's like purchasing a ream of paper. Same size, same feel.I'd say this is definitely the case when one should purchase the Kindle edition. There really is no difference whatsoever in terms of content, but the price of the digital edition is a fraction of what is asked for this.

Sadly Neil Peart passed away recently, he has written a number of books, all of which are superb, Ghost Rider I can particularly recommend, this one brings together the writing and the music of Rush, not only one of the world's finest drummers, but also the lyricist for the band, some would say a poet too, this book is a wonderful insight into all of this, and more, his music and writing lives on, thank you and God Bless to a man who knows the meaning of the word Spiritual .

An enjoyable meander through the mind of the endlessly curious Mr Peart.Rush fans, remember that the only thing that Neil and 'the guys at work' owe us is a good performance. Like most of the buyers of this book, I have seen Rush many times, and they never disappoint live.Neil Peart didn't have to write this book, we should all be thankful that he has.

As usual Peart gives an appetite for travelling through his words.very talented songwriter and drummer. His books are just as good as Rush's music.