Scheduled for release on May 7, 2024, “Silver Surfers” by Insight Editions emerges as the poignant swan song of Neil Peart, the late and revered drummer of the iconic band RUSH. Unveiling a final testament to his enduring affection for classic automobiles, the book provides an intimate glimpse into Peart’s lifelong fascination with cars, weaving together a narrative that transcends mere vehicular adoration.
Within the pages of this extraordinary collection, Peart shares his last musings on the “Silver Surfers,” his cherished assembly of rare and remarkable sports cars. In this posthumous masterpiece completed before his untimely departure in 2020, the legendary musician eloquently recounts the joy derived from amassing these exquisite vehicles and the sheer bliss of navigating them on the open road. The narrative traces the roots of Peart’s automotive infatuation, harking back to the genesis with a 1969 Lotus Europa. It unfolds through the acquisition of cars during the pinnacle of the band’s success, including his inaugural “family car.” The reader is then taken on a captivating tour of the “Silver Surfers” fleet, a collection comprising the crème de la crème of 1960s sports cars, ranging from a 1964 Aston Martin DB5 to the timeless 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. Notably, the collection features a singular exception, a black 1964 Shelby Cobra, with Peart adamantly declaring, “I am not going to paint it” due to the cherished patina it holds.
Enhancing the narrative are evocative images of the cars and photographs meticulously curated by Peart himself, providing readers with a visual feast to complement the warmth and personal touch of his storytelling. The book not only details the process of building the collection but also delves into the friendships forged along the way and the unparalleled experience of being at the helm of these automotive masterpieces. Neil Peart’s final literary endeavor serves as an affectionate ode to the vehicles that held a special place in his heart and to the ceaseless passion for the open road that fueled the very essence of his existence.
Widely acknowledged as one of the most groundbreaking drummers in the annals of rock, Peart, affectionately known as “The Professor” by fans, was the rhythmic force behind the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame band RUSH. His unparalleled prowess behind the drum kit was matched only by his skill as the band’s lyricist, drawing inspiration from his profound knowledge of poetry, literature, philosophy, and science. Classics such as “The Spirit Of Radio,” “Free Will,” and the autobiographically rich “Subdivisions” and “Limelight” stand testament to Peart’s lyrical genius.
Peart’s literary inclinations manifested in the form of seven memoirs, including works like “Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road,” “Roadshow: Landscape With Drums,” and “Traveling Music: Playing Back The Soundtrack To My Life And Times.” In collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson, he ventured into fiction with the novel “Clockwork Angels,” a narrative inspired by RUSH’s 2012 album, and its sequel, “Clockwork Lives.” “Silver Surfers” stands as the crowning achievement of Neil Peart’s prolific writing career, concluding a legacy that melded his passion for words with an insatiable love for the road.
On January 7, 2020, Neil Peart succumbed to a private battle with brain cancer, concluding a three-and-a-half-year struggle. He leaves behind a legacy survived by his wife, Carrie, and daughter, Olivia.
