Roadshow: Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle

by Neil Peart

Book Overview

For thirty years, drummer, author, and songwriter Neil Peart had wanted to write a book about the biggest journey of all in my restless existence: the life of a touring musician. Finally, the right... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1579401422
• ISBN13: 9781579401429
• Release Date: January 2006
• Publisher: Rounder Books
• Length: 395 Pages
• Weight: 1.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Great read for Rush fans

Mom, when I grow up I want to be a musician - Well you know son, you can't do both. I found it fun, informative, entertaining and reflexive. An excellent read for Rush fans that appreciate Neil's way to observe the world, his experiences and reflexions of being in 'the Limelight' while keeping his feet (and wheels) in the ground. He describes his job as "hitting things with sticks - big deal!" but since only mediocre men feel satisfied every day, keeps challenged to give the best show he can give. Fun anecdotes of how the band develops a strange relationship with fans through the years and how they recognize them and see them change, some others on how some fans can get disturbing. In any case, Neil is able to have a life among 'the mortals' and be recognized only occassionally during his motorcycle trips from city to city that he describes in ways that make you want to be in those places or appreciate those in which you've already been.

A Great Book by a Great Person

I have always liked the music of Rush and Neil Peart. Neil raised the bar for rock drumming by himself and although he would never take credit for it, anyone that has listened to him or has seen him perform understands. The Roadshow book offers one of the most interesting insights into Neil and the world he deals with in the music business. I think it is one of the most honest and interesting books on this subject that I have ever read. In fact, once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. Neils passion for BMW motorcycles, his drums, his family, and his friends are respectable. Neil shares with the reader his approach to staying sane during the process of touring with his band through North America and Europe. You will like this book..... and thank you Neil for sharing this part of your life with us!

entertaining and insightful

Being in a band myself and studying the "professor" of the drum kit it was a must read. Neil captures life backstage, life on the road and the inner workings of a twentieth century rock show. He starts at his front door and captures evrything that happens or can happen to you while travelling on the road. It also captures the open road and the feelings you get when having a road trip. Awesome work!

The Ghost Rider is in a Band?

I assume some readers of Neil's past few books may have found him through bicycling or motorcycling or even through hearing of his efforts of working through the grief of losing his loved ones. His previous books were works of a man obviously gifted with a way of describing his progression through the world and life, but I had at some time hoped to read of his life as a drummer and musician also. This is it. It was a great book and showed me more of the shy musician who loves his work but also loves his life. As a motorcyclist I found it enjoyable and as a Rush fan found it enlightening. It was surprising to read how he often recognized fans who appeared at many shows and that he sometimes aknowledged them. I always assumed that with such bright lights that musicians could not even see the crowd. It was also cool to hear how Geddy and Alex fit into his life and what good friends and business partners they really are. His need for perfection in a show was a surprise also as I always assumed that they were just SO talented that it was easy. His dissapointment at making mistakes was a surprise and I assume that few fans ever noticed the mistakes that bothered Neil. Neil just comes off as a nice regular guy who happens to be the best drummer/lyricist in the world who has a love of traveling on two wheels. If I ever see him in a bike shop, state park ,or just on the road I think I'd have to give him a "Thanks" for a "job" well done. I'll think of his journeys often when I lift a glass of "The Maccallan" .

Compelling and thought -provoking!

Having read some of the negative reviews here I was beginning to think I had read a different book! I couldn't put it down. Neil's prose was wonderfully laid back and yet very well crafted, sharing yet another journey of his life with the (in my case at least) very eager reader. I was sad when it finished to be honest. I did not find the narrative to be arrogant or tedious and quite enjoyed the daily church signs as well as understanding his reluctance to mention the corporate names of the various venues Rush played at. As for the stories regarding 'over zealous fans', well in this country (Australia) stalking is illegal, as I'm sure it is in most other places. Following a tour bus for hours on end or entering someone's home uninvited - mobile or otherwise - is also illegal - trespassing, I think they call it. So why wouldn't you be alarmed at such a violation? That's what's wrong with the world these days: respect for others seems to be deteriorating rapidly, especially with the youth of today. You only need to see the random acts of vandalism and incessant graffiti all over the world to see that people no longer respect themselves let alone the private or public property they are mindlessly destroying! I thought these 'criminals' masquerading as loyal fans were treated quite leniently to be honest. Being a Rush fan (as I have been since 1977) does not give anyone the right to stalk or illegally enter someone's abode, even if it is a tour bus. I'm sure the 'fans' mentioned in the book had no sinister intentions, but imagine if they had... Anyway, this book is a wonderful read, if only to show us, the reader, that Neil has managed to heal quite a lot since since 1997 and 1998. That's one of the things that pleased me most in reading this book. But aside from that, the adventures are exciting, the anecdotes amusing and the observations honest and heartfelt.