Every drummer would gladly trade their abilities for a chance to possess Neil Peart’s incredible skills, even if only for a single night. Despite his modesty, it is undeniable that Neil Peart was a true master of his craft. With his skillful drumming, he transformed Rush from a respectable rock and roll band into an iconic figure in the world of progressive rock. Peart had his personal favorites from the start, apart from the well-known powerhouses such as John Bonham. One drummer he held in high regard was Michael Giles of King Crimson.
Despite the immense power of Peart’s drums, his focus was always on technical precision rather than sheer force. Indeed, while he could embody Keith Moon’s energy when desired, the true essence of playing any Rush song lies in the meticulous attention to detail required when working with Peart’s legendary drum kit.
Aside from the occasional time signature changes, Peart’s impressive utilization of his entire drum kit appears to be quite challenging to execute. Memorizing ‘La Villa Strangiato‘ seems challenging. It’s akin to riding a bicycle while writing a research paper with one hand restrained.
Giles was the pioneer who truly showcased to the world the essence of a skilled technician. Despite the inherent limitations on King Crimson’s ability to fully explore their progressive rock inclinations, the sheer power and skill displayed by the drummer on In the Court of the Crimson King remains a truly awe-inspiring achievement of the late 1960s.
According to Neil Peart, Giles’s performance on that record perfectly embodied his vision of drumming. In an interview with Rhythm, Peart expressed his satisfaction, stating, “It is exactly what I had hoped for.” The experience was a perfect blend of structure and exhilaration. He was incredibly passionate about his work, but he operated within a set framework. His mastery of construction and ability to seamlessly blend and enhance a musical piece was truly unmatched and underappreciated.
Although Peart had his unique style on the instrument, it appears that he may have drawn some inspiration from Giles. With incredible stamina, he effortlessly executes complex fills. Listening to him play amid songs like ‘The Spirit of Radio‘ is reminiscent of a fusion between Giles and The Police’s Stewart Copeland.
Both men’s playing also reflects a deep appreciation for jazz. The earliest progressive rock bands drew inspiration from talented drummers like Buddy Rich. They showcased swing and high-energy drumming skills. It’s as if these bands needed three Red Bulls just to match their level of energy.
Above all else, Peart and Giles understood the significance of balancing flamboyance and self-control. Many drummers unleash wild fills impulsively. Peart and Giles approach performances with meticulous precision. It’s as if they are crafting musical building blocks that lay the foundation for the rest of the song. Drumming often relies on the power of feeling. Peart discovered from King Crimson that a record can only be considered halfway decent when there’s a pulsating rhythm that keeps everything captivating.
