Neil will be greatly missed and I didn’t know that he retired or was sick. Although Rush isn’t a band I’m crazy about, namely due to radio only playing a very small sample of their larger work and much of the fan base that’s still emotionally and/or musically stunted. However, I respected Neil’s drumming skill. He inspired numerous drummers in bands I follow, love and admire. I would put him up there with other greats: Stewart Copeland, Buddy Rich and Ginger Baker.
Recently a co-worker brought in these drum sticks he caught from Neil when he saw Rush play in Austin around 1977-78. Neither were big nor famous yet (you know, Austin was a small place, only known for a Public TV show).
Well thanks Neil for what you did to expand Rock n’ Roll. You upped the skill level and helped make drummers more vital to a band’s sound beyond keeping time.