[DOC] Far and Wide by Neil Peart at Arts-Photography

Review

70 of 74 people found the following review helpful. A Fond Farewell to an Artistic KingBy FreeThinkerThis is an incredibly well written and insightful look at a remarkable career as one of the worlds most noteworthy drummers. It is bitter sweet to read this book because Neil goes through a lot of detail to explain to the reader *why* he has chosen to retire and why it is really non-negotiable. While some fans will chant "keep going. keep going." - he makes it clear that he is "done." And. while his drumming and writing have influenced me significantly since the 70s with All the Worlds a Stage. I completely agree with his reasons. Having suffered tragic and significant family loss in his past. he deserves to "tend to his own garden" now. If he were to ask me. I would have said "thanks for all the great work. drumming. writing. and entertainment - but... shouldnt you go be with your family since you know better than anyone that nothing in life is permanent and there are no guarantees?"The book is certainly a masterpiece of both design and writing. and is a crowning jewel in the kings crown (to further use the Farewell to Kings theme). In his previous blog-to-book efforts. Neil would take his blog posts. tweak them. and republish them in coffee-table format. Certainly not a bad thing. but it was a little weird to think "hey. I could read these exact same stories on-line..." Nonetheless. I bought the books. but that thought did cross my mind. It didnt cheapen the experience. but it did diluted it just a bit. With Far and Wide. only a few of the stories were distributed on his blog and greatly benefit from being interwoven together much more effectively (vs. being discrete stories) where the narrative of one story leads into the other. By the end of the book. you see why the life he has lead is so rich. and his achievements so fantastic. that you understand why "pulling out of the game" now is a worthy decision. At a certain point. with all the impact of age. hearing loss. physical stress. etc.. you have to ask "Rush are in their top form now - where else can this go but down?" Many entertainers. like cheese that has been left on the counter too long. become moldy parodies of themselves if they stay in the game past their prime.Anytime I read a Peart book (or lyrics). I get that much more motivated to be excellent and achieve all that I can within the scope of my life and to be that much more observant and curious. That is. and has been. Pearts influence on me since I was about 14 years old! What a fantastic thing that I have been lucky enough to have a "hero" who professed that it was OK to think for yourself. that it was ok to be driven and to rise above the norm (especially in a time when music (and art in general) was steadily turning more plastic and shallow.)So. this is a touching (often funny and always insightful) look into Neils life. this last tour. the miles of travel to all kinds of interesting places and human interactions that go with that travel. It is a look at what drives (rewards and frustrations) someone who has accomplished so much and is surprisingly open in its observations inward and outward.From the very bottom of my heart. I am grateful for the inspiration he has given to me (and a whole generation) and thanks for this "going away" gift to readers. explorers and fans.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Never say never???By CustomerThis book gives great hope.and also some sadness. Is it really the final chapter of Rush? I hope not. And Mr Pearts writing. I am looking forward to reading about more of his adventures. I really enjoyed the story about how he wrote nobodys hero. I would like to read more of that. songs backstories.also. His lyrics have moved me for over 40 years. Loved this book.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Epilogue: Bubbas Final Motojournal from the R40 TourBy John A. BertelsMore than likely. the R40 tour was Rushs last major one. The journey through this book carries the reader as a fellow rider along with Neil. as he "arrives" at his destination: retired from being one of rocks most noteworthy drummers ever. and certainly the most prolific lyricist/drummer. He seems upbeat and resolved in this collection of stories -- no more touring. as had been his goal for a tremendously long time.Picturesque stories between destinations. music and laughter. the joy of motorcycling and the freedom of riding are felt throughout this book. Neils introspection is conveyed in intimate fashion onto the proverbial papyrus. Ever the shy guy who wanted to be "hidden in the background". his talent of writing. in both lyric form and these books have enriched our lives in so many rewarding ways. Whether its a story about a particular venue. a ride on a certain backroad or pensiveness in Bubbas Garage. Neil has the gift of immersing the reader in the story being told. There were several points in this book that made me just not want to put it down.The hardcover version of this book is a coffee table masterpiece. illustrated with lots of memorable pictures to go along with the stories. It is the crescendo of a remarkable musical career that is the envy and admiration of thousands of musicians and hundreds of thousands of fans. As Neil describes the last concerts on the tour and other noteworthy musicians waiting to celebrate Neils career after the last show. I felt the excitement from the readers perspective. of one journey ending for Neil and another beginning. At this point in the career of Rush. as is the career of Neil Peart. nothing is owed to the fans. The sacrifices that Lee/Lifeson/Peart have made in the 40 years of music. physical/mental/personal. are immeasurable and a well-deserved retirement seems sensible at this point.I wont taint this review with the minor points of repetitiveness in this book. e.g. faith-bashing and avoiding fan contact. Sad that Neil feels the need to satirize and/or criticize those who practice religion in every book. Should we learn to laugh at it by now? In this instance. characterizing yarmulkes as "Jewish beanies" may be funny to some; offensive to others. Neil preaches (sorry. no pun intended) about tolerance and respect. yet he can sometimes only personally agree to the tolerance part of it and not always the respect. To me. thats just part of Neils attempt at "amateur philosophy" regarding such matters. Hence. I apply the converse of Christopher Hutchens formulation which translates as "What can be dismissed without evidence. can be asserted without evidence".