Army Band pays tribute to legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart

If you’re a veteran who loves classic rock, then you’re definitely familiar with the iconic band Rush.

Before the phrase “slappin’ the bass” was popularized by Paul Rudd in the movie, “I Love You, Man” this Canadian trio was revolutionizing the sound and definition of rock.

They gave headbangers huge power chords, synth melodies and a drummer that could literally blow our minds with beats and solos that modern rock had never seen before. Just listen to the monster backbeat Peart lays down on this version of their classic "Spirit of the Radio." Between every note is a sonic punch of drums that no other drummer had even thought about doing before Peart climbed behind the kit.

His sick drumming skills are on full display when you watch their all-time classic "Tom Sawyer".

Sadly in January, this legendary drummer (and the creative genius behind many of the band’s emotional lyrics) passed away after fighting brain cancer. 

As tributes and condolences filled the airwaves, newscasts and social media I noticed one that resonated as deeply as the lyrics. The song is “Time Stand Still” and the performers are The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”.

In the video’s credits, we see how Rush and this song, in particular, had an incredible influence on singer Sergeant First Class Tim Whalen, “The lyrics to this song have always resonated deeply with me, and they show Neil’s heart. I wanted to showcase the deep humanity he had in his writing. The song is about life moving too fast, due to both things we can control and things we can’t, and the desire to hold onto something just a little longer. This is such a universal message, whether it be children growing up too fast, a loved one dying, or a soldier leaving home wondering if they’ll ever see their family again.”

When you look closely at the lyrics, you can appreciate Whalen’s observations.  The lyric, “Freeze this moment a little bit longer, make each sensation a little bit stronger … The innocence slips away,” has such important meaning in today’s fast-paced world. And it strikes a special chord for any veteran who has experienced time lost to deployments and duty.

So, click play and raise a glass to drummer Neil Peart.  And as the music pours out of the speakers consider making a memory with someone you love. 

Because only in Rush will "Time Stand Still".

Neil Peart, Sep 12, 1952- January 7, 2020

Time Stand Still (lyrics by Neil Peart)

I turn my back to the wind
To catch my breath
Before I start off again
Driven on
Without a moment to spend
To pass an evening
With a drink and a friend

I let my skin get too thin
I'd like to pause,
No matter what I pretend
Like some pilgrim
Who learns to transcend
Learns to live
As if each step was the end

Time stand still
I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
Time stands still
See more of the people
And the places that surround me now

Time stands still

Freeze this moment
A little bit longer
Make each sensation
A little bit stronger

Experience slips away
Experience slips away

Time stands still

I turn my face to the sun
Close my eyes
Let my defenses down
All those wounds
That I can't get unwound

I let my past go too fast
No time to pause
If I could slow it all down
Like some captain
Whose ship runs aground
I can wait until the tide comes around

Time stand still
I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
Time stands still
See more of the people
And the places that surround me now

Freeze this moment
A little bit longer
Make each sensation
A little bit stronger

Make each impression
A little bit stronger
Freeze this motion
A little bit longer

The innocence slips away
The innocence slips away

Time stands still
Time stands still

I'm not looking back
But I want to look around me now
See more of the people
And the places that surround me now

Time stands still

Summer's going fast
Nights growing colder
Children growing up
Old friends growing older

Freeze this moment
A little bit longer
Make each sensation
A little bit stronger

Experience slips away
Experience slips away
The innocence slips away