Roadshow (by Neil Peart)
I recently read Neil Peart’s fourth book, Roadshow: Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle. It’s an incredible memoir that recounts Neil’s motorcycle journey from concert to concert during Rush’s R30 tour in 2004. The book is meticulously written chronologically, following their tour schedule throughout North America and Europe. Neil always had a riding partner and friend who also worked in his security detail.
Neil’s writing is exquisite, and his tales are both entertaining and captivating. He paints vivid descriptions of the landscapes and locations he visited, making me wish I was there with him. I particularly enjoyed reminiscing about places I’ve been, such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Flagstaff, Key West, and Stuttgart, Germany. It was a surprise to learn that he was in a small town called Rushville, Ohio, just outside of my childhood hometown. I smiled when he mentioned visiting Lexington, Kentucky, as it made his list of places he’d like to live. The book also inspired me to dream of many other places I’d love to visit. He also mentions some of which I think I’ll even avoid in the future.
Neil’s honesty shines through in his candid writing about the people and places he encountered, both positive and negative. He shares his opinions about the performance trends of drivers in various states and doesn’t hold back his feelings about those who don’t use turn signals. While traveling through the United States, it’s common to see church signs, and throughout the book, Neil shares some of the most memorable and entertaining ones he found.
Unfortunately, being a celebrity brings out the most obnoxious people. Neil writes about some frustrating experiences of being followed by entitled fans demanding autographs. On the bright side, he also got to meet some pretty cool celebrities. One that stood out to me was Jack Black. They talked about the part in the movie “School of Rock” where Jack Black’s character assigns a student to listen to Rush’s album and notes that Neil Peart is one of the greatest drummers of all time. I’ve included a video clip below for your entertainment.
Neil’s heart ached as he revisited places that evoked memories of time spent with Jackie and Selena. It must have been an emotionally taxing journey to grieve for his family while building a relationship with his new wife, Carrie. I can only imagine the challenges of being separated from Carrie during this tour. It was heartwarming to see them spend quality time together at various venues. Neil’s stories of wanting to impress Carrie during concerts were endearing.
As an avid reader, Neil frequently references books he’s read and enjoyed during his tours. One book that particularly caught my attention was Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer. Although I haven’t read any of her books yet, her work keeps appearing in my book feed, and I’m eager to read it someday, especially if Neil recommends it!
After reading four of Neil’s books, I continue to appreciate his approach to touring as a job. It’s something he didn’t necessarily enjoy, so he made the experience meaningful for himself by traveling by bicycle or motorcycle. It’s challenging when something you love becomes a job, as it can diminish the joy and passion associated with the initial activity.
I’m concluding my review of Roadshow with an interview Neil gave on the topic of motorcycles and writing. Enjoy!
I purchased the audiobook of Roadshow using my Audible membership. I’m thrilled that Brian Sutherland has narrated all of Neil’s books so far. His narration is simply incredible!
You can read my reviews of Neil Peart’s other nonfiction books below.
The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa
Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road
Traveling Music: The Soundtrack to My Life and Times
If you’re a fan of Rush, and want to learn more about the band, you can read my review of Geddy Lee’s autobiography linked below.
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