by Chris Tobias

Ever since the age of twelve, I have been a huge fan of the Canadian rock trio Rush, who were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month.  The band’s drummer, Neil Peart, whom I admire not only for his unparalleled skill as a percussionist but also for his talent as a writer of both song lyrics and prose, is somewhat famous (or perhaps notorious) for his desire to separate his private life from his rock and roll persona.  He has written at great length about this topic in his many books, describing several awkward and sometimes even frightening encounters with fans whose zeal exceeded their consideration for his privacy and personal space.  If you haven’t read his books, you should.  They are compelling reading and his prose is every bit as entertaining as his complex and imaginative lyrics.  I will warn you, though, that his anecdotes will make you stop and reconsider what it means to be a fan. Continue Reading