Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle by Neil Peart Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Roadshow: Landscape With Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle
Book Review: 'Roadshow' by Neil Peart
Summary: 1 Stars
I bought this book because I was interested to get a `behind-the-scenes' insight to one of the greatest touring bands (in my opinion) on the planet. There was little of this however, so I felt more than a little let down.
It soon becomes evident to the reader that Peart considers his work as just a `job' - a necessary method of keeping himself in his privileged, cocooned and yes, selfish lifestyle, In the book, he expresses relief at cancelled shows, and reveals that he refused to add `Closer to the Heart' to the already `overlong' set list for the UK leg of the tour. He generally gives the impression of wanting everything on his terms or not at all.
My particular irritation was his attitude to fans who idolise him - a bad fan being one who pursues him for a mere autograph - a good one is one who happens to also possess the skills to fix his motorcycle so that he can indulge himself in a pastime others can only dream of.
His quest, described in the book, to collect nine passport stamps from various US National Parks, to him a far more worthwhile quest than those of the loyal fans simply wanting his autograph or a picture. I was outraged to read of his private security droid, Michael, HANDCUFFING a UK fan, only releasing him at Peart's behest. Surely that's illegal in the UK?!
The book is obviously a well researched history lesson (Yawn!!) of the places Peart has visited, including Swiss Alpine retreats, Scottish Castles and sumptuous historical hotels - all arranged for him by a flunky and paid for by the likes of me and thousands of other fans around the world. Good luck to him, but a bit more recognition and appreciation of how he got there would have been more pleasing to read.
Rush fans around the world will, like me, be hurt by this book. From a purely business point of view its commercial suicide. They'll certainly get no more of my hard-earned cash. My collection of all things Rush holds pride of place at my home in Rugby, England, but the book, after reading it on vacation - I left it at the poolside swap-shop.
Paul W. Costelloe
Rugby, England