Neil Ellwood Peart (IPA: [pɪɹt]) OC, (born September 12, 1952 in St. Catharines, Ontario) is the main lyricist and drummer for the progressive rock band Rush. Nicknamed The Professor, Peart has received many awards (see below) for his recorded performances and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time due to his technical proficiency and stamina. In terms of influence, he is one of the most important drummers in history.[1]

One of the first rock drummers to employ twin bass drum pedals extensively (also one of the very few to stick with standard and piccolo-sized snare drums to this day), Peart is known for an extremely hard-hitting style made recognizable by a combination of accuracy/precision and clarity/complexity. He plays both matched and traditional grip, the latter style absorbed under the tutelage of Jazz drummer Freddie Gruber, exibiting an impressive command of tonal and volume range. He is also known for an ability to shift effortlessly between standard and irregular time signatures.

In concert, Peart uses an elaborate drum kit (360 degrees, with a large acoustic set in front and electronic drums in back). His drumming style and influences are eclectic, ranging from Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, Steely Dan's Steve Gadd, The Who's Keith Moon, Phil Collins, to fusion and jazz drummers Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, and fans look forward to his complicated, technical solos in live shows. His last name is pronounced 'Peert', although many mispronounce it Pert.