I couldn't believe it when I heard it Friday. I still can't. My whole drumming career start can all be traced back to Neil. I was playing garage bands from about '76. Then, 4 years later, Moving Pictures came out. OMG. What in the #ell is this drummer doing? I realized I was an absolutely horrible drummer after hearing Neil play. I almost just gave it up. But....I knew I could do all those things Neil did. So, I took that personal challenge. Of course I couldn't do it, but at that time, you're not going to tell a 13 year old drummer he won't be that good. I listened, practiced, listened, practiced...repeat...for years. Learned the importance of keeping time, it's not all flash. When to use fills, when to play silent, when to accent, when to lay back....most importantly....do NOT BE THE LEAD DRUMMER. Got better, got confident, got into a lot better bands. Worked my way up from garage bands, to night clubs, to auditoriums. Had a band years ago and were the opening act for Katrina and the Waves. Money got better. Gigs got better. Somehow, I managed to keep taking college classes with the money I made from drumming. Eventually, I got my degree. I kept playing. Back in the 80's at that time, if you didn't "make" it in your 20's, you were destined for bars and clubs. Something I didn't want to do the rest of my life. Changed career's and drumming slid to the way side. Fast forward to today. 30 year career with the military. No way I'd be here if it wasn't for Neil. He inspired me to keep pushing my talent. I wasn't even close to his level of mastery, but became good enough to play in just about any band. A part of me died too. Makes me realize that at some point....suddenly you're gone.....doesn't matter who you are or what you do. Time waits for no one. This weekend was like a blur. I can't even listen to Rush tunes just yet. RIP Bubba!!!!