It Happened Today: Sept. 12, 1952

Rush drummer Neil Peart was born in Hagersville, Ont. 56 years ago today.

Peart's first instrument was the piano, which he did not care for. He got a drum set when he turned 14 and moved to London, England at age 18 to pursue music more seriously. After this ended in failure, he returned to Canada and began playing in various bands in St. Catharines, Ont.

Peart auditioned for Rush in 1974 when the band were looking for someone to replace John Rutsey. Though he thought the audition was horrible, he joined the band that year and soon became Rush's main lyricist. His songs are heavily influenced by writer and philosopher Ayn Rand and mythology. Peart also became known for his drum solos and a drumming style that resembles The Who's Keith Moon.

In 1997, Peart's daughter Selena Taylor, 19, was killed on Highway 401 outside Brighton, Ont. His wife died of cancer the next year. Grief striken, he left the band, re-married and returned to the band in 2001. He continues to tour and record with Rush. Peart is also the author of four books.