Postcard from the Edge
So, What's the Story?
Sad as it starts out, at least it has a happy ending!
I guarantee this true story will amuse you if you take the time to read it.
You may even find it draws a tear or two to your eye if you love the music of Rush as
much as I...
Prelude
Back in 1994, I was sitting around the house listening to the newly released Rush studio album
Counterparts, and was "lit up with anticipation" waiting for a Colorado date
to be announced for the tour. I'd seen every Rush tour out here in the west since 1978, with the
exception of Grace Under Pressure since, for some reason, Rush decided to skip this great
state for that one. I had also made up my mind, since I was then better positioned money-wise
than I'd ever been in my life, that I would spare no expense in obtaining the best possible seats
I could for this show. Heavily contributing to this decision was the experience I had at Rush's
previous show at Fiddler's Green in Englewood (Roll the Bones) to which I had taken
my 13 year old (at the time) son for the first concert of his young life. By that time, I had
already converted him to a full-blown Rush fanatic and, even though we had lawn seats that nearly
required a telescope to see the stage, along with the sad fact that it rained through almost the
entire concert, we still managed to have a great time. Even so, I was determined to get within
the first few rows of reserved seating for Counterparts...
All of the "Ticket Brokers" (read: Scalpers) were advertising the
Counterparts tour in the Denver newspapers classified sections, and I had already
contacted the best one and placed a $100.00 deposit down on four tickets, informing them
I wanted the best seats I could get. That done, I laid myself to rest with the belief that
I had the situation well in hand...
Disaster Strikes
Well, if you followed the Counterparts tour, or are a Rush fan living in Colorado,
you're probably already aware of what happened to us. I received a most unwelcome surprise in
the mail in the form of a ticket deposit refund, along with a short note stating that Rush
had pulled out of their Colorado engagement at the last minute. Both my son and I were
heartbroken that our carefully laid plans to see the tour for the best album Rush had
released in years had been all for naught but, hey, that's just how life turns out
sometimes. I knew we'd get another chance someday, but I think this terrible news was
especially hard on Craig Jr...
Junior Strikes Back
A few weeks later, my son asked me if there was an address where he could write to Neil Peart,
the member of the band which he admired most. I informed him that I had read in several places
that The Professor sometimes answered mail sent to him care of Modern Drummer
magazine (which I had read frequently at the time, being a drummer myself for some 25
years at that point). So, he proceeded to write Neil a long letter telling him about our
experience during the Roll the Bones concert a few years before (how Fiddler's
Green sucks acoustics-wise, the lawn seating situation, etc.), suggesting Rush play
Colorado's best outdoor venue Red Rocks the next time they came here and, of course,
how bummed we were that Rush wasn't coming to Colorado for Counterparts. He then had
me read his letter, to which I retorted to Junior:
"Neil's out on tour right now, so he probably won't see this for at least six
months, if he ever sees it at all..."
I continued...
"He's a very busy man kiddo, so don't be disappointed if you never receive a
reply. I'd be very surprised if you did, in fact, I'd probably be the first male in
the history of the human race to have a baby!"
Unbeknownst to me, Junior added this last comment of mine to the end of his letter to Neil,
placed it into an envelope covered with his hand-drawn graphics of The Professor,
and mailed it to Mr. Peart care of Modern Drummer. My comment to my son regarding
the possibilities of male childbirth is key to this whole story, so be sure to keep it in
mind before reading on...
The Postman Always Rings Twice
(aka Happy Ending: Part 1)
About 6 months or so later, I went out to do the daily mailbox check. Along with the usual
bills was a postcard with a picture of Neil standing behind his drum kit.
I remember my first thought was "...this is probably some sort of canned fan
mail response." Then, I examined the back of the postcard a bit closer, and almost
had a heart seizure...
So, Without Further Ado, The Postcard!
Yes, this is Neil's actual autograph.
Needless to say, our faith in the goodness of humanity was fully restored!
Happy Ending: Part 2
When Rush came to Colorado during their Test for Echo tour in 1997, I managed to secure
two 4th row center seats. While Neil didn't follow Junior's advice for a new venue (the
Test for Echo show was also held at Fiddler's Green), needless to say, we had
the absolute best time of our lives together at that concert. What a show! My son and
I will never forget it as long as we live. If you saw the Test for Echo tour, imagine
it 15 feet from the stage. We actually even made eye contact with all of the band's member's
several times, and it was an awesome feeling. There's no possible way I can even begin to
put it into words...
Thank You Neil!
In closing, I'd just like to thank Mr. Peart for restoring my son's faith. Neil is obviously
a very busy person, and the fact that he took the time to reply to my son's letter has
only served to enhance my already infinitely deep respect for this man. Neil, if you ever happen
to read this, please know how much your time, music and poetry means to us. Also know that you
remain in our prayers during the extremely rough time we all know you and your family are going
through in your lives right now in dealing with the your loss of your child.
Sincerely,
Craig Sr. and Jr. 31Mar1998
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