Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy recently talked about his friendship with Rush legend Neil Peart. He shared intimate details about their personal correspondence.
Mike Portnoy reveals emails from Neil Peart
In a statement featured on Consequence, Portnoy opened up on how their relationship evolved over the years. He started from his early desire to meet the iconic drummer to their eventual friendship that included deeply personal exchanges.
“It took a long time before I got to meet him [Neil Peart], actually,” Portnoy said.
“All those years that Dream Theater was coming up and we were very much compared to Rush, just because of stylistically of what we did. For years and years and years, I just wanted to meet him, and I never got to meet him. He was always so private, so elusive.”
Portnoy was also given a unique opportunity through his work with a music publication.
“And it wasn’t until about 2005 or 2006 that I finally met him,” he continued.
“I was asked to be the guest editor or Rhythm Magazine. I was able to pick the people I wanted to interview, and Neil was one of them. He was obviously the first person I threw out there. So, they arranged the meeting, and I got to meet him and actually interview him and hang out with him at his hotel room and ask all the questions I always wanted to know.”
A meaningful friendship flourished from that initial meeting.
“But from there, he and I, you know, kicked off a friendship,” Portnoy explained.
“He would send me emails and pictures of him and his daughter at the library, or him and his daughter dressed up for Halloween. His emails that he would send me were like, reading his lyrics or reading a book, meticulously worded and just so entertaining to read.”
Portnoy also shared details about their final meeting. It held special significance for his family.
“The last time I saw him was on the last tour,” he said. “He invited me and my son Max out. I really wanted Max to see Rush live and see Neil play live before they retired. And it was just an amazing experience.”
