50 years ago today (8/17/14), Neil Peart performed live with Rush for the first time at a show at Pittsburgh’s Civic Arena on August 14, 1974. It was a warm-up performance for Manfred Mann and Uriah Heep in front of 11,000 people. Peart was the second drummer for Rush following the departure of original member John Rutsey earlier in the year. Of course, Peart transformed Rush with his brilliant drumming, lyrical prowess, and all-around “professor” qualities. Listen to the scratchy recording of the four song set (with drum solo)…
