Late Rush drummer Neil Peart has been named the greatest prog musician of all time by readers of Prog magazine.
The magazine had a shortlist of just under 250 figures from the prog world, from which fans were encouraged to vote in an online poll – and it was Peart who came out on top.
"Obviously it's very fitting that Neil Peart's been voted the Greatest Prog Musician ever by the readers of Prog Magazine, given that he sadly passed away this year," says Prog magazine Editor Jerry Ewing. "But he's long been seen as a master of his profession for five decades now, and as the tributes from his peers in the new issue show, this is a more than deserving accolade.
"The poll attracted our biggest ever vote – over 80,000 votes – so people take this stuff very seriously. The poll throws up more than its fair share of surprises but I think it's good to see it's not just the original old guard taking the prime positions. The influx of younger artists across more recent generations shows a healthy and broad range of age groups attracted by the music."
Rounding out the top five of the poll were David Gilmour, fellow Rush member Geddy Lee, Rick Wakeman and Robert Fripp.
Peart features in the new issue of Prog magazine, which is dedicated to the best prog musicians of all time. To check out the rest of the list, get your copy now.
Here's our guide on how best to get a hold of your copy of Prog:
- Prog is on sale in the UK in most supermarkets and newsagents. Shops are now open in the UK (with social distancing), so you should have far more options on the high street.
- The easiest option for everyone would be to go digital. You can subscribe digitally from just £1.78 an issue. And also from the Apple Store, from Zinio and all manner of digital magazine retailers.
- Single print issues of Prog can be purchased online from Magazines Direct and also Burning Shed. Magazines Direct is still holding more stock than usual.
- Subscriptions. We are now accepting subscriptions from the rest of the world. Subscriptions available here.
- The best books by Neil Peart: A guide to the late Rush drummer’s best writing
