Today marks thebirthday of Rush drummer and lyricist extraordinaire Neil Peart. Neil (born Neil Ellwood Peart) came into the world on September 12th in 1952 Hamilton, Ontario.He grew up in Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada (now part of St. Catharines) working the occasional odd job including the role of a Parts Manager for his father Tractor Supply company. His true ambition, however, was to become a professional musician. During adolescence, he floated from regional band to regional band and dropped out of high school to pursue a career as a full-time drummer. He had a short stint with J.R. Flood back in 1970, before he decided to move abroad to further his musical studies. However, after a discouraging stint in England, Peart returned home where he joined a local Toronto band called Rush in the summer of 1974.And the rest, as they say, is history.A special treat to help celebrate Neil's 67th birthday is this rare picture of him from 1969 at Brock University in St. Catharines, where he was performing live with his then-band,. Such intensity at just 17 years of age! (Photo credit: Christopher David Irwin)Though Neil seems to be quietly enjoying his retirement, there has been some news that he's working on a new book. Hopefully we'll have more information on that in the coming new year.Please join me in wishing Neil a very Happy Birthday - and many happy returns.