-
Far and Wide
- Bring That Horizon to Me
- Narrated by: Paul Hecht
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $24.49
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Traveling Music
- The Soundtrack to My Life and Times
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The music of Frank Sinatra, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and many other artists provides the score to the reflections of a musician on the road in this memoir of Neil Peart's travels from Los Angeles to Big Bend National Park. The emotional associations and stories behind each album Peart plays guide his recollections of his childhood on Lake Ontario, the first bands that he performed with, and his travels with the band Rush. The evocative and resonant writing vividly captures the meanderings of a musical mind.
-
-
If your a music lover you'll dig this one
- By Jason Lessenger on 09-12-15
By: Neil Peart
-
Roadshow
- Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 15 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For 30 years, drummer, author, and songwriter Neil Peart had wanted to write a book about "the biggest journey of all in my restless existence: the life of a touring musician." Finally, the right time, and the right tour. In the summer of 2004, after three decades, 20 gold albums, and thousands of performances, the band Rush embarked on a 30th Anniversary World Tour. The "R30" tour traveled to nine countries, where the band performed 57 shows for more than half a million fans. Uniquely, Peart chose to do his between-show traveling by motorcycle, riding 21,000 miles of back roads.
-
-
Enjoyable, even for a non-fan of Rush
- By Jim In Texas! on 10-04-14
By: Neil Peart
-
Far and Away
- A Prize Every Time
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following in the tradition of Ghost Rider and Traveling Music, Rush drummer Neil Peart relates nearly four years of band tours, road trips, and personal discoveries in this introspective travelogue. From the ups and downs of a professional artist to the birth of a child, this revealing narrative recounts 22 adventures from rock's foremost drummer, biker enthusiast, husband, and father.
-
-
enjoyed.
- By Grady on 02-29-16
By: Neil Peart
-
Anthem: Rush in the 1970s
- Rush Across the Decades, Book 1
- By: Martin Popoff
- Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With extensive, first-hand reflections from Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, as well as from family, friends, and fellow musicians, Anthem: Rush in the '70s is a detailed portrait of Canada's greatest rock ambassadors. The first of three volumes, Anthem puts the band's catalog, from their self-titled debut to 1978's Hemispheres (the next volume resumes with the release of Permanent Waves) into both Canadian and general pop culture context.
-
-
What a Biography Should Be!
- By Deborah Bessette on 05-30-20
By: Martin Popoff
-
Ghost Rider
- Travels on the Healing Road
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In less than a year, Neil Peart lost both his 19-year-old daughter, Selena, and his wife, Jackie. Faced with overwhelming sadness and isolated from the world in his home on the lake, Peart was left without direction. That lack of direction lead him on a 55,000 mile journey by motorcycle across much of North America, down through Mexico to Belize, and back again.
-
-
A very personal view of a very private man
- By Chris on 08-05-15
By: Neil Peart
-
The Masked Rider
- Cycling in West Africa
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The prolific drummer for the rock band Rush travels through African villages, both large and small, and relates his story through journal entries and tales of adventure, while simultaneously addressing issues such as differences in culture, psychology, and labels. Literary and artistic sidekicks such as Aristotle, Dante, and Van Gogh join Peart and his cycling companions, reminding the listener that this is not just another travel book - it is a story of both external and introspective discovery and adventure.
-
-
Fascinating Trip Across Cameroon
- By Diann Sedam on 11-26-19
By: Neil Peart
-
Traveling Music
- The Soundtrack to My Life and Times
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The music of Frank Sinatra, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and many other artists provides the score to the reflections of a musician on the road in this memoir of Neil Peart's travels from Los Angeles to Big Bend National Park. The emotional associations and stories behind each album Peart plays guide his recollections of his childhood on Lake Ontario, the first bands that he performed with, and his travels with the band Rush. The evocative and resonant writing vividly captures the meanderings of a musical mind.
-
-
If your a music lover you'll dig this one
- By Jason Lessenger on 09-12-15
By: Neil Peart
-
Roadshow
- Landscape with Drums: A Concert Tour by Motorcycle
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 15 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For 30 years, drummer, author, and songwriter Neil Peart had wanted to write a book about "the biggest journey of all in my restless existence: the life of a touring musician." Finally, the right time, and the right tour. In the summer of 2004, after three decades, 20 gold albums, and thousands of performances, the band Rush embarked on a 30th Anniversary World Tour. The "R30" tour traveled to nine countries, where the band performed 57 shows for more than half a million fans. Uniquely, Peart chose to do his between-show traveling by motorcycle, riding 21,000 miles of back roads.
-
-
Enjoyable, even for a non-fan of Rush
- By Jim In Texas! on 10-04-14
By: Neil Peart
-
Far and Away
- A Prize Every Time
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following in the tradition of Ghost Rider and Traveling Music, Rush drummer Neil Peart relates nearly four years of band tours, road trips, and personal discoveries in this introspective travelogue. From the ups and downs of a professional artist to the birth of a child, this revealing narrative recounts 22 adventures from rock's foremost drummer, biker enthusiast, husband, and father.
-
-
enjoyed.
- By Grady on 02-29-16
By: Neil Peart
-
Anthem: Rush in the 1970s
- Rush Across the Decades, Book 1
- By: Martin Popoff
- Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With extensive, first-hand reflections from Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart, as well as from family, friends, and fellow musicians, Anthem: Rush in the '70s is a detailed portrait of Canada's greatest rock ambassadors. The first of three volumes, Anthem puts the band's catalog, from their self-titled debut to 1978's Hemispheres (the next volume resumes with the release of Permanent Waves) into both Canadian and general pop culture context.
-
-
What a Biography Should Be!
- By Deborah Bessette on 05-30-20
By: Martin Popoff
-
Ghost Rider
- Travels on the Healing Road
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In less than a year, Neil Peart lost both his 19-year-old daughter, Selena, and his wife, Jackie. Faced with overwhelming sadness and isolated from the world in his home on the lake, Peart was left without direction. That lack of direction lead him on a 55,000 mile journey by motorcycle across much of North America, down through Mexico to Belize, and back again.
-
-
A very personal view of a very private man
- By Chris on 08-05-15
By: Neil Peart
-
The Masked Rider
- Cycling in West Africa
- By: Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Brian Sutherland
- Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The prolific drummer for the rock band Rush travels through African villages, both large and small, and relates his story through journal entries and tales of adventure, while simultaneously addressing issues such as differences in culture, psychology, and labels. Literary and artistic sidekicks such as Aristotle, Dante, and Van Gogh join Peart and his cycling companions, reminding the listener that this is not just another travel book - it is a story of both external and introspective discovery and adventure.
-
-
Fascinating Trip Across Cameroon
- By Diann Sedam on 11-26-19
By: Neil Peart
-
Clockwork Angels
- The Novel
- By: Neil Peart - contributor, Kevin J. Anderson
- Narrated by: Neil Peart
- Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For more than two centuries, the land of Albion has been ruled by the supposedly benevolent Watchmaker, who imposes precision on every aspect of life. Young Owen Hardy from the village of Barrel Arbor dreams of seeing the big city and the breathtaking Clockwork Angels that dispense wisdom to the people, maybe even catching a glimpse of the Watchmaker himself. He watches the steamliners drift by, powered by alchemical energy, as they head toward Crown City....
-
-
ALL AROUND GOOD BOOK
- By Randall on 08-08-18
By: Neil Peart - contributor, and others
-
Drumbeats: Special Edition
- By: Kevin J. Anderson, Neil Peart
- Narrated by: Kevin J Anderson, Joe Hempel
- Length: 1 hr and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Early in their three decades of correspondence, Neil Peart sent Kevin J. Anderson extensive descriptions and travelogues of his adventures bicycling solo across Africa. Peart painted a vivid and unsettling landscape as memorable as the lyrics to his songs. Anderson, award-winning and best-selling fantasy and science fiction author, used those descriptions as the backdrop for plotting an intense, atmospheric dark fantasy story that followed Peart’s experiences, though with a much more ominous twist.
-
-
Intriguing
- By Amazon Customer on 02-25-21
By: Kevin J. Anderson, and others
-
Lone Rider
- The First British Woman to Motorcycle Around the World
- By: Elspeth Beard
- Narrated by: Wendy Wolfson
- Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1982, at the age of just 23 and halfway through her architecture studies, Elspeth Beard left her family and friends in London and set off on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6. Reeling from a recent breakup and with only limited savings from her pub job, a tent, a few clothes, and some tools, all packed on the back of her bike, she was determined to prove herself. She had ridden bikes since her teens and was well-traveled. But nothing could prepare her for what lay ahead.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Alex Reponen on 06-17-19
By: Elspeth Beard
-
Jupiter's Travels
- By: Ted Simon
- Narrated by: Rupert Degas, Ted Simon
- Length: 16 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On October 6, 1973, Ted Simon knew there was no going back. He loaded up his 500cc Triumph Tiger in the pouring rain and said good-bye to London. Over four years he rode 64,000 miles round the world. Breakdowns, revolutions, war, a spell in prison, and a Californian commune were all part of his experience, which was colored variously by utter despair and unimaginable joy. He was treated as a spy, a god, a welcome stranger and a curiosity
-
-
It's a lot more than a story, a lot more!
- By john on 10-08-15
By: Ted Simon
-
Eruption
- Conversations with Eddie Van Halen
- By: Brad Tolinski, Chris Gill
- Narrated by: Brad Tolinski, Fred Berman, Rob Shapiro, and others
- Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Get a completely new look at guitar legend Eddie Van Halen with this groundbreaking oral history, composed of more than 50 hours of interviews with Eddie himself as well as his family, friends, and colleagues.
-
-
Well Done
- By Sean Sherrod on 10-09-21
By: Brad Tolinski, and others
-
Chronicles of a Motorcycle Gypsy
- The 49 States Tour
- By: Tiffani Burkett
- Narrated by: Tiffani Burkett
- Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After six years of laying rubber on racetracks and immersing herself in the high octane, adrenaline pumping sport of motorcycle racing, Tiffani was yearning for something new from her life on two wheels. Fortunately (or unfortunately), losing her comfortable office job was the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.
-
-
Entertaining and A fun listen
- By Theodore John on 06-10-20
By: Tiffani Burkett
-
It Begins
- The Unseen, Book 1
- By: Richie Tankersley Cusick
- Narrated by: Christine Williams
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Out walking alone one rainy night, Lucy becomes convinced that someone - or something - is following her. Spooked, she ducks into a cemetery to try and lose her stalker. Panicking in the darkness, she slips and stumbles into an open grave - only to discover she is not alone in there…. Lucy manages to escape, but she doesn't get away unscathed. She begins having terrifying visions and dreams - and she still can't shake the feeling of an unseen presence, always watching, waiting…. Who was the girl in the grave? And what has she done to Lucy?
-
Confess
- The Autobiography
- By: Rob Halford, Ian Gittins
- Narrated by: Rob Halford
- Length: 12 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most priests hear confessions. This one is making his. Rob Halford, front man of global iconic metal band Judas Priest, is a true "Metal God." Raised in Britain's hard-working, heavy industrial heartland, he and his music were forged in the Black Country. Confess, his full autobiography, is an unforgettable rock 'n' roll story - a journey from a Walsall council estate to musical fame via alcoholism, addiction, police cells, ill-fated sexual trysts, and bleak personal tragedy, through to rehab, coming out, redemption...and finding love.
-
-
Pretty small % of this book is about his music
- By JA3 on 12-17-20
By: Rob Halford, and others
-
Rainbow in the Dark
- The Autobiography
- By: Ronnie James Dio, Mick Wall - contributor, Wendy Dio - contributor
- Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May
- Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Prior to his tragic death in 2010, Ronnie James Dio had been writing his autobiography, looking back on the remarkable life that led him from his hometown in upstate New York to the biggest stages in the world, including the arena that represented the pinnacle of success to him - Madison Square Garden, where this book begins and ends.
-
-
Horns up!
- By Big Daddy on 02-10-22
By: Ronnie James Dio, and others
-
Beast
- John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin
- By: C. M. Kushins, Dave Grohl - foreword
- Narrated by: Matthew Wolf, Chris Abell
- Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first full-length narrative biography of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham, considered by many to be one of the greatest drummers in rock history, and a genuine wild man of epic (and sadly fatal) proportions.
-
-
In-Depth and Entertaining
- By Amazon Customer on 09-09-21
By: C. M. Kushins, and others
-
Born to Run
- By: Bruce Springsteen
- Narrated by: Bruce Springsteen
- Length: 18 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band performed at the Super Bowl's halftime show. The experience was so exhilarating that Bruce decided to write about it. That's how this extraordinary autobiography began. Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen has privately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing to this audio the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs.
-
-
The Boss demonstrates his strong work ethic and dedication to excellence as he tells his story.
- By Tim on 12-21-16
-
11-22-63
- A Novel
- By: Stephen King
- Narrated by: Craig Wasson
- Length: 30 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed. What if you could change it back? In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King - who has absorbed the social, political, and popular culture of his generation more imaginatively and thoroughly than any other writer - takes listeners on an incredible journey into the past and the possibility of altering it.
-
-
Great! Boring. Good again... Boring. Too long.
- By Taxvictim on 06-04-12
By: Stephen King
Publisher's Summary
Thirty five concerts. Seventeen thousand motorcycle miles. Three months. One lifetime.
In May 2015 the veteran Canadian rock trio Rush embarked on their 40th anniversary tour, R40. For the band and their fans, R40 was a celebration and, perhaps, a farewell. But for Neil Peart, each tour is more than just a string of concerts; it's an opportunity to explore backroads near and far on his BMW motorcycle. So if this was to be the last tour and the last great adventure, he decided it would have to be the best one, onstage and off.
This third volume in Peart's travel series shares all-new tales that transport the listener across North America and through memories of 50 years of playing drums. From the scenic grandeur of the American West to a peaceful lake in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains to the mean streets of Midtown Los Angeles, each story is shared in an intimate narrative voice that has won the hearts of many listeners. Thoughtful and ever engaging, Far and Wide is an elegant scrapbook of people and places, music and laughter, from a fascinating road - and a remarkable life.
More from the same
What listeners say about Far and Wide
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Michael Davis
- 01-07-17
Great Writing, Great Narrator, But Not In Tandem.
Once again, great book by Neil Peart, even though these stories are on his personal website it still makes an interesting read/listen. It really telling on why he doesn't want to tour anymore and not in a snobby way... Though that's where my issues with this audiobook lie.
Previously, Neil's book were read by Brian Sutherland who has a slightly higher pitched version of Neil's voice, but Brian's voice is still sombre and invites you in on the journey and he doesn't seem to force an attitude to the reader.
Now with this audiobook there is a different narrator. He still has an inviting tone, but it unintentionally feels pompous and snobby. I don't think it has to do with the narrator, but more so the narrator and Peart's words, he uses alot of "big words" and has certain observations that, in tandem with the narrators voice, bring out those snobby and pretentious undertones, which in turn gave me a less than enjoyable listening experience.
I must repeat, it's not the book or the narrator alone, it's them in tandem.
9 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- william cozzo
- 01-12-18
sometimes 1 + 1 is less than 2
Would you try another book from Neil Peart and/or Paul Hecht?
i have listened to all of Peart's books and they are fine ... I would only listen to Hecht if the work was an epic tale of old ... for example, i could imagine him reading Tolkein to good effect.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Far and Wide?
when the tale of the lost baggage (from a previous book) was unexpectedly resolved
Would you be willing to try another one of Paul Hecht’s performances?
perhaps
Do you think Far and Wide needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?
no - this is the last travelog of Peart's that i ever need to read now that he has retired from Touring with Rush
Any additional comments?
good enough book - fine reader .. but the reader didnt fit the book ... very much too bad that Peart wouldnt read them himself ... absent him, the reader of all the other travelogs wouldve been better
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lou
- 09-17-18
a great rock and roll road trip
Having been a long time fan of Rush it was a great pleasure although Bittersweet to hear about a farewell to a road trip that Neil did. Hearing all the stories of Backroads small towns out of the way restaurants culminating with a final shows in Los Angeles. Not just a book for Rush rock and roll fans but just a pleasure to hear of a fun road trip with a guy who really appreciate living.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Grady
- 03-31-17
just love his writing....
I didn't like the audio book reader at first, I was used to Brian who did all the other books, but he grew on me. His writings suit my ADD brain.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 03-07-22
What a talent he was.
If you like Neil’s work, than this book, much like “The Garden”, is a fitting coda.
I miss him greatly and am ever so grateful for all the gifts that Neil, and the Guys from work, shared with me.
On, Sail On, Amigo.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Melinda
- 04-03-21
Not Neil Peart's Best Book
I have read all of Neil Peart's books and this one just isn't my favorite. Plus, I really dislike the narration. His other books, especially Roadshow and Ghost Rider are just way better. This one is just more of the same but without the behind the scenes Rush stuff that's in Roadshow and without the emotion of Ghost Rider. Still... It's not a bad book. Just not my favorite by him
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shane
- 03-13-21
Stranger who wondered
Never was a big Rush fan, but they were and still are the favorite band of my former college roommate. Since graduation we have built lives back in our hometowns but stay in touch and hang out when we can. He bought me a ticket to the Portland R40 show, and I was not disappointed.
When Neil died, audible offered his books for free and I am in love! What an author, teaching me more about America than I knew... wishing I had had the opportunity to meet him as Bubba and spent the evening learning about his travels only to later learn of his “work”.
I am inspired and hope to someday ride along some of the same roads he so vividly describes.
I’m headed into my next title now!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- toby sharp
- 02-10-21
What a life...
Great book. So well told. Such an interesting and layed man. So humble and curious. The narration was perfect. Such a loss, but Neil Peart will go down as one of the most regarded musician and person I've ever got to know. Thanks Audible 😊!!!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Southside2005
- 01-21-21
The measure of a life
This is Neil's best book, I really liked it. It is the perfect combination of journal notes from his motorcycle adventures, small town experiences, appreciation of nature, and of course - his final tour. My favorite part of all of his books is his life experiences and philosophies, and this one does not disappoint. This is also my favorite narrator of all of his books.
The only disappointment, and it is unspeakable, is knowing that there will be no more writings by Neil Elwood Peart. Long live Bubba and the professor.
But now, we must tend to our garden.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Alan Buys
- 08-24-20
Rest In Peace, Professor.
Listening to this after Mr. Peart’s death earlier this year. I was struck by how much his words both in this book and in the lyrics he wrote had made an impact on my life. Part travel novel, part memoir, and part rambling, I found this book a joy to listen to with tasteful narration and direction as I made the long drives across my county in Eastern Utah.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- C. Blake
- 09-02-21
Best drummer in the world
A truly unique and great human and musician and lyric writer.
And when the music stops, there's only the sound of the rain
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- PH
- 11-06-19
Nobody's hero
Neil would hate this but he's always been a hero of mine. I've been a Rush fan for far too many years than I'd care to admit, Neil's drumming a massive part of that. Although I've perhaps listened to this first when in fact I'd probably should have gone to Ghost Rider I don't think it mattered that much. It's also given me a new view point on the later Rush albums, a revitalised interest. Hoping that one day that one more tour will happen..
My only ctritism is the reader, I really wish it had been Mr Peart himself, there are times where there are sentences/quotes that I felt lacked the inflection intended, feeling read rather than spoken? Overall though still brilliant
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Bill
- 01-08-18
Brings closure to the Rush story
I must admit, I hated Neil at the time for calling time on Rush , who decreed it's All or not at all..
This book brought the necessary closure, explaining why retirement was necessary, and for that I thank him.
The closing line of "The Garden" has backed up my understanding of its message, Neil Peart had planned this at the time of writing "Clockwork Angels" , the message was there, cryptic but as clear as day.
Thank you for the memories, and the lifetime I have been one of Rush's adoring fans.
Excellent narration, could easily have been Neil Peart, maybe we will find out in a couple of years.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Colin
- 03-28-17
A slow burner, but worth sticking with...
As a drummer myself, I am well aware of Neil Peart’s status as one of the most talented players around, respected by both fans and peers around the world. So you can imagine my reaction when I saw the cover of this title; A lonely desert road stretching to the horizon, a powerful motorbike and a drummer on his way to play a gig with one of the most successful and loudest rock bands around. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, quite a lot, actually. I am aware that my illusion that this book would be all “rock ‘n roll and lock up your daughters” was mine and mine alone, and bearing in mind the members of his band Rush are all well established family men, there was always a chance that this may not be the walk on the wild side I was anticipating. But all the same, he doesn’t actually get on the bike until Chapter 9! The first 8 chapters are used up with background information and meandering observations on the environment in general and the author’s in particular, with long sections talking of the little island he owns in a lake in Quebec, and how enjoys the peace and solitude there. That’s all fine and dandy, but I personally have a taste for some road stories.
Finally, at Chapter 10 they saddle up, and the whole book shifts to, for me, a more engaging and entertaining gear.
Neil has a real taste for going off the beaten track, and during his long trip planning sessions he does extensive research to ensure he and his biking buddies get the most from each leg of their cross-country rides. And it’s fair to say that when Neil does go off the paved highway he doesn’t do so by halves. Winding gravel roads give way to deeply rutted muddy tracks and, in one case, no actual road at all when a sink-hole removes the actual pavement of the road and Neil and his biking wingman on that day have to edge their bikes gently around a very precarious drop. The fact that this hazard was marked by a large road sign some miles earlier which Neil chose to ignore just adds to the occasion.
Interspersed with tales of adventures and obstacles on the road, Neil also shares his observations on the vast land known as the USA; the farms, the small towns, abandoned factories and welcome diners along the way. As a Canadian who only recently took American citizenship he has an interesting view of the people and events that impact the country during his ride, and is repeatedly surprised and yet touched by the simple kindness of strangers. On one occasion he discovers that one of his saddlebags has fallen off the bike, containing a very expensive watch, his wedding ring and other personal items. He places an ad in the local paper and receives a voice message from a person saying they found it. Unfortunately, Neil then accidently erases the message and the caller never calls again. Almost ten years later, with the event all but forgotten, he receives a message from a person who heard him tell the tell as part of a book launch, and they’ve still got the saddlebag, its contents intact, and soon they are returned at last to their very grateful owner.
There are a couple of places where I laughed out loud as Neil recounts, with not a little self-deprecation, tales of his well-known reputation as not exactly being ‘Mr Sunshine’. This disposition has not mellowed as he entered his 60s, and his consequent run-ins with photographers, selfie-hunting fans and local law enforcement in the deepest heart of the country are brilliantly told and highly entertaining.
Narration by Paul Hecht is engaging throughout, his rich delivery putting you right on the saddle of the bike with Neil.
Recommended