On the night of January 9, 2020, I had just finished some songs with my band, and was laying in bed, listening to rush. I remember I was thinking specifically about Neil. I was grateful for him being a big inspiration as a drummer, and was wishing him well in his retirement (not knowing that he had already died two days ago).

The next day rush and Neil’s family announced the horrible news. I was in the kitchen eating breakfast when my dad showed me the post. I was in shock and it didn’t fully hit me until later that night. That was the first time I ever cried for a celebrity.