Legendary Rush drummer, Neil Peart, recorded a new rock version of ‘The Hockey Theme” last month.
His rendition of the song made its television debut Thursday night on TSN, kicking off the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs game. The new track will be heard during select TSN broadcasts throughout the remainder of the NHL season.
In the video accompanying the new song, Peart showcases his custom drum kit that features the logos of all 30 NHL teams.
Peart was more than thrilled to combine two of his favourite interests.
”Hockey totally dominated our lives,” said the rock and roll legend. “Sunday nights with my dad at the St. Catharines Arena cheering on the Junior A Blackhawks, anxiously watching NHL games on television, arguing in the schoolyard over favourite teams and players, trading hockey cards, putting them on our bicycle spokes, and playing on backyard rinks and frozen ponds, on the street, and on those old tabletop games – hockey ruled.”
“Being invited to create a new version of ’Canada’s Second National Anthem’ for live broadcasts was a huge honour to me, and an exciting musical challenge,” he added.
The song will be available for digital download on iTunes on Tuesday, January 19th.
