I find this interview interesting as a comparison to Iron Maiden’s approach, since Rush actually made the opposite decision in every respect:
Iron Maiden chose someone who was already familiar with the Iron Maiden repertoire, who is English/speaks English as a native language, and they don’t place any importance on the new drummer reproducing Nicko’s part exactly, whereas Rush are trying to preempt comparisons with her predecessor because Anika is a woman.
Rock Hard Germany No. 468
My Translation
Did she already know your repertoire?
GEDDY: “She’d only heard the song ‘Tom Sawyer’ and, of course, knew Neil - because basically every drummer has heard of Neil Peart...”
ALEX: “But she wasn’t a RUSH fan and didn’t know our songs. So she started from scratch and had to learn everything, which ultimately turned out to be a very positive thing. ”
I assume you were also looking for personal qualities - someone you’d get along with?
GEDDY: “Yes, and she’s fantastic. I’m teaching her how to speak Canadian English, and she’s teaching me German (laughs).”
You mean you’re teaching her to speak Canadian French?
GEDDY: “No.... No one can speak Canadian French except for
Quebecers (laughs). And that’s not French. Actually, we’re sort of learning to become compatriots.”
How much leeway will she have to adapt or reinterpret Neil’s parts?
GEDDY: “We’ll see, but for now she has to learn to play his parts exactly as they were recorded. That’s the starting point. Because
if the song doesn’t sound the way it’s supposed to, our fans will think we’re not keeping our promise to give them a RUSH concert. So it has to
sound like Neil Peart. As for the details, we can be more flexible.
Our fans often know our songs by heart, down to the smallest detail - especially the rhythm. That’s why they expect the specific drumming gimmicks that give our songs their identity and give them the chance to play air drums (laughs). And there are plenty of those! Over time, Anika will have the opportunity to bring her own style to the table wherever she feels it’s possible. But first, she has to master the composed material perfectly. She’s working very hard on that. We regularly spend just under a week together in Canada to rehearse a series of songs. Then she travels back to Germany and works on them there on her own before we meet up for a new rehearsal session.”
Without asking for names, I assume that well-known drummers have offered their services to you.
GEDDY: “I can confirm that (smiles).”
You’ve made a decision similar to Linkin Park’s, who replaced their late singer with a female vocalist. Is that also a way to
preempt the inevitable comparisons?
GEDDY: “ That’s exactly it. Even though it’s a coincidence, of course, because it was above all her playing that convinced us. But the fact that Anika is a woman is a very good thing. It helps make the transition easier.
