Rush: Puppet plays Peart

A puppeteer has released a video of his creation Chops performing Rush classic Tom Sawyer on a model drumkit – and the result is astonishingly accurate.

Ricky Syers – best-known for inventing a machine that allows him to play guitar and drums at the same time – built the model version of Neil Peart complete with working arms and legs, and nodding head.

He also constructed a miniature drumkit from tin cans and metal discs, including operational bass pedal, cymbals and hi-hat control.

Syers says: “A little puppet and props I made – and I didn’t expect them to actually work! But here’s Chops trying to get through Rush’s Tom Sawyer.”

The real Peart and his bandmates are currently preparing for what’s likely to be their final large-scale tour.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.