Meytal Cohen, the Israeli-American drummer, has unveiled a captivating cover of Rush’s iconic song “Limelight.” In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cohen revealed that she filmed the video while pregnant with her second child, adding a personal layer to the performance.
The release comes at an exciting time for Rush fans, as the legendary band has just launched a comprehensive 50-track anthology titled R50, celebrating their career from their debut single in 1973 to their final performance in 2015. The extensive collection is available now through UMe/Mercury and Anthem Records.
Cohen explained that “Limelight” was one of the most requested songs from her fans. “I had avoided covering it for a while because it’s tricky—there’s no steady BPM, and I don’t think Rush used a click track when recording it. That makes it challenging for a drummer to lay a new track over the original without flamming,” she said. However, after much hesitation, she decided to take on the challenge. “I was especially wary of the exposed fills, as those are tough to nail perfectly on top of Neil Peart’s legendary playing.”
What struck Cohen the most about Peart’s drumming was its composition. “Every part he plays feels intentional—nothing is just filler. His drumming isn’t just about keeping time; it’s part of the storytelling in Rush’s music. His fills are almost melodic, and he finds ways to make even the most complex parts sound smooth and natural. Plus, the way he evolves within a song, constantly shifting dynamics and textures, makes his drumming feel like a journey.”
In addition to her admiration for Peart’s drumming, Cohen also shared a personal connection with the late drummer. “Fun fact: both Neil and I loved motorcycles,” she shared. “He traveled tens of thousands of miles by motorcycle, often between Rush tour stops. I used to love riding back in Israel; my dad was a driving instructor before his passing, and my house had an attached garage with lots of 500cc motorcycles, which I rode often! Thinking back, it wasn’t super safe riding on the freeway with a tank top and a helmet a few sizes too big… But it was fun!”
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