Ken Mary, a seasoned session drummer with an impressive resume spanning iconic acts like Alice Cooper, Accept, Flotsam And Jetsam, House Of Lords, Bonfire, Impelliterri, Don Dokken, and Fifth Angel – to name a few – has once again proven his dedication to the craft. This time, his work pays homage to one of rock’s greatest drum legends, Neil Peart of Rush, through a remarkable series titled “The Neil Peart Experiment".
Today, Ken releases a remarkable live rendition of the band’s classic, "Tom Sawyer". But Ken didn’t envision this as just another drum cover. It’s the culmination of an ambitious experiment, driven by both respect and artistic challenge.
Dubbed “The Neil Peart Experiment”, Mary’s project was born out of a challenge posed by a fellow drummer during the isolating days of the COVID lockdown. The task was deceptively simple in concept: strip the drum tracks from Rush’s recordings, and then recreate them as closely as possible to the original recording. However, there were rules. The performance had to be recorded in a continuous single pass, without any editing, sampling, or post-production fixes. It was an audacious goal, considering the original songs were not laid down to a click track, meaning their tempos naturally shifted — a unique hallmark of Rush’s sound.
Reflecting on the challenge, Mary explains, “I know to people that have not recorded in the studio, this just looks like some guy playing the song. However, trying to duplicate the track as exactly as was more difficult than I imagined. I had to learn the fills and grooves as Neil played them back then, as he did change them slightly over the years. Then I had to know where the band surged or pulled back, so I could lock to the existing guitars and bass seamlessly with no editing, and again in one continuous pass.”
The complexity of this experiment cannot be overstated, as Mary himself notes: “Again, they didn’t use a click track. If anyone else wants to try this experiment, please do! [laughs]. But remember the rules! I have my individual GoPro video and audio to prove this was all recorded in one pass with no editing or enhancement. I hope Neil would have been pleased with this ‘experiment,’ and the fact that another artist would make the effort to record these songs, and to get them as close as possible using the original methods he used at that time.”
Mary is quick to emphasize that his tribute is not about financial gain or self-promotion. “These are purely instructional videos, and they are NOT monetized on YouTube,” he clarifies. Instead, the project is a labor of love and a sincere nod to Peart’s genius.
Watch the previous videos for "YYZ" and "Freewill":
Starting his professional career at just 15 in Seattle, Washington, Ken Mary has left a lasting mark on rock and metal. He appears six times in the Guinness Book of Who’s Who in Heavy Metal, (second addition), with a variety of artists. Whether behind the drum kit, in the producer’s chair, or working as a writer, Mary’s contributions span decades and genres. His discography and collaborations paint a vivid picture of a musician whose influence transcends his instrument. His drumming has powered acts such as Alice Cooper, The Beach Boys, and Accept, while his session work boasts credits with artists like Don Dokken, Kip Winger, and Jordan Rudess.
His music, collectively, has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. Reflecting on his studio work, mega-platinum producer Michael Wagener, known for his work with Metallica and Janet Jackson, notes: “Ken Mary is a brilliant session and live player. Whether it is blazing fast, precise technical playing or just a great sense of groove you need, he’s your guy. One of the best.”
Mary’s approach to drumming is a blend of technical prowess and adaptability. Inspired by legends like Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, and John Bonham, his playing ranges from intricate double bass fills that set a benchmark in metal to smooth grooves suitable for jazz. Early in his career, Mary established himself as a trailblazer, particularly in metal drumming, with his innovative techniques on recordings with Alice Cooper, House of Lords, and Bonfire. A review in Modern Drummer described his impact on the first House of Lords album: “A major reason for their originality, if not the major reason, is Ken Mary’s drumming. Unquestionably, he is the best hard rock drummer in America today. Nobody plays like Ken Mary.”
Even among legends, Mary’s talent has been celebrated. Famed producer Andy Johns, known for his work with Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, praised Mary’s skills during their collaboration on “Can’t Find My Way Home.”
Bassist Chuck Wright recalls: “After Ken recorded a very Bonham-inspired drum track, Andy grabbed Ken, said to him repeatedly, ‘You and Bonham, man, you and Bonham.’” For Mary, such recognition from Johns—who had a reputation for firing high-profile drummers—remains a career highlight.
In addition to his drumming, Mary has excelled as a writer and producer. His experience working alongside music legends like Terry Brown (Rush), Michael Wagener, and Desmond Child has shaped his multifaceted approach to music. In 2003, he founded SonicPhish Productions, a world-class recording studio where he has continued to push creative boundaries. Recent projects include producing Flotsam And Jetsam’s album I Am The Weapon and Fifth Angel’s When Angels Kill, showcasing his enduring relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.
(Photo - Dee Ann Deaton)
