Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy is also known as one of the biggest Rush fans. He shared his honest review of Rush’s new documentary, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple. He posted his reaction on Instagram.
Portnoy praised the film as a tribute to the late Rush drummer. He also thanked the filmmakers, the band members and the drummers who took part.
“Wow…absolutely LOVED the Neil Peart documentary ‘No One’s Disciple’…what a beautiful tribute to our hero!” Portnoy said. “Bravo to everybody involved: from Sam & Scot at Banger films, to Geddy & Alex for opening their hearts and sharing so many great stories with all of us, and to the 4 fabulous drummers that had the honors to play w the boys and pay tribute to Neil!”
Portnoy then described the interviews in the film and what the documentary means to him.
“All of the interviews were heartwarming…at times funny and at times heartbreaking…it really painted a very full picture of the many sides of Neil,” he continued. “I’m so happy that a film like this exists to forever document how much he meant to so many of us!”
Portnoy’s comments came shortly after the film reached a wide audience. Here is how the documentary arrived.
Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 16, 2026. The screening took place at the Princess of Wales Theatre. More public screenings followed later that week.
Sam Dunn and Scot McFadyen of Banger Films directed the documentary. The duo also made the 2010 Rush documentary Beyond the Lighted Stage. That is why Portnoy singled them out in his post.
Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson attended the premiere. They appeared on stage with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The film traces Peart’s career through interviews with Lee, Lifeson and other musicians shaped by his playing. Drummers such as Smith and Danny Carey of Tool are among those paying tribute.
Lifeson spoke about how Peart might have reacted to the attention. “I think it would be a little embarrassing for him,” he said at the premiere.
The documentary reached a wider audience on Sept. 23, 2026, when it debuted on CBC and CBC Gem.
