The Innocence Slips Away ~ "Time Stand Still" ~ The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own"

I really, really want you all to see this. And hear it. This is amazing that I came across this video. It started off with a young U.S. Army soldier, tweeting out, and following me. Yes, a new account on Twitter, I do screen them before I follow back. But I found some things that really intrigued me, and this blog came from a Tweet that she had retweeted, regarding a song done by The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”. I mentioned to this young woman, that I would check it out. Of course, I was perusing through the account, to verify and confirm, that she’s a Good Guy. Well, this was one of the best things that I’ve seen in a long time. Alisha had sent the video as a tweet, but I easily found it on youtube, to make it possible to share with you. Truthfully, I had never been a “Rush” fan, and never heard of Neil Peart until my roommate told me about him a year or two ago. But, I have to tell you, if this was one of his songs, he was pretty good.

And, you know what? These soldiers can do music! It just shows you, we have a military filled with men and women possessing tremendous talent. Kind of makes me feel pretty safe! Really, this song, it will bring tears to your eyes, it is really that good! Thank you, Alisha Patel!

On January 7, 2020, the music industry lost a giant. Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for the band RUSH, lost a three and and a half year battle with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Neil will forever be one of the most influential rock drummers of all time. Over RUSH’s 40 year career, his drumming and thoughtful lyrics have been part of the soundtrack to millions of lives around the globe, and his passing has created a huge void.

When SFC Tim Whalen heard the news, he was shocked and saddened. As a lifelong RUSH fan, he felt compelled to do something to honor Neil and the band that has meant so much in his own life. He immediately knew the song “Time Stand Still” would be the perfect choice.

SFC Whalen reflects, “The lyrics to this song have always resonated deeply with me, and they show Neil’s heart. I wanted to showcase the deep humanity he had in his writing. The song is about life moving too fast, due to both things we can control and things we can’t, and the desire to hold onto something just a little longer. This is such a universal message, whether it be children growing up too fast, a loved one dying, or a soldier leaving home wondering if they’ll ever see their family again.”

Neil Peart
September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020

“Time Stand Still”
Music by Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson
Lyrics by Neil Peart

Produced and Arranged by SFC Tim Whalen

SFC Chris Rettig – Vocals
SFC Tim Whalen – Vocals
MSG Dan Roberts – Piano
SFC Zack Pride – Bass
SFC Matthew Evans – Violin I
SSG Patrick Lin – Violin II
MSG Holly Watters – Viola
SSG Aaron Ludwig – Cello

Recorded and Mixed by SSG Michael Willis
Video by SSG Artie Bowman and SSG Clark McDaniel