Rush’s Alex Lifeson brought to tears by British drummer Nandi Bushell, 11

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British drummer Nandi Bushell’s latest famous fans are Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and singer-bassist Geddy Lee in Toronto.

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Bushell, who is 11, posted a video on YouTube, which she also tweeted out on Sunday, of her playing the band’s late drummer Neil Peart’s parts for the Rush classic Tom Sawyer .

“This one is for you Professor,” she wrote. “I wanted to try a @rushtheband song that would really challenge me. I watched an interview where Neil Peart said Tom Sawyer ‘remains so difficult to play.’ So I thought I would give it a try. It’s actually really fun to play.”

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Lifeson, upon seeing the video clip tweeted back to her on Monday: “Oh @Nandi_Bushell, you brought a tear to my eye with this tribute! Tom Sawyer is a difficult song to play drums to and you made it so much fun. Neil would have loved your performance and wonderful smile, as both Geddy and I do!”

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Bushell, who was first brought to the public’s attention when she and Foo Fighter Dave Grohl engaged in a drum battle last year, responded: “Thank you so so much Alex and Geddy! I will keep learning from you all! I love watching videos of Neil playing, it’s like he is one with his kit. You all made music that will forever be AWESOME! I can’t wait to listen to more @rushtheband songs and learn from the Professor.”

Grohl not only wrote a song about Bushell, who’s also played with members of Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rage Against the Machine, but invited her to play with the Foos last year at the L.A. Forum.

She’s been posting her famous rock covers on YouTube and do yourself a favour and go check one out because her positive glee in playing is infectious as is her smile.