Born on September 12, 1952, Neil Peart became the drummer, primary lyricist, and intellectual heartbeat of Rush. Joining Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson in 1974, Peart transformed the band's direction with a combination of extraordinary technical ability, relentless discipline, and lyrics that explored philosophy, individualism, science, imagination, loss, and the human experience. From the sprawling ambition of 2112 to Moving Pictures, Signals, Power Windows, and beyond, Peart's drumming constantly evolved. "Tom Sawyer", "YYZ", "The Spirit of Radio", "La Villa Strangiato", and countless others made him a hero to generations of drummers, while his lyrics gave Rush a depth all their own. Peart remained with Rush until the band's final tour in 2015. He died from glioblastoma in 2020 at age 67, leaving behind a legacy that reaches far beyond technical brilliance. To millions of musicians and fans, Neil Peart will forever be The Professor.

On September 12, 1975, Pink Floyd released Wish You Were Here in the UK, their ninth studio album and the monumental follow-up to The Dark Side of the Moon. Built around themes of absence, alienation, the machinery of the music business, and the lingering shadow of former bandmate Syd Barrett, the album became one of Pink Floyd's most emotionally powerful works. Opening and closing with the nine-part "Shine On You Crazy Diamond", the band's tribute to Barrett, the album also delivered "Welcome to the Machine", "Have a Cigar", and the timeless title track "Wish You Were Here". In one of rock history's eeriest moments, Barrett unexpectedly appeared at Abbey Road during the recording sessions, so physically changed that his former bandmates initially failed to recognize him. Wish You Were Here reached No. 1 in both the UK and United States and remains one of progressive rock's defining albums. Produced by Pink Floyd.

On September 12, 1989, Aerosmith released Pump, their tenth studio album and one of the crowning achievements of their spectacular late-1980s comeback. Following the success of Permanent Vacation, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer entered Little Mountain Sound Studios and emerged with a record that balanced the band's old-school swagger with massive modern production. Featuring "Love in an Elevator", "Janie's Got a Gun", "What It Takes", "The Other Side", and "F.I.N.E.", Pump reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and ultimately sold seven million copies in the United States. "Janie's Got a Gun" also earned Aerosmith their first Grammy Award. Sleazy, muscular, melodic, and unmistakably Aerosmith, Pump proved their comeback was no temporary second wind. They were once again one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn.