I love "I'm Freaking Out", and luv Dreamtheater - Saw them just once.
That's great that you got to meet Steve. I have some of his instructional vids, and you can tell he's down to earth. I got some good tips from those vids that I put to use, regarding amps and sound.
Yes, total bummer about Neil. My friend that I was in a band with caught one of Neil's sticks - it actually practically landed right in his lap. He had it hanging in the practice room where we jammed. Then one day all of the drum sticks were broken, and he started using it. I tried to talk him out of it and told him that Neil put every nick in that stick. He started using it, then broke it, and I don't know what ever became of it. That dude never took care of anything.