RUSH’S NEIL PEART PASSES AT AGE 67, DRUMMER WAS QUIETLY BATTLING BRAIN CANCER
Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush, died on Tuesday, January 7th, in Santa Monica, California at age 67, according to Elliot Mintz, a family spokesperson. The cause was brain cancer, which he had been quietly battling for three-and-a-half years. A representative for the band confirmed the news to Rolling Stone…
…In a statement released Friday afternoon, [Peart’s bandmates] [Geddy] Lee and [Alex] Lifeson called Peart their “friend, soul brother and bandmate over 45 years,” and said he had been “incredibly brave” in his battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. “We ask that friends, fans, and media alike understandably respect the family’s need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time,” Lee and Lifeson said. “Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil Peart’s name. Rest in peace, brother…”
…Rush finished their final tour in 2015; Peart was done with the road and eager to spend more time with his wife, Carrie Nuttal, and daughter Olivia.
Read more at Rolling Stone.
The first time I ever saw Rush was in the mid 80’s. Was also the first time I ever had front row tickets to a major show. In another first, I was also inadvertently urinated on by a drunk patron in the second row. Memorable show for many reasons. Not all of them good as you can well imagine.
Rest In Peace Neil Peart.
A true great.