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.
18 Responses
Traveled to Phoenix to see the R40 tour. It was the most memorable show I had ever witnessed. RIP to arguably the most technically gifted drummer in rock history. You will be missed Professor.
Farewell, Analog Kid and Digital Man.
Very sad-RIP to one of the best rock drummers of all time.
Hard to believe and so sad. We lost a truly great one, and I’m so glad I got to see them at Radio City Music Hall back in the day. An A** kicking trio like no other. As a drummer he was unimaginably good, and it just so happened that he wrote the lyrics. The diversity of the bands that they relentlessly toured with in the 70’s/80’s was unreal (Including KISS). RIP to a One of a Kind.
Sad. That’s all I can say. Glad I saw Rush 10 over the years.