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
If only we really could make “Time Stand Still.” Rest in peace, Neil Peart.
Sad, sad, sad. No lies I had just come home from a Barnes and Noble store where I was looking to see if they still had a book that detailed his drum setups when I read this on a news site, and no lies again I had been listening to alot of Rush over the past few weeks as I found some older fan videos on You Tube that were really good.
My favorite drummer and a great chronicler, lyricist, a big influence on me. I once had a drum set way back when and I still like writing lyrics,poetry.
I had read that he had some arthritic issues but never knew about any cancer. Peace to his wife and daughter who he had wanted to spend more time with.
A dynamic percussionist and astute philosopher who also appreciated the natural world and loved to travel through it chronicling what he saw. Read some of his books also, and he had some good taste for motor vehicles as well.
Sad, sad.
Was a total shock to hear he’d passed away. I found out right before my long drive home from work, so I had to play Rush on my way home. He is my favorite drummer and lead for air drumming. I wish I saw Rush live, but unfortunately I didn’t, by time I had time, they already retired.
I feel for his wife and daughter and my heart goes out to him. If anything, they left the stage on top at their game. If Rush said they’re done then they’re done, no contract needed
RIP Neil, gonna go home and rewatch the Rush doc What a lousy way to start the new decade.
I was very surprised by this terrible news. I feel so much empathy and sympathy for his wife and child. The Lee’s, Lifeson’s and the RUSH family. Deeply saddened by this. Not sure where he’s influenced me more in my life drumming or via his insightful lyrics. He truly is the Professor. I always respected him for his artistic capabilities, and that he was not into senseless hero worship and fan adulation. Cygnus X-1Book II really hit hard today.
I was lucky enough to have seen them 9 times between Show of Hands Tour, Test for Echo, Vapor Trails, R30, Moving Pictures, Clockwork and R40 shows. Met many a great fans at these shows that had seen them over a hundred times since the John Rutsey days and still hadn’t gotten enough.
An amazing talent who will be missed but his work can be enjoyed until eternity.
Rest easy Mr. Peart.