Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush died Tuesday, January 7th, in Santa Monica, California, at age 67. The cause was brain cancer, which he had been quietly battling for three years, according to Elliott Mintz, a spokesperson for the Peart family. A representative for the band confirmed the news to Rolling Stone.
Peart was widely considered one of the best drummers in rock history, with a colorful yet utterly precise style. He joined singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in Rush in 1974, and his virtuosic playing and literate lyrics – which drew on Ayn Rand and science fiction, among other influences – helped make Rush one of the critical bands of the classic-rock era. A rigorous autodidact and a gifted writer, he was also the author of numerous books.
“Neil is the most air-drummed-to drummer of all time,” former Police drummer Stewart Copeland told Rolling Stone in 2015. “Neil pushes that band, which has a lot of musicality, a lot of ideas crammed into every eight bars — but he keeps the throb, which is the important thing. And he can do that while doing all kinds of cool shit.”
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.
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Very sad but was great to see them. In1978. R.I.P.
Rest in peace Neil, you changed music and the world.
I’m in shock. Peace to you. Love to your family. They are not alone…you have many fans.
So blessed to have seen him play over the years, there is no one like him. Such talent with dtumming and his words. Bless him and his family and friends
I’m going to miss you Neil, you have always been an inspiration to me ! Rest in Peace you’ll be remembered Forever!!!🎵🌟👍😎
In total shock. Neal was a great musician. Love to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
R I P , king of percussion.. you will be missed and then some
Another music icon joins the night shift, RIH mr Neal peart
A poet, a dreamer, THE drummer, a wise man. His words changed my world from a dark place to light. He has no equal.
Dreadful news. Part of my youth has gone. The only drummer who I could watch and enjoy when he had his drum solo.