music / News

Legendary Rush Drummer Neil Peart Passes Away

January 10, 2020 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

The world has lost a musical icon as Neil Peart, the drummer who was a core part of Rush, has passed away. A family spokeperson has confirmed that the Peart, who is recognized as one of the greatest drummers in rock history, passed away on Tuesday in Santa Monica after a long battle with brain cancer. Rush also issued a statement, which you can read below. Peart was 67 years old.

Peart got into drumming at an early age and moved from outside Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to London to seek a career as a professional musician at 18. He struggled to support himself as a musician there and eventually returned to Canada, where he played in a band called Hush before eventually being convinced to audition for Rush in 1974 after John Rutsey had to leave due to medical complications. Peart joined the group and the rest is history.

In addition to his drumming, which was revolutionary and an influence on countless musicians, Peart served as the primary lyricist for the band. His in-concert drum solos were considered among the best ever, and he was with the band from 1974 (just after their debut album) until their final tour in 2015. Among the group’s many hits during Peart’s tenure were “Tom Sawyer,” “Limelight,” “New World Man,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Fly by Night,” and “Closer to the Heart.” The band was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends and legion of fans of Mr. Peart. Rock music would quite literally not be the same without him.

article topics :

Neil Peart, Rush, Jeremy Thomas