Rush drummer Neil Peart dies at 67 after fight against brain cancer
Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of Rush, has died, Rolling Stone reports. He was 67.
The cause of death was brain cancer, which he had been battling for the past three-and-a-half years, according to a spokesperson. Peart passed on Tuesday January 7th in Santa Monica.
Among the most admired drummers in rock music, Peart was famous for his massive drum kits — more than 40 different drums were not out of the norm — precise playing style and onstage showmanship.
A legend lost: Neal Peart has passed away at the age of 67, after battling with brain cancer. He is seen in 2013 above
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer joined Rush in 1974 alongside frontman and bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson.
In a statement released Friday his bandmates called Peart their ‘friend, soul brother and bandmate over 45 years,’ calling him ‘incredibly brave’ during his fight against cancer.
The Canadian band played a final tour in 2015 culminating in a final show at the Forum in Los Angeles.
Peart first picked up drummer at 13 years old.
Rock legend: He joined Rush in 1974 alongside frontman and bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson. Peart is pictured in 1976 above
Lifelong passion: Peart first picked up drummer at 13 years old. He’s seen in 2015 above
‘I got a pair of sticks, a practice pad, and lessons,’ he said in 2012, adding that his parents told him, ‘”Once you show that you’re going to stick with it for a year, then we’ll get drums.”‘ Fair enough.’
Often used as a punchline in movies and pop culture for their over-the-top prog-rock style, Rush was among the biggest bands of the last 50 years.
They sold millions of albums in a career that spanned 19 studio albums and multiple live collections as well as elaborate box sets.
Superstars: Rush (above in 2015) was among the biggest bands of the last 50 years. They sold millions of albums in a career that spanned 19 studio albums and multiple live collections as well as elaborate box sets
Rest in peace: Metallica’s Kirk Hammett kept things short and sweet, writing: ‘RIP to a master [broken heart emoji]’
According to the RIAA, Rush’s album sales statistics put them third behind The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for the most consecutive gold or platinum albums by a rock band.
Rush also ranks 79th in US album sales with 25 million units. Worldwide, the band has moved over 40 million units.
In addition to being a world-class drummer, Peart was also the author of several books.
Remembered: Tommy Thayer, longtime KISS insider and the band’s guitarist since 2002, also chimed in, writing: ‘So sad to hear about Neil Peart passing. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans
Sad: Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s founding bassist, wrote: ‘Sad to head of Neil Peart’s passing. RIP’
Famous fans poured in with tributes following news of Peart’s death.
Metallica’s Kirk Hammett kept things short and sweet, writing: ‘RIP to a master [broken heart emoji.]’
Tommy Thayer, longtime KISS insider and the band’s guitarist since 2002, also chimed in, writing: ‘So sad to hear about Neil Peart passing. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.’
Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath’s founding bassist, wrote: ‘Sad to head of Neil Peart’s passing. RIP.’
I just heard about Neil Peart passing. I feel real bad about this – he was way too young. Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love & mercy to Neil’s family. – Brian
A post shared by Brian Wilson (@brianwilsonlive) on
‘Rest in beats’: Public Enemy’s Chuck D shared a memory from being inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame the same year as Rush
The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson took to Instagram to share: ‘Just heard about Neil Peart passing. I feel real bad about this – he was way too young. Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love & mercy to Neil’s family.’
Krist Novoselić, formerly of Nirvana and current bassist/accordionist for Giants in the Trees, retweeted the news, writing: ‘Sorry to hear this.’
Public Enemy’s Chuck D shared a memory from being inducted in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame the same year as Rush.
‘At the end of a crazy @rockhall night in 2013 where @rushtheband & @PublicEnemyFTP were inducted. It was just myself & Neil PEart alone talkin & laughing low in relief the long night was over-a small table backstage sharing a unique moment without much word. Rest in Beats my man,’ he wrote.
#RushForever: Actor/ Tenacious D rocker Jack Black took to Twitter to write: ‘The master will be missed – Neil Peart RIP #RushForever’
Already missed: Gossip Girl actress/ The Pretty Reckless singer Taylor Momsen also sent her condolences on social media
Actor/ Tenacious D rocker Jack Black took to Twitter to write: ‘The master will be missed – Neil Peart RIP #RushForever.’
He paired his post with a touching vintage photo of the drum king.
Gossip Girl actress/ The Pretty Reckless singer Taylor Momsen also sent her condolences on social media.
‘Such a loss, one of my favorite musicians of all time. His influence and music will live on through anyone who picks up an instrument.’
Peart is survived by his wife, Carrie Nuttal, and daughter Olivia.
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