Neil Peart Dead at 67
Neil Peart, the iconic drummer for Rush, has died. He was 67.
Per Rolling Stone, Peart family spokesperson Elliott Mintz said he died on Tuesday January 7 and his cause of death was brain cancer. Peart was battling the disease privately for three years. A rep for the band also confirmed Peart’s passing to Rolling Stone.
In a statement to Rush’s social media channels, bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson shared the following message:
“It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday our friend, soul brother and band mate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer (Glioblastoma). 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. Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil’s name. Rest in peace brother.”
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
— Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
For decades, Peart’s been considered one of the best drummers in rock history and has influenced generations of drummers after him. Adding to his legend, Peart was also Rush’s primary lyricist.
Peart joined Rush in 1974 and appeared on 18 of the band’s 19 studio albums starting with 1975’s Fly by Night. In total, Rush has sold an estimated 40 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Rush retired from touring following their R40 tour in 2015.
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