Neil Peart, Rush drummer and lyricist, has died at age 67
Neil Peart, the longtime drummer and lyricist of the band Rush, has died at age 67. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died in Santa Monica, California, on January 7 after battling brain cancer, CBS Los Angeles confirmed.
Peart's bandmates made an emotional tribute to him on Twitter, saying he battled the cancer for three-and-a-half years and calling him their "soul brother and band mate of 45 years." In asking for privacy, they urged those who want to express condolences to do so by donating to a cancer research group or charity.
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
— Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
The type of tumor Peart had, glioblastoma, is a brain tumor that often recurs after it is initially treated. Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy died of the same cancer.
Peart, also known as The Professor by his fans, has accrued a long list of accolades throughout his career. He has been with the Canadian-bred rock band Rush since 1974, and alongside fellow band mates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, has received several Grammy nominations and been inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Peart, also a Modern Drummer Hall of Famer, authored several non-fiction books and helped create the "Clockwork Angels" novels, a series based on Rush's 19th and final studio album of the same name.
Musicians and bands reacted to the news of Peart's death by playing clips of his drum solos, particularly him performing the Rush hit "Tom Sawyer." Many said his work inspired them to pursue music and expressed the impact his music had on their lives.
Taylor Momsen, an actress and singer and guitarist in The Pretty Reckless, posted about Peart's death on Instagram, saying he was one of her "favorite musicians of all time."
"His influence and music will live on through anyone who picks up an instrument," she said.
View this post on InstagramSuch a loss, one of my favorite musicians of all time. His influence and music will live on through anyone who picks up an instrument #neilpeart
A post shared by Taylor Momsen (@taylormomsen) on
Metallica co-founder and drummer Lars Ulrich posted on Instagram, thanking Peart for what he did "for drummers all over the world." He said Peart's commitment to drumming and advice were an inspiration.
View this post on InstagramThank you Neil. Thank you for inspiring me and for all your help and advice along the way, especially in the early days when you took the time to talk to a young green Danish drummer about recording, gear and the possibilities that lay ahead... Thank you for what you did for drummers all over the world with your passion, your approach, your principles and your unwavering commitment to the instrument! Rest In Peace.
A post shared by Lars Ulrich (@larsulrich) on
William Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins said Peart gave the band "wings to soar and a roadmap to eventually find our own way." Corgan went on to say that there "isn't a modern rock drummer alive who hasn't heard him, and spoken his name with a reverence that's reserved for the very few."
View this post on InstagramOn the passing of Neil Peart, please let me add my voice to the chorus in praising this incredible musician and poet. His influence on the Smashing Pumpkins is indelible: giving us wings to soar with and a road map to ultimately find our own way. There isn't a modern rock drummer alive who hasn't heard him, and spoken his name with a reverence that's reserved for the very few. And as a lyricist, Mr. Peart is without compare. I am forever in his debt, and humbled to say that though I never met him, I feel I knew him as a friend. Which brings to mind his great line, 'I can't pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend...' May God embrace you, Neil, as His own RIP -William
A post shared by WilliamPatrickCorgan (@williampcorgan) on
- In:
- Obituary
Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
