Neil Peart, Rush drummer and lyricist, dies at 67
Neil Peart, the renowned drummer and lyricist from the influential band Rush, has died. He was 67.
His representative, Elliot Mintz, said in a statement Friday that Peart died at his home Tuesday in Santa Monica. The band posted a message on Twitter also confirming the news.
Rest In Peace Neil Peart. So sad to hear.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) January 10, 2020
“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 over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer," the band wrote. “Rest in peace brother.”
So sad to hear Neil Peart has died. This 2015 interview of the Rush drummer by @NPRInskeep was one of my favorite conversations on @MorningEdition while I worked there. Beyond being a brilliant drummer, he was an engaged and thoughtful human being. RIP https://t.co/RwBteq3kUM
— (@mcguffindavid)Jan 10 2020
Peart was revered for his drumming skills but was also the band's key lyricist. Peart, alongside bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, were inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and honored for combining "the signature traits of progressive rock with a proto typical heavy-metal sound.” Their most known songs include “Tom Sawyer,” “The Big Money” and “The Spirit of Radio.”
Neil Peart used this kit to play his rendition of the Hockey Night in Canada theme. It’s on display at the National Music Centre in Calgary.
— (@browncbc)Jan 10 2020
To sign Peart’s guest book, click here.
RELATED: AJC's Melissa Ruggieri writes about Neil Peart (with photos from an Atlanta Rush concert)
