UPDATE - 1/17@10:33AM: There will be no regular Friday Rush updates post this week as we all continue to mourn the passing of Neil Peart, and celebrate his extraordinary life. I'll keep this post open and continue to share tributes and other information related to his death to the @rushisaband Twitter feed and RIAB Faceboook page. I encourage everyone to share their memories of Neil in the comments, and also consider making a donation on behalf of the Peart family to the American Cancer Society or other cancer-related charity.
UPDATE - 1/11@11:27AM: The tributes to Neil are just pouring in from literally every corner of the internet. I'm attempting to keep up with them all on the RIAB Twitter feed. I'm still in shock and it doesn't seem real. My heart goes out to Neil's family and friends, and all my fellow Rush fans.
UPDATE - 1/10@4:59PM: Here's a statement from Rush:
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
- Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
----- snip -----
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Neil Peart has passed away from brain cancer at the age of 67. From CBC News:
Neil Peart, the drummer of iconic Canadian band Rush, has died at age 67. The influential musician and lyricist died Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif., after having been diagnosed with brain cancer, according to a statement issued Friday by family spokesperson Elliot Mintz. His death was confirmed by Meg Symsyk, a media spokesperson for the progressive rock trio comprising Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Along with penning impressive lyrics, Peart was renowned for his proficiency on drums and expertly weaving together techniques from different musical genres, blending jazz and big band with hard rock. Rush, which formed in Toronto in the 1970s, attracted a loyal, worldwide fanbase, sold millions of records and influenced a multitude of rock musicians with its complex, literary music. The trio was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994, joining the U.S. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Peart's survivors include his wife Carrie and daughter Olivia. Funeral plans are pending.
I have no words ...
