Classic Rock
Legendary drummer Neil Peart (Rush) dies at 67
Legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart died at 67. The musician was battling a brain cancer for the past 3 years. The disease was never revealed to the fans and was now confirmed by his family. He last moments where in Santa Monica, California. He lived there with his family.
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Rush shared a message in their official social networks saying:
“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 incredible 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 life and career
Born in the Canadian city of Hamilton, Peart initially entered the music universe while studying piano. But he never showed much appreciation for the instrument. When he was fourteen, his parents presented him with a drum kit. Peart participated in some groups in his teens. But his life changed – and rock’s trajectory – in 1975, when he joined bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush.
Fly By Night, Peart’s debut album, has set a new sound level for rock music. Although Lee’s squeaky vocals caused hatred in expert criticism, Peart’s drums always stood out. He was also a great lyricist, with themes specializing in science fiction (2112, 1976), the banality of radios (Spirit of the Radio, from the album Permanent Waves, 1980), and school bullying (Subdivisions, from the album Signals, 1982). His drum skills were legendary – whether on solos, the way he played the drumstick in the air and picked up the timing to restart the song or even beats like La Villa Strangiato, considered a challenge for any drummer.
Personal tragedy
The drummer suffered two personal tragedies. In August 1997, her daughter Selena Taylor died in a traffic accident. Ten months later, his wife, Jacqueline Taylor, succumbed to cancer.
Peart was cured of the loss by taking a timeless vacation and riding Canada and the United States on his motorcycle. In addition, the trips yielded a book called The Healing Road. In September 2000, he remarried photographer Carrie Nuttall.
It was in December 2015, Neil Peart announced his retirement. Therefore, Lee and Lifeson decided to end Rush’s activities. At the time it was commented that he no longer had the physical conditions to continue playing the drums. Probably signs of cancer.
