Peart passed away three days before the announcement
Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart has died at the age of 67 from brain cancer. Peart passed away on Tuesday (Jan 7th) in Santa Monica. His family says he was diagnosed three and a half years ago, but never announced it to his Rush fans.
“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),” his bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson share. “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 Peart’s name.”
Rush called it quits in 2015 after 40 years together. Peart announced he wanted to retire, citing chronic pain and tendinitis. Peart was a mainstay among the greatest rock drummers with his virtuosic beats and his pre-arranged solos.
The Canadian rock trio has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
He is survived by a wife and ten year old daughter. Peart’s 19 year old daughter passed away in a single car accident in August 1997. His common-law wife of 23 years and Selena’s mother, Jackie, passed away five months later due to terminal cancer. Peart nearly retired due to devastation, but decided to embark on a solitary motorcycle trip across the United States. He remarried in 2000 and Rush continued in 2001.
The shocking news was revealed on Friday with stars sharing their thoughts.
It absolutely breaks my heart to pieces to get the news of the passing of one of my greatest heroes of all time. #RIPNeilPeart My deepest condolences to the band, crew & family. Rest In Peace my friend. You will always be my hero ?
For further thoughts: https://t.co/kg0StEx0EB pic.twitter.com/KnmalW5PLD— Mike Portnoy ? (@MikePortnoy) January 10, 2020
My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P……. Rush Drummer Neil Peart Dead at 67 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/icYz6fnXfE
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 10, 2020
The master will be missed – Neil Peart RIP #RushForever pic.twitter.com/o4Y6chFiB3
— Jack Black (@jackblack) January 10, 2020
I am shocked at the news about Neil Peart dying at such a young age. My sympathies and prayers go out to his family and close friends and other members of Rush . He was a great drummer . He influence a lot of… https://t.co/4EyFvdcIeh
— Carmine Appice (@carmineappice1) January 10, 2020
Wow… speechless… stunned.. RIP Neil Peart @rushtheband as per Rolling Stone: Drummer Neil Peart Dead at 67 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/uvmIIP5BEV
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) January 10, 2020
Rest In Peace Neil Peart. So sad to hear.
— Peter Frampton (@peterframpton) January 10, 2020
We are saddened to share that #NeilPeart, the legendary drummer and lyricist of @rushtheband, has passed away at the age of 67. We'll be discussing his life, legacy, and music across the channel all day long. Rest In Peace, Neil Peart. #RIPNeilPeart https://t.co/lKogBjFjMf
— SiriusXM VOLUME (@siriusxmvolume) January 10, 2020
So sad to hear about Neil Peart passing. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans. #NeilPeart pic.twitter.com/B8tM4ZcIQQ
— Tommy Thayer (@tommy_thayer) January 10, 2020
At the end of a crazy @rockhall night in 2013 where @rushtheband & @PublicEnemyFTP were inducted. It was just myself & Neil PEart alone talkin & laughing low in relief the long night was over-a small table backstage sharing a unique moment without much word. Rest in Beats my man
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) January 10, 2020
Really sorry to hear about Neil Peart’s passing. He was an amazing drummer and made a huge ccontribution to Rock music. All my best to Alex and Geddy.
— Tom Hamilton (@THaerosmith) January 10, 2020
Long Live Neil Peart – a quick video from behinds Neil’s kit- watch, feel and repeat pic.twitter.com/U2z9TLyfcg
— Stephen Perkins (@stephenperkins) January 10, 2020