Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of Rush dies

Sad, sad news. We were devastated to hear that Neil Peart (1952-2020), the legendary drummer of Rush passed away. He was found dead on January 7th in Santa Monica, California. Neil has lost his three year fight with brain cancer. He was only 67 years old.

Here is the official statement from the band Rush:

Neil Peart was one of the most influental drummers in progressive rock/metal for the past 45 years. Sadly, this event marked A Farewell to Kings. However, Neil Peart and Rush’s legacy will live on for the centuries to come. Agoraphobic News team wishes condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. RIP NEIL PEART! Neil Peart was a member of the legendary Canadian band Rush. Peart was the youngest drummer ever who got introduced in Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983. Some of his drumming influences were: John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Keith Moon of The Who, Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Bill Bruford, Gene Krupka, Ginger Baker, Phil Collins, Steve Gad others.

Neil Peart used Singerland, Tama, Ludwig and Drum Workshop drums. He was using Zildjian A-series cymbals and Wuhan chinas. Interestingly enough, Neil Peart was Rush’s main lyricist. Neil Peart retired from Rush in December of 2015 due to the health issues. He was suffering from chronic tendinitis. Peart died of glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer.

 Peart is the author of seven non-fiction books: The Masked Rider: Cycling in West Africa, Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road, Traveling Music: Playing Back the Soundtrack to my Life and Times, Roadshow: Landscape with Drums, A Concert Tour By Motorcycle, Far and Away: A Prize Every Time, Far and Near: On Days like These, Far and Wide: Bring that Horizon to Me!, Clockwork Angels.

Neil Peart played the drums on the following Rush albums:

Fly By Night (1975)
Caress of Steel (1975)
2112 (1976)
A Farewell to Kings (1977)
Hemispheres (1978)
Permanent Waves (1980)
Moving Pictures (1981)
Signals (1982)
Grace under Pressure (1984)
Power Windows (1985)
Hold Your Fire (1987)
Presto (1989)
Roll the Bones (1991)
Counterparts (1993)
Test for Echo (1996)
Vapor Trails (2002)
Snakes & Arrows (2007)
Clockwork Angels (2012)