Yesterday, Jan. 10, legendary Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died in California after a battle with brain cancer. Peart was 67. CBC News first reported the news, citing Peart's publicist, and the band confirmed the news on social media.
Peart, who was born in Hamilton, Ontario, took to music at an early age, particularly when his parents bought him a pair of drumsticks at age 13. At 18, Peart sought to pursue music professionally, which later landed him the gig of Rush drummer. Rush went on to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Upon hearing the news, the band and friends all began to post to social media to remember and honor Peart, who was an extremely influential musician and considered one of the best drummers in rock history.
See some of the tributes to Peart below.
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
— Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
RIP Neil Peart pic.twitter.com/PxNZ3W5WSs
— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) January 10, 2020
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/RVaVeGl73o
— Styx (@STYXtheBand) January 11, 2020
Oh man... Neil Peart. Every drummer just ran to their kit to bust out Tom Sawyer. His dedication and RE-dedication to his craft is a lesson in always improving. Never be complacent. You can ALWAYS be better. R.I.P.
— patrick wilson (@patrickwilson73) 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
Thanks for opening the door, Neil. Your thunderous playing, your thoughtful lyrics, and extreme dedication were inspirational to me in every way. https://t.co/KTmS9iELRd
— Tyler Stewart (@Baldy67) January 10, 2020
What an incredibly sad moment. Neil, Geddy & Alex changed my life as a young aspiring musician. Condolences to the family and @rushtheband organization. https://t.co/FX6QtE8k4c
— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) January 10, 2020
The master will be missed - Neil Peart RIP #RushForever pic.twitter.com/o4Y6chFiB3
— Jack Black (@jackblack) January 10, 2020
I just heard about Neil Peart passing. I feel real bad about this - he was way too young. Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love & mercy to Neil’s family.
— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 10, 2020
– Brian pic.twitter.com/T5qjECWX1W
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Article image: Neil Peart performing in 2004. (Enrico Frangi [Available through Public Domain] via Wikimedia Commons.)