Rush Drummer Neil Peart Passes

With heavy hearts, music lovers and fans all over the world mourn the loss of Neil Peart, who died of brain cancer on January 7th, 2020 at the age of 67, in Santa Monica, California.

Legendary drummer and lyricist of Canadian band Rush for 45 years, Peart was widely considered to be the best rock drummer of all time whose influence inspired and shaped so many musicians.

Peart had been privately battling glioblstoma for three and a half years.

What is Glioblastoma?

With an average prognosis of about 16 months, glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor. It can affect anyone, developing as a main tumor mass that infiltrates into surrounding brain tissues. Surgery is typically the first step to remove the main tumor. More treatment follows and consists of radiation or chemotherapy. Newer, more precise targeted immunotherapies can also be used. Often all three treatments may be required.

Remembering Neil

There has been an outpouring of tributes from musicians and friends.

Band mates Getty Lee and Alex Lifeson posted an emotional shared statement on the band’s official Twitter feed.

“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 mater of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredible 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.”

Peart is survived by his wife and daughter.

Banner image: LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 06: Musician Neil Peart of the band Rush performs at the Nokia Theatre on May 6, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jesse Grant/Getty Images)