It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Neil Peart, one of the world’s most legendary and influential drummers and lyricists died on Tuesday, January 7th, in Santa Monica, California, aged 67. The cause of death was brain cancer, a disease he had been quietly battling for three-and-a-half years.
His Rush bandmates Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson made an emotional statement via Twitter on Friday afternoon: “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). 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.”
Fans are encouraged to make charitable donations towards the fight against cancer in their beloved bandmate’s honour: “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.”
Peart is survived by his wife Carrie Nuttall and his daughter Olivia. He lost his 19-year-old daughter Selena in August 1997. Shortly after, Selena’s mother and his partner of 23 years at the time, Jackie, died of terminal cancer. Following her death, Peart considered himself retired from Rush, and embarked on a solitary cross-country road trip, only returning to the fold after a lengthy hiatus. He retired from music in 2015.
Neil Peart – September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020
