Neil Peart of Rush Fame Has Died
Today, news broke out that three days ago, Rush drummer and lyricist has died as a result of giloblastoma - a brain cancer. Aftering joining Rush in late 1974, Peart had been responsible for writting lyrics for the band. His lyrical poetry centers on philosphical, mythological, and even fantasy subjects.
Born in Hamilton, Ontaria, Peart was raised in Port Dailhoue, Ontaria - now a part of St. Catherines, the largest city in the Niagra Region. He spend his teen years floating arond many local bands, but had no luck in making a name for himself at the time.
Although Peart was a long-standing Rush member, he did not feature on their 1974 self-titled debut, as at the time, he was in England trying out for the progressive rock, or perhaps more emerging punk scene of the day. Rather, the late John Rutsey played on their 1974 debut which featured the lengthy, Sabbath-like Working Man.
Peart came into Rush in time for their first US shows. He has seen been responsible for writing many lyrics, and while some of those were fantasy, many were written from real perspectives. The title track of 1975's Fly by Night about his first travels overseas when he visited England the year before. In their 1980 album Permanent Waves, Peart wrote the track Limelight about how the pressures of being in a band and touring can do a number on you (a la Bob Seger's Turn the Page), as well as Spirit of the Radio, written as a tribute to what radio once used to be - many compared that to the Buggles' hit Video Killed the Radio Star, and the song is even known for "parodying" Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence.
In the 80s, Peart's lyrics showed a touch of realism. The best example of this is on their 1982 album Signals, with the hit Subdivisions - dealing with the expectations of suburban society and the (then) growing suburban lifestyle.
It was then that Peart held the record for becoming the youngest drummer to join the Drummers Hall of Fame - being only 30 years old at the time of induction.
In Rush, Peart made a name for himself with his energetic showmanship full of stamina and amazing drumming abilities. Sadly, he announced his retirement in December 2015, which led to Rush retiring from touring, an announcement made in 2016.
The remaining members wrote on the Rush website, and I quote, "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. 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."
Born in Hamilton, Ontaria, Peart was raised in Port Dailhoue, Ontaria - now a part of St. Catherines, the largest city in the Niagra Region. He spend his teen years floating arond many local bands, but had no luck in making a name for himself at the time.
Although Peart was a long-standing Rush member, he did not feature on their 1974 self-titled debut, as at the time, he was in England trying out for the progressive rock, or perhaps more emerging punk scene of the day. Rather, the late John Rutsey played on their 1974 debut which featured the lengthy, Sabbath-like Working Man.
Peart came into Rush in time for their first US shows. He has seen been responsible for writing many lyrics, and while some of those were fantasy, many were written from real perspectives. The title track of 1975's Fly by Night about his first travels overseas when he visited England the year before. In their 1980 album Permanent Waves, Peart wrote the track Limelight about how the pressures of being in a band and touring can do a number on you (a la Bob Seger's Turn the Page), as well as Spirit of the Radio, written as a tribute to what radio once used to be - many compared that to the Buggles' hit Video Killed the Radio Star, and the song is even known for "parodying" Simon and Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence.
In the 80s, Peart's lyrics showed a touch of realism. The best example of this is on their 1982 album Signals, with the hit Subdivisions - dealing with the expectations of suburban society and the (then) growing suburban lifestyle.
It was then that Peart held the record for becoming the youngest drummer to join the Drummers Hall of Fame - being only 30 years old at the time of induction.
In Rush, Peart made a name for himself with his energetic showmanship full of stamina and amazing drumming abilities. Sadly, he announced his retirement in December 2015, which led to Rush retiring from touring, an announcement made in 2016.
The remaining members wrote on the Rush website, and I quote, "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. 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."
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