According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Neil Peart, Hall of Fame drummer and lyricist for Rush, died Tuesday, January 7th, in Santa Monica, California at age 67 succumbing to brain cancer. He had been battling cancer quietly for three years according to Elliot Mintz, a spokesperson for the Peart family. The band recently released a statement regarding Peart’s death in a tweet.
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
— Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
Considered one of the best drummers in rock history, a virtuoso, Peart joined guitarist, Alex Lifeson, and singer-bassist, Geddy Lee, in 1974. His extravagant playing and overly imaginative lyrics helped establish the trio as one of the key bands of the classic rock era. Rush finished their final tour in 2015, and Peart was done with the road wanting to spend more time with his wife and daughter. Peart was also an accomplished author of several books. This story is still developing.