The music world was shocked today with the passing of legendary Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. Considered one of the best to ever pick up a pair of drumsticks, Peart quietly battled brain cancer after retiring from touring in 2015. He was sixty-seven years old.
As details of his passing emerged, artists and fans far and wide have shared their thoughts and condolences online, from indie rockers HEALTH to the city of Toronto to Rush themselves.
Here’s a round-up of reactions.
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
https://twitter.com/BrianWilsonLive/status/1215754014438100993
The master will be missed – Neil Peart RIP #RushForever pic.twitter.com/o4Y6chFiB3
— Jack Black (@jackblack) January 10, 2020
Put on my favorite RUSH album, Hemispheres and started crying like a little bitch
— HEALTH (@_HEALTH_) January 10, 2020
R.I.P. to 1 of my 🎵 heroes: #NeilPeart. pic.twitter.com/XO2iW2mqeX
— DāM-FunK (@DaMFunK) January 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/KristNovoselic/status/1215754752987820034
My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P……. Rush Drummer Neil Peart Dead at 67 – Rolling Stone https://t.co/icYz6fnXfE
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 10, 2020
RIP to a master 💔 #neilpeart https://t.co/B8ssS79tRS
— Kirk Hammett (@KirkHammett) 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
RIP Neil Peart. Idol of my first band's drummer & yet we could never cover any of their songs. Too hard! #workingman #spiritofradio #RUSH #neilpeart
— superchunk (@superchunk) January 10, 2020
So sad to hear about Neil Peart
I only got to meet him once but we were both
St Catharines natives. Incredible drummer obviously
but also, he gave RUSH their signature thought provoking lyrics. Huge Loss RIP RS— Ron Sexsmith (@RonSexsmith) January 10, 2020
We’ve lost a great one far too soon 😞https://t.co/e559BEYv73
— Bonnaroo (@Bonnaroo) January 10, 2020
We are sad to hear news that the Greatest Drummer of all-time has passed away 😔🥁🇨🇦
R.I.P Neil Peart (#RUSH) 🕊️
b. Sept 12, 1952 Hamilton, ON
d. Jan. 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/3vXbCTKlpK— T O R O N T O 🍁 (@Toronto) January 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/TomDumont/status/1215747019945340929
Sad to hear of Neil Peart passing. RIP. pic.twitter.com/2iMWJq1uoo
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) January 10, 2020
Legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart has left us. Rest in Rock, sir. https://t.co/u5MLl0uOxq
— Ted Allen (@TheTedAllen) January 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/ellefsondavid/status/1215752683421761536
Crushed to hear of Neil Peart’s passing. The best ever. Hail Rush. pic.twitter.com/evgCqQkkN9
— Johnny Taylor, Jr. (@hipsterocracy) January 10, 2020
We are saddened to hear of Neil Peart’s passing.
Thank you, Neil, for sharing your love of hockey with us and Rush fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/iocConRXcP
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) January 10, 2020
Rush embodied Rock & Roll in a way that transcended whether you were a fan or not-they did exactly what they wanted to do-exactly the way they wanted to do it. NO COMPROMISE.
Love them – or not. RESPECT is totally due.
Neil Peart fused Heart.Mind.Body. To a seamless whole.
R.I.P.— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) 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
Thank you, Neil pic.twitter.com/YicBRsaF00
— goldenvoice (@goldenvoice) January 10, 2020
