“Suddenly, you were gone; from all the lives you left your make upon.”
-Neil Peart, Afterimage, from Grace Under Pressure

Today the news reported that the legendary drummer from the band Rush, Neil Peart, died from brain cancer. Celebrity deaths don’t usually move me, but this one is different. I have been a fan of Rush since the age of 12 (1977) and they remain my favourite band to this day. I have seen Rush 45 times throughout my life and can easily repeat the cliche that they were the soundtrack to my life. Since the early ’70’s, Rush has had a cult following like no other band and their musical influence over those that came after them cannot be overstated.

Neil was introverted and shy and did not long for the limelight. He suffered through some family tragedies than no man should go through. He was articulate, intelligent, and a master at his craft; perhaps the greatest rock drummer of all time. The public did not know of his cancer. He was always a private man and remained so until his last day. It is hard to hear that one so talented and prolific, is no longer.

R.I.P. Neil Peart (1952-2020)