Neil Peart: Music World Mourns Loss of Rush Drummer After Longtime Battle With Brain Cancer

Daniel S. Levine

01/10/2020 07:39 pm EST

The music world is in mourning after the death of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer died on Tuesday at age 67, following a three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. He was considered one of the greatest ever at his craft, beloved for a flamboyant but exacting style that anchored one of the great rock groups behind bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson.

A short time after the news broke, the surviving members of Rush paid tribute to Peart with a heartbreaking statement.

"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)," the statement read. "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."

At the end of their statement, the group asked fans to donate to a cancer charity or research group and make a donation in Peart's name.

Peart is survived by his wife, Carrie Nuttal, and daughter Olivia.

Scroll on to see how music stars are paying tribute to Peart and his artistry.

Photo credit: Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

KISS members

KISS members Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons both tweeted their condolences.

"Absolutely Horrible News," Stanley wrote. "Neal Peart has died after fighting brain cancer for years. His later life was filled with so much family tragedy. So, so sad. I'm just shocked."

"My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends," Simmons added. "Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P."

Jane's Addiction's Stephen Perkins

Stephen Perkins, the drummer for Jane's Addiction, posted a video from behind Peart's drum kit. "Long Live Neil Peart - a quick video from behinds Neil's kit- watch, feel and repeat," he added.

Anthrax's Charlie Benante

Charlie Benante, drummer for Anthrax, recalled rushing home and learning to play "Natural Science" and other Rush tracks as a child. He called Peart "professor" and said his drumming had an enormous impact on his own work. "His playing helped shape the drummer I am today," Benante wrote.

Music Historian Eddie Trunk

Eddie Trunk, a respected music historian and talk show host, was left "speechless" and "stunned" by Peart's death. He also shared a photo of himself with Peart from 2006, when he hosted a show for VH1 Classic.

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson

Megadeth bassist David Ellefson paid tribute to Peart with a long statement on Instagram.

"This is so incredibly sad. Neil, Geddy & Alex changed my life as a young, aspiring bassist," Ellefson wrote. "Neil was the top of the list for rock drummers to me and so many in my generation. Condolences to the family and [Rush] organization."

Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson, former member of The Beach Boys, paid tribute to Peart on Twitter and sent his condolences to the musician's family. Wilson called Peart "one of the great drummers."

Chuck D of Public Enemy

Public Enemy member Chuck D recalled meeting Peart on the night Rush and Public Enemy were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The two groups were inducted on the same night in 2013.

Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler

Geezer Butler, the former bassist and lyricist for Black Sabbath, was "sad to hear" about Peart's death. He included a photo of Peart in his tweet.

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