Legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart lost his battle with brain cancer this week at age 67.
The Ontario-born musician and lyricist died on Tuesday, Jan. 7 after battling the disease for three years. The news was initially confirmed to Rolling Stone by Elliott Mintz, a spokesperson for the Peart family.
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The iconic rocker’s passing is a major hit for music fans, as he is one of greatest drummers in rock history.
Peart joined Canadian band Rush with singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in 1974. His work as a drummer and songwriter helped propel the band to the forefront of classic-rock.
Justin Trudeau also sent his condolences. “We’ve lost a legend. But his influence and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of music lovers in Canada and around the world,” he wrote on Twitter.
Up until the end, he never stopped fighting for the principals of rock n’ roll.
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“It’s about being your own hero,” he told Rolling Stone in 2015. “I set out to never betray the values that 16-year-old had, to never sell out, to never bow to the man. A compromise is what I can never accept.”
The music industry came out in full force to mourn Peart’s passing.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie Nuttal, and daughter Olivia.
