Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died at 67 in California on Tuesday (Jan. 7) after losing a battle with brain cancer, as CBC News first reported via Perat's publicist on Friday (Jan. 10). The band then confirmed the news via social media.
Immediately, members of the music community took to social media after the news broke, sharing heartfelt messages about what the late rock icon meant to them.
“Rest in peace brother,” Rush tweeted from their official Twitter account. “The master will be missed,” Jack Black wrote.
See more reactions to Peart’s passing below.
Neil Peart September 12, 1952 – January 7, 2020 pic.twitter.com/NivX2RhiB8
— Rush (@rushtheband) January 10, 2020
Sad to hear of Neil Peart passing. RIP. pic.twitter.com/2iMWJq1uoo
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) January 10, 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
The master will be missed – Neil Peart RIP #RushForever pic.twitter.com/o4Y6chFiB3
— Jack Black (@jackblack) January 10, 2020
What an incredibly sad moment. Neil, Geddy & Alex changed my life as a young aspiring musician. Condolences to the family and @rushtheband organization. https://t.co/FX6QtE8k4c
— David Ellefson (@ellefsondavid) January 10, 2020
I just heard about Neil Peart passing. I feel real bad about this – he was way too young. Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love & mercy to Neil’s family.
– Brian pic.twitter.com/T5qjECWX1W— Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) January 10, 2020
Thanks for opening the door, Neil. Your thunderous playing, your thoughtful lyrics, ad extreme dedication were inspirational to me in every way. https://t.co/KTmS9iELRd
— Tyler Stewart (@Baldy67) January 10, 2020
Sadly Neil Peart passed away earlier this week. One the greatest drummers of all time. One of the founding members of one of the greatest Rock n Roll bands of all time. Rush @ZildjianCompany @EvansDrumheads @vicfirth @HumesandBerg
— KennyAronoff (@AronoffOFFICIAL) January 10, 2020