Mat Hayward/Getty ImagesThe music world is reeling from the news announced today that Rush drummer Neil Peart died on Tuesday after a three-and-a-half-year battle with brain cancer. A variety of artists from across the rock spectrum have paid homage to Peart with messages posted on their Twitter feeds.
Here are some of the tributes:
Billy Corgan: “[Peart’s] influence on the Smashing Pumpkins is indelible: giving us wings to soar with and a road map to ultimately find our own way. There isn’t a modern rock drummer alive who hasn’t heard him, and spoken his name with a reverence that is reserved for the very few. And as a lyricist, Mr. Peart is without compare. I am forever in his debt, and humbled to say that though I never met him, I feel I knew him as a friend. Which brings to mind his great line, ‘I can’t pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend…’ May God embrace you, Neil, as His own.”
Foo Fighters‘ Dave Grohl: “Today, the world lost a true giant in the history of rock & roll. An inspiration to millions with an unmistakable sound who spawned generations of musicians (like myself) to pick up two sticks and chase a dream. A kind, thoughtful, brilliant man who ruled our radios and turntables not only with his drumming, but also his beautiful words…I still vividly remember my first listen of 2112 when I was young. It was the first time I really listened to a drummer. And since that day, music has never been the same. His power, precision, and composition was incomparable. He was called ‘The Professor’ for a reason: We all learned from him.”
Foo Fighters‘ Taylor Hawkins: “Neil Peart had the hands of God…End of story.”
Bryan Adams: “RIP Neil Peart drummer for Canadian rock band #Rush Condolences to his family and fellow band members Geddy and Alex.”
KISS‘ Gene Simmons: “My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P.”
KISS‘ Paul Stanley: “Absolutely Horrible News. [Neil] 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.”
KISS‘ Tommy Thayer: “So sad to hear about Neil Peart passing. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
Jane’s Addiction‘s Stephen Perkins: “Long Live Neil Peart”
Brian Wilson: “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.”
Metallica‘s Kirk Hammett: “RIP to a master”
Journey‘s Arnel Pineda: “DeepCondolences to #GeddyLee & #AlexLifeson for the passing of their beloved brother #NeilPeart…may he #RestInPeace #RushForever #RushBand”
Poison‘s Rikki Rockett: “Godspeed #neilpeart. You will always be the Professor On The Drum Kit. R.I.P. and may God bless your legacy.”
Styx‘s Todd Sucherman: “He had his own voice on the instrument but even more, he had his own literary voice. Lyrically unique, and he lived through such unimaginable tragedy and ultimately came out the other side to continue his life passionately…In particular 2112 through Signals loomed large in my childhood. I learned every single note of Moving Pictures when I was in 6th grade. That record still can catapult me back to those days.”
Megadeth‘s David Ellefson: “What an incredibly sad moment. Neil, Geddy & Alex changed my life as a young aspiring musician. Condolences to the family and @rushtheband organization.”
Richard Marx: “RIP #NeilPeart You were a sensational musician, and a wonderful writer (everyone should read Ghost Rider) but best of all, you were a great friend to my brother from another mother @VerticalHorizon Rest easy. Matt [Scannell of Vertical Horizon] will proudly honor your memory.”
Marx is referring to the fact that Peart co-wrote a song on Vertical Horizon’s 2009 album Burning the Days and also drummed on three of the album’s tracks.
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