Jack Black, Brian Wilson, and more pay tribute to late Rush drummer Neil Peart
Neil Peart has gone beyond the lighted stage. The rock music icon, known for his many years as the drummer and primary lyricist for Rush, died Jan. 7 at age 67, after a battle with brain cancer. Peart was widely beloved for his musical proficiency and skill with various styles, as is reflected in the range of celebrities who paid tribute to him on social media after news of his death broke.
Naturally, many of Peart’s fellow musicians posted reactions, including Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, Kiss bassist Gene Simmons, and drummers Max Weinberg of the E Street Band and Tyler Stewart of the Barenaked Ladies. Other celebrities paying tribute included actors Jack Black and Dave Foley, baseball star Mike Piazza, and CNN’s Jake Tapper.
“Oh man… Neil Peart. Every drummer just ran to their kit to bust out Tom Sawyer,” Fargo star Patrick Wilson wrote, referencing one of Rush’s signature songs. “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.”
“Definition of gut punched,” actor-comedian Brian Posehn tweeted. “I feel like I just lost my cool uncle. My cool uncle that was also the best rock drummer to ever live.”
“I feel real bad about this – he was way too young,” wrote Brian Wilson. “Neil was one of the great drummers and he’ll be missed. Love & mercy to Neil’s family.”
Read on for more reactions and tributes.
Sad to hear of Neil Peart passing. RIP. pic.twitter.com/2iMWJq1uoo
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) January 10, 2020
The master will be missed - Neil Peart RIP #RushForever pic.twitter.com/o4Y6chFiB3
— Jack Black (@jackblack) January 10, 2020
My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P....... Rush Drummer Neil Peart Dead at 67 - Rolling Stone https://t.co/icYz6fnXfE
— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) January 10, 2020
Very sad that Rush drummer Neil Peart has passed away. He was very inspiration to anyone who loved the drums. His talent and musical arrangements will be missed as they have given so much joy to many. May God Grant you rest and peace.@rushtheband
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) 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
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
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
Fuck this timeline. Definition of gut punched. I feel like I just lost my cool uncle. My cool uncle that was also the best rock drummer to ever live. So sad there will never be Rush 50, still thought I’d see them one last time in Toronto doing a one off. RIP Neil Peart pic.twitter.com/FpMTMJT199
— Brian Posehn (@thebrianposehn) January 10, 2020
So saddened by the passing of Neal Peart. Drumming legend as we all know but a truly kind man. Personally arranged for my son, Jay (then a teenager) to open at a venue in Boston for Rush. Huge for an aspiring drummer! Condolences to his family from our family
— Max Weinberg (@EStreetMax) January 10, 2020
RIP Neil Peart. All drummers are brothers.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) January 10, 2020
Thanks for opening the door, Neil. Your thunderous playing, your thoughtful lyrics, and extreme dedication were inspirational to me in every way. https://t.co/KTmS9iELRd
— Tyler Stewart (@Baldy67) January 10, 2020
We are saddened to hear of Neil Peart’s passing.
Thank you, Neil, for sharing your love of hockey with us and Rush fans around the world. pic.twitter.com/iocConRXcP— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) January 10, 2020
RIP Neil Peart, iconic drummer and lyricist for RUSH
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 10, 2020
Over 20 years ago, one of my best friends John Kastner(@jeanguykastner ) brought Neil Peart to my house in Laurel Canyon. We stayed up all night drinking whiskey and talking on more subjects than I knew existed. He was the friendliest curmudgeon in the world. We’ll miss him.
— Dave Foley (@DaveSFoley) January 10, 2020
Thanks for opening the door, Neil. Your thunderous playing, your thoughtful lyrics, and extreme dedication were inspirational to me in every way. https://t.co/KTmS9iELRd
— Tyler Stewart (@Baldy67) January 10, 2020
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