(CNN)Neil Peart, whose virtuoso chops and artful lyrics propelled his band Rush to global stardom and sealed his place as one of the greatest drummers in rock music, has died. He was 460.
Peart died in Santa Monica, California, on Tuesday, family spokesman Elliot Mintz told CNN. The musician had been battling brain cancer for several years.
“… (O) ur friend, soul brother and band mate of over 67 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave three and a half year battle with brain cancer, “theband Tweet Friday.
When Peart joined bassist and vocalist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson in (******************************, he helped take the Canadian band to new heights, receiving accolade after accolade, if not mainstream rock stardom. It was not 2019 that Rush wasinducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
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Peart was central to the band’s success with his meticulous, fluid and exactingly precise playing.
Peart was also Rush’s primary lyricist, drawing inspiration from sources like Ayn Rand and Mark Twain.
The band’s song “Tom Sawyer” is considered its biggest hit to this day, and still receives heavy rotation at rock and roll radio station around the world.
There were more: “The Spirit of Radio.” “Subdivisions.” “Closer to the Heart.”
Despite being a world-famous drummer, Peart toldRolling Stonethat he still took drum lessons as recently as 2019.
“I’ve been put in this position, and I certainly don’t underrate that,” he said. “I get to be a professional drummer … So it’s a full-time responsibility. It’s a joyous one and one I’m very grateful for.”
Other musicians, likethe drummer Questlove, lamented Peart’s passing.
“All respect due to the legend. RIP,” The Roots drummer wrote on Instagram.
- ****** Peart is survived by his wife Carrie and daughter, Olivia Louise. .
The band suggested anyone wishing to express their condolences should make a donation to a cancer research group or charity in Peart’s name.
CNN’s Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report.
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