Neil Peart, Virtuosic Rush Drummer, Dead At 67

SANTA MONICA, CA —Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, one of Rock's most revered percussionists died this week in Santa Monica, a family spokesman confirmed Friday. He was 67.

In many ways, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer redefined rock drumming with a virtuosic ability and technical mastery. His drum solos and massive drum kit would go on to become the stuff of legend, but Peart was also known as an imaginative lyricist. A native of Canada, he made his longtime home in Santa Monica and continued to perform and write until he became ill.

Peart was known for a ferocious devotion to his craft. He deplored the commercialization of rock, telling Rolling Stone in 2015, “It’s about being your own hero. 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.”

His death was met with an outpouring of grief from friends and fans.

"It is with broken hearts and the deepest sadness that we must share the terrible news that on Tuesday, our friend, soul brother and bandmate of over 45 years, Neil, has lost his incredibly brave 3 1/2 year battle with brain cancer," Rush singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson said in a statement posted on the band's Twitter page.

"We ask that friends, fans and media alike understandably respect the family's need for privacy and peace at this extremely painful and difficult time. Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil's name. Rest in peace brother."

Rush was formed in 1968, and Peart replaced original drummer John Rutsey in 1974, days before the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band's first tour of the United States. The band's last tour was in 2015.

Peart is survived by his wife, Carrie, and daughter, Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Selena, who was killed at age 19 in a car crash in Toronto, and her mother, Jackie, who died five months later of cancer.

Funeral plans were pending, said family spokesman Elliot Mintz.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.