SANTA MONICA, CA. (THECOUNT) — Neil Peart, the drummer of iconic Canadian band Rush, has died at age 67.
The influential musician and lyricist died Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif., after having been diagnosed with brain cancer, according to a statement issued Friday by family spokesperson Elliot Mintz.
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His death was confirmed by Meg Symsyk, a media spokesperson for the progressive rock trio comprising Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, reports CBC.
Along with penning impressive lyrics, Peart was renowned for his proficiency on drums and expertly weaving together techniques from different musical genres, blending jazz and big band with hard rock.
Rush, which formed in Toronto in the 1970s, attracted a loyal, worldwide fanbase, sold millions of records and influenced a multitude of rock musicians with its complex, literary music.
The trio was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994, joining the U.S. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Peart’s survivors include his wife Carrie and daughter Olivia. Funeral plans are pending.
Geo quick facts: Santa Monica is a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles. Santa Monica Beach is fringed by Palisades Park, with views over the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica Pier is home to the Pacific Park amusement park, historic Looff Hippodrome Carousel and Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Next to the pier is Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym established in the 1930s. In the city center, Bergamot Station houses several art galleries – wikipedia.