Judas Priest, Poison, Foo Fighters Members Pay Tribute to Rush’s Neil Peart
Rush drummer Neil Peart – Story by Anne Erickson, photo by Ken Settle
Rikki Rockett of Poison, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and the members of Judas Priest are among the musicians that are paying tribute to Neil Peart
Rush drummer Neil Peart passed away earlier this week after a fight with brain cancer, and as the news broke late last night (Jan. 10), an array of musicians from the rock and metal world, and beyond, have sent out messages of condolences honoring the famed drummer and lyricist.
Heavy metal band Judas Priest sent out a message on social media stating, “Judas Priest send out love and condolences for Neil Peart, his family, band mates, friends and fans around the world. Neil’s legendary drum work and inimitable style will always resound in rock n roll.”
Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, of course, served as the drummer in Nirvana, so Peart’s drum skills were an influence on his development. Grohl stated, “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.”
Poison drummer Rikki Rockett commented, “Godspeed #neilpeart. You will always be the Professor On The Drum Kit. R.I.P. and may God bless your legacy.”
KISS’ Gene Simmons stated, “My prayers and condolences to the Peart Family, Fans and Friends. Neil was a kind soul. R.I.P.” Meanwhile, KISS’ Paul Stanley added, “Absolutely Horrible News. 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.”
Styx drummer Todd Sucherman stated, “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.”
Rush bass player and vocalist Geddy Lee kept it simple, posting a photo of Peart on his Instagram page and stating, “Rest in peace, my brother,” with a broken heart emoji.
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