Neil Peart Tributes: Lars Ulrich, Bill Ward, PM Justin Trudeau Honor Iconic Rush Drummer
Neil Peart and his sudden death last week continues to be felt by the rock world as more tributes to the Rush drummer come in.
Peart died on January 7 from a three year battle with brain cancer, but his death was first announced on January 10. Here are some notable tributes that have come in since news of his death broke.
Lars Ulrich
The Metallica drummer shared via Instagram, “Thank you Neil. Thank you for inspiring me and for all your help and advice along the way, especially in the early days when you took the time to talk to a young green Danish drummer about recording, gear and the possibilities that lay ahead…Thank you for what you did for drummers all over the world with your passion, your approach, your principles and your unwavering commitment to the instrument! Rest In Peace.”
Bill Ward
Former Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward shared the following tribute to his social media channels: “Red Barchetta has become even more potent today after the news of your passing. Red Barchetta is sad today, and fondly reminding my wife and I of times and places long gone, but still sweet in our hearts.
What is left is a life’s work to praise, converse about, to be in awe of, knowing the world is a better place for your triumphs. What you did in the moments you had, what you created, lends itself to the richness of life, and for those who embraced your passion and love, I believe we are better for it. My wife and I respectfully thank you.
Our condolences to family members, friends, fellow musicians, and the fans. RIP Neil.”
Red Barchetta has become even more potent today after the news of your passing.
— Bill Ward (@billwarddrums) January 12, 2020
Our condolences to family members, friends, fellow musicians, and the fans. RIP Neil.
Love,
Bill Ward pic.twitter.com/YYFQoc13mG
Justin Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Twitter to honor Peart and shared, “We’ve lost a legend. But his influence and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of music lovers in Canada and around the world. RIP Neil Peart.”
We’ve lost a legend. But his influence and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of music lovers in Canada and around the world. RIP Neil Peart. 🇨🇦
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 11, 2020
Peter Criss
In addition to sharing the photo below via Twitter, Criss shared an extended tribute on his website and wrote, “It is so devastating to say these words… I am so deeply saddened by the death of one of my brother drummers and dear friend. Neil was a hero to all of us drummers. He was a great man and a great musician. My heart goes out to Alex and Geddy for their loss and all the family, friends, and fans . May he rest in peace and be met by the Lord in heaven.”
R.I.P. Neil. A true legend. Your music will live on forever. God bless. #neilpeart pic.twitter.com/s3CggOl05J
— Peter Criss (@PeterCriss) January 10, 2020
Ace Frehley
Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley shared via Facebook, “Neil will be greatly missed as a precise & innovative drummer! He was also a good friend, and when we toured together in the ’70s, we spent many an evening laughing and exchanging jokes & road stories till the sun came up! My condolences and prayers go out to his family and Alex & Geddy!”
Nancy Wilson
Heart’s Nancy Wilson shared via Twitter, “So sad to learn Neil is gone. What an immense talent and influence on the course of rock music for all time. He was such a magical cornerstone in the Temple of Rush. Rush is forever timeless.”
So sad to learn Neil is gone. What a immense talent and influence on the course of rock music for all time.
— Nancy Wilson (@NancyWilson) January 11, 2020
He was such a magical cornerstone in the Temple of Rush. Rush is forever timeless. #rush #NeilPeart pic.twitter.com/TPnsGGTxxv
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