Neil Peart, 1952-2020
From the point of entry
Until the candle is burned
The point of departure
Is not to return
We all know how the journey came to an end. In December 2015 Neil Elwood Peart, reticent and limelight-averse, took the superficially unexpected step of retiring from Rush in particular, and music in general. “After fifty years of devotion to hitting things with sticks, I feel proud, grateful and satisfied. The reality is that my style of drumming is largely an athletic undertaking, and it does not pain me to realize that, like all athletes, there comes a time to … take yourself out of the game,” he said. At the time, most suspected it was down to his tendonitis, but a bigger threat to his health already loomed: just 18 months later, Neil was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
After Neil’s death, on January 7 2020, stories emerged of his stoicism, his kindness, and his acceptance of the cards that had been dealt. He left behind a legacy of great music, of course, but more important was the quiet way in which he had touched the lives of those closest to him, his family, his friends. Geddy and Alex released the news, “with broken hearts and deepest sadness,” for the loss not of a bandmate but of a lifelong pal.
Perhaps the greatest legacy anybody can leave is to touch the lives of others, in such a way that those left behind can share not only grief, but the connection to something beyond themselves. From across the world, artists and fans alike left their thoughts about how Neil had inspired them, through his music and words. “Our most heartfelt thanks go out to family, friends, musicians, writers and fans from around the globe for the incredible outpouring of love and respect for Neil since his passing,” wrote Geddy and Alex. “These touching tributes help to lessen the pain of this terrible loss and remind us all to celebrate his remarkable life and our connections to it.”
Indeed, let us all continue to take solace from the wisdoms woven within his lyrics. Let us learn as he looked to learn, that there is no such thing as greatness, only a desire to improve, to work hard, to love those nearest to us, and to embrace the opportunities that we are given.
RIP Neil.