Rush Drummer Neil Peart Dead At 67

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA) — Rush Hall of Fame drummer and rock icon Neil Peart has died at 67.

Peart, the primary lyricist for Rush, died in Santa Monica on Jan. 7 after battling brain cancer a family spokesman confirmed.

"It is with great sadness we report Neil Peart passed away Jan. 7, 2020, in Santa Monica, California," his family said in a statement. "The world-renowned drummer and lyricists for Rush died of brain cancer that he suffered from for three and a half years."

Peart, known for his technical proficiency, was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983.

Rush was later inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and joined the U.S. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Peart's Rush bandmates, singer-bassist Geddy Lee and guitarist Alex Lifeson shared a message Friday regarding their "friend, soul brother and bandmate over 45 years," saying he was "incredibly brave" during his battle with glioblastoma.

"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," Lee and Lifeson said. "Those wishing to express their condolences can choose a cancer research group or charity of their choice and make a donation in Neil Peart's name. Rest in peace, brother," they said in a tweet.

Peart announced he was retiring from music in December 2015.

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